leaven Definition
- 1a substance, typically yeast, that is added to dough to make it ferment and rise
- 2an element that produces an altering or transforming influence
Using leaven: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "leaven" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The bread dough needs leaven to rise properly.
Example
The new manager brought a fresh leaven to the company culture.
Example
Her presence was like a leaven in the group, lifting everyone's spirits.
Example
The idea of democracy was a leaven that transformed society.
leaven Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with leaven
Example
The recipe calls for the dough to be leavened with yeast.
Example
The leaven of democracy has been spreading across the world, inspiring people to fight for their rights.
Example
Baking powder is a common leavening agent used in cakes and muffins.
Origins of leaven
from Old English 'lǣfan', meaning 'to leave behind, bequeath'
Summary: leaven in Brief
'Leaven' [ˈlɛvən] refers to a substance, usually yeast, that is added to dough to make it rise. It can also mean an element that produces an altering or transforming influence. Examples include 'The bread dough needs leaven to rise properly.' and 'The idea of democracy was a leaven that transformed society.' 'Leaven' can be used as a verb, as in 'The recipe calls for the dough to be leavened with yeast.'