Standard Lemma guide
Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.
Sound
Each Play button uses your device's default local English voice, or a natural local fallback. The selected voice name appears after playback. This is synthesized speech, not a source recording.
name
A locality in the Shire of Yarriambiack, north western Victoria, Australia.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
noun
Alternative spelling of la.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: alt-of, alternative
Topics: entertainment, lifestyle, music
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
noun
Initialism of lithium aluminium hydride.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: abbreviation, alt-of, initialism
Topics: chemistry, inorganic-chemistry, natural-sciences, physical-sciences
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
noun
Initialism of licentiate of the Apothecaries' Hall
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: abbreviation, alt-of, initialism
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
particle
Placed at the end of a sentence to accentuate the mood or attitude of the speaker.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
particle
Placed at the end of a sentence to convey reassurance or express solidarity.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
particle
Indicates an attempt at expressing sympathy, conveying informality or sincerity, or establishing a rapport with the listener.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
particle
Placed at the end of an assertive statement to express denial or dismissiveness.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
particle
Used after an assertive statement to reinforce its authoritativeness, or to show that the speaker is confident with what they are saying.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
particle
Asserts that something is clear, obvious or straightforward.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Synonyms: lor
Antonyms: none provided
particle
Used to tone down an imperative sentence, so it sounds more like a request or suggestion.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
particle
Indicates strong persuasion at the end of an imperative sentence.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
particle
Indicates a retrospective remark or a reassessment of one’s opinion.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
particle
Reinforces a suggestion with the implication that it is the more practical option.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
particle
Indicates confirmation-seeking at the end of an inferential statement.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
particle
Used to express realisation, or vexation when something is already obvious.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
particle
Reinforces the factuality of an assertive statement made to correct an inaccurate, underlying assumption.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: uncommon
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
particle
Used to convey a slight sense of dissatisfaction or irritation.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: uncommon
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
particle
Used for enumeration (when listing examples).
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: uncommon
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
particle
An assertive separator, used to reverse the order of the usual topic–comment structure of a sentence.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: Malaysia, uncommon
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
particle
Used sarcastically.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: uncommon
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
noun
the syllable naming the sixth (submediant) note of a major or minor scale in solmization
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: la
Antonyms: none provided
Broader terms: solfa syllable
History
An anglicised spelling of la.
From Malay lah, Hokkien 啦 (--la) and Cantonese 啦 (laa1). Doublet of la in colloquial Hong Kong English. Lim (2007) lists multiple sources: * Bazaar Malay, for its use as a particle of emphasis (akin to Malay lah), and the senses expressing commands, invitations and "solidarity, familiarity [and] informality". * Hokkien 啦 (--la), which indicates finality, completion and confirmation-seeking, as well as "emphasis, persuasiveness, dismissiveness [and] listing". * Cantonese 啦 (laa1), expressing a "general lack of definiteness or forcefulness", and for its role in softening commands.
