ENGLISH
REFERENCE

leaned

v.
B1 Intermediate US //ˈɫind// UK //lˈiːnd// leaned

v. moved your body so that it was not straight, or rested your weight against something for support.

v. the past tense and past participle of 'lean'; refers to inclining the body or an object from a vertical position.


SIMPLE

He leaned against the wall while waiting for the bus.

CONTEXTUAL

The old man leaned heavily on his cane as he walked slowly down the garden path.

COMPLEX

She leaned out of the window to catch a glimpse of the parade before it disappeared around the corner of the street.

Synonyms
Usage

Often used with prepositions of direction or support such as 'against', 'on', 'over', or 'towards'.

Pitfall

he leant against the wall (in US English)he leaned against the wallWhile 'leant' is common in British English, 'leaned' is the standard form in American English; learners should be consistent with their chosen dialect.

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