leader
gb/lˈidɚ/ us/lˈidɚ/
A2
English
~ 700
Senses
0 senses
Noun
A2
entity
1
Person in charge of a group
A person who is in charge of a group or leads it.
Usage pattern:
[someone] is the leader of [group]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'leader' with 'lead' (verb) and say 'He is lead of the team' instead of 'He is leader of the team' or 'He leads the team'.
Synonyms
chief (Often used in formal or official contexts to refer to the head of an organization or group.)
|
head (A more general term for someone in charge, often in administrative contexts.)
Antonyms
follower (Refers to someone who accepts the guidance or authority of another rather than leading.)
Collocations
political leader
|team leader
|community leader
|natural leader
|group leader
Themes
business
|politics
|sports
|work
Examples
- She was elected as the new leader of the party.
- The team leader called a meeting to discuss the project.
- He is a respected leader in the local community.
- The expedition’s leader made the final decision on the route.
- As a leader, she inspires others to do their best.
Learner examples
- The leader tells the team what to do.
- Our class leader talks to the teacher.
- He is the leader of the group.
- The leader helps everyone work together.
- She became the leader after the vote.
Noun
A2
entity
2
Person ahead in competition
The person who is first in a race or game.
Usage pattern:
[someone] is the leader in [competition]
Synonyms
front-runner (Often used figuratively and literally for someone likely to win.)
Antonyms
trailer (Refers to someone who is behind others in a race or contest.)
Collocations
race leader
|current leader
|clear leader
Themes
sports
|games
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The cyclist remained the leader throughout the final stage.
- She is the clear leader after two rounds of voting.
- The race leader took a wrong turn but still finished first.
Learner examples
- He is the leader in the race.
- The leader runs very fast.
- She is the leader after two games.
Noun
technical
B1
entity
3
Thin strip for guiding movement
A short piece of strong line or wire used to guide or connect something, like in fishing.
Synonyms
cord (General term for a thin rope-like material; not specific to guiding use.)
Collocations
fishing leader
|wire leader
Themes
fishing
|engineering
|daily_life
|technology
|sports
Examples
- Attach a wire leader to prevent the fish from biting through the line.
- The fishing leader connects the hook to the main line.
- Use a strong leader when catching large fish.
Learner examples
- I use a strong leader for fishing.
- The fishing line has a leader at the end.
- The leader helps to catch big fish.
Grammar
Dictionary form
leader
IPA
GB/lˈidɚ/
US/lˈidɚ/
Syllables & stress
lead - er (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (lead)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: leader
- Plural: leaders
Word family
Forms
leaders
noun
Core family
lead
verb A2
leadership
noun B1
Related words
leading
adjective
Negative and opposite forms
leaderless
adjective
Expressions
natural leader
1/nˈæt͡ʃɚəl lˈidɚ/
fixed phrase
Person with innate leadership ability
Someone who seems born to lead and can easily guide others.
Examples
- Even as a child, she was a natural leader among her friends.
- He’s a natural leader who inspires trust and respect.
party leader
1/pˈɑɹti lˈidɚ/
fixed phrase
Head of political party
The main person in charge of a political party.
Examples
- The party leader announced new policies today.
- She became party leader after winning the internal vote.
team leader
1/tˈim lˈidɚ/
fixed phrase
Person directing a team
A person who is in charge of guiding and organizing a team.
Examples
- Our team leader organizes our work and gives us tasks.
- The team leader called everyone together for a quick meeting.
world leader
1/wˈɚld lˈidɚ/
fixed phrase
Political head of a country
A person who leads a country and has influence internationally.
Examples
- World leaders met to discuss climate change.
- The summit brought together world leaders from many nations.