Lief: meaning, definitions and examples
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lief
[ liːf ]
preference expression
Lief is an archaic term meaning gladly or willingly. It expresses a strong preference or desire for something. This term is often used in literary contexts and conveys a sense of eagerness or heartfelt willingness. It's not commonly used in modern speech but may appear in poetry or older texts.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- I would lief go there with you.
- She would lief help him in his time of need.
- He leaves the decision to you; he would lief follow your choice.
- Lief do I stand by my friends.
Translations
Translations of the word "lief" in other languages:
🇵🇹 querido
- amado
- querido
🇮🇳 प्रिय
- प्यारा
- इच्छित
🇩🇪 lieb
- geliebt
- liebenswert
🇮🇩 tercinta
- kasih
- sayang
🇺🇦 милосердний
- дорогий
- люблячий
🇵🇱 drogi
- ukochany
- miły
🇯🇵 愛しい
- 好きな
- 大切な
🇫🇷 cher
- aimé
- précieux
🇪🇸 querido
- amado
- querido
🇹🇷 sevgili
- değerli
- tatlı
🇰🇷 사랑하는
- 소중한
- 친애하는
🇸🇦 عزيز
- محبوب
- غالي
🇨🇿 milý
- drahý
- milovaný
🇸🇰 milý
- drahý
- obľúbený
🇨🇳 亲爱的
- 可爱的
- 爱的
🇸🇮 ljubek
- drag
- ljubljen
🇮🇸 kæri
- elsku
- dýrmætur
🇰🇿 қымбат
- сүйікті
- қадірлі
🇬🇪 ძვირფასი
- საყვარელი
- უჩვეულო
🇦🇿 sevgili
- dəyərli
- əziz
🇲🇽 querido
- amado
- querido
Word origin
The word 'lief' originated in Old English as 'leof', meaning 'dear' or 'beloved'. It has roots in Germanic languages, with similar terms in Old High German ('liob') and Old Norse ('ljúfr'), both carrying meanings of love or affection. Over the centuries, 'lief' evolved in the English language to signify a willingness or preference. The term became particularly popular in Middle English, although it has largely fallen out of everyday usage since the 17th century. Today, it may occasionally be encountered in literary works, giving it an antiquated charm that evokes strong emotional connections.