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

She leavened her straight talk about sex with regular doses of conventional morality.

From Los Angeles Times

That’s in keeping with a director who likes to leaven something profound with something ordinary.

From Seattle Times

In recent weeks, he’s leavened the attacks with humor, calling Trump “Sleepy Don” — a reference to reports that the former president has dozed off in a Manhattan courtroom during trial.

From Los Angeles Times

Seven years after her father’s disappearance, Diamond Newberry and her mother are struggling, but Diamond’s observations provide comic leavening.

From Los Angeles Times

It must be leavened with love and imagination.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• imbue
• infuse