born leader

Meanings

1. 1nouncountableapproving

   A person who seems naturally able to lead others, without needing to be taught or forced.

   Grammar: Countable: a born leader, two born leaders. Often used after be or become.

   Patterns

   • be a born leader
   • become a born leader
   • a born leader of something

   She took charge immediately; everyone said she was a born leader.

   He may not be a born leader, but he has learned to manage the team well.

   The coach described the young captain as a born leader.

2. 2nouncountable

   Someone who naturally takes control in a group and is good at guiding or inspiring others.

   Grammar: Same countable use; often appears in descriptions of character.

   Patterns

   • a natural born leader
   • a born leader in the making

   In every project, Mia is the born leader who organizes everyone.

   They called him a born leader because people followed him without being asked.

Word forms

Common combinations

a born leader

She is a born leader who inspires confidence.

a natural born leader

He is a natural born leader, not just someone with a title.

born leader of the team

As the born leader of the team, he made all the key decisions.

not a born leader

I'm not a born leader, but I can learn the skills.

Synonyms and how they differ

natural leader

Very close in meaning; 'natural leader' is slightly more neutral and common in formal writing.

head

This means the person in charge, but does not suggest that they were born to lead.

Opposites

Word family

leadership noun

The quality or position of being a leader.

lead verb

To guide or be in charge of a group.

Commonly confused: born leader or born to lead?

Practice

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