Langimage
English

leaner

|lean/er|

B2

🇺🇸

/ˈliːnər/

🇬🇧

/ˈliːnə/

(lean)

incline or thin

Base FormPlural3rd Person Sing.PastPastPast ParticiplePast ParticiplePresent ParticipleComparativeSuperlativeNounAdverb
leanleansleansleanedleantleanedleantleaningleanerleanestleannessesleanly
Etymology
Etymology Information

'lean' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'hlæne,' where 'hlæne' meant 'thin or meager.'

Historical Evolution

'hlæne' transformed into the Middle English word 'lene,' and eventually became the modern English word 'lean.'

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'thin or meager,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'having less fat or being more efficient.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Adjective 1

having less fat or fewer calories.

This cut of meat is leaner than the others.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Adjective 2

more efficient or streamlined.

The company became leaner after the restructuring.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45