How to Pronounce Left

To pronounce "left", say LEFT — one syllable, IPA /lɛft/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

left

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

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1

Syllable

4

Letters

/lɛft/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “left”

"left" is a single-syllable word — say it in one clean beat. It rhymes with bereft and cleft, if that helps it stick.

What does left mean?

noun

  1. The left side or direction.
  2. The ensemble of left-wing political parties. Those holding left-wing views as a group.

    “The political left is holding too much power.”

adjective

  1. The opposite of right; toward the west when one is facing north.

    “The left side.”

  2. Pertaining to the political left.

adverb

  1. On the left side.
  2. Towards the left side.

    “Turn left at the corner.”

Synonyms

9 o'clockportsinistersinistral

Antonyms

rightdexterdextral

Hear “left” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with left

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

bereftcleftdeftthefthefteffedantitheftklephtkreftnefttefft

Related words

left-handleft-handednearleftovernighremainingleftfieldodd

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "left"?▾

"Left" has one syllable.

What is the IPA transcription of "left"?▾

The IPA transcription of "left" is /lɛft/.

What does "left" mean?▾

Left: The left side or direction.

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