Lief

/liːf/

Meaning & Definition

adjective

Dearly loved; beloved.

His lief friend stood by him during tough times.

adverb

Willingly; gladly.

I would lief go to the concert than stay home.

To a great extent; as gladly or willingly as possible.

She would lief help her friend in need.

Middle English, from Old English 'līef', meaning 'dear, beloved, or agreeable'.

lief as a noun

Often used as a term of endearment or affection.

lief and dear

Used to emphasize fondness or love.

liefer

An informal variant of lief, often used in dialects.

liefly

An adverb form meaning in a glad or willing manner.

To prefer something or someone strongly.

I would lief hang out with my pals any day.