leaning

/ˈliːnɪŋ/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈliːnɪŋ/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈlē-niŋ/ (ame, mw)

leaning — noun

  • leaningsingular
  • leaningsplural

1. a quiet pull in your thinking or feelings that draws you toward one set of ideas

1.名詞C1
釋義

a quiet pull in your thinking or feelings that draws you toward one set of ideas, opinions, or choices rather than others — for example, voting for a particular party, favouring vegetarian food, or trusting one writer's view more than another's.

例句

Noor's political leanings shifted to the left after she joined the student union.

plural form 'political leanings' + shift verb

The new mayor has a clear leaning toward small businesses over big chain stores.

leaning toward + noun for showing preference

同義詞
  • inclination

    close synonym; slightly more formal and often used for talents or interests, not just beliefs

  • tendency

    broader; describes a habit or pattern of behaviour, not only a preference between options

  • bias

    stronger and usually negative; suggests an unfair preference rather than a quiet pull

  • preference

    more conscious and concrete (one option chosen over another); 'leaning' suggests a quieter, less decided feeling

反義詞
  • neutrality

    having no preference at all, especially in politics or arguments

  • indifference

    not caring which option wins; 'leaning' implies a mild but real pull

文法句型

leaning toward + noun

leaning toward + verb-ing

have a leaning + adjective

用法筆記

Frequently plural ('political leanings', 'religious leanings') when describing a person's broader outlook; singular when describing one specific preference. Often pairs with 'toward(s)' to name the favoured option.

常見錯誤

❌She has a leaning of vegetarian food.
✅She has a leaning toward vegetarian food.
💡use 'toward(s)' to introduce the favoured option, not 'of'.
❌His leaning is very strong about politics.
✅His political leanings are very strong.
💡use an adjective before 'leaning(s)' to name the topic, and prefer the plural for broad outlooks.