lief etymology

Etymology:

• Old English: leof ("beloved," "dear")
• Proto-Germanic: leubô
• Proto-Indo-European: leubʰ- ("to love")

Meaning:

In modern English, "lief" means "willingly" or "preferably." It often implies a strong desire or preference for something. It can also be used in a more general sense to express a feeling of affection or fondness.

Origin:

The word "lief" originated from the Old English word "leof," which meant "beloved" or "dear." This word was originally used to describe a person, but over time it came to be used more broadly to express a sense of affection or preference. The word "lief" first appeared in English in the early 9th century and has been in continuous use ever since.

Example Sentences:

• "I would liefer die than betray my country."
• "She liefly spends her weekends exploring the outdoors."
• "I have a lief heart towards my friends and family."
• "The child had a lief smile that lit up the room."
• "I would lief have stayed home, but I promised to go out."

lief relate terms

• leave

  Etymology The word leave has its origins in the Proto Indo European root leikw meani

• lief

  Etymology Old English leof beloved dear Proto Germanic leubô Proto Indo Europ

• belief

  Etymology Old English belief Proto West Germanic bilaiba Proto Germanic bilaiban Proto

• lief

  Etymology Old English leof beloved dear Proto Germanic leubô Proto Indo Europ

• fain

  Etymology The word fain has Old English roots It is derived from the Old English word

• have

  Etymology is the study of the origin and development of words including their form and me

• have

  Etymology is the study of the origin and development of words including their form and me