leant
B2Formal/Informal (Standard, but 'leaned' is more common in modern usage, especially in AmE).
Definition
Meaning
Past tense and past participle of the verb 'lean' meaning to incline or rest against something for support, or to be at an angle from the vertical.
Figuratively, to rely on or be influenced by something (e.g., an opinion, a person for support). Also, to have a tendency or preference towards something.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
This is the irregular form of the verb 'lean'. While still perfectly correct, its use has declined in favor of the regular form 'leaned'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Traditionally, 'leant' is the standard past/participle form in British English, while 'leaned' is standard in American English. However, 'leaned' is now also very common in British usage.
Connotations
In the UK, 'leant' can sometimes sound slightly more formal or literary than 'leaned'. In the US, 'leant' is rare and may sound archaic or affected.
Frequency
In the UK, 'leant' and 'leaned' are both used, with 'leaned' becoming increasingly dominant. In the US, 'leaned' is overwhelmingly the norm.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
Subject + leant + (Adverb/Prepositional Phrase)Subject + leant + Object + against + somethingVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “leant over backwards (to help)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. May appear in historical contexts: 'The report leant heavily on data from the previous quarter.'
Academic
Used in literary/historical analysis: 'The author's argument leant on post-colonial theory.'
Everyday
Used for physical posture or preference: 'He leant against the fence.' or 'I've always leant towards more practical solutions.'
Technical
Used in engineering/physics for describing angles or forces: 'The tower leant dangerously after the quake.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He leant the ladder against the shed.
- She has always leant towards liberal politics.
American English
- He leaned the ladder against the shed. (American prefers 'leaned')
- She has always leaned towards liberal politics. (American prefers 'leaned')
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Examples
By CEFR Level
- She leant against the wall.
- The old tree leant to one side.
- He leant forward to hear her better.
- I've always leant towards studying history.
- The politician leant heavily on her advisors during the crisis.
- The evidence leant credibility to his extraordinary claim.
- The judge's summation leant distinctly in favour of the defendant.
- His architectural style leant on vernacular traditions while embracing modernism.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'sent' and 'lent' — 'leant' rhymes with them and is also an irregular past form.
Conceptual Metaphor
LEANING IS DEPENDING (He leant on his friends for support). LEANING IS PREFERRING (The committee leant towards the cheaper option).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'лентяй' (lazy person). The past tense 'leant' does not imply laziness.
- The Russian verb 'опираться' covers 'leant against', but for metaphorical use 'полагаться' or 'склоняться' is better.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'leant' for the present tense (e.g., 'I leant on the table' is past, not 'I lean').
- Confusing 'leant' (verb) with 'lent' (verb, to give temporarily).
- Overusing 'leant' in American English where 'leaned' is expected.
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'leant' correctly in a modern British context?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, 'leant' is a correct and standard past tense and past participle of 'lean', particularly in British English.
In American English, always use 'leaned'. In British English, both are acceptable, though 'leaned' is becoming more common. Using 'leaned' is never wrong in any variety of English.
It can be perceived as slightly more formal or literary in British English, especially in writing. In everyday speech, 'leaned' is often more natural.
'Leant' is from 'lean' (to incline). 'Lent' is from 'lend' (to give temporarily). They are homophones but different verbs (e.g., 'He leant on the staff' vs. 'He lent me a staff').