leave out
Short definition: The phrase leave out means to exclude someone or something intentionally or accidentally, failing to include it in a list, plan, or discussion, which may cause misunderstanding or hurt feelings.
Looking for a clear and natural explanation of the phrasal verb leave out? This is a very common expression in English and it usually refers to not including something or someone. People use it in many situations, such as writing, cooking, planning activities, or describing social situations where someone feels excluded. Sometimes the action is intentional, but other times something is simply forgotten or accidentally omitted. Because of this, the tone of leave out can range from neutral to slightly negative depending on the context. Below are detailed meanings with realistic examples so you can clearly understand how leave out works in everyday English.
Forms: leave out, leaves out, left out, leaving out
Related: omit v., exclude v., ignore v., skip v.
Syllable: leave-out
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(Verb) To not include something or someone.
To leave out most commonly means not including something or someone when making a list, plan, story, or activity, either intentionally or by accident.
Don’t leave out any important details in the report.She felt hurt when her name was left out of the invitation list.Make sure you don’t leave out the final step in the instructions.Synonyms: omit, exclude, skip, overlook, disregard, ignore, leave aside, bypass, neglect to include, miss out, pass over, drop from list
Antonyms: include, add, insert, incorporate, involve, mention, acknowledge, bring in, cover fully, consider, account for, include completely -
(Verb) To make someone feel excluded or not part of a group.
In social situations, leave out can describe making someone feel excluded from a group activity, conversation, or experience.
The new student felt left out when the others talked about shared memories.They tried not to leave anyone out during the group discussion.It’s important to make sure no one feels left out during team activities.Synonyms: exclude socially, ignore, isolate, overlook socially, shut out, push aside, reject from group, leave behind, alienate, separate, sideline, ignore presence
Antonyms: include, welcome, invite, involve, embrace, accept, integrate, bring in, welcome participation, include socially, acknowledge presence, unite -
(Verb) To remove or avoid using something, especially in food or instructions.
Leave out can also mean intentionally not using or adding something, especially an ingredient or part of a process.
You can leave out the sugar if you want the recipe to be healthier.He decided to leave out that section of the speech.The chef left out the garlic because one guest was allergic.Synonyms: remove, exclude intentionally, omit ingredient, skip step, eliminate, cut out, drop, avoid adding, bypass step, take away, leave aside, discard part
Antonyms: add, include, mix in, insert, incorporate, keep in, combine, place inside, attach, retain, blend, put in