To have a preference or slight tendency toward a particular option, idea, or belief.
To sort of prefer one thing over others, but maybe not 100% decided yet.
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
To have a preference or slight inclination toward a particular choice or option.
"After reviewing both proposals, the committee is leaning towards the more affordable option."
I lean towards the view that we need a federal solution.
— Gordon Brown, speech to the Labour Party Conference, 2007
To hold or adopt a particular political, philosophical, or ideological position.
"She has always leaned towards progressive politics."
To show a natural tendency or bias toward a certain style, approach, or way of thinking.
"His writing leaned towards the poetic rather than the purely factual."
To physically tilt your body in a particular direction.
To sort of prefer one thing over others, but maybe not 100% decided yet.
Often used when someone is considering options and has a soft preference but hasn't fully committed. Common in both spoken and written English across all regions.
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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