Word
leaning
Phoneticslean·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɫinɪŋ/
UK/lˈiːnɪŋ/
Definitions
01a preference or tendency
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Formal
n. a tendency to prefer one set of ideas or beliefs over another.
n. a personal inclination, tendency, or propensity toward a specific opinion, belief, or political ideology.
“The journalist was known for his strong political leanings toward the green party.”
“Despite her academic objectivity, her philosophical leanings were evident in the way she framed the ethical dilemmas of the case.”
Usage
Often used in the plural form 'leanings' when referring to political or social views.
Synonyms
02a physical tilt
C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Literary
n. the act of sloping or tilting in one direction.
n. the state or act of inclining from a vertical position.
“The old tower had a slight leaning toward the river.”
“The structural engineer noted a subtle leaning in the western wall, suggesting that the foundation had shifted over the centuries.”
03resting against something
B1 · Intermediate
v. the action of resting your body against something for support.
v. the present participle of 'lean', describing the act of supporting oneself against a surface or inclining the body.
“He was leaning against the wall while waiting for the bus to arrive.”
“Leaning heavily on his cane, the elderly man navigated the uneven cobblestone streets with slow, deliberate steps.”
Real-World Examples
“Malaysian leader's comments on the island have prompted discussion about whether the country is leaning towards China.” “She did so with a huge smile spread across her face, leaning into the big notes of Dangerous Woman, and sprinting across the stage during Break Free - one of many up-tempo highlights.” Etymology
From Middle English lening, leninge, from Old English hlinung (“leaning; resting; place of rest”), equivalent to lean + -ing.
See the etymology of the corresponding lemma form.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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