What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
abandon
Example
The sailors had to abandon the sinking ship. [abandon: verb]
Example
The child felt abandoned by their parents after they divorced. [abandoned: adjective]
leave
Example
I have to leave early to catch my flight. [leave: verb]
Example
Don't forget to leave your keys on the table before you go. [leave: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Leave is a more common and versatile word than abandon in everyday language. Leave is used in a wide range of contexts and can be employed in different formality levels, while abandon is less common and more formal, often used in extreme situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between abandon and leave?
While leave is a versatile word that can be used in both formal and informal contexts, abandon is a more formal word that is typically used in serious or extreme situations.
