lede
Low / SpecialisedJournalism (professional jargon), Publishing (technical term)
Definition
Meaning
The opening sentence or paragraph of a news story, designed to summarise the most important information and capture the reader's attention.
In journalism, the initial section that states the primary facts of a story. More broadly, the introductory section of any piece of writing, especially where summarising key information is crucial. In online publishing, can refer to a highlighted introductory block of text.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a piece of professional jargon. The spelling 'lede' originated to distinguish it from the word 'lead' (the metal) in the context of typesetting. Sometimes used ironically or self-consciously in non-journalistic contexts to refer to an introduction.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term 'lede' is predominantly an American journalistic term. In British journalism, the term 'intro' is more common, though 'lede' is understood in professional circles due to industry influence.
Connotations
In the US, it connotes professional journalism and the craft of writing. In the UK, it may be perceived as an Americanism; using 'intro' sounds more native.
Frequency
Very low frequency in general British English. Higher frequency in American journalistic and media-related texts, but still a specialised term.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
to bury the lede (phrase)the lede of the [story/article/report]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “bury the lede (to fail to emphasise the most important point at the start)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in corporate communications or PR writing.
Academic
Very rare; not standard academic terminology.
Everyday
Extremely rare; would likely cause confusion.
Technical
Core terminology in journalism, editing, and content writing.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The editor told me to re-lede the piece after the new development.
American English
- She leded the story with a powerful quote from the witness.
adverb
British English
- (Not standard; no common adverbial use)
American English
- (Not standard; no common adverbial use)
adjective
British English
- The lede paragraph was buried below three paragraphs of background.
American English
- His lede sentence was a masterclass in concise reporting.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The first part of a news story is very important.
- The journalist wrote an interesting beginning to the article.
- A good lede captures the reader's attention immediately.
- The editor criticised the reporter for burying the lede deep in the story.
- Despite its shocking nature, the headline curiously buried the lede, focusing instead on secondary details.
- Workshopping the lede is a critical part of the news writing process in American journalism schools.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: A journalist needs to 'LEaD' the reader into the story. The 'lede' is how they do it. The unusual spelling separates it from the metal 'lead' used in old printing presses.
Conceptual Metaphor
JOURNALSIM IS STORYTELLING: The lede is the 'hook' that catches the reader. INFORMATION IS A STRUCTURE: The lede is the 'foundation' on which the story is built.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'лид' (a direct loanword for 'lead' in marketing/sales).
- The Russian 'введение' (introduction) is broader and more academic; 'lede' is specifically for news.
- The idiom 'bury the lede' has no direct equivalent; a descriptive translation like 'скрыть главную новость в середине текста' is needed.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling it as 'lead' in a journalistic context (though 'lead' is also accepted).
- Using it in general conversation where 'introduction' is expected.
- Pronouncing it differently from 'lead' (it is homophonous).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary purpose of a 'lede'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. It is an intentional journalistic spelling coined in the mid-20th century to avoid confusion with the word 'lead' (the metal) in typesetting instructions. Both spellings are now used interchangeably in the field.
It is not recommended. It is professional jargon. Using it outside of journalism, media, or content writing circles will likely confuse your listener or seem pretentious.
It's an idiom meaning to fail to mention the most important or interesting part of a story at the beginning, instead placing it later where readers might overlook it.
It is recognised by British journalists, but the more common and natural term in the UK is 'intro'. 'Lede' is perceived as an Americanism in the industry.