1. Physical Appearance:
* Thin or slender: This is the most common meaning, referring to a body with little fat and prominent muscle definition.
* Without excess fat: This meaning refers to a lack of fat, not necessarily slenderness. It can be used to describe meat, for example.
2. Inclination:
* To incline or bend: This meaning describes a physical action of leaning towards something.
* To depend on: This meaning describes a reliance on something for support. For example, "The company is leaning heavily on its new product for success."
3. Financial:
* Low-cost or efficient: This meaning refers to a process or operation that minimizes waste and maximizes productivity. This is often used in business contexts, especially in "Lean Manufacturing."
4. Other Meanings:
* To rely on: This meaning is similar to "depend on" and refers to relying on someone or something for support.
* To learn or discover something by observation: This meaning is less common but refers to gaining knowledge through experience.
Example Sentences:
* "She has a lean and muscular physique." (Physical appearance)
* "The meat was lean and flavorful." (Physical appearance)
* "He leaned back in his chair." (Inclination)
* "The company is leaning heavily on its new product for success." (Inclination)
* "We need to find a leaner way to produce our product." (Financial)
* "I am leaning towards choosing the blue option." (Inclination)
The specific meaning of "lean" is usually clear from the context in which it is used.