-le


  1. a suffix of verbs having a frequentative force: dazzle; twinkle.

  2. a suffix of adjectives formed originally on verbal stems and having the sense of “apt to”: brittle.

  1. a noun suffix having originally a diminutive meaning: bramble.

  2. a noun suffix indicating agent or instrument: beadle; bridle; thimble.

Origin of -le

1
Middle English -len,Old English -lian (v.); Middle English -el,Old English -ol (adj.); Middle English -el,Old English -il (diminutive); Middle English -el,Old English -ol, -ul (agent)

Words Nearby -le

Other definitions for l.e. (2 of 2)

l.e.

abbreviationFootball.
  1. left end.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use -le in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for LE (1 of 2)

LE

abbreviation for
  1. lupus erythematosus

British Dictionary definitions for -le (2 of 2)

-le

suffix forming verbs
  1. denoting repeated or continuous action, often of a diminutive nature: twiddle; wriggle; wrestle

Origin of -le

2
from Middle English -len, Old English -lian, with similar significance

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