Leaven: meaning, definitions and examples

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leaven

[ ˈlɛvən ]

^{Context #1}

baking

A substance, typically yeast, that is added to dough to make it ferment and rise.

Synonyms

raising agent, yeast

Examples of usage

The recipe calls for adding leaven to the bread dough.
She added leaven to the mixture to help the bread rise.

^{Context #2}

figurative

To permeate and modify or transform (something) for the better.

Synonyms

brighten, enliven

Examples of usage

His positive attitude leavened the atmosphere in the room.
She tried to leaven the serious discussion with a touch of humor.

Translations

Translations of the word "leaven" in other languages:

🇵🇹 fermento

🇮🇳 खमीर

🇩🇪 Sauerteig

🇮🇩 ragi

🇺🇦 розпушувач

🇵🇱 zakwas

🇯🇵 酵母 (こうぼ)

🇫🇷 levain

🇪🇸 levadura

🇹🇷 maya

🇰🇷 발효제 (balhyoje)

🇸🇦 خميرة

🇨🇿 kvásek

🇸🇰 kvások

🇨🇳 酵母 (jiàomǔ)

🇸🇮 kvas

🇮🇸 ger

🇰🇿 ашытқы

🇬🇪 ხამირი

🇦🇿 maya

🇲🇽 levadura

Word origin

The word 'leaven' comes from Middle English 'levain', ultimately from Latin 'levamen' meaning 'alleviation' or 'relief'. In baking, leavening agents such as yeast or baking soda have been used for centuries to make bread rise and become light and fluffy. Metaphorically, 'leaven' is also used to describe the process of adding something positive or transformative to a situation.