leader
/ˈliːdə(r)/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈliːdər/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈlē-dər/ (ame, mw)
leader — noun
- leadersingular
- leadersplural
1. a person who guides or directs a team, an organization, or a country, making imp
a person who guides or directs a team, an organization, or a country, making important decisions that affect those under their responsibility.
As the team **leader**, Christopher made sure everyone had a chance to share their ideas during meetings.
leader + of + group noun phrase
The government **leader** announced a new plan to improve public transportation across the city.
Hamza, the youth centre **leader**, asked each member for their opinion before finalising the summer camp schedule.
When the crisis hit, the community looked for a **leader** who could guide them through the difficult situation.
Soraya was chosen as the project **leader** because of her experience in managing large teams.
- chief
More formal, often used for the highest authority in an organization or tribe
- head
Refers to the top position in a hierarchy, often used in compound titles (head of department)
- director
Focuses on the managerial role of running a department or organization
- commander
Specifically for military or law enforcement contexts; implies authority over armed forces
- follower
Someone who accepts the guidance or direction of a leader
- subordinate
A person under the authority of another within an organization
文法句型
leader + of + noun phrase
用法筆記
Often followed by of + noun to specify what or who is being led (leader of the party, leader of the group). Can also be used as a compound noun modifier (team leader, project leader, community leader).
常見錯誤
2. a person, team, or company that is ahead of all others in a race, competition, o
a person, team, or company that is ahead of all others in a race, competition, or market at a particular moment.
After the first half of the race, Ryo's horse was the clear **leader**, three lengths ahead of the rest.
clear leader — intensifier pattern
The company is a global **leader** in smartphone technology, selling more devices than any competitor.
global leader + in + field
Kian checked the scoreboard and saw that his team was now the **leader** by just two points.
The retail chain became the market **leader** after opening fifty new stores across the country.
- front-runner
Specifically for competitive races or elections; implies the person or team most likely to win
- pacesetter
Someone or something that sets the standard for others to follow in a competition
- top
Informal, used in phrases like 'top of the league' or 'top seller'
文法句型
leader + in + noun phrase
leader + of + noun phrase
用法筆記
Commonly paired with 'in' to specify the field of competition (leader in sales, leader in technology). 'Market leader' is a fixed business term for the company with the largest market share.
3. a piece of writing in a newspaper or magazine that presents the editor's or publ
a piece of writing in a newspaper or magazine that presents the editor's or publisher's standpoint on a current event or social issue, usually appearing on a dedicated page.
The newspaper's **leader** argued that the new education law would not solve the real problems in schools.
possessive + leader for editorial context
In today's **leader**, the editor criticises the government's handling of the housing crisis.
The Times published a thoughtful **leader** on climate change that urged readers to take personal action.
The Guardian's **leader** on the high-speed rail project warned that delays would cost taxpayers billions.
- editorial
The standard American English term for an opinion article by the editorial board; more widely understood globally
- opinion piece
A broader term that includes both editorials and columns by individual writers
- leading article
A slightly dated full form of 'leader'; rare in modern use
文法句型
noun phrase: the + leader + on + noun phrase
用法筆記
Chiefly British usage. In American English, 'editorial' is far more common. 'Leader' in this sense is typically used in reference to broadsheet newspapers (The Times, The Guardian, The Daily Telegraph).
常見錯誤
4. the principal first violinist of a symphony orchestra, who tunes the orchestra,
the principal first violinist of a symphony orchestra, who tunes the orchestra, plays solo passages, and acts as a liaison between the conductor and the musicians.
The orchestra's **leader** played the solo section beautifully, earning warm applause from the audience.
possessive + leader for orchestral role
Before the concert began, the **leader** tuned the orchestra and nodded to the conductor that they were ready.
Chiara worked for years as a section violinist before being appointed **leader** of the Berlin Symphony Orchestra.
Ari auditioned for the role of **leader** and impressed the judges with his confident solo performance.
- concertmaster
The standard American English term for the same role; used in the US, Canada, and parts of Europe
- first violinist
Describes the position in terms of the instrument played; less specific about leadership duties
- principal violin
Another term for the lead violin player in a section
文法句型
the + leader + of + noun phrase
用法筆記
Chiefly British usage. In American English, the equivalent role is called 'concertmaster.' This sense refers specifically to the first-chair violinist, not to the conductor — a common point of confusion for learners.
常見錯誤
5. a product sold at a very low price, often below the normal profit margin, to att
a product sold at a very low price, often below the normal profit margin, to attract customers into a store in the hope they will buy additional items at full price.
The supermarket sold milk at a very low price as a **leader** to bring more customers into the store.
as a leader — prepositional phrase pattern
Electronics shops often sell printers as a **leader** because they know customers will return for expensive ink cartridges.
The store advertised a popular video game as a **leader** to attract shoppers who might buy accessories at full price.
The shop uses cheap household items as **leader**s every weekend to build customer traffic.
- loss leader
The full, more common form of this term in business English
- doorbuster
An informal US term for a deeply discounted item designed to bring crowds into a store
- promotional item
A broader term for any product sold at a discount for marketing purposes
文法句型
as a + leader
leader + noun modifier
用法筆記
Almost always used in the full compound form 'loss leader.' This is a retail and marketing term; the 'leader' item itself is sold at a loss or very slim margin, with the real profit coming from companion purchases.