Leader Definition, Examples & Usage Guide

Meaning 1：a person who guides or directs a group (leader)

leader 🔊

/ˈliːdər/

A person who guides or directs a group of people.

Leader explaining plan to team in modern office

a person who guides or directs a group 🔊

➕

/ə ˈpɜːrsən huː ɡaɪdz ɔːr dɪˈrɛkts ə ɡruːp/

A leader is someone who takes charge and guides others towards a common goal. They are often responsible for making decisions and motivating the team.

📁 Category：Social Roles 🔖 Level：beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Old English 'lædan' (to lead) + '-er' (one who does).

💡 Mnemonic

Think of a 'lead' rope guiding a dog – the leader holds the rope.

📖 Example

In our school science project, Ming is the leader who makes sure everyone has a task. 🔊 In our school science project, Ming is the leader who makes sure everyone has a task.

🔗 Collocations

team leader – a person who leads a team

political leader – a person who leads a political party or government

natural leader – someone who is born with leadership qualities

🔄 Synonyms

chief (n.) – a person with the highest authority in a group

head (n.) – the person in charge of an organization

captain (n.) – the leader of a sports team or a ship

🚫 Antonyms

follower (n.) – a person who follows another's lead

subordinate (n.) – a person lower in rank

disciple (n.) – a person who follows and learns from another

🌱 Derivatives

leadership (n.) – the position or quality of being a leader

leading (adj.) – most important or in front

lead (v.) – to guide or direct

📖 Cultural Story

Originally from Proto-Germanic *laidjan, meaning 'to go, travel'. In modern English, 'leader' is widely used in business, politics, and sports to denote a person who guides or directs others.