leading

/ˈliːdɪŋ/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈliːdɪŋ/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈlē-diŋ/ (ame, mw) · /ˈledɪŋ/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈledɪŋ/ (ame, ipa)

leading — 形容詞

  • leadingpositive
  • more leadingcomparative
  • most leadingsuperlative

1. More important, successful, or advanced than any other person or thing in a part

1.形容詞B1
釋義

首要

最重要或最成功的

More important, successful, or advanced than any other person or thing in a particular group, field, or industry.

例句

Olivia is a leading expert on climate change and ocean ecosystems.

Olivia 是氣候變遷與海洋生態系統方面的首要專家。

common collocation: leading expert

This university is a leading institution for medical research in East Asia.

這所大學是東亞醫學研究的頂尖機構。

同義詞
  • foremost

    More formal; suggests being at the very top in a ranking

  • top

    More informal; common in everyday speech ('top expert')

  • principal

    Suggests primary importance; often used for main participants ('principal investigator')

  • premier

    Suggests high quality and prestige; more formal register

反義詞
  • minor

    Of lesser importance, rank, or significance

  • secondary

    Coming after the most important in order or priority

文法句型

leading + noun

用法筆記

This sense is almost always used before a noun (attributive position). For example, 'a leading cause' but rarely 'the cause is leading'.

常見錯誤

❌She is a lead expert in biology.
✅She is a leading expert in biology.
💡'Lead' as a noun modifier means 'main' only in fixed phrases like 'lead singer'; use 'leading' for 'most important.'
❌He plays a leading role in the company, but he is not manager.
✅He plays a leading role in the company, but he is not the manager.
💡Missing the definite article in the second clause.

2. In a position that is ahead of all other competitors or participants in a race,

2.形容詞B1
釋義

領先

比賽或競賽中排名第一的

In a position that is ahead of all other competitors or participants in a race, game, or contest; or guiding the way forward as the first person or thing.

例句

The leading runner crossed the finish line almost two minutes ahead of the others.

領先的跑者比其他人早了將近兩分鐘抵達終點線。

sports context: leading runner

The leading car suddenly lost speed on the final lap of the race.

領先的賽車在比賽的最後一圈突然失去了速度。

同義詞
  • first

    More common in everyday speech; less formal than 'leading'

  • front-running

    Specifically for race contexts; less common

  • top

    Overlaps in meaning but can also mean 'best' rather than 'physically ahead'

反義詞
  • last

    In the final position; at the back of a race or line

  • trailing

    Behind others in a competition or race

文法句型

leading + noun

用法筆記

Typically used before a noun describing a participant in a competitive context (runner, car, team, horse). When used for guidance rather than competition, the object is usually a group of people moving together.

常見錯誤

❌He is leading in the race' (without context).
✅He is the leading runner in the race.
💡As an adjective, 'leading' goes before the noun; the verb form 'is leading' is for the verb 'lead.'

leading — 名詞