left

In the direction opposite to right.

• Follow the left arrow.
• Take the left fork after the bridge.
• The left lane leads to the airport.

Opposites: right

Common phrases: left arrow, left fork, left lane

Still available or present after others have gone or been used.

• There is no milk left.
• We had ten minutes left.
• How much money have you got left?

How to use it: have something left (We have two tickets left.); be left (Only one seat is left.)

Similar words: remaining, leftover

Common phrases: money left, time left, nothing left

On the side of your body where your heart usually is.

• Raise your left hand.
• She hurt her left knee.
• My left eye is stronger than my right eye.

Similar words: sinister, sinistral, port

Opposites: right

Common phrases: left hand, left foot, left eye

Turning in the opposite direction to the hands of a clock.

• Make a left turn here.
• The road has a sharp left bend.
• A gentle left curve takes you past the lake.

Similar words: counterclockwise, anticlockwise

Opposites: right

Common phrases: left turn, left bend, left curve

Towards the side opposite to right.

• Turn left here.
• She looked left before crossing.
• Move left to avoid the hole.

Similar words: leftward

Opposites: right

Common phrases: turn left, look left, move left

Towards political ideas that support greater equality and a stronger role for government.

• Her views lean left.
• The party moved left after the election.
• Younger voters often lean left on social issues.

Similar words: leftward

Opposites: right

Common phrases: lean left, shift left, move left

The side or direction opposite to right.

• The door is on the left.
• The shop was on my left.
• The picture hangs to the left of the window.

How to use it: on someone’s left (The school is on your left.); to the left of something (The cupboard is to the left of the sink.)

Similar words: left side

Opposites: right

Common phrases: on the left, to the left, your left

A change of direction towards the side opposite to right.

• Take a left here.
• We made two lefts and reached the station.
• Is the next left our street?

Similar words: left turn

Opposites: right

Common phrases: take a left, make a left, next left