Top 100 commonly used verbs that start with L

Language is the cornerstone of effective communication, and verbs are the dynamic engines driving our sentences. 

Understanding and utilizing a diverse vocabulary enhances our ability to convey thoughts, emotions, and actions with precision and clarity. 

“Top 100 Commonly Used Verbs That Start With L” offers a comprehensive guide to some of the most versatile and essential verbs in the English language.

 These verbs not only enrich everyday conversations but also improve writing, allowing for more nuanced and engaging expressions.

This compilation is particularly helpful for anyone looking to expand their vocabulary, whether you’re a student striving for academic excellence, a writer seeking to diversify your prose, or simply someone who loves the intricacies of language. 

By exploring these verbs, you can gain a deeper understanding of how to articulate actions and emotions effectively, making your communication more impactful and lively. 

Each verb is accompanied by definitions, examples, and detailed explanations to provide context and ensure proper usage. 

This structured approach will help you internalize these verbs and incorporate them seamlessly into your linguistic repertoire, enhancing both your spoken and written communication skills.

Ready to dive into the world of action-packed words starting with L? Let’s get started!

 

1.Leap

1. 1. • Definition: To jump high or a long way.
      • Example: The athlete leaped over the hurdle effortlessly.
      • Details: Leaping involves a sudden and energetic movement, often with the aim of covering a considerable distance vertically or horizontally.

2.Lunge 

1. 1. • Definition: To move forward suddenly and forcefully, especially to attack or reach something.
      • Example: The fencer lunged at his opponent with precision. 
      • Details: Lunging is a dynamic movement used in various sports and combat activities, involving a sudden extension of the body to gain advantage or reach a target.  

3.Lurch 

1. 1. • Definition: To make a sudden movement forward or sideways.
      • Example: The boat lurched as it hit a large wave.
      • Details: Lurching often describes an abrupt and unsteady movement, typically caused by external forces or instability.

4.Lift

1. 1. • Definition: To raise to a higher position or level.
      • Example: She lifted the heavy box with ease.
      • Details: Lifting involves exerting force to elevate or move something upwards, commonly applied to physical objects or weights. 

5.Land

1. • Definition: To bring an aircraft or spacecraft to the ground.
   • Example: The plane landed smoothly at the airport. ✈️ 
   • Details: Landing refers to the safe touchdown of vehicles like aircraft or spacecraft onto a surface, often after flight.

 

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6.Listen

1. 1. • Definition: To give attention with the ear; to pay attention and hear.
      • Example: He listened carefully to her explanation.
      • Details: Listening involves actively receiving and processing auditory information, crucial for effective communication and understanding.

7.Learn

1. 1. • Definition: To acquire knowledge or skill through study, experience, or being taught. ️ 
      • Example: She learned French during her time abroad.
      • Details: Learning is the process of gaining knowledge, abilities, or insights, often through education, practice, or observation.

8.Laugh

1. 1. • Definition: To express amusement or joy vocally, typically with characteristic facial and bodily movements.
      • Example: The audience laughed at the comedian’s jokes.
      • Details: Laughing is a natural response to humor or happiness, involving vocalization and often accompanying physical gestures.  

9.Lament

1. 1. • Definition: To express sorrow, mourning, or regret.
      • Example: The people lamented the loss of their leader.
      • Details: Lamenting involves vocalizing grief or disappointment, often in a mournful or plaintive manner.

10.Love

1. • Definition: To feel deep affection or romantic attachment for someone.
   • Example: They loved each other deeply.
   • Details: Loving describes an emotional state characterized by strong affection, care, and attachment towards another person. ‍♂️ 

11.Long

1. 1. • Definition: To have a strong desire for something.
      • Example: He longed for his family during his travels.
      • Details: Longing expresses a deep and persistent yearning or craving, often for something or someone absent or unattainable. 

12.Languish

1. 1. • Definition: To become weak or feeble; to suffer from being forced to remain in an unpleasant place or situation.
      • Example: He languished in prison for years before being exonerated.
      • Details: Languishing describes a state of physical or emotional weakness, often prolonged and accompanied by a sense of helplessness or despair.

13.Loathe

1. 1. • Definition: To feel intense dislike or disgust for someone or something.
      • Example: She loathed the idea of public speaking. ️ 
      • Details: Loathing conveys a strong aversion or repugnance towards a person, activity, or idea.

14.Live

1. • Definition: To be alive; to exist.
   • Example: They lived in a small village by the sea.  
   • Details: Living describes the state of being alive and actively participating in life’s activities. 

15.Launch

1. 1. • Definition: To start or set in motion.
      • Example: They launched a new advertising campaign.
      • Details: Launching involves initiating or beginning something, such as a project, product, or event.

 

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16.Lower

1. 1. • Definition: To move or let something descend.
      • Example: She lowered the blinds to block out the sunlight.
      • Details: Lowering involves bringing something down or reducing its height or position.

17.Lean

1. 1. • Definition: To incline or bend from a vertical position.
      • Example: He leaned against the wall while waiting. 
      • Details: Leaning involves tilting or resting one’s weight on a support surface or object.

18.Lose

1. • Definition: To be deprived of or cease to have something.
   • Example: They lost their way in the dense forest.  
   • Details: Losing indicates a failure to retain possession or maintain a particular state.

19.Look

1. 1. • Definition: To direct one’s gaze in a particular direction.
      • Example: She looked out of the window to see the sunset.  
      • Details: Looking involves visually examining or observing something or someone.

20.Label

1. 1. • Definition: To attach a label to something to provide information or identification.
      • Example: He labeled each box with its contents.
      • Details: Labeling is the act of affixing a tag or marker to categorize or describe an item or concept.

21.Link

1. 1. • Definition: To connect or join together.
      • Example: The findings of the study linked smoking to increased health risks.
      • Details: Linking involves establishing a connection or relationship between two or more things.

22.List

1. 1. • Definition: To make a list of items or people.
      • Example: She listed all the tasks that needed to be completed by the end of the week.
      • Details: Listing involves compiling information or items in a systematic or ordered manner.

23.Like

1. 1. • Definition: To find agreeable, enjoyable, or satisfactory. 
      • Example: She likes to spend her weekends hiking in the mountains. ️ 
      • Details: Liking describes a positive attitude or preference towards something or someone.

24.Lecture

1. 1. • Definition: To give a formal talk or presentation to a group of people.
      • Example: The professor lectured on the history of ancient civilizations.
      • Details: Lecturing involves delivering information or instructions in a structured and educational manner.

25.Lead

1. 1. • Definition: To guide or direct a group of people.
      • Example: She led the team to victory in the championship.
      • Details: Leading involves taking charge or responsibility for others, often in a leadership or influential role.

 

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26.Linger

1. 1. • Definition: To stay in a place longer than necessary or expected.
      • Example: The aroma of freshly baked bread lingered in the kitchen.
      • Details: Lingering involves remaining in a location or continuing an activity for an extended period. 

27.Lurk

1. 1. • Definition: To wait or move in a secretive or stealthy manner, often with sinister intent.
      • Example: The cat lurked in the shadows, waiting to pounce on its prey. 
      • Details: Lurking implies hiding or remaining unnoticed while observing or preparing to act.

28.Litter

1. 1. • Definition: To scatter objects or trash untidily over an area.
      • Example: Please don’t litter in the park; use the trash bins provided. 
      • Details: Littering involves disposing of waste or items improperly, leading to environmental pollution.

29.Log

1. 1. • Definition: To record information systematically in a book or database.
      • Example: He logged the daily activities of the research team.
      • Details: Logging is the act of maintaining a chronological record of events, data, or activities.

30.Leaf

1. 1. • Definition: To turn the pages of a book, magazine, or document.  
      • Example: She leafed through the pages of the novel to find her favorite passage.
      • Details: Leafing involves flipping or turning over individual pages or sheets, often in search of specific information or enjoyment.

31.Loiter

1. 1. • Definition: To stand or wait around without any apparent purpose.
      • Example: The security guard asked the teenagers not to loiter in front of the store.  
      • Details: Loitering refers to lingering or remaining in a place aimlessly or idly, often with no particular intention.

32.Lure

1. 1. • Definition: To attract or entice someone or something.
      • Example: The store lured customers with a big sale.
      • Details: Luring involves using incentives or appeals to attract attention or provoke interest.

33.Lend

1. 1. • Definition: To give someone the use of something on the understanding that it will be returned.
      • Example: She lent her friend her favorite book.  
      • Details: Lending involves temporarily providing someone with an item or resource, typically under an agreement of return or reciprocity.

34.Locate

1. 1. • Definition: To find the position or place of something or someone.
      • Example: They located the missing keys under the couch. ️ 
      • Details: Locating involves identifying or discovering the exact position or whereabouts of an object or person.

35.Labor

• Definition: To work hard.
• Example: The farmers labored in the fields from dawn till dusk.
• Details: Laboring involves significant physical or mental effort, often to achieve a specific goal or produce tangible results.

36.Lapse

• Definition: To fall or slip.
• Example: The contract lapsed due to non-renewal.
• Details: Lapsing refers to a gradual decline or coming to an end, often due to neglect or inaction.

37.Leverage

• Definition: To use something to maximum advantage.
• Example: She leveraged her connections to secure the deal.
• Details: Leveraging involves utilizing resources, skills, or relationships to achieve a strategic benefit or improve a situation.

38.Lace

• Definition: To fasten or adorn with a lace. 
• Example: He laced up his boots before the hike. 
• Details: Lacing involves threading a lace through holes to tie or decorate an item, such as shoes or clothing.  

39.Latch

• Definition: To fasten or secure.
• Example: She latched the gate to keep it closed.
• Details: Latching typically involves a mechanism to hold something in place securely, often used for doors or gates.

40.Lade

• Definition: To load heavily.
• Example: They laded the ship with supplies.
• Details: Lading involves placing a substantial amount of cargo or weight onto a vehicle, vessel, or structure.

 

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41.Laminate

• Definition: To overlay with a protective layer.
• Example: He laminated the document to protect it.
• Details: Laminating involves applying a thin layer of plastic or other material to preserve and protect the item underneath.

42.Lash

• Definition: To strike or beat.
• Example: The storm lashed the coast with heavy rain. ️ 
• Details: Lashing can describe a forceful or rapid striking action, often associated with severe weather or physical punishment.

43.Lavish

• Definition: To give generously.
• Example: She lavished her dog with attention.
• Details: Lavishing implies providing abundantly or excessively, often to show care, affection, or luxury.

44.Levitate

• Definition: To rise or float in the air.
• Example: The magician made the assistant levitate on stage.
• Details: Levitation involves the act of lifting or suspending something in the air, typically through magical or supernatural means. 

45.Loom

• Definition: To appear in a threatening way.  
• Example: Dark clouds loomed on the horizon.
• Details: Looming describes the appearance of something large, often creating a sense of impending threat or presence.

46.Luxuriate

• Definition: To enjoy oneself extravagantly. 
• Example: They luxuriated in the spa’s hot tub.  
• Details: Luxuriating involves indulging in luxury, comfort, and pleasure, often in a lavish or excessive manner.

47.Lighten

• Definition: To make less heavy or bright.
• Example: The new curtains helped lighten the room.
• Details: Lightening can refer to reducing weight, making a situation less severe, or increasing illumination.

48.Lacerate

• Definition: To tear roughly.
• Example: The barbed wire lacerated his arm.
• Details: Lacerating involves inflicting deep cuts or tears, often resulting in significant pain and injury. 

49.Lambaste

• Definition: To criticize harshly.
• Example: The critics lambasted the new movie.
• Details: Lambasting implies delivering severe criticism, often with the intent of disapproval or reprimand. 

50.Lampoon

• Definition: To mock or ridicule.
• Example: The cartoonist lampooned the politician’s speech.  
• Details: Lampooning involves making fun of someone or something, usually in a humorous but pointed manner.

51.Laze

• Definition: To be idle or lazy.
• Example: They lazed around the pool all day.
• Details: Lazing describes a state of rest or inactivity, typically for relaxation and leisure.

52.Legitimize

• Definition: To make lawful or acceptable.
• Example: The reforms aimed to legitimize the new government.
• Details: Legitimizing involves granting official or public recognition, making something valid or acceptable.

53.Liquidate

• Definition: To convert assets into cash.
• Example: The company liquidated its assets to pay off debts.
• Details: Liquidating refers to selling off properties or assets, often to settle financial obligations.

54.Lumber

• Definition: To move in a slow, heavy way.
• Example: The bear lumbered through the forest.
• Details: Lumbering describes a clumsy or ponderous movement, often due to size or weight.

55.Luminous

• Definition: To give off light.
• Example: The full moon was luminous in the night sky.
• Details: Luminous objects emit or reflect light, making them visible in the dark.

56.Loop

• Definition: To form a curve or circle.
• Example: She looped the ribbon around the gift.
• Details: Looping involves creating a shape that curves or circles back to its starting point.

57.Lout

• Definition: To act in a clumsy, rude manner.
• Example: He louted his way through the crowded room. 
• Details: Louting implies behaving in an awkward or uncouth way, often resulting in disruption.

58.Lobby

• Definition: To seek to influence decision-makers.
• Example: They lobbied the senator to support the bill.  
• Details: Lobbying involves advocating for specific causes or policies to those in power.

59.Limp

• Definition: To walk lamely.
• Example: He limped after twisting his ankle.
• Details: Limping describes an uneven or impaired walking movement, often due to injury or weakness.

60.Lull

• Definition: To soothe or calm.
• Example: The gentle music lulled the baby to sleep.
• Details: Lulling involves creating a peaceful or relaxing atmosphere, often to induce rest or sleep.  

 

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61.Level

• Definition: To flatten or make even.
• Example: They leveled the ground before construction.
• Details: Leveling involves adjusting surfaces to a uniform height or smoothness, often for building or preparation.

62.Lick

• Definition: To pass the tongue over.
• Example: The dog licked his owner’s face.
• Details: Licking is a repetitive movement typically used for cleaning, tasting, or showing affection.

63Leech

• Definition: To drain resources.
• Example: He was known to leech off his friends.
• Details: Leeching metaphorically describes taking advantage of others, usually without providing anything in return.

64.Lubricate

• Definition: To apply a substance to reduce friction.
• Example: He lubricated the door hinges to stop the squeaking.
• Details: Lubricating involves applying oil or grease to ensure smooth operation of moving parts.

65.Lust

• Definition: To have a strong desire.
• Example: She lusted for power and control.
• Details: Lusting indicates an intense craving or passion, often for something considered beyond normal desire.

66.Lump

• Definition: To group together indiscriminately.
• Example: They lumped all the complaints into one category.
• Details: Lumping involves combining items or issues without distinguishing their individual characteristics.

67.Lent

• Definition: To grant temporarily.
• Example: She lent her neighbor some sugar. 
• Details: Lending refers to the temporary provision of an item or resource, with the expectation of return.

68.Likening

• Definition: To compare.
• Example: He likened her voice to that of an angel.  
• Details: Likening involves drawing a comparison between two things, often to highlight similarities.

69.Lingering

• Definition: To remain present.
• Example: The scent of flowers lingered in the air. 
• Details: Lingering describes the prolonged presence or effect of something, often in a subtle or gentle way.

70.Loan

• Definition: To lend something.
• Example: The bank loaned him money for the car.  
• Details: Lending refers to temporarily providing an item or resource, with the expectation of it being returned, often involving an agreement.

71.Leave

• Definition: To depart.
• Example: She decided to leave the party early.
• Details: Leaving involves moving away from a location, situation, or person, often indicating a change or end to one’s presence.

72.Let

• Definition: To allow or permit.
• Example: He let his friend borrow his bike. ️ 
• Details: Letting means granting permission or opportunity for someone to do something, often involving a choice or consent.

73.Litigate

• Definition: To engage in legal proceedings. 
• Example: They decided to litigate the contract dispute.
• Details: Litigating involves the process of taking a case through the court system, aiming for a legal resolution to a dispute or claim.

74.Lodge

• Definition: To provide temporary quarters.
• Example: They lodged at a cozy cabin in the mountains.

 

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75.License

• Definition: To authorize or permit.
• Example: The agency licensed the company to operate.
• Details: Licensing involves granting official permission for an individual or entity to conduct certain activities, ensuring compliance with regulations.

76.Lock

• Definition: To secure or fasten.
• Example: She locked the door before leaving.  
• Details: Locking means using a mechanism to secure an item, space, or container to prevent unauthorized access or use.

77.Localize

• Definition: To restrict to a particular area.
• Example: The infection was localized to one region.
• Details: Localizing involves containing or concentrating something within a specific location, often to control or manage it effectively.

78.Legislate

• Definition: To make or enact laws.
• Example: The government legislated new environmental policies.
• Details: Legislating refers to the process of creating, approving, and implementing laws, often by a governing body or authority.

79.Lag

• Definition: To fall behind.
• Example: He lagged behind the rest of the group.
• Details: Lagging indicates a delay or slower progress compared to others, often due to various constraints or challenges.

80.Levy

• Definition: To impose or collect.
• Example: The city levied a new tax on businesses.
• Details: Levying involves officially demanding payment or contribution, usually in the form of taxes or fines, to support governmental functions.

81.Louse

• Definition: To spoil or ruin.
• Example: The storm loused up their travel plans.  
• Details: Lousing typically means causing problems or disruption, leading to failure or inconvenience.

82.Liaise

• Definition: To establish communication and cooperation.
• Example: She liaised between the departments to streamline the process.
• Details: Liaising involves facilitating effective communication and collaboration between different parties to achieve common goals.

83.Lope

• Definition: To run with long, easy strides.
• Example: The horse loped across the field.
• Details: Loping describes a relaxed, bounding gait, often seen in animals or during leisurely running.

84.Loosen

• Definition: To make less tight.
• Example: He loosened the knot on the rope.
• Details: Loosening involves reducing tension or tightness, allowing more flexibility or movement. 

 

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85.Lap

• Definition: To fold over or encircle.
• Example: She lapped the blanket around her shoulders.
• Details: Lapping describes the action of wrapping or folding something around, typically for warmth or protection.

86.Leaven

• Definition: To cause to rise or expand.
• Example: The yeast leavened the bread dough. 
• Details: Leavening involves introducing a rising agent to dough or batter, resulting in a light, airy texture when baked.

87.Lacquer

• Definition: To apply a protective coating.
• Example: They lacquered the wooden furniture for a glossy finish. 
• Details: Lacquering involves coating surfaces with a protective, shiny layer to preserve and enhance their appearance.

88.Limit

• Definition: To set a boundary or restriction.
• Example: The speed limit on the highway is 70 mph.
• Details: Limiting means establishing a maximum or minimum threshold to control or regulate actions, quantities, or behaviors.

89.Line

• Definition: To mark or cover with lines.
• Example: They lined the fields for the soccer game.
• Details: Lining involves drawing or applying lines for structure, organization, or demarcation purposes.

90.Layer

• Definition: To arrange in levels or tiers.
• Example: She layered the cake with frosting and fruit.
• Details: Layering means placing one material or substance over another in a sequential or structured manner to create depth or separation.

91.Lip-read

• Definition: To understand spoken words by observing lip movements.
• Example: She learned to lip-read to communicate with her deaf parents.
• Details: Lip-reading involves interpreting speech by carefully watching the movements of a person’s lips, often used by those with hearing impairments.

92.Lengthen

• Definition: To make longer.
• Example: They decided to lengthen their stay by a few day.
• Details: Lengthening means extending the duration, size, or scope of something to accommodate more time, space, or detail.

93.Leap

• Definition: To jump or spring a long way.
• Example: The frog leaped from one lily pad to another.
• Details: Leaping involves a powerful, dynamic movement often used to overcome obstacles or cover significant distances.

94.Loll

• Definition: To sit, lie, or stand in a relaxed or lazy way.
• Example: He lolled on the sofa after a long day at work.  
• Details: Lolling involves assuming a comfortable, often lazy posture, indicating relaxation and leisure. It suggests a state of ease and a lack of urgency or effort.

95.Luminate

• Definition: To light up or illuminate.
• Example: The lanterns luminate the garden beautifully at night.
• Details: Luminating involves providing light or making something visible through illumination, creating a bright and glowing appearance.

96.Liberate

• Definition: To set free from oppression or confinement.
• Example: The activists worked to liberate the captives from the oppressive regime.
• Details: Liberating refers to the act of freeing individuals or groups from restrictions, control, or bondage, often implying a significant positive change or release.

97.Line-up

• Definition: To arrange in a row or organize.
• Example: The manager asked the team to line-up for a group photo.
• Details: Lining-up involves organizing people or objects in a specific order or sequence, often for a systematic or ceremonial purpose.

98.Lax

• Definition: To be negligent or careless.
• Example: The security at the event was lax, leading to several breaches.
• Details: Laxness describes a lack of strictness or diligence, often resulting in insufficient control or oversight.

99.Lame

• Definition: To make weak or ineffective.
• Example: The injury lamed the horse, preventing it from racing.  
• Details: Laming involves causing physical or functional impairment, reducing strength or efficiency, and often resulting in disability or limitation.

100.Lit

• Definition: To ignite or illuminate.
• Example: They lit the candles for the birthday celebration.
• Details: Lighting involves setting something on fire or turning on a light source, creating illumination or initiating combustion.

 

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Conclusion

In conclusion, this list of 100 verbs starting with ‘L’ spans various categories, from physical actions and emotional states to intellectual pursuits and social interactions.

Verbs are powerful tools in language, enabling us to describe actions, emotions, and experiences vividly.

Whether it’s launching a new project, laughing with friends, or listening attentively, these verbs capture a wide range of human activities and behaviors.

Understanding these verbs not only enriches our vocabulary but also enhances our ability to communicate effectively and express ourselves more precisely.

Each verb carries its own nuances and connotations, shaping the way we perceive and interpret the world around us.

As language continues to evolve, these verbs remain essential building blocks in everyday communication and storytelling.