WordGarden.iolead
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /lˈiːd/
US
- /ˈlɛd/
Meanings
Verb
to go first and guide someone or something along a path or process
to be in charge of and direct a group, team, or organization
to cause something to happen or result
Noun
the first position or an advantage over others in a race, game, or contest
a clue, tip, or promising piece of information to follow up
a soft heavy gray metal
More meaningsFewer meanings
the main actor, performer, or principal role in an entertainment production
Beyond the definition
Think of a hiking trail: someone needs to lead the way and show others where to go. That is one common meaning. The word can also mean being in front, like a runner leading a race, or the top position itself, as in "take the lead." It is also used for the main part in a play or film, and, in a very different sense, for a heavy metal.
You lead a team by guiding and directing it. An actor can play the lead in a movie, and a company can keep the lead in a market. Old paint containing lead can be dangerous, so context matters with this word. The verb is pronounced like "leed," while the metal is pronounced like "led."
The word "lead" is very flexible, and its meaning depends a lot on context and pronunciation. Most often, "lead" (pronounced leed) is a verb that means to guide, direct, or show the way. A teacher might lead a class, a captain might lead a team, and a guide might lead visitors through a museum. You can also lead by example, which means other people follow because of what you do.
The same pronunciation (leed) is used when talking about being ahead of others. A runner might lead a race, or a company might lead the market. As a noun, "lead" can also mean the front position or advantage itself. Someone can "have the lead," "take the lead," or "lose the lead."
Another common noun use is the main role or main person in a story, play, or film. The lead in a movie is the main actor or main character. In writing and journalism, a "lead" can also mean the opening part that introduces the main point, and in business it can mean a possible customer or useful piece of information.
When pronounced as led, "lead" is a heavy, soft metal. It was once widely used in paint, pipes, and other products, but it is dangerous because it is toxic. You may hear about lead poisoning or lead-based paint. The "lead" in a pencil is actually graphite, not the metal.
There are a few other uses too. In British English, a lead can be a rope or strap used to control a dog. In the end, this is a word with several important meanings: guiding, being in front, the top role or position, a possible customer or clue, and a metal. If you watch the context and the pronunciation, the meaning usually becomes clear.
Examples
- 1
Direction
This road leads to the station.
- 2
Showing the way
Could you lead the way? I don't know this building.
- 3
Management
She leads a small team at a software company.
- 4
Cause and result
Poor sleep can lead to mistakes at work.
- Patternlead to + result
cause it to happen
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Belief
His comments led me to believe the meeting was canceled.
- Patternlead someone to believe + claim
make someone think that claim is true
- 6
Sports score
The home team was leading by two points at halftime.
- 7
Competition
After the final question, Sara took the lead in the quiz.
- Phrasetake the lead
become first or most successful
- 8
Following behavior
We followed his lead and waited quietly.
- Phrasefollow someone's lead
copy what someone does
- 9
Performance role
He played the lead in the school play.
- 10
Investigation
The police are following a new lead in the case.
- 11
Metal
Old houses may still have lead pipes.
- Note
lead is pronounced "led" when it means the metal
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- leadnounverb
Forms
- ledpast tensepast participleverbnoun
- leading-ing formverbnoun
- leadspluralnounverb