Leading Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🏆

Add to dictionary

leading

[ˈliːdɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

position

having the highest position or being in the front; most important or influential.

Synonyms

chief, foremost, major, primary, principal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
leading	Used when referring to someone or something that is at the front or most influential in a field or activity. She is the leading expert in the field of biochemistry. The leading causes of death in the region were heart disease and stroke.
chief	Often used to denote the highest-ranking person in an organization or the most important element within a certain context. The chief executive officer announced the company's new strategy. One of the chief concerns of the committee was environmental sustainability.
principal	Usually describes something that is the most important among several, or someone who has the highest authority, particularly in a business or educational context. The principal reason for the delay was a technical fault. She was appointed the principal of the new high school.
major	Generally used to describe something that is very important or significant, often in a large-scale context. A major breakthrough in cancer research was announced yesterday. Security is a major concern for online transactions.
foremost	Used to indicate the most prominent or important position, usually among others that are also significant. She is considered the foremost authority on ancient Roman history. Foremost among the issues they discussed was climate change.
primary	Refers to something that is first in order of importance or sequence. The primary objective of the project is to reduce emissions. Education is the primary focus of the new government initiative.

Examples of usage

He is the leading expert in the field.
The leading cause of death in the country is heart disease.
She plays the leading role in the movie.
The leading candidate in the election is expected to win.
The leading brand in the market is known for its quality.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

position

the person or thing that is ahead in a race or competition.

Synonyms

forerunner, front-runner, leader, pace-setter.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
leading	Used to describe someone or something that is most important or ahead of everyone else in a particular context or field. The leading company in the tech industry is hosting a major conference next week She is a leading expert in renewable energy
front-runner	Used to describe someone who is most likely to win a competition, race, or contest. She is the front-runner for the presidential nomination This team became the front-runner after their recent victories
pace-setter	Refers to someone or something that sets the standard or tempo for others to follow, often used in sports or business. In the marathon, she started as the pace-setter for the first half of the race This company is a pace-setter in innovation and customer service
forerunner	Refers to someone or something that precedes others and indicates the approach of something or someone else, often used when speaking about innovations or trends. The first smartphones were the forerunners of the modern devices we use today His early work was a forerunner of contemporary art
leader	Describes someone who is in charge, directs a group, or is at the forefront in a particular field or organization. The CEO is a visionary leader who has transformed the company The team captain is an effective leader on and off the field

Examples of usage

The horse in the red jacket is the leading in the race.
She is the leading in the points tally for the season.
The leading in the marathon was a surprise to everyone.
He overtook the leading in the final lap of the race.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

Many successful movies and shows feature characters who are 'leading' their teams to victory, like superheroes in comic books.
In sports, captains are often seen as 'leading' figures, providing direction and morale for their teams.
The concept of 'leading' is frequently explored in self-help books, where authors share strategies for effective leadership.

Psychology

Research shows that effective leadership involves emotional intelligence, which helps leaders connect with their teams.
Studies suggest that a 'leading' personality often displays traits like decisiveness and charisma, which can motivate others.
People tend to follow those they perceive as authentic and trustworthy leaders, indicating the importance of character.

Business

In organizations, being a 'leading' figure is crucial for driving change and innovation.
Leadership styles, such as transformational leadership, emphasize inspiring and motivating followers to achieve great results.
Companies often invest in leadership development programs to create strong 'leading' roles within their teams.

Education

In classrooms, teachers often take on a 'leading' role to guide discussions and learning activities.
Leadership skills are increasingly being integrated into school curricula to prepare students for future roles.
Mentorship programs rely on established leaders to guide newer members and foster personal and professional growth.

Origin of 'leading'

Main points about word origin

The word 'leading' comes from the Old English 'lǣdan,' meaning to guide or bring forth.
In the 14th century, 'leading' began to be used to refer to directing people or groups.
The term is often associated with leadership in various fields, suggesting a connection to authority and influence.

The word 'leading' originated from the Old English word 'lædan', meaning 'to guide or conduct'. Over time, its meaning evolved to signify being in a top or primary position. The concept of leading has been integral to human society, from leading a group of people to leading in a competition. The term has been used in various contexts, including leadership, sports, and business, to denote prominence, influence, or superiority.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,043, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.

...
1040 removed
1041 successful
1042 machine
1043 leading
1044 sections
1045 economy
1046 regulations
...