Meaning & Definition of word "Left"
Left
/lɛft/
noun:
- 1. The side or direction that is opposite to the right.
- Example: He raised his left hand to signal.
- 2. A political orientation or position favoring social equality.
- Example: She identifies as part of the political left.
verb:
- 1. Past tense of leave; to have departed from a place.
- Example: She left the party early to get some rest.
- 2. To allow something to remain in a place.
- Example: He left his book on the table.
adjective:
- 1. Situated on, or moving toward, the side of the body that is toward the west when facing north.
- Example: He turned left at the intersection.
- 2. Located on the left side or having a leftward direction.
- Example: The left side of the room is where the windows are.
Etymology
●Old English 'lyft', meaning weak or foolish, possibly related to the sense of being on the left side.
Common Phrases and Expressions
left out:
To be excluded from a group or activity.
left hanging:
To leave someone in a state of uncertainty or suspense.
left and right:
In every direction; abundantly.
the left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing:
When two parts of an organization are unaware of each other's activities.
Related Words
leftist:
A person with left-wing political views.
leftover:
Something that remains; especially food not eaten or used.
left-field:
Unusual or unexpected; originating from a surprising source.
Slang Meanings of left
Meaning: Left on read
● Example Sentence: He texted her but she left him on read, ignoring his message.
Meaning: Left in the dust
● Example Sentence: After the sprint, I was left in the dust by my faster teammates.