lief

[ leef ]

adverb

1. gladly; willingly:

   I would as lief go south as not.

adjective

, Archaic.

1. willing; desirous.
2. dear; beloved; treasured.

lief

/ liːf /

adverb

1. rare.
   gladly; willingly

   I'd as lief go today as tomorrow

adjective

1. archaic.
   1. ready; glad
   2. dear; beloved

Other Words From

• liefly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of lief¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English leef, Old English lēof; cognate with Dutch lief, German lieb, Old Norse ljufr, Gothic liufs; akin to love

Word History and Origins

Origin of lief¹

Old English leof; related to lufu love

Example Sentences

“They learn about what it is that drove them to these lengths,” says Lief.

From The Daily Beast

For my part I would as lief sail back to Virginia and let them fight out their own quarrel.

From Project Gutenberg

It is impossible for a young girl of right instincts to say, "Oh, I would just as lief be an unclean person!"

From Project Gutenberg

"I'd as lief be neighbours with a vixen," he said, nevertheless making place for her between him and Miriam.

From Project Gutenberg

O my lief meskin, de love tol you be so groot, dat it bring me out my bed voor you.

From Project Gutenberg

Hes better now, but time was when Dick would just as lief never wash from early morn till dewy eve as Father used to say.

From Project Gutenberg