Looking up...
lean
/liːn/
to rest against something for support
She leaned against the wall while waiting for the bus.
She rested against the wall for support while waiting.
informal
to rest against something for support
He leaned his bike against the fence.
He rested his bike against the fence for stability.
Commonly used to describe casual or relaxed support.
Engineering
formal
to have a slanted or inclined position
The engineer calculated the lean angle of the tower.
The engineer measured how much the tower was tilted.
Used in technical contexts to describe angles or inclines.
informal
to be thin or slender
She has a lean physique from years of running.
She has a thin and muscular body from running.
Often used to describe a healthy, athletic thinness.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Physical vs. Abstract Use
'Lean' can describe both physical support (e.g., leaning against a wall) and abstract reliance (e.g., leaning on a friend).
Gold Rule
Context Matters
The meaning of 'lean' depends heavily on context—whether it's physical, technical, or descriptive.
Word Origin
From Middle English 'lenen', from Old English 'hlēonan', meaning 'to bend or incline'.
Usage Notes
The verb 'lean' can describe both physical support and abstract reliance. The adjective form often describes thinness or efficiency.
Word Breakdown
lean
to bend or incline
rootEnglish Dictionary