Learn about the difference between the homophones: leaf and lief

Definitions

leaf

Leaf is a noun that refers to the flattened structure of a higher plant, typically green and blade-like, that is attached to a stem directly or via a stalk.

Example

The tree has lost all its leaves.

Example

She pressed a leaf between the pages of her book.

lief

Lief is an adverb that means willingly or gladly. It is often used in the phrase 'as lief' which means 'just as soon'.

Example

I would as lief go to the beach as stay home.

Example

He would as lief die as ask for help.

Tips To Remember the Differences

Here are a few tips to easily distinguish the difference between these words while keeping in mind the description we've provided:

- To remember the difference between these homophones, think of leaf as a part of a tree or plant, and lief as meaning 'gladly' or 'willingly'. - You could also associate leaf with 'nature' and lief with 'attitude'.