Pronunciation: /ˈlɛvən/

Definitions of leaven

noun a substance, typically yeast, that is added to dough to make it ferment and rise

Example Sentences

A1 I used leaven in my bread recipe to make it rise.

A2 The baker added leaven to the dough to help it ferment and rise.

B1 Using leaven in baking is a traditional method that dates back centuries.

B2 The sourdough starter acts as a natural leaven for the bread dough.

C1 The artisanal bakery prides itself on using only natural leaven in their breads.

C2 The master baker's secret to a perfect loaf lies in the precise balance of leaven and ingredients.

verb to add leaven to dough in order to make it rise

Example Sentences

A1 I leavened the bread dough with yeast.

A2 She leavens her stories with humor to make them more engaging.

B1 Adding herbs and spices can leaven the flavor of a dish.

B2 The author's use of vivid descriptions leavens the otherwise dark tone of the novel.

C1 The chef's innovative cooking techniques leavened the traditional dishes on the menu.

C2 The artist's unique perspective leavens their artwork, making it stand out among others.

Examples of leaven in a Sentence

formal Bakers use leaven to help dough rise during the fermentation process.

informal I added some leaven to the bread dough to make it fluffy.

slang Throw in a little leaven to make the bread extra tasty.

figurative A good sense of humor can leaven even the most serious conversations.

Grammatical Forms of leaven

past tense

leavened

plural

leavens

comparative

more leaven

superlative

most leaven

present tense

leavens

future tense

will leaven

perfect tense

have leavened

continuous tense

is leavening

singular

leaven

positive degree

leaven

infinitive

to leaven

gerund

leavening

participle

leavened

Origin and Evolution of leaven

First Known Use: 1250 year
Language of Origin: Middle English
Story behind the word: The word 'leaven' originated from the Middle English word 'levain' which came from the Old French word 'levain' meaning 'leaven, sourdough'.
Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'leaven' has come to be associated with a substance used in baking to make dough rise, as well as metaphorically referring to something that causes change or transformation.