adj
Very common
led
LEHD
Led (adj) means Guided, directed, or under someone else's control. Example: “It was a well-led team that never lost focus.”
adj
1
Guided, directed, or under someone else's control.
"It was a well-led team that never lost focus."
"The tenant-led farm was managed day to day by a hired manager."
How to use led
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishBeing directed or run by someone else, rather than acting independently.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "lead" (the metal, pronounced "led") or the present-tense verb "lead" (pronounced "leed") — "led" is only the past tense of "to lead."
Easily confused with
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like led.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
It was a well-_____ team that never lost focus.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for led
See all rhymes for led →Frequently asked questions
What does “led” mean?
The word “led” means guided, directed, or under someone else's control. In plain terms, being directed or run by someone else, rather than acting independently.
How do you pronounce “led”?
“Led” is pronounced LEHD (/ˈlɛd/ in IPA).
How do you use “led” in a sentence?
Here is “led” used in a sentence: “It was a well-led team that never lost focus.”
What part of speech is “led”?
“Led” is an adjective.
Is “led” a common word?
“Led” is a very common word in modern English.
What is the difference between 'led' and 'lead'?
'Led' is the past tense and past participle of the verb 'lead,' as in 'yesterday she led the team.' The confusion arises because the present tense 'lead' (to guide) and the metal 'lead' are spelled alike, and the metal is pronounced 'led.' If you mean the past tense, it is always 'led.'
Is it 'led' or 'lead' for the past tense?
It's 'led.' Many writers mistakenly put 'lead' because the metal 'lead' rhymes with the correct past-tense form. But the verb follows the pattern lead–led–led, so 'He lead the way' should read 'He led the way.' Reserve 'lead' for the present tense and for the metal.
How do you use 'led' in a sentence?
'Led' describes something guided, directed, or controlled in the past. For example: 'She led the expedition across the mountains,' or 'The tour was led by a local guide.' As an adjective it appears in compounds like 'investor-led' or 'a nurse-led clinic,' meaning headed or driven by that person or group.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include led:
