B1noun1K

Leaf

UK /["/liːf/","/liːvz/"]/US /["/liːf/","/liːvz/"]/

Definition

a flat green part of a plant, growing from a stem or branch or from the root

In simple words: A flat, green part of a plant that grows from a stem.

Examples

  • The leaf turned a vibrant red in the fall.
  • She pressed a leaf in the pages of her book as a keepsake.
  • The tree's leaf fell gently to the ground.
  • He decided to leaf through the magazine for inspiration.
  • We need to leaf the house before it gets too late.

Usage notes

Used in both formal and informal contexts. Appropriate in discussions about plants, nature, and biology. Not typically used in a slang or vulgar context.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of a 'leaf' floating gently down from a tree in the fall.

Collocations

  • new
  • young
  • autumn
  • have
  • come into
  • grow
  • appear
  • emerge
  • grow
  • litter
  • mould/​mold
  • in full leaf

Synonyms

  • foliage
  • leaflet
  • blade

Antonyms

  • root
  • stem

Common mistakes

  • Mispronouncing it as 'lef'.
  • Confusing it with 'leave', which means to go away.
  • Using plural 'leafs' instead of 'leaves' when talking about more than one.