leaven

[lev-uhn]

noun

1. a substance, as yeast or baking powder, that causes fermentation and expansion of dough or batter.

2. fermented dough reserved for producing fermentation in a new batch of dough.

3. an element that produces an altering or transforming influence.

verb (used with object)

1. to add leaven to (dough or batter) and cause to rise.

2. to permeate with an altering or transforming element.

leaven

/ ˈlɛvən /

noun

1. any substance that produces fermentation in dough or batter, such as yeast, and causes it to rise

2. a piece of such a substance kept to ferment a new batch of dough

3. an agency or influence that produces a gradual change

verb

1. to cause fermentation in (dough or batter)

2. to pervade, causing a gradual change, esp with some moderating or enlivening influence

Word History and Origins

Origin of leaven¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English levain, levein, leven, from Anglo-French levein, levain, Old French levain, from Vulgar Latin levāmen (unrecorded) “means of raising or lifting,” from Latin levāmen “alleviation, mitigation, relief,” derivative of levā(re) “to raise, lift up; relieve, reduce” + -men noun suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of leaven¹

C14: via Old French ultimately from Latin levāmen relief, (hence, raising agent, leaven), from levāre to raise

Example Sentences

“Weapons” has something for everyone: jump scares for horrorphiles, nods to classics like “Rashomon” and “Magnolia” for film buffs, and more than a few laughs to leaven the tension.

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But rather than a false and patronizing philosemitism, Christian empathy for the Jewish people is leavened with a clear-eyed assessment of U.S. security interests and the geopolitics of the Middle East.

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The series largely belongs to them — both actors are terrific, Shannon imbuing Garfield with a gravity leavened with kindness and humor, Macfadyen’s Guiteau, optimistically dedicated to his delusions yet always about to pop.

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The film’s comedy won’t appeal to all tastes, but some will welcome the leavening effect it has on the movie’s more frightening aspects.

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And the clattering syncopated loop that repeats through “Oblivion” is there mostly as a contrast to the wispy and diaphanous vocals, which are so thin and leavened with reverb that they threaten to float away.

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Related Words

• imbue 
• infuse