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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
lead	As a noun, 'lead' refers to the person who is the main actor in a performance, a position in a race, or a leash for a dog. It is also used for a piece of information or tip that could lead to a solution or answers. He got the lead role in the new movie. The detectives followed up on a promising lead in the case. Her dog pulled hard on the lead.
Pb	Pb is the chemical symbol for the element lead, which is a dense, heavy metal. This term is mostly used in scientific, industrial, or academic contexts. Note that lead (Pb) is toxic and can have harmful effects on health. The pipes are made of Pb, which can be hazardous to health. Chemists discovered that the sample contains a significant amount of Pb.

Word

Description / Examples

lead

As a noun, 'lead' refers to the person who is the main actor in a performance, a position in a race, or a leash for a dog. It is also used for a piece of information or tip that could lead to a solution or answers.

He got the lead role in the new movie.
The detectives followed up on a promising lead in the case.
Her dog pulled hard on the lead.

Pb is the chemical symbol for the element lead, which is a dense, heavy metal. This term is mostly used in scientific, industrial, or academic contexts. Note that lead (Pb) is toxic and can have harmful effects on health.

The pipes are made of Pb, which can be hazardous to health.
Chemists discovered that the sample contains a significant amount of 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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
lead	Used when someone or something is ahead in a competition or has a higher position. Can also describe being in charge or guiding others. She has a substantial lead in the race He took the lead in the project
first place	Used specifically to refer to the highest position in a competition or ranking. She won first place in the competition Getting first place in the marathon was his ultimate goal
front	Used to describe the foremost position in a physical space or when leading a parade, line, or movement. It can also metaphorically mean being ahead in a non-competitive context. She stood at the front of the line The house at the front of the street is ours

Word

Description / Examples

lead

Used when someone or something is ahead in a competition or has a higher position. Can also describe being in charge or guiding others.

She has a substantial lead in the race
He took the lead in the project

first place

Used specifically to refer to the highest position in a competition or ranking.

She won first place in the competition
Getting first place in the marathon was his ultimate goal

front

Used to describe the foremost position in a physical space or when leading a parade, line, or movement. It can also metaphorically mean being ahead in a non-competitive context.

She stood at the front of the line
The house at the front of the street is ours

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
lead	Typically used in the context of managing or being in charge of people or projects, often implying a position of authority. It can also mean showing the way by going in advance. She was chosen to lead the new project team. The tour guide will lead us through the museum.
guide	Used when providing advice or showing the way, usually in a more supportive or educational manner. It implies helping someone navigate through something, rather than controlling their actions. The mentor's role is to guide the interns during their first few months on the job. A teacher can guide students through difficult subjects.
direct	Often used when giving explicit instructions or orders, implying control and a clear sense of direction. This term is common in formal or professional settings such as movies, projects, or operations. He was hired to direct the new movie. The manager will direct the operations to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Word

Description / Examples

lead

Typically used in the context of managing or being in charge of people or projects, often implying a position of authority. It can also mean showing the way by going in advance.

She was chosen to lead the new project team.
The tour guide will lead us through the museum.

guide

Used when providing advice or showing the way, usually in a more supportive or educational manner. It implies helping someone navigate through something, rather than controlling their actions.

The mentor's role is to guide the interns during their first few months on the job.
A teacher can guide students through difficult subjects.

direct

Often used when giving explicit instructions or orders, implying control and a clear sense of direction. This term is common in formal or professional settings such as movies, projects, or operations.

He was hired to direct the new movie.
The manager will direct the operations to ensure everything runs smoothly.

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.

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.

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666 associated
667 wide
668 weight
669 lead
670 labor
671 base
672 issues
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