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/

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

Example:

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The baker added leaven to the bread dough.

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Unleavened bread is made without any leaven.

Synonym:

yeast sourdough ferment

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

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

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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