leaven

[US]/'lev(ə)n/
[UK]/'lɛvən/
Frequency: Very High

Translation

vt. to cause fermentation
vi. to undergo gradual change
n. yeast; enzyme; subtle influence

Phrases & Collocations

leaven bread

leavening agent

Example Sentences

a leavening of humor;

leavened breads are forbidden during Passover.

the proceedings should be leavened by humour.

the leaven of reform working in their minds;

they acted as an intellectual leaven to the warriors who dominated the city.

Yeast is a common leaven used in baking bread.

She added a pinch of baking powder to leaven the cake batter.

A little humor can leaven a serious conversation.

Cultural diversity can leaven a community, bringing new perspectives and ideas.

He used storytelling to leaven his presentations and make them more engaging.

The addition of fresh herbs can leaven the flavor of a dish.

She believes that laughter can leaven even the most difficult situations.

A good editor can leaven a writer's work, helping to refine and improve it.

Incorporating feedback can leaven the development process, leading to better outcomes.

She used constructive criticism to leaven her skills and grow as a professional.

Real-world Examples

This is an English muffin and it is a small round, slightly leavened bread.

Source: Gourmet Base

It's a quick bread that's made, it's leavened with sodium bicarbonate.

Source: Gourmet Base

Ambitious people are the leaven which raises it into wholesome bread.

Source: Lazy Person's Thoughts Journal

This must be leavened, though;he is young.

Source: "Dune" audiobook

Your boasting is not good. Don't you know that a little yeast leavens the whole batch of dough?

Source: 46 1 Corinthians Musical Bible Theater Version - NIV

That needs a different yeast, S. cerevisiae, other versions of which are used by bakers to leaven bread.

Source: The Economist Science and Technology

Sourdough starter is a mixture of flour and water, and it is the life force of sourdough or naturally leavened bread.

Source: Kitchen Deliciousness Competition

All the same, a little more fear leavened his exhilaration as he returned his attention to the sword reposing upon the bottom of the frozen pool.

Source: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Few insiderish nuggets leaven the mix—though Mrs Clinton does explain why the secret service dislikes VIPs visiting Buddhist temples (they feel unready for emergencies without their shoes).

Source: AP Listening Collection July 2015

They learned to cultivate olives, vines and date palms. They invented leavened bread, beer, and they developed textile technologies: the potter's wheel, the sail.

Source: TED Talks (Audio Version) August 2022 Collection

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