Pronunciation: /liːn/

Definitions of lean

noun a position or inclination that is not perpendicular or not level

Example Sentences

A1 I like to do a little lean when I'm tired.

A2 She showed off her lean towards minimalist design in her new apartment.

B1 The company's new strategy focuses on creating a leaner organizational structure.

B2 The athlete's lean towards a plant-based diet has improved his performance.

C1 The lean of the tower was carefully calculated to ensure stability.

C2 The artist's work showcased a unique lean towards abstract expressionism.

verb to incline or bend from a vertical position

Example Sentences

A1 I lean against the wall when I'm tired.

A2 She leans on her friends for support during tough times.

B1 The tree was leaning dangerously towards the house after the storm.

B2 He leaned in to hear what she was whispering.

C1 The company decided to lean towards more environmentally friendly practices.

C2 The government is leaning towards implementing stricter regulations on pollution.

adjective having little fat or flesh; thin or slender

Example Sentences

A1 The cat is lean and agile.

A2 She prefers lean meat over fatty cuts.

B1 The company aims to maintain lean operations to increase efficiency.

B2 The athlete's lean physique is a result of strict diet and training.

C1 The novel offers a lean narrative style that captivates the reader.

C2 His lean approach to business management has led to significant cost savings.

adverb in a lean or thin manner

Example Sentences

A1 She leaned over to pick up the pen.

A2 He leaned against the wall, waiting for the bus.

B1 I leaned in closer to hear what she was saying.

B2 The tree leaned slightly to one side after the storm.

C1 The building appeared to lean towards the river, giving it a unique architectural style.

C2 The old man leaned back in his chair, reminiscing about his youth.

Examples of lean in a Sentence

formal The architecture of the building was designed to have a lean and modern look.

informal I like to lean against the wall when I'm waiting for someone.

slang Let's lean on the fence and chat for a bit.

figurative In times of crisis, it's important to lean on your friends for support.

Grammatical Forms of lean

past tense

leaned

plural

leans

comparative

leaner

superlative

leanest

present tense

lean

future tense

will lean

perfect tense

have leaned

continuous tense

is leaning

singular

lean

positive degree

lean

infinitive

to lean

gerund

leaning

participle

leaned

Origin and Evolution of lean

First Known Use: 1250 year
Language of Origin: Old English
Story behind the word: The word 'lean' originated from the Old English word 'hlæne' which meant 'empty, scanty'.
Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'lean' evolved to also mean 'thin or slender' in addition to its original meaning of 'empty or scanty'. It is now commonly used to describe someone or something lacking in fat or substance.