leave

To go away from a place.

• I leave home at eight.
• They left the party early.
• When does your train leave?

How to use it: leave somewhere (We left the hotel before breakfast.); leave for somewhere (She leaves for Paris tomorrow.)

Similar words: go, depart

Opposites: arrive, stay

Common phrases: leave home, leave the room, leave for work

If something is left, it remains after other things have been used, taken, or removed.

• There is one apple left.
• We had only ten minutes left.
• Are any seats left?

How to use it: have something left (We have three eggs left.); there is/are something left (There is no milk left.)

Similar words: remain

Common phrases: leave nothing, leave some food, leave two pieces

To let something stay where it is, or keep some for later or for another person.

• Leave your bag here.
• I left some soup for you.
• She leaves her car at home on Mondays.

How to use it: leave something somewhere (Leave your shoes by the door.); leave something for someone (Please leave some bread for me.)

Similar words: keep, leave behind

Opposites: take

Common phrases: leave something behind, leave some cake, leave something untouched

To cause someone or something to be in a particular state.

• The walk left me tired.
• The storm left hundreds of families homeless.
• His answer left us wondering what to do.

How to use it: leave someone/something + adjective (The news left us worried.); leave someone doing something (His joke left everyone laughing.); leave someone with something (The accident left her with a scar.)

Common phrases: leave someone tired, leave someone speechless, leave something empty

Time when you are allowed to be away from work or official duties.

• She is on leave today.
• I have ten days of paid leave.
• Can I request leave for next week?

How to use it: on leave (Our manager is on leave this week.); leave from something (He took a month's leave from work.)

Similar words: time off

Common phrases: annual leave, sick leave, take leave, on leave

In cricket, a player's decision to let the ball pass without trying to hit it.

• That was a good leave.
• The batter's leave allowed the ball to pass safely.
• His careful leaves frustrated the bowler.

Common phrases: good leave, careful leave, a confident leave