English-English Dictionary

Meaning of the word leaven in English

What does leaven mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

leaven

US /ˈlev.ən/
UK /ˈlev.ən/
"leaven" picture

Noun

1.

a substance, typically yeast, that is added to dough to make it ferment and rise

Example:
•
The baker added leaven to the bread dough.
•
Unleavened bread is made without any leaven.
Synonym:
yeast sourdough ferment
2.

an influence that produces a gradual change or development of something

Example:
•
His radical ideas acted as a powerful leaven in the conservative community.
•
A little humor can leaven a serious discussion.
Synonym:
influence catalyst modifier transforming agent

Verb

1.

to cause (dough or bread) to ferment and rise by adding leaven

Example:
•
The baker will leaven the dough overnight.
•
The yeast helps to leaven the bread.
Synonym:
ferment raise rise
2.

to permeate and subtly transform (something) for the better

Example:
•
His optimism began to leaven the gloomy atmosphere.
•
A touch of humor can leaven even the most serious topics.
Synonym:
permeate infuse enliven improve transform
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