Leave

Definition

Leave is a verb and a noun. As a verb, it means to go away from a place or to allow something to remain. As a noun, it refers to permission to do something or a period of absence from work or duty.

Parts of Speech

• Verb
• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation (verb/noun): /liːv/
• Respelling: leev

British English

• IPA Pronunciation (verb/noun): /liːv/
• Respelling: leev

Etymology

The word "leave" originates from Old English "læfan," meaning "to allow to remain" or "to depart," derived from Proto-Germanic "*laibijaną." The noun form evolved from Middle English, referring to "permission."

Derivatives

• Leaver (noun)
• Left (verb, past tense)
• Leaving (noun/verb)
• Releave (verb, rare)
• Leave-taking (noun)

Synonyms

• Depart (verb)
• Quit (verb)
• Absence (noun)

Antonyms

• Arrive (verb)
• Stay (verb)
• Presence (noun)

Usage

The term "leave" is widely used in contexts such as movement, permission, and absence. For example, "He left the house early in the morning," or "She requested leave from her job for two weeks."

Related Terms

• Exit: The act of leaving a place.
• Permission: Consent to perform an action.
• Absence: The state of being away or not present.

Detailed Definitions

Verb

• To go away from a place: Indicates physical departure.
  • Example: "She left the office at 5 PM."
• To allow something to remain: Refers to not taking or altering an object or situation.
  • Example: "Please leave the keys on the table."
• To cease involvement with something: Describes discontinuing an activity or relationship.
  • Example: "He decided to leave the project midway."

Noun

• Permission to do something: Refers to formal approval.
  • Example: "The soldier was granted leave to visit his family."
• A period of absence from work or duty: Indicates authorized time away.
  • Example: "She is currently on maternity leave."