English pronunciation · Words Starting with L

Leave Pronunciation

Leave is pronounced LEEV, IPA /ˈliv/.

LEEV

US /ˈliv/  ·  UK /ˈliːv/

Syllables: LEEV (1 syllable)

verb and noun: To go away from a place or a person, and as a noun, official time off work.

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Leave in a Sentence

  • We leave for the airport at five.
  • She is on leave until the end of the month.
  • Leave the key under the mat.

Common Mispronunciations of Leave

Not LIV

Hold the ee long enough to rhyme with sleeve. A short i turns the word into live.

Not LEEF

Buzz the final v. Letting it drift to f gives leaf, the thing on a tree.

Tip: Leave and leaf differ only in the last sound, one buzzed and one hissed.

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