leaven
- noun
- /ˈlɛvən/
- Literature
- The church is called to be a leaven in society, the salt of the earth, a city set on a hill (Matt 5:13–16).
Examples
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Her kindness was a leaven in the workplace, creating a more supportive and enjoyable environment for everyone.
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Ultimately, God only needs a little leaven or a small mustard seed to grow His kingdom.
Blog text (16) -
May your lives be always leavened with laughter.
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They provide an intellectual leaven to the student body, bringing a grounded appreciation of the academic life.
Academic text (1992) -
The new evangelization, he said, holds that faith should not be relegated to a small corner of our lives but is "meant to be a leaven in all of society and that society is better when Christianity is heard and allowed to flourish."
Blog text (14) -
Unlike Carlisle, Hampton did not want its Indian students to merge with white society, but rather to return to the reservation "stronger and better than the rest, made so through special effort by and for them, to act as leaven for the lump."
Academic text (2002) -
The community's efforts acted as a leaven, inspiring positive change among the residents.
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Education serves as a leaven that helps to uplift and transform society by fostering critical thinking.
Synonyms
A small touch that makes something more lively or pleasant
Antonyms
Compounds
- Specialized
An ingredient added to dough or batter to make it rise and become lighter
How Enlivening
Surface Forms
Etymology
Leaven also comes from Latin levare 'to raise', so it can mean a small thing that 'lifts' or lightens a situation; that is why a 'leaven' of hope can make a group feel more cheerful.