lief

[ leef ]

/ lif /

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adverb

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

adjective Archaic.

willing; desirous.

dear; beloved; treasured.

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True or false? British English and American English are only different when it comes to slang words.

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Origin of lief

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. 2023

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 Sturluson
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

rare gladly; willinglyI'd as lief go today as tomorrow

adjective

archaic

ready; glad
dear; beloved

Word Origin for lief

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