Lead to: meaning, definitions and examples

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lead to

 

[ liːd tuː ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

cause

To lead to something means to cause it to happen or exist. It is often used to describe a sequence of events that result in a particular outcome.

Synonyms

bring about, cause, culminate in, result in.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
lead to

Used when describing a process or sequence of events that naturally or logically results in a specific outcome.

  • Poor diet and lack of exercise can lead to serious health problems.
  • Her dedication and hard work lead to her promotion.
result in

Used to describe the outcome or consequence of a particular action or situation. It can be either positive or negative and often suggests a more general or indirect connection.

  • The new marketing strategy resulted in increased sales.
  • Heavy rainfall may result in flooding of low-lying areas.
cause

Suitable for describing a direct and often immediate connection between an action and its effect. This term can carry negative connotations if discussing unwanted outcomes.

  • The storm caused widespread flooding in the area.
  • Smoking can cause lung cancer.
bring about

Often used when referring to the initiation or creation of significant changes or effects. Typically, it implies an active effort or intervention.

  • The new policy will bring about positive changes in the company.
  • His speech brought about a renewed sense of hope among the people.
culminate in

Utilized when talking about a series of events or efforts that reach their peak or conclusion in a specific result, often a significant or dramatic one.

  • The months of hard work culminated in a successful product launch.
  • Their long-standing feud culminated in a court battle.

Examples of usage

  • The heavy rain led to flooding in the area.
  • Poor communication can lead to misunderstandings.
  • His aggressive behavior led to his dismissal from the team.
  • The new policy led to a decrease in productivity.
  • The lack of funding led to the project being canceled.

Translations

Translations of the word "lead to" in other languages:

🇵🇹 levar a

🇮🇳 की ओर ले जाना

🇩🇪 führen zu

🇮🇩 mengarah ke

🇺🇦 призводити до

🇵🇱 prowadzić do

🇯🇵 ~に至る

🇫🇷 mener à

🇪🇸 llevar a

🇹🇷 yol açmak

🇰🇷 이끌다

🇸🇦 يؤدي إلى

🇨🇿 vést k

🇸🇰 viesť k

🇨🇳 导致

🇸🇮 vodi do

🇮🇸 leiða til

🇰🇿 алып келу

🇬🇪 მიყვანა

🇦🇿 aparmaq

🇲🇽 llevar a

Etymology

The word 'lead' has its origins in Old English 'lædan', which means 'to guide or conduct'. Over time, the meaning evolved to include 'to go in a particular direction' and 'to be in charge of a group'. The phrase 'lead to' specifically emerged in the late Middle English period, indicating causation or consequence.