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leave

leev /liːv/

nounverbB1

formalinformal

Permission to be absent from work or duty; also, the period of absence.

Can be general or specific (e.g., 'maternity leave'). As a verb, it means to go away from a place or person.

The story behind the word. The word 'leave' comes from the Old English word 'lēaf', which meant 'permission'. Imagine a time when you needed explicit permission to step away from your duties or a place. Over centuries, this 'permission' evolved to also refer to the period of absence itself, giving us the 'leave' we take from work today.

Word relationships

absence: More general, can be excused or unexcused.
break: Often shorter, less formal, and not necessarily approved time off.

presence: The state of being in a particular place.
duty: Work or tasks required to be performed.

Commonly confused with

vacation: 'Leave' is a broader term for authorized absence; 'vacation' specifically implies leisure and relaxation.

Word family

leaver (noun): A person who leaves a place or organization.

Collocations

annual leave
sick leave
maternity leave
paternity leave
compassionate leave
take leave
grant leave

Idioms & expressions

take French leave (to depart without permission)

Example sentences

"She applied for a month's unpaid leave to travel through Southeast Asia." Discussing time off with HR.
"I'll be on leave next week, so please direct urgent inquiries to my colleague." A common phrase in professional settings.

Memory hook

Think of 'LEAVE' as 'LEt mE AWay, VEry important'. LEAVE = Permission to go.

When not to use

Avoid using 'leave' as a specific type of time off if a more precise term (like 'sick leave' or 'vacation') is available and appropriate.

Fun facts

The phrase 'by your leave' is an archaic way of asking for permission.

Related words

absence, vacation, sick leave

Explore more words

departure, maternity, desertion, sabbatical, absenteeism, voluntary departure