Pronunciation

/liːv/

Definitions

• Verb (v): To go away from a place, especially one’s current location or a building, area, organization, or situation. For example: “I have to leave early today.”

  • Also transitive: To cause something or someone to remain behind; abandon or depart from. For example: “She left her keys on the table.”
  • To allow or give permission for something to happen without interference. For example: “Leave the door open.”
  • To stop doing something; cease participation or engagement. For example: “We decided to leave the project.”

• Noun (n): Permission or time off work granted by an employer. For instance: “He requested two weeks’ leave.”

  • The act of going away or departing from somewhere. Example: “His sudden leave surprised everyone.”
  • The state of being absent or not present. Example: “In his absence, I took charge during his leave.”

Phrases

• “Take leave” means to go away, usually temporarily, from one’s job or duty.
• “On leave” refers to someone who is currently absent from work due to approved vacation or other reasons.
• “Leave of absence” is a formal period of time away from work or school that has been granted.
• “Leave no stone unturned” means to make every possible effort to find or achieve something.

Example Sentences

• Verb: “Don’t forget to leave a note before you leave the house.”
• Noun: “She submitted her application for maternity leave yesterday.”

Synonyms

• Depart (v)
• Exit (v)
• Abandon (v)
• Vacate (v)
• Absence (n)
• Vacation (n)
• Holiday (n)

For the noun sense related to permission to be away, synonyms include:

• Vacation time
• Time off
• Recess
• Sabbatical