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
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.
Example
She took the lead in organizing the charity event.
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.
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'
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.
