leaven verb - Definition, pictures, pronunciation and usage notes | Oxford Advanced American Dictionary at OxfordLearnersDictionaries.com

Definition of leaven verb from the Oxford Advanced American Dictionary

leaven

verb

NAmE//ˈlɛvn//

[often passive] leaven something (with something) (formal)Verb Forms present simple I / you / we / they leaven

he / she / it leavens

past simple leavened

-ing form leavening

to make something more interesting or cheerful by adding something to it Her speech was leavened with a touch of humor.

Questions about grammar and vocabulary?

Find the answers with Practical English Usage online, your indispensable guide to problems in English.

See leaven in the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Check pronunciation: leaven

All matches