left
LEHFT
Left (adj) means On or toward the side of the body where the heart usually sits, opposite of right. Example: “Turn left at the next set of traffic lights.”
adj
1
On or toward the side of the body where the heart usually sits, opposite of right.
"Turn left at the next set of traffic lights."
"He writes with his left hand."
"My left shoe is too tight, so I always loosen it first."
2
Relating to left-wing politics.
"The party has drifted further left over the past decade."
"She holds fairly left views on education and healthcare."
"The left wing of the party wanted more money for schools."
noun
1
Left-wing political parties or supporters considered as a group.
"The left criticised the budget for cutting welfare spending."
"The left and the right argued over how to organise the debate."
"Traditionally, the left has campaigned for workers' rights in many countries."
How to use left
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe direction opposite right, or (politically) parties favouring greater equality and government intervention.
Common pairings
turn left
far left
the political left
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Word forms
- Plural
- lefts
- Comparative
- further left, farther left, more left, lefter
- Superlative
- furthest left, farthest left, leftmost, most left, leftest
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Turn _____ at the next set of traffic lights.
Etymology
From Old English left/lyft, originally meaning "weak" or "clumsy" — an old, negative association with the left side that survives in the word itself.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for left
See all rhymes for left →Frequently asked questions
What does “left” mean?
The word “left” means on or toward the side of the body where the heart usually sits, opposite of right. In plain terms, the direction opposite right, or (politically) parties favouring greater equality and government intervention.
How do you pronounce “left”?
“Left” is pronounced LEHFT (/ˈlɛft/ in IPA).
How do you use “left” in a sentence?
Here is “left” used in a sentence: “Turn left at the next set of traffic lights.”
What is the opposite of “left”?
The opposite of “left” — its antonyms — is Right.
What part of speech is “left”?
Depending on how it is used, “left” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “left” come from?
The word “left” comes from Old English. From Old English left/lyft, originally meaning "weak" or "clumsy" — an old, negative association with the left side that survives in the word itself.
Is “left” a common word?
“Left” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “left” have?
“Left” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: on or toward the side of the body where the heart usually sits, opposite of right.
What is the difference between left and right?
Left and right are opposite sides or directions. Left is the side where the heart usually sits; right is the other side. Facing forward, your left hand is on the same side as your heart. They are relative terms, so someone facing you has their left where you see your right.
How can you tell left from right?
A well-known trick: hold up both hands, palms out, and make an L shape with thumb and forefinger. The hand that forms a proper 'L' is your left. Many people also anchor it to a habit — the hand they write with, or the side their heart beats.
Why is 'left' also linked to politics?
In politics, 'the left' refers to progressive or socialist views favouring equality and social change. The term dates from the French Revolution, when reform-minded members sat on the left side of the assembly. This is a separate, figurative use, quite distinct from left as a physical direction.
Is 'left' related to the verb 'leave'?
They are spelled alike but differ in meaning. This entry is the direction, opposite of right. The other 'left' is the past tense of 'leave,' as in 'she left early,' and can also mean remaining, as in 'two slices left.' Context shows whether direction or departure is meant.
Example sentences
Real-world examples showing left in context, drawn from published sources. Any opinions expressed are those of the original source and do not reflect the views of FreeDict.com.
Mets slugger Juan Soto was placed on the 10-day injured list on Saturday because of a left calf strain.
From
ESPN · Jul 25, 2026
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