WordGarden.iolean
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /lˈiːn/
US
- /ˈlin/
Meanings
Adjective
thin and fit, with little body fat
containing little fat, especially in meat
run with little waste, excess staff, or spare resources
More meaningsFewer meanings
meager or not plentiful
Verb
to incline or rest at a slant against something
to depend on someone or something for support
Beyond the definition
Lean can mean a few common things. A person may lean against a wall or a chair for support. A tree or building may lean if it is not standing straight. As an adjective, lean often describes someone who is thin and fit, or food with little fat, like lean meat.
The word can also be used in a less literal way. You can lean on a friend when you need help or comfort. People also talk about lean times when money, food, or other resources are limited. In many situations, the idea is the same: something is slanting, depending on support, or kept light and simple.
The word "lean" changes its meaning a bit depending on the context, but the main ideas stay connected. It often suggests something that is not fully upright, something that depends on support, or something with little extra fat, weight, or waste.
Most literally, to lean means to rest at an angle or to move slightly to one side. You might lean against a tree while reading, or lean forward to hear someone better. A fence, tower, or old house may also lean if it is no longer straight.
The word also has a figurative use. You can lean on someone for emotional support, meaning you depend on that person in a hard time. A person can also lean toward an idea, choice, or opinion, which means they slightly prefer it even if they have not fully decided.
As an adjective, "lean" often describes a body that is thin, healthy, and has little fat. It can also describe food, especially meat with little fat. In business or everyday life, "lean" can describe a system, budget, or team with very little waste or very few extra resources. During lean times, people may have just enough to get by.
So, whether you are talking about a body against a wall, a person asking for help, meat with little fat, or a budget with no extra room, "lean" usually carries one of these ideas: slanting, depending on support, or having very little excess.
Examples
- 1
Physical support
She leaned against the wall while she waited.
- 2
Window safety
Please don’t lean out of the window.
- 3
Listening posture
He leaned forward to hear her better.
- 4
Vehicle position
The bike was leaning to one side after the crash.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Preference
I’m leaning toward the cheaper option.
- Patternlean toward + option
prefer it slightly
- 6
Emotional support
During the divorce, she leaned on her sister a lot.
- Patternlean on + person
depend on them for help or support
- 7
Pressure
The manager leaned on us to finish the report by Friday.
- Patternlean on + person
pressure them to do something
- 8
Food
Choose lean meat if you want less fat.
- 9
Efficient business
The company stayed small and lean during its first year.
- 10
Difficult period
After two lean years, the cafe finally started making a profit.
- Phraselean years
difficult years with little money or success
See also
Forms and spellings
7 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- leannounverbadjective
Forms
- leaning-ing formverbnounadjective
- leanedpast tenseverbnounadjective
- leanspluralnounverbadjective
- leanercomparativeadjectiveverbnoun
- leantpast tensepast participleverbnounadjective
- leanestsuperlativeadjectiveverbnoun