leaf
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /liːf/
KK: /lif/
intransitive verb
Definition
To produce new leaves or foliage, or to turn pages in a book or catalog.
Example
In spring, the trees begin to leaf and fill the landscape with green.
Tense Forms
Past: leafed
Past Participle: leafed
Conversation
Have you noticed how the trees are starting to leaf now?
Yeah, it's nice to see everything getting green again.
I love when they leaf out; it makes the park look so lively.
Definitely! We should go for a walk and enjoy it.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
foliage
sprout
unfurl
Antonyms
wither
fade
shrink
noun
Definition
A green, flat part of a plant that grows from a stem and is important for making food through sunlight.
Example
In spring, the trees begin to grow new leaves.
Conversation
Did you see that big leaf that fell from the tree yesterday?
Yeah, it was huge! I thought it was a small umbrella at first.
I know, right? It’s amazing how some leaves can be so large.
transitive verb
Definition
To turn the pages of a book or similar item.
Example
She leafed through the magazine looking for interesting articles.
Tense Forms
Past: leafed
Past Participle: leafed
Conversation
Have you had a chance to leaf through that new magazine yet?
Not yet, I’ve been so busy this week!
You should really leaf through it when you get a moment; the articles are great.
Root Explanation
The word 'leaf' originates from Old English 'leāf', meaning foliage or the part of a plant that is typically green and flat. It is related to similar words in other Germanic languages, such as Old High German 'loub' and Dutch 'loof', both meaning foliage or leaves.
Memory Tip
Think of the Old English word 'leāf' which means foliage — this helps you remember that a leaf is a part of a plant that is green and flat.
Visually Confused Words
lea
unleaf
enleaf
beleaf
agleaf