Definition

Verb: 1. To begin or start something; to be the first in a series or sequence. This is the primary meaning, focusing on initiating an action or event. 2. To make a beginning; to commence. This sense emphasizes the act of starting itself.

Usage and Examples

The verb "lead off" is used to describe the action of starting something, often implying that this start is the first part that others will follow.

• The manager asked a veteran player to lead off the meeting with some encouraging words.
• A powerful speech will lead off the conference tomorrow morning.
• In baseball, the fastest runner usually leads off as the first batter.

Advanced Usage and Nuances

• Transitive vs. Intransitive Use: "Lead off" can be used both with a direct object (transitive) and without one (intransitive).
  • Transitive: "She will lead off the discussion." (She will begin the discussion.)
  • Intransitive: "Who would like to lead off?" (Who would like to begin?)
• Figurative Use: It can be used figuratively to describe starting a process or series of actions.
  • "The scandal led off a chain of investigations that lasted for years."

Variants and Related Words

• Lead-off (Adjective): Used to describe the thing or person that begins something.
  • "He is the team's lead-off hitter." (He is the first batter.)
  • "The lead-off article in the journal was very controversial."
• Lead (Verb): A more general verb meaning to guide or be at the front. "Lead off" is a specific phrasal verb derived from this.

Synonyms

• Begin
• Start
• Commence
• Initiate
• Kick off (informal)

Phrasal Verbs

• Lead off with: To begin by using or doing something specific.
  • "The presenter led off with a surprising statistic to grab the audience's attention."
  • "I'll lead off with my main argument and then provide supporting details."

Idioms and Common Phrases

While "lead off" itself functions as a phrasal verb, it is commonly used in specific contexts: * To lead off the dance: An idiom meaning to be the first to start dancing, often used more broadly to mean being the first to do something in a social setting. * To lead off the batting/innings: A fixed phrase in cricket and baseball for the player who bats first.

Verb

1. set in motion, cause to start
   • The U.S. started a war in the Middle East
   • The Iraqis began hostilities
   • begin a new chapter in your life
2. teach immoral behavior to
   • It was common practice to lead off the young ones, and teach them bad habits