lief

[ leef ]

adverb
  1. gladly; willingly: I would as lief go south as not.

adjectiveArchaic.
  1. willing; desirous.

  2. dear; beloved; treasured.

Origin of lief

1
First recorded before 900; Middle English leef, Old English lēof; cognate with Dutch lief, German lieb, Old Norse ljufr, Gothic liufs; akin to love

Other 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.

  • If 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 Trollope
  • He 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 Black
  • Mary 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

lief

/ (liːf) /


adverb
  1. rare gladly; willingly: I'd as lief go today as tomorrow

adjective
  1. archaic

    • ready; glad

    • dear; beloved

Origin of lief

1
Old English leof; related to lufu love

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012