Understanding the Difference Between Leach and Leech

Leach vs Leech

Today, we will learn about two words: leach and leech.

History

The word leach comes from an old English word “leccan,” which means to wet or moisten. The word leech has a different story. It comes from an old English word “laece,” which means a doctor or healer. This is because leeches were used in medicine long ago.

How to Use Them

Leach is a verb. It means to remove something from soil or rocks by water. For example, rain can leach minerals from the soil.
Leech is a noun. It means a type of worm that sucks blood. Sometimes, people also use this word to describe someone who takes a lot from others and gives nothing back.

Trick to Remember the Difference

Here is a simple trick to help you remember the difference: Leach has “ea” like the word “bleach,” which also removes things. Leech has “ee” like “feet,” and leeches stick to feet in water.

Example Sentences

Leach

• The rain will leach the salt from the soil.
• Farmers worry that too much water will leach nutrients away from the ground.
• The chemicals can leach into the water supply.
• It is important to see how the water will leach through the layers of soil.
• We need to test if the fertilizer will leach into the groundwater.

Leech

• The leech attached to my leg in the lake.
• Doctors once used a leech to draw blood from patients.
• I saw a big, black leech in the swampy area.
• He is like a leech, always borrowing money and never paying it back.
• The leech fell off once it was full.

Summary

The words leach and leech sound the same but have different meanings. Leach means to remove with water, and leech is a blood-sucking worm or a person who takes too much. Remember, “leach” is like bleach and removes things, “leech” sticks like feet in water.