leaking - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
leaking Word Meanings
- to allow liquid or gas to escape
- a hole or crack that lets something escape
- an unintended release of information
leaking Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
leaking Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/liːk/
US
/liːk/
leaking Word Etymology
leak = leach + -k; from Middle English 'lecan', meaning 'to leak, seep'; imagine a bucket with a hole, slowly dripping water onto the ground.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I move a water bottle in my hands and watch a thin thread of liquid begin to seep out from a tiny crack. I adjust my grip, hold the bottle tighter, and feel the flow shift as gravity takes a bit more. The effort to stop the leak makes the moment feel real, a small test of control I can learn from. When I manage to contain it, I set the cap back and keep the bottle steady, noticing how careful choices prevent the spill.
Real Context
Leak is a versatile verb and noun. As a verb, to leak means to allow liquid or gas to escape through a hole or crack, or to reveal information unintentionally. As a noun, leak refers to a hole that lets substance escape, or to an incident in which information is disclosed. Common collocations include leak a pipe, leak water, leak a secret, leak-proof. People often confuse leak with drip or spill; leak emphasizes gradual escape through a weakness rather than a single spill. In tech and news, leaks of confidential documents highlight security and the risks of uncontrolled disclosure. Mastering leak improves accuracy in safety, journalism, and logistics contexts.
Usage Reminders
- • Use leak for both physical holes and unplanned information release.
- • Distinguish physical leaks from spills or drips.
- • Pair with water, gas, or pipes for physical leaks; pair with secrets or data for information leaks.
- • Leaks are often gradual; security measures aim to prevent them.
- • Practice with leak out, leak a secret, and leak-proof in various contexts.
Common Misconceptions
- A leak always involves a big hole; often it is a small, persistent escape.
- Leak and spill are interchangeable in any context.
- Leak only refers to liquids, not information.
- To leak a secret means to intentionally reveal it.
- Leak-proof means completely impossible to leak in any situation.
Thinking Differences
Learners must see leak as both a physical problem and an information event; English uses separate collocations (leak water, leak a secret) that don’t always map directly to other languages.
Learning Tips
- Study common collocations: leak water, leak a secret, leak-proof.
- Practice both lexical forms: as a verb (to leak) and as a noun (a leak).
- Differentiate gradual leakage vs a single spill in sentences.
- Use passive voice for information leaks: 'has been leaked'.
- Learn synonyms: leak vs drip vs spill, and when to prefer each.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What does 'leaking' mean?
A.To be very happy
B.To flow out of a container
C.To sing softly
D.To run quickly
Step 2: Usage
Identify the correct usage of the word 'leaking' in a sentence.
A.I realized the faucet is leaking water.
B.The sun is leaking brightly in the sky.
C.She is leaking with joy after the news.
D.The students are leaking their answers.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'leaking'?
A.Bursting
B.Seeping
C.Flying
D.Holding
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'leaking'?
A.Pumping
B.Revealing
C.Concealing
D.Spilling
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context where something is leaking?
A.The teacher provided a great explanation.
B.He is very confident at solving problems.
C.A pipe is leaking water under the sink.
D.The children are playing in the park.
Related Listening
🌱 Lite (Beginner)
🔥 Advanced
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