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Nederlands
leiden — meaning in English: to lead
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to lead
confectie
recht
verloochenen
verblijf
leiden
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neutral
common
Usage
Native speakers use 'leiden' in various contexts, from guiding a team during a project meeting to leading a group of students on a field trip. It’s common in both professional and educational settings, such as when a manager says, 'Ik leid het team' ('I lead the team') or a teacher remarks, 'Ik leid de excursie' ('I lead the excursion').
Synonyms & nuances
'Leiden' is often used in contexts involving leadership and guidance, while 'sturen' can mean to direct or steer, typically in relation to vehicles or processes. Choose 'leiden' when you want to emphasize leadership or influence rather than just direction.
Culture
'Leiden' has an interesting etymological root, derived from the Old Dutch word 'leidan', which means 'to guide or to bring'. This ties back to the historical significance of leadership in Dutch society, particularly during the Age of Exploration when strong leaders were crucial for navigation and trade. Moreover, the word is often associated with the Leiden University in the Netherlands, one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the country, which has produced many influential leaders in various fields.
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