Trends oflead
View usage for:
lead being ahead or taking someone somewhere
(liːd)
Word forms: plural, 3rd person singular presenttense leads, present participle leading, past tense, past participle led
1. verb
If you lead a group of people, you walk or ride in front of them.
John Major and the Duke of Edinburgh led the mourners. [VERB noun]
He walks with a stick but still leads his soldiers into battle. [VERB noun preposition/adverb]
Tom was leading, a rifle slung over his back. [VERB]
Synonyms: go in front (of), head, be in front, be at the head (of) More Synonyms of lead
2. verb
If you lead someone to a particular place or thing, you take them there.
He took Dickon by the hand to lead him into the house. [VERB noun preposition/adverb]
She confessed to the killing and led police to his remains. [VERB noun preposition/adverb]
Leading the horse, Evandar walked to the door. [VERB noun]
Synonyms: guide, conduct, steer, escort More Synonyms of lead
3. verb
If a road, gate, or door leads somewhere, you can get there by following the road or going through the gate or door.
...the doors that led to the yard. [VERB preposition/adverb]
...a short roadway leading to the car park. [VERB preposition/adverb]
Hundreds of people are said to have blocked a main highway leading north. [VERB preposition/adverb]
Synonyms: connect to, link, open onto More Synonyms of lead
4. verb
If you are leading at a particular point in a race or competition, you are winning at that point.
He's leading in the presidential race. [VERB]
So far he leads by five wins to two. [VERB + by]
Aston Villa last led the League in March 1990. [VERB noun]
Synonyms: be ahead (of), be first, exceed, be winning More Synonyms of lead
5. singular noun [oft in/into the N]
If you have the lead or are in the lead in a race or competition, you are winning.
England took the lead after 31 minutes.
Labour are still in the lead in the opinion polls.
Synonyms: first place, winning position, primary position, vanguard More Synonyms of lead
6. singular noun
Someone's lead over a competitor at a particular point in a race or competition is the distance, amount of time, ornumber of points by which they are ahead of them.
...a commanding lead for the opposition is clearly emerging throughout the country. [+ for]
His goal gave Forest a two-goal lead against Southampton.
Sainz now has a lead of 28 points.
[Also + over]Synonyms: advantage, start, advance, edge More Synonyms of lead
7. verb
If one company or country leads others in a particular activity such as scientific research or business, it is moresuccessful or advanced than they are in that activity.
When it comes to pop music we not only lead Europe, we lead the world. [VERB noun]
...foodstores such as Marks & Spencer, which led the market in microwaveable meals. [VERB noun + in]
8. verb
If you lead a group of people, an organization, or an activity, you are in control or in chargeof the people or the activity.
He led the country between 1949 and 1984. [VERB noun]
Mr Mendes was leading a campaign to save Brazil's rainforest from exploitation. [VERB noun]
Synonyms: command, rule, govern, preside over More Synonyms of lead
9. countable noun
If you give a lead, you do something new or develop new ideas or methods that other people considerto be a good example or model to follow.
...the need for the president to give a moral lead.
The American and Japanese navies took the lead in the development of naval aviation. [+ in]
Over the next 150 years, many others followed his lead.
Synonyms: example, direction, leadership, guidance More Synonyms of lead
10. verb
You can use lead when you are saying what kind of life someone has. For example, if you lead a busy life, your life is busy.
She led a normal, happy life with her sister and brother. [VERB noun]
Most of the women in here are not people who have led a life of crime. [VERB noun]
Synonyms: live, have, spend, experience More Synonyms of lead
11. verb
If something leads to a situation or event, usually an unpleasant one, it begins a process which causesthat situation or event to happen.
Ethnic tensions among the republics could lead to civil war. [VERB + to]
He warned yesterday that a pay rise for teachers would lead to job cuts. [VERB + to]
Synonyms: result in, cause, produce, contribute More Synonyms of lead
12. verb
If something leads you to do something, it influences or affects you in such a way that you do it.
His abhorrence of racism led him to write The Algiers Motel Incident. [VERB noun to-infinitive]
What was it ultimately that led you to leave Sarajevo for Zagreb? [VERB noun to-infinitive]
13. verb
If you say that someone or something led you to think something, you mean that they caused you to think it, although it was not trueor did not happen.
Mother had led me to believe the new baby was a kind of present for me. [VERB noun to-infinitive]
It was not as straightforward as we were led to believe. [be VERB-ed to-infinitive]
Synonyms: cause, prompt, persuade, move More Synonyms of lead
14. verb
If you lead a conversation or discussion, you control the way that it develops so that you can introduce a particular subject.
After a while I led the conversation around to her job. [VERB noun adverb/preposition]
He planned to lead the conversation and keep Matt from changing the subject. [VERB noun]
15. verb
You can say that one point or topic in a discussion or piece of writing leads you to another in order to introduce a new point or topic that is linked with the previous one.
Well, I think that leads me to the real point. [VERB noun + to]
16. countable noun
A lead is a piece of information or an idea which may help people to discover the factsin a situation where many facts are not known, for example in the investigation of a crime or in a scientific experiment.
The inquiry team is also following up possible leads after receiving 400 calls fromthe public.
Synonyms: clue, tip, suggestion, trace More Synonyms of lead
17. countable noun
The lead in a play, film, or show is the most important part in it. The person who plays thispart can also be called the lead.
Performers from the Bolshoi Ballet dance the leads.
Both the leads in the play are impressive.
Synonyms: leading role, principal, protagonist, title role More Synonyms of lead
18. countable noun
A dog's lead is a long, thin chain or piece of leather which you attach to the dog's collar so that you can control the dog.
[mainly British] An older man came out with a little dog on a lead.
regional note: in AM, use leashSynonyms: leash, line, cord, rein More Synonyms of lead
19. countable noun
A lead in a piece of equipment is a piece of wire covered in plastic which supplies electricity to the equipment or carries it from one part of the equipment to another.
20. singular noun [oft NOUN noun]
The lead story or lead in a newspaper or on the television or radio news is the most important story.
The economic situation makes the lead in tomorrow's Guardian. [+ in]
Cossiga's reaction is the lead story in the Italian press.
21. See also leading, -led
22. to lead someone astray
23. one thing led to another
24. to lead the way
Phrasal verbs:
See lead off
See lead on
See lead on to
See lead up to
More Synonyms of lead
lead substances
(led)
Word forms: plural leads
1. uncountable noun
Lead is a soft, grey, heavy metal.
...drinking water supplied by old-fashioned lead pipes.
2. uncountable noun
Lead is sometimes used to refer to bullets.
[informal]3. countable noun
The lead in a pencil is the centre part of it which makes a mark on paper.
lead in British English 1
(liːd)
verbWord forms: leads, leading or led (lɛd)
1.
to show the way to (an individual or a group) by going with or ahead
lead the party into the garden
2.
to guide or be guided by holding, pulling, etc
he led the horse by its reins
3. (transitive)
to cause to act, feel, think, or behave in a certain way; induce; influence
he led me to believe that he would go
4. (transitive)
to phrase a question to (a witness) that tends to suggest the desired answer
5. (when intr, foll by to)
(of a road, route, etc) to serve as the means of reaching a place
6. (transitive)
to go ahead so as to indicate (esp in the phrase lead the way)
7.
to guide, control, or direct
to lead an army
8. (transitive)
to direct the course of or conduct (water, a rope or wire, etc) along or as if alonga channel
9.
to initiate the action of (something); have the principal part in (something)
to lead a discussion
10.
to go at the head of or have the top position in (something)
he leads his class in geography
11. (intransitive; foll by with)
to have as the first or principal item
the newspaper led with the royal birth
12. music
a. British
to play first violin in (an orchestra)
b. (intransitive)
(of an instrument or voice) to be assigned an important entry in a piece of music
13.
to direct and guide (one's partner) in a dance
14. (transitive)
a.
to pass or spend
I lead a miserable life
b.
to cause to pass a life of a particular kind
to lead a person a dog's life
15. (intransitive; foll by to)
to tend (to) or result (in)
this will only lead to misery
16.
to initiate a round of cards by putting down (the first card) or to have the right to do this
she led a diamond
17. (transitive)
to aim at a point in front of (a moving target) in shooting, etc, in order to allowfor the time of flight
18. (intransitive) boxing
to make an offensive blow, esp as one's habitual attacking punch
southpaws lead with their right
19. lead astray
20. lead by the nose
noun
21.
a.
the first, foremost, or most prominent place
b.
(as modifier)
lead singer
22.
example, precedence, or leadership
the class followed the teacher's lead
23.
an advance or advantage held over others
the runner had a lead of twenty yards
24.
anything that guides or directs; indication; clue
25. another name for leash
26.
the act or prerogative of playing the first card in a round of cards or the card so played
27.
the principal role in a play, film, etc, or the person playing such a role
28.
a.
the principal news story in a newspaper
the scandal was the lead in the papers
b.
the opening paragraph of a news story
c.
(as modifier)
lead story
29. music
an important entry assigned to one part usually at the beginning of a movement orsection
30.
a wire, cable, or other conductor for making an electrical connection
31. boxing
a.
one's habitual attacking punch
b.
a blow made with this
32. nautical
the direction in which a rope runs
33.
a deposit of metal or ore; lode
34.
the firing of a gun, missile, etc, ahead of a moving target to correct for the time of flight of the projectile
Word origin
Old English lǣdan; related to līthan to travel, Old High German līdan to golead in British English 2
(lɛd)
noun
1.
a heavy toxic bluish-white metallic element that is highly malleable: occurs principally as galena and used in alloys, accumulators, cable sheaths, paints, and as a radiation shield. Symbol: Pb; atomic no: 82; atomic wt: 207.2; valency: 2 or 4; relative density: 11.35; melting pt: 327.502°C; boiling pt: 1750°C
▶ Related adjectives: plumbic, plumbeous, plumbous 2.
a lead weight suspended on a line used to take soundings of the depth of water
3. swing the lead
4.
lead weights or shot, as used in cartridges, fishing lines, etc
5.
a thin grooved strip of lead for holding small panes of glass or pieces of stained glass
6. (plural)
a.
thin sheets or strips of lead used as a roof covering
b.
a flat or low-pitched roof covered with such sheets
7. printing
a thin strip of type metal used for spacing between lines of hot-metal type
Compare reglet (sense 2) 8.
a.
graphite or a mixture containing graphite, clay, etc, used for drawing
b.
a thin stick of this material, esp the core of a pencil
9. (modifier)
of, consisting of, relating to, or containing lead
10. go down like a lead balloon
verb (transitive)
11.
to fill or treat with lead
12.
to surround, cover, or secure with lead or leads
13. printing
to space (type) by use of leads
Derived forms
leadless (ˈleadless) adjective
leady (ˈleady)
adjective
Word origin
Old English; related to Dutch lood, German Lotlead in American English 1
(lid)
verb transitiveWord forms: led or ˈleading
1.
a.
to show the way to, or direct the course of, by going before or along with; conduct;guide
b.
to show (the way) in this manner
c.
to mark the way for
lights to lead you there
2.
to guide, or cause to follow one, by physical contact, holding the hand, pullinga rope, etc.
to lead a horse by the bridle
3.
to conduct (water, steam, rope, etc.) in a certain direction, channel, or the like
4.
a.
to guide or direct, as by persuasion or influence, to a course of action or thought
to lead pupils to think clearly
b.
to cause; prompt
trouble that led him to drink
5.
to be the head of
; specif.,a.
to proceed at the front of (a parade, etc.)
b.
to act as chief officer of; command the operations of (a military unit)
c.
to direct operations of (an expedition, etc.)
d.
to direct, conduct, or serve as the leader or conductor of (an orchestra, ballet, etc.)
6.
a.
to be the first or foremost among; be at the head of
to lead one's class in grades
b.
to be ahead of by a specified margin
7.
a.
to live; spend; pass
to lead a hard life
b.
to cause to live or spend
to lead someone a dog's life
8.
to aim a rifle, throw a ball, etc. just ahead of (a moving target or receiver)
9. Cards
to begin the play with (a specified card or suit); lay down as the first card orsuit of a hand or round
verb intransitive
10.
to show the way by going before or along; act as guide
11.
to be led; submit to being led
said esp. of a horse 12.
to be or form a way (to, from, under, etc.); tend in a certain direction; go
13.
to come, or bring one, as a result
with to one thing led to another, a cold can lead to pneumonia
14.
to be or go first; act as leader
15. US, Boxing
to aim a first blow or one designed to test an opponent's defense
to lead with a right jab
16. Cards
to play the first card of a hand or round
noun
17.
the part of director or leader; leadership
to take the lead in a project
18.
example
follow my lead
19.
a.
first or front place; precedence
the horse in the lead
b.
the amount or distance that one is ahead
to hold a safe lead
20.
leash (sense 1)
21.
anything that leads or serves as a clue
22.
information that directs a salesperson to a potential customer, a source of new business, etc.
23.
a long, narrow, navigable passage in an ice pack or ice field
24.
a.
the most important news story, as in a newspaper or telecast
b.
the opening words or paragraph of a news story, containing all the essential factsof the story
25. US, Baseball
a position taken by a base runner a short distance from his or her base in the direction of the next
26. US, Boxing
the act of leading, or the blow used
27. Cards
the act or right of playing first, as in a hand, or the card or suit played
28. Electricity
a wire carrying current between two points in a circuit, between devices, etc.
29. US, Mining
a stratum of ore; lode, ledge, or vein
30. Music
the leading part or main melody in a harmonic composition
31. Nautical
the course of a rope
32. Theatre
a.
the principal role, or a main role, in a play or other production
b.
the actor or actress who plays such a role
adjective
33.
acting as leader or being the leader
the lead horse, the lead runner in a race
Idioms:
lead off
lead on
lead someone a merry chase
lead up to
lead with one's chin
Word origin
ME leden < OE lædan, caus. of lithan, to travel, go, akin to Ger leiten: for IE base see loadlead in American English 2
(lɛd)
noun
1.
a heavy, soft, malleable, bluish-gray metallic chemical element used in batteries and in numerous alloys and compounds: symbol, Pb; at. no., 82
2.
anything made of this metal
; specif.,a.
a weight for measuring depth of water at sea, in a harbor, etc.: it is attached toa line and tossed over the side of a ship
b.
any of the strips of lead used to hold the individual panes in ornamental windows
usually used in pl.c. [pl.]; British
sheets of lead used for covering a roof
d. Printing
a thin strip of type metal inserted to increase the space between lines of type
3.
bullets
4.
a thin stick of graphite, used in pencils
adjective
5.
made of or containing lead
verb transitive
6.
to cover, line, weight, or fasten with lead or leads
7. Ceramics
to glaze (pottery) with a glaze made primarily of lead
8. Printing
to increase the space between (lines of type) by inserting thin strips of type metal
Word origin
ME lede < OE lead, akin to Du lood, Ger lot, plummet, prob. < Celt (as in MIr luaide, lead) < IE *ploud-, *pleud- < *pleu-, to flow < base *pel-, to flow, pour > L pluere, to rain, OIr lu-, to movelead in Electrical Engineering
(lid)
Word forms: (present) leads, (past) led, (perfect) led, (progressive) leading
verb
(Electrical engineering: Electrical power, Motor or generator)
If a voltage signal leads the corresponding current signal, then it is in advance of it.
When the phase of the voltage is ahead in time of the phase of the current, thenthe voltage is said to lead the current.
If the current is a cosine and the voltage is a sine then the current leads the voltage by ninety degrees.
If a voltage signal leads the corresponding current signal, then it is in advance of it.
More idioms containinglead
lead someone up the garden path
lead the field
swing the lead
go down like a lead balloon
lead someone a merry dance
lead with your chin
you can lead a horse to water but you can't make it drink
lead someone by the nose
Examples of 'lead' in a sentencelead
Word lists withlead
chemicalIn other languageslead
British English: lead /lɛd/ NOUN
metal Lead is a soft, grey, heavy metal.
- American English: lead metal
- Arabic: رَصَاصٌ
- Brazilian Portuguese: chumbo
- Chinese: 铅
- Croatian: olovo
- Czech: olovo
- Danish: bly
- Dutch: lood metaal
- European Spanish: plomo metal
- Finnish: lyijy
- French: plomb
- German: Blei
- Greek: μόλυβδος
- Italian: piombo
- Japanese: 鉛 metal
- Korean: 납 금속
- Norwegian: bly
- Polish: ołów
- European Portuguese: chumbo
- Romanian: plumb
- Russian: свинец
- Latin American Spanish: plomo
- Swedish: bly
- Thai: ตะกั่ว
- Turkish: kurşun metal
- Ukrainian: свинець
- Vietnamese: chì
British English: lead /liːd/ NOUN
in a play or film The lead in a play, film, or show is the most important role in it.
She recently played the lead in a film.
- American English: lead in play/film
- Arabic: دَوْرٌ رَئِيسِيٌّ
- Brazilian Portuguese: papel principal teatro
- Chinese: 领衔主演
- Croatian: glavna uloga
- Czech: hlavní role
- Danish: hovedrolle
- Dutch: hoofdrol
- European Spanish: papel principal
- Finnish: pääosa
- French: rôle principal
- German: Hauptrolle
- Greek: πρωταγωνιστής
- Italian: protagonista
- Japanese: 主役 in play/film
- Korean: 주연
- Norwegian: hovedrolle
- Polish: główna rola
- European Portuguese: papel principal teatro
- Romanian: personaj principal
- Russian: главная роль
- Latin American Spanish: papel principal
- Swedish: huvudroll
- Thai: ตัวเอก
- Turkish: başrol oyun/film
- Ukrainian: головна роль
- Vietnamese: vai chính
British English: lead /liːd/ NOUN
in a race or competition If you are in the lead in a race or competition, you are winning.
Our team was in the lead after ten minutes.
- American English: lead story news story
- Arabic: مَقَالٌ رَئِيسِيٌّ فِي صَحِيفَةٍ
- Brazilian Portuguese: primeiro lugar
- Chinese: 新闻头版
- Croatian: vodstvo
- Czech: vedení čelo závodu
- Danish: førerstilling incorrekt def
- Dutch: aan kop
- European Spanish: en cabeza
- Finnish: pääuutinen
- French: gros titre
- German: Aufmacher
- Greek: κορυφή
- Italian: vantaggio
- Japanese: トップ記事 news story
- Korean: 선두
- Norwegian: hovedoppslag
- Polish: streszczenie
- European Portuguese: informação
- Romanian: în frunte
- Russian: лидер
- Latin American Spanish: delantera estar en la primera posición
- Swedish: förstasidesnyhet
- Thai: ตำแหน่งนำ
- Turkish: ana haber
- Ukrainian: перше місце
- Vietnamese: đứng đầu
British English: lead /liːd/ VERB
If you lead someone to a place, you take them there.
I took his hand and started to lead him into the house.
- American English: lead
- Arabic: يُقَيِّدُ
- Brazilian Portuguese: conduzir
- Chinese: 领导
- Croatian: voditi
- Czech: vést koho kam
- Danish: lede
- Dutch: leiden
- European Spanish: dirigir
- Finnish: johtaa
- French: mener
- German: führen
- Greek: καθοδηγώ
- Italian: condurre
- Japanese: 導く
- Korean: 이끌다
- Norwegian: lede
- Polish: doprowadzić
- European Portuguese: conduzir
- Romanian: a conduce
- Russian: вести
- Latin American Spanish: guiar estar en la primera posición
- Swedish: leda
- Thai: นำ
- Turkish: yol göstermek
- Ukrainian: вести
- Vietnamese: dẫn
All related terms of 'lead'
Chinese translation of 'lead'
lead 1
(liːd)
Word forms:ptpp led
n
- (s) (in race, competition, = front position)
领(領)先
(lǐngxiān) - (c) (fig, = example)
榜样(樣)
(bǎngyàng) (个(個), gè) - (c) (= clue)
线(線)索
(xiànsuǒ) (条(條), tiáo)⇒ The police were following up several leads.
警方顺着几条线索进一步调查。
(Jǐngfāng shùnzhe jǐ tiáo xiànsuǒ jìnyībù diàochá.) - (c) (Cine, Theat, = part)
主角
(zhǔjué) (名, míng)⇒ Richard is to play the lead in their new film.
理查德将在他们的新片中扮演主角。
(Lǐchádé jiāng zài tāmen de xīnpiàn zhōng bànyǎn zhǔjué.) - (= actor, actress)
主演
(zhǔyǎn) (名, míng)
- (c) (Cine, Theat, = part)
- (c) (esp Brit) [for dog]
皮带(帶)
(pídài) (条(條), tiáo)美 = leash - (c) (Elec)
导(導)线(線)
(dǎoxiàn) (根, gēn) - (to battery)
导(導)线(線)
(dǎoxiàn)
- (c) (Elec)
vt
- (= guide)
带(帶)领(領)
(dàilǐng)⇒ The nurse led me to a large room.
护士把我带到一个大房间。
(Hùshì bǎ wǒ dàidào yī gè dà fángjiān.) - (= be at the head of) [group, party, organization]
领(領)导(導)
(lǐngdǎo)⇒ He led the country between 1949 and 1984.
他于1949至1984年领导这个国家。
(Tā yú yījiǔsìjiǔ zhì yījiǔbāsì nián lǐngdǎo zhège guójiā.) - [march, demonstration, parade]
带(帶)领(領)
(dàilǐng)⇒ He led a demonstration through the city.
游行队伍在他的带领下穿过市区。
(Yóuxíng duìwu zài tā de dàilǐng xià chuānguò shìqū.)
- (= be at the head of) [group, party, organization]
- (= spearhead) [campaign, activity]
指挥(揮)
(zhǐhuī) - (= start) [move]
发(發)起
(fāqǐ)⇒ The educated middle class led the move towards independence.
受过教育的中产阶级发起了走向独立的运动。
(Shòuguo jiàoyù de zhōngchǎn jiējí fāqǐle zǒuxiàng dúlì de yùndòng.)
- (= spearhead) [campaign, activity]
- (= direct) [discussion, conversation]
引向
(yǐnxiàng)⇒ After a while I led the conversation around to her job.
过了一会，我把谈话内容引向了她的工作。
(Guòle yīhuì, wǒ bǎ tánhuà nèiróng yǐnxiàngle tā de gōngzuò.)
vi
- [walker, rider, driver]
领(領)路
(lǐnglù)⇒ Tom was leading; I followed behind.
汤姆领路，我跟在后面。
(Tāngmǔ lǐnglù, wǒ gēn zài hòumiàn.) - (in race, competition)
领(領)先
(lǐngxiān)⇒ Spurs lead by four goals to two.
热刺队以4比2领先。
(Rècìduì yǐ sì bǐ èr lǐngxiān.) - [road, pipe, wire etc]
通往
(tōngwǎng)⇒ A path leads straight to Stonehenge.
一直通往巨石阵的小径。
(Yīzhí tōngwǎng Jùshízhèn de xiǎojìng.)to be in the lead (in race, competition, poll)领(領)先
(lǐngxiān)to go into the lead进(進)入领(領)先位置
(jìnrù lǐngxiān wèizhì)to take the lead (Sport)领(領)先
(lǐngxiān) (fig)起带(帶)头(頭)作用
(qǐ dàitóu zuòyòng)⇒ They took the lead in the development of naval aviation.
他们在海军航空学的发展中起了带头作用。
(Tāmen zài hǎijūn hángkōngxué de fāzhǎn zhōng qǐle dàitóu zuòyòng.)to have a lead of 5 points (Sport)领(領)先5分
(lǐngxiān wǔ fēn)to follow sb's lead仿效某人的做法
(fǎngxiào mǒurén de zuòfǎ)⇒ Many others followed his lead.
许多人效仿了他的做法。
(Xǔduōrén xiàofǎngle tā de zuòfǎ.)to lead a busy/active life过(過)着(著)繁忙/活跃(躍)的生活
(guòzhe fánmáng/huóyuè de shēnghuó)to lead the way (lit)引路
(yǐnlù) (fig)率先
(shuàixiān)to lead sb to believe that ...使某人相信 ...
(shǐ mǒurén xiāngxìn ... )to lead sb to do sth促使某人做某事
(cùshǐ mǒurén zuò mǒushì)⇒ What led you to do this work?
什么促使你做这项工作？
(Shénme cùshǐ nǐ zuò zhè xiàng gōngzuò?)
Image oflead
© BrankoG, shutterstock
lead 2
(lɛd)
n
- (u) (= metal)
铅(鉛)
(qiān) - (c/u) (in pencil)
铅(鉛)笔(筆)心
(qiānbǐxīn) (段, duàn)
cpd
- [pipe, roof]
铅(鉛)
(qiān)
All related terms of 'lead'
1 (verb)
Definition
to show the way to (an individual or a group) by going with or ahead
Tom was leading, a rifle slung over his back.
Synonyms
go in front (of)
head
The parson, heading the procession, had just turned right.
be in front
be at the head (of)
walk in front (of)
2 (verb)
Definition
to guide or be guided by physical means
He led him into the house.
Synonyms
guide
She took the bewildered man by the arm and guided him out.
conduct
He asked if he might conduct us to the ball.
steer
Nick steered them into the nearest seats.
escort
I escorted him to the door.
precede
Alice preceded them from the room.
usher
They were quickly ushered away.
pilot
Local fishermen piloted the boats.
show the way
3 (verb)
Definition
(of a road or way) to be the means of reaching a place
the doors that led to the yard
Synonyms
connect to
link
open onto
4 (verb)
Definition
to go at the head of or have the top position in (something)
So far she leads by five games to two.
Synonyms
be ahead (of)
be first
exceed
His performance exceeded all expectations.
be winning
excel
Few dancers have excelled her in virtuosity.
surpass
He was determined to surpass the achievements of his older brothers.
come first
transcend
issues like EU membership that transcend party loyalty
outstrip
In recent years demand has outstripped supply.
outdo
Both sides have tried to outdo each other.
blaze a trail
5 (verb)
Definition
to have the principal part in (something)
He led the country between 1949 and 1984.
Synonyms
command
the French general who commands the UN troops in the region
rule
the feudal lord who ruled this land
govern
They go to the polls on Friday to choose the people they want to govern their country.
preside over
head
He heads the department's Office of Civil Rights.
control
He now controls the largest retail development empire in southern California.
You should not let other people control you.
manage
Within two years, he was managing the store.
direct
She will direct day-to-day operations.
supervise
One of his jobs was supervising the dining room.
be in charge of
head up
6 (verb)
Definition
to pass or spend
She led a normal happy life with her sister and brother.
Synonyms
live
We can start living a normal life again now.
have
He might be having a heart attack.
spend
We spent the night in a hotel.
experience
couples who have experienced the trauma of divorce
pass
The children passed the time playing in the streets.
undergo
New recruits have been undergoing training in recent weeks.
7 (verb)
A pay rise will only lead to job cuts.
Synonyms
result in
cause
I don't want to cause any trouble.
produce
Cooking with spices produces a wonderful smell.
contribute
generate
The minister said the reforms would generate new jobs.
bring about
bring on
give rise to
conduce
8 (verb)
Definition
to influence someone to act, think, or behave in a certain way
It was not as straightforward as we were led to believe.
Synonyms
cause
prompt
The recession has prompted consumers to cut back on buying cars.
persuade
the event which persuaded the United States to enter the war
move
The hearings moved me to come up with these suggestions.
draw
influence
The conference influenced us to launch the campaign.
motivate
His hard work was motivated by a need to achieve.
prevail
induce
I would do anything to induce them to stay.
incline
the factors which incline us towards particular beliefs
dispose
theologies which dispose their adherents to fanaticism
1 (noun)
Definition
the first or most prominent place
The Social Democrats are still in the lead in the opinion polls.
Synonyms
first place
winning position
primary position
vanguard
Students have been in the vanguard of revolutionary change.
van
2 (noun)
Definition
an advantage over others
He now has a lead of 30 points.
Synonyms
advantage
Men still have an economic position of advantage over women.
start
advance
edge
This could give them the edge over their oppponents.
margin
These islands are on the margins of human habitation.
winning margin
3 (noun)
Definition
example or leadership
the need for the president to give a moral lead
Synonyms
example
This piece is a perfect example of symphonic construction.
direction
The house was built under the direction of his partner.
leadership
What most people want to see is determined, decisive action and firm leadership.
guidance
They improve their performance under the guidance of professional coaches.
model
the Chinese model of economic reform
pattern
the ideal pattern of a good society
4 (noun)
Definition
an indication
The inquiry team is following up possible leads.
Synonyms
clue
Scientists have discovered a clue that may unlock the puzzle.
a vital clue to the killer's identity
tip
A good tip is to buy the most expensive lens you can afford.
suggestion
that fashionably faint suggestion of a tan
trace
Wash them in cold water to remove all traces of sand.
hint
I'd dropped a hint about having an exhibition of his work.
guide
Our only guide was the stars overhead.
indication
He gave no indication that he was ready to compromise.
pointer
Sunday's elections should be a pointer to the public mood.
tip-off
He was arrested after a tip-off to police by a member of the public.
5 (noun)
Definition
the principal role in a play, film, or other production, or the person playing such a role
Two dancers from the Bolshoi Ballet dance the leads.
Synonyms
leading role
principal
soloists and principals of The Scottish Ballet orchestra
protagonist
the protagonist of J.D. Salinger's novel
title role
star part
principal part
6 (noun)
Definition
a length of leather, nylon, or chain used to walk or control a dog
He came out with a little dog on a lead.
Synonyms
leash
All dogs should be on a leash.
line
No one seems able to pursue a line of inquiry far enough to get an answer.
cord
The door had been tied shut with a length of nylon cord.
rein
tether
The eagle sat on a tether, looking fierce.
(adjective)
Definition
acting as a leader or lead
Cossiga's reaction is the lead story in the Italian press.
Synonyms
main
My main concern now is to protect the children.
prime
Political stability is a prime concern.
top
I need to have the top people in this company work together.
leading
Britain's future as a leading industrial nation depends on investment.
first
The first priority for development is to defeat inflation.
head
I had the head man out from the gas company.
chief
Financial stress is acknowledged as a chief reason for divorce.
The job went to one of his chief rivals.
premier
the country's premier opera company
primary
His primary aim in life is to be happy.
most important
principal
Their principal concern is that of winning the next election.
foremost
He was one of the world's foremost scholars.
Phrasal verbs
See lead someone on
See lead up to something
related words
related adjectives plumbeousplumbic
Additional synonyms
in the sense of chief
Financial stress is acknowledged as a chief reason for divorce.The job went to one of his chief rivals.
Synonyms
primary,
highest,
leading,
main,
prime,
capital,
central,
key,
essential,
premier,
supreme,
most important,
outstanding,
principal,
prevailing,
cardinal,
paramount,
big-time (informal),
foremost,
major league (informal),
predominant,
uppermost,
pre-eminent,
especialin the sense of conduce
Synonyms
lead,
aid,
advance,
tend,
promote,
contribute,
availin the sense of conduct
Definition
to accompany and guide (people or a party)
He asked if he might conduct us to the ball.
Synonyms
accompany,
lead,
escort,
guide,
attend,
steer,
convey,
usher,
pilotSynonyms of 'lead'
lead
Explore 'lead' in the dictionary
Additional synonyms
in the sense of control
Definition
to have power over
He now controls the largest retail development empire in southern California.You should not let other people control you.
Synonyms
have power over,
lead,
rule,
manage,
boss (informal),
direct,
handle,
conduct,
dominate,
command,
pilot,
govern,
steer,
administer,
oversee,
supervise,
manipulate,
call the shots,
call the tune,
reign over,
keep a tight rein on,
have charge of,
superintend,
have (someone) in your pocket,
keep on a string
in the sense of cord
Definition
string or thin rope made of twisted strands
The door had been tied shut with a length of nylon cord.
Synonyms
rope,
line,
string,
twinein the sense of direct
Definition
to conduct or control the affairs of
She will direct day-to-day operations.
Synonyms
control,
run,
manage,
lead,
rule,
guide,
handle,
conduct,
advise,
govern,
regulate,
administer,
oversee,
supervise,
dispose,
preside over,
mastermind,
call the shots,
call the tune,
superintendin the sense of direction
Definition
management or guidance
The house was built under the direction of his partner.
Synonyms
management,
government,
control,
charge,
administration,
leadership,
command,
guidance,
supervision,
governance,
oversight,
superintendencein the sense of dispose
theologies which dispose their adherents to fanaticism
Synonyms
lead,
move,
condition,
influence,
prompt,
tempt,
adapt,
motivate,
bias,
induce,
incline,
predispose,
actuatein the sense of edge
This could give them the edge over their oppponents.
Synonyms
advantage,
lead,
dominance,
superiority,
upper hand,
head start,
ascendancy,
whip hand
in the sense of escort
Definition
to act as an escort to
I escorted him to the door.
Synonyms
accompany,
lead,
partner,
conduct,
guide,
guard,
shepherd,
convoy,
usher,
squire (old-fashioned),
hold (someone's) hand,
chaperon
in the sense of exceed
Definition
to be greater in degree or quantity
His performance exceeded all expectations.
Synonyms
surpass,
better,
pass,
eclipse,
beat,
cap (informal),
top,
be over,
be more than,
overtake,
go beyond,
excel,
transcend,
be greater than,
outstrip,
outdo,
outreach,
be larger than,
outshine,
surmount,
be superior to,
outrun,
run rings around (informal),
outdistance,
knock spots off (informal),
put in the shade (informal)
in the sense of excel
Definition
to be better than
Few dancers have excelled her in virtuosity.
Synonyms
be superior,
better,
pass,
eclipse,
beat,
top,
cap (informal),
exceed,
go beyond,
surpass,
transcend,
outdo,
outshine,
surmount,
run rings around (informal),
put in the shade (informal),
outrival
in the sense of experience
Definition
to be moved by
couples who have experienced the trauma of divorce
Synonyms
undergo,
have,
know,
feel,
try,
meet,
face,
suffer,
taste,
go through,
observe,
sample,
encounter,
sustain,
perceive,
endure,
participate in,
run into,
live through,
behold (archaic, literary),
come up against,
apprehend,
become familiar with
Additional synonyms
in the sense of first
Definition
rated, graded, or ranked above all other levels
The first priority for development is to defeat inflation.
Synonyms
foremost,
highest,
greatest,
leading,
head,
ruling,
chief,
prime,
supreme,
principal,
paramount,
overriding,
pre-eminentin the sense of foremost
Definition
first in time, place, or importance
He was one of the world's foremost scholars.
Synonyms
leading,
best,
first,
top,
highest,
front,
chief,
prime,
primary,
supreme,
initial,
most important,
principal,
paramount,
inaugural,
pre-eminent,
headmost
in the sense of generate
Definition
to produce or create
The minister said the reforms would generate new jobs.
Synonyms
produce,
create,
make,
form,
cause,
initiate,
bring about,
originate,
give rise to,
engender,
whip up
in the sense of govern
Definition
to direct and control the policy and affairs of (a country or an organization)
They go to the polls on Friday to choose the people they want to govern their country.
Synonyms
rule,
lead,
control,
command,
manage,
direct,
guide,
handle,
conduct,
order,
reign over,
administer,
oversee,
supervise,
be in power over,
call the shots,
call the tune,
hold sway over,
superintendin the sense of guidance
Definition
help, advice, or instruction, usually from someone more experienced or more qualified
They improve their performance under the guidance of professional coaches.
Synonyms
advice,
direction,
leadership,
instruction,
government,
help,
control,
management,
teaching,
counsel,
counselling,
auspicesin the sense of have
Definition
to suffer from
He might be having a heart attack.
Synonyms
suffer,
experience,
undergo,
sustain,
endure,
be suffering from
in the sense of head
Definition
to be at the front or top of
The parson, heading the procession, had just turned right.
Synonyms
lead,
precede,
be the leader of,
be or go first,
be or go at the front of,
lead the way
in the sense of head
Definition
to be in charge of
He heads the department's Office of Civil Rights.
Synonyms
be in charge of,
run,
manage,
lead,
control,
rule,
direct,
guide,
command,
govern,
supervisein the sense of head
I had the head man out from the gas company.
Synonyms
chief,
main,
leading,
first,
highest,
front,
prime,
premier,
supreme,
principal,
arch,
foremost,
pre-eminent,
topmostin the sense of hint
Definition
a suggestion given in an indirect or subtle manner
I'd dropped a hint about having an exhibition of his work.
Synonyms
clue,
mention,
suggestion,
implication,
indication,
reminder,
tip-off,
pointer,
allusion,
innuendo,
inkling,
intimation,
insinuation,
word to the wise
Additional synonyms
in the sense of incline
Definition
to have or cause to have a certain tendency or disposition
the factors which incline us towards particular beliefs
Synonyms
predispose,
influence,
tend,
persuade,
prejudice,
bias,
sway,
turn,
disposein the sense of indication
He gave no indication that he was ready to compromise.
Synonyms
sign,
mark,
evidence,
warning,
note,
signal,
suggestion,
symptom,
hint,
clue,
manifestation,
omen,
inkling,
portent,
intimation,
forewarning,
wake-up call
in the sense of induce
Definition
to persuade or use influence on
I would do anything to induce them to stay.
Synonyms
persuade,
encourage,
influence,
get,
move,
press,
draw,
convince,
urge,
prompt,
sway,
entice,
coax,
incite,
impel,
talk someone into,
prevail upon,
actuatein the sense of influence
Definition
to persuade or induce
The conference influenced us to launch the campaign.
Synonyms
persuade,
move,
prompt,
urge,
counsel,
induce,
incline,
dispose,
arouse,
sway,
rouse,
entice,
coax,
incite,
instigate,
predispose,
impel,
prevail upon
in the sense of leadership
What most people want to see is determined, decisive action and firm leadership.
Synonyms
guidance,
government,
authority,
management,
administration,
direction,
supervision,
domination,
directorship,
superintendency
in the sense of leading
Definition
principal or primary
Britain's future as a leading industrial nation depends on investment.
Synonyms
principal,
top,
major,
main,
first,
highest,
greatest,
ruling,
chief,
prime,
key,
primary,
supreme,
most important,
outstanding,
governing,
superior,
dominant,
foremost,
pre-eminent,
unsurpassed,
number one
in the sense of line
No one seems able to pursue a line of inquiry far enough to get an answer.
Synonyms
clue,
lead,
hint,
indicationin the sense of manage
Definition
to be in charge of
Within two years, he was managing the store.
Synonyms
be in charge of,
run,
handle,
rule,
direct,
conduct,
command,
govern,
administer,
oversee,
supervise,
preside over,
be head of,
call the shots in,
superintend,
call the tune in
in the sense of margin
Definition
an edge, rim, or border
These islands are on the margins of human habitation.
Synonyms
edge,
side,
limit,
border,
bound,
boundary,
confine,
verge (British),
brink,
rim,
brim,
perimeter,
peripheryin the sense of model
Definition
an example or pattern that people might want to follow
the Chinese model of economic reform
Synonyms
pattern,
example,
design,
standard,
type,
original,
ideal,
mould,
norm,
gauge,
prototype,
paradigm,
archetype,
exemplar,
lodestarAdditional synonyms
in the sense of motivate
Definition
to give a reason or inspiration for a course of action to someone
His hard work was motivated by a need to achieve.
Synonyms
inspire,
drive,
stimulate,
provoke,
lead,
move,
cause,
prompt,
stir,
trigger,
set off,
induce,
arouse,
prod,
get going,
instigate,
impel,
actuate,
give incentive to,
inspirit
in the sense of move
Definition
to cause or prompt to do something
The hearings moved me to come up with these suggestions.
Synonyms
drive,
lead,
cause,
influence,
persuade,
push,
shift,
inspire,
prompt,
stimulate,
motivate,
induce,
shove,
activate,
propel,
rouse,
prod,
incite,
impel,
set going
in the sense of outdo
Definition
to be more successful or better than (someone or something) in performance
Both sides have tried to outdo each other.
Synonyms
surpass,
best,
top,
beat,
overcome,
exceed,
eclipse,
overshadow,
excel,
transcend,
outstrip,
get the better of,
outclass,
outshine,
tower above,
outsmart,
outmanoeuvre,
go one better than (informal),
run rings around (informal),
outfox,
outdistance,
be one up on,
score points off,
put in the shade,
outjockey
in the sense of outstrip
Definition
to surpass (someone) in a particular activity
In recent years demand has outstripped supply.
Synonyms
exceed,
eclipse,
overtake,
top,
cap (informal),
go beyond,
surpass,
outdoin the sense of pass
Definition
to spend (time) or (of time) go by
The children passed the time playing in the streets.
Synonyms
spend,
use (up),
kill,
fill,
waste,
employ,
occupy,
devote,
beguile,
while away
in the sense of pattern
Definition
a model worthy of imitation
the ideal pattern of a good society
Synonyms
model,
example,
standard,
original,
guide,
par,
criterion,
norm,
prototype,
paradigm,
archetype,
paragon,
exemplar,
cynosurein the sense of persuade
Definition
to make (someone) do something by reason or charm
the event which persuaded the United States to enter the war
Synonyms
cause,
prompt,
lead,
move,
influence,
motivate,
induce,
incline,
dispose,
impel,
actuatein the sense of pilot
Definition
to act as pilot of
Local fishermen piloted the boats.
Synonyms
navigate,
drive,
manage,
direct,
guide,
handle,
conduct,
steerin the sense of pointer
Definition
something that is a helpful indicator of how a situation has arisen or may turn out
Sunday's elections should be a pointer to the public mood.
Synonyms
indication,
lead,
sign,
evidence,
signal,
suggestion,
symptom,
hint,
implication,
clue,
indicator,
inkling,
intimationin the sense of precede
Definition
to go or be before (someone or something) in time, place, or rank
Alice preceded them from the room.
Synonyms
go ahead of,
lead,
head,
go before,
take precedence
Additional synonyms
in the sense of premier
Definition
first in importance or rank
the country's premier opera company
Synonyms
chief,
leading,
top,
first,
highest,
head,
main,
prime,
primary,
principal,
arch,
foremostin the sense of primary
Definition
first in importance
His primary aim in life is to be happy.
Synonyms
chief,
leading,
main,
best,
first,
highest,
greatest,
top,
prime,
capital,
principal,
dominant,
cardinal,
paramountin the sense of prime
Definition
first in importance
Political stability is a prime concern.
Synonyms
main,
leading,
chief,
central,
major,
ruling,
key,
senior,
primary,
supreme,
principal,
ultimate,
cardinal,
paramount,
overriding,
foremost,
predominant,
pre-eminent,
number-one (informal)
in the sense of principal
Definition
the leading actor in a play
soloists and principals of The Scottish Ballet orchestra
Synonyms
star,
lead,
leader,
prima ballerina,
first violin,
leading man or lady,
coryphée
in the sense of principal
Definition
first in importance, rank, or value
Their principal concern is that of winning the next election.
Synonyms
main,
leading,
chief,
prime,
first,
highest,
controlling,
strongest,
capital,
key,
essential,
primary,
most important,
dominant,
arch,
cardinal,
paramount,
foremost,
pre-eminentin the sense of produce
Definition
to bring (something) into existence
Cooking with spices produces a wonderful smell.
Synonyms
cause,
lead to,
result in,
effect,
occasion (formal),
generate,
trigger,
make for,
provoke,
set off,
induce,
bring about,
give rise to,
engenderin the sense of prompt
Definition
to motivate or cause someone to do something
The recession has prompted consumers to cut back on buying cars.
Synonyms
cause,
move,
inspire,
stimulate,
occasion (formal),
urge,
spur,
provoke,
motivate,
induce,
evoke,
give rise to,
elicit,
incite,
instigate,
impel,
call forth
in the sense of protagonist
Definition
the leading character in a play or story
the protagonist of J.D. Salinger's novel
Synonyms
leading character,
lead,
principal,
central character,
hero or heroine
in the sense of rule
Definition
to govern (people or a political unit)
the feudal lord who ruled this land
Synonyms
govern,
lead,
control,
manage,
direct,
guide,
regulate,
administer,
oversee,
preside over,
have power over,
reign over,
command over,
have charge of
in the sense of spend
Definition
to pass (time) in a specific way or place
We spent the night in a hotel.
Synonyms
pass,
fill,
occupy,
while away
Additional synonyms
in the sense of steer
Definition
to direct the movements or course of (a person, conversation, or activity)
Nick steered them into the nearest seats.
Synonyms
direct,
lead,
guide,
conduct,
escort,
usher,
show in or out
in the sense of suggestion
that fashionably faint suggestion of a tan
Synonyms
trace,
touch,
hint,
shadow,
impression,
breath,
indication,
whisper,
suspicion,
ghost,
intimationin the sense of supervise
Definition
to direct the performance or operation of (an activity or a process)
One of his jobs was supervising the dining room.
Synonyms
oversee,
run,
manage,
control,
direct,
handle,
conduct,
look after,
be responsible for,
administer,
inspect,
preside over,
keep an eye on,
be on duty,
superintend,
have or be in charge of
in the sense of surpass
Definition
to be greater in extent than or superior in achievement to (something or someone)
He was determined to surpass the achievements of his older brothers.
Synonyms
outdo,
top,
beat,
best,
cap (informal),
exceed,
eclipse,
overshadow,
excel,
transcend,
outstrip,
outshine,
tower above,
go one better than (informal),
put in the shade
in the sense of tether
Definition
a rope or chain for tying an animal to a fence, post, etc., so that it cannot move away from a particular place
The eagle sat on a tether, looking fierce.
Synonyms
leash,
rope,
lead,
bond,
chain,
restraint,
fastening,
shackle,
fetter,
halterin the sense of tip
Definition
a piece of inside information, esp. in betting or investing
A good tip is to buy the most expensive lens you can afford.
Synonyms
hint,
suggestion,
piece of information,
piece of advice,
gen (British, informal),
pointer,
piece of inside information,
heads up (US, Canadian)
in the sense of tip-off
Definition
a warning or hint, esp. one given confidentially and based on inside information
He was arrested after a tip-off to police by a member of the public.
Synonyms
hint,
word,
information,
warning,
suggestion,
clue,
pointer,
inside information,
word of advice,
heads up (US, Canadian)
in the sense of top
Definition
at, of, or being the top
I need to have the top people in this company work together.
Synonyms
chief,
most important,
principal,
most powerful,
highest,
lead,
head,
ruling,
leading,
main,
commanding,
prominent,
notable,
sovereign,
eminent,
high-ranking,
illustriousin the sense of trace
Definition
an amount of something so small that it is barely noticeable
Wash them in cold water to remove all traces of sand.
Synonyms
bit,
drop,
touch,
shadow,
suggestion,
hint,
dash,
suspicion,
tinge,
trifle,
whiff,
jot,
tincture,
iotain the sense of transcend
Definition
to overcome or be superior to
issues like EU membership that transcend party loyalty
Synonyms
surpass,
exceed,
go beyond,
rise above,
leave behind,
eclipse,
excel,
outstrip,
outdo,
outshine,
overstep,
go above,
leave in the shade (informal),
outrival,
outvie
Additional synonyms
in the sense of undergo
Definition
to experience, endure, or sustain
New recruits have been undergoing training in recent weeks.
Synonyms
experience,
go through,
be subjected to,
stand,
suffer,
bear,
weather,
sustain,
endure,
withstand,
submit to
in the sense of usher
Definition
to conduct or escort
They were quickly ushered away.
Synonyms
escort,
lead,
direct,
guide,
conduct,
pilot,
steer,
showin the sense of vanguard
Definition
the most advanced group or position in scientific research, a movement, etc.
Students have been in the vanguard of revolutionary change.
Synonyms
forefront,
front line,
cutting edge,
leaders,
front,
van,
spearhead,
forerunners,
front rank,
trailblazers,
advance guard,
trendsetters
All related terms of 'lead'
- the family compact
- the fancy
- the far east
- the far end/side
- the far left
- the-far-left
- the far left/right
- the far north
- the faroe islands
- the faroes
- the far right
- the far west
- the faster he works, the more mistakes he makes
- the fast lane
- the fast track to something
- the father of
- the-father-of
- the fat is in the fire
- the fat of the land
- the fda
- the feast of the unleavened bread
- the fed
- the federal communications commission
- the federalist
- the federation