Lead: meaning, definitions and examples

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lead

 

[ liːd ]

Noun / Verb
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Noun

metal

A heavy, pliable, inelastic metal element, having a bright, bluish color, but easily tarnished; both malleable and ductile, though with little tenacity. It is easily fusible, forms alloys with other metals, and is an ingredient of solder and type metal. Atomic number 82, symbol Pb (from Latin plumbum).

Synonyms

Pb

Examples of usage

  • It was discovered that the water supply was contaminated with lead.
  • The artist used lead for sculpting the statue.
Context #2 | Noun

position

The position of being first or at the front in a competition, game, or race.

Synonyms

first place, front

Examples of usage

  • Our team took the lead in the first half of the match.
  • She is in the lead for the employee of the month award.
Context #3 | Verb

guide

To show the way to a destination by going in front of or beside someone.

Synonyms

direct, guide

Examples of usage

  • The tour guide will lead us through the historic city.
  • She led the team to victory with her exceptional skills.

Translations

Translations of the word "lead" in other languages:

🇵🇹 liderar

🇮🇳 नेतृत्व करना (netritva karna)

🇩🇪 führen

🇮🇩 memimpin

🇺🇦 провід

🇵🇱 prowadzić

🇯🇵 リードする (rīdo suru)

🇫🇷 mener

🇪🇸 liderar

🇹🇷 liderlik etmek

🇰🇷 이끌다 (ikkeulda)

🇸🇦 قيادة (qiyāda)

🇨🇿 vést

🇸🇰 viesť

🇨🇳 领导 (lǐngdǎo)

🇸🇮 voditi

🇮🇸 leiða

🇰🇿 жетекшілік ету

🇬🇪 წამყვანი (tsamqhvani)

🇦🇿 rəhbərlik etmək

🇲🇽 liderar

Etymology

The word 'lead' originates from the Old English word 'lædan' which means 'to guide, conduct'. It has been used in various contexts throughout history, including as a metal element and in terms of position or guidance. The symbol 'Pb' for lead comes from the Latin word 'plumbum'. Lead has been an important material in construction, plumbing, and various other industries. Over time, the word has evolved to encompass a range of meanings beyond its original roots.

See also: leaders, leadership, leading, leads, leadwort, mislead, misleader, misleading.

Word Frequency Rank

At #669 in the frequency ranking, this word is highly important for effective communication. It's commonly used in daily situations and should be prioritized in your vocabulary building.