leftover
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /ˈlɛftˌoʊvər/
KK: /ˈlɛftˌoʊvər/
adjective
Definition
Describing something that remains after the main part has been used or consumed.
Example
We had some leftover pizza from last night.
Conversation
What should we do with the leftover pizza from last night?
I was thinking we could heat it up for lunch today.
That sounds great! I hate wasting food, especially when there’s leftover pizza.
Me too! It’ll be delicious!
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
remaining
unused
surplus
Antonyms
consumed
used
depleted
noun
Definition
A part of something that is not used or consumed, often referring to food that is saved from a previous meal.
Example
We had some leftover pizza for lunch today.
Conversation
What should we do with the leftover pizza from last night?
I think we should just heat it up for lunch today.
That sounds good! I hate wasting food, especially when it's leftover like that.
Root Explanation
Leftover → It is formed from "left" (from Old English *laeft*, meaning remaining or not used) and "over" (meaning above or beyond). The word "leftover" refers to something that remains after the main part has been used or consumed.
Memory Tip
Think of something that is 'remaining' ('left') after a meal, which is why we call it a leftover.
Visually Confused Words
setover