Pronunciation

/lēp/

Definitions

• Noun: A sudden, powerful jump or spring, typically with the legs bent and the arms outstretched forward. For example: “The athlete made a magnificent leap over the high hurdle.”
• Verb:
  • Transitive Verb: To jump over or across (an obstacle), especially with one powerful bound. For example: “She leaped the stream in a single bound.”
  • Intransitive Verb: To move suddenly and quickly through the air by jumping; to spring clear of the ground. For example: “The cat leaped onto the windowsill.”
  • Figurative: To make a sudden, large advance or increase; to undergo a rapid change. For example: “Technology has leaped ahead in recent years.”

Phrases

• “Leap of faith”: An act of belief or trust in something without proof or evidence.
• “Take a leap”: To decide to do something that involves risk or a significant change.
• “Leap year”: A calendar year containing one additional day (February 29) to keep the calendar synchronized with Earth’s revolutions around the Sun.

Example Sentences

• Noun: “His incredible leap secured him the gold medal in the long jump competition.”
• Verb:
  • “The gazelle leaped gracefully away from the approaching predator.”
  • “She decided to take a leap and start her own business.”

Synonyms

• Jump
• Bound
• Spring
• Hop
• Vault
• Skip
• Dive (in some contexts)
• Advance (figuratively)
• Surge (figuratively)