Lief

/liːf/
adjective

Willingly or gladly.

I would as lief go home
Visual representation of "lief" - Willingly or gladly

Often appears as...

  • as lief
  • leave as lief

Usage tips

Archaic

adverb

Soon or early.

He rose lief in the morning
Visual representation of "lief" - Soon or early

Often appears as...

  • rose lief
  • lief early

Usage tips

Archaic

adjective

Willingly or gladly.

I would as lief go home
Visual representation of "lief" - Willingly or gladly

Often appears as...

  • as lief
  • leave as lief

Usage tips

Archaic

adverb

Soon or early.

He rose lief in the morning
Visual representation of "lief" - Soon or early

Often appears as...

  • rose lief
  • lief early

Usage tips

Archaic

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "lief"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Expression Emphasis

Using 'as lief' strengthens expression of preference, almost poetic.

Illustration for Expression Emphasis
I would as lief not attend the ceremony if possible.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Antique Charm

'Lief' can add an old-fashioned, charming tone to speech or writing.

Illustration for Antique Charm
She said she'd as lief walk through the gardens, remarking on their timeless beauty.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Preceded by 'Would'

'Lief' is typically used with 'would' indicating a conditional or hypothetical wish.

Illustration for Preceded by 'Would'
I would as lief read by candlelight, like in ancient times.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Expression Emphasis

Using 'as lief' strengthens expression of preference, almost poetic.

Illustration for Expression Emphasis
I would as lief not attend the ceremony if possible.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Antique Charm

'Lief' can add an old-fashioned, charming tone to speech or writing.

Illustration for Antique Charm
She said she'd as lief walk through the gardens, remarking on their timeless beauty.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Preceded by 'Would'

'Lief' is typically used with 'would' indicating a conditional or hypothetical wish.

Illustration for Preceded by 'Would'
I would as lief read by candlelight, like in ancient times.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Expression Emphasis

Using 'as lief' strengthens expression of preference, almost poetic.

Illustration for Expression Emphasis
I would as lief not attend the ceremony if possible.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Antique Charm

'Lief' can add an old-fashioned, charming tone to speech or writing.

Illustration for Antique Charm
She said she'd as lief walk through the gardens, remarking on their timeless beauty.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Preceded by 'Would'

'Lief' is typically used with 'would' indicating a conditional or hypothetical wish.

Illustration for Preceded by 'Would'
I would as lief read by candlelight, like in ancient times.
Visual representation of the word "Lief"

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