leave
/liːv/to go away from a place or person
He left his hometown to find a job.
He went away from his hometown to look for work.
Can be used intransitively (without an object) or transitively (with an object).
to allow someone or something to remain in a particular state
Please leave the door open.
Please allow the door to remain open.
Often used in instructions or requests.
to depart from a place, especially permanently or for a significant period
She left her job to start her own business.
She departed from her job to begin her own company.
Can imply a significant change or transition.
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💡Pro Tip
Common Mistakes
Remember that the past tense of 'leave' is 'left', not 'leaved'.
⚡Gold Rule
Transitive vs. Intransitive
'Leave' can be used both with and without an object. For example, 'She left' (intransitive) and 'She left her keys' (transitive).
📖Word Origin
Old English 'læfan', from Proto-Germanic 'laibijaną', meaning 'to allow to remain'. Related to Old High German 'leib' (body) and Old Norse 'leifa' (to allow).
📝Usage Notes
The past tense and past participle of 'leave' is 'left'. The verb can be both transitive and intransitive.