left
left
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "left" is /lɛft/.
/lɛft/
Word Form Variations
Verb: left (past simple and past participle of "leave")
Noun: left (singular)
Adjective: left (no variations for comparative/superlative as it's typically a directional or positional adjective)
Adverb: left (no variations)
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Verb
Definition 1: To depart from a place, a person, or a situation.
Synonyms: depart, exit, withdraw, go, abandon
Antonyms: arrive, stay, remain, come, enter
Definition 2: To allow or cause to remain behind; to not take along.
Synonyms: retain, forgo, abandon, omit
Antonyms: take, bring, collect, seize
Definition 3: To bequeath or assign something, typically money or property, to a person or institution after one's death.
Synonyms: bequeath, will, entrust, hand down
Antonyms: inherit, receive, take
Noun
Definition 1: The side of the human body or of a thing that is to the west when one is facing north.
Synonyms: port (nautical), sinister (archaic, formal)
Antonyms: right, starboard (nautical), dexter (archaic, formal)
Definition 2: The political group or party advocating for social equality, liberalism, and often government intervention in the economy.
Synonyms: liberals, progressives, socialists
Antonyms: right, conservatives, traditionalists
Adjective
Definition 1: Of, relating to, or situated on the side of the body or a thing that is to the west when one is facing north.
Synonyms: port (nautical), sinister (archaic, formal)
Antonyms: right, starboard (nautical), dexter (archaic, formal)
Definition 2: Denoting the political left; liberal or socialist.
Synonyms: liberal, progressive, socialist, radical
Antonyms: right, conservative, traditional
Adverb
Definition 1: Towards or on the left side.
Synonyms: leftward, counter-clockwise
Antonyms: right, rightward, clockwise
Examples of Use
Books:
"He left his heart in San Francisco, they said, but really he'd just forgotten his coat." (Fictional example, mimicking a common idiom)
"The train left the station precisely at noon, carrying with it the hopes of a new beginning." (From a novel describing travel)
"On the left page, a vivid illustration depicted a bustling marketplace, while the right offered a detailed historical account." (From a non-fiction book describing layout)
Newspapers:
"The ruling party's unexpected shift to the left has surprised many political analysts." ("Daily Nation,)
"Police have left no stone unturned in their investigation into the recent bank robbery." ("The Standard,")
"Protesters marching through the city turned left onto Main Street, heading towards the parliament building." ("The New York Times,")
Online Publications:
"Why are young voters increasingly gravitating towards the political left?" (An article on "The Conversation,’’)
"The company left a clear message for its competitors: innovation is key to survival." (A business analysis on "Forbes.com,")
"Click the button on the left to subscribe to our newsletter and get daily updates." (Instructions on a website's user interface, e.g., "TechCrunch.com,")
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film: "He just left without saying goodbye!" (Dialogue from a dramatic movie scene, e.g., "Casablanca")
Television Series: "Only two survivors were left after the catastrophic event." (Narration from a post-apocalyptic TV show, e.g., "The Walking Dead")
Song Lyrics: "And baby, when you left me, a part of me just died." (From a popular song, often expressing heartbreak)
Video Games: "Turn left at the next intersection to reach your objective." (In-game instruction or dialogue from a navigation system, e.g., "Grand Theft Auto V")
Podcasts: "Our guest left us with some truly insightful thoughts on the future of AI." (A podcast host concluding an interview, e.g., "The Daily")
General Public Discourse:
"Make sure you turn left at the traffic lights, then it's the third house on the right." (Giving directions to a friend)
"I left my keys on the kitchen counter, I'll have to go back and get them." (A casual statement about forgetting something)
"There's not much time left before the deadline, we need to hurry." (Expressing urgency in a conversation)
"She left a really good impression on the interviewers." (A comment about someone's performance)
"Don't worry, I left a note explaining everything." (Assuring someone that information has been provided)
10 Famous Quotes Using Left
“To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die—but to be left in eternal remembrance.” – Thomas Campbell
“She left pieces of her life behind her everywhere she went.” – Jodi Lynn Anderson
“All that I am, or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother, and she has never left my side.” – Abraham Lincoln
“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams and never left them behind.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
“If you’re not at the table, you’re probably on the menu—and left out of the conversation.” – Elizabeth Warren
“The best way to find out if you can trust somebody is to trust them—and see who’s left standing.” – Ernest Hemingway
“I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work—and only one was left.” – Thomas Edison
“I left the woods for as good a reason as I went there.” – Henry David Thoreau
“Everything you’ve ever wanted is on the other side of fear, not the side you left behind.” – George Addair
“The soul that sees beauty may sometimes walk alone—but never feels left behind.” – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Etymology
The word "left" has a fascinating double origin in English, and it's a bit of a coincidence that two different ideas ended up with the same spelling and sound!
"Left" as in Direction (Opposite of Right):
This "left" comes from the Old English word lyft, which meant "weak" or "foolish."
The first known use of "left" in this sense appeared around the 12th century (Middle English period).
The idea behind this is that, in most cultures throughout history, the right hand was seen as the stronger, more skilled, or "correct" hand. The left hand, being less common for dominant use, was often associated with weakness, awkwardness, or even bad luck. So, the side of the body where the "weak" hand was located became known as "left." This is also why we have words like "sinister" (from Latin, originally meaning "left," but evolving to mean "evil" or "threatening").
"Left" as the Past Tense of "Leave" (to depart or remain):
This "left" comes from a different Old English word, lǣfan, which meant "to allow to remain," "to cause to remain," or "to bequeath."
This usage also dates back to before the 12th century, carrying its original meaning of something being "left behind" or "remaining." For example, if you "leave" your keys, they "are left" in a certain place.
So, while both "left" words share the same modern form, their journey through the English language started from two completely separate roots!
Phrases + Idioms Containing Left
Here's a list of phrases and idioms using "left":
Left in the lurch: To abandon someone in a difficult situation.
Left to one's own devices: To allow someone to do as they wish, without supervision or interference.
Left, right, and center: Everywhere; in all directions; occurring frequently and haphazardly.
Two left feet: Clumsy; awkward in movement (especially dancing).
Left-handed compliment: An insult disguised as a compliment.
Left a bad taste in one's mouth: To leave a negative or unpleasant feeling or memory.
The left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing: A situation where different parts of an organization are not communicating or coordinating effectively.
Left for dead: Abandoned or given up as if dead, even if still alive.
What's left of it/him/her/them: The remaining part or remnant of something or someone.
Left out in the cold: Excluded from a group, activity, or information.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of left from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
