Leaning
['liːnɪŋ] or ['linɪŋ]
Definition
(noun.) the act of deviating from a vertical position.
(noun.) an inclination to do something; 'he felt leanings toward frivolity'.
Edited by Flo--From WordNet
Definition
(p. pr. & vb. n.) of Lean
(n.) The act, or state, of inclining; inclination; tendency; as, a leaning towards Calvinism.
Typed by Jerry
Synonyms and Synonymous
n. Bent, inclination, bias, propensity, proneness, TENDENCY.
Typist: Willard
Synonyms and Antonyms
SYN:Tendency, inclination, proclivity, propensity, partiality, bias, liking
ANT:Avoidance, aversion, repugnance, loathing
Typist: Sanford
Examples
- Looking back as I turned into the front garden, I saw Mr. Murdstone leaning against the wicket of the churchyard, and Mr. Quinion talking to him. Charles Dickens. David Copperfield.
- He had come back to his seat, and was now leaning forward with folded arms, looking at the benevolent face of his friend. Fergus Hume. The Island of Fantasy.
- Then, feebly leaning on her arms for an instant to steady herself, Margaret gathered herself up, and rose. Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell. North and South.
- There was a seat for Mr. Peggotty too, but he preferred to stand, leaning his hand on the small rustic table. Charles Dickens. David Copperfield.
- Maurice, leaning forward with a sigh, took a handful of nuts, which he proceeded to crack in a listless fashion. Fergus Hume. The Island of Fantasy.
- Leaning back in his chair he could watch Caroline without her perceiving where his gaze was fixed. Charlotte Bronte. Shirley.
- I will,' returned the other, leaning forward across the table, and speaking in a low impressive voice. Charles Dickens. Our Mutual Friend.
- Oh, no, said I, leaning the back of my little head towards Worcester, anybody may pull my hair about. Harriette Wilson. The Memoirs of Harriette Wilson.
- What does she mean by leaning her cheek on Rushedge i' that way, and looking at us wi' a scowl and a menace? Charlotte Bronte. Shirley.
- Mr. Chadband, leaning forward over the table, pierces what he has got to follow directly into Mr. Snagsby with the thumb-nail already mentioned. Charles Dickens. Bleak House.
- Selden continued to stand near her, leaning against the mantelpiece. Edith Wharton. The House of Mirth.
- It must be confessed that he felt very happy at that moment leaning on the chair. George Eliot. Middlemarch.
- Percy Phelps was walking very slowly, leaning upon the arm of his future brother-in-law. Arthur Conan Doyle. The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes.
- Caliphronas was not put out in the least by this speech, and, leaning back in his chair, looked at Maurice with a lazy smile. Fergus Hume. The Island of Fantasy.
- The little creature had been leaning back, attentive, with her elbows resting on the elbows of her chair, and her chin upon her hands. Charles Dickens. Our Mutual Friend.
- If you had leanings in the other direction, I will do you the justice to say that I have no doubt you would not have concealed them from the world. Fergus Hume. The Island of Fantasy.
Checker: Tanya