Leading

'liːdɪŋ

verb - present participleBeginner🔥Very CommonAction
2 meanings1 idiom/phrase3 questions

Definitions

2 meanings
1

The action of guiding or directing someone or something.

'liːdɪŋ

verb - present participleneutralBeginner
Action

Present participle of the verb "lead"

The guide was leading the hikers through the forest.

💡 Simply: Imagine you're showing a friend the way to your favorite ice cream shop. You're leading them, like you would lead a team to success!

👶 For kids: Showing someone or something the way.

More Examples

2

She is leading the discussion during the meeting.

2

Most important, main, or first.

'liːdɪŋ

adjectivepositivemedium
Status

Being the foremost or most important.

He played the leading role in the play.

💡 Simply: When we say someone's 'leading,' it's like they're at the front of the line or are the best at something. Imagine the 'leading player' on a sports team—they're often the star!

👶 For kids: The best or most important.

More Examples

2

The leading cause of the accident was speeding.

How It's Used

Business

"The leading company in the industry is known for its innovation."

Politics

"She is a leading figure in the environmental movement."

Tip:Think of the leading actor – they are the main actor.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Idioms & expressions

leading edge

The most advanced or innovative part of something.

"The company is at the leading edge of technology."

From Middle English leden, from Old English lǣdan (“to lead, guide”).

The word has been used since Old English to denote guidance and direction.

Memory tip

Think of a shepherd leading sheep – the shepherd is leading.

Word Origin

LanguageOld English
Original meaning

"to guide, direct"

leading roleleading causeleading edgeleading companyleading figure

Common misspellings

leedingleadin

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written