Pronunciation

/led/ (for the verb form) /liːd/ (for the noun form)

Definitions

Noun (n)

• 1. A soft, heavy, malleable, bluish-gray metal, atomic number 82, used in containers and pipes for acidic liquids and as a radiation shield. E.g., “Lead was once commonly used in paint but has since been banned due to health concerns.”
• 2. The principal role or position; leadership. E.g., “He took the lead in organizing the event.”
• 3. A thin cord or wire used to guide or direct, especially in angling. E.g., “The fisherman cast his line with a new lead.”
• 4. A distance or time interval by which one thing precedes another. E.g., “Our team had a two-point lead over theirs.”

Verb (v)

• 1. To guide or conduct, especially by going in advance. E.g., “She led the group through the forest.”
• 2. To show the way along (a path); to be ahead in a competition. E.g., “Their team led throughout the entire game.”
• 3.(of a dog) To be harnessed to and draw a vehicle. E.g., “The horse led the cart down the street.”
• 4. To cause to move in a particular direction or to a certain place by extending one’s hand, arm, or something held in one’s hand. E.g., “She led him to the dance floor.”

Adjective (adj)

• 1. Occupying a primary or leading position; foremost. E.g., “The lead singer of the band.”
• 2. Ahead in a competition or sequence. E.g., “They are currently in the lead.”

Phrases

• “Take the lead”: To assume control or initiative.
• “Lead the way”: To go first and show others how to follow.
• “Lead on”: To encourage or prompt someone to continue or proceed.

Example Sentences

• Noun: “The detective followed the trail of clues until he found the lead that broke the case wide open.”
• Verb: “The teacher led the class in a discussion about climate change.”
• Adjective: “As the lead actor, he carried the film with his powerful performance.”

Synonyms

• For Noun (the metal): Plumbum, Pb
• For Noun (leadership): Leadership, guidance, direction
• For Verb (to guide): Guide, conduct, escort, steer
• For Adjective (foremost): Primary, principal, chief, commanding