lea
5 synonyms and 0 antonyms for lea, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A meadow or open grassy field, especially in poetic or literary use.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Etymology
From Old English lēah, "clearing in a forest."
Full origin of lea →Frequently asked questions
What does “lea” mean?
The word “lea” means a meadow or open grassy field, especially in poetic or literary use. In plain terms, a meadow, mostly seen in poetry or older writing.
How do you pronounce “lea”?
“Lea” is pronounced lee (/liː/ in IPA).
How do you use “lea” in a sentence?
Here is “lea” used in a sentence: “Cattle grazed peacefully across the lea.”
What part of speech is “lea”?
“Lea” is a noun.
Where does the word “lea” come from?
The word “lea” comes from Old English. From Old English lēah, "clearing in a forest.".
Is “lea” a common word?
“Lea” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between a lea and a meadow?
A lea and a meadow both refer to open grassy fields, but "lea" is an older, more poetic or literary word, while "meadow" is the everyday, common term used in modern English.
Is "lea" a common word in everyday speech?
No, "lea" is mostly found in poetic or literary contexts rather than everyday conversation, where "meadow" or "field" would be the more natural choice.
When would a writer choose "lea" over "field" or "meadow"?
A writer might choose "lea" for its poetic or old-fashioned tone, often in verse or literary prose where a more evocative or traditional word is wanted instead of a plain, modern term.