lief
gladly; willingly: I would as lief go south as not.
willing; desirous.
dear; beloved; treasured.
Origin of lief
1Other words from lief
- liefly, adverb
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use lief in a sentence
Now would I liefer keep within compass according to my smaller conditions than assay to rival the success 194 of my kinsman Knut.
The Sagas of Olaf Tryggvason and of Harald The Tyrant (Harald Haardraade) | Snorri SturlusonIf it wasn't for civility to Mr. Jackson, I'd liefer stay out here these fine summer evenings, myself.
A Charming Fellow, Volume II (of 3) | Frances Eleanor TrollopeHe would liefer have luffed in on board a boat of his own, a great suit of snowy canvas drawing joyously the Irish wind.
The Wind Bloweth | Brian Oswald Donn-Byrne"But he would liefer have some of the little wildlings, good mother," said Judith.
Judith Shakespeare | William BlackMary came forward rather reluctantly, but Grisell drew up her head within, “Oh, if you had liefer not!”
Grisly Grisell | Charlotte M. Yonge
British Dictionary definitions for lief
/ (liːf) /
rare gladly; willingly: I'd as lief go today as tomorrow
archaic
ready; glad
dear; beloved
Origin of lief
1Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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