What does leanness mean?
Leanness is the state of being lean: having a slim body without excess fat, or lacking unnecessary bulk, ornament, or elaboration. In its physical sense, the word often appears in discussions of diet, exercise, and athletic condition, where it can imply a healthy, streamlined physique. It can also be used figuratively to praise a concise style, a minimal design, or an efficient method. For example, a writer may be praised for the leanness of a description, meaning that it communicates its point directly and without unnecessary detail. The term is less commonly used in everyday conversation than slimness or conciseness, but it is especially useful when referring to an appearance or style characterized by economy and restraint.
nounLeanness is the state of being lean, especially having a slim or slender body without excess fat. It can also refer to the absence of unnecessary bulk, ornament, or elaboration, as in a lean or economical style.
- The condition of being slim or having little body fat.
- Freedom from excess, bulk, or unnecessary elaboration.
"The trainer praised the athlete's leanness and discipline."
"Despite years of travel, the dancer maintained remarkable leanness."
"The editor praised the leanness of the report, which contained no padding or irrelevant detail."
Usually uncountable; the plural form leannesses is rare.
"The painting's leanness gives the composition a striking clarity."
Leanness can describe more than a physique: a spare, direct piece of writing can be called lean for leaving out every unnecessary flourish.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does leanness come from?
Leanness was formed from the English word lean, meaning thin or lacking excess fat. Lean comes from Old English hlæne, an adjective related to the Germanic vocabulary for thinness or slenderness. The development of leanness as a noun followed the older use of lean for bodily condition and, later, for spare or economical style.
How leanness is actually used
In the physical sense, leanness is generally neutral and often suggests health, fitness, or slenderness, though it can sound less complimentary than slim. In figurative use, it commonly describes writing, design, or an approach that is economical, spare, and free of unnecessary material.
Easily confused with leanness
Leanness means slimness or lack of excess, whereas leaven means a substance used to make dough rise and, figuratively, something that enlivens or influences.