lead
- 01 A2 Elementary
v.to go with someone or in front of them to show them the right way.
v.to conduct or escort a person or group by moving in front of them or alongside them.
Simple“The tour guide will lead the group through the ancient castle ruins.”
In context“The local sherpa agreed to lead the expedition through the treacherous mountain pass before the winter storms arrived.”
PitfallThe signs leaded us to the exit. The signs led us to the exit.The past tense of the verb 'lead' is 'led', not 'leaded'.
- 02 B1 Intermediate
v.to be winning a race or a game.
v.to hold the advantage or the first position in a competition or hierarchy.
Simple“The Kenyan runner began to lead the marathon after the first ten miles.”
In context“The incumbent candidate continues to lead in the polls, though the margin has narrowed significantly over the last week.”
- 03 B1 Intermediate
v.to cause something to happen or to reach a certain place.
v.to result in a particular state or to have a specific destination as a terminus.
Simple“Eating too much sugar can lead to health problems like tooth decay.”
In context“The investigation eventually led to the discovery of a massive tax evasion scheme involving several offshore accounts.”
- 04 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to live a particular kind of life.
v.to experience or go through a specific lifestyle or existence.
Simple“After retiring, they wanted to lead a quiet life in the countryside.”
In context“Despite his immense wealth, he chose to lead a modest existence, donating the majority of his earnings to local charities.”
Synonyms - 05 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a heavy, soft, grey metal that was often used in pipes and paint in the past.
n.a heavy, bluish-grey metallic element (Pb) known for its high density and low melting point.
Simple“Old houses sometimes have pipes made of lead that should be replaced.”
In context“The researchers detected high levels of lead in the soil samples collected near the abandoned battery factory.”
UsagePronounced /lɛd/, unlike the verb which is /liːd/.
Teacher's tipPoint out the heteronym: the metal is pronounced like 'red', but the verb is pronounced like 'read'.
- 06 B1 Intermediate
n.the amount by which someone is winning a game or race.
n.the state of being ahead in a competition or the specific margin of advantage.
Simple“The team held a two-goal lead until the final minutes of the match.”
In context“The cyclist maintained a comfortable lead over the peloton, ensuring a solo victory at the finish line.”
- 07 B1 Intermediate
n.the most important actor or part in a movie or play.
n.the principal character or the performer who portrays that character in a production.
Simple“She was thrilled to get the lead in the school play.”
In context“The director spent months auditioning actors before finding the perfect lead for the upcoming historical drama.”
SynonymsAntonymsextrasupporting actor - 08 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a piece of information that helps solve a mystery or crime.
n.a piece of evidence or information that directs an investigation toward a solution.
Simple“The police are following a new lead that might help find the missing car.”
In context“The detective spent weeks chasing down every lead, but the case remained cold until an anonymous tip arrived.”
- 09 A2 Elementary
n.a long strap or chain used to walk a dog.
n.a tether or leash used to control an animal while walking.
Simple“You must keep your dog on a lead when walking in the park.”
In context“The trainer demonstrated how to walk a reactive dog on a short lead to maintain better control in crowded areas.”
Teacher's tipIn American English, 'leash' is much more common for this meaning.
- 10 B1 Intermediate
n.the black part inside a pencil that you use for writing.
n.the graphite and clay core of a pencil used for marking.
Simple“I need to sharpen my pencil because the lead broke.”
In context“The artist preferred using a softer lead for shading, as it allowed for a broader range of dark tones.”
UsagePronounced /lɛd/.
Synonyms - 11 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a wire that connects a piece of electrical equipment to a power supply.
n.an insulated conductor used to transmit electrical energy or signals between devices.
Simple“The computer won't turn on because the power lead is loose.”
In context“The technician checked the resistance of the test leads before beginning the diagnostic procedure on the circuit board.”
- 12 B1 Intermediate
adj.the main or most important one in a group.
adj.occupying the principal or foremost position in a sequence or hierarchy.
Simple“He is the lead singer of a very famous rock band.”
In context“The lead scientist presented the team's findings at the international conference, sparking a lively debate among the attendees.”
Usage lead author · lead authors · lead some people