# left

/ˈɫɛft/ (US) · /lˈɛft/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/left
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. the side or direction

noun · CEFR A1

the side of your body that is toward the west when you face north.

For teachers: the side or direction that is the opposite of right; the side on which the heart is typically located.

- In the UK, people drive on the left side of the road.
- The museum entrance is located on the left, just past the main fountain in the courtyard.

### 2. political group

noun · CEFR B2

people or political parties that support social equality and change.

For teachers: the collective group of political parties and individuals who hold liberal, socialist, or progressive views.

- The political left gained more support during the recent election.
- The candidate's policies were designed to appeal to the traditional left while maintaining a moderate stance on trade.

### 3. located on the left

adjective · CEFR A1

on or towards the side of your body that is not the right.

For teachers: pertaining to or located on the side of the body which is toward the west when facing north.

- She has a small scar on her left hand from a childhood accident.
- The left wing of the building was added in the nineteenth century to accommodate the growing library collection.

### 4. towards the left

adverb · CEFR A1

towards the left side.

For teachers: in the direction of the left side.

- Turn left at the next traffic light to find the car park.
- The pilot banked left to avoid the storm clouds gathering over the valley.

## Examples

- The bank is on the left just past the park.
- When you reach the main intersection, take the first turning on the left to find the station.
- The candidate's platform appealed primarily to the left, focusing on expanded social welfare programs and stricter environmental regulations to combat climate change.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.