Lean
/liːn/
Definitions
4 meaningsTo incline or bend from a vertical position; to rest or be supported.
/liːn/
To be in or move into a sloping position.
The tired traveler leaned against the tree.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're tired and resting against something. When you're 'leaning,' you're tilting your body, maybe against a wall or a tree, for support. Like when you lean back in your chair when you're bored.
👶 For kids: To bend or tilt to one side, like a tree in the wind.
More Examples
He leaned over to whisper in her ear.
The building leaned slightly after the earthquake.
How It's Used
"She leaned against the wall, exhausted after the marathon."
"The bridge's structure leaned precariously in the wind."
To rely on or depend on for support, help, or guidance.
/liːn/
To rely on someone or something for support.
The small business leaned on its strong customer base.
💡 Simply: When you 'lean' on someone, it means you're counting on them to help you out or support you. It’s like asking your parents for advice when you're figuring out what to do.
👶 For kids: To ask someone for help or support.
More Examples
She leaned on her family during her illness.
The project leaned on external funding to proceed.
How It's Used
"The company leaned heavily on technology to improve efficiency."
"She leaned on her friends for support during a difficult time."
Thin and healthy; containing little or no fat.
/liːn/
Having little or no fat on the body.
He prefers lean meats over fatty ones.
💡 Simply: When something is 'lean,' it usually means it doesn't have a lot of fat. Think about lean meat or someone with a fit body!
👶 For kids: Not much fat.
More Examples
She has a lean figure after consistent workouts.
A lean economy can still be strong if it is efficient.
How It's Used
"He maintained a lean physique through regular exercise."
"This cut of meat is lean, meaning it has minimal fat."
Efficient, productive, and streamlined, with minimal waste or unnecessary elements.
/liːn/
Efficient and without waste.
The company streamlined its processes to create a lean supply chain.
💡 Simply: Imagine a business that runs super efficiently, getting everything done quickly and without wasting time or money. That's a 'lean' operation!
👶 For kids: Doing something in a quick and efficient way, without wasting time or resources.
More Examples
They aim for lean production to maximize efficiency.
They created a lean budget.
How It's Used
"The company adopted lean manufacturing principles."
"She runs a lean operation with minimal overhead costs."
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
lean on
To rely on someone or something for support or help.
"She learned to lean on her friends for support."
lean times
A period of financial hardship or economic difficulty.
"During the economic recession, many families experienced lean times."
From Old English hléonian ('to incline, bend'), from Proto-Germanic *hleananą.
The word 'lean' has been used since the Old English period, originally referring to the physical action of bending or inclining. The meaning evolved over time to encompass concepts of reliance and thinness.