leant
Verb (past tense and past participle of lean): - To be in a sloping position: "leant" describes the action of inclining or bending from a vertical position. - To rest against something: "leant" means to support oneself by placing weight on a surface or object. - To rely or depend: "leant" can indicate a figurative reliance on someone or something for support.
- (She rested her body against the wall for support.)
- (He inclined his body toward the speaker.)
- (They relied on their friends for emotional support.)
"leant over backwards": to make a great effort to help or please someone.
- The teacher leant over backwards to help the struggling student. (The teacher made an extreme effort to assist.)
"leant towards": to have a preference or tendency for a particular option or idea.
- He leant towards accepting the job offer despite the long hours. (He was inclined to accept.)
Lean (verb, present tense): the base form of "leant."
- I lean the ladder against the house. (I place the ladder in a sloping position.)
Leaning (noun): a tendency or inclination.
- Her political leaning is toward conservatism. (Her tendency is toward conservative views.)
Lean (adjective): thin, with little fat; or efficient and without waste.
- He has a lean physique. (He has a thin body.)
- Inclined: placed at a sloping angle.
- Rested: supported by leaning against something.
- Relied: depended on someone or something.
Lean on: to depend on someone for support or to pressure someone.
- He leant on his brother for financial help. (He depended on his brother.)
- The boss leant on him to finish the project early. (The boss pressured him.)
Lean towards: to have a preference for.
- She leant towards studying medicine. (She preferred studying medicine.)
Lean over backwards: to make an extreme effort.
- They leant over backwards to accommodate the guests. (They made every possible effort.)
Lean on a crutch: to rely on something that provides temporary support.
- After the accident, he leant on a crutch for weeks. (He used a crutch for support.)