Left Meaning
Left Definition & Usage
Relating to the side of the body or a location that is opposite to the right side.
Examples
- "Turn left at the next intersection."
- "He is left-handed, so he writes with his left hand."
- "The car was parked on the left side of the street."
- "The left shoe is missing."
- "My house is on the left as you drive down the street."
To go or move in a particular direction or position, particularly leaving or departing from a place.
Examples
- "She left the office early today."
- "I left my keys on the counter."
- "The train left at 7 p.m. sharp."
- "They have left for the weekend."
- "Don't leave without saying goodbye."
To remain behind after others have left, or to stay in place when others have departed.
Examples
- "Only a few people were left at the party."
- "She was left with the responsibility of managing the project."
- "After the sale, only two items were left on the shelf."
- "The leftovers were left in the fridge."
- "He left behind a legacy of kindness."
The left side or direction in a particular situation.
Examples
- "Take a left when you reach the park."
- "Her house is on the left."
- "He leaned to the left to get a better view."
- "The left of the stage is where the actor enters."
- "Move left to avoid the obstruction."
Cultural Context
The word 'left' has been used in the English language since Old English. It comes from the word 'lyft,' meaning weak or broken, which has evolved into its modern usage. In many cultures, left is often associated with the opposite of right, which historically has been linked to dexterity, dominance, and positivity in many cultures. The notion of 'left-handedness' has historically been viewed negatively in certain societies, though this view is not as prevalent today.
The Left Side of the Story
Story
The Left Side of the Story
It was an unusually warm autumn day in the small town of Maple Grove, and Hannah was walking home from the bus stop, her hands stuffed in the pockets of her jacket. As she turned the corner near the park, she saw Mr. Adams, the old librarian, sitting on a bench with a book in his hand. Hannah had passed this way many times, but today was different. She felt a strange sense of curiosity, almost like the side of her own mind that she rarely paid attention to had woken up. 'Why are you sitting here all alone?' Hannah asked, as she walked up to the bench. She had been meaning to talk to Mr. Adams for weeks now, but it was as if every time they crossed paths, her legs took her to the left, steering her away from what could have been an interesting conversation. 'Ah, well,' he replied, 'it's because I left my thoughts behind at the library today.' Hannah smiled at the cryptic comment. 'You mean you forgot them?' she asked. 'No, no,' Mr. Adams said, chuckling. 'I decided to leave behind the usual for a moment. For once, I wanted to sit quietly and just let the world pass me by on the left.' Hannah didn’t quite understand at first, but as she sat beside him, she looked over at the road on her left. She saw people bustling past, others in their own thoughts, some lost in their phones. For a moment, everything felt still. 'Why do you think it's always the left that gets neglected?' Hannah asked, her curiosity piqued. 'Ah,' Mr. Adams smiled, 'that’s the trick, you see. Most people turn right, because that’s what feels natural. But sometimes, the left holds the quietest moments, the ones that don’t demand attention but are full of possibility.' Hannah looked at him, now intrigued by the thought. 'So, in a way, you're saying that there are things left behind, waiting to be discovered?' Mr. Adams nodded slowly. 'Exactly.' As they talked, the sun began to set, casting long shadows. Hannah realized that in a way, she had been 'left' with a new perspective on life, one that made her appreciate the simple moments that might have otherwise gone unnoticed, like the forgotten side of the street or the unspoken thought left in the quiet of the day.
