English pronunciation · Words Starting with L

Leant Pronunciation

Leant is pronounced LEE-uhnt, IPA /ˈliənt/.

LEE-uhnt

US /ˈliənt/

Syllables: LEE · uhnt (2 syllables, stress on syllable 1)

verb (past tense and past participle of lean, chiefly British): Rested at an angle against something, or bent the body in a direction.

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Leant in a Sentence

  • He leant on the gate and watched the sheep.
  • She leant across the table to hear him.
  • The ladder leant against the wall all winter.

Common Mispronunciations of Leant

Not LEENT

The spelling with ea invites a long ee, but the vowel in this past form shortens, exactly as it does in meant, dreamt, and dealt.

Not LEE-nuh-tuhd

There is no -ed ending to sound out. Leant already is the past tense, the British alternative to leaned.

Tip: Most British speakers say it as one syllable that rhymes with sent. Americans generally write and say leaned instead.

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