US-leaning
|US-lean-ing|
/ˌjuːˈɛs ˈliːnɪŋ/
inclined toward the United States
Etymology
'US-leaning' originates from English, combining the abbreviation 'U.S.' (short for 'United States') and the present participle 'leaning' from the verb 'lean.'
'lean' changed from Old English 'hlēanian' (or related forms) meaning 'to incline' and passed into Middle and Modern English as 'lean.' The abbreviation 'U.S.' developed in Modern English usage from the name 'United States' (late 18th century). The compound adjective 'US-leaning' is a modern formation using 'U.S.' + present participle to indicate tendency toward the United States.
Initially, 'lean' meant 'to incline or bend' (often physically); over time it acquired figurative senses of 'incline in opinion or preference.' 'US-leaning' now specifically denotes inclinations or preferences toward the United States in political, cultural, or policy contexts.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
having a tendency, preference, or bias toward the United States, American viewpoints, policies, culture, or political alignment.
The editorial described the paper as US-leaning on foreign policy.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2026/01/12 16:21