The word “leap” is both a verb and a noun, and it primarily refers to a sudden, energetic jump or spring, often involving a significant distance or height. It can also be used figuratively to indicate a significant change, progress, or sudden action. The verb “leap” suggests an action that is typically swift, and it can describe both physical movements and metaphorical advances, such as in making decisions or achieving progress.
Example Sentences
- The cat leaped onto the counter to get the food.
- He leaped over the fence to escape from the dog.
- She leaped into the conversation, eager to share her idea.
- The athlete leaped across the finish line with a burst of energy.
- The children leaped with joy when they saw the presents.
- The company made a huge leap forward with the new product launch.
- The frog leaped from one lily pad to the next.
- His career took a leap when he was promoted to manager.
- She took a leap of faith when she decided to move to another country.
- With one great leap, the tiger crossed the river.
Synonyms
As a verb:
- Jump
- Bound
- Spring
- Vault
- Bounce
- Pounce
- Hop
- Skip
- Surge
- Hurdle
As a noun (physical action):
- Jump
- Bound
- Vault
- Hop
- Bounce
As a noun (figurative meaning):
- Advance
- Progress
- Breakthrough
- Step forward
- Development
- Transition
- Surge
Antonyms
For the verb (physical movement):
- Fall
- Descend
- Drop
- Sink
- Stumble
- Land
- Stay
For the noun (figurative meaning):
- Setback
- Regression
- Decline
- Stagnation
- Plateau
Related Words
- Jumping
- Bouncing
- Hopping
- Vaulting
- Bounding
- Soaring
- Elevation
- Propel
- Surge
- Advancing
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Leap over: To jump across something, often with force or agility.
- Leap at: To eagerly take advantage of an opportunity.
- Leap into: To suddenly engage in something, often without hesitation.
- Leap forward: To make significant progress or advancement.
- Leap to: To assume or act quickly, sometimes without thinking thoroughly (e.g., leap to conclusions).
Idiomatic Expressions
- Leap of faith: To take a risk or make a decision without knowing the outcome, often with a positive expectation.
- Take the leap: To make a significant change or take a bold action.
- Leap at the chance: To eagerly take an opportunity.
- Leap ahead: To progress significantly faster than others.
- Leap to conclusions: To make an assumption or judgment quickly, often without enough information.
- Leap into action: To begin acting swiftly and decisively, especially in urgent situations.
The word “leap” embodies both literal and figurative meanings, ranging from a physical jump to a rapid and substantial advancement. It is commonly used in contexts where there is quick movement or progress, whether that be a literal leap in space or a metaphorical leap in one’s career, decisions, or achievements. With its wide range of synonyms, antonyms, and related expressions, “leap” is a versatile word that conveys action, momentum, and change.
