lead
To show the way or be in charge of a group or activity.
To be in control of or give direction to a person, group, or activity.
The first position in a race or competition.
The state of being ahead of others in a race, competition, or situation.
A heavy gray metal used in some products and batteries.
A soft, heavy, bluish-gray metal chemical element (symbol Pb), often used in batteries and formerly in pipes and paints.
The most important part played by an actor in a show or movie.
The principal acting role in a play, film, or television show.
The dark part inside a pencil that writes on paper.
The thin core inside a pencil that makes marks on paper, commonly called 'lead' but actually made of graphite.
- Base: lead
- Plural: lead, leads
- Base: lead
- 3rd Person Singular: leads
- Present Participle: leading
- Past: led
- Past Participle: led
- Irregular past: led Verb
- Irregular past participle: led Verb
lead someone on
1deceive about romantic interest
To make someone believe you like them when you do not really mean it.
- He felt she had led him on by flirting with no real interest.
- Don’t lead him on if you’re not serious.
lead the way
1go first to show direction
To go before others to show them where to go.
- Please lead the way to the meeting room.
- She led the way through the crowded street.
lead up to something
1happen before an event and prepare for it
To happen before and help cause an event.
- The weeks leading up to the wedding were very busy.
- Several mistakes led up to his resignation.
in the lead
1ahead in competition or comparison
To be ahead of others in a race or contest.
- He is currently in the lead by two points.
- Our team is in the lead at halftime.
- They stayed in the lead until the end of the match.
- He stayed in the lead until the finish line.
take the lead
1move into first place or control
To become first or start being in control.
- Our team took the lead after halftime.
- She decided to take the lead during the project.
- She took the lead in organizing the project.
- If no one speaks up, I'll take the lead.