Chapter One

consice adjective derivatives noun noun

concise /kənˈsʌɪs / ▸ adjective giving a lot of information clearly and in a few words; brief but comprehensive: a concise account of the country's history. - DERIVATIVES conciseness /kənˈsʌɪsnəs / noun concision noun - ORIGIN late 16th century: from French concis or Latin concisus, past participle of concidere 'cut up, cut down', from con- 'completely' + caedere 'to cut'.

compliance noun, physics and medicine

compliance /kəmˈplʌɪəns / (also chiefly US compliancy) ▸ noun [mass noun] 1 the action or fact of complying with a wish or command: the ways in which the state maintains order and compliance. ▪ excessive acquiescence: the appalling compliance with government views shown by the commission. ▪ the state or fact of according with or meeting rules or standards: all imports of timber are in compliance with regulations [as modifier] this paper estimates the compliance costs of such a policy change. 2 Physics the property of a material of undergoing elastic deformation or (of a gas) change in volume when subjected to an applied force. It is equal to the reciprocal of stiffness. ▪ Medicine the ability of an organ to distend in response to applied pressure.

definitely adverb

definitely /ˈdɛfɪnətli / ▸ adverb without doubt (used for emphasis): I shall definitely be at the airport to meet you. ▪ in a definite manner; clearly: we couldn't plan to go elsewhere until we had heard from you more definitely.

Minor adjective British date logic noun music north american logic bridge verb north american phrases

minor /ˈmʌɪnə / ▸ adjective 1 lesser in importance, seriousness, or significance: she requested a number of minor alterations. 2 Music (of a scale) having intervals of a semitone between the second and third degrees, and (usually) the fifth and sixth, and the seventh and eighth. Contrasted with major. ▪ (of an interval) characteristic of a minor scale and less by a semitone than the equivalent major interval: the E flat clarinet sounds a minor third higher than the written notes. Compare with diminished. ▪ [usually postpositive] (of a key or mode) based on a minor scale and tending to produce a sad or pensive effect: Concerto in A minor. 3 British dated (following a surname in public schools) indicating the younger of two brothers: Smith minor. 4 Logic (of a term) occurring as the subject of the conclusion of a categorical syllogism. ▪ (of a premise) containing the minor term in a categorical syllogism. ▸ noun 1 a person under the age of full legal responsibility: the court would take account of the minor's wishes. 2 Music a minor key, interval, or scale. ▪ Bell-ringing a system of change-ringing using six bells. 3 (minors) North American the minor leagues in baseball or American football: Salinas was one of six teams in the minors. 4 North American a student's subsidiary subject or course: a minor in American Indian studies. 5 Logic a minor term or premise. 6 Bridge short for minor suit: a bid of two no trumps shows strength in the minors. 7 a small drab moth which has purplish caterpillars that feed on grass. Genus Oligia, family Noctuidae. ▸ verb [no object] (minor in) North American study as or qualify in a subsidiary subject at college or university: Clark had minored in Animal Science. - PHRASES in a minor key (especially of a literary work) understated: only Britain's poetry, composed in a minor key, is disregarded. - ORIGIN Middle English: from Latin, 'smaller, less'; related to minuere 'lessen'. The term originally denoted a Franciscan friar, suggested by the Latin name Fratres Minores ('Lesser Brethren'), chosen by St Francis for the order.

precede

precede /prɪˈsiːd / ▸ verb [with object] come before (something) in time: a gun battle had preceded the explosions. ▪ come before in order or position: take time to read the chapters that precede the recipes (as adjective preceding) the preceding pages. ▪ go in front or ahead of: he let her precede him through the gate. ▪ (precede something with) preface or introduce something with: he preceded the book with a collection of poems. - ORIGIN late Middle English: from Old French preceder, from Latin praecedere, from prae 'before' + cedere 'go'.

resilient adjective derivatives adverb

resilient /rɪˈzɪlɪənt / ▸ adjective 1 (of a person or animal) able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions: babies are generally far more resilient than new parents realize the fish are resilient to most infections. 2 (of a substance or object) able to recoil or spring back into shape after bending, stretching, or being compressed: a shoe with resilient cushioning. - DERIVATIVES resiliently adverb - ORIGIN mid 17th century: from Latin resilient- 'leaping back', from the verb resilire (see resile).

solemn adjective

solemn /ˈsɒləm / ▸ adjective 1 formal and dignified: a solemn procession. ▪ not cheerful or smiling; serious: Tim looked very solemn. 2 characterized by deep sincerity: he swore a solemn oath to keep faith. - DERIVATIVES solemnness noun - ORIGIN Middle English (in the sense 'associated with religious rites'): from Old French solemne, from Latin sollemnis 'customary, celebrated at a fixed date', from sollus 'entire'.

supple adjective verb adverb noun

supple /ˈsʌp(ə)l / ▸ adjective (suppler, supplest) bending and moving easily and gracefully; flexible: her supple fingers figurative my mind is becoming more supple. ▪ not stiff or hard; easily manipulated: this body oil leaves your skin feeling deliciously supple. ▸ verb [with object] make more flexible. - DERIVATIVES supplely (also supply) adverb suppleness /ˈsʌp(ə)lnəs / noun - ORIGIN Middle English: from Old French souple, from Latin supplex, supplic- 'submissive', from sub- 'under' + placere 'propitiate'.

tissue noun derivative adjective

tissue /ˈtɪʃuː , , ˈtɪsjuː / ▸ noun [mass noun] 1 any of the distinct types of material of which animals or plants are made, consisting of specialized cells and their products: inflammation is a reaction of living tissue to infection or injury (tissues) the organs and tissues of the body. 2 tissue paper: a slim package wrapped in blue tissue. ▪ [count noun] a disposable piece of absorbent paper, used especially as a handkerchief or for cleaning the skin: a box of tissues [mass noun] Rosheen wiped her fingers on a sheet of tissue. ▪ rich or fine material of a delicate or gauzy texture: [as modifier] the blue and silver tissue sari. 3 [in singular] an intricate structure or network made from a number of connected items: such scandalous stories are a tissue of lies. - DERIVATIVES tissuey adjective - ORIGIN late Middle English: from Old French tissu 'woven', past participle of tistre, from Latin texere 'to weave'. The word originally denoted a rich material, often interwoven with gold or silver threads, later (mid 16th century) any woven fabric, hence the notion of 'intricacy'.

track 1 noun verb phrases phrasal verb

track1 /trak / ▸ noun 1 a rough path or road, typically one beaten by use rather than constructed: follow the track to the farm. ▪ a prepared course or circuit for athletes, horses, motor vehicles, bicycles, or dogs to race on: a Formula One Grand Prix track. ▪ [mass noun] the sport of running on a track: the four running disciplines of track, road, country, and fell. 2 (usually tracks) a mark or line of marks left by a person, animal, or vehicle in passing: he followed the tracks made by the cars in the snow. ▪ the course or route followed by someone or something (used especially in talking about their pursuit by others): I didn't want them on my track. ▪ a course of action or line of thought: in terms of social arrangements, you are not too far off the track. 3 a continuous line of rails on a railway: commuters had to leave trains to walk along the tracks [mass noun] 130 kilometres of track. ▪ a metal or plastic strip or rail along which a curtain or spotlight may be moved. ▪ Sailing a strip on the mast, boom, or floor of a yacht along which a slide attached to a sail can be moved, used to adjust the position of the sail. 4 a recording of one song or piece of music: the CD contains early Elvis Presley tracks. [originally denoting a groove on a gramophone record.] ▪ a lengthwise strip of magnetic tape containing one sequence of signals. ▪ the soundtrack of a film or video. 5 a continuous articulated metal band around the wheels of a heavy vehicle such as a tank, intended to facilitate movement over rough or soft ground. ▪ Electronics a continuous line of copper or other conductive material on a printed circuit board, used to connect parts of a circuit: extremely thin tracks are not able to withstand much heat when soldering. 6 the transverse distance between a vehicle's wheels: the undercarriage was fully retractable inwards into the wing, with a 90 inch track. 7 US term for stream (SENSE 4 OF THE noun). ▸ verb [with object] 1 follow the trail or movements of (someone or something), typically in order to find them or note their course: secondary radars that track the aircraft in flight he tracked Anna to her room. ▪ note the progress or course of: City have been tracking the striker since the summer. ▪ [no object, with adverbial of direction] follow a particular course: the storm was tracking across the ground at 30 mph. ▪ (of a stylus) follow (a groove in a record): the pickup's stylus must faithfully track undulations [no object] the DT1 tracks exceptionally well. ▪ [no object, with adverbial of direction] (of a film or television camera) move in relation to the subject being filmed: the camera eventually tracked away. [with reference to early filming when a camera was mobile by means of a track.] 2 [no object] (of wheels) run so that the back ones are exactly in the track of the front ones. 3 [no object] Electronics (of a tunable circuit or component) vary in frequency in the same way as another circuit or component, so that the frequency difference between them remains constant. - PHRASES in one's tracks informal where one or something is at that moment; suddenly: Turner immediately stopped dead in his tracks. keep (or lose) track of keep (or fail to keep) fully aware of or informed about: she had lost all track of time and had fallen asleep. make tracks (for) informal leave (for a place): I suppose I ought to be making tracks we made tracks for home. off the beaten track see beaten. on the right (or wrong) track following a course that is likely to result in success (or failure): we are on the right track for continued growth. on track following a course that is likely to achieve what is required: formulas for keeping the economy on track. the wrong side of the tracks informal a poor or less prestigious part of town: a former bad kid from the wrong side of the tracks. [with reference to the railway tracks of American towns, once serving as a line of demarcation between rich and poor quarters.] - PHRASAL VERBS track someone/something down find someone or something after a thorough or difficult search: it took seventeen years to track down the wreck of the ship. track something up North American leave a trail of dirty footprints on a surface: checking to see if I had tracked up the rug, I sat down. track something in leave a trail of dirt, debris, or snow from one's feet: the road salt I'd tracked in from the street. - ORIGIN late 15th century (in the sense 'trail, marks left behind'): the noun from Old French trac, perhaps from Low German or Dutch trek 'draught, drawing'; the verb (current senses dating from the mid 16th century) from French traquer or directly from the noun.

vertebrate noun

vertebrate /ˈvəːtɪbrət / ▸ noun an animal of a large group distinguished by the possession of a backbone or spinal column, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fishes. Compare with invertebrate. Subphylum Vertebrata, phylum Chordata: seven classes. ▸ adjective denoting a vertebrate or relating to the vertebrates as a group. - ORIGIN early 19th century: from Latin vertebratus 'jointed', from vertebra (see vertebra).

ascribe verb derivative adjective

ascribe /əˈskrʌɪb / ▸ verb [with object] (ascribe something to) regard something as being due to (a cause): he ascribed Jane's short temper to her upset stomach. ▪ regard a text, quotation, or work of art as being produced by or belonging to (a particular person or period): a quotation ascribed to Thomas Cooper. ▪ regard a quality as belonging to: tough-mindedness is a quality commonly ascribed to top bosses. - DERIVATIVES ascribable /əˈskrʌɪbəb(ə)l / adjective - ORIGIN Middle English: from Latin ascribere, from ad- 'to' + scribere 'write'.

periodically adverb

periodically /pɪərɪˈɒdɪkli / ▸ adverb from time to time; occasionally: I will periodically check on your progress the students received help from a friend only periodically. ▪ at regularly occurring intervals: the newsletter is sent out periodically to update members the lamps were periodically switched on and off at 30 minute intervals.

custody noun

custody /ˈkʌstədi / ▸ noun [mass noun] 1 the protective care or guardianship of someone or something: the property was placed in the custody of a trustee. ▪ Law responsibility for the care, maintenance, and upbringing of a child or children: he was trying to get custody of their child. 2 imprisonment: my father was being taken into custody. - ORIGIN late Middle English: from Latin custodia, from custos 'guardian'.

withstand verb derivatives noun

withstand /wɪðˈstand / ▸ verb (past and past participle withstood /wɪðˈstʊd/) [with object] remain undamaged or unaffected by; resist: the structure had been designed to withstand winds of more than 100 mph. ▪ offer strong resistance or opposition to: Constantinople withstood the eastern invaders. - DERIVATIVES withstander noun - ORIGIN Old Englishwithstandan, from the prefix with- 'against' + the verb stand.

arouse verb derivative adjective

arouse /əˈraʊz / ▸ verb [with object] 1 evoke or awaken (a feeling, emotion, or response): something about the man aroused the guard's suspicions the letter aroused in him a sense of urgency. ▪ excite or provoke (someone) to anger or strong emotions: an ability to influence the audience and to arouse the masses. ▪ excite (someone) sexually: I was surprised to find that this look aroused me (as adjective aroused) I felt very aroused. 2 awaken (someone) from sleep: she had been aroused from deep slumber. - DERIVATIVES arousable adjective - ORIGIN late 16th century: from rouse, on the pattern of the pair of rise, arise.

abstract verb noun adjective derivatives adverb noun

abstract ▸ adjective /ˈabstrakt / 1 existing in thought or as an idea but not having a physical or concrete existence: abstract concepts such as love or beauty. ▪ dealing with ideas rather than events: the novel was too abstract and esoteric to sustain much attention. ▪ not based on a particular instance; theoretical: we have been discussing the problem in a very abstract manner. ▪ (of a noun) denoting an idea, quality, or state rather than a concrete object. 2 relating to or denoting art that does not attempt to represent external reality, but rather seeks to achieve its effect using shapes, colours, and textures: abstract pictures. ▸ verb /əbˈstrakt / [with object] 1 (abstract something from) consider something theoretically or separately from (something else): to abstract science and religion from their historical context can lead to anachronism. 2 (usually abstract something from) extract or remove (something): applications to abstract more water from streams. ▪ used euphemistically to indicate that someone has stolen something: his pockets contained all he had been able to abstract from the flat. ▪ (abstract oneself) withdraw: as our relationship deepened you seemed to abstract yourself. 3 make a written summary of (an article or book): staff who abstract material for an online database. ▸ noun /ˈabstrakt / 1 a summary of the contents of a book, article, or speech: an abstract of her speech. 2 an abstract work of art: a big unframed abstract. - PHRASES in the abstract in a general way; without reference to specific instances: there's a fine line between promoting US business interests in the abstract and promoting specific companies. - DERIVATIVES abstractly /ˈabstraktli / adverb abstractor /abˈstraktə / noun - ORIGIN Middle English: from Latin abstractus, literally 'drawn away', past participle of abstrahere, from ab- 'from' + trahere 'draw off'.

adequate adjective

adequate /ˈadɪkwət / ▸ adjective satisfactory or acceptable in quality or quantity: this office is perfectly adequate for my needs adequate resources and funding. - ORIGIN early 17th century: from Latin adaequatus 'made equal to', past participle of the verb adaequare, from ad- 'to' + aequus 'equal'.

affirm verb derivatives noun adjective

affirm /əˈfəːm / ▸ verb 1 [reporting verb] state emphatically or publicly: [with object] he affirmed the country's commitment to peace [with clause] they affirmed that policies were to be judged by their contribution to social justice. ▪ [with object] declare one's support for; uphold; defend: the referendum affirmed the republic's right to secede. ▪ [with object] Law accept or confirm the validity of (a judgement or agreement); ratify: the Court of Appeal affirmed a decision of the High Court. ▪ [no object] Law make a formal declaration rather than taking an oath: he refused to take the oath but chose simply to affirm on being admitted to the Privy Council. 2 [with object] offer (someone) emotional support or encouragement: there are five common ways parents fail to affirm their children good teachers know that students need to be both affirmed and challenged. ▪ give (life) a heightened sense of value, typically through the experience of something emotionally or spiritually uplifting: it is a rich and challenging motion picture that both affirms life and emphasizes its fragility. - DERIVATIVES affirmatory /əˈfəːmət(ə)ri / adjective affirmer noun - ORIGIN Middle English (in the sense 'make firm'): via Old French from Latin affirmare, from ad- 'to' + firmus 'strong'.

aggressive adjrective

aggressive /əˈɡrɛsɪv / ▸ adjective ready or likely to attack or confront; characterized by or resulting from aggression: he's very uncooperative and aggressive. ▪ behaving or done in a determined and forceful way: we needed more growth to pursue our aggressive acquisition strategy. - ORIGIN early 19th century: from Latin aggress- 'attacked' (from the verb aggredi) + -ive; compare with French agressif, -ive.

alarm noun

alarm /əˈlɑːm / ▸ noun [mass noun] an anxious awareness of danger: the boat tilted and the boatmen cried out in alarm he views the right-wing upsurge in Europe with alarm. ▪ [in singular] a warning of danger: I hammered on several doors to raise the alarm Oliver smelled smoke and gave the alarm. ▪ [count noun] a warning sound or device: they disabled the alarm and used a glass cutter to get in. ▪ [count noun] an alarm clock: I set my alarm for 6:30. ▸ verb 1 [with object] make (someone) feel frightened, disturbed, or in danger: the government was alarmed by an outbreak of unrest. 2 (be alarmed) be fitted or protected with an alarm: this door is locked and alarmed between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. - ORIGIN late Middle English (as an exclamation meaning 'to arms!'): from Old French alarme, from Italian allarme, from all' arme! 'to arms!'.

alter verb adjective

alter /ˈɔːltə , , ˈɒltə/ ▸ verb change in character or composition, typically in a comparatively small but significant way: [with object] Eliot was persuaded to alter the passage [no object] our outward appearance alters as we get older (as adjective altered) an altered state. ▪ [with object] make structural changes to (a building): plans to alter the dining hall. ▪ [with object] North American & Australian castrate or spay (a domestic animal). - DERIVATIVES alterable /ˈɔːltərəb(ə)l , , ˈɒltərəb(ə)l / adjective - ORIGIN late Middle English: from Old French alterer, from late Latin alterare, from Latin alter 'other'.

approval noun phrases

approval /əˈpruːv(ə)l / ▸ noun [mass noun] the action of approving something: the road schemes have been given approval [count noun] they have delayed the launch to await project approvals. ▪ the belief that someone or something is good or acceptable: step-parents need to win a child's approval. - PHRASES on approval (of goods) supplied on condition that they may be returned if not satisfactory: we would be happy to send you a selection on approval. seal (or stamp) of approval an official statement or indication that something is accepted or regarded favourably: the minister gave his seal of approval to the project.

approve verb archaic

approve /əˈpruːv / ▸ verb [with object] 1 officially agree to or accept as satisfactory: the budget was approved by parliament (as adjective approved) places on approved courses. ▪ [no object] believe that someone or something is good or acceptable: I don't approve of romance they would not approve. 2 archaic prove; show: he approved himself ripe for military command. - ORIGIN Middle English: from Old French aprover, from Latin approbare (see approbate). The original sense was 'prove, demonstrate', later 'corroborate, confirm', hence 'pronounce to be satisfactory' (late Middle English).

Archaic adjective derivative adverb

archaic /ɑːˈkeɪɪk / ▸ adjective very old or old-fashioned: prisons are run on archaic methods. ▪ (of a word or a style of language) no longer in everyday use but sometimes used to impart an old-fashioned flavour: a term with a rather archaic ring to it. ▪ of an early period of art or culture, especially the 7th-6th centuries bc in Greece: the archaic temple at Corinth. - DERIVATIVES archaically /ɑːˈkeɪɪk(ə)li / adverb - ORIGIN mid 19th century: from French archaïque, from Greek arkhaikos, from arkhaios, from arkhē 'beginning'.

assert verb derivatives adjective noun

assert /əˈsəːt / ▸ verb [reporting verb] state a fact or belief confidently and forcefully: [with clause] the company asserts that the cuts will not affect development [with object] he asserted his innocence. ▪ [with object] cause others to recognize (one's authority or a right) by confident and forceful behaviour: the good librarian is able to assert authority when required. ▪ (assert oneself) behave or speak in a confident and forceful manner: it was time to assert himself. - DERIVATIVES assertable /əˈsəːtəb(ə)l / adjective asserter /əˈsəːtə / (also assertor) noun - ORIGIN early 17th century: from Latin asserere 'claim, affirm', from ad- 'to' + serere 'to join'.

assertion noun

assertion /əˈsəːʃ(ə)n / ▸ noun a confident and forceful statement of fact or belief: [with clause] his assertion that his father had deserted the family. ▪ [mass noun] the action of asserting something: the assertion of his legal rights. - ORIGIN late Middle English: from Latin assertio(n-), from the verb asserere (see assert).

Attribute verb noun computing grammer statistics

attribute ▸ verb /əˈtrɪbjuːt / [with object] (attribute something to) regard something as being caused by: he attributed the firm's success to the efforts of the managing director his resignation was attributed to stress. ▪ ascribe a work or remark to (a particular author, artist, or speaker): the building was attributed to Inigo Jones. ▪ regard a quality or feature as characteristic of or possessed by: ancient peoples attributed magic properties to certain stones. ▸ noun /ˈatrɪbjuːt / 1 a quality or feature regarded as a characteristic or inherent part of someone or something: flexibility and mobility are the key attributes of Britain's army. ▪ a material object recognized as symbolic of a person, especially a conventional object used in art to identify a saint or mythical figure: it was not until the end of the fifteenth century that the sandglass was depicted as the attribute of Father Time. 2 Computing a piece of information which determines the properties of a field or tag in a database or a string of characters in a display. 3 Grammar an attributive adjective or noun. 4 Statistics a real property which a statistical analysis is attempting to describe. - ORIGIN late 15th century: the noun from Old French attribut; the verb from Latin attribut- 'allotted': both from the verb attribuere, from ad- 'to' + tribuere 'assign'.

Authority noun phrases

authority /ɔːˈθɒrɪti / ▸ noun (plural authorities) 1 [mass noun] the power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience: he had absolute authority over his subordinates a rebellion against those in authority. ▪ [often with infinitive] the right to act in a specified way, delegated from one person or organization to another: military forces have the legal authority to arrest drug traffickers. ▪ official permission; sanction: the money was spent without parliamentary authority. 2 (often authorities) a person or organization having political or administrative power and control: health authorities issued a worldwide alert. 3 [mass noun] the power to influence others, especially because of one's commanding manner or one's recognized knowledge about something: he has the natural authority of one who is used to being obeyed. ▪ the confidence resulting from personal expertise: he hit the ball with authority. ▪ [count noun] a person with extensive or specialized knowledge about a subject; an expert: he was an authority on the stock market. ▪ [count noun] a book or other source able to supply reliable information or evidence: the court cited a series of authorities supporting their decision. - PHRASES have something on good authority have ascertained something from a reliable source: I have it on good authority that there is a waiting list of up to five weeks. - ORIGIN Middle English: from Old French autorite, from Latin auctoritas, from auctor 'originator, promoter' (see author).

awaken verb

awaken /əˈweɪk(ə)n / ▸ verb [with object] rouse from sleep; cause to stop sleeping: Anna was awakened by the telephone. ▪ [no object] stop sleeping: he sighed but did not awaken. ▪ rouse (a feeling): different images can awaken new emotions within us. ▪ (awaken someone to) make someone aware of (something) for the first time: the film helped to awaken many to the horrors of apartheid. - ORIGIN Old Englishonwæcnan, from on 'on' + waken.

workmanship mass noun informal phesics adjective verb phrases derivative adjective

workmanship /ˈwəːkmənʃɪp / ▸ noun [mass noun] the degree of skill with which a product is made or a job done: cracks on the motorway were caused by poor workmanship.

bend verb noun derivative adjective

bend1 /bɛnd / ▸ verb (past and past participle bent) 1 [with object] shape or force (something straight) into a curve or angle: the wire has to be bent back tightly. ▪ [no object] (of something straight) be shaped or forced into a curve or angle: poppies bending in the wind. ▪ [no object, usually with adverbial of direction] (of a road, river, or path) deviate from a straight line in a specified direction: the road bent left and then right. 2 [no object] (of a person) incline the body downwards from the vertical: she bent down and yanked out the flex I bent over my plate. ▪ [with object] move (a jointed part of the body) to an angled position: extend your left leg and bend your right. 3 force or be forced to submit: [with object] they want to bend me to their will [no object] a refusal to bend to mob rule. ▪ [with object] interpret or modify (a rule) to suit someone: we cannot bend the rules, even for Darren. 4 [with object] direct (one's attention or energies) to a task: Eric bent all his efforts to persuading them to donate some blankets [no object] she bent once more to the task of diverting her guests. 5 [with object] Nautical attach (a sail or cable) by means of a knot: sailors were bending sails to the spars. ▸ noun 1 a curve in a road, river, path, or racing circuit: the van screeched round a bend a bend in the river. 2 a curved or angled part of something: make a bend in the wire. 3 a kind of knot used to join two ropes together, or to tie a rope to another object, e.g. a carrick bend. 4 (the bends) decompression sickness, especially in divers. - PHRASES bend someone's ear informal talk to someone, especially at length or to ask a favour: she regularly bent his ear with her problems. bend one's elbow North American drink alcohol: it didn't take long before we were all bending our elbows at the bar. bend over backwards see backwards. on bended knee(s) see knee. round the bend (or US around the bend) informal mad: it's time for some changes before we all go round the bend you're driving me round the bend. - DERIVATIVES bendable /ˈbɛndəb(ə)l / adjective - ORIGIN Old Englishbendan 'put in bonds, tension a bow by means of a string', of Germanic origin; related to band1.

brief adjective noun british ( law and british ) verb british phrases derivative noun

brief /briːf / ▸ adjective 1 of short duration; not lasting for long: the president made a brief working visit to Moscow. ▪ concise in expression; using few words: introductions were brief and polite be brief and don't talk for longer than is necessary. 2 (of a piece of clothing) not covering much of the body; scanty: Alison sported a pair of extremely brief black shorts. ▸ noun 1 British a set of instructions given to a person about a job or task: his brief is to turn round the county's fortunes. 2 Law, British a summary of the facts and legal points in a case given to a barrister to argue in court. ▪ a piece of work for a barrister: he cannot be too highly recommended, if he is free and will take the brief. ▪ British informal a solicitor or barrister: it was only his brief's eloquence that had saved him from prison. ▪ US a written statement of the facts and legal points supporting one side of a case, for presentation to a court. 3 a letter from the Pope to a person or community on a matter of discipline. ▸ verb [with object] 1 instruct or inform (someone) thoroughly, especially in preparation for a task: she briefed him on last week's decisions. 2 British instruct (a barrister) by brief. - PHRASES hold a brief for British be retained as counsel for. hold no brief for British not support or argue in favour of: I hold no brief for dishonest policemen. in brief in a few words; in short: he is, in brief, the embodiment of evil the news in brief. - DERIVATIVES briefness /ˈbriːfnəs / noun - ORIGIN Middle English: from Old French brief, from Latin brevis 'short'. The noun is via late Latin breve 'note, dispatch', hence 'an official letter'.

comply verb

comply /kəmˈplʌɪ / ▸ verb (complies, complying, complied) [no object] (often comply with) act in accordance with a wish or command: we are unable to comply with your request. ▪ (of an article) meet specified standards: all second-hand furniture must comply with the new regulations. - ORIGIN late 16th century: from Italian complire, Catalan complir, Spanish cumplir, from Latin complere 'fill up, fulfil' (see complete). The original sense was 'fulfil, accomplish', later 'fulfil the requirements of courtesy', hence 'to be agreeable, to oblige or obey'. Compare with compliment.

composition noun math phys archaic

composition /kɒmpəˈzɪʃ(ə)n / ▸ noun 1 [mass noun] the nature of something's ingredients or constituents; the way in which a whole or mixture is made up: the social composition of villages. ▪ the action of putting things together; formation or construction: the composition of a new government was announced in November. ▪ [count noun] a thing composed of various elements: a theory is a composition of interrelated facts. ▪ archaic mental constitution; character: persons who have a touch of madness in their composition. ▪ [often as modifier] a compound artificial substance or material: composition tiles. ▪ Mathematics the successive application of functions to a variable, the value of the first function being the argument of the second, and so on: composition of functions, when defined, is associative. ▪ Physics the process of finding the resultant of a number of forces: the composition of forces. 2 a creative work, especially a poem or piece of music: Chopin's most romantic compositions. ▪ [mass noun] the action or art of producing a creative work such as a poem or piece of music: the technical aspects of composition. ▪ an essay, especially one written by a school or college student: we had a class composition, 'My Best Friend'. ▪ the artistic arrangement of the parts of a picture: none of the other photographs shared this particular composition. 3 [mass noun] the preparation of text for printing by setting up characters or by establishing its style and appearance electronically: an external contractor providing computerized composition and typesetting. 4 a legal agreement to pay a sum in lieu of a larger debt or other obligation: he had been released by deed on making a composition with the creditors. ▪ a sum paid in lieu of a larger debt: Royalists redeemed their sequestrated estates by paying compositions. - ORIGIN late Middle English: via Old French from Latin compositio(n-), from componere 'put together'.

comprehensive adjective british archaic noun british derivative noun

comprehensive /kɒmprɪˈhɛnsɪv / ▸ adjective 1 including or dealing with all or nearly all elements or aspects of something: a comprehensive list of sources. ▪ of large content or scope; wide-ranging: a comprehensive collection of photographs. ▪ (of a victory or defeat) achieved or suffered by a large margin: a comprehensive victory for Swansea. ▪ (of motor-vehicle insurance) providing cover for most risks, including damage to the policyholder's own vehicle. 2 British relating to or denoting a system of secondary education in which children of all abilities from a particular area are educated in one school: a comprehensive school. 3 archaic relating to understanding. ▸ noun British a comprehensive school: he trained as an accountant after leaving the local comprehensive when I was 14 I was at comprehensive. - DERIVATIVES comprehensiveness /kɒmprɪˈhɛnsɪvnəs / noun - ORIGIN early 17th century: from French compréhensif, -ive, from late Latin comprehensivus, from the verb comprehendere 'grasp mentally'.

concave adjective derivative adverb

concave /ˈkɒnkeɪv / ▸ adjective having an outline or surface that curves inwards like the interior of a circle or sphere: concave lenses. Compare with convex (SENSE 1). - DERIVATIVES concavely adverb - ORIGIN late Middle English: from Latin concavus, from con- 'together' + cavus 'hollow'.

Concern verb noun phrases

concern /kənˈsəːn / ▸ verb [with object] 1 relate to; be about: the story concerns a friend of mine the report is mainly concerned with 1984 onwards. ▪ be relevant or important to; affect or involve: she was prying into that which did not concern her many thanks to all concerned. ▪ (concern oneself with) interest or involve oneself in: it is not necessary for us to concern ourselves with this point. ▪ (be concerned in) formal have a specific connection with or responsibility for: those concerned in industry, academia, and government. ▪ (be concerned with/to do something) regard it as important to do something: I was mainly concerned with making something that children could enjoy. 2 make (someone) anxious or worried: the roof of the barn concerns me because eventually it will fall in don't concern yourself, old boy—my lips are sealed. ▸ noun 1 [mass noun] anxiety; worry: Carole gazed at her with concern. ▪ [count noun] a cause of anxiety or worry: environmental concerns. 2 a matter of interest or importance to someone: housing is the concern of the Housing Executive [mass noun] the prospect should be of concern to us all. 3 a business: the town's only travel agent was a small, debt-ridden concern. 4 informal, dated a complicated or awkward object. - PHRASES as (or so) far as —— is concerned as regards the interests or case of ——: the measures are irrelevant as far as inflation is concerned. have no concern with formal have nothing to do with: drama seemed to have no concern with 'truth' at all. to whom it may concern used at the beginning of a letter, notice, or testimonial when the identity of the reader or readers is unknown. - ORIGIN late Middle English: from French concerner or late Latin concernere (in medieval Latin 'be relevant to'), from con- (expressing intensive force) + cernere 'sift, discern'.

conduct noun verb derivatives noun adjective

conduct ▸ noun /ˈkɒndʌkt / [mass noun] 1 the manner in which a person behaves, especially in a particular place or situation: they were arrested for disorderly conduct a code of conduct for directors of listed companies. 2 the manner in which an organization or activity is managed or directed: the conduct of the elections. ▪ archaic the action of leading; guidance: travelling through the world under the conduct of chance. ▸ verb /kənˈdʌkt / [with object] 1 organize and carry out: in the second trial he conducted his own defence surveys conducted among students. 2 [with object and adverbial of direction] lead or guide (someone) to or around a particular place: he conducted us through his personal gallery of the Civil War (as adjective conducted) a conducted tour. 3 Physics transmit (a form of energy such as heat or electricity) by conduction: heat is conducted to the surface. 4 direct the performance of (a piece of music or an orchestra, choir, etc.): the concert is to be conducted by Sir Simon Rattle. 5 (conduct oneself) behave in a specified way: he conducted himself with the utmost propriety. - DERIVATIVES conductibility /kənˌdʌktəˈbɪləti / noun conductible /kənˈdʌktɪb(ə)l/ adjective - ORIGIN Middle English: from Old French, from Latin conduct- 'brought together', from the verb conducere. The term originally denoted a provision for safe passage, surviving in safe conduct; later the verb sense 'lead, guide' arose, hence 'manage' and 'management' (late Middle English), later 'management of oneself, behaviour' (mid 16th century). The original form of the word was conduit, which was preserved only in the sense 'channel' (see conduit); in other uses the spelling was influenced by Latin.

confront verb

confront /kənˈfrʌnt / ▸ verb [with object] come face to face with (someone) with hostile or argumentative intent: 300 policemen confronted an equal number of union supporters. ▪ (of a problem or difficulty) present itself to (someone) so that action must be taken: the new government was confronted with many profound difficulties. ▪ face up to and deal with (a problem or difficulty): usually the best thing you can do in an embarrassing situation isto confront it head on. ▪ compel (someone) to face or consider something, especially by way of accusation: Merrill confronted him with her suspicions. ▪ appear or be placed in front of (someone) so as to unsettle or threaten them: we were confronted with pictures of moving skeletons. - ORIGIN mid 16th century: from French confronter, from medieval Latin confrontare, from Latin con- 'with' + frons, front- 'face'.

constituent adjective noun deep

constituent /kənˈstɪtjʊənt / ▸ adjective [attributive] 1 being a part of a whole: the constituent minerals of the rock. 2 being a voting member of an organization and having the power to appoint or elect: the constituent body has a right of veto. ▪ able to make or change a political constitution: a constituent assembly. ▸ noun 1 a member of an area which elects a representative to a legislative body: the MP is playing on his constituents' sense of regional identity to win votes. 2 a component part of something: the essential constituents of the human diet. - ORIGIN late 15th century (as a noun denoting a person who appoints another as agent): from Latin constituent- (partly via French constituant) 'establishing, appointing', from the verb constituere (see constitute).

crop noun verb phrasal verb

crop /krɒp / ▸ noun 1 a cultivated plant that is grown on a large scale commercially, especially a cereal, fruit, or vegetable: the main crops were oats and barley. ▪ an amount of produce harvested at one time: a heavy crop of fruit. ▪ an abundance of something, especially a person's hair: he had a thick crop of wiry hair. ▪ the total number of young farm animals born in a particular year on one farm: failure to observe sound practice leads to a lamb crop at weaning of around 50-60 per cent. 2 a group or amount of related people or things appearing or occurring at one time: the current crop of politicians. 3 a hairstyle in which the hair is cut very short: she has her hair cut in a short crop. 4 short for riding crop or hunting crop. 5 a pouch in a bird's gullet where food is stored or prepared for digestion: the parent waxbill partially digests food in its crop. ▪ an organ resembling a pouch in an insect or earthworm. 6 the entire tanned hide of an animal. ▸ verb (crops, cropping, cropped) 1 [with object] cut (something, especially a person's hair) very short: (as adjective cropped) cropped blonde hair. ▪ (of an animal) bite off and eat the tops of (plants): the horse was gratefully cropping the grass. ▪ cut the edges of (a photograph) in order to produce a better picture or to fit a given space: you can always crop the picture afterwards. 2 [with object] harvest (plants or their produce) from a particular area: hay would have been cropped several times through the summer. ▪ sow or plant (land) with plants that will produce food or fodder, especially on a large commercial scale: the southern areas are cropped in cotton (as adjective, with submodifier cropped) intensively cropped areas. ▪ [no object] (of land or a plant) yield a harvest of plants or produce: the parsley will need protection to continue cropping through the winter. - PHRASAL VERBS crop out (of rock) appear or be exposed at the surface of the earth: high hills are found where the igneous rocks of eastern South Uist crop out. crop up appear, occur, or come to one's notice unexpectedly: some urgent business had cropped up. - ORIGIN Old English, of Germanic origin; related to German Kropf. From Old English to the late 18th century there existed a sense 'flower head, ear of corn', giving rise to crop (SENSE 1 OF THE noun) and senses referring to the top of something, whence crop (SENSE 4 OF THE noun). ---------------------------

declare reporting verb

declare /dɪˈklɛː / ▸ verb 1 [reporting verb] say something in a solemn and emphatic manner: [with clause] the prime minister declared that the programme of austerity had paid off [with direct speech] 'I was under too much pressure,' he declared. ▪ [with object] formally announce the beginning of (a state or condition): Spain declared war on Britain in 1796. ▪ [with object and complement] pronounce or assert (a person or thing) to be something specified: the mansion was declared a fire hazard. ▪ [no object] (declare for/against) British openly align oneself for or against (a party or position) in a dispute: the president had declared for denuclearization of Europe. ▪ (declare oneself) reveal one's intentions or identity: a number of interested parties who can't declare themselves openly. ▪ [no object] announce oneself as a candidate for an election: he declared last April. ▪ (declare oneself) archaic express feelings of love to someone: she waited in vain for him to declare himself. 2 [with object] acknowledge possession of (taxable income or dutiable goods): if you have something to declare customs officers will tell you the duty payable. 3 [no object] Cricket close an innings voluntarily before all the wickets have fallen: Pakistan declared at 446 for four. 4 [with object] announce that one holds (certain combinations of cards) in a card game. ▪ name (the trump suit) in a card game. - PHRASES well, I declare (or I do declare) an exclamation of incredulity, surprise, or vexation: 'Well, I do declare! It's Annabelle!'. - DERIVATIVES declarable /dɪˈklɛːrəb(ə)l / adjective declaratory /dɪˈklarət(ə)ri / adjective - ORIGIN Middle English: from Latin declarare, from de- 'thoroughly' + clarare 'make clear' (from clarus 'clear').

decorate verb

decorate /ˈdɛkəreɪt / ▸ verb [with object] 1 make (something) look more attractive by adding extra items or images to it: the town was decorated with Christmas lights. ▪ chiefly British apply paint or wallpaper in (a room or building): the five bedrooms are individually decorated. 2 confer an award or medal on (a member of the armed forces): he was decorated for outstanding bravery. - ORIGIN mid 16th century (in the sense 'to grace or honour'): from Latin decoratus 'embellished' (past participle of decorare), from decus, decor- 'beauty, honour, or embellishment'.

decorate verb british

decorate /ˈdɛkəreɪt / ▸ verb [with object] 1 make (something) look more attractive by adding extra items or images to it: the town was decorated with Christmas lights. ▪ chiefly British apply paint or wallpaper in (a room or building): the five bedrooms are individually decorated. 2 confer an award or medal on (a member of the armed forces): he was decorated for outstanding bravery. - ORIGIN mid 16th century (in the sense 'to grace or honour'): from Latin decoratus 'embellished' (past participle of decorare), from decus, decor- 'beauty, honour, or embellishment'.

desire noun, ( verb (archaic))

desire /dɪˈzʌɪə / ▸ noun a strong feeling of wanting to have something or wishing for something to happen: he resisted public desires for choice in education. ▪ [mass noun] strong sexual feeling or appetite: they were clinging together in fierce desire. ▪ something desired. ▸ verb [with object] strongly wish for or want (something): he never achieved the status he so desired (as adjective desired) the bribe had its desired effect. ▪ want (someone) sexually: there had been a time, years ago, when he had desired her. ▪ archaic express a wish to: John spake unto him, and desired him in like manner and contestation as before. - ORIGIN Middle English: from Old French desir (noun), desirer (verb), from Latin desiderare (see desiderate).

determine verb mathematics (archaic and law)

determine /dɪˈtəːmɪn / ▸ verb [with object] 1 cause (something) to occur in a particular way or to have a particular nature: it will be her mental attitude that determines her future. 2 ascertain or establish exactly by research or calculation: the inquest is entrusted with the task of determining the cause of death [with clause] the point of our study was to determine what is true, not what is practicable. ▪ Mathematics specify the value, position, or form of (a mathematical or geometrical object) uniquely. 3 [no object] firmly decide: he determined on a withdrawal of his forces [with infinitive] she determined to tackle Stephen the next day [with clause] my wife had determined that I must swap my old bike for a car. 4 Law, archaic bring or come to an end. - ORIGIN late Middle English: from Old French determiner, from Latin determinare 'limit, fix', from de- 'completely' + terminare 'terminate'.

dignify verb

dignify /ˈdɪɡnɪfʌɪ / ▸ verb (dignifies, dignifying, dignified) [with object] make (something) seem worthy and impressive: the Americans had dignified their departure with a ceremony. ▪ give an impressive name to (someone or something unworthy of it): dumps are increasingly dignified as landfills. - ORIGIN late Middle English: from Old French dignefier, from late Latin dignificare, from Latin dignus 'worthy'.

disappointment noun

disappointment /dɪsəˈpɔɪntm(ə)nt / ▸ noun [mass noun] sadness or displeasure caused by the non-fulfilment of one's hopes or expectations: to her disappointment, there was no chance to talk privately with Luke. ▪ [count noun] a person or thing that causes disappointment: the job proved a disappointment I was a big disappointment to her.

disposition noun law archiac

disposition /dɪspəˈzɪʃ(ə)n / ▸ noun 1 a person's inherent qualities of mind and character: your sunny disposition has a way of rubbing off on those around you he has the disposition of a saint. ▪ [often with infinitive] an inclination or tendency: the Prime Minister has shown a disposition to alter policies the judge's disposition to clemency. 2 [mass noun] the way in which something is placed or arranged, especially in relation to other things: the plan shows the disposition of the rooms. ▪ the action of arranging people or things in a particular way: the prerogative gives the state widespread powers regarding the disposition and control of the armed forces. ▪ (dispositions) the stationing of troops ready for military action: the new strategic dispositions of our forces. 3 [mass noun] Law the distribution or transfer of property or money to someone, especially by bequest: this is a tax which affects the disposition of assets on death. 4 the power to deal with something as one pleases: if Napoleon had had railways at his disposition, he would have been invincible. ▪ archaic the determination of events by divine power. - ORIGIN late Middle English: via Old French from Latin dispositio(n-), from disponere 'arrange' (see dispose).

emphesis noun

emphasis /ˈɛmfəsɪs / ▸ noun (plural emphases /ˈɛmfəsiːz/) [mass noun] 1 special importance, value, or prominence given to something: they placed great emphasis on the individual's freedom [count noun] different emphases and viewpoints. 2 stress given to a word or words when speaking to indicate particular importance: inflection and emphasis can change the meaning of what is said. ▪ vigour or intensity of expression: he spoke with emphasis and with complete conviction. - ORIGIN late 16th century: via Latin from Greek, originally 'appearance, show', later denoting a figure of speech in which more is implied than is said (the original sense in English), from emphainein 'exhibit', from em- 'in, within' + phainein 'to show'.

emphatically adverb

emphatically /ɪmˈfatɪkli / ▸ adverb in a forceful way: she closed the door behind her emphatically 'No way,' he said emphatically. ▪ [as submodifier] without doubt; clearly: Jane, though born in California, feels emphatically English [sentence adverb] Greg is emphatically not a slacker.

esoteric adjective derivative adverb noun

esoteric /ˌɛsəˈtɛrɪk , , ˌiːsəˈtɛrɪk/ ▸ adjective intended for or likely to be understood by only a small number of people with a specialized knowledge or interest: esoteric philosophical debates. - DERIVATIVES esoterically adverb esotericism /ˌɛsəˈtɛrɪsɪz(ə)m , , ˌiːsəˈtɛrɪsɪz(ə)m / noun esotericist noun - ORIGIN mid 17th century: from Greek esōterikos, from esōterō, comparative of esō 'within', from es, eis 'into'. Compare with exoteric.

evoke verb derivative noun

evoke /ɪˈvəʊk / ▸ verb [with object] 1 bring or recall (a feeling, memory, or image) to the conscious mind: the sight evoked pleasant memories of his childhood. ▪ elicit (a response): the Green Paper evoked critical reactions from various bodies. 2 invoke (a spirit or deity): Akasha is evoked in India when a house is being built to ensure its completion. - DERIVATIVES evoker noun - ORIGIN early 17th century (in evoke (SENSE 2)): from Latin evocare, from e- (variant of ex-) 'out of, from' + vocare 'to call'.

expiry noun archaic

expiry /ɪkˈspʌɪri , , ɛkˈspʌɪri/ ▸ noun [mass noun] 1 British the end of the period for which something is valid: the expiry of the patent [as modifier] an expiry date. ▪ the end of a fixed period of time: the expiry of the six-month period. 2 archaic death.

fine adverb adjective verb north english australia phrases derivative noun fine (noun verb law)

fine1 /fʌɪn / ▸ adjective 1 of very high quality; very good of its kind: this was a fine piece of film-making fine wines. ▪ worthy of or eliciting admiration: what a fine human being he is a fine musician. ▪ good; satisfactory: relations in the group were fine. ▪ used to express one's agreement with or acquiescence to something: anything you want is fine by me, Linda he said such a solution would be fine. ▪ in good health and feeling well: 'I'm fine, just fine. And you?'. ▪ (of the weather) bright and clear: it was another fine winter day. ▪ imposing or impressive in appearance: Donleavy was a fine figure of a man. ▪ (of speech or writing) sounding impressive and grand but ultimately insincere: fine words seemed to produce few practical benefits. ▪ denoting or displaying a state of good, though not excellent, preservation in stamps, books, coins, etc. ▪ (of gold or silver) containing a specified high proportion of pure metal: the coin is struck in .986 fine gold. 2 very thin or narrow: a fine nylon thread fine flyaway hair. ▪ (of a point) sharp: I sharpened the leads to a fine point. ▪ made or consisting of small particles: the soils were all fine silt. ▪ of delicate or intricate workmanship or structure: fine bone china. ▪ (of something abstract) subtle and therefore perceived only with difficulty and care: there is a fine distinction between misrepresenting the truth and lying. ▪ (of a physical faculty) sensitive and discriminating: he has a fine eye for the detail and texture of social scenery. 3 Cricket directed or stationed behind the wicket and close to the line of flight of the ball when it is bowled. ▸ noun (fines) very small particles found in mining, milling, etc. ▸ adverb 1 informal in a satisfactory or pleasing manner; very well: 'And how's the job-hunting going?' 'Oh, fine.' mother and baby are both doing fine. 2 Cricket behind the wicket and close to the line of flight of the ball when it is bowled. ▸ verb 1 [with object] clarify (beer or wine) by causing the precipitation of sediment during production. ▪ [no object] (of liquid) become clear. 2 make or become thinner: [no object] she'd certainly fined down—her face was thinner. 3 [no object] (fine up) Northern English & Australian/NZ informal (of the weather) become bright and clear. - PHRASES cut it (or things) fine allow a very small margin of something, especially time: boys who have cut it rather fine are scuttling into chapel. do someone fine suit or be enough for someone. fine feathers make fine birds proverb beautiful or expensive clothes may make the wearer seem more impressive than is really the case. a fine line a subtle distinction between two concepts or situations: there's a fine line between humour and inappropriateness the president has been treading a fine line on immigration. the finer points of the more complex or detailed aspects of: he went on to discuss the finer points of his work. ——'s finest North American informal the police of a particular city: Moscow's finest. one's finer feelings one's feelings of honour, loyalty, or duty; one's conscience or sense of morality. one's finest hour the time of one's greatest success. fine words butter no parsnips proverb nothing is achieved by empty promises or flattery. not to put too fine a point on it to speak bluntly: not to put too fine a point on it, your Emily is a liar. [figuratively, with reference to the sharpening of a weapon, tool, etc.] one fine day at some unspecified or unknown time: one fine day he decided to take an apartment in Rome. - DERIVATIVES fineness /ˈfʌɪnnəs / noun - ORIGIN Middle English: from Old French fin, based on Latin finire 'to finish' (see finish).

firm noun verb adverb adjective phrases

firm2 /fəːm / ▸ noun a business concern, especially one involving a partnership of two or more people: state support for small firms a law firm. ▪ a group of hospital doctors working as a team, headed by a consultant. ▪ British informal an organized group of football supporters known for their aggressive attitudes towards rival fans. - ORIGIN late 16th century: from Spanish and Italian firma, from medieval Latin, from Latin firmare 'fix, settle' (in late Latin 'confirm by signature'), from firmus 'firm'; compare with farm. The word originally denoted one's autograph or signature; later (mid 18th century) the name under which the business of a firm was transacted, hence the firm itself (late 18th century). ---------------- firm1 /fəːm / ▸ adjective 1 having a solid, almost unyielding surface or structure: the bed should be reasonably firm, but not too hard. ▪ solidly in place and stable: no building can stand without firm foundations figurative he was unable to establish the shop on a firm financial footing. ▪ having steady but not excessive power or strength: you need a firm grip on the steering. ▪ showing resolute determination and strength of character: parents should be firm with children and not give in to their demands. 2 strongly felt and unlikely to change: he retains a firm belief in the efficacy of prayer. ▪ steadfast and constant: we became firm friends. ▪ decided upon and fixed or definite: she had no firm plans for the next day. ▪ (of a currency, shares, etc.) having a steady value or price which is more likely to rise than fall: the pound was firm against the dollar. ▸ verb [with object] make more solid or resilient: how can I firm up a sagging bustline? ▪ fix (a plant) securely in the soil: don't tread around bushes to firm them. ▪ make (an agreement or plan) explicit and definite: the agreements still have to be firmed up. ▪ [no object] (of a price) rise slightly to reach a level considered secure: he believed house prices would firm by the end of the year [with complement] the shares firmed 15p to 620p. ▸ adverb in a resolute and determined manner: the Chancellor has held firm to tough economic policies she will stand firm against the government's proposal. - PHRASES be on firm ground be sure of one's facts or secure in one's position. a firm hand strict discipline or control: children need a firm hand from day one. - ORIGIN Middle English: from Old French ferme, from Latin firmus.

guardianship noun

guardianship /ˈɡɑːdɪənʃɪp / ▸ noun [mass noun] the position of protecting or defending something: guardianship of traditional beliefs and standards the guardianship of the rural landscape. ▪ the position of being legally responsible for the care of someone who is unable to manage their own affairs: she was granted temporary guardianship of the three children [as modifier] Peter was made the subject of a guardianship order.

hierarchy noun, theology & derivatives adjective noun verb

hierarchy /ˈhʌɪərɑːki / ▸ noun (plural hierarchies) a system in which members of an organization or society are ranked according to relative status or authority: the initiative was with those lower down in the hierarchy [mass noun] the trend is to get away from hierarchy and control. ▪ (the hierarchy) the clergy of the Catholic Church or of an episcopal Church: the Roman Catholic hierarchy in Romania. ▪ (the hierarchy) the upper echelons of a hierarchical system: the magazine was read quite widely even by some of the hierarchy. ▪ an arrangement or classification of things according to relative importance or inclusiveness: a taxonomic hierarchy of phyla, classes, orders, families, genera, and species. ▪ Theology the traditional system of orders of angels and other heavenly beings: the heavenly hierarchy. - DERIVATIVES hierarchic /hʌɪəˈrɑːkɪk / adjective hierarchization noun hierarchize (also hierarchise) verb - ORIGIN late Middle English: via Old French and medieval Latin from Greek hierarkhia, from hierarkhēs 'sacred ruler' (see hierarch). The earliest sense was 'system of orders of angels and heavenly beings'; the other senses date from the 17th century.

hollow adjective noun verb phrases deritatives adverb noun

hollow /ˈhɒləʊ / ▸ adjective 1 having a hole or empty space inside: a hollow metal tube. ▪ having a concave or sunken appearance: her cheeks were hollow and she had dark circles under her eyes. ▪ (of a sound) echoing, as though made in or on an empty container: a hollow groan. 2 without real significance or value: the result was a hollow victory. ▪ insincere: a hollow promise. ▸ noun a hole or depression in something: a hollow at the base of a large tree. ▪ an enclosed space within something: he held them in the hollow of his hand. ▪ a small valley: the village nestles in a hollow on the edge of the New Forest. ▸ verb [with object] form by making a hole: a tunnel was hollowed out in a mountain range. ▪ make a hollow in: Flora's laugh hollowed her cheeks. - PHRASES beat someone hollow defeat someone thoroughly. - DERIVATIVES hollowly /ˈhɒləʊli / adverb hollowness /ˈhɒləʊnəs / noun - ORIGIN Old Englishholh 'cave'; obscurely related to hole.

hostile adjective derivative adverb

hostile /ˈhɒstʌɪl / ▸ adjective showing or feeling opposition or dislike; unfriendly: a hostile audience he wrote a ferociously hostile attack. ▪ of or belonging to a military enemy: hostile aircraft. ▪ [predicative] opposed: people are very hostile to the idea. ▪ (of a takeover bid) opposed by the company to be bought: the brewery fought off a hostile takeover bid last year. - DERIVATIVES hostilely /ˈhɒstʌɪli / adverb - ORIGIN late 16th century: from French, or from Latin hostilis, from hostis 'stranger, enemy'.

impart verb derivative

impart /ɪmˈpɑːt / ▸ verb [with object] make (information) known: the teachers imparted a great deal of knowledge to their pupils. ▪ bestow (a quality): shiitake mushrooms impart a wonderfully woody flavour to the salad. - DERIVATIVES impartation /ɪmpɑːˈteɪʃ(ə)n / noun - ORIGIN late Middle English (in the sense 'give a share of'): from Old French impartir, from Latin impartire, from in- 'in' + pars, part- 'part'.

influence noun verb phrases derivatives adjective noun physics archaic

influence /ˈɪnflʊəns / ▸ noun 1 [mass noun] the capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behaviour of someone or something, or the effect itself: the influence of television violence I was still under the influence of my parents [count noun] their friends are having a bad influence on them. ▪ the power to shape policy or ensure favourable treatment from someone, especially through status, contacts, or wealth: the institute has considerable influence with teachers. ▪ [count noun] a person or thing with the capacity to have an influence on someone or something: Fiona was a good influence on her. 2 Physics, archaic electrical or magnetic induction. ▸ verb [with object] have an influence on: social forces influencing criminal behavior. - PHRASES under the influence informal affected by alcoholic drink or drugs: he was charged with driving under the influence. - DERIVATIVES influenceable adjective influencer noun - ORIGIN late Middle English: from Old French, or from medieval Latin influentia 'inflow', from Latin influere, from in- 'into' + fluere 'to flow'. The word originally had the general sense 'an influx, flowing matter', also specifically (in astrology) 'the flowing in of ethereal fluid (affecting human destiny)'. The sense 'imperceptible or indirect action exerted to cause changes' was established in Scholastic Latin by the 13th century, but not recorded in English until the late 16th century.

infrequent adjective derivative noun

infrequent /ɪnˈfriːkw(ə)nt / ▸ adjective not occurring often; rare: her visits were so infrequent. - DERIVATIVES infrequency /ɪnˈfriːkw(ə)nsi / noun - ORIGIN mid 16th century (in the sense 'little used, seldom done, uncommon'): from Latin infrequent- from in- 'not' + frequent- 'frequent'.

ingrediant noun

ingredient /ɪnˈɡriːdɪənt / ▸ noun any of the foods or substances that are combined to make a particular dish: mix all of the ingredients together pork is an important ingredient in many stir-fried dishes. ▪ a component part or element of something: the affair contains all the ingredients of an insoluble mystery. - ORIGIN late Middle English: from Latin ingredient- 'entering', from the verb ingredi, from in- 'into' + gradi 'walk'.

inherent adjective law linguistic derivative noun

inherent /ɪnˈhɪər(ə)nt , , ɪnˈhɛr(ə)nt/ ▸ adjective existing in something as a permanent, essential, or characteristic attribute: any form of mountaineering has its inherent dangers. ▪ Law vested in (someone) as a right or privilege. ▪ Linguistics (of an adjective) having the same meaning in both attributive and predicative uses. - DERIVATIVES inherence /ɪnˈhɪər(ə)ns , , ɪnˈhɛr(ə)ns / noun - ORIGIN late 16th century: from Latin inhaerent- 'sticking to', from the verb inhaerere, from in- 'in, towards' + haerere 'to stick'.

insist verb, reporting verb

insist /ɪnˈsɪst / ▸ verb [no object] demand something forcefully, not accepting refusal: she insisted on carrying her own bag [with clause] he insisted that she came. ▪ (insist on) demand forcefully to have (something): he insisted on answers to his allegations. ▪ (insist on) persist in (doing something): the heavy studded boots she insisted on wearing. ▪ [reporting verb] state positively and assertively: [with clause] the chairman insisted that all was not doom and gloom [with direct speech] 'I really am all right now,' Isabel insisted. - ORIGIN late 16th century (in the sense 'persist, persevere'): from Latin insistere 'persist', from in- 'upon' + sistere 'stand'.

intent noun adjective phrases derivative noun

intent /ɪnˈtɛnt / ▸ noun [mass noun] intention or purpose: with alarm she realized his intent [count noun] a real intent to cut back on social programmes. ▸ adjective 1 (intent on/upon) determined to do (something): the government was intent on achieving greater efficiency. ▪ attentively occupied with: Gill was intent on her gardening magazine. 2 (of a look or expression) showing earnest and eager attention: a curiously intent look on her face. - PHRASES to all intents and purposes in all important respects: a man who was to all intents and purposes illiterate. with intent Law with the intention of committing a crime: he denied arson with intent to endanger life. - DERIVATIVES intentness /ɪnˈtɛntnəs / noun - ORIGIN Middle English: from Old French entent, entente, based on Latin intendere (see intend). The adjective is from Latin intentus, past participle of intendere.

intervene verb derivatives noun adjective noun

intervene /ɪntəˈviːn / ▸ verb [no object] 1 take part in something so as to prevent or alter a result or course of events: he acted outside his authority when he intervened in the dispute [with infinitive] their forces intervened to halt the attack. ▪ (of an event or circumstance) occur as a delay or obstacle to something being done: Christmas intervened and the investigation was suspended. ▪ interrupt verbally: [with direct speech] 'It's true!' he intervened. ▪ Law become involved in a lawsuit as a third party. 2 (usually as adjective intervening) occur in the time between events: to occupy the intervening months she took a job in a hospital. ▪ be situated between things: they heard the sound of distant gunfire, muffled by the intervening trees. - DERIVATIVES intervener /ɪntəˈviːnə / noun intervenient adjective intervenor noun - ORIGIN late 16th century (in the sense 'come in as an extraneous factor or thing'): from Latin intervenire, from inter- 'between' + venire 'come'.

intricate adjective

intricate /ˈɪntrɪkət / ▸ adjective very complicated or detailed: an intricate network of canals. - ORIGIN late Middle English: from Latin intricat- 'entangled', from the verb intricare, from in- 'into' + tricae 'tricks, perplexities'.

lieble adjective

liable /ˈlʌɪəb(ə)l / ▸ adjective [predicative] 1 responsible by law; legally answerable: the credit-card company is liable for any breach of contract. ▪ (liable to) subject by law to: non-resident trustees are liable to the basic rate of tax. 2 [with infinitive] likely to do or to be something: patients were liable to faint if they stood up too suddenly. ▪ (liable to) likely to experience (something undesirable): areas liable to flooding. - ORIGIN late Middle English: perhaps from Anglo-Norman French, from French lier 'to bind', from Latin ligare.

maintain verb reporting verb derivatives noun adjective

maintain /meɪnˈteɪn , , mənˈteɪn / ▸ verb [with object] 1 cause or enable (a condition or situation) to continue: the need to maintain close links between industry and schools. ▪ keep (something) at the same level or rate: agricultural prices will have to be maintained. ▪ keep (a building, machine, or road) in good condition by checking or repairing it regularly: the Department for Transport is responsible for maintaining the main roads in England. 2 provide with necessities for life or existence: the allowance covers the basic costs of maintaining a child. ▪ keep (a military unit) supplied with equipment and other requirements: an English garrison was maintained there in the seventeenth century. ▪ archaic give one's support to; uphold: the king swears he will maintain the laws of God. 3 [reporting verb] state something strongly to be the case; assert: [with object] he has always maintained his innocence [with clause] he had persistently maintained that he would not stand against his old friend. - DERIVATIVES maintainability /mənteɪnəˈbɪlɪti/ noun maintainable adjective - ORIGIN Middle English (also in the sense 'practise an action habitually'): from Old French maintenir, from Latin manu tenere 'hold in the hand'.

maintainence noun british law

maintenance /ˈmeɪnt(ə)nəns , , ˈmeɪntɪnəns/ ▸ noun [mass noun] 1 the process of preserving a condition or situation or the state of being preserved: crucial conditions for the maintenance of democratic government. ▪ the process of keeping something in good condition: car maintenance [as modifier] essential maintenance work. 2 the provision of financial support for a person's living expenses, or the support so provided: a chance of going to university with fees and maintenance paid. ▪ British a husband's or wife's provision for their spouse after separation or divorce: a divorced man paying his ex-wife £2,500 a year maintenance. 3 Law the offence of aiding a party in a legal action without lawful cause. - ORIGIN Middle English (in the sense 'aiding a party in a legal action without lawful cause'): from Old French, from maintenir (see maintain).

modify verb biology grammer phonetics derivatives adjective

modify /ˈmɒdɪfʌɪ / ▸ verb (modifies, modifying, modified) [with object] make partial or minor changes to (something): she may be prepared to modify her views. ▪ Biology transform (a structure) from its original anatomical form during development or evolution: (as adjective modified) the traps of insectivorous plants are modified leaves. ▪ Grammar (especially of an adjective) restrict or add to the sense of (a noun): the target noun is modified by a 'direction' word. ▪ Phonetics pronounce (a speech sound) differently from the norm for that sound. - DERIVATIVES modifiable /ˈmɒdɪfʌɪəb(ə)l / adjective modificatory /ˈmɒdɪfɪkeɪt(ə)ri/ adjective - ORIGIN late Middle English: from Old French modifier, from Latin modificare, from modus (see mode).

obedience noun, phrases

obedience /əˈbiːdɪəns / ▸ noun [mass noun] compliance with an order, request, or law or submission to another's authority: children were taught to show their parents obedience obedience to moral standards. ▪ observance of a monastic rule: vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. - PHRASES in obedience to in accordance with: he was acting in obedience to his conscience. - ORIGIN Middle English: via Old French from Latin oboedientia, from the verb oboedire (see obey).

occasion noun verb phrases

occasion /əˈkeɪʒ(ə)n / ▸ noun 1 a particular event, or the time at which it takes place: on one occasion I stayed up until two in the morning. ▪ a special or noteworthy event, ceremony, or celebration: she was presented with a gold watch to mark the occasion [mass noun] Sunday lunch has a suitable sense of occasion about it. ▪ a suitable or opportune time for doing something: by-elections are traditionally an occasion for registering protest votes. 2 [mass noun] formal reason; cause: [with infinitive] it's the first time that I've had occasion to complain. ▸ verb [with object] formal cause (something): something vital must have occasioned this visit [with two objects] his death occasioned her much grief. - PHRASES on occasion (or occasions) occasionally; from time to time: on occasion, the state was asked to intervene. rise to the occasion perform better than usual in response to a special situation or event: when it comes to the finals, they can rise to the occasion. take occasion archaic make use of an opportunity to do something: I shall here take occasion to propose a second observation. - ORIGIN late Middle English: from Latin occasio(n-) 'juncture, reason', from occidere 'go down, set', from ob- 'towards' + cadere 'to fall'.

occasionally adverb

occasionally /əˈkeɪʒ(ə)n(ə)li , , əˈkeɪʒ(ə)nəli, , əˈkeɪʒən(ə)li/ ▸ adverb at infrequent or irregular intervals; now and then: we met up occasionally for a drink very occasionally the condition can result in death.

occure verb

occur /əˈkəː / ▸ verb (occurs, occurring, occurred) [no object, with adverbial] happen; take place: the accident occurred at about 3.30 p.m. ▪ exist or be found to be present in a place or under a particular set of conditions: radon occurs naturally in rocks such as granite. ▪ (occur to) (of a thought or idea) come into the mind of: [with clause] it occurred to him that he hadn't eaten. - ORIGIN late 15th century: from Latin occurrere 'go to meet, present itself', from ob- 'against' + currere 'to run'.

ovary noun botany

ovary /ˈəʊv(ə)ri / ▸ noun (plural ovaries) a female reproductive organ in which ova or eggs are produced, present in humans and other vertebrates as a pair. ▪ Botany the hollow base of the carpel of a flower, containing one or more ovules. - ORIGIN mid 17th century: from modern Latin ovarium, from Latin ovum 'egg'.

pair noun verb phrases derivative adjective & adverb

pair /pɛː / ▸ noun 1 a set of two things used together or regarded as a unit: a pair of gloves three pairs of shoes. ▪ two playing cards of the same denomination: Jacobs had two pairs. ▪ two people related in some way or considered together: a company run by a pair of brothers get out, the pair of you. ▪ the second member of a pair in relation to the first: each course member tries to persuade his pair of the merits of his model. ▪ a mated couple of animals: 76 pairs of red kites. ▪ two horses harnessed side by side: she enjoys driving her pair. ▪ either or both of two members of a legislative assembly on opposite sides who absent themselves from voting by mutual arrangement, leaving the relative position of the parties unaffected: one minister was flatly refused a pair by his Tory opposite number. 2 an article consisting of two joined or corresponding parts not used separately: a pair of jeans a pair of scissors. ▸ verb [with object] put together or join to form a pair: a cardigan paired with a matching skirt. ▪ [no object] (of animals) form a pair for breeding purposes: killer whales pair for life. ▪ [no object] (pair off/up) form a romantic or sexual relationship: my friends had paired off and I was the only one playing the field. ▪ give (a member of a legislative assembly) another member as a pair, to allow both to absent themselves from a vote without affecting the result: arrangements are usually made between the party whips for an absent member on one side to be paired with an absentee on the other. - PHRASES in pairs in groups of two: ravens are usually seen in pairs. pair of hands used in reference to a person seen in terms of their participation in a task: we can always do with an extra pair of hands. - DERIVATIVES pairwise adjective & adverb - ORIGIN Middle English: from Old French paire, from Latin paria 'equal things', neuter plural of par 'equal'. Formerly phrases such as a pair of gloves were expressed without of, as in a pair gloves (compare with German ein Paar Handschuhe).

partial adjective noun music derivative noun

partial /ˈpɑːʃ(ə)l / ▸ adjective 1 existing only in part; incomplete: a question to which we have only partial answers. 2 favouring one side in a dispute above the other; biased: the paper gave a distorted and very partial view of the situation. 3 (partial to) having a liking for: you know I'm partial to bacon and eggs. ▸ noun Music a component of a musical sound; an overtone or harmonic: strings would like to oscillate as closely as possible to harmonic partials. - DERIVATIVES partialness noun - ORIGIN late Middle English (in partial (SENSE 2 OF THE adjective)): from Old French parcial (partial (SENSE 2 OF THE adjective)), French partiel (partial (SENSE 1 OF THE adjective)), from late Latin partialis, from pars, part- 'part'.

pigment noun derivatives adjective adjective

pigment /ˈpɪɡm(ə)nt / ▸ noun the natural colouring matter of animal or plant tissue: carotenoid pigments are red, orange, or yellow [mass noun] the loss of pigment in the skin. ▪ a substance used for colouring or painting, especially a dry powder, which when mixed with oil, water, or another medium constitutes a paint or ink: all the frescoes are painted with earth pigments. ▸ verb [with object] (usually as adjective pigmented) colour (something) with or as if with pigment: precast pigmented concrete panels. - DERIVATIVES pigmentary adjective pigmental /-ˈmɛnt(ə)l/ adjective - ORIGIN Middle English, from Latin pigmentum, from pingere 'to paint'. The verb dates from the early 20th century.

predicate noun

predicate ▸ noun /ˈprɛdɪkət / 1 Grammar the part of a sentence or clause containing a verb and stating something about the subject (e.g. went home in John went home). 2 Logic something which is affirmed or denied concerning an argument of a proposition. ▸ verb /ˈprɛdɪkeɪt / [with object] 1 Grammar & Logic state, affirm, or assert (something) about the subject of a sentence or an argument of a proposition: a word which predicates something about its subject aggression is predicated of those who act aggressively. ▪ declare or affirm (something) as true or existing; postulate or assert: the Pleistocene colonization of Tasmania has long been predicated. 2 (predicate something on/upon) found or base something on: the theory of structure on which later chemistry was predicated. - DERIVATIVES predication /ˌprɛdɪˈkeɪʃ(ə)n / noun - ORIGIN late Middle English (as a noun): from Latin praedicatum 'something declared', neuter of praedicatus 'declared, proclaimed', past participle of the verb praedicare, from prae 'beforehand' + dicare 'make known'.

preserve verb noun north america derivatives adjective noun

preserve /prɪˈzəːv / ▸ verb [with object] 1 maintain (something) in its original or existing state: all records of the past were zealously preserved (as adjective preserved) a magnificently preserved monastery. ▪ retain (a condition or state of affairs): a fight to preserve local democracy. ▪ maintain or keep alive (a memory or quality): the film has preserved all the qualities of the novel. ▪ keep safe from harm or injury: a place for preserving endangered species. ▪ keep (game or an area where game is found) undisturbed to allow private hunting or shooting. 2 treat (food) to prevent its decomposition: freezing and canning can be reliable methods of preserving foods. ▪ prepare (fruit) for long-term storage by boiling it with sugar: (as adjective preserved) preserved oranges. ▸ noun 1 [mass noun] a foodstuff made with fruit preserved in sugar, such as jam or marmalade: a jar of cherry preserve [count noun] home-made preserves. 2 a sphere of activity regarded as being reserved for a particular person or group: the civil service became the preserve of the educated middle class. 3 chiefly North American a place where game is protected and kept for private hunting or shooting. - DERIVATIVES preservable /prɪˈzəːvəb(ə)l / adjective preserver /prɪˈzəːvə / noun - ORIGIN late Middle English (in the sense 'keep safe from harm'): from Old French preserver, from late Latin praeservare, from prae- 'before, in advance' + servare 'to keep'.

property noun law

property /ˈprɒpəti / ▸ noun (plural properties) 1 [mass noun] a thing or things belonging to someone; possessions collectively: she wanted Oliver and his property out of her flat the stolen property was not recovered. ▪ a building or buildings and the land belonging to it or them: he's expanding now, buying property [count noun] the renovation of council properties. ▪ (properties) shares or investments in property: properties ran into profit-taking, with Haslemere 176p. ▪ Law the right to the possession, use, or disposal of something; ownership: rights of property. ▪ old-fashioned term for prop2. 2 an attribute, quality, or characteristic of something: the property of heat to expand metal at uniform rates. - ORIGIN Middle English: from an Anglo-Norman French variant of Old French propriete, from Latin proprietas, from proprius 'one's own, particular' (see proper).

provide verb

provide /prəˈvʌɪd / ▸ verb 1 [with object] make available for use; supply: these clubs provide a much appreciated service for this area. ▪ (provide someone with) equip or supply someone with (something useful or necessary): we were provided with a map of the area. ▪ present or yield (something useful): neither will provide answers to these problems. 2 [no object] (provide for) make adequate preparation for (a possible event): new qualifications must provide for changes in technology. ▪ supply sufficient money to ensure the maintenance of (someone): Emma was handsomely provided for in Frannie's will. ▪ (of a law) enable or allow (something to be done): the Bill provides for the setting of guaranteed service standards. 3 [with clause] stipulate in a will or other legal document: the order should be varied to provide that there would be no contact with the father. 4 [with object] (provide someone to) Christian Church, historical appoint an incumbent to (a benefice). - ORIGIN late Middle English (also in the sense 'prepare to do, get ready'): from Latin providere 'foresee, attend to', from pro- 'before' + videre 'to see'.

rouse verb derivatives adjective noun

rouse /raʊz / ▸ verb [with object] 1 cause to stop sleeping: she was roused from a deep sleep by a hand on her shoulder. ▪ [no object] cease to sleep or to be inactive; wake up: she roused and looked around. ▪ bring out of inactivity: once the enemy camp was roused, they would move on the castle she'd just stay a few more minutes, then rouse herself and go back. ▪ startle (game) from a lair or cover. 2 make angry or excited: the crowds were roused to fever pitch by the drama of the race. ▪ give rise to (an emotion or feeling): his evasiveness roused my curiosity. 3 stir (a liquid, especially beer while brewing): rouse the beer as the hops are introduced. 4 [with object and adverbial of direction] Nautical, archaic haul (something) vigorously in the specified direction: rouse the cable out. - DERIVATIVES rousable adjective rouser /ˈraʊzə / noun - ORIGIN late Middle English (originally as a hawking and hunting term): probably from Anglo-Norman French, of unknown ultimate origin.

proposition noun verb derivatives noun adjective noun

provision /prəˈvɪʒ(ə)n / ▸ noun [mass noun] 1 the action of providing or supplying something for use: new contracts for the provision of services. ▪ (provision for/against) financial or other arrangements for future eventualities or requirements: farmers have been slow to make provision for their retirement. ▪ [count noun] an amount set aside out of profits in the accounts of an organization for a known liability, especially a bad debt or the diminution in value of an asset. 2 an amount or thing supplied or provided: changing levels of transport provision. ▪ (provisions) supplies of food, drink, or equipment, especially for a journey. 3 [count noun] a condition or requirement in a legal document: the first private prosecution under the provisions of the 1989 Water Act. 4 [count noun] Christian Church, historical an appointment to a benefice, especially directly by the Pope rather than by the patron, and originally before it became vacant. ▸ verb 1 [with object] supply with food, drink, or equipment, especially for a journey: civilian contractors were responsible for provisioning these armies (as noun provisioning) the provisioning of US ships. 2 [no object] set aside an amount in an organization's accounts for a known liability: financial institutions have to provision against loan losses. - DERIVATIVES provisioner /prəˈvɪʒ(ə)nə / noun provisionless adjective provisionment noun - ORIGIN late Middle English (also in the sense 'foresight'): via Old French from Latin provisio(n-), from providere 'foresee, attend to' (see provide). The verb dates from the early 19th century.

regard verb noun derivative adjective phrases

regard /rɪˈɡɑːd / ▸ verb 1 [with object and adverbial] consider or think of in a specified way: she regarded London as her base he was highly regarded by senators of both parties. ▪ gaze at steadily in a particular way: Professor Ryker regarded him with a faint smile Nuala regarded him unflinchingly. ▪ [with object] archaic pay attention to; heed: he talk'd very wisely, but I regarded him not. 2 [with object] archaic (of a thing) relate to; concern: if these things regarded only myself, I could stand it with composure. ▸ noun 1 [mass noun] attention to or concern for something: the court must have regard to the principle of welfare she rescued him without regard for herself. ▪ liking and respect; esteem: they hold dolphins in high regard [count noun] she had a particular regard for Eliot. ▪ [in singular] a steady or significant look: he shifted uneasily before their clear regard. 2 (regards) best wishes (used to express friendliness in greetings): give her my regards. - PHRASES as regards concerning; in respect of: as regards content, the programme will cover important current issues. have regard to formal pay careful attention to: it is necessary to have regard to changes in attitude the sum is reasonable having regard to the length of service. in this (or that) regard in connection with the point previously mentioned: there was little incentive for them to be active in this regard. with (or in or having) regard to as concerns; in respect of: he made enquiries with regard to Beth. - DERIVATIVES regardable adjective - ORIGIN Middle English: from Old French regarder 'to watch', from re- 'back' (also expressing intensive force) + garder 'to guard'.

reproduction

reproduction /riːprəˈdʌkʃ(ə)n / ▸ noun [mass noun] 1 the action or process of copying something: the cost of colour reproduction in publication is high. ▪ [count noun] a copy of a work of art, especially a print or photograph of a painting: a reproduction of Monet's 'Wild Poppies'. ▪ [as modifier] made to imitate the style of an earlier period or of a particular craftsman: reproduction French classical beds. ▪ the quality of reproduced sound: the design was changed to allow louder reproduction. 2 the production of offspring by a sexual or asexual process: toads converge upon lakes and ponds intent on reproduction.

resolute adjective derivative noun

resolute /ˈrɛzəluːt / ▸ adjective admirably purposeful, determined, and unwavering: he was resolute in his fight to uphold liberal values. - DERIVATIVES resoluteness /ˈrɛzəluːtnəs / noun - ORIGIN late Middle English (in the sense 'paid', describing a rent): from Latin resolutus 'loosened, released, paid', past participle of resolvere (see resolve).

retain verb noun adjective noun

retain /rɪˈteɪn / ▸ verb [with object] 1 continue to have (something); keep possession of: Labour retained the seat built in 1830, the house retains many of its original features. ▪ not abolish or alter; maintain: the rights of defendants must be retained. ▪ keep in one's memory: I retained a few French words and phrases. 2 absorb and continue to hold (a substance): limestone is known to retain water. 3 (often as adjective retaining) keep (something) in place; hold fixed: remove the retaining bar. 4 keep (someone) engaged in one's service: he has been retained as a freelance. ▪ secure the services of (a barrister) with a preliminary payment: retain a barrister to handle the client's business. - DERIVATIVES retainability /rɪteɪnəˈbɪlɪti/ noun retainable adjective retainment noun - ORIGIN late Middle English: via Anglo-Norman French from Old French retenir, from Latin retinere, from re- 'back' + tenere 'hold'.

route noun verb

route /ruːt / ▸ noun a way or course taken in getting from a starting point to a destination: the scenic route from Florence to Siena. ▪ the line of a road, path, railway, etc.: proposals have been put forward for a new route around the south of the town. ▪ North American a round travelled in delivering, selling, or collecting goods. ▪ a method or process leading to a specified result: the many routes to a healthier diet will be described. ▸ verb (routes, routeing or routing, routed) [with object and adverbial of direction] send or direct along a specified course: all lines of communication were routed through London. - ORIGIN Middle English: from Old French rute 'road', from Latin rupta (via) 'broken (way)', feminine past participle of rumpere.

rural adjective derivatives noun noun noun noun verb adverb

rural /ˈrʊər(ə)l / ▸ adjective in, relating to, or characteristic of the countryside rather than the town: remote rural areas. - DERIVATIVES ruralism noun ruralist noun rurality /rʊəˈralɪti/ noun ruralization /rʊər(ə)lʌɪˈzeɪʃ(ə)n / noun ruralize /ˈrʊər(ə)lʌɪz / (also ruralise) verb rurally adverb - ORIGIN late Middle English: from Old French, or from late Latin ruralis, from rus, rur- 'country'.

seize verb phrases phrasel verb derivatives adjective noun

seize /siːz / ▸ verb 1 [with object] take hold of suddenly and forcibly: she jumped up and seized his arm he seized hold of the door handle. ▪ take forcible possession of: army rebels seized an air force base the current President seized power in a coup. ▪ (of the police or another authority) take possession of (something) by warrant or legal right: police have seized 726 lb of cocaine. 2 take (an opportunity) eagerly and decisively: he seized his chance to attack as Carr hesitated. 3 (of a feeling or pain) affect (someone) suddenly or acutely: he was seized by the most dreadful fear. 4 strongly appeal to or attract (the imagination or attention): the story of the king's escape seized the public imagination. ▪ formal understand (something) quickly or clearly: he always strains to seize the most sombre truths. ▪ (be seized of) be aware or informed of: the judge was fully seized of the point. 5 [no object] (of a machine with moving parts) become jammed: the engine seized up after only three weeks. 6 (also seise) (be seized of) English Law be in legal possession of: the court is currently seized of custody applications. ▪ historical have or receive freehold possession of (property): any person who is seized of land has a protected interest in that land. 7 Nautical, archaic fasten or attach (someone or something) to something by binding with turns of rope: Jack was seized to the gun and had his two dozen lashes. - PHRASES seize the day make the most of the present moment. [translating carpe diem.] - PHRASAL VERBS seize on/upon take eager advantage of (something): any momentary upturn was seized upon as evidence of recovery. - DERIVATIVES seizable /ˈsiːzəb(ə)l / adjective seizer noun - ORIGIN Middle English: from Old French seizir 'give seisin', from medieval Latin sacire, in the phrase ad proprium sacire 'claim as one's own', from a Germanic base meaning 'procedure'.

sequence noun music biochemistry math verb biochemistry

sequence /ˈsiːkw(ə)ns / ▸ noun 1 a particular order in which related things follow each other: the content of the programme should follow a logical sequence [mass noun] the poems should be read in sequence. ▪ Music a repetition of a phrase or melody at a higher or lower pitch: a restless search for interesting harmonic sequences. ▪ Biochemistry the order in which amino-acid or nucleotide residues are arranged in a protein, DNA, etc.: these are enzymes which will cleave only at specific base sequences in the DNA. 2 a set of related events, movements, or items that follow each other in a particular order: a gruelling sequence of exercises a sonnet sequence. ▪ a set of three or more playing cards of the same suit next to each other in value, for example 10, 9, 8. ▪ Mathematics an infinite ordered series of numerical quantities. 3 a part of a film dealing with one particular event or topic: the famous underwater sequence. 4 (in the Eucharist) a hymn said or sung after the Gradual or Alleluia that precedes the Gospel. ▸ verb [with object] 1 arrange in a particular order: trainee librarians decide how a set of misfiled cards could be sequenced. ▪ Biochemistry ascertain the sequence of amino-acid or nucleotide residues in (a protein, DNA, etc.): we have undertaken to isolate and sequence the rat retinoblastoma cDNA (as noun sequencing) independent clones were analysed by DNA sequencing. 2 play or record (music) with a sequencer. - ORIGIN late Middle English (in sequence (SENSE 4 OF THE noun)): from late Latin sequentia, from Latin sequent- 'following', from the verb sequi 'follow'.

walfare noun north america

welfare /ˈwɛlfɛː / ▸ noun [mass noun] 1 the health, happiness, and fortunes of a person or group: they don't give a damn about the welfare of their families. 2 statutory procedure or social effort designed to promote the basic physical and material well-being of people in need: the protection of rights to education, housing, and welfare. ▪ chiefly North American financial support given to those who are unemployed or otherwise in need: critics feared an increase in inequalities in the provision of welfare. - ORIGIN Middle English: from the adverb well1 + the verb fare.

supply

supply1 /səˈplʌɪ / ▸ verb (supplies, supplying, supplied) [with object] 1 make (something needed or wanted) available to someone; provide: the farm supplies apples to cider makers. ▪ provide with something needed or wanted: make sure the workers are supplied with enough building materials. ▪ be adequate to satisfy (a requirement or demand): the two reservoirs supply about 1% of the city's needs. 2 archaic take over (a vacant place or role): when she died, no one could supply her place. ▸ noun (plural supplies) 1 a stock or amount of something supplied or available for use: a farm with good water supply the demand for tickets greatly exceeds the supply. ▪ [mass noun] the action of providing what is needed or wanted: the deal involved the supply of forty fighter aircraft. ▪ [mass noun] Economics the amount of a good or service offered for sale. ▪ (supplies) the provisions and equipment necessary for an army or for people engaged in a particular project or expedition. ▪ [as modifier] providing necessary goods and equipment: a supply ship. ▪ (supplies) British a grant of money by Parliament for the costs of government. 2 [usually as modifier] a person, especially a schoolteacher, acting as a temporary substitute for another: a supply teacher. - PHRASES in short supply not easily obtainable; scarce: he meant to go, but time and petrol were in short supply. on supply (of a schoolteacher) acting as a temporary substitute for another: she is on supply at a school in Middlesbrough. supply and demand /səˌplʌɪ ən(d) dɪˈmɑːnd / the amount of a commodity, product, or service available and the desire of buyers for it, considered as factors regulating its price: by the law of supply and demand the cost of health care will plummet. - ORIGIN late Middle English: from Old French soupleer, from Latin supplere 'fill up', from sub- 'from below' + plere 'fill'. The early sense of the noun was 'assistance, relief' (chiefly a Scots use).

trail noun verb phrases

trail /treɪl / ▸ noun 1 a mark or a series of signs or objects left behind by the passage of someone or something: a trail of blood on the grass the torrential rain left a trail of devastation. ▪ a track, scent, or other indication used in following someone or hunting an animal: police followed his trail to Dorset. 2 a long thin part or line stretching behind or hanging down from something: smoke trails we drove down in a trail of tourist cars trails of ivy. 3 a beaten path through the countryside: country parks with nature trails easy waymarked trails for the casual walker. ▪ a route followed for a particular purpose: the hotel is well off the tourist trail. ▪ (also ski trail) North American a downhill ski run or cross-country ski route: this steep trail is as firm as off-piste spring snow. 4 a trailer for a film or broadcast: a recent television trail for 'The Bill'. 5 the rear end of a gun carriage, resting or sliding on the ground when the gun is unlimbered. ▸ verb 1 [with adverbial] draw or be drawn along behind someone or something: [with object] Alex trailed a hand through the clear water [no object] her robe trailed along the ground. ▪ [no object] (typically of a plant) grow or hang over the edge of something or along the ground: the roses grew wild, their stems trailing over the banks. 2 [no object, with adverbial of direction] walk or move slowly or wearily: he baulked at the idea of trailing around the shops. ▪ (of the voice or a speaker) fade gradually before stopping: her voice trailed away. 3 [with object] follow (a person or animal) by using marks or scent left behind: Sam suspected they were trailing him. 4 [no object] be losing to an opponent in a game or contest: [with complement] the defending champions were trailing 10—5 at half-time. 5 [with object] give advance publicity to (a film, broadcast, or proposal): the bank's plans have been extensively trailed. 6 [with object] apply (slip) through a nozzle or spout to decorate ceramic ware. - PHRASES at the trail Military with a rifle hanging balanced in one hand and (in Britain) parallel to the ground. trail arms Military let a rifle hang balanced in one hand and (in Britain) parallel to the ground. trail one's coat deliberately provoke a quarrel or fight. - ORIGIN Middle English (as a verb): from Old French traillier 'to tow', or Middle Low German treilen 'haul a boat', based on Latin tragula 'dragnet', from trahere 'to pull'. Compare with trawl. The noun originally denoted the train of a robe, later generalized to denote something trailing.

upon

upon /əˈpɒn / ▸ preposition more formal term for on, especially in abstract senses: it was based upon two principles a school's dependence upon parental support. - ORIGIN Middle English: from up + on, suggested by Old Norse upp á. The preposition upon has the same core meaning as the preposition on. However, in modern English upon tends to be restricted to more formal contexts or to established phrases and idioms, as in once upon a time and row upon row of seats.