Leaning

Pronunciation: /ˈlinɪŋ/

Definitions of leaning

verb Leaning is the present participle form of the verb 'lean', which means to incline or bend in a particular direction.

Example Sentences

A1 She is leaning against the wall.

A2 The tree is leaning to one side.

B1 He was leaning on the table while waiting for his turn.

B2 The tower was leaning slightly to the left.

C1 The old man was leaning heavily on his cane as he walked.

C2 The building appeared to be leaning dangerously after the earthquake.

Examples of leaning in a Sentence

formal She was leaning against the wall, deep in thought.

informal He was just leaning on the fence, watching the game.

slang I saw her leaning on her boo at the party last night.

figurative The company is leaning towards a more environmentally friendly approach.

Grammatical Forms of leaning

• past tense: leaned
• plural: leanings
• comparative: more leaning
• superlative: most leaning
• present tense: leaning
• future tense: will lean
• perfect tense: have leaned
• continuous tense: is leaning
• singular: leaning
• positive degree: lean
• infinitive: to lean
• gerund: leaning
• participle: leaning

Origin and Evolution of leaning

First Known Use: 1250 year

Language of Origin: Old English

Story behind the word: The word 'leaning' originated from the Old English word 'hlīnian' which means to incline or bend.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'leaning' has retained its original meaning of inclining or bending, but it has also taken on additional connotations related to support or reliance, such as 'leaning on someone for help'.