Lead Meaning
Lead Definition & Usage
To be in charge of or guide a group or organization.
Examples
- "She will lead the team through the final stages of the project."
- "The general led his troops into battle with unmatched bravery."
- "They hired a consultant to lead the training sessions."
- "Our teacher is expected to lead the discussion on the topic tomorrow."
- "He was chosen to lead the negotiations due to his experience."
To result in or cause something to happen.
Examples
- "The heavy rain led to severe flooding in the area."
- "His actions led to a series of misunderstandings."
- "Poor planning led to the failure of the event."
- "The new policy is expected to lead to greater efficiency."
- "She hopes her work will lead to a deeper understanding of the issue."
The position of being in charge or the person who is in charge.
Examples
- "He assumed the lead role after the previous manager resigned."
- "In the race, she took the lead after the second lap."
- "The team looks to the captain for leadership, as he holds the lead position."
- "During the conference, she gave a talk about the lead in environmental policy."
- "In the competition, he maintained the lead for most of the event."
A heavy, soft, and malleable metal, often used in batteries and radiation shielding.
Examples
- "The pipes were made of lead, which made them durable but dangerous."
- "Lead poisoning is a serious risk in older homes with lead paint."
- "The engineer used lead to balance the equipment in the factory."
- "They discovered that the lead in the paint was causing health problems."
- "The battery contains lead plates as part of its design."
Cultural Context
The word 'lead' has a variety of meanings that span from leadership roles to a type of metal. The verb 'lead' has been in use since Old English, with the meaning of guiding or directing. The metal lead, however, has been known since antiquity and was historically used in plumbing, paints, and other materials, although its toxic properties have made it less common in modern usage.
The Path of Leadership
Story
The Path of Leadership
In a small town nestled by the mountains, there lived a young woman named Emma who had recently been appointed as the head of a local environmental group. The town was facing significant issues with pollution, and Emma knew that leading the group would be a challenging but rewarding experience. From the very beginning, she understood that her role was not just about issuing commands but about guiding her team through difficult decisions and inspiring them to take action. One morning, Emma sat in a meeting room with her team of volunteers. 'We need a strategy to address the toxic levels of lead in our water supply,' she said, looking at the data in front of her. The group nodded, aware of the urgency of the problem. 'We cannot afford to delay any longer. This lead contamination is poisoning our community.' Her voice wavered slightly, but Emma quickly regained her composure. The members of her team trusted her and looked to her for direction. They knew she was capable of leading them through this crisis. The team began brainstorming solutions. 'We need to educate the public about lead poisoning,' said one volunteer, Sarah, who was a health expert. 'And we need to secure funding to replace the old pipes that are leaking lead into the water.' Emma nodded. 'I'll take the lead on that. I'll write to the local government and set up a meeting with the mayor.' Later that afternoon, Emma met with the mayor to discuss the problem. 'This is a matter of public health,' she said, 'and we need a long-term plan to deal with the lead in our pipes. I believe this initiative will lead to a healthier community.' Over the next few months, Emma and her team worked tirelessly, conducting surveys, securing funding, and organizing educational campaigns. Eventually, the town's water supply was cleaned, and the lead pipes were replaced. The team had succeeded, and Emma's leadership had led them to victory. As Emma looked out over the town, now free from the threat of lead contamination, she knew that the path of leadership was often difficult but always rewarding. She had guided her team through uncertainty and had achieved what seemed impossible at the beginning.