leaven
/ˈlev.ən/ IELTSAcademic
noun
A substance, usually yeast, that makes dough rise. It creates air bubbles and makes bread light and soft.
- The baker added leaven to the dough.
- This bread needs more leaven.
- Yeast is a common leaven.
verb
To spread through something and change it slowly. It is often used in formal or literary English.
- His ideas leavened the discussion.
- Humour leavens the serious tone.
- The new view leavened their thinking.
Adinary Nuance
Leaven is close to 'yeast', but leaven is broader. Yeast is the living ingredient; leaven can mean any agent that makes dough rise. As a verb, leaven is more formal than 'lighten' or 'soften', and it often sounds literary.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- Men
- Spanish
- Levadura
- Chinese
- 酵母
- Japanese
- イースト
- Korean
- 이스트
Etymology
Leaven comes from Old English 'hleofe' and related Germanic words meaning yeast or sour dough. It has been used in English since early medieval times.
Common phrases
the leaven ofleavened breadleaven the mood
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is leaven the same as yeast?
- Not exactly. Yeast is one type of leaven, but leaven can mean any rising agent.
- Is leaven common in everyday English?
- As a noun, it is fairly common in cooking or religious texts. As a verb, it is less common.
- Can I use leaven in formal writing?
- Yes, especially the verb. It sounds formal and a little literary.
- What does leaven mean in the Bible?
- It means yeast or something that makes bread rise, often used in a religious sense.