Leave vs. Live — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 1, 2024
"Leave" means to go away from a place or person, focusing on the action of departure. "Live" refers to existing, experiencing life, or residing in a place, emphasizing the state of being or dwelling.
Difference Between Leave and Live
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Leave" is primarily used to indicate the act of departing from a location or the act of letting something or someone remain in a certain state. It involves the physical or metaphorical action of moving away from something or someone. On the other hand, "live" is concerned with the state of being alive, experiencing life, or inhabiting a place. It encompasses the concepts of life, existence, and residence, contrasting with the temporary nature of departure implied by "leave."
When discussing relationships or situations, "leave" can signify the end or pause, such as leaving a job or leaving a task unfinished, highlighting an exit or cessation. "Live," however, relates to ongoing processes, such as living a fulfilling life or living in a particular city, indicating continuity and presence rather than an exit.
The contexts in which "leave" and "live" are used also differ significantly. "Leave" can be used in various scenarios, from physically exiting a place to leaving a legacy. "Live," however, is used to describe the act of residing, the manner of existence, or the act of surviving, often focusing on the quality or location of life.
Usage also differentiates these terms; "leave" can be used as a verb indicating action, and less commonly as a noun (e.g., "leave of absence"). "Live" is used as a verb to denote the act of living and as an adjective to describe something happening now or in person (e.g., "live broadcast"), showcasing its versatile nature in indicating the immediacy or directness of an event.
In essence, "leave" and "live" occupy distinct linguistic territories: "leave" focuses on the concept of departure and separation, whereas "live" captures the essence of existence, experience, and habitation. This distinction is crucial for understanding the actions and states they describe within various contexts.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
To go away from a place or person.
To exist, experience life, or reside in a place.
Focus
Departure, letting be.
Existence, dwelling, experiencing.
Usage Context
Exiting, ending relationships, permissions.
Residing, life quality, real-time events.
Common Forms
Verb (action), noun (permission).
Verb (existence or residing), adjective (immediacy).
Examples
Leaving a job, taking leave.
Living in a city, live broadcast.
Compare with Definitions
Leave
To entrust or bequeath something.
They left their property to their children.
Live
To conduct one's life in a particular way.
He chooses to live modestly.
Leave
To go away from.
She decided to leave the party early.
Live
To survive a danger or ordeal.
She lived through a terrible accident.
Leave
To depart from someone's life.
He left his family to find work abroad.
Live
To exist or be alive.
We all want to live a long, happy life.
Leave
Permission or authorization to do something.
She took a leave of absence from work.
Live
To reside in a particular place.
They live in a small town.
Leave
To let something remain in a certain state.
Leave the door open, please.
Live
Happening in real-time.
The concert is being broadcast live.
Leave
Go away from
The England team left for Pakistan on Monday
We were almost the last to leave
She left London on June 6
Live
Remain alive
Both cats lived to a ripe age
The doctors said she had only six months to live
Leave
Allow or cause to remain
The parts he disliked he would alter and the parts he didn't dislike he'd leave
Live
Make one's home in a particular place or with a particular person
I've lived in the East End all my life
They lived with his grandparents
Leave
Cause (someone or something) to be in a particular state or position
I'll leave the door open
He'll leave you in no doubt about what he thinks
The children were left with feelings of loss
Live
Relating to a musical performance given in concert, not on a recording
There is traditional live music played most nights
A live album
Leave
(of a plant) put out new leaves
Trees leaved, wild flowers burst in profusion on the far side of the lake
Live
(of a wire or device) connected to a source of electric current.
Leave
(in snooker, croquet, and other games) the position in which a player leaves the balls for the next player.
Live
(of a question or subject) of current or continuing interest and importance
The future organization of Europe has become a live issue
Leave
Time when one has permission to be absent from work or from duty in the armed forces
Joe was home on leave
Maternity leave
Live
As or at an actual event or performance
The match will be televised live
Leave
Permission
Leave from the court to commence an action
Live
To be alive; exist.
Leave
To go out of or away from
Not allowed to leave the room.
Live
To continue to be alive
Lived through a bad accident.
Leave
To go without taking or removing
Left my book on the bus.
Live
To support oneself; subsist
Living on rice and fish.
Lives on a small inheritance.
Leave
To omit or exclude
Left out the funniest part of the story.
Live
To reside; dwell
Lives on a farm.
Leave
To have as a result, consequence, or remainder
The car left a trail of exhaust fumes. Two from eight leaves six.
Live
To conduct one's life in a particular manner
Lived frugally.
Leave
To cause or allow to be or remain in a specified state
Left the lights on.
Live
To pursue a positive, satisfying existence; enjoy life
Those who truly live.
Leave
To have remaining after death
Left a young son.
Live
To remain in human memory
An event that lives on in our minds.
Leave
To bequeath
Left her money to charity.
Live
To spend or pass (one's life).
Leave
To give over to another to control or act on
Leave all the details to us.
Live
To go through; experience
Lived a nightmare.
Leave
To abandon or forsake
Leave home.
Left her husband.
Live
To practice in one's life
Live one's beliefs.
Leave
To remove oneself from association with or participation in
Left the navy for civilian life.
Live
Having life; alive
Live animals.
Leave
To give or deposit, as for use or information, upon one's departure or in one's absence
He left a note for you. Leave your name and address.
Live
Of, related to, or occurring during the life of one that is living
A live birth.
The live weight of an animal before being slaughtered.
Leave
To cause or permit to be or remain
Left myself plenty of time.
Live
Of current interest or relevance
A live topic.
Still a live option.
Leave
(Nonstandard) To allow or permit; let.
Live
(Informal) Full of life, excitement, or activity; lively
A live crowd at the parade.
A live party.
Leave
To set out or depart; go
When can you leave?.
Live
Glowing; burning
Live coals.
Leave
To put forth foliage; leaf.
Live
Not yet exploded but capable of being fired
Live ammunition.
Leave
Permission to do something.
Live
(Electricity) Carrying an electric current or energized with electricity
Live cables lying dangerously on the ground.
Leave
An act of departing; a farewell
Took leave of her with a heavy heart.
Live
Not mined or quarried; in the natural state
Live ore.
Leave
See leave of absence.
Live
Broadcast while actually being performed; not taped, filmed, or recorded
A live television program.
Leave
To have a consequence or remnant.
Live
Involving performers or spectators who are physically present
Live entertainment.
A live audience.
Leave
(transitive) To cause or allow (something) to remain as available; to refrain from taking (something) away; to stop short of consuming or otherwise depleting (something) entirely.
I left my car at home and took a bus to work.
The ants did not leave so much as a crumb of bread.
There's not much food left. We'd better go to the shops.
Live
Of, relating to, or containing living bacteria or active viruses, sometimes in an attenuated form
Live yogurt cultures.
A live measles vaccine.
Leave
To cause, to result in.
The lightning left her dazzled for several minutes.
Infantile paralysis left him lame for the rest of his life.
She left disappointed.
Live
(Printing) Not yet set into type
Live copy.
Leave
(transitive) To put; to place; to deposit; to deliver, with a sense of withdrawing oneself.
Leave your hat in the hall.
We should leave the legal matters to lawyers.
I left my sewing and went to the window to watch the falling snow.
Live
(Sports) In play
A live ball.
Leave
To depart; to separate from.
Live
At, during, or from the time of actual occurrence or performance
The landing on the moon was telecast live.
Leave
To let be or do without interference.
I left him to his reflections.
I leave my hearers to judge.
Live
(intransitive) To be alive; to have life.
He's not expected to live for more than a few months.
Leave
(transitive) To depart from; to end one's connection or affiliation with.
I left the country and I left my wife.
Live
(intransitive) To have permanent residence somewhere, to inhabit, to reside.
I live at 2a Acacia Avenue.
He lives in LA, but he's staying here over the summer.
Leave
(transitive) To end one's membership in (a group); to terminate one's affiliation with (an organization); to stop participating in (a project).
I left the band.
Live
(of an object) to have its proper place; to normally be stored.
I washed your gravy boat. Where does it live?
Leave
(intransitive) To depart; to go away from a certain place or state.
I think you'd better leave.
Live
(intransitive) To survive; to persevere; to continue.
Leave
To transfer something.
Live
(intransitive) To endure in memory; to escape oblivion.
Her memory lives in that song.
Leave
(transitive) To transfer possession of after death.
When my father died, he left me the house.
Live
To cope.
You'll just have to live with it!
I can't live in a world without you.
Leave
(transitive) To give (something) to someone; to deliver (something) to a repository; to deposit.
I'll leave the car in the station so you can pick it up there.
Live
(intransitive) To pass life in a specified manner.
It is difficult to live in poverty.
And they lived happily ever after.
Leave
(transitive) To transfer responsibility or attention of (something) (to someone); to stop being concerned with.
Can't we just leave this to the experts?
Live
(transitive) To spend, as one's life; to pass; to maintain; to continue in, constantly or habitually.
To live an idle or a useful life.
Leave
To remain (behind); to stay.
Live
(transitive) To act habitually in conformity with; to practice; to exemplify in one's way of life.
Leave
To stop, desist from; to "leave off" (+ noun / gerund).
Live
To live as; to live being.
Leave
(transitive) To give leave to; allow; permit; let; grant.
We were not left go to the beach after school except on a weekend.
Live
(intransitive) To outlast danger; to float (said of a ship, boat, etc).
No ship could live in such a storm.
Leave
To produce leaves or foliage.
Live
To maintain or support one's existence; to provide for oneself; to feed; to subsist.
It is hard to live on the minimum wage.
They lived on stale bread.
Man shall not live by bread alone.
Leave
(obsolete) To raise; to levy.
Live
To make the most of life; to experience a full, rich life.
I'm sick of spending every day studying at home: I want to go out there and live!
Leave
(cricket) The action of the batsman not attempting to play at the ball.
Live
(only used attributively) Having life; that is alive.
The post office will not ship live animals.
Leave
(billiards) The arrangement of balls in play that remains after a shot is made (which determines whether the next shooter — who may be either the same player, or an opponent — has good options, or only poor ones).
Live
Being in existence; actual.
He is a live example of the consequences of excessive drinking.
Leave
Permission to be absent; time away from one's work.
I've been given three weeks' leave by my boss.
Live
Having active properties; being energized.
Because the vaccinia virus is live, it is important to follow care instructions for the vaccination site.
Leave
Permission.
Might I beg leave to accompany you?
The applicant now seeks leave to appeal and, if leave be granted, to appeal against these sentences.
Live
Operational; in actual use rather than in testing etc.
Leave
(dated) Farewell, departure.
I took my leave of the gentleman without a backward glance.
Live
(programming) Of an object or value: that may potentially be used in the future execution of a program.
Leave
To send out leaves; to leaf; - often with out.
Live
Taken from a living animal.
Live feathers
Leave
To raise; to levy.
An army strong she leaved.
Live
(engineering) Imparting power; having motion.
The live spindle of a lathe
A live, or driving, axle
Leave
To withdraw one's self from; to go away from; to depart from; as, to leave the house.
Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife.
Live
(sports) Still in active play.
A live ball
Leave
To let remain unremoved or undone; to let stay or continue, in distinction from what is removed or changed.
If grape gatherers come to thee, would they not leave some gleaning grapes ?
These ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
Besides it leaveth a suspicion, as if more might be said than is expressed.
Live
(card games) Of a card: not yet dealt or played.
Leave
To cease from; to desist from; to abstain from.
Now leave complaining and begin your tea.
Live
(broadcasting) Being broadcast ("on the air"), as it happens.
The station presented a live news program every evening.
Are we live?
Leave
To desert; to abandon; to forsake; hence, to give up; to relinquish.
Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee.
The heresies that men do leave.
Live
(of a performance or speech) In person.
This nightclub has a live band on weekends.
Leave
To let be or do without interference; as, I left him to his reflections; I leave my hearers to judge.
I will leave you now to your gossiplike humor.
Live
Recorded from a performance in front of an audience.
A live album
Leave
To have remaining at death; hence, to bequeath; as, he left a large estate; he left a good name; he left a legacy to his niece.
Live
Of firearms or explosives, capable of causing harm.
The air force practices dropping live bombs on the uninhabited island.
Leave
To cause to be; - followed by an adjective or adverb describing a state or condition; as, the losses due to fire leave me penniless; The cost of defending himself left Bill Clinton with a mountain of lawyers' bills.
Live
Of an environment where sound is recorded: having noticeable reverberation.
Leave
To depart; to set out.
By the time I left for Scotland.
Live
(circuitry) Electrically charged or energized, usually indicating that the item may cause electrocution if touched.
Use caution when working near live wires.
Leave
To cease; to desist; to leave off.
Leave off, and for another summons wait.
Live
(poker) Being a bet which can be raised by the bettor, usually in reference to a blind or straddle.
Tommy's blind was live, so he was given the option to raise.
Leave
The act of leaving or departing; a formal parting; a leaving; farewell; adieu; - used chiefly in the phrase, to take leave, i. e., literally, to take permission to go.
A double blessing is a'double grace;Occasion smiles upon a second leave.
And Paul after this tarried there yet a good while, and then took his leave of the brethren.
Live
(film) Featuring humans; not animated, in the phrases “live actors” or “live action”.
Leave
The period of time during which you are absent from work or duty;
A ten day's leave to visit his mother
Live
Being in a state of ignition; burning.
A live coal; live embers
Leave
Permission to do something;
She was granted leave to speak
Live
(obsolete) Vivid; bright.
Leave
The act of departing politely;
He disliked long farewells
He took his leave
Parting is such sweet sorrow
Live
(slang)
Leave
Go away from a place;
At what time does your train leave?
She didn't leave until midnight
The ship leaves at midnight
Live
(dated) Energetic, attentive, active.
A live man, or orator
Leave
Go and leave behind, either intentionally or by neglect or forgetfulness;
She left a mess when she moved out
His good luck finally left him
Her husband left her after 20 years of marriage
She wept thinking she had been left behind
Live
Outstanding, top-notch, exhilarating.
Leave
Act or be so as to become in a specified state;
The inflation left them penniless
The president's remarks left us speechless
Live
Of an event, as it happens; in real time; direct.
The concert was broadcast live by radio.
Leave
Leave unchanged or undisturbed or refrain from taking;
Leave it as is
Leave the young fawn alone
Leave the flowers that you see in the park behind
Live
Of making a performance or speech, in person.
He'll be appearing live at the auditorium.
Leave
Move out of or depart from;
Leave the room
The fugitive has left the country
Live
To be alive; to have life; to have, as an animal or a plant, the capacity of assimilating matter as food, and to be dependent on such assimilation for a continuance of existence; as, animals and plants that live to a great age are long in reaching maturity.
Thus saith the Lord God unto these bones; Behold, I will . . . lay sinews upon you, and will bring up flesh upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and ye shall live.
Leave
Make a possibility or provide opportunity for; permit to be attainable or cause to remain;
This leaves no room for improvement
The evidence allows only one conclusion
Allow for mistakes
Leave lots of time for the trip
This procedure provides for lots of leeway
Live
To pass one's time; to pass life or time in a certain manner, as to habits, conduct, or circumstances; as, to live in ease or affluence; to live happily or usefully.
O death, how bitter is the remembrance of thee to a man that liveth at rest in his possessions!
Leave
Remove oneself from an association with or participation in;
She wants to leave
The teenager left home
She left her position with the Red Cross
He left the Senate after two terms
After 20 years with the same company, she pulled up stakes
Live
To make one's abiding place or home; to abide; to dwell; to reside; as, to live in a cottage by the sea.
Jacob lived in the land of Egypt seventeen years.
Leave
Put into the care or protection of someone;
He left the decision to his deputy
Leave your child the nurse's care
Live
To be or continue in existence; to exist; to remain; to be permanent; to last; - said of inanimate objects, ideas, etc.
Men's evil manners live in brass; their virtuesWe write in water.
Leave
Leave or give by will after one's death;
My aunt bequeathed me all her jewelry
My grandfather left me his entire estate
Live
To enjoy or make the most of life; to be in a state of happiness; as, people want not just to exist, but to live.
What greater curse could envious fortune giveThan just to die when I began to live?
Leave
Have left or have as a remainder;
That left the four of us
19 minus 8 leaves 11
Live
To feed; to subsist; to be nourished or supported; - with on; as, horses live on grass and grain.
Leave
Be survived by after one's death;
He left six children
At her death, she left behind her husband and 11 cats
Live
To have a spiritual existence; to be quickened, nourished, and actuated by divine influence or faith.
The just shall live by faith.
Leave
Tell or deposit (information) knowledge;
Give a secret to the Russians
Leave your name and address here
Live
To be maintained in life; to acquire a livelihood; to subsist; - with on or by; as, to live on spoils.
Those who live by labor.
Leave
Leave behind unintentionally;
I forgot my umbrella in the restaurant
I left my keys inside the car and locked the doors
Live
To outlast danger; to float; - said of a ship, boat, etc.; as, no ship could live in such a storm.
A strong mast that lived upon the sea.
Live
To spend, as one's life; to pass; to maintain; to continue in, constantly or habitually; as, to live an idle or a useful life.
Live
To act habitually in conformity with; to practice.
To live the Gospel.
Live
Being in a state of ignition; burning; having active properties; as, a live coal; live embers.
Live
Full of earnestness; active; wide awake; glowing; as, a live man, or orator.
Live
Vivid; bright.
Live
Imparting power; having motion; as, the live spindle of a lathe; live steam.
Live
Connected to a voltage source; as, a live wire.
Live
Being transmitted instantaneously, as events occur, in contrast to recorded.
Live
Still in active play; - of a ball being used in a game; as, a live ball.
Live
Pertaining to an entertainment event which was performed (and possibly recorded) in front of an audience; contrasted to performances recorded in a studio without an audience.
Live
Life.
Live
Make one's home or live in;
She resides officially in Iceland
I live in a 200-year old house
These people inhabited all the islands that are now deserted
The plains are sparsely populated
Live
Lead a certain kind of life; live in a certain style;
We had to live frugally after the war
Live
Continue to live; endure or last;
We went without water and food for 3 days
These superstitions survive in the backwaters of America
The racecar driver lived through several very serious accidents
Live
Support oneself;
He could barely exist on such a low wage
Can you live on $2000 a month in New York City?
Many people in the world have to subsist on $1 a day
Live
Have life, be alive;
Our great leader is no more
My grandfather lived until the end of war
Live
Have firsthand knowledge of states, situations, emotions, or sensations;
I know the feeling!
Have you ever known hunger?
I have lived a kind of hell when I was a drug addict
The holocaust survivors have lived a nightmare
I lived through two divorces
Live
Pursue a positive and satisfying existence;
You must accept yourself and others if you really want to live
Live
Actually being performed at the time of hearing or viewing;
A live television program
Brought to you live from Lincoln Center
Live entertainment involves performers actually in the physical presence of a live audience
Live
Showing characteristics of life; exerting force or containing energy;
Live coals
Tossed a live cigarette out the window
Got a shock from a live wire
Live ore is unmined ore
A live bomb
A live ball is one in play
Live
Highly reverberant;
A live concert hall
Live
Charged with an explosive;
Live ammunition
A live bomb
Live
Rebounds readily;
Clean bouncy hair
A lively tennis ball
As resiliant as seasoned hickory
Springy turf
Live
Abounding with life and energy;
The club members are a really live bunch
Live
In current use or ready for use;
Live copy is ready to be set in type or already set but not yet proofread
Live
Of current relevance;
A live issue
Still a live option
Live
Charged or energized with electricity;
A hot wire
A live wire
Live
Having life;
A live canary
Hit a live nerve
Famous living painters
Living tissue
Live
Capable of erupting;
A live volcano
The volcano is very much alive
Live
Not recorded;
The opera was broadcast live
Common Curiosities
What does it mean to live fully?
Living fully means to experience life to its fullest, embracing opportunities, growth, and happiness.
How does "live" differ when used as an adjective?
When used as an adjective, "live" describes something happening now or in person, emphasizing immediacy or direct experience (e.g., live performance).
What does "live" mean in technology?
In technology, "live" refers to operations, broadcasts, or events happening and being transmitted in real-time, without delays or pre-recordings.
What is a common phrase using "leave"?
A common phrase is "leave no stone unturned," meaning to do everything possible to find something or to solve a problem.
Can "leave" be used in a positive context?
Yes, "leave" can be positive, such as in leaving a bad situation for a better one or leaving a positive legacy.
Is "live" only related to location?
No, "live" also relates to the manner in which one conducts their life and the act of experiencing life's events.
What does "leave behind" imply?
"Leave behind" suggests leaving something or someone in a place while moving on, which can be literal or metaphorical.
Can "leave" imply permanence?
Yes, "leave" can imply permanence, especially in contexts like leaving a legacy or leaving for good.
How is "live" used to describe media?
"Live" media is broadcast or streamed to audiences in real-time, allowing viewers to experience events as they happen.
How does "leave" interact with responsibilities?
"Leave" can imply abandoning or delegating responsibilities, but it can also mean taking a break (e.g., maternity leave).
What is the difference between living and existing?
Living implies an active, engaged experience of life, whereas existing might imply merely being alive without full engagement.
Can "leave" be involuntary?
Yes, one can be made to leave a place or situation against their will, such as being laid off from a job.
How do "leave" and "live" reflect attitudes towards life?
"Leave" can reflect decisions and changes, often involving departures, while "live" embodies the approach, experience, and quality of life.
Why is it important to live in the present?
Living in the present is important for appreciating life's moments, reducing worries about the past or future, and fostering mindfulness.
Can "leave" refer to physical objects?
Yes, "leave" can refer to physically leaving something somewhere, such as leaving keys on a table.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
