Leaves: meaning, definitions and examples

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leaves

 

[ liหvz ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

in nature

The leaves are the main organs of photosynthesis and transpiration in plants. They are typically green and flat, with a network of veins. Leaves come in various shapes and sizes, depending on the plant species.

Synonyms

foliage, greenery.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
leaves

This word is commonly used to refer to the individual parts that grow on trees and plants. It is often used in scientific, educational, and general contexts.

  • The leaves on the maple tree are turning red.
  • Rake the leaves in the backyard.
foliage

Foliage is often used to describe the collective leaves of a plant or tree. It is frequently found in artistic, botanical, or descriptive contexts, and sometimes can appear in writing with a more formal tone.

  • The autumn foliage is absolutely stunning this year.
  • The dense foliage provided ample shade.
greenery

Greenery refers to green plants or vegetation as a whole and is often used to describe decoration, landscaping, or natural settings where plants are not necessarily the focus but contribute to the overall scene.

  • The wedding hall was decorated with plenty of greenery.
  • I love the greenery around my house.

Examples of usage

  • The leaves of the oak tree turned golden in autumn.
  • She pressed a colorful leaf in her notebook as a keepsake.
  • The leaves rustled in the wind, creating a soothing sound.
  • I need to rake the leaves in the backyard before winter comes.
  • His herbal tea was made from dried leaves of various plants.
Context #2 | Noun

paper

In the context of books and documents, leaves refer to the individual sheets. These leaves are bound together to form a book or a manuscript. Each leaf typically has two pages, one on the front and one on the back.

Synonyms

pages, sheets.

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Word Description / Examples
leaves

Used in the context of a verb, it means to go away from a place or a situation, often utilized in both formal and informal discussions.

  • She leaves for work at 8 AM every day.
  • He leaves the meeting in a hurry.
pages

Refers to the individual sheets of paper in a book or document. Used in contexts related to reading, writing, or publishing.

  • The pages of the book were worn and yellowed.
  • He turned the pages slowly, savoring every word.
sheets

Refers to large, flat pieces of paper, often used for writing, printing, or drawing. Applicable in contexts like office work, art, and printing.

  • She handed out sheets of paper for the test.
  • The artist covered the sheet with delicate sketches.

Examples of usage

  • She carefully turned the delicate leaf of the ancient manuscript.
  • The book had gilt edges on its leaves, giving it a luxurious look.
  • The dictionary had thin leaves that made it lightweight and easy to carry.
  • He scribbled a note on a torn leaf of his notebook.
  • The leaves of the book were yellowed with age.
Context #3 | Verb

depart

When used as a verb, 'leaves' means to go away from a place. It signifies departure or exit from a location, either temporarily or permanently. This action can be physical or metaphorical.

Synonyms

depart, exit, go away.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
leaves

Used when someone is going away from a place or person, often in general or informal conversation.

  • She leaves the house every morning at 7 AM
  • John leaves the party early because he has work tomorrow
depart

Used in more formal contexts, especially in travel or official settings.

  • The train departs from platform 5 at 6 PM
  • The team will depart for the conference in the morning
exit

Used typically to describe someone or something leaving a specific place or situation, often a building or vehicle.

  • Please exit the building through the nearest emergency exits
  • The actor exited the stage after his performance
go away

Often carries a negative connotation and is used when asking someone to leave or indicating that someone should leave.

  • I need some time alone, so please go away
  • The children were told to go away and play elsewhere

Examples of usage

  • She leaves for work early in the morning.
  • The train leaves the station at 10 o'clock sharp.
  • He decided to leave his hometown and start afresh in a new city.
  • After the argument, she angrily declared that she would leave him.
  • The meeting leaves me with more questions than answers.

Translations

Translations of the word "leaves" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น folhas

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคชเคคเฅเคคเฅ‡

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Blรคtter

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ daun

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะปะธัั‚ะธ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ liล›cie

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ่‘‰

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท feuilles

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ hojas

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท yapraklar

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์žŽ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฃูˆุฑุงู‚ ุงู„ุดุฌุฑ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ listy

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ listy

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅถๅญ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ listi

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ laufblรถรฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะถะฐะฟั‹ั€ะฐา›ั‚ะฐั€

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒคแƒแƒ—แƒšแƒ”แƒ‘แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ yarpaqlar

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ hojas

Etymology

The word 'leaves' originated from the Old English word 'leaf,' which itself can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic 'laubaz.' The concept of leaves in plants has been essential for the survival of various species, enabling photosynthesis and oxygen production. In the context of paper leaves, the term evolved as a part of bookbinding and manuscript creation. The verb form of 'leaves' has roots in the idea of departure or separation. Over time, 'leaves' has become a versatile word with multiple meanings and applications.

See also: leaf, leaflet, leafy.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,155, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.