Lief

/liːf/ · adjective

Meaning

(archaic) Beloved, dear, agreeable..

Definitions by Sense

1. (archaic) Beloved, dear, agreeable.
2. (archaic) Ready, willing.
3. (archaic) Readily, willingly, rather.

Example Sentences

I'd as lief have one as t'other.

1. Gent. And thou the Veluet; thou art good veluet; thou'rt a three pild-peece I warrant thee: I had as liefe be a Lyst of an English Kersey, as be pil'd, as thou art pil'd, for a French Veluet. [...]

As far as physiognomy goes, the winners protest that they would as lief have foregone the double points, and the money.

these great masters of the art, who would far liefer see us little ones practice it, than themselves engage [...].

Since sware the Parcæ unto me, their friend, / they shall adore my name, my favour prize; / and, as their feats of armèd prowess shend / all feats of rival Rome, I lief devise / some mode of aidance in what things I may, / far as our force o'er man extendeth sway.

I'd as lief put on my hat and cane and help you if you think they'll be too heavy.

Synonyms for lief

Antonyms for lief

Related Words

Word Forms

• liefer
• liever
• liefest
• lievest

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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