lead
lead Lexical Profile
lead Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To show the way to a destination by going in front of or beside someone.
"The experienced guide will lead the group through the treacherous mountain pass."
To be in charge or command of an organization, group, or initiative.
"She was chosen to lead the new marketing campaign due to her exceptional strategic skills."
To culminate or result in a particular event, consequence, or state.
"Poor dietary choices can often lead to long-term health complications."
• noun
A position of advantage or the foremost place, often setting an example for others to follow.
"The runner took the lead during the final lap of the race and maintained it until the finish line."
A heavy, dense, soft, bluish-gray metallic chemical element (symbol Pb) that is highly malleable and resistant to corrosion.
"Older homes often have plumbing systems that include pipes made of lead, requiring eventual replacement."
A piece of information or a clue that may assist in resolving a problem, investigation, or mystery.
"The detectives are following a promising lead that might finally help solve the robbery."
Word Nuance & Usage
The word 'lead' is a prominent heteronym; it is pronounced /liːd/ when meaning 'to guide' or 'front position', but /lɛd/ when referring to the heavy metal, which creates frequent spelling confusion with the past tense of the verb (led).
• Rhymes for lead
Word Origin & Etymology
The verb and 'guide' noun stem from Old English 'lǣdan' (to cause to go with), while the metallic noun comes from a distinct Old English root, 'lēad', of Proto-Germanic origin.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.