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leaven

leaven

1 7.9
A small influence that makes a situation feel more hopeful
  • noun
  • /ˈlɛvən/
  • Literature
translation icon : influencia
  • 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

  • Her kindness was a leaven in the workplace, creating a more supportive and enjoyable environment for everyone.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Education serves as a leaven that helps to uplift and transform society by fostering critical thinking.

Synonyms

leavening
vsleaven
  • Literature
1 7.7

A small touch that makes something more lively or pleasant

has the same meaning but is the base noun form rather than the -ing form

Antonyms

482 3.4

A heavy load or something that causes worry and difficulty

Compounds

leaven agent
  • Specialized
3.9

An ingredient added to dough or batter to make it rise and become lighter

How Enlivening

revival
52 4.2
to spark
154 3.4
leaven
  • Literature
1 7.9
touch
130 1.8
hint
153 1.5

Surface Forms

leaven singular
leavens plural

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.