leave
41 synonyms and 5 antonyms for leave, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To go away from a place or person.
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.
Antonyms
How to use leave
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English lǣfan, "to leave behind," related to an old Germanic root meaning "to remain" or "to stay."
Full origin of leave →Frequently asked questions
What does “leave” mean?
The word “leave” means to go away from a place or person. In plain terms, to go away, to let something stay as it is, to hand something over, or (as a noun) time off work.
How do you pronounce “leave”?
“Leave” is pronounced LEEV (/ˈliːv/ in IPA).
How do you use “leave” in a sentence?
Here is “leave” used in a sentence: “Please leave the door open.”
What is another word for “leave”?
Words with a similar meaning to “leave” include beat it, bug off, remove, bugger off, book and bounce.
What is the opposite of “leave”?
The opposite of “leave” — its antonyms — are kick out, remain, reside, sojourn and tarry.
What part of speech is “leave”?
Depending on how it is used, “leave” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “leave” come from?
The word “leave” comes from Old English. From Old English lǣfan, "to leave behind," related to an old Germanic root meaning "to remain" or "to stay.".
Is “leave” a common word?
“Leave” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
What is the past tense of leave?
The past tense and past participle of 'leave' are both 'left': 'I leave today, I left yesterday, I have left already.' It is an irregular verb, so it does not take '-ed.' Note that 'left' is also a direction, though that word is unrelated in meaning.
What is the difference between leave and depart?
Both mean to go away from a place, but 'leave' is the everyday word used in almost any situation. 'Depart' is more formal and is common with transport and timetables — trains and flights depart. You leave the house each morning; a plane departs the airport at nine.
Can 'leave' also mean to let something stay?
Yes. Besides meaning to go away from a place, 'leave' can mean to let something remain as it is — 'leave the door open' or 'leave me alone.' It can also mean to give something to someone, as in a will: 'she left him her house.' Context shows which sense applies.
What is the difference between leave and quit?
To leave a place or job is neutral — you simply go. To quit is more forceful and usually means to stop or resign for good, often suddenly. You might leave work at five each day, but quit the job entirely if you resign. 'Quit' also carries a sense of giving up.