Leant: meaning, definitions and examples

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leant

[ lɛnt ]

Verb

^{Context #1 | Verb}

past tense

Leant is the past tense of the verb lean, which means to incline or bend from a vertical position. It often implies using something as support or resting against it. This action can involve physical leaning, as in leaning against a wall, or metaphorical leaning, such as relying on someone for emotional support. The term can also suggest a position of vulnerability or submission.

Synonyms

bent, inclined, rested, supported.

Examples of usage

She leant against the door, waiting for her friend.
He leant on his staff while he caught his breath.
They leant over the railing to get a better view.
The cat leant into the warmth of the sun.

Translations

Translations of the word "leant" in other languages:

🇵🇹 inclinou

🇮🇳 झुका

🇩🇪 neigen

🇮🇩 miring

🇺🇦 нахилений

🇵🇱 pochylił

🇯🇵 傾いた

🇫🇷 incliné

🇪🇸 inclinado

🇹🇷 eğilmiş

🇰🇷 기울어진

🇸🇦 مائل

🇨🇿 naklonil

🇸🇰 naklonil

🇨🇳 倾斜

🇸🇮 nagnjen

🇮🇸 halla

🇰🇿 еңкеген

🇬🇪 მხარე

🇦🇿 əyilmiş

🇲🇽 inclinó

Etymology

The word 'lean' originates from the Old English word 'hlēanian', meaning 'to lean, incline'. This term has Germanic roots, linked to similar words in other Germanic languages, such as the Old Norse 'hlynna' and Middle Dutch 'linnen'. The transformation to 'leant' as the past tense is a result of the strong verb conjugation pattern in English. In Middle English, the past form began to appear as 'lente' or 'lant', but the modern form 'leant' took shape around the 16th century. The use of 'lean' has evolved to encompass both physical and metaphorical meanings, reflecting the importance of support and reliance in human relationships.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,567, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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...