leaning
- 01 C1 Advanced
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.
Simple“The journalist was known for his strong political leanings toward the green party.”
In context“Despite her academic objectivity, her philosophical leanings were evident in the way she framed the ethical dilemmas of the case.”
UsageOften used in the plural form 'leanings' when referring to political or social views.
Synonyms - 02 C2 Proficiency
n.the act of sloping or tilting in one direction.
n.the state or act of inclining from a vertical position.
Simple“The old tower had a slight leaning toward the river.”
In context“The structural engineer noted a subtle leaning in the western wall, suggesting that the foundation had shifted over the centuries.”
- 03 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.
Simple“He was leaning against the wall while waiting for the bus to arrive.”
In context“Leaning heavily on his cane, the elderly man navigated the uneven cobblestone streets with slow, deliberate steps.”
“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.”
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.