The word "leaden" primarily describes something that is heavy or weighty, often metaphorically. It can refer to literal weight, but in many contexts, it conveys feelings of dullness, heaviness, or lethargy, particularly of mood or expression. Its usage is moderate and appears frequently in both oral and written contexts, often in literature or journalism to evoke a somber mood or description.
Leaden skies filled the horizon as we prepared for the storm.
Cielos de plomo llenaban el horizonte mientras nos preparábamos para la tormenta.
After receiving the bad news, her leaden heart weighed heavily upon her.
Después de recibir la mala noticia, su corazón de plomo pesaba pesadamente sobre ella.
The actor delivered his lines with a leaden tone that failed to engage the audience.
El actor pronunció sus líneas con un tono plomizo que no logró involucrar a la audiencia.
While "leaden" is not frequently associated with many idiomatic expressions, it does appear in phrases or metaphors that evoke heaviness or seriousness.
As leaden as a coffin.
Tan pesado como un ataúd.
(Used to describe something extremely heavy or oppressive.)
A leaden silence fell over the crowd.
Un silencio pesado cayó sobre la multitud.
(This means a heavy, uncomfortable silence, often following bad news.)
The mood was leaden in the office after the layoffs were announced.
El ambiente estaba pesado en la oficina después de que se anunciaron los despidos.
(Describing a heavy and somber atmosphere.)
"Leaden" comes from the Old English word "leadian," which is derived from "lead," the heavy metal known for its weight. Its usage has evolved to encompass both literal and metaphorical meanings associated with heaviness and weight.