Pronunciation

/lɛft/

Definitions

• Adjective: Situated on the side that is usually opposite to the right hand; toward the west when one is facing north. Example: “The door is on the left side of the house.”
• Noun: The direction or position on the left side. Example: “Stay to the left on this path.”
• Verb: Past tense and past participle of leave; to go away from or abandon. Example: “She left her keys on the table.”
• Preposition: Indicating movement or direction to the left side of something. Example: “Turn left at the next intersection.”
• Noun (informal): The political left, referring to liberal or socialist ideologies. Example: “His views are firmly on the left.”

Phrases

• “On the left”: Referring to the position or direction.
• “To the left of”: Indicating something’s location relative to another object.
• “Left behind”: To be forgotten or not taken along with others; also metaphorically meaning being outdated or surpassed.

Example Sentences

• Adjective: “Please sit on the left side of the auditorium.”
• Noun: “Keep going straight until you reach the fork in the road, then take a left.”
• Verb: “I left my phone charger at home.”
• Preposition: “The post office is just left of the library.”
• Noun (informal): “The candidate’s policies appeal to those on the political left.”

Synonyms

• Adjective: Southern, port (when referring to the sides of a ship), sinistral
• Noun (direction): Portside (in maritime context)
• Verb (past tense of leave): Departed, exited
• Preposition: To the port (in maritime navigation)