Leaf: meaning, definitions and examples

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leaf

 

[ liหf ]

Noun / Verb
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Noun

on a tree

A leaf is one of the flat, usually green parts of a plant that are joined at the stem or branch.

Synonyms

foliage, greenery, leaves.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
leaf

Also refers to leaves in general when used in the plural form 'leaves'.

  • In the fall, leaves change color and fall to the ground.
  • Raking leaves is a common autumn task.
foliage

Describes the leaves of a plant or tree collectively. Often used in a more formal or descriptive context like literature or botanical studies.

  • The autumn foliage of the park was breathtaking.
  • The lush foliage provided plenty of shade.
greenery

Refers to green leaves or plants, especially when they are used to add a decorative touch or signify lush, verdant vegetation.

  • The room was filled with potted plants and other greenery.
  • The wedding venue was adorned with beautiful greenery.

Examples of usage

  • The wind rustled the leaves in the trees.
  • The trees were covered in vibrant green leaves.
Context #2 | Noun

piece of paper

A leaf is a single sheet of paper in a book, magazine, etc.

Synonyms

folio, page, sheet.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
leaf

Typically refers to the individual, flat, and green part of a plant or tree. It can also mean a single sheet in a book, specifically when not referring to its content.

  • The leaf turned yellow in autumn.
  • Turn the leaf of the book carefully to avoid tearing it.
page

Refers to one side of a sheet of paper in a book, magazine, newspaper, or similar publication. This is the most common and generic term.

  • Please turn to page 50 in your textbooks.
  • The article continues on the next page.
sheet

Describes a large, flat piece of paper, metal, glass, or various materials. In writing, it commonly refers to a single piece of paper.

  • He handed me a sheet of paper to write on.
  • The architect drew the plan on a large sheet.
folio

Often used in the context of manuscripts, large books, or collections of documents. It refers to a sheet of paper folded once or a page number in manuscripts.

  • The research library has several ancient folios on display.
  • Refer to folio 36 for the detailed maps.

Examples of usage

  • She turned the pages, one leaf at a time.
  • The book fell open to a torn leaf.
Context #3 | Verb

to depart

To leaf is to depart or go away.

Synonyms

depart, exit, leave.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
leaf

Typically refers to the green parts of a plant or tree. Rarely used in other contexts without specific meaning changes.

  • The leaf fell from the tree.
  • The plant has large, green leaves.
leave

A general term for going away from a place or situation. It is versatile and commonly used in both formal and informal scenarios.

  • I need to leave for work now.
  • She left the meeting early.
depart

Used in formal situations to describe leaving a place, especially involving transportation or planned events.

  • The train will depart at noon.
  • The guests started to depart the venue after the wedding.
exit

Commonly used to describe leaving a building, room, or enclosed space. Can also refer to leaving a situation or process.

  • Please exit through the rear door.
  • He decided to exit the company due to personal reasons.

Examples of usage

  • He decided to leaf the party early.
  • After the argument, she chose to leaf the relationship.

Translations

Translations of the word "leaf" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น folha

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคชเคคเฅเคคเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Blatt

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ daun

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะปะธัั‚ะพะบ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ liล›ฤ‡

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ่‘‰

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท feuille

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ hoja

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท yaprak

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์žŽ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ูˆุฑู‚ุฉ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ list

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ list

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅถๅญ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ list

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ lauf

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะถะฐะฟั‹ั€ะฐา›

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒคแƒแƒ—แƒแƒšแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ yarpaq

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ hoja

Etymology

The word 'leaf' originated from Old English 'lฤ“af', meaning 'leaf of a plant; page of a book'. Over time, the term evolved to represent both plant leaves and book pages. The symbolism of a leaf as a part of a plant has been deeply ingrained in various cultures, representing growth, vitality, and nature. In literature, leaves are often used as metaphors for renewal, change, and the cycle of life.

See also: leaflet, leafy, leaves.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,800, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.