leading

[ˈliːdɪŋ]

leading Definition

  • 1coming before all others in time or order; earliest; first
  • 2having the highest position in a hierarchy or organization
  • 3most important or influential

Using leading: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "leading" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    He is one of the leading experts in his field.

  • Example

    The company is a leading producer of computer software.

  • Example

    The leading cause of death in the country is heart disease.

  • Example

    She played a leading role in the negotiations.

leading Synonyms and Antonyms

Antonyms for leading

Idioms Using leading

  • to deceive or mislead someone, often with false promises or information

    Example

    He led me up the garden path with his promises of a promotion, but it never materialized.

  • to assume control or responsibility for something

    Example

    She took the lead in organizing the charity event.

  • in a position of advantage or ahead of others in a competition or race

    Example

    The home team is currently in the lead with a score of 3-0.

Phrases with leading

  • a question that prompts or encourages the desired answer, often by indicating the answer that is expected or hoped for

    Example

    The lawyer asked a leading question to the witness in order to get the answer he wanted.

  • the forefront or vanguard of a particular field or movement

    Example

    The company's research and development team is at the leading edge of technology.

  • leading lady/man

    the actor or actress who plays the main character in a play or movie

    Example

    She was the leading lady in the Broadway production of 'Hamilton'.

Origins of leading

from Old English 'lǣdan', meaning 'to guide'

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Summary: leading in Brief

The term 'leading' [ˈliːdɪŋ] refers to being first or earliest in time or order, having the highest position in a hierarchy or organization, or being most important or influential. It can describe people, companies, causes, or ideas, such as 'He is one of the leading experts in his field.' 'Leading' also appears in phrases like 'leading question,' which prompts a desired answer, and idioms like 'take the lead,' which means to assume control or responsibility.