lean
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for lean, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To bend or tilt away from an upright position, or to rest against something for support.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use lean
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English hlinian, "to lean or recline," from an ancient Germanic root related to the English word "climate" through a shared Indo-European origin meaning "to slope."
Full origin of lean →Frequently asked questions
What does “lean” mean?
The word “lean” means to bend or tilt away from an upright position, or to rest against something for support. In plain terms, to tilt or rest against something, to favor a side, or (as an adjective) to be thin or scarce.
How do you pronounce “lean”?
“Lean” is pronounced LEEN (/ˈliːn/ in IPA).
How do you use “lean” in a sentence?
Here is “lean” used in a sentence: “She leaned against the wall to catch her breath.”
What part of speech is “lean”?
Depending on how it is used, “lean” can be a verb and an adjective.
Where does the word “lean” come from?
The word “lean” comes from Old English. From Old English hlinian, "to lean or recline," from an ancient Germanic root related to the English word "climate" through a shared Indo-European origin meaning "to slope.".
Is “lean” a common word?
“Lean” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “lean” have?
“Lean” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to bend or tilt away from an upright position, or to rest against something for support.
What is the difference between "lean" and "lien"?
"Lean" and "lien" can sound alike but are unrelated. "Lean" is mainly a verb meaning to tilt, rest against something, or tend toward a view, while "lien" is a legal noun meaning a right to keep property until a debt is paid.
Is the past tense of "lean" "leaned" or "leant"?
Both are correct. "Leaned" is standard in American English and common everywhere, while "leant" is a traditional British spelling; they mean exactly the same thing.
When should you use "lean toward" instead of "lean on"?
Use "lean toward" to describe favouring an opinion or choice, as in "I lean toward the cheaper option." Use "lean on" for physically resting against something for support, or figuratively for relying on someone.
What is the difference between "lean" and "incline"?
Both can describe tilting from an upright position or a tendency toward something. "Lean" is the more everyday word, while "incline" is more formal and, as a noun, also means a slope.