ENGLISH
REFERENCE

leaning

n. countable
C1 Advanced US //ˈɫinɪŋ// UK //lˈiːnɪŋ// lean·ing

n. a tendency to prefer one set of ideas or beliefs over another. You use this when someone is starting to favor a specific political or artistic style.

n. a tendency or partiality toward a particular set of opinions, beliefs, or interests. Often used in the plural to describe a person's general ideological orientation.


SIMPLE

She has a strong leaning toward modern art.

CONTEXTUAL

The journalist was criticized for his political leaning, which many felt influenced his reporting on the election.

COMPLEX

Despite his conservative upbringing, the candidate's recent speeches suggest a distinct leaning toward more progressive social policies to attract younger voters.

Synonyms
Etymology 1

From Middle English lening, leninge, from Old English hlinung (“leaning; resting; place of rest”), equivalent to lean + -ing.

Etymology 2

See the etymology of the corresponding lemma form.

Usage

Frequently used in the plural form ('leanings') when referring to a person's broad political or philosophical outlook.

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