Lean Meaning and Definition
Lean
Pronunciation
/liːn/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A lean is a body part, specifically the muscle group that includes the abdominal muscles, often considered a symbol of physical fitness and strength.
Examples
- The athlete has a well-defined lean.
- The yoga instructor emphasized the importance of engaging the lean during the pose.
Synonyms
- Abdomen
- Core
Antonyms
- Fat
- Flabby
Etymology
The word “lean” comes from Old English “hlīan”, meaning “to incline or bend”, and has been used to describe the body part since the 15th century.
Usage Notes
When using the term “lean” in conversation, it’s important to consider the context in which it’s being used. In fitness circles, “lean” is often used to describe a person’s body composition, while in other contexts, it can refer to a physical lean or inclination.
Cultural References
In popular culture, “lean” has been referenced in song titles and lyrics, such as “Lean on Me” by Bill Withers and “Lean Into It” by Def Leppard.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
“Lean in close” is a common idiomatic expression that means to move one’s body closer to another’s, often to hear or see something.
Related Words or Phrases
Words and phrases closely related to “lean” include “obliques”, “core strength”, and “six-pack abs”, which all refer to different aspects of physical fitness.
Collocations
Collocations with “lean” include “lean muscle mass”, “lean body type”, and “lean into the turn”, which describe different aspects of physical fitness and movement.
Frequency of Use
According to Google’s Ngram viewer, the frequency of use for the word “lean” has remained relatively consistent since the 1950s, with a slight increase in popularity in recent years.
Common Misspellings
Common misspellings of “lean” include “leand”, “lein”, and “lin”, which are often caused by typos or pronunciation errors.