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Language Research - Words
lead · verb /liːd/Full view
Nouns: lead, leader, leadership
Adjectives: leading
Verbs: lead
lead (SHOW WAY)
B1 I or T to show someone where to go, usually by taking them to a place or by going in front of them
Dictionary examples:

I don't know the way, so you'd better lead.

She led them down the hall.

The waiter led us to our table.

Our guide led us through the mountains.

She took the child by the hand and led him upstairs to bed.

He led the horse out of the stable.

Learner example:

And you can go to the nearest village, where you can [take a] mountain walk led by experienced guides. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Hungarian)

lead into/to/toward, etc.
B2 If something, for example a path or road, leads somewhere, it goes in that direction.
Dictionary examples:

That path leads to the beach.

A flight of narrow stairs leads to the kitchen.

There's a road that leads toward the reservoir.

Learner example:

I discovered a small path which led to an old castle we had never seen before. (First Certificate in English; B2; Spanish)

lead (BE WINNING)
B2 I or T to be winning a game or a competition
Dictionary examples:

Ngomo led by less than two seconds.

With only three minutes remaining, New Orleans led (Dallas), 24 to 21.

Learner example:

Marseille led 1-0 versus Milan AC in the match which qualified the winner for the semi-finals. (First Certificate in English; B2; French)

lead (CONTROL)
B2 I or T to be in control of a group, country, or situation
Dictionary examples:

I think we've chosen the right person to lead the expedition.

I've asked George to lead the discussion.

Her sister is leading an effort to change this law.

Learner example:

I also led a group of people cleaning the wood just outside the city. (First Certificate in English; B2; Italian)

lead a busy/normal/quiet, etc. life
B2 to live in a particular way
Dictionary example:

She retired to Florida and still leads a busy life.

Learner example:

Owing to the great speed of technological development, people need to lead a faster life [than before]. (First Certificate in English; B2; Turkish)

lead (BE THE BEST)
C2 I or T to be better than anyone else
Dictionary example:

I still believe that we lead the world in acting talent.

lead sb to do sth
C2 to cause someone to do or think something
Dictionary examples:

What led you to think that?

The brochure led me to believe that the price included home delivery.

Learner example:

The girl's disap[p]earance leads him to think she was taken away. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; French)

lead sb to a conclusion
C2 to cause you to think that something is probably true
Dictionary example:

So you thought I was leaving, did you? What led you to that conclusion?

Learner example:

These results lead us to the conclusion that only people with "minds tough enough" will survive. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Greek)

be led by sth
C2 to be caused or influenced by something
Dictionary example:

Her actions were led by greed.

Learner example:

The main reason that I believe so is that they do not seem to possess any tendency to fall in love blindly and let themselves be led by instinct. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Korean)

lead to sth
B2 to cause something to happen or exist
Dictionary example:

Reducing speed limits led to fewer fatal highway accidents.

Learner example:

People who work very hard are often tired, which could influence their relationship with others. It might lead to unnecessary arguments and spoil the pleasant atmosphere among them for some time. (First Certificate in English; B2; Polish)

lead up to sth
C2 to happen before an event
Dictionary example:

The pilot had no recollection of the events leading up to the crash.

Learner example:

We want to know what happened to those civilizations, what were their beliefs, [...] what were their dreams and predictions [for] the future, what events and actions have led up to the present? (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Portuguese)

lead · noun /liːd/
Nouns: lead, leader, leadership
Adjectives: leading
Verbs: lead
lead (WINNING)
B2 no plural a winning position during a race or other situation where people are competing, or a position ahead of other people
Dictionary examples:

For the first time in the race Harrison is in the lead.

With a final burst of speed he moved into the lead.

She took the lead with ten meters to go in the race.

By the end of the day's play Davies had a lead of three points.

The whole family walked down to the beach, with Mom in the lead.

Learner example:

In the last lap David took the lead with a professional overtake [of] Nilsons' Aston Martin. (First Certificate in English; B2; Greek)

lead (FILM/PLAY)
C2 the main person in a film or play
Dictionary example:

She plays the lead in both films.

Learner example:

A child who leaves school feeling that he has succeeded in leaving his mark by holding the school record for high jump or getting the lead in the school production is a happy, confident child who is able to face the next chapter in his life knowing he can and will do well. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Portuguese)

lead · adjective always before noun /liːd/
lead
B1 The lead performer or lead part in a performance is the main performer or part.
Dictionary example:

Who played the lead role?

Learner example:

It was Dave Grohl, the lead singer of Foo Fighters! (Preliminary English Test; B1; Spanish)

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