leading

/'li:diɳ/

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Explanation of the Word "Leading"

Part of Speech: Adjective (and can also be used as a noun)

Usage Instructions

• Use "leading" to describe a person, team, or thing that is ahead of others in a particular context, such as sports, academics, or technology.
• It can also be used to talk about the most important or significant role someone plays.

Examples

1. In Sports: "The leading team in the championship has won every game this season."
2. In Academics: "She is considered the leading expert in climate change research."
3. In Technology: "This company is at the leading edge of technology with its new smartphone."

Advanced Usage

• "Leading" can imply not just being first, but also setting a standard for others to follow. For example, "The leading artist in the gallery has influenced many young painters."

Word Variants

• Noun Form: "leadership" (the act of leading or guiding)
• Adverb Form: "leadingly" (in a manner that shows leadership or being ahead)

Different Meanings

1. In Competitions: Refers to being ahead, as in sports or games.
   • Example: "He is leading the race by several meters."
2. In Importance: Refers to being the most recognized or important.
   • Example: "She is the leading figure in modern literature."
3. In Roles: Describes the main performer in a show or film.
   • Example: "He played the leading role in the theater production."

Synonyms

• Foremost
• Principal
• Dominant
• Chief
• Top

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

• "Lead the way": To show others how to do something or to be at the forefront of an action.
  • Example: "Our manager will lead the way in the new project."
• "Take the lead": To take charge or control of a situation.
  • Example: "She decided to take the lead on organizing the event."

Summary

In conclusion, "leading" is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts to signify being at the forefront, whether that’s in competitions, importance, or roles.

Academic

Adjective

1. having the leading position or higher score in a contest
   • he is ahead by a pawn
   • the leading team in the pennant race
2. going or proceeding or going in advance; showing the way
   • we rode in the leading car
   • the leading edge of technology
3. greatest in importance or degree or significance or achievement
   • our greatest statesmen
   • the country's leading poet
   • a preeminent archeologist
4. indicating the most important performer or role
   • the leading man
   • prima ballerina
   • prima donna
   • a star figure skater
   • the starring role
   • a stellar role
   • a stellar performance

Noun

1. the activity of leading
   • his leadership inspired the team
2. thin strip of metal used to separate lines of type in printing

Synonyms

• ahead
• in the lead
• leading
• preeminent
• leading
• prima
• star
• starring
• stellar
• leadership
• lead