lead Definition
- 1to show the way to a place by going there with or in front of someone
- 2to control a group of people, a country, or a situation
- 3a soft heavy toxic malleable metallic element; bluish white when freshly cut but tarnishes readily to dull grey
Using lead: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "lead" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
Can you lead us to the nearest gas station?
Example
She led the team to victory.
Example
The president led the country through a difficult time.
Example
Lead is used in batteries and bullets.
Example
He was poisoned by lead in the water.
lead Synonyms and Antonyms
Idioms Using lead
Example
He was leading a double life, secretly working as a spy while pretending to be a businessman.
Example
He led me up the garden path with promises of a promotion, but it never happened.
Example
After the first lap, she was in the lead and never looked back.
Phrases with lead
Example
The manager always leads by example, working hard and treating everyone with respect.
Example
The tour guide led the way through the jungle.
Example
After the CEO resigned, the CFO took the lead in running the company.
Origins of lead
from Old English 'lǣdan', meaning 'cause to go with one, guide, conduct'
Summary: lead in Brief
The verb 'lead' [liːd] means to guide, direct, or control people or situations. It can also refer to showing the way to a place. As a noun, 'lead' refers to a soft, heavy, toxic, malleable metallic element. Common phrases include 'lead by example,' 'lead the way,' and 'take the lead.' Idioms include 'lead a double life,' 'lead someone up the garden path,' and 'in the lead.'