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seep , SEEP , (1. verb) .. e.g. Radioactive water had seeped into underground reservoirs. [VERB preposition/adverb], .. e.g. The gas is seeping out of the rocks. [VERB preposition/adverb], .. e.g. Engineers said that plutonium could begin seeping from the corroded sub. [VERB preposition/adverb], .. e.g. Seep is also a noun., .. e.g. ...an oil seep., seep , SEEP

If something such as liquid or gas seeps somewhere, it flows slowly and in small amounts into a place where it should not go., Synonyms: ooze, well, leak, soak

seep , SEEP , (2. verb) .. e.g. ...the tide of political change which is sweeping Europe seeps into Britain. [VERB preposition/adverb], .. e.g. ...letting information seep out of the Treasury. [VERB preposition/adverb], seep , SEEP

If something such as secret information or an unpleasant emotion seeps somewhere, it comes out gradually.,

elude , ELUDE , (1. verb [no passive]) .. e.g. Sleep eluded her. [VERB noun], .. e.g. At 62, Brian found the celebrity and status that had eluded him for so long. [VERB noun], elude , ELUDE

If something that you want eludes you, you fail to obtain it.,

boycott , BOYCOTT , (verb) .. e.g. because they disapprove of it., .. e.g. The main opposition parties are boycotting the elections. [VERB noun], .. e.g. Boycott is also a noun., .. e.g. Opposition leaders had called for a boycott of the vote. [+ of/against/on], .. e.g. ...a successful national boycott against the company's products. [+ of/against/on], boycott , BOYCOTT

If a country, group, or person boycotts a country, organization, or activity, they refuse to be involved with it in any way, Synonyms: embargo, reject, snub, refrain from

grace , GRACE , (2. uncountable noun) .. e.g. The new King seemed to be carrying out his duties with grace and due decorum., .. e.g. The young woman had grace beyond her years., grace , GRACE

If someone behaves with grace, they behave in a pleasant, polite, and dignified way, even when they are upset or being treated unfairly.,

campaign , CAMPAIGN , (2. verb) .. e.g. to achieve their aim., .. e.g. We are campaigning for law reform. [VERB + for], .. e.g. Mr Burns has actively campaigned against a hostel being set up here. [Vfor/against n], .. e.g. They have been campaigning to improve the legal status of women. [VERB to-infinitive] [Also V against]Synonyms: crusade, press, push, encourage , campaign , CAMPAIGN

If someone campaigns for something, they carry out a planned set of activities over a period of time in order,

contain , CONTAIN , (3. verb [no cont]) .. e.g. This sheet contained a list of problems a patient might like to raise with the doctor. [VERB noun], .. e.g. The two discs also contain two of Britten's lesser-known song-cycles. [VERB noun] , contain , CONTAIN

If writing, speech, or film contains particular information, ideas, or images, it includes them.,

abandon , ABANDON , (4. verb) .. e.g. We are scared to abandon ourselves to our feelings in case we seem weak or out of, .. e.g. control. [V pron-refl to n] , abandon , ABANDON

If you abandon yourself to an emotion, you think about it a lot and feel it strongly, especially when other people might think you are wrong to do so.,

absorb , ABSORB , (7. verb) .. e.g. Too often he only absorbs half the information in the manual. [VERB noun], .. e.g. We closed our offices at 2:00 p.m. to give employees time to absorb the bad news. [VERB noun], absorb , ABSORB

If you absorb information, you learn and understand it.,

capacity , CAPACITY , (4. variable noun) .. e.g. ...the fuel tanks, which had a capacity of 140 litres. [+ of], .. e.g. Grease 6 ramekin dishes of 150 ml (5-6 fl oz) capacity., capacity , CAPACITY

The capacity of a container is its volume, or the amount of liquid it can hold, measured in units such as litres or gallons.,

capacity , CAPACITY , (3. countable noun) .. e.g. ...an aircraft with a bomb-carrying capacity of 454 kg. [+ of], .. e.g. ...a feature which gave the vehicles a much greater fuel capacity than other trucks., capacity , CAPACITY

The capacity of a piece of equipment is its size or power, often measured in particular units., Synonyms: size, room, range, space

capacity , CAPACITY , (2. uncountable noun) .. e.g. ...the amount of spare capacity in the economy., .. e.g. Bread factories are working at full capacity., .. e.g. The region is valued for its coal and vast electricity-generating capacity., capacity , CAPACITY

The capacity of something such as a factory, industry, or region is the quantity of things that it can produce or deliver with the equipment or resources that are available.,

clarity , CLARITY , (4. uncountable noun) .. e.g. The first thing to strike me was the amazing clarity of the water., clarity , CLARITY

The clarity of a liquid, of glass, or of the air is the degree to which it is clear., Synonyms: transparency, translucency, translucence, clearness

heat , HEAT , (4. uncountable noun) .. e.g. Warm the milk to blood heat., .. e.g. Adjust the heat of the barbecue by opening and closing the air vents. [+ of], heat , HEAT

The heat of something is the temperature of something that is warm or that is being heated.,

twilight , TWILIGHT , (3. singular noun [NOUN noun]) .. e.g. Now both men are in the twilight of their careers. [+ of], .. e.g. I am getting old. I am in the twilight of my life., .. e.g. ...the twilight years of the Habsburg empire., twilight , TWILIGHT

The twilight of a particular period of time is the final stages of it, when the most important events have already happened., Synonyms: decline, last years, final years, closing years

value , VALUE , (3. variable noun) .. e.g. The value of his investment has risen by more than $50,000. [+ of], .. e.g. The company's market value rose to $5.5 billion., .. e.g. The country's currency went down in value by 3.5 per cent., .. e.g. That cup is priceless. You can't put a value on it. , .. e.g. of value/of no value, value , VALUE

The value of something is how much money it is worth.,

value , VALUE , (1. uncountable noun [oft a NOUN]) .. e.g. The value of this work experience should not be underestimated., .. e.g. Further studies will be needed to see if these therapies have any value., .. e.g. Ronnie put a high value on his appearance. [+ on], .. e.g. of value/of no value , value , VALUE

The value of something such as a quality, attitude, or method is its importance or usefulness. If you place a particular value on something, that is the importance or usefulness you think it has.,

woe , WOE , (2. plural noun [usually with poss]) .. e.g. [written] He did not tell his relatives and friends about his woes., woe , WOE

You can refer to someone's problems as their woes., Synonyms: problem, trouble, trial, burden

twilight , TWILIGHT , (2. uncountable noun) .. e.g. ...the deepening autumn twilight., twilight , TWILIGHT

Twilight is the small amount of light that there is outside just after the sun has gone down., Synonyms: half-light, gloom, dimness, semi-darkness

twine , TWINE , (1. uncountable noun) twine , TWINE

Twine is strong string used especially in gardening and farming.,

prosecute , PROSECUTE , (2. verb) .. e.g. The attorney who will prosecute the case says he cannot reveal how much money is, .. e.g. involved. [VERB noun], .. e.g. ...the prosecuting attorney. [VERB-ing], prosecute , PROSECUTE

When a lawyer prosecutes a case, he or she tries to prove that the person who is on trial is guilty.,

change , CHANGE , (10. verb) .. e.g. She criticizes me for the way I feed or change him. [VERB noun], .. e.g. He needs his nappy changed. [VERB-ed] , change , CHANGE

When you change a baby or change its nappy or diaper, you take off the dirty one and put on a clean one.,

chill , CHILL , (1. verb) .. e.g. Chill the fruit salad until serving time. [VERB noun], .. e.g. These doughs can be rolled out while you wait for the pastry to chill. [VERB], .. e.g. ...a glass of chilled champagne. [VERB-ed], chill , CHILL

When you chill something or when it chills, you lower its temperature so that it becomes colder but does not freeze., Synonyms: cool, refrigerate, freeze

perform , PERFORM , (1. verb) .. e.g. We're looking for people of all ages who have performed outstanding acts of bravery. [VERB noun], .. e.g. His council had to perform miracles on a tiny budget. [VERB noun], .. e.g. Several grafts may be performed at one operation. [be VERB-ed], perform , PERFORM

When you perform a task or action, especially a complicated one, you do it., Synonyms: do, achieve, carry out, effect

parody , PARODY , (3. countable noun) .. e.g. [disapproval] The first trial was a parody of justice. [+ of], parody , PARODY

When you say that something is a parody of a particular thing, you are criticizing it because you think it is a very poor example or bad imitation of that thing., Synonyms: travesty, farce, caricature, mockery

terminate , TERMINATE , (1. verb) .. e.g. [formal] Her next remark abruptly terminated the conversation. [VERB noun], .. e.g. His contract terminates at the end of the season. [VERB], .. e.g. termination (tɜːʳmɪneɪʃən, .. e.g. ) uncountable noun ...a dispute which led to the abrupt termination of trade. [+ of], terminate , TERMINATE

When you terminate something or when it terminates, it ends completely., Synonyms: cease, end, close, finish Synonyms: ending, end, close, finish

thread , THREAD , (10. verb) .. e.g. sew with it., .. e.g. I sit down, thread a needle, snip off an old button. [VERB noun], thread , THREAD

When you thread a needle, you put a piece of thread through the hole in the top of the needle in order to,

light , LIGHT , (3. plural noun) .. e.g. ...the heavy city traffic with its endless delays at lights and crossings., light , LIGHT

You can use lights to refer to a set of traffic lights.,

plain , PLAIN , (8. adjective [ADJ n-proper]) .. e.g. [emphasis] Why couldn't they call you plain Ann or Alice like the rest? , plain , PLAIN

You can use plain before a name to emphasize how simple and ordinary it is, especially when you are comparing it with another more unusual or impressive name.,

trouble , TROUBLE , (3. plural noun [usually poss NOUN]) .. e.g. She tells me her troubles. I tell her mine., .. e.g. She kept her troubles to herself., trouble , TROUBLE

Your troubles are the things that you are worried about., Synonyms: distress, problem, suffering, worry

cable , CABLE , (1. variable noun) .. e.g. ...overhead power cables., .. e.g. ...strings of coloured lights with weatherproof cable., cable , CABLE

A cable is a thick wire, or a group of wires inside a rubber or plastic covering, which is used to carry electricity or electronic signals.,

device , DEVICE , (2. countable noun) .. e.g. They claim that military spending is used as a device for managing the economy. [+ for], .. e.g. ...the literary device of the metaphor., device , DEVICE

A device is a method of achieving something.,

disease , DISEASE , (1. variable noun) .. e.g. ...the rapid spread of disease in the area., .. e.g. ...illnesses such as heart disease., .. e.g. Doctors believe they have cured him of the disease., disease , DISEASE

A disease is an illness which affects people, animals, or plants, for example one which is caused by bacteria or infection., Synonyms: illness, condition, complaint, upset

display , DISPLAY , (6. countable noun) .. e.g. ...the firework display., .. e.g. ...gymnastic displays., .. e.g. ...the Royal Air Force Red Arrows display team., display , DISPLAY

A display is a public performance or other event which is intended to entertain people.,

schedule , SCHEDULE , (1. countable noun) .. e.g. He has been forced to adjust his schedule., .. e.g. We both have such hectic schedules., schedule , SCHEDULE

A schedule is a plan that gives a list of events or tasks and the times at which each one should happen or be done., Synonyms: plan, programme, agenda, calendar

tone , TONE , (9. singular noun) tone , TONE

A tone is one of the sounds that you hear when you are using a phone, for example the sound that tells you that a number is engaged or busy, or no longer exists.,

whistle , WHISTLE , (9. countable noun) whistle , WHISTLE

A whistle is a simple musical instrument in the shape of a metal pipe with holes. You play the whistle by blowing into it.,

former , FORMER , (2. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]) .. e.g. ...the former Soviet Union., .. e.g. ...the former Yugoslavia., former , FORMER

Former is used to refer to countries which no longer exist or whose boundaries have changed.,

elude , ELUDE , (3. verb [no passive]) .. e.g. The appropriate word eluded him. [VERB noun], elude , ELUDE

If a fact or idea eludes you, you do not succeed in understanding it, realizing it, or remembering it., Synonyms: escape, baffle, frustrate, puzzle

avoid , AVOID , (4. verb) .. e.g. do not hit them., .. e.g. The driver had ample time to brake or swerve and avoid the woman. [VERB noun], avoid , AVOID

If a person or vehicle avoids someone or something, they change the direction they are moving in, so that they, Synonyms: keep away from, dodge, shun, evade

arrange , ARRANGE , (5. verb [usually passive]) .. e.g. The songs were arranged by another well-known bass player. [be VERB-ed], arrange , ARRANGE

If a piece of music is arranged by someone, it is changed or adapted so that it is suitable for particular instruments or voices, or for a particular performance., Synonyms: adapt, score, orchestrate, harmonize

space , SPACE , (3. uncountable noun [oft n of N]) .. e.g. Large paintings can enhance the feeling of space in small rooms., .. e.g. The sense of space and emptiness is overwhelming. , space , SPACE

If a place gives a feeling of space, it gives an impression of being large and open.,

attach , ATTACH , (2. verb) e.g. Natasha attached herself to the film crew filming at her orphanage. [VERB pronoun-reflexive + to], attach , ATTACH

If someone attaches himself or herself to you, they join you and stay with you, often without being invited to do so.,

brief , BRIEF , (7. countable noun [oft NOUN to-infinitive]) .. e.g. [mainly British, formal] She joined the company less than two years ago with a brief to turn the studio around., brief , BRIEF

If someone gives you a brief, they officially give you responsibility for dealing with a particular thing.,

crumple , CRUMPLE , (3. verb) .. e.g. [written] She faltered, and then her face crumpled once more. [VERB], .. e.g. Phrasal verbs:, .. e.g. crumple up, crumple , CRUMPLE

If someone's face crumples, they suddenly look very disappointed or as if they want to cry., Synonyms: screw up, pucker

treacherous , TREACHEROUS , (1. adjective) .. e.g. [disapproval] He publicly left the party and denounced its treacherous leaders., .. e.g. The President spoke of the treacherous intentions of the enemy., treacherous , TREACHEROUS

If you describe someone as treacherous, you mean that they are likely to betray you and cannot be trusted., Synonyms: disloyal, deceitful, untrustworthy, duplicitous

diminish , DIMINISH , (2. verb) .. e.g. He never put her down or diminished her. [VERB noun], .. e.g. He could no longer cope; he relied on me, and felt diminished by it. [VERB-ed], diminish , DIMINISH

If you diminish someone or something, you talk about them or treat them in a way that makes them appear less important than they really are.,

discuss , DISCUSS , (2. verb) .. e.g. I will discuss the role of diet in cancer prevention in Chapter 7. [VERB noun], discuss , DISCUSS

If you discuss something, you write or talk about it in detail., Synonyms: examine, consider, deal with, treat

light , LIGHT , (7. verb) .. e.g. Stephen hunched down to light a cigarette. [VERB noun], .. e.g. If the charcoal does fail to light, use a special liquid spray and light it with, .. e.g. a long taper. [VERB], .. e.g. ...a lighted candle. [VERB-ed], light , LIGHT

If you light something such as a cigarette or fire, or if it lights, it starts burning., Synonyms: ignite, inflame, fire, torch

pursue , PURSUE , (2. verb) .. e.g. [formal] The implication is that it is impossible to pursue economic reform and democracy, .. e.g. simultaneously. [VERB noun], .. e.g. Mr. Menendez has aggressively pursued new business. [VERB noun], pursue , PURSUE

If you pursue a particular aim or result, you make efforts to achieve it, often over a long period of time., Synonyms: try for, seek, desire, search for

retrieve , RETRIEVE , (1. verb) .. e.g. He reached over and retrieved his jacket from the back seat. [VERB noun], .. e.g. The men were trying to retrieve weapons left when the army abandoned the island. [VERB noun], retrieve , RETRIEVE

If you retrieve something, you get it back from the place where you left it., Synonyms: get back, regain, repossess, fetch back

struggle , STRUGGLE , (3. verb) .. e.g. I struggled, but he was a tall man, well-built. [VERB], struggle , STRUGGLE

If you struggle when you are being held, you twist, kick, and move violently in order to get free.,

refuge , REFUGE , (1. uncountable noun) .. e.g. They took refuge in a bomb shelter., .. e.g. His home became a place of refuge for the believers., refuge , REFUGE

If you take refuge somewhere, you try to protect yourself from physical harm by going there., Synonyms: protection, security, shelter, harbour

fortune , FORTUNE , (5. uncountable noun) .. e.g. He is certainly being smiled on by fortune., fortune , FORTUNE

If you talk about the way someone or something is treated by fortune, you are referring to the good or bad luck that they have., Synonyms: chance, fate, destiny, providence

mend , MEND , (3. verb) .. e.g. He sent Evans as his personal envoy to discuss ways to mend relations between the, .. e.g. two countries. [VERB noun], .. e.g. I felt that might well mend the rift between them. [VERB noun], mend , MEND

If you try to mend divisions between people, you try to end the disagreements or quarrels between them., Synonyms: put right, settle, resolve, heal

preliminary , PRELIMINARY , (1. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]) .. e.g. Preliminary results show the Republican party with 11 percent of the vote., .. e.g. ...preliminary talks on the future of the bases., preliminary , PRELIMINARY

Preliminary activities or discussions take place at the beginning of an event, often as a form of preparation.,

sturdy , STURDY , (adjective) .. e.g. She was a short, sturdy woman in her early sixties., .. e.g. The camera was mounted on a sturdy tripod., .. e.g. sturdily, .. e.g. adverb [usually ADVERB with verb] It was a good table too, sturdily constructed of elm., sturdy , STURDY

Someone or something that is sturdy looks strong and is unlikely to be easily injured or damaged., Synonyms: robust, hardy, vigorous, powerful

domestic , DOMESTIC , (6. graded adjective) .. e.g. She was kind and domestic and put her family before her part-time job., domestic , DOMESTIC

Someone who is domestic enjoys being at home and running a family., Synonyms: home-loving, homely, stay-at-home, domesticated

grade , GRADE , (7. countable noun) .. e.g. [US] I was a naval officer, lieutenant junior grade., grade , GRADE

Someone's grade is their military rank.,

boundary , BOUNDARY , (2. countable noun [usually plural]) .. e.g. The boundaries between history and storytelling are always being blurred and muddled. [+ between], .. e.g. ...extending the boundaries of press freedom. [+ of], boundary , BOUNDARY

The boundaries of something such as a subject or activity are the limits that people think that it has., Synonyms: limits, bounds, confines, threshold

effect , EFFECT , (1. variable noun [adjective NOUN]) .. e.g. Parents worry about the effect of music on their adolescent's behavior. [+ of/on], .. e.g. The austerity measures will have little immediate effect on the average citizen., .. e.g. Even minor head injuries can cause long-lasting psychological effects., effect , EFFECT

The effect of one thing on another is the change that the first thing causes in the second thing.,

effect , EFFECT , (4. plural noun) effect , EFFECT

The effects in a film are the specially created sounds and scenery.,

opposite , OPPOSITE , (2. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]) .. e.g. ...the opposite corner of the room., opposite , OPPOSITE

The opposite side or part of something is the side or part that is furthest away from you., Synonyms: facing, other, opposing

deplete , DEPLETE , (verb) .. e.g. [formal] ...substances that deplete the ozone layer. [VERB noun], .. e.g. They fired in long bursts, which depleted their ammunition. [VERB noun], .. e.g. Most native mammal species have been severely depleted. [VERB noun], .. e.g. depleted, .. e.g. adjective ...Robert E. Lee's worn and depleted army., .. e.g. depletion (dɪpliːʃən, .. e.g. ) uncountable noun ...the problem of ozone depletion., .. e.g. ...the depletion of underground water supplies., deplete , DEPLETE

To deplete a stock or amount of something means to reduce it., Synonyms: use up, reduce, drain, exhaust Synonyms: used (up), drained, exhausted, consumed Synonyms: using up, reduction, drain, consumption

generate , GENERATE , (2. verb) .. e.g. The estate uses solar panels and wind turbines to generate power. [VERB noun], generate , GENERATE

To generate a form of energy or power means to produce it.,

toothpaste , TOOTHPASTE , (variable noun) toothpaste , TOOTHPASTE

Toothpaste is a thick substance which you put on your toothbrush and use to clean your teeth.,

defend , DEFEND , (4. verb) .. e.g. [journalism] The reigning champion expects to defend her title successfully next year. [VERB noun], .. e.g. India had to struggle to beat defending champions South Korea 2-0. [VERB-ing] , defend , DEFEND

When a sports player plays in the tournament which they won the previous time it was held, you can say that they are defending their title.,

terminate , TERMINATE , (3. verb) .. e.g. [formal] This train will terminate at Taunton. [VERB preposition/adverb], terminate , TERMINATE

When a train or bus terminates somewhere, it ends its journey there., Synonyms: end its journey, stop, finish up

doze , DOZE , (verb) .. e.g. For a while she dozed fitfully. [VERB], .. e.g. Doze is also a noun., .. e.g. After lunch I had a doze., .. e.g. Phrasal verbs:, .. e.g. doze off, doze , DOZE

When you doze, you sleep lightly or for a short period, especially during the daytime., Synonyms: nap, sleep, slumber, nod

drift , DRIFT , (9. countable noun [with supplement, usually NOUN of noun]) .. e.g. There was a drift of smoke above the trees. , drift , DRIFT

A drift of something is an amount of it that has been created by the movement of wind or water.,

bridge , BRIDGE , (1. countable noun) .. e.g. can cross from one side to the other., .. e.g. He walked back over the railway bridge., .. e.g. ...the Golden Gate Bridge., bridge , BRIDGE

A bridge is a structure that is built over a railway, river, or road so that people or vehicles, Synonyms: arch, span, viaduct, aqueduct

barren , BARREN , (1. adjective) .. e.g. ...the country's landscape of high barren mountains., barren , BARREN

A barren landscape is dry and bare, and has very few plants and no trees., Synonyms: desolate, empty, desert, bare

barren , BARREN , (5. adjective) .. e.g. [old-fashioned] He prayed that his barren wife would one day have a child., .. e.g. ...a three-year-old barren mare., .. e.g. barrenness uncountable noun, barren , BARREN

A barren woman or female animal is unable to have babies., Synonyms: infertile, sterile, unproductive, nonproductive

beacon , BEACON , (1. countable noun) beacon , BEACON

A beacon is a light or a fire, usually on a hill or tower, which acts as a signal or a warning.,

brief , BRIEF , (2. adjective) .. e.g. In a brief statement, he concentrated entirely on international affairs., .. e.g. Write a very brief description of a typical problem., brief , BRIEF

A brief speech or piece of writing does not contain too many words or details., Synonyms: concise, short, limited, to the point

blunder , BLUNDER , (1. countable noun) .. e.g. I think he made a tactical blunder by announcing it so far ahead of time., blunder , BLUNDER

A blunder is a stupid or careless mistake., Synonyms: mistake, slip, fault, error

bridge , BRIDGE , (10. countable noun) bridge , BRIDGE

A bridge is a piece of metal or plastic that holds false teeth in place by connecting them to natural teeth.,

burden , BURDEN , (2. countable noun) .. e.g. [formal], burden , BURDEN

A burden is a heavy load that is difficult to carry.,

compact , COMPACT , (3. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]) compact , COMPACT

A compact cassette, camera, or car is a small type of cassette, camera, or car.,

factor , FACTOR , (1. countable noun) .. e.g. Physical activity is an important factor in maintaining fitness. [+ in], factor , FACTOR

A factor is one of the things that affects an event, decision, or situation., Synonyms: element, thing, point, part

fisherman , FISHERMAN , (countable noun) fisherman , FISHERMAN

A fisherman is a man who catches fish as a job or for sport., Synonyms: angler, fisher

glance , GLANCE , (3. countable noun) .. e.g. Trevor and I exchanged a glance., .. e.g. ...stealing a quick glance at her watch., glance , GLANCE

A glance is a quick look at someone or something., Synonyms: peek, look, glimpse, peep

habit , HABIT , (4. countable noun) habit , HABIT

A habit is a piece of clothing shaped like a long loose dress, which a nun or monk wears.,

kilometer , KILOMETER , (countable noun) .. e.g. ...only one kilometer from the border. , kilometer , KILOMETER

A kilometer is a metric unit of distance or length. One kilometer is a thousand meters and is equal to 0.62 miles.,

knack , KNACK , (countable noun [usually singular]) .. e.g. He's got the knack of getting people to listen. [+ of/for], knack , KNACK

A knack is a particularly clever or skilful way of doing something successfully, especially something which most people find difficult., Synonyms: skill, art, ability, facility

laundry , LAUNDRY , (2. countable noun) .. e.g. We had to have the washing done at the laundry. , laundry , LAUNDRY

A laundry is a firm that washes and irons clothes, sheets, and towels for people.,

laundry , LAUNDRY , (3. countable noun [usually singular]) .. e.g. He worked in the laundry at Oxford prison. [+ at], laundry , LAUNDRY

A laundry or a laundry room is a room in a house, hotel, or institution where clothes, sheets, and towels are washed.,

light , LIGHT , (2. countable noun) .. e.g. The janitor comes round to turn the lights out., .. e.g. You get into the music, the lights and the people around you., .. e.g. ...street lights., light , LIGHT

A light is something such as an electric lamp which produces light., Synonyms: lamp, bulb, torch, candle

likeness , LIKENESS , (2. countable noun [with poss]) .. e.g. The museum displays wax likenesses of every U.S. president. [+ of], likeness , LIKENESS

A likeness of someone is a picture or sculpture of them., Synonyms: portrait, study, picture, model

noun , NOUN , (1. countable noun) noun , NOUN

A noun is a word such as 'car', 'love', or 'Anne' which is used to refer to a person or thing.,

nursery , NURSERY , (1. countable noun [oft at/from/to N]) .. e.g. This nursery will be able to cater for 29 children., .. e.g. Her company ran its own workplace nursery., nursery , NURSERY

A nursery is a place where children who are not old enough to go to school are looked after., Synonyms: crèche, kindergarten, playgroup, play-centre [New Zealand]

nursery , NURSERY , (5. countable noun) .. e.g. The garden, developed over the past 35 years, includes a nursery., nursery , NURSERY

A nursery is a place where plants are grown in order to be sold.,

nursery , NURSERY , (4. countable noun) .. e.g. He has painted murals in his children's nursery. , nursery , NURSERY

A nursery is a room in a family home in which the young children of the family sleep or play.,

paraphrase , PARAPHRASE , (2. countable noun) paraphrase , PARAPHRASE

A paraphrase of something written or spoken is the same thing expressed in a different way., Synonyms: rewording, version, interpretation, rendering

predator , PREDATOR , (1. countable noun) predator , PREDATOR

A predator is an animal that kills and eats other animals.,

secret , SECRET , (3. countable noun) .. e.g. I think he enjoyed keeping our love a secret., .. e.g. I didn't want anyone to know about it, it was my secret. , secret , SECRET

A secret is a fact that is known by only a small number of people, and is not told to anyone else.,

singer , SINGER , (countable noun) .. e.g. My mother was a singer in a dance band., .. e.g. She was one of the great opera singers of the century., singer , SINGER

A singer is a person who sings, especially as a job., Synonyms: vocalist, divo, divafem., crooner

snowflake , SNOWFLAKE , (countable noun) snowflake , SNOWFLAKE

A snowflake is one of the soft, white bits of frozen water that fall as snow.,

solution , SOLUTION , (3. countable noun) .. e.g. ...a warm solution of liquid detergent., .. e.g. Vitamins in solution are more affected than those in solid foods., solution , SOLUTION

A solution is a liquid in which a solid substance has been dissolved., Synonyms: mixture, mix, compound, blend

solution , SOLUTION , (1. countable noun) .. e.g. Although he has sought to find a peaceful solution, he is facing pressure to use, .. e.g. military force., .. e.g. ...the ability to sort out simple, effective solutions to practical problems. [+ to], solution , SOLUTION

A solution to a problem or difficult situation is a way of dealing with it so that the difficulty is removed., Synonyms: answer, resolution, key, result

space , SPACE , (6. singular noun) .. e.g. They've come a long way in a short space of time. [+ of], .. e.g. I have known dramatic changes occur in the space of a few minutes with this method., space , SPACE

A space of time is a period of time., Synonyms: period, interval, time, while

extinct , EXTINCT , (1. adjective) .. e.g. It is 250 years since the wolf became extinct in Britain., .. e.g. ...the bones of extinct animals., extinct , EXTINCT

A species of animal or plant that is extinct no longer has any living members, either in the world or in a particular place., Synonyms: dead, lost, gone, vanished

spring , SPRING , (2. countable noun) .. e.g. As the mattress wears, the springs soften and do not support your spine., .. e.g. Both springs in the fuel pump were broken., spring , SPRING

A spring is a spiral of wire which returns to its original shape after it is pressed or pulled.,

stranger , STRANGER , (1. countable noun) .. e.g. Telling a complete stranger about your life is difficult., .. e.g. Sometimes I feel like I'm living with a stranger., stranger , STRANGER

A stranger is someone you have never met before., Synonyms: unknown person

superior , SUPERIOR , (3. adjective) .. e.g. ...negotiations between the mutineers and their superior officers., .. e.g. Locally passed laws are of superior authority to those laws passed in the capital. [Also + to]Synonyms: higher-ranking, senior, higher-level, upper-level , superior , SUPERIOR

A superior person or thing is more important than another person or thing in the same organization or system.,

supplement , SUPPLEMENT , (2. countable noun) .. e.g. ...a multiple vitamin and mineral supplement., .. e.g. I took regular supplements and exercised every day., supplement , SUPPLEMENT

A supplement is a pill that you take or a special kind of food that you eat in order to improve your health.,

theme , THEME , (2. countable noun) .. e.g. The novel's central theme is the perennial conflict between men and women., .. e.g. This painting points to another recurring theme in Munch's work., theme , THEME

A theme in an artist's work or in a work of literature is an idea in it that the artist or writer develops or repeats., Synonyms: subject, idea, topic, matter

volume , VOLUME , (3. countable noun) .. e.g. [formal] ...a 125-page volume., volume , VOLUME

A volume is a book.,

advantage , ADVANTAGE , (2. uncountable noun) .. e.g. The family hold a position of social and economic advantage in the region., advantage , ADVANTAGE

Advantage is the state of being in a better position than others who are competing against you., Synonyms: lead, control, edge, sway

agony , AGONY , (countable noun) .. e.g. She called out in agony., .. e.g. As a young man he suffered agonies of religious doubt., agony , AGONY

Agony is great physical or mental pain., Synonyms: suffering, pain, distress, misery

struggle , STRUGGLE , (8. singular noun) .. e.g. Losing weight was a terrible struggle., .. e.g. Phrasal verbs:, .. e.g. struggle on, struggle , STRUGGLE

An action or activity that is a struggle is very difficult to do., Synonyms: ordeal, test, suffering, trouble(s)

active , ACTIVE , (7. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]) .. e.g. The active ingredient in some of the mouthwashes was simply detergent. , active , ACTIVE

An active substance has a chemical or biological effect on things.,

active , ACTIVE , (6. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]) .. e.g. ...molten lava from an active volcano., active , ACTIVE

An active volcano has erupted recently or is expected to erupt quite soon.,

anxious , ANXIOUS , (3. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]) .. e.g. He told last night of the anxious hours waiting to discover whether his girlfriend, .. e.g. was safe from the earthquake. , anxious , ANXIOUS

An anxious time or situation is one during which you feel nervous and worried.,

appeal , APPEAL , (5. variable noun) .. e.g. Heath's appeal against the sentence was later successful. [+ against], .. e.g. The jury agreed with her, but she lost the case on appeal., appeal , APPEAL

An appeal is a formal request for a decision to be changed., Synonyms: retrial, reconsideration

appeal , APPEAL , (2. countable noun [NOUN to-infinitive]) .. e.g. His main message was an appeal for unity in the face of the great weather challenge., .. e.g. Romania's government issued a last-minute appeal to him to call off his trip. [+ to], appeal , APPEAL

An appeal is a serious and urgent request., Synonyms: plea, call, application, request

approach , APPROACH , (2. countable noun) .. e.g. The path serves as an approach to the boat house. [+ to], approach , APPROACH

An approach to a place is a road, path, or other route that leads to it., Synonyms: access, way, drive, road

athlete , ATHLETE , (1. countable noun) .. e.g. Many top athletes find it hard, if not impossible to find real life again after retiring., athlete , ATHLETE

An athlete is a person who does a sport, especially athletics, or track and field events.,

average , AVERAGE , (1. countable noun) .. e.g. together., .. e.g. Take the average of those ratios and multiply by a hundred. [+ of], .. e.g. Average is also an adjective., .. e.g. The average price of goods rose by just 2.2%., .. e.g. The average age of the women interviewed was only 21.5., average , AVERAGE

An average is the result that you get when you add two or more numbers together and divide the total by the number of numbers you added,

expression , EXPRESSION , (4. countable noun) .. e.g. She spoke in a quiet voice but used remarkably coarse expressions. , expression , EXPRESSION

An expression is a word or phrase.,

anticipation , ANTICIPATION , (1. uncountable noun) .. e.g. There's been an atmosphere of anticipation around here for a few days now., .. e.g. We await the next volume of this superb edition with keen anticipation., anticipation , ANTICIPATION

Anticipation is a feeling of excitement about something pleasant or exciting that you know is going to happen., Synonyms: expectancy, hope, expectation, apprehension

globe , GLOBE , (3. countable noun) .. e.g. The overhead light was covered now with a white globe. , globe , GLOBE

Any ball-shaped object can be referred to as a globe.,

apparel , APPAREL , (uncountable noun) .. e.g. [mainly US, formal] Women's apparel is offered in petite, regular, and tall models., apparel , APPAREL

Apparel means clothes, especially formal clothes worn on an important occasion., Synonyms: clothing, dress, clothes, equipment

April , APRIL , (variable noun) .. e.g. The changes will be introduced in April., .. e.g. They were married on 7 April 1927 at Paddington Register Office., .. e.g. He announced that he will retire next April., April , APRIL

April is the fourth month of the year in the Western calendar.,

arid , ARID , (1. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]) .. e.g. ...new strains of crops that can withstand arid conditions., .. e.g. ...the arid zones of the country., arid , ARID

Arid land is so dry that very few plants can grow on it., Synonyms: dry, desert, dried up, barren

approach , APPROACH , (6. verb) .. e.g. As autumn approached, the plants and colours in the garden changed. [VERB], .. e.g. ...the approaching crisis. [VERB-ing], .. e.g. Approach is also a noun., .. e.g. ...the festive spirit that permeated the house with the approach of Christmas. [+ of], approach , APPROACH

As a future time or event approaches, it gradually gets nearer as time passes.,

approach , APPROACH , (7. verb) .. e.g. We approach the end of the year with the economy slowing and little sign of cheer. [VERB noun] , approach , APPROACH

As you approach a future time or event, time passes so that you get gradually nearer to it.,

cable , CABLE , (3. uncountable noun [oft NOUN noun]) .. e.g. They ran commercials on cable systems across the country., .. e.g. The channel is only available on cable., cable , CABLE

Cable is used to refer to television systems in which the signals are sent along underground wires rather than by radio waves.,

capital , CAPITAL , (6. countable noun) .. e.g. The name and address are written in capitals. , capital , CAPITAL

Capitals or capital letters are written or printed letters in the form which is used at the beginning of sentences or names. 'T', 'B', and 'F' are capitals.,

change , CHANGE , (14. uncountable noun) .. e.g. Thieves ransacked the office, taking a sack of loose change., .. e.g. The man in the store won't give him change for the phone unless he buys something. [+ for] , change , CHANGE

Change is coins, rather than paper money.,

commentary , COMMENTARY , (3. uncountable noun [oft a NOUN]) .. e.g. The show mixed comedy with social commentary., .. e.g. Her gentle smile was perhaps a commentary on my humor., commentary , COMMENTARY

Commentary is discussion or criticism of something.,

composure , COMPOSURE , (uncountable noun) .. e.g. [formal] For once Dimbleby lost his composure. It was all he could do to stop tears of mirth, .. e.g. falling down his cheeks., .. e.g. Stopping only briefly to regain her composure, she described her agonising ordeal., composure , COMPOSURE

Composure is the appearance or feeling of calm and the ability to control your feelings., Synonyms: calmness, calm, poise, self-possession

dense , DENSE , (2. adjective) .. e.g. A dense column of smoke rose several miles into the air. , dense , DENSE

Dense fog or smoke is difficult to see through because it is very heavy and dark.,

conserve , CONSERVE , (3. variable noun) conserve , CONSERVE

Conserve is jam containing a large proportion of fruit, usually in whole pieces.,

controversy , CONTROVERSY , (variable noun) .. e.g. The proposed cuts have caused considerable controversy., .. e.g. ...a fierce political controversy over human rights abuses. [Also + over/about]Synonyms: argument, debate, row, discussion , controversy , CONTROVERSY

Controversy is a lot of discussion and argument about something, often involving strong feelings of anger or disapproval.,

designate , DESIGNATE , (4. adjective [noun ADJECTIVE]) .. e.g. Japan's Prime Minister-designate is completing his Cabinet today. , designate , DESIGNATE

Designate is used to describe someone who has been formally chosen to do a particular job, but has not yet started doing it.,

discretion , DISCRETION , (1. uncountable noun) .. e.g. [formal] Larsson sometimes joined in the fun, but with more discretion., .. e.g. He appreciated his discretion and his fidelity., discretion , DISCRETION

Discretion is the quality of behaving in a quiet and controlled way without drawing attention to yourself or giving away personal or private information.,

dissent , DISSENT , (1. uncountable noun) .. e.g. He is the toughest military ruler yet and has responded harshly to any dissent., .. e.g. Political dissent would no longer be tolerated., .. e.g. I made a gesture of dissent., dissent , DISSENT

Dissent is strong disagreement or dissatisfaction with a decision or opinion, especially one that is supported by most people or by people in authority., Synonyms: disagreement, opposition, protest, resistance

distant , DISTANT , (1. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]) .. e.g. The mountains rolled away to a distant horizon., .. e.g. ...the war in that distant land., distant , DISTANT

Distant means very far away., Synonyms: far-off, far, remote, removed

downstairs , DOWNSTAIRS , (3. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]) .. e.g. She repainted the downstairs rooms and closed off the second floor., downstairs , DOWNSTAIRS

Downstairs means situated on the ground floor of a building or on a lower floor than you are.,

economy , ECONOMY , (7. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]) .. e.g. ...an economy pack containing 150 assorted screws. , economy , ECONOMY

Economy is used to describe large packs of goods which are cheaper than normal-sized packs.,

electricity , ELECTRICITY , (uncountable noun) .. e.g. We moved into a cabin with electricity but no running water., .. e.g. The electricity had been cut off., electricity , ELECTRICITY

Electricity is a form of energy that can be carried by wires and is used for heating and lighting, and to provide power for machines., Synonyms: power, mains, current, energy

energy , ENERGY , (2. uncountable noun) .. e.g. [approval] At 54 years old her energy and looks are magnificent., .. e.g. You have drive and energy for those things you are interested in., energy , ENERGY

Energy is determination and enthusiasm about doing things., Synonyms: liveliness, life, drive, fire

expression , EXPRESSION , (3. uncountable noun) .. e.g. I put more expression into my lyrics than a lot of other singers do., expression , EXPRESSION

Expression is the showing of feeling when you are acting, singing, or playing a musical instrument.,

fact , FACT , (6. countable noun) .. e.g. There is so much information you can almost effortlessly find the facts for yourself., .. e.g. His opponent swamped him with facts and figures., .. e.g. The lorries always left at night when there were few witnesses around to record the, .. e.g. fact., fact , FACT

Facts are pieces of information that can be discovered., Synonyms: detail, point, feature, particular

fierce , FIERCE , (3. adjective) .. e.g. The climbers were trapped by a fierce storm which went on for days., .. e.g. fiercely graded adverb [ADVERB with verb, ADVERB adjective] As I arrived a lorry had just been set on fire and was burning fiercely., fierce , FIERCE

Fierce conditions are very intense, great, or strong., Synonyms: stormy, strong, powerful, violent Synonyms: ferociously, savagely, passionately, furiously

freedom , FREEDOM , (3. uncountable noun) .. e.g. ...all the freedom from pain that medicine could provide. [+ from], .. e.g. ...freedom from government control. [+ from], freedom , FREEDOM

Freedom from something you do not want means not being affected by it., Synonyms: exemption, release, relief, privilege

freedom , FREEDOM , (1. uncountable noun) .. e.g. ...freedom of speech., .. e.g. They want greater political freedom., .. e.g. Today we have the freedom to decide our own futures., .. e.g. The United Nations Secretary-General has spoken of the need for individual freedoms, .. e.g. and human rights., freedom , FREEDOM

Freedom is the state of being allowed to do what you want to do. Freedoms are instances of this., Synonyms: independence, democracy, sovereignty, autonomy

freight , FREIGHT , (2. uncountable noun) .. e.g. ...26 tons of freight., .. e.g. 90% of managers wanted to see more freight carried by rail., freight , FREIGHT

Freight is goods that are transported by lorries, trains, ships, or aeroplanes.,

abundant , ABUNDANT , (adjective) .. e.g. There is an abundant supply of cheap labour., .. e.g. Birds are abundant in the tall vegetation., abundant , ABUNDANT

Something that is abundant is present in large quantities., Synonyms: plentiful, full, rich, filled

hostile , HOSTILE , (3. adjective) .. e.g. ...some of the most hostile climatic conditions in the world., .. e.g. The world's trading environment is likely to become increasingly hostile., hostile , HOSTILE

Hostile situations and conditions make it difficult for you to achieve something., Synonyms: inhospitable, adverse, alien, uncongenial

watch , WATCH , (2. verb) .. e.g. I'd stayed up late to watch the film. [VERB noun], .. e.g. They spent a great deal of time watching television. [VERB noun], watch , WATCH

If you watch something on television or an event such as a sports match, you spend time looking at it, especially when you see it from the beginning to the end.,

weigh , WEIGH , (2. verb) .. e.g. The scales can be used to weigh other items such as parcels. [VERB noun] , weigh , WEIGH

If you weigh something or someone, you measure how heavy they are.,

expression , EXPRESSION , (5. countable noun) .. e.g. [technical] This forms the basis for our mathematical expression for the electric field., expression , EXPRESSION

In mathematics, an expression is a symbol or equation which represents a quantity or problem.,

dense , DENSE , (3. adjective) .. e.g. [technical] ...a small dense star., dense , DENSE

In science, a dense substance is very heavy in relation to its volume.,

inference , INFERENCE , (2. uncountable noun) .. e.g. It had an extremely tiny head and, by inference, a tiny brain., inference , INFERENCE

Inference is the act of drawing conclusions about something on the basis of information that you already have.,

influence , INFLUENCE , (1. uncountable noun) .. e.g. I have rather a large influence over a good many people., .. e.g. He denies exerting any political influence over them. [+ over], .. e.g. The government should continue to use its influence for the release of all hostages., influence , INFLUENCE

Influence is the power to make other people agree with your opinions or do what you want., Synonyms: control, power, authority, direction

innovation , INNOVATION , (2. uncountable noun) .. e.g. We must promote originality and encourage innovation., innovation , INNOVATION

Innovation is the introduction of new ideas, methods, or things., Synonyms: newness, novelty, originality, freshness

legislation , LEGISLATION , (uncountable noun) .. e.g. [formal] ...a letter calling for legislation to protect women's rights., legislation , LEGISLATION

Legislation consists of a law or laws passed by a government., Synonyms: law, act, ruling, rule

metric , METRIC , (adjective) .. e.g. Around 180,000 metric tons of food aid is required., .. e.g. Converting metric measurements to U.S. equivalents is easy., metric , METRIC

Metric means relating to the metric system.,

misery , MISERY , (1. variable noun) .. e.g. All that money brought nothing but sadness and misery and tragedy., .. e.g. ...the miseries of his youth. [+ of], misery , MISERY

Misery is great unhappiness., Synonyms: unhappiness, distress, despair, grief

misery , MISERY , (2. uncountable noun) .. e.g. A tiny, educated elite profited from the misery of their two million fellow countrymen. [+ of], misery , MISERY

Misery is the way of life and unpleasant living conditions of people who are very poor., Synonyms: poverty, want, need, squalor

moisture , MOISTURE , (uncountable noun) .. e.g. When the soil is dry, more moisture is lost from the plant., .. e.g. Rainfall affects the moisture content of the atmosphere., moisture , MOISTURE

Moisture is tiny drops of water in the air, on a surface, or in the ground., Synonyms: damp, water, liquid, sweat

nectar , NECTAR , (1. uncountable noun) nectar , NECTAR

Nectar is a sweet liquid produced by flowers, which bees and other insects collect.,

onomatopoeia , ONOMATOPOEIA , (uncountable noun) .. e.g. [technical], onomatopoeia , ONOMATOPOEIA

Onomatopoeia refers to the use of words which sound like the noise they refer to. 'Hiss', 'buzz', and 'rat-a-tat-tat' are examples of onomatopoeia.,

literature , LITERATURE , (1. variable noun) .. e.g. ...classic works of literature., .. e.g. ...a Professor of English Literature., .. e.g. It may not be great literature but it certainly had me riveted!, .. e.g. The book explores the connection between American ethnic and regional literatures., literature , LITERATURE

Novels, plays, and poetry are referred to as literature, especially when they are considered to be good or important., Synonyms: writings, letters, compositions, lore

nursery , NURSERY , (3. variable noun [oft NOUN noun]) .. e.g. An affordable nursery education service is an essential basic amenity., .. e.g. ...a nursery teacher., nursery , NURSERY

Nursery is a school for very young children.,

mailbox , MAILBOX , (3. countable noun [usually singular]) mailbox , MAILBOX

On a computer, your mailbox is the file where your email is stored.,

thread , THREAD , (6. countable noun) .. e.g. I saw the post but I didn't read the thread below it., thread , THREAD

On the internet, a thread is a series of messages from different people about a particular subject.,

average , AVERAGE , (9. law of averages) .. e.g. average out, average , AVERAGE

Phrasal verbs:,

brief , BRIEF , (10. in brief) .. e.g. brief against, brief , BRIEF

Phrasal verbs:,

change , CHANGE , (28. to change for the worse) .. e.g. change down, .. e.g. change over, .. e.g. change up, change , CHANGE

Phrasal verbs:,

gather , GATHER , (8. to gather dust) .. e.g. gather up, gather , GATHER

Phrasal verbs:,

poverty , POVERTY , (1. uncountable noun) .. e.g. ...people living in absolute poverty., .. e.g. Garvey died in loneliness and poverty., poverty , POVERTY

Poverty is the state of being extremely poor.,

rural , RURAL , (2. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]) .. e.g. ...the old rural way of life., .. e.g. He spoke with a heavy rural accent., rural , RURAL

Rural means having features which are typical of areas that are far away from large towns or cities., Synonyms: rustic, country, hick [informal, mainly US, Canadian], pastoral

recall , RECALL , (3. uncountable noun) .. e.g. He had a good memory, and total recall of her spoken words. [+ of], recall , RECALL

Recall is the ability to remember something that has happened in the past or the act of remembering it., Synonyms: recollection, memory, remembrance

windshield , WINDSHIELD , (countable noun) .. e.g. [US]regional note: in BRIT, use windscreen, windshield , WINDSHIELD

The windshield of a car or other vehicle is the glass window at the front through which the driver looks.,

resolution , RESOLUTION , (4. uncountable noun) .. e.g. 'I think I'll try a hypnotist,' I said with sudden resolution., resolution , RESOLUTION

Resolution is determination to do something or not do something.,

responsible , RESPONSIBLE , (5. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]) .. e.g. I work in a government office. It's a responsible position, I suppose, but not very, .. e.g. exciting., .. e.g. They have been demoted to less responsible jobs., responsible , RESPONSIBLE

Responsible jobs involve making important decisions or carrying out important tasks., Synonyms: authoritative, high, important, executive

reverse , REVERSE , (6. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]) .. e.g. The wrong attitude will have exactly the reverse effect., reverse , REVERSE

Reverse means opposite to what you expect or to what has just been described., Synonyms: opposite, contrary, converse, inverse

saltwater , SALTWATER , (2. adjective [ADJ n]) .. e.g. ...useful information for owners of saltwater fish. , saltwater , SALTWATER

Saltwater fish live in water which is salty. Saltwater lakes contain salty water.,

saltwater , SALTWATER , (1. uncountable noun) saltwater , SALTWATER

Saltwater is water, especially from the ocean, which has salt in it.,

salvage , SALVAGE , (2. uncountable noun [oft NOUN noun]) .. e.g. The salvage operation went on., .. e.g. ...the cost of salvage., salvage , SALVAGE

Salvage is the act of salvaging things from somewhere such as a damaged ship or building.,

solar , SOLAR , (2. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]) solar , SOLAR

Solar power is obtained from the sun's light and heat.,

boisterous , BOISTEROUS , (adjective) .. e.g. ...a boisterous but good-natured crowd., .. e.g. Most of the children were noisy and boisterous., .. e.g. boisterously, .. e.g. adverb [ADVERB with verb, ADVERB adjective] Her friends laughed boisterously, too., boisterous , BOISTEROUS

Someone who is boisterous is noisy, lively, and full of energy., Synonyms: unruly, wild, disorderly, loud

sensitive , SENSITIVE , (4. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]) .. e.g. He instructed staff to shred sensitive documents., .. e.g. ...sensitive information which, in the wrong hands, could jeopardise the safety of, .. e.g. British troops., sensitive , SENSITIVE

Sensitive documents or reports contain information that needs to be kept secret and dealt with carefully., Synonyms: secret, private, confidential, classified

bold , BOLD , (2. adjective [usually verb-link ADJECTIVE]) .. e.g. I don't feel I'm being bold, because it's always been natural for me to just speak, .. e.g. out., .. e.g. boldly, .. e.g. adverb 'You should do it,' the girl said, boldly., bold , BOLD

Someone who is bold is not shy or embarrassed in the company of other people.,

clever , CLEVER , (1. adjective) .. e.g. He's a very clever man., .. e.g. My sister was always a lot cleverer than I was., .. e.g. Her mother was clever at many things., .. e.g. cleverly, .. e.g. adverb She would cleverly pick up on what I said., .. e.g. cleverness, .. e.g. uncountable noun Her cleverness seems to get in the way of her emotions., clever , CLEVER

Someone who is clever is intelligent and able to understand things easily or plan things well., Synonyms: intelligence, sense, brains, wit Synonyms: shrewdness, sharpness, resourcefulness, canniness Synonyms: dexterity, ability, talent, gift

slimy , SLIMY , (1. adjective) .. e.g. His feet slipped in the slimy mud., .. e.g. Her hand touched something cold and slimy., slimy , SLIMY

Slimy substances are thick, wet, and unpleasant. Slimy objects are covered in a slimy substance., Synonyms: viscous, clammy, glutinous, muddy

solar , SOLAR , (1. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]) .. e.g. A total solar eclipse is due to take place some time tomorrow., solar , SOLAR

Solar is used to describe things relating to the sun.,

sunlight , SUNLIGHT , (uncountable noun) .. e.g. I saw her sitting at a window table, bathed in sunlight., sunlight , SUNLIGHT

Sunlight is the light that comes from the sun during the day., Synonyms: sunshine, light, sun, daylight

talent , TALENT , (1. variable noun) .. e.g. She is proud that both her children have a talent for music., .. e.g. The player was given hardly any opportunities to show off his talents., .. e.g. He's got lots of talent., talent , TALENT

Talent is the natural ability to do something well., Synonyms: ability, gift, aptitude, parts

globe , GLOBE , (1. singular noun) .. e.g. ...bottles of beer from every corner of the globe., .. e.g. 70% of our globe's surface is water., globe , GLOBE

You can refer to the world as the globe when you are emphasizing how big it is or that something happens in many different parts of it., Synonyms: planet, world, round, ball

terrain , TERRAIN , (variable noun) .. e.g. The terrain changed quickly from arable land to desert., .. e.g. ...a tortuous eight-hour coach ride around 1,200 bends of rough terrain., terrain , TERRAIN

Terrain is used to refer to an area of land or a type of land when you are considering its physical features., Synonyms: ground, country, land, landscape

energy , ENERGY , (3. countable noun [usually plural]) .. e.g. She had started to devote her energies to teaching rather than performing., .. e.g. We must concentrate our energies on treating addiction first., energy , ENERGY

Your energies are your efforts and attention, which you can direct towards a particular aim.,

context , CONTEXT , (1. variable noun [oft adjective NOUN]) .. e.g. We are doing this work in the context of reforms in the economic, social and cultural, .. e.g. spheres. [+ of], .. e.g. ...the historical context in which Chaucer wrote., .. e.g. This is the context in which the President must decide his policy., context , CONTEXT

The context of an idea or event is the general situation that relates to it, and which helps it to be understood., Synonyms: circumstances, times, conditions, situation

remote , REMOTE , (2. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]) .. e.g. Slabs of rock had slipped sideways in the remote past, and formed this hole., remote , REMOTE

The remote past or remote future is a time that is many years distant from the present.,

space , SPACE , (5. uncountable noun) .. e.g. We can't promise to publish a reply as space is limited., .. e.g. ...some work which we couldn't include because of lack of space in this issue. , space , SPACE

The amount of space for a topic to be discussed in a document is the number of pages available to discuss the topic.,

appeal , APPEAL , (8. uncountable noun) .. e.g. Its new title was meant to give the party greater public appeal., .. e.g. Johnson's appeal is to people in all walks of life., appeal , APPEAL

The appeal of something is a quality that it has which people find attractive or interesting., Synonyms: attraction, charm, fascination, charisma

border , BORDER , (1. countable noun) .. e.g. They fled across the border., .. e.g. ...the isolated jungle area near the Panamanian border., .. e.g. Clifford is enjoying life north of the border., .. e.g. ...the Mexican border town of Tijuana., .. e.g. Soldiers had temporarily closed the border between the two countries., border , BORDER

The border between two countries or regions is the dividing line between them. Sometimes the border also refers to the land close to this line., Synonyms: frontier, line, marches, limit

bridge , BRIDGE , (6. countable noun [usually singular]) bridge , BRIDGE

The bridge is the place on a ship from which it is steered.,

bridge , BRIDGE , (8. countable noun [usually singular]) bridge , BRIDGE

The bridge of a pair of glasses is the part that rests on your nose.,

diversity , DIVERSITY , (1. variable noun) .. e.g. ...the cultural diversity of British society., .. e.g. ...to introduce more choice and diversity into the education system., diversity , DIVERSITY

The diversity of something is the fact that it contains many very different elements., Synonyms: difference, diversification, variety, divergence

freedom , FREEDOM , (4. singular noun) .. e.g. He was given the Freedom of the City of Dublin by the Lord Mayor., freedom , FREEDOM

The freedom of a particular city is a special honour which is given to a famous person who is connected with that city, or to someone who has performed some special service for the city.,

limit , LIMIT , (3. countable noun) .. e.g. ...the city limits of Baghdad. [+ of] , limit , LIMIT

The limit of an area is its boundary or edge.,

plot , PLOT , (4. variable noun) plot , PLOT

The plot of a film, novel, or play is the connected series of events which make up the story.,

solution , SOLUTION , (2. countable noun) .. e.g. ...the solution to crossword No. 19721. [+ to], solution , SOLUTION

The solution to a puzzle is the answer to it.,

thread , THREAD , (5. countable noun) .. e.g. The screw threads will be able to get a good grip. , thread , THREAD

The thread on a screw, or on something such as a lid or a pipe, is the raised spiral line of metal or plastic around it which allows it to be fixed in place by twisting.,

thread , THREAD , (1. variable noun) .. e.g. This time I'll do it properly with a needle and thread., .. e.g. ...a tiny Nepalese hat embroidered with golden threads., thread , THREAD

Thread or a thread is a long very thin piece of a material such as cotton, nylon, or silk, especially one that is used in sewing., Synonyms: strand, fibre, yarn, filament

average , AVERAGE , (6. verb) .. e.g. period of time., .. e.g. We averaged 42 miles per hour. [VERB noun], .. e.g. ...pay increases averaging 9.75%. [VERB noun], average , AVERAGE

To average a particular amount means to do, get, or produce that amount as an average over a, Synonyms: make on average, be on average, even out to, do on average

bridge , BRIDGE , (3. verb) .. e.g. It is unlikely that the two sides will be able to bridge their differences. [VERB noun], bridge , BRIDGE

To bridge the gap between two people or things means to reduce it or get rid of it., Synonyms: connect, join, link

transition , TRANSITION , (1. variable noun) .. e.g. The transition to a multi-party democracy is proving to be difficult. [+ to], .. e.g. ...a period of transition., transition , TRANSITION

Transition is the process in which something changes from one state to another., Synonyms: change, passing, development, shift

value , VALUE , (7. uncountable noun [noun NOUN]) .. e.g. The script has lost all of its shock value over the intervening 24 years., .. e.g. Having a mid-morning party certainly adds novelty value., value , VALUE

Value is used after another noun when mentioning an important or noticeable feature about something.,

vow , VOW , (3. countable noun [usually plural]) .. e.g. they are getting married., .. e.g. I took my marriage vows and kept them., .. e.g. ...a nun who had taken final vows., .. e.g. He had broken his vow of poverty. [+ of] , vow , VOW

Vows are a particular set of serious promises, such as the promises two people make when,

swarm , SWARM , (2. verb) .. e.g. A dark cloud of bees comes swarming out of the hive. [VERB preposition/adverb] [Also VERB] , swarm , SWARM

When bees or other insects swarm, they move or fly in a large group.,

diminish , DIMINISH , (1. verb) .. e.g. The threat of nuclear war has diminished. [VERB], .. e.g. Federalism is intended to diminish the power of the central state. [VERB noun], .. e.g. Universities are facing grave problems because of diminishing resources. [VERB-ing], .. e.g. This could mean diminished public support for the war. [VERB-ed], diminish , DIMINISH

When something diminishes, or when something diminishes it, it becomes reduced in size, importance, or intensity., Synonyms: reduce, cut, decrease, lessen

wisdom , WISDOM , (1. uncountable noun) .. e.g. ...the patience and wisdom that comes from old age., .. e.g. ...a great man, who spoke words of great wisdom., wisdom , WISDOM

Wisdom is the ability to use your experience and knowledge in order to make sensible decisions or judgments.,

elaborate , ELABORATE , (3. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]) .. e.g. He is known for his elaborate costumes., .. e.g. elaborately, .. e.g. adverb ...elaborately costumed dolls., elaborate , ELABORATE

Elaborate clothing or material is made with a lot of detailed artistic designs., Synonyms: ornate, detailed, involved, complex

elaborate , ELABORATE , (2. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]) .. e.g. ...elaborate efforts at the highest level to conceal the problem., .. e.g. ...an elaborate management training scheme for graduates., .. e.g. elaborately, .. e.g. adverb It was clearly an elaborately planned operation., elaborate , ELABORATE

Elaborate plans, systems, and procedures are complicated because they have been planned in very great detail, sometimes too much detail.,

energy , ENERGY , (1. uncountable noun) .. e.g. He was saving his energy for next week's race in Belgium., .. e.g. We try to boost our energy by eating., energy , ENERGY

Energy is the ability and strength to do active physical things and the feeling that you are full of physical power and life., Synonyms: strength, might, force, power

energy , ENERGY , (4. uncountable noun [oft NOUN noun]) .. e.g. ...those who favour nuclear energy., .. e.g. Oil shortages have brought on an energy crisis., .. e.g. It doesn't take much to improve the energy efficiency of your home., energy , ENERGY

Energy is the power from sources such as electricity and coal that makes machines work or provides heat., Synonyms: power

esteem , ESTEEM , (1. uncountable noun) .. e.g. [formal] He is held in high esteem by colleagues in the construction industry., .. e.g. Their public esteem has never been lower., .. e.g. He said he retained immense regard and esteem for the prime minister., esteem , ESTEEM

Esteem is the admiration and respect that you feel towards another person., Synonyms: respect, regard, honour, consideration

famine , FAMINE , (variable noun) .. e.g. Thousands of refugees are trapped by war, drought and famine., .. e.g. The civil war is obstructing distribution of famine relief by aid agencies., famine , FAMINE

Famine is a situation in which large numbers of people have little or no food, and many of them die., Synonyms: hunger, want, starvation, deprivation

fingerprint , FINGERPRINT , (1. countable noun [usually plural]) .. e.g. The detective discovered no fewer than 35 fingerprints., .. e.g. ...his fingerprint on the murder weapon., .. e.g. take someone's fingerprints , fingerprint , FINGERPRINT

Fingerprints are marks made by a person's fingers which show the lines on the skin. Everyone's fingerprints are different, so they can be used to identify criminals.,

former , FORMER , (4. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]) .. e.g. [formal] He would want you to remember him as he was in former years., former , FORMER

Former is used to describe a situation or period of time which came before the present one., Synonyms: past, earlier, long ago, bygone

former , FORMER , (1. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]) .. e.g. The unemployed executives include former sales managers, directors and accountants., .. e.g. ...former President Richard Nixon., .. e.g. He pleaded not guilty to murdering his former wife., former , FORMER

Former is used to describe someone who used to have a particular job, position, or role, but no longer has it., Synonyms: previous, one-time, erstwhile, ex-

fortune , FORTUNE , (3. uncountable noun) .. e.g. Government ministers are starting to wonder how long their good fortune can last., fortune , FORTUNE

Fortune or good fortune is good luck. Ill fortune is bad luck.,

freight , FREIGHT , (1. uncountable noun) .. e.g. France derives 16% of revenue from air freight., freight , FREIGHT

Freight is the movement of goods by lorries, trains, ships, or aeroplanes., Synonyms: transportation, traffic, delivery, carriage

gravity , GRAVITY , (1. uncountable noun) .. e.g. Arrows would continue to fly forward forever were it not for gravity, which brings, .. e.g. them down to earth., gravity , GRAVITY

Gravity is the force which causes things to drop to the ground.,

coast , COAST , (4. verb) .. e.g. [emphasis] Charles was coasting at school and I should have told him to work harder. [VERB] [Also VERB preposition] , .. e.g. Coast along means the same as coast., .. e.g. Matthew had no drive. He coasted along on his good looks. [VERB PARTICLE], coast , COAST

If you say that someone is coasting, you are emphasizing that they are not putting enough effort into what they are doing.,

exploit , EXPLOIT , (2. verb) .. e.g. [disapproval] The government and its opponents compete to exploit the troubles to their advantage. [VERB noun], .. e.g. exploitation, .. e.g. singular noun ...the exploitation of the famine by local politicians. [+ of], exploit , EXPLOIT

If you say that someone is exploiting a situation, you disapprove of them because they are using it to gain an advantage for themselves, rather than trying to help other people or do what is right., Synonyms: make the best use of, use, make use of, utilize Synonyms: misuse, abuse, manipulation, imposition Synonyms: capitalization, utilization, using to good advantage, trading upon

manipulate , MANIPULATE , (2. verb) .. e.g. [disapproval] She was unable, for once, to control and manipulate events. [VERB noun], .. e.g. They felt he had been cowardly in manipulating the system to avoid the draft. [VERB noun], .. e.g. manipulation, .. e.g. variable noun ...accusations of political manipulation., manipulate , MANIPULATE

If you say that someone manipulates an event or situation, you disapprove of them because they use or control it for their own benefit, or cause it to develop in the way they want.,

manipulate , MANIPULATE , (1. verb) .. e.g. [disapproval] He is a very difficult character. He manipulates people. [VERB noun], .. e.g. She's always borrowing my clothes and manipulating me to give her money. [VERB noun to-infinitive], .. e.g. They have kids who manipulate them into buying toys. [VERB noun + into], .. e.g. manipulation (mənɪpjʊleɪʃən, .. e.g. )Word forms: plural manipulations, .. e.g. variable noun ...repeated criticism or manipulation of our mind. [+ of], .. e.g. I don't like manipulations or lies., manipulate , MANIPULATE

If you say that someone manipulates people, you disapprove of them because they skilfully force or persuade people to do what they want., Synonyms: influence, control, direct, guide

vital , VITAL , (1. adjective) .. e.g. The port is vital to supply relief to millions of drought victims., .. e.g. Nick Wileman is a school caretaker so it is vital that he gets on well with young, .. e.g. people., .. e.g. After her release, she was able to give vital information about her kidnapper., .. e.g. vitally, .. e.g. adverb [usually ADVERB adjective, oft ADVERB with verb] Lesley's career in the church is vitally important to her., vital , VITAL

If you say that something is vital, you mean that it is necessary or very important.,

contain , CONTAIN , (4. verb [no cont]) .. e.g. The committee contains 11 Democrats and nine Republicans. [VERB noun], contain , CONTAIN

If a group or organization contains a certain number of people, those are the people that are in it., Synonyms: include, consist of, embrace, comprise

trouble , TROUBLE , (9. verb) .. e.g. The ulcer had been troubling her for several years. [VERB noun], trouble , TROUBLE

If a part of your body troubles you, it causes you physical pain or discomfort., Synonyms: afflict, hurt, bother, cause discomfort to

struggle , STRUGGLE , (7. verb [only cont]) .. e.g. The company is struggling to find buyers for its new product. [VERB to-infinitive], .. e.g. One in five young adults was struggling with everyday mathematics. [VERB preposition], .. e.g. By the 1960s, many shipyards were struggling. [VERB], struggle , STRUGGLE

If a person or organization is struggling, they are likely to fail in what they are doing, even though they might be trying very hard., Synonyms: have trouble, have problems, have difficulties, fight

starve , STARVE , (3. verb) .. e.g. The electricity industry is not the only one to have been starved of investment. [be VERB-ed + of], .. e.g. ...companies in danger of being starved of capital by their banks. [V n of n], .. e.g. ...an audience hungry for American films and long starved of choice. [VERB-ed], starve , STARVE

If a person or thing is starved of something that they need, they are suffering because they are not getting enough of it., Synonyms: deprive, strip, rob, dispossess

capital , CAPITAL , (5. countable noun) .. e.g. Colmar has long been considered the capital of the wine trade. [+ of], .. e.g. ...New York, the fashion capital of the world. [+ of], capital , CAPITAL

If a place is the capital of a particular industry or activity, it is the place that is most famous for it, because it happens in that place more than anywhere else.,

contain , CONTAIN , (2. verb [no cont]) .. e.g. Greek yogurt contains much less fat than double cream. [VERB noun], .. e.g. Most of that old paint contains lead, which is hazardous if ingested. [VERB noun], contain , CONTAIN

If a substance contains something, that thing is a part of it.,

dissolve , DISSOLVE , (1. verb) .. e.g. Heat gently until the sugar dissolves. [VERB], .. e.g. Dissolve the salt in a little boiled water. [VERB noun], dissolve , DISSOLVE

If a substance dissolves in liquid or if you dissolve it, it becomes mixed with the liquid and disappears., Synonyms: melt, break down, disintegrate, soften

coast , COAST , (2. verb) .. e.g. I switched off the engine and coasted round the corner. [VERB preposition/adverb], .. e.g. They picked up momentum, then slipped into neutral and coasted quietly down the slope. [VERB preposition/adverb] [Also VERB]Synonyms: cruise, sail, drift, taxi , coast , COAST

If a vehicle coasts somewhere, it continues to move there with the motor switched off, or without being pushed or pedalled.,

active , ACTIVE , (3. adjective) .. e.g. ...a chance for fathers to play a more active role in childcare., .. e.g. I am an active member of the Conservative Party., .. e.g. He is active on Tyler's behalf., .. e.g. actively, .. e.g. adverb They actively campaigned for the vote., active , ACTIVE

If someone is active in an organization, cause, or campaign, they do things for it rather than just giving it their support.,

mood , MOOD , (2. countable noun [oft in a N]) .. e.g. She was obviously in a mood., mood , MOOD

If someone is in a mood, the way they are behaving shows that they are feeling angry and impatient., Synonyms: depression, sulk, bad temper, blues

enable , ENABLE , (1. verb) .. e.g. The new test should enable doctors to detect the disease early. [VERB noun to-infinitive], .. e.g. ...a new charter for training to enable young people to make the most of their potential. [VERB noun to-infinitive], .. e.g. enabling, .. e.g. adjective Researchers describe it as an enabling technology., enable , ENABLE

If someone or something enables you to do a particular thing, they give you the opportunity to do it., Synonyms: allow, permit, facilitate, empower

stifle , STIFLE , (1. verb) .. e.g. [disapproval] Regulations on children stifled creativity. [VERB noun], .. e.g. Critics have accused the U.S. of trying to stifle debate. [VERB noun], stifle , STIFLE

If someone stifles something you consider to be a good thing, they prevent it from continuing., Synonyms: suppress, repress, prevent, stop

survey , SURVEY , (8. verb) .. e.g. to give advice to a person who is thinking of buying it., .. e.g. [mainly British] ...the people who surveyed the house for the mortgage. [VERB noun]regional note: in AM, use inspect, .. e.g. surveying uncountable noun Jobs available include surveying, electrical work, and plumbing. , survey , SURVEY

If someone surveys a house, they examine it carefully and report on its structure, usually in order,

absorb , ABSORB , (2. verb) .. e.g. The dark material absorbs light and warms up. [VERB noun], absorb , ABSORB

If something absorbs light, heat, or another form of energy, it takes it in.,

commend , COMMEND , (3. verb) .. e.g. [formal] This was not a view that commended itself to all. [V pron-refl to n], commend , COMMEND

If something commends itself to you, you approve of it.,

exaggerate , EXAGGERATE , (2. verb) .. e.g. These figures exaggerate the loss of competitiveness. [VERB noun] , exaggerate , EXAGGERATE

If something exaggerates a situation, quality, or feature, it makes the situation, quality, or feature appear greater, more obvious, or more important than it really is.,

length , LENGTH , (8. singular noun) .. e.g. I looked along the length of the building. [+ of], .. e.g. The inspiration stemming from his travels lasted the length of his career. [+ of], length , LENGTH

If something happens or exists along the length of something, it happens or exists for the whole way along it.,

grade , GRADE , (1. verb) .. e.g. Dust masks are graded according to the protection they offer. [be VERB-ed], .. e.g. South Point College does not grade the students' work. [VERB noun], .. e.g. ...a three-tier grading system. [VERB-ing], grade , GRADE

If something is graded, its quality is judged, and it is often given a number or a name that indicates how good or bad it is., Synonyms: classify, rate, order, class

inevitable , INEVITABLE , (adjective) .. e.g. If the case succeeds, it is inevitable that other trials will follow., .. e.g. The defeat had inevitable consequences for British policy., .. e.g. The inevitable is something which is inevitable., .. e.g. 'It's just delaying the inevitable,' he said., inevitable , INEVITABLE

If something is inevitable, it is certain to happen and cannot be prevented or avoided., Synonyms: unavoidable, inescapable, inexorable, sure

worth , WORTH , (5. adjective) .. e.g. No one is worth a great deal of sacrifice., .. e.g. I am spending a lot of money and time on this boat, but it is worth it., .. e.g. This restaurant is well worth a visit., .. e.g. It is worth pausing to consider these statements from Mr Davies. , worth , WORTH

If something is worth a particular action, or if an action is worth doing, it is considered to be important enough for that action.,

flutter , FLUTTER , (2. verb) .. e.g. The paper fluttered to the floor. [VERB adverb/preposition], .. e.g. The birds were active, whirring and fluttering among the trees. [VERB], flutter , FLUTTER

If something light such as a small bird or a piece of paper flutters somewhere, it moves through the air with small quick movements., Synonyms: flit, hover, flitter

bridge , BRIDGE , (5. countable noun) .. e.g. We hope this book will act as a bridge between doctor and patient. [+ between], .. e.g. They saw themselves as a bridge to peace. [+ to], bridge , BRIDGE

If something or someone acts as a bridge between two people, groups, or things, they connect them., Synonyms: link, tie, bond, connection

capture , CAPTURE , (2. verb [no cont]) e.g. The mood was captured by a cartoon in the New York Post. [be VERB-ed + by], capture , CAPTURE

If something or someone captures a particular quality, feeling, or atmosphere, they represent or express it successfully.,

capture , CAPTURE , (2. verb [no cont]) .. e.g. The mood was captured by a cartoon in the New York Post. [be VERB-ed + by], capture , CAPTURE

If something or someone captures a particular quality, feeling, or atmosphere, they represent or express it successfully.,

efficient , EFFICIENT , (adjective) .. e.g. With today's more efficient contraception women can plan their families and careers., .. e.g. efficiently, .. e.g. adverb I work very efficiently and am decisive, and accurate in my judgement., efficient , EFFICIENT

If something or someone is efficient, they are able to do tasks successfully, without wasting time or energy.,

risk , RISK , (2. countable noun) .. e.g. You're taking a big risk showing this to Kravis., .. e.g. This was one risk that paid off., risk , RISK

If something that you do is a risk, it might have unpleasant or undesirable results., Synonyms: gamble, chance, venture, speculation

thrill , THRILL , (2. verb) .. e.g. The electric atmosphere both terrified and thrilled him. [VERB noun], .. e.g. The children will thrill at all their favourite characters. [V + at/to], thrill , THRILL

If something thrills you, or if you thrill at it, it gives you a feeling of great pleasure and excitement., Synonyms: excite, stimulate, arouse, move

whisper , WHISPER , (3. verb) .. e.g. [literary] The trees sway and whisper in the wind. [VERB], .. e.g. The car's tires whispered through the puddles. [VERB preposition/adverb], .. e.g. ...whispering ceiling fans. [VERB-ing], .. e.g. Whisper is also a noun., .. e.g. They heard the whisper of leaves., whisper , WHISPER

If something whispers, it makes a low quiet sound which can only just be heard.,

accelerate , ACCELERATE , (1. verb) .. e.g. Growth will accelerate to 2.9% next year. [VERB], .. e.g. The government is to accelerate its privatisation programme. [VERB noun], accelerate , ACCELERATE

If the process or rate of something accelerates or if something accelerates it, it gets faster and faster., Synonyms: expedite, press, forward, promote

stranger , STRANGER , (3. countable noun) .. e.g. 'You don't know much about our town, do you?'—'No, I'm a stranger here.', stranger , STRANGER

If you are a stranger in a place, you do not know the place well.,

stranger , STRANGER , (4. countable noun) .. e.g. He is no stranger to controversy. [+ to], .. e.g. We were both strangers to diplomatic life. [+ to] , stranger , STRANGER

If you are a stranger to something, you have had no experience of it or do not understand it.,

accuse , ACCUSE , (2. verb) .. e.g. Her assistant was accused of theft and fraud by the police. [be VERB-ed + of], .. e.g. All seven charges accused him of lying in his testimony. [VERB noun + of], .. e.g. The accused men have been given relatively light sentences. [VERB-ed] [Also VERB noun]Synonyms: charge with, indict for, impeach for, arraign for , accuse , ACCUSE

If you are accused of a crime, a witness or someone in authority states or claims that you did it, and you may be formally charged with it and put on trial.,

attach , ATTACH , (4. verb) e.g. Banks do have the right to attach conditions to loans. [VERB noun + to], e.g. Magistrates will be able to attach conditions when juveniles are remanded. [VERB noun], attach , ATTACH

If you attach conditions to something such as an agreement, you state that specific things must be done before the agreement is valid.,

attach , ATTACH , (4. verb) .. e.g. Banks do have the right to attach conditions to loans. [VERB noun + to], .. e.g. Magistrates will be able to attach conditions when juveniles are remanded. [VERB noun], attach , ATTACH

If you attach conditions to something such as an agreement, you state that specific things must be done before the agreement is valid.,

attach , ATTACH , (1. verb) e.g. We attach labels to things before we file them away. [VERB noun to noun], e.g. The gadget can be attached to any vertical surface. [be VERB-ed + to], e.g. The astronauts will attach a motor that will boost the satellite into its proper orbit. [VERB noun], e.g. For further information, please contact us on the attached form. [VERB-ed], , attach , ATTACH

If you attach something to an object, you join it or fasten it to the object., ,Synonyms: affix, stick, secure, bind

rely , RELY , (2. verb) .. e.g. I know I can rely on you to sort it out. [VERB + on/upon], .. e.g. The Red Cross are relying on us. [VERB + on/upon] , rely , RELY

If you can rely on someone to work well or to behave as you want them to, you can trust them to do this.,

declare , DECLARE , (2. verb) .. e.g. The government is ready to declare a permanent ceasefire. [VERB noun], .. e.g. His lawyers are confident that the judges will declare Mr Stevens innocent. [VERB noun adjective], .. e.g. The U.N. has declared it to be a safe zone. [VERB noun to-infinitive], .. e.g. On striking his sword on the stone, he declared himself Lord of the City. [VERB noun noun], .. e.g. You may have to declare that you have had an HIV test. [VERB that], declare , DECLARE

If you declare something, you state officially and formally that it exists or is the case.,

defend , DEFEND , (2. verb) .. e.g. Matt defended all of Clarence's decisions, right or wrong. [VERB noun], .. e.g. The author defended herself against charges of plagiarism. [V pron-refl against n], .. e.g. Police chiefs strongly defended police conduct against a wave of criticism. [V n against n] [Also VERB pronoun-reflexive]Synonyms: support, champion, justify, maintain , defend , DEFEND

If you defend someone or something when they have been criticized, you argue in support of them.,

impulsive , IMPULSIVE , (adjective) .. e.g. He is too impulsive to be a responsible prime minister., .. e.g. Avoid making an impulsive decision., .. e.g. impulsively, .. e.g. adverb [ADVERB with verb] He studied her face for a moment, then said impulsively: 'Let's get married.', .. e.g. Impulsively she patted him on the arm., .. e.g. impulsiveness, .. e.g. uncountable noun The president's impulsiveness often worries his advisers., impulsive , IMPULSIVE

If you describe someone as impulsive, you mean that they do things suddenly without thinking about them carefully first., Synonyms: instinctive, emotional, unpredictable, quick

elaborate , ELABORATE , (4. verb) .. e.g. His task was to elaborate policies to make a market economy compatible with a clean, .. e.g. environment. [VERB noun], .. e.g. ...the plan elaborated by the five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council. [VERB noun], .. e.g. elaboration (ɪlæbəreɪʃən, .. e.g. ) uncountable noun ...the elaboration of specific policies and mechanisms. [+ of], elaborate , ELABORATE

If you elaborate a plan or theory, you develop it by making it more complicated and more effective., Synonyms: develop, improve, enhance, polish

elude , ELUDE , (2. verb) .. e.g. He eluded the police for 13 years. [VERB noun] , elude , ELUDE

If you elude someone or something, you avoid them or escape from them.,

encounter , ENCOUNTER , (1. verb) .. e.g. Every day of our lives we encounter stresses of one kind or another. [VERB noun], .. e.g. Thousands of customers have encountered problems. [VERB noun], encounter , ENCOUNTER

If you encounter problems or difficulties, you experience them., Synonyms: experience, meet, face, suffer

encounter , ENCOUNTER , (2. verb) .. e.g. [formal] Did you encounter anyone in the building? [VERB noun], .. e.g. Renata wrote him that she had encountered her long-estranged father. [VERB noun], encounter , ENCOUNTER

If you encounter someone, you meet them, usually unexpectedly.,

exclude , EXCLUDE , (1. verb) .. e.g. The Academy excluded women from its classes. [VERB noun + from], .. e.g. Many of the youngsters feel excluded. [VERB-ed] [Also VERB noun]Synonyms: keep out, bar, ban, veto , exclude , EXCLUDE

If you exclude someone from a place or activity, you prevent them from entering it or taking part in it.,

leeway , LEEWAY , (2. uncountable noun) .. e.g. [mainly British] He just could not make up the leeway from the earlier stages in which Ryan scored, .. e.g. well., leeway , LEEWAY

If you have leeway to make up, you have to work hard because you do not have much time to reach a particular goal.,

locate , LOCATE , (3. verb) .. e.g. [mainly US, business] ...tax breaks for businesses that locate in run-down neighborhoods. [VERB], locate , LOCATE

If you locate in a particular place, you move there or open a business there.,

locate , LOCATE , (2. verb) .. e.g. [formal] Atlanta was voted the best city in which to locate a business by more than 400 chief, .. e.g. executives. [VERB noun preposition/adverb], .. e.g. Tudor Court represents your opportunity to locate at the heart of the new Birmingham. [VERB preposition/adverb], locate , LOCATE

If you locate something in a particular place, you put it there or build it there., Synonyms: place, put, set, position

locate , LOCATE , (1. verb) .. e.g. [formal] The scientists want to locate the position of the gene on a chromosome. [VERB noun], .. e.g. We've simply been unable to locate him. [VERB noun], locate , LOCATE

If you locate something or someone, you find out where they are., Synonyms: find, discover, detect, come across

observe , OBSERVE , (1. verb) .. e.g. Stern also studies and observes the behaviour of babies. [VERB noun], .. e.g. Are there any classes I could observe? [VERB noun], .. e.g. Our sniper teams observed them manning an anti-aircraft gun. [VERB noun verb-ing], observe , OBSERVE

If you observe a person or thing, you watch them carefully, especially in order to learn something about them., Synonyms: watch, study, view, look at

pause , PAUSE , (1. verb) .. e.g. 'It's rather embarrassing,' he began, and paused. [VERB], .. e.g. He had to pause to clear his throat. [VERB], .. e.g. He worked steadily, and fast, pausing only to toss away clumps of grass roots., .. e.g. On leaving, she paused for a moment at the door. [VERB], .. e.g. He talked for two hours without pausing for breath. [VERB + for], pause , PAUSE

If you pause while you are doing something, you stop for a short period and then continue., Synonyms: stop briefly, delay, hesitate, break

perform , PERFORM , (3. verb) .. e.g. Gardiner has pursued relentlessly high standards in performing classical music. [VERB noun], .. e.g. This play was first performed in 411 BC. [be VERB-ed], .. e.g. He began performing in the early fifties, singing and playing guitar. [VERB], perform , PERFORM

If you perform a play, a piece of music, or a dance, you do it in front of an audience., Synonyms: appear on stage, act

plunge , PLUNGE , (4. verb) .. e.g. The two men plunged into discussion. [VERB + into], .. e.g. The prince should be plunged into work. [be VERB-ed + into], .. e.g. Take the opportunity to plunge yourself into your career. [V pron-refl + into], .. e.g. Plunge is also a noun., .. e.g. His sudden plunge into the field of international diplomacy is a major surprise. [+ into] , plunge , PLUNGE

If you plunge into an activity or are plunged into it, you suddenly get very involved in it.,

possess , POSSESS , (1. verb [no passive]) .. e.g. He was then arrested and charged with possessing an offensive weapon. [VERB noun], .. e.g. He is said to possess a fortune of more than two-and-a-half-thousand million dollars. [VERB noun], possess , POSSESS

If you possess something, you have it or own it., Synonyms: own, have, hold, be in possession of

prejudice , PREJUDICE , (2. verb) .. e.g. I think your South American youth has prejudiced you. [VERB noun], .. e.g. The report was held back for fear of prejudicing his trial. [VERB noun], .. e.g. He claimed his case would be prejudiced if it became known he was refusing to answer, .. e.g. questions. [V be V-ed], prejudice , PREJUDICE

If you prejudice someone or something, you influence them so that they are unfair in some way., Synonyms: bias, influence, colour, poison

profit , PROFIT , (2. verb) .. e.g. Footballers are accustomed to profiting handsomely from bonuses. [V + from/by], .. e.g. He has profited by selling his holdings to other investors. [V from/by n/-ing], .. e.g. The dealers profited shamefully at the expense of my family. [VERB], profit , PROFIT

If you profit from something, you earn a profit from it., Synonyms: make money, clear up, gain, earn

provoke , PROVOKE , (1. verb) .. e.g. He started beating me when I was about fifteen but I didn't do anything to provoke, .. e.g. him. [VERB noun], .. e.g. I provoked him into doing something really stupid. [VERB noun + into], provoke , PROVOKE

If you provoke someone, you deliberately annoy them and try to make them behave aggressively., Synonyms: anger, insult, annoy, offend

pursue , PURSUE , (3. verb) .. e.g. [formal] If your original request is denied, don't be afraid to pursue the matter. [VERB noun], pursue , PURSUE

If you pursue a particular topic, you try to find out more about it by asking questions., Synonyms: continue, maintain, carry on, keep on

pursue , PURSUE , (4. verb) .. e.g. [formal] She pursued the man who had stolen a woman's bag. [VERB noun], pursue , PURSUE

If you pursue a person, vehicle, or animal, you follow them, usually in order to catch them., Synonyms: follow, track, hunt, chase

pursue , PURSUE , (1. verb) .. e.g. [formal] He said his country would continue to pursue the policies laid down at the summit. [VERB noun], .. e.g. She had come to England to pursue an acting career. [VERB noun], pursue , PURSUE

If you pursue an activity, interest, or plan, you carry it out or follow it., Synonyms: engage in, follow, perform, conduct

nectar , NECTAR , (2. uncountable noun) .. e.g. [literary, approval] Tony sipped from his glass. 'Mmm. Ambrosia. Nectar of the gods. Divine. Wonderful.' , nectar , NECTAR

If you refer to a drink, especially an alcoholic drink, as nectar, you think it tastes very nice.,

legend , LEGEND , (2. countable noun) .. e.g. [approval] ...blues legends John Lee Hooker and B.B. King., legend , LEGEND

If you refer to someone as a legend, you mean that they are very famous and admired by a lot of people.,

deluge , DELUGE , (3. countable noun) .. e.g. About a dozen homes were damaged in the deluge., deluge , DELUGE

A deluge is a sudden, very heavy fall of rain., Synonyms: flood, spate, overflowing, torrent

meter , METER , (3. countable noun) meter , METER

A meter is the same as a parking meter.,

minute , MINUTE , (1. countable noun) .. e.g. The pizza will then take about twenty minutes to cook., .. e.g. Bye Mum, see you in a minute., .. e.g. Half a minute later she came in the front door., .. e.g. Within minutes we realized our mistake., minute , MINUTE

A minute is one of the sixty parts that an hour is divided into. People often say 'a minute' or 'minutes' when they mean a short length of time., Synonyms: sixty seconds, sixtieth of an hour

switch , SWITCH , (1. countable noun) .. e.g. off., .. e.g. Leona put some detergent into the dishwasher, shut the door and pressed the switch., .. e.g. ...a light switch., switch , SWITCH

A switch is a small control for an electrical device which you use to turn the device on or, Synonyms: control, button, lever, on/off device

eclipse , ECLIPSE , (1. countable noun [oft adjective NOUN]) .. e.g. a short time you cannot see part or all of the moon., .. e.g. ...an eclipse of the sun. [+ of], .. e.g. ...the solar eclipse on May 21st., .. e.g. ...the total lunar eclipse on 10 December., eclipse , ECLIPSE

An eclipse of the sun is an occasion when the moon is between the Earth and the sun, so that for a short time you cannot see part or all of the sun. An eclipse of the moon is an occasion when the Earth is between the sun and the moon, so that for,

economy , ECONOMY , (1. countable noun) .. e.g. are organized., .. e.g. Zimbabwe boasts Africa's most industrialised economy., economy , ECONOMY

An economy is the system according to which the money, industry, and trade of a country or region,

capital , CAPITAL , (3. uncountable noun) .. e.g. [business] With a conventional repayment mortgage, the repayments consist of both capital and, .. e.g. interest., capital , CAPITAL

Capital is the part of an amount of money borrowed or invested which does not include interest.,

length , LENGTH , (6. countable noun) .. e.g. I swim 40 lengths a day., length , LENGTH

If you swim a length in a swimming pool, you swim the distance from one end to the other.,

wisdom , WISDOM , (3. singular noun) .. e.g. Many Lithuanians have expressed doubts about the wisdom of the decision. [+ of], wisdom , WISDOM

If you talk about the wisdom of a particular decision or action, you are talking about how sensible it is., Synonyms: prudence, reason, sense, intelligence

climax , CLIMAX , (3. variable noun) climax , CLIMAX

A climax is an orgasm.,

wander , WANDER , (2. verb) .. e.g. Because Mother is afraid we'll get lost, we aren't allowed to wander far. [VERB adverb/preposition], .. e.g. To keep their bees from wandering, beekeepers feed them sugar solutions. [VERB] , wander , WANDER

If a person or animal wanders from a place where they are supposed to stay, they move away from the place without going in a particular direction.,

plunge , PLUNGE , (3. verb) .. e.g. The government's political and economic reforms threaten to plunge the country into, .. e.g. chaos. [VERB noun + into], .. e.g. 8,000 homes were plunged into darkness as electricity cables crashed down. [VERB noun into noun], .. e.g. Eddy finds himself plunged into a world of brutal violence. [VERB-ed], .. e.g. The economy is plunging into recession. [VERB + into], .. e.g. Plunge is also a noun., .. e.g. That peace often looked like a brief truce before the next plunge into war. [+ into], plunge , PLUNGE

If a person or thing is plunged into a particular state or situation, or if they plunge into it, they are suddenly in that state or situation., Synonyms: throw, cast, pitch, propel

deluge , DELUGE , (2. verb [usually passive]) .. e.g. During 1933, Papen's office was deluged with complaints. [be V-ed + with/by], deluge , DELUGE

If a place or person is deluged with things, a large number of them arrive or happen at the same time., Synonyms: overwhelm, swamp, engulf, overload

weigh , WEIGH , (5. verb) .. e.g. The separation weighed on both of them. [VERB on/upon noun], .. e.g. She knows how your brother's disappearance weighs upon you. [VERB on/upon noun], weigh , WEIGH

If a problem weighs on you, it makes you worried or unhappy.,

cumulative , CUMULATIVE , (adjective) .. e.g. Simple pleasures, such as a walk on a sunny day, have a cumulative effect on our, .. e.g. mood., .. e.g. The benefits from eating fish are cumulative., .. e.g. cumulatively, .. e.g. adverb His administration was plagued by one petty scandal after another, cumulatively very, .. e.g. damaging., cumulative , CUMULATIVE

If a series of events have a cumulative effect, each event makes the effect greater., Synonyms: collective, increasing, aggregate, amassed

frantic , FRANTIC , (2. adjective) .. e.g. A busy night in the restaurant can be frantic in the kitchen., .. e.g. frantically, .. e.g. adverb [ADVERB with verb] We have been frantically trying to save her life., frantic , FRANTIC

If an activity is frantic, things are done quickly and in an energetic but disorganized way, because there is very little time., Synonyms: hectic, desperate, frenzied, fraught [informal]

constant , CONSTANT , (2. adjective) .. e.g. The average speed of the winds remained constant. , constant , CONSTANT

If an amount or level is constant, it stays the same over a particular period of time.,

active , ACTIVE , (2. adjective) .. e.g. ...the tragedy of an active mind trapped by failing physical health., active , ACTIVE

If you have an active mind or imagination, you are always thinking of new things., Synonyms: energetic, strong, spirited, quick

change , CHANGE , (16. uncountable noun) .. e.g. give to someone in exchange., .. e.g. The courier had change for a £10 note. [+ for], .. e.g. make change , change , CHANGE

If you have change for larger notes, bills, or coins, you have the same value in smaller notes, bills, or coins, which you can,

struggle , STRUGGLE , (1. verb) .. e.g. They had to struggle against all kinds of adversity. [VERB preposition], .. e.g. Those who have lost their jobs struggle to pay their supermarket bills. [VERB to-infinitive] [Also VERB]Synonyms: strive, labour, toil, work , struggle , STRUGGLE

If you struggle to do something, you try hard to do it, even though other people or things may be making it difficult for you to succeed.,

frail , FRAIL , (2. adjective) .. e.g. The frail craft rocked as he clambered in., frail , FRAIL

Something that is frail is easily broken or damaged., Synonyms: flimsy, weak, vulnerable, delicate

heat , HEAT , (5. singular noun) .. e.g. Immediately remove the pan from the heat., .. e.g. Some apartment buildings don't have their heat turned on till the end of this week. , heat , HEAT

You use heat to refer to a source of heat, for example a cooking ring or the heating system of a house.,

foot , FOOT , (5. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]) .. e.g. I tried to reach the foot brakes but I couldn't. , foot , FOOT

A foot brake or foot pump is operated by your foot rather than by your hand.,

foot , FOOT , (4. countable noun) .. e.g. This beautiful and curiously shaped lake lies at around fifteen thousand feet., .. e.g. ...a shopping and leisure complex of one million square feet., .. e.g. He occupies a cell 10 foot long, 6 foot wide and 10 foot high., .. e.g. I have to give my height in feet and inches., foot , FOOT

A foot is a unit for measuring length, height, or depth, and is equal to 12 inches or 30.48 centimetres. When you are giving measurements, the form 'foot' is often used as the plural instead of the plural form 'feet'.,

hostile , HOSTILE , (4. adjective) .. e.g. [business] The Malaysian tycoon launched a hostile bid., hostile , HOSTILE

A hostile takeover bid is one that is opposed by the company that is being bid for.,

lifeguard , LIFEGUARD , (countable noun) lifeguard , LIFEGUARD

A lifeguard is a person who works at a beach or swimming pool and rescues people when they are in danger of drowning.,

mailbox , MAILBOX , (2. countable noun) .. e.g. [mainly US]regional note: in BRIT, use post box, mailbox , MAILBOX

A mailbox is a metal box in a public place, where you put letters and packets to be collected. They are then sorted and delivered.,

majority , MAJORITY , (2. countable noun) .. e.g. Members of Parliament approved the move by a majority of ninety-nine., .. e.g. According to most opinion polls, he is set to win a clear majority., .. e.g. The Trust's annual meeting has decided by a narrow majority to ban deer hunting., majority , MAJORITY

A majority is the difference between the number of votes or seats in parliament or legislature that the winner gets in an election, and the number of votes or seats that the next person or party gets., Synonyms: margin, landslide

marsh , MARSH , (variable noun) marsh , MARSH

A marsh is a wet, muddy area of land., Synonyms: swamp, moss [Scottish, Northern England, dialect], bog, slough

measurement , MEASUREMENT , (1. countable noun) .. e.g. We took lots of measurements., .. e.g. The measurements are extraordinarily accurate., measurement , MEASUREMENT

A measurement is a result, usually expressed in numbers, that you obtain by measuring something.,

pause , PAUSE , (2. countable noun) .. e.g. After a pause Alex said sharply: 'I'm sorry if I've upset you'., pause , PAUSE

A pause is a short period when you stop doing something before continuing., Synonyms: stop, break, delay, interval

intelligent , INTELLIGENT , (1. adjective) .. e.g. Susan's a very bright and intelligent woman who knows her own mind., .. e.g. ...lively and intelligent conversation., .. e.g. He ventured the opinion that 'whales are as intelligent as human beings'., .. e.g. intelligently, .. e.g. adverb [ADVERB with verb, ADVERB adjective] They are incapable of thinking intelligently about politics., intelligent , INTELLIGENT

A person or animal that is intelligent has the ability to think, understand, and learn things quickly and well., Synonyms: clever, bright, smart, knowing

personification , PERSONIFICATION , (2. variable noun [usually NOUN of noun]) .. e.g. ...personifications of the attributes of Justice, Prudence and Truth., personification , PERSONIFICATION

A personification of something abstract is its representation in the form of a person.,

plot , PLOT , (1. countable noun [usually NOUN to-infinitive]) .. e.g. Security forces have uncovered a plot to overthrow the government., .. e.g. He was responding to reports of an assassination plot against him. [+ against], plot , PLOT

A plot is a secret plan by a group of people to do something that is illegal or wrong, usually against a person or a government., Synonyms: plan, scheme, intrigue, conspiracy

obstacle , OBSTACLE , (1. countable noun) .. e.g. Most competition cars will only roll over if they hit an obstacle., .. e.g. He left her to navigate her own way round the trolleys and other obstacles., obstacle , OBSTACLE

An obstacle is an object that makes it difficult for you to go where you want to go, because it is in your way., Synonyms: obstruction, block, barrier, hurdle

domestic , DOMESTIC , (3. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]) .. e.g. ...a plan for sharing domestic chores., domestic , DOMESTIC

Domestic duties and activities are concerned with the running of a home and family., Synonyms: household, home, family, private

progressive , PROGRESSIVE , (2. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]) .. e.g. One prominent symptom of the disease is progressive loss of memory., .. e.g. ...the progressive development of a common foreign and security policy., .. e.g. progressively, .. e.g. adverb [ADVERB with verb] Her symptoms became progressively worse., .. e.g. The amount of grant the council received was progressively reduced., progressive , PROGRESSIVE

A progressive change happens gradually over a period of time., Synonyms: growing, continuing, increasing, developing

quest , QUEST , (countable noun [NOUN to-infinitive]) .. e.g. [literary] My quest for a better bank continues. [+ for], .. e.g. ...his quest to find true love., .. e.g. in quest of , quest , QUEST

A quest is a long and difficult search for something.,

circuit , CIRCUIT , (4. countable noun) .. e.g. [mainly British], circuit , CIRCUIT

A racing circuit is a track on which cars, motorbikes, or cycles race.,

triumph , TRIUMPH , (1. variable noun) .. e.g. The championships proved to be a personal triumph for the coach. [+ for], .. e.g. Cataract operations are a triumph of modern surgery. [+ of], .. e.g. In the moment of triumph I felt uneasy., triumph , TRIUMPH

A triumph is a great success or achievement, often one that has been gained with a lot of skill or effort., Synonyms: success, victory, accomplishment, mastery

figurative , FIGURATIVE , (2. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]) .. e.g. His career spanned some 50 years and encompassed both abstract and figurative painting., figurative , FIGURATIVE

Figurative art is a style of art in which people and things are shown in a realistic way.,

space , SPACE , (8. uncountable noun) .. e.g. She felt herself transcending time and space., .. e.g. The physical universe is finite in space and time., space , SPACE

Space is the whole area within which everything exists.,

adjective , ADJECTIVE , (adjective) .. e.g. ), .. e.g. Word forms: plural adjectives, adjective , ADJECTIVE

(ædʒɪktɪv, adjective , ADJECTIVE;;;An adjective is a word such as 'big', 'dead', or 'financial' that describes a person or thing, or gives extra information about them. Adjectives usually come before nouns or after link verbs.,

spring , SPRING , (3. countable noun [usually plural]) .. e.g. from that place., .. e.g. To the north are the hot springs of Banyas de Sant Loan., spring , SPRING

A spring is a place where water comes up through the ground. It is also the water that comes, Synonyms: geyser, hot spring, fount [literary], well head

struggle , STRUGGLE , (2. variable noun [NOUN to-infinitive]) .. e.g. Life became a struggle for survival. [+ for], .. e.g. ...a young lad's struggle to support his poverty-stricken family., .. e.g. He is currently locked in a power struggle with his Prime Minister. [+ with], struggle , STRUGGLE

A struggle is a long and difficult attempt to achieve something such as freedom or political rights., Synonyms: effort, labour, toil, work

supplement , SUPPLEMENT , (3. countable noun) .. e.g. ...a special supplement to a monthly financial magazine., supplement , SUPPLEMENT

A supplement is a separate part of a magazine or newspaper, often dealing with a particular topic., Synonyms: pull-out, insert, magazine section, added feature

active , ACTIVE , (4. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]) .. e.g. [emphasis] Companies need to take active steps to increase exports., .. e.g. ...active discouragement from teachers. , .. e.g. actively, .. e.g. adverb [usually ADVERB with verb] They have never been actively encouraged to take such risks., .. e.g. ...the White House says the president is not actively considering such a move., active , ACTIVE

Active is used to emphasize that someone is taking action in order to achieve something, rather than just hoping for it or achieving it in an indirect way.,

agriculture , AGRICULTURE , (uncountable noun) .. e.g. The Ukraine is strong both in industry and agriculture., .. e.g. agriculturally, .. e.g. adverb [usually ADVERB adjective/-ed] ...the agriculturally important north-west of India., agriculture , AGRICULTURE

Agriculture is farming and the methods that are used to raise and look after crops and animals., Synonyms: farming, culture, cultivation, husbandry

ambition , AMBITION , (2. uncountable noun) .. e.g. Even when I was young I never had any ambition., .. e.g. ...a mixture of ambition and ruthlessness., ambition , AMBITION

Ambition is the desire to be successful, rich, or powerful., Synonyms: enterprise, longing, drive, fire

advantage , ADVANTAGE , (3. countable noun) .. e.g. The great advantage of home-grown oranges is their magnificent flavour., .. e.g. This custom-built kitchen has many advantages over a standard one. [+ over], advantage , ADVANTAGE

An advantage is a way in which one thing is better than another., Synonyms: superiority, good, worth, gain

advantage , ADVANTAGE , (1. countable noun) .. e.g. They are deliberately flouting the law in order to obtain an advantage over their, .. e.g. competitors. [+ over], .. e.g. A good crowd will be a definite advantage to me and the rest of the team. [+ to], advantage , ADVANTAGE

An advantage is something that puts you in a better position than other people., Synonyms: benefit, use, start, help

anguish , ANGUISH , (uncountable noun) .. e.g. [written] A cry of anguish burst from her lips., .. e.g. Mark looked at him in anguish., anguish , ANGUISH

Anguish is great mental suffering or physical pain., Synonyms: suffering, pain, torture, distress

capital , CAPITAL , (1. uncountable noun) .. e.g. [business] Companies are having difficulty in raising capital., .. e.g. A large amount of capital is invested in all these branches., capital , CAPITAL

Capital is a large sum of money which you use to start a business, or which you invest in order to make more money.,

cardboard , CARDBOARD , (uncountable noun [oft NOUN noun]) .. e.g. ...a cardboard box., .. e.g. ...a life-size cardboard cut-out of a police officer., cardboard , CARDBOARD

Cardboard is thick, stiff paper that is used, for example, to make boxes and models.,

bold , BOLD , (5. uncountable noun [usually NOUN noun]) .. e.g. [technical] , bold , BOLD

Bold is print which is thicker and looks blacker than ordinary printed letters.,

bold , BOLD , (4. adjective) .. e.g. Each picture is shown in colour on one page and as a bold outline on the opposite, .. e.g. page., bold , BOLD

Bold lines or designs are drawn in a clear, strong way.,

chill , CHILL , (6. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]) .. e.g. ...chill winds, rain and choppy seas. , .. e.g. Chill is also a noun., .. e.g. September is here, bringing with it a chill in the mornings., .. e.g. ...the cold chill of the night. [+ of], .. e.g. Phrasal verbs:, .. e.g. chill out, chill , CHILL

Chill weather is cold and unpleasant.,

clarity , CLARITY , (2. uncountable noun) .. e.g. In business circles he is noted for his flair and clarity of vision. [+ of], clarity , CLARITY

Clarity is the ability to think clearly.,

clarity , CLARITY , (3. uncountable noun) .. e.g. This remarkable technology provides far greater clarity than conventional x-rays. , clarity , CLARITY

Clarity is the quality of being clear in outline or sound.,

cling , CLING , (3. verb) .. e.g. His sodden trousers were clinging to his shins. [VERB to noun], .. e.g. clinging, .. e.g. graded adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun] ...clinging black garments., cling , CLING

Clothes that cling to you stay pressed against your body when you move., Synonyms: stick to, attach to, adhere to, fasten to

economy , ECONOMY , (3. uncountable noun) .. e.g. something, so that nothing is wasted., .. e.g. ...improvements in the fuel economy of cars., .. e.g. There was mostly silence. I have never known such economy with words., economy , ECONOMY

Economy is the use of the minimum amount of money, time, or other resources needed to achieve,

economy , ECONOMY , (5. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]) economy , ECONOMY

Economy services such as travel are cheap and have no luxuries or extras.,

former , FORMER , (3. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]) .. e.g. a particular thing., .. e.g. ...the former home of Sir Christopher Wren., .. e.g. ...a former monastery. , former , FORMER

Former is used to describe something which used to belong to someone or which used to be,

attract , ATTRACT , (5. verb) .. e.g. Anything with strong gravity attracts other things to it. [VERB noun + to] [Also VERB noun]Synonyms: pull [informal], draw, magnetize , attract , ATTRACT

If one object attracts another object, it causes the second object to move towards it.,

idiom , IDIOM , (3. uncountable noun) .. e.g. [formal] And nothing was so irritating as the confident way he used archaic idiom., .. e.g. ...her command of the Chinese idiom., idiom , IDIOM

Idiom of a particular kind is the language that people use at a particular time or in a particular place.,

spring , SPRING , (8. verb) .. e.g. The yacht has sprung a leak in the hull. [VERB noun], spring , SPRING

If a boat or container springs a leak, water or some other liquid starts coming in or out through a crack.,

accommodate , ACCOMMODATE , (1. verb [no cont]) .. e.g. The school in Poldown was not big enough to accommodate all the children. [VERB noun], .. e.g. Floors are flat where possible and doors and corridors can accommodate wheelchairs. [VERB noun], accommodate , ACCOMMODATE

If a building or space can accommodate someone or something, it has enough room for them., Synonyms: hold, take, seat, contain

dominate , DOMINATE , (3. verb) .. e.g. It's one of the biggest buildings in this area, and it really dominates this whole, .. e.g. place. [VERB noun], .. e.g. ...its skyline dominated by the central mosque. [VERB noun], dominate , DOMINATE

If a building, mountain, or other object dominates an area, it is so large or impressive that you cannot avoid seeing it.,

recall , RECALL , (6. verb) .. e.g. The toy company said it was recalling the building set. [VERB noun], .. e.g. More than 3,000 cars were recalled yesterday because of a brake problem. [VERB noun], recall , RECALL

If a company recalls a product, it asks the shops or the people who have bought that product to return it because there is something wrong with it.,

cable , CABLE , (6. verb [usually passive]) .. e.g. In France, 27 major cities are soon to be cabled. [be VERB-ed], .. e.g. In the U.K., 254,000 homes are cabled. [VERB-ed] , cable , CABLE

If a country, a city, or someone's home is cabled, cables and other equipment are put in place so that the people there can receive cable television.,

weigh , WEIGH , (3. verb) .. e.g. She weighed her options. [VERB noun], .. e.g. He is weighing the possibility of filing criminal charges against the doctor. [VERB noun], .. e.g. She spoke very slowly, weighing what she would say. [VERB wh], .. e.g. Weigh up means the same as weigh., .. e.g. [mainly British] The company will be able to weigh up the environmental pros and cons of each site. [VERB PARTICLE noun], .. e.g. You have to weigh up whether a human life is more important than an animal's life. [VERB PARTICLE wh] [Also VERB noun PARTICLE]Synonyms: compare, balance, contrast, juxtapose , weigh , WEIGH

If you weigh the facts about a situation, you consider them very carefully before you make a decision, especially by comparing the various facts involved., Synonyms: consider, study, examine, contemplate

weigh , WEIGH , (4. verb) .. e.g. He said the words very slowly, as if weighing each one of them. [VERB noun] , weigh , WEIGH

If you weigh your words, you think very carefully before you say something.,

reverse , REVERSE , (5. uncountable noun [usu in/into N]) .. e.g. He lurched the car in reverse along the ruts to the access road., reverse , REVERSE

If your car is in reverse, you have changed gear so that you can drive it backwards.,

voice , VOICE , (5. singular noun) voice , VOICE

In grammar, if a verb is in the active voice, the person who performs the action is the subject of the verb. If a verb is in the passive voice, the thing or person affected by the action is the subject of the verb.,

progressive , PROGRESSIVE , (3. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]) progressive , PROGRESSIVE

In grammar, progressive means the same as continuous.,

individual , INDIVIDUAL , (1. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]) .. e.g. They wait for the group to decide rather than making individual decisions., .. e.g. Aid to individual countries would be linked to progress towards democracy., .. e.g. Divide the vegetables among four individual dishes., .. e.g. individually, .. e.g. adverb [usually ADVERB with verb, ADVERB adjective] ...cheeses which come in individually wrapped segments., .. e.g. There are 96 pieces and they are worth, individually and collectively, a lot of money., individual , INDIVIDUAL

Individual means relating to one person or thing, rather than to a large group., Synonyms: separate, single, independent, isolated Synonyms: separately, independently, singly, one by one

laundry , LAUNDRY , (1. uncountable noun) .. e.g. I'll do your laundry., .. e.g. ...the room where I hang the laundry., .. e.g. He'd put his dirty laundry in the clothes basket. [+ in], laundry , LAUNDRY

Laundry is used to refer to clothes, sheets, and towels that are about to be washed, are being washed, or have just been washed.,

literature , LITERATURE , (3. uncountable noun) .. e.g. I am sending you literature from two other companies that provide a similar service. [+ from], .. e.g. Some companies have toned down the claims on their promotional literature., literature , LITERATURE

Literature is written information produced by people who want to sell you something or give you advice., Synonyms: information, publicity, leaflet, brochure

majority , MAJORITY , (4. uncountable noun [oft with poss]) .. e.g. The age of majority in Romania is eighteen., .. e.g. Once you reach your majority, you may do what you damned well please., majority , MAJORITY

Majority is the state of legally being an adult. In Britain and most states in the United States, people reach their majority at the age of eighteen., Synonyms: adulthood, maturity, age of consent, seniority

majority , MAJORITY , (3. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]) .. e.g. ...her continuing disagreement with the majority view., .. e.g. A majority vote of 75% is required from shareholders for the plan to go ahead., majority , MAJORITY

Majority is used to describe opinions, decisions, and systems of government that are supported by more than half the people involved.,

marvel , MARVEL , (3. countable noun [usually plural]) .. e.g. She almost died, but the hospital's skill achieved great marvels., .. e.g. He's done marvels with the team., .. e.g. It was a marvel that the floor never gave way., marvel , MARVEL

Marvels are things that people have done, or that have happened, which are very unexpected or surprising.,

objective , OBJECTIVE , (2. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]) .. e.g. He had no objective evidence that anything extraordinary was happening., .. e.g. objectively, .. e.g. adverb [usually ADVERB with verb] We simply want to inform people objectively about events., .. e.g. objectivity (ɒbdʒektɪvɪti, .. e.g. ) uncountable noun The poll, whose objectivity is open to question, gave the party a 39% share of the, .. e.g. vote., objective , OBJECTIVE

Objective information is based on facts.,

predator , PREDATOR , (2. countable noun) .. e.g. The company is worried about takeovers by various predators. , predator , PREDATOR

People sometimes refer to predatory people or organizations as predators.,

opposite , OPPOSITE , (3. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun, verb-link ADJECTIVE, Also v-link ADJ to n]) .. e.g. All the cars driving in the opposite direction had their headlights on., .. e.g. I should have written the notes in the opposite order., .. e.g. In fact everything he does is opposite to what is considered normal behaviour., opposite , OPPOSITE

Opposite is used to describe things of the same kind which are completely different in a particular way. For example, north and south are opposite directions, and winning and losing are opposite results in a game., Synonyms: different, conflicting, opposed, contrasted

spoil , SPOIL , (7. spoilt for choice/spoiled for choice ) .. e.g. spoil for, spoil , SPOIL

Phrasal verbs:,

spring , SPRING , (10. to spring to mind) .. e.g. spring up, spring , SPRING

Phrasal verbs:,

tone , TONE , (12. lower the tone of sth) .. e.g. tone down, .. e.g. tone in, .. e.g. tone up, tone , TONE

Phrasal verbs:,

watch , WATCH , (16. to watch your step) .. e.g. watch for, .. e.g. watch out, .. e.g. watch out for, .. e.g. watch over, watch , WATCH

Phrasal verbs:,

prejudice , PREJUDICE , (1. variable noun) .. e.g. Ghaffur alleged that he was repeatedly subjected to racial prejudice. , .. e.g. There is widespread prejudice against workers over 45., .. e.g. He said he hoped the Swiss authorities would investigate the case thoroughly and, .. e.g. without prejudice., prejudice , PREJUDICE

Prejudice is an unreasonable dislike of a particular group of people or things, or a preference for one group of people or things over another.,

primary , PRIMARY , (2. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]) .. e.g. [British] Britain did not introduce compulsory primary education until 1880., .. e.g. Ninety-nine per cent of primary pupils now have hands-on experience of computers., .. e.g. ...primary teachers.regional note: in AM, use elementary, primary , PRIMARY

Primary education is given to pupils between the ages of 5 and 11.,

primary , PRIMARY , (3. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]) .. e.g. It is not the primary tumour that kills, but secondary growths elsewhere in the body., .. e.g. They have been barred from primary bidding for clients. , primary , PRIMARY

Primary is used to describe something that occurs first.,

primitive , PRIMITIVE , (1. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]) .. e.g. ...studies of primitive societies., .. e.g. ...primitive tribes., primitive , PRIMITIVE

Primitive means belonging to a society in which people live in a very simple way, usually without industries or a writing system., Synonyms: uncivilized, savage, barbarian, barbaric

remorse , REMORSE , (uncountable noun) .. e.g. He was full of remorse., .. e.g. He has shown no remorse for his actions., remorse , REMORSE

Remorse is a strong feeling of sadness and regret about something wrong that you have done., Synonyms: regret, shame, guilt, pity

remote , REMOTE , (1. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]) .. e.g. Landslides have cut off many villages in remote areas., .. e.g. ...a remote farm in the Yorkshire dales., .. e.g. remoteness, .. e.g. uncountable noun ...the remoteness of the island., remote , REMOTE

Remote areas are far away from cities and places where most people live, and are therefore difficult to get to., Synonyms: distant, far, isolated, lonely

responsible , RESPONSIBLE , (4. adjective) .. e.g. He's a very responsible sort of person., .. e.g. He feels that the media should be more responsible in what they report., .. e.g. responsibly, .. e.g. adverb [ADVERB with verb] He urged everyone to act responsibly., responsible , RESPONSIBLE

Responsible people behave properly and sensibly, without needing to be supervised., Synonyms: sensible, sound, adult, stable

rural , RURAL , (1. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]) .. e.g. These plants have a tendency to grow in the more rural areas., .. e.g. ...the closure of rural schools., rural , RURAL

Rural places are far away from large towns or cities., Synonyms: agricultural, country, farming, agrarian

suburban , SUBURBAN , (1. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]) .. e.g. ...a comfortable suburban home., .. e.g. ...a suburban shopping centre in Sydney., suburban , SUBURBAN

Suburban means relating to a suburb.,

arctic , ARCTIC , (1. proper noun) .. e.g. ...winter in the Arctic., .. e.g. ...Arctic ice., arctic , ARCTIC

The Arctic is the area of the world around the North Pole. It is extremely cold and there is very little light in winter and very little darkness in summer.,

bridge , BRIDGE , (9. countable noun [usually singular]) bridge , BRIDGE

The bridge of a violin, guitar, or other stringed instrument is the small piece of wood under the strings that holds them up.,

bridge , BRIDGE , (7. countable noun [usually singular]) .. e.g. On the bridge of his hooked nose was a pair of gold rimless spectacles. [+ of] , bridge , BRIDGE

The bridge of your nose is the thin top part of it, between your eyes.,

heat , HEAT , (3. uncountable noun) .. e.g. As an asthmatic, he cannot cope with the heat and humidity., .. e.g. This heat is killing me., .. e.g. the heat of the day , heat , HEAT

The heat is very hot weather.,

boundary , BOUNDARY , (1. countable noun) .. e.g. ...the Bow Brook which forms the western boundary of the wood. [+ of], .. e.g. Drug traffickers operate across national boundaries. [Also + between]Synonyms: frontier, edge, border, march , boundary , BOUNDARY

The boundary of an area of land is an imaginary line that separates it from other areas.,

coast , COAST , (1. countable noun [oft adjective NOUN]) .. e.g. Campsites are usually situated along the coast, close to beaches., .. e.g. ...the west coast of Scotland. [+ of], coast , COAST

The coast is an area of land that is next to the sea., Synonyms: shore, border, beach, strand

consequence , CONSEQUENCE , (1. countable noun) .. e.g. Her lawyer said she understood the consequences of her actions and was prepared to, .. e.g. go to jail. [+ of], .. e.g. An economic crisis may have tremendous consequences for our global security. [+ for], consequence , CONSEQUENCE

The consequences of something are the results or effects of it., Synonyms: result, effect, outcome, repercussion

context , CONTEXT , (2. variable noun) .. e.g. its meaning clear., .. e.g. Without a context, I would have assumed it was written by a man., context , CONTEXT

The context of a word, sentence, or text consists of the words, sentences, or text before and after it which help to make, Synonyms: frame of reference, background, framework, relation

equivalent , EQUIVALENT , (2. countable noun [usually with poss]) .. e.g. ...the civil administrator of the West Bank and his equivalent in Gaza., .. e.g. ...the Red Cross emblem, and its equivalent in Muslim countries, the Red Crescent., .. e.g. Equivalent is also an adjective., .. e.g. ...a decrease of 10% in property investment compared with the equivalent period last, .. e.g. year., equivalent , EQUIVALENT

The equivalent of someone or something is a person or thing that has the same function in a different place, time, or system., Synonyms: equal, counterpart, correspondent, twin

foot , FOOT , (3. singular noun) .. e.g. Friends stood at the foot of the bed, looking at her with serious faces. [+ of], foot , FOOT

The foot of a bed is the end nearest to the feet of the person lying in it., Synonyms: bottom, end, base, foundation

foot , FOOT , (2. singular noun) .. e.g. David called to the children from the foot of the stairs. [+ of], .. e.g. ...the foot of Highgate Hill., .. e.g. A single word at the foot of a page caught her eye. [+ of] , foot , FOOT

The foot of something is the part that is farthest from its top.,

length , LENGTH , (3. variable noun [oft with poss]) .. e.g. The exact length of each period may vary. [+ of], .. e.g. His film, over two hours in length, is a subtle study of family life., length , LENGTH

The length of an event, activity, or situation is the period of time from beginning to end for which something lasts or during which something happens., Synonyms: duration, term, period, space

length , LENGTH , (5. uncountable noun) .. e.g. Many have been surprised at the length of time it has taken him to make up his mind. [+ of], .. e.g. I noticed, too, the length of her fingers. [+ of], length , LENGTH

The length of something is its quality of being long., Synonyms: lengthiness, extent, elongation, wordiness

length , LENGTH , (1. variable noun [oft with poss]) .. e.g. side., .. e.g. It is about a metre in length., .. e.g. ...the length of the fish. [+ of], .. e.g. The plane had a wing span of 34ft and a length of 22ft. [+ of], length , LENGTH

The length of something is the amount that it measures from one end to the other along the longest, Synonyms: distance, reach, measure, extent

nation , NATION , (2. singular noun) .. e.g. [journalism] It was a story that touched the nation's heart., nation , NATION

The nation is sometimes used to refer to all the people who live in a particular country., Synonyms: public, people, community, society

onset , ONSET , (singular noun) .. e.g. Most of the passes have been closed with the onset of winter. [+ of], onset , ONSET

The onset of something is the beginning of it, used especially to refer to something unpleasant.,

opponent , OPPONENT , (3. countable noun) .. e.g. ...opponents of the spread of nuclear weapons. [+ of], .. e.g. He became an outspoken opponent of the government., opponent , OPPONENT

The opponents of an idea or policy do not agree with it and do not want it to be carried out., Synonyms: opposer, dissident, objector, dissentient

outcome , OUTCOME , (countable noun [usually singular]) .. e.g. Mr. Singh said he was pleased with the outcome., .. e.g. It's too early to know the outcome of her illness. [+ of], .. e.g. ...a successful outcome., outcome , OUTCOME

The outcome of an activity, process, or situation is the situation that exists at the end of it., Synonyms: result, end, consequence, conclusion

thread , THREAD , (2. countable noun) .. e.g. The thread running through many of these proposals was the theme of opportunity., .. e.g. All religions are united by the common threads of fighting evil and helping others., .. e.g. The possible consequences so filled his mind that he lost the thread of Wan Da's, .. e.g. narrative., thread , THREAD

The thread of an argument, a story, or a situation is an aspect of it that connects all the different parts together.,

resident , RESIDENT , (1. countable noun [usually plural]) .. e.g. ...building low-cost homes for local residents., .. e.g. More than 10 percent of the city's residents live below the poverty line., resident , RESIDENT

The residents of a house or area are the people who live there., Synonyms: inhabitant, citizen, native, householder

resolution , RESOLUTION , (5. singular noun) .. e.g. [formal] ...the successful resolution of a dispute. [+ to/of], .. e.g. ...in order to find a peaceful resolution to the crisis., resolution , RESOLUTION

The resolution of a problem or difficulty is the final solving of it., Synonyms: solution, end, settlement, outcome

reverse , REVERSE , (9. singular noun) .. e.g. Write your address on the reverse of the cheque. , reverse , REVERSE

The reverse or the reverse side of a flat object which has two sides is the less important or the other side.,

salvage , SALVAGE , (3. uncountable noun) .. e.g. it., .. e.g. They climbed up on the rock with their salvage., salvage , SALVAGE

The salvage from somewhere such as a damaged ship or building is the things that are saved from, Synonyms: scrap, remains, waste, junk

tone , TONE , (4. singular noun) .. e.g. The high tone of the occasion was assured by the presence of a dozen wealthy patrons., .. e.g. The front desk, with its friendly, helpful staff, sets the tone for the rest of the, .. e.g. store., tone , TONE

The tone of a place or an event is its general atmosphere.,

tone , TONE , (1. countable noun [usually plural]) .. e.g. Cross could hear him speaking in low tones to Sarah., .. e.g. ...the clear tone of the bell. [+ of], tone , TONE

The tone of a sound is its particular quality., Synonyms: volume, timbre, tonality

spoil , SPOIL , (6. plural noun) .. e.g. True to military tradition, the victors are now treating themselves to the spoils, .. e.g. of war., .. e.g. Competing warlords and foreign powers scrambled for political spoils., spoil , SPOIL

The spoils of something are things that people get as a result of winning a battle or of doing something successfully.,

theory , THEORY , (3. uncountable noun) .. e.g. He taught us music theory., .. e.g. ...graduates who are well-trained in both the theory and practice of statistics. [Also + of], theory , THEORY

The theory of a practical subject or skill is the set of rules and principles that form the basis of it.,

volume , VOLUME , (6. uncountable noun) .. e.g. He turned down the volume., .. e.g. He came to complain about the volume of the music. [+ of], volume , VOLUME

The volume of a radio, television, or sound system is the loudness of the sound it produces., Synonyms: loudness, sound, amplification

volume , VOLUME , (1. countable noun [usually singular]) .. e.g. Senior officials will be discussing how the volume of sales might be reduced. [+ of], .. e.g. ...the sheer volume of traffic and accidents. [+ of], volume , VOLUME

The volume of something is the amount of it that there is.,

timid , TIMID , (1. adjective) .. e.g. A timid child, Isabella had learned obedience at an early age., .. e.g. timidity (tɪmɪdɪti, .. e.g. ) uncountable noun She doesn't ridicule my timidity., .. e.g. timidly, .. e.g. adverb [usually ADVERB with verb] The little boy stepped forward timidly and shook Leo's hand., timid , TIMID

Timid people are shy, nervous, and have no courage or confidence in themselves., Synonyms: nervous, shy, retiring, modest

liberate , LIBERATE , (3. verb) .. e.g. The government is devising a plan to liberate prisoners held in detention camps. [VERB noun], liberate , LIBERATE

To liberate a prisoner means to set them free.,

unruly , UNRULY , (2. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]) .. e.g. The man had a huge head of remarkably black, unruly hair., unruly , UNRULY

Unruly hair is difficult to keep tidy.,

urban , URBAN , (adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]) .. e.g. Most of the population is an urban population., .. e.g. Most urban areas are close to a park., .. e.g. ...urban planning., urban , URBAN

Urban means belonging to, or relating to, a town or city., Synonyms: civic, city, town, metropolitan

vibrant , VIBRANT , (2. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]) .. e.g. Horizon Blue, Corn Yellow and Pistachio Green are just three of the vibrant colours, .. e.g. in this range., .. e.g. The grass was a vibrant green., .. e.g. ...vibrant turquoise scarfs., .. e.g. vibrantly, .. e.g. adverb [ADVERB adjective] ...a selection of vibrantly coloured cast-iron saucepans., vibrant , VIBRANT

Vibrant colours are very bright and clear.,

defend , DEFEND , (3. verb) .. e.g. ...a lawyer who defended political prisoners during the military regime. [VERB noun], .. e.g. He has hired a lawyer to defend him against the allegations. [VERB noun + against], .. e.g. Guy Powell, defending, told magistrates: 'It's a sad and disturbing case.' [VERB], defend , DEFEND

When a lawyer defends a person who has been accused of something, the lawyer argues on their behalf in a court of law that the charges are not true.,

reverse , REVERSE , (4. verb) .. e.g. [mainly British] Another car reversed out of the drive. [VERB], .. e.g. He reversed and drove away. [VERB], .. e.g. He reversed his car straight at the policeman. [VERB noun]regional note: in AM, usually use back upSynonyms: go backwards, retreat, back up, turn back , reverse , REVERSE

When a car reverses or when you reverse it, the car is driven backwards.,

wisdom , WISDOM , (2. variable noun) .. e.g. ...a folksy piece of wisdom., .. e.g. ...this church's original Semitic wisdom, religion and faith., .. e.g. ...a simpler and more humane approach, based on ancient wisdoms and 'natural' mechanisms., wisdom , WISDOM

Wisdom is the store of knowledge that a society or culture has collected over a long period of time., Synonyms: knowledge, learning, philosophy, scholarship

woe , WOE , (1. uncountable noun) .. e.g. [literary] He listened to my tale of woe., woe , WOE

Woe is very great sadness., Synonyms: misery, suffering, trouble, pain

measurement , MEASUREMENT , (4. plural noun [with poss]) measurement , MEASUREMENT

Your measurements are the size of your waist, chest, hips, and other parts of your body, which you need to know when you are buying clothes.,

worth , WORTH , (2. countable noun) .. e.g. I went and bought about six dollars' worth of potato chips. [+ of], .. e.g. The prepaid sim card gives you ten euros-worth of calls. , .. e.g. Worth is also a pronoun., .. e.g. 'How many do you want?'—'I'll have a pound's worth.', worth , WORTH

Worth combines with amounts of money, so that when you talk about a particular amount of money's worth of something, you mean the quantity of it that you can buy for that amount of money.,

worth , WORTH , (3. countable noun) .. e.g. You've got three years' worth of research money to do what you want with. [+ of], .. e.g. The film is his own compilation of more than 50 hours-worth of footage., .. e.g. Worth is also a pronoun., .. e.g. There's really not very much food down there. About two weeks' worth. , worth , WORTH

Worth combines with time expressions, so you can use worth when you are saying how long an amount of something will last. For example, a week's worth of food is the amount of food that will last you for a week.,

brief , BRIEF , (4. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]) .. e.g. [emphasis] For a few brief minutes we forgot the anxiety and anguish. , brief , BRIEF

You can describe a period of time as brief if you want to emphasize that it is very short.,

slippery , SLIPPERY , (2. adjective) .. e.g. [disapproval] He is a slippery customer, and should be carefully watched., slippery , SLIPPERY

You can describe someone as slippery if you think that they are dishonest in a clever way and cannot be trusted.,

marvel , MARVEL , (2. countable noun) .. e.g. The whale, like the dolphin, has become a symbol of the marvels of creation. [+ of], marvel , MARVEL

You can describe something or someone as a marvel to indicate that you think that they are wonderful., Synonyms: wonder, phenomenon, miracle, portent

strive , STRIVE , (singular present) .. e.g. , present participle striving, .. e.g. language note: The past tense is either strove or strived, and the past participle is either striven or strived.verb, .. e.g. If you strive to do something or strive for something, you make a great effort to do it or get it., .. e.g. He strives hard to keep himself very fit. [VERB to-infinitive], .. e.g. She strove to read the name on the stone pillar. [VERB to-infinitive], .. e.g. The region must now strive for economic development as well as peace. [VERB + for] [Also VERB]Synonyms: try, labour, struggle, fight , .. e.g. striving, .. e.g. Word forms: plural strivings uncountable noun [also NOUN in plural] ...a politician consumed by his own passionate striving for leadership., strive , STRIVE

tense strives,

swift , SWIFT , (3. countable noun) swift , SWIFT

A swift is a small bird with long curved wings.,

bold , BOLD , (3. adjective) .. e.g. ...bold flowers in various shades of red, blue or white., .. e.g. ...bold, dramatic colours., .. e.g. boldly, .. e.g. adverb The design is pretty startling and very boldly coloured., bold , BOLD

A bold colour or pattern is very bright and noticeable., Synonyms: bright, conspicuous, strong, striking

border , BORDER , (3. countable noun) .. e.g. ...pillowcases trimmed with a hand-crocheted border., border , BORDER

A border is a strip or band around the edge of something., Synonyms: edge, lip, margin, skirt

brochure , BROCHURE , (countable noun) .. e.g. ...travel brochures., brochure , BROCHURE

A brochure is a magazine or thin book with pictures that gives you information about a product or service., Synonyms: booklet, advertisement, leaflet, hand-out

bridge , BRIDGE , (11. uncountable noun) bridge , BRIDGE

Bridge is a card game for four players in which the players begin by declaring how many tricks they expect to win.,

cordial , CORDIAL , (2. variable noun) .. e.g. [British] ...fruit cordials., cordial , CORDIAL

Cordial is a sweet non-alcoholic drink made from fruit juice.,

reunite , REUNITE , (2. verb) .. e.g. ...a federation under which the divided island would be reunited. [be VERB-ed], .. e.g. His first job will be to reunite the army. [VERB noun], .. e.g. In 1939 the northern and southern churches reunited as the Methodist Church. [VERB] , reunite , REUNITE

If a divided organization or country is reunited, or if it reunites, it becomes one united organization or country again.,

examine , EXAMINE , (2. verb) .. e.g. Another doctor examined her and could still find nothing wrong. [VERB noun], .. e.g. He was examined again and then prescribed a different herbal medicine. [VERB noun], .. e.g. examination, .. e.g. variable noun He was later discharged after an examination at Westminster Hospital., .. e.g. Further examination is needed to exclude the chance of disease., examine , EXAMINE

If a doctor examines you, he or she looks at your body, feels it, or does simple tests in order to check how healthy you are., Synonyms: check, analyse, check over Synonyms: checkup, analysis, going-over [informal], exploration Synonyms: exam, test, research, paper Synonyms: questioning, inquiry, probe, quizzing

plain , PLAIN , (3. adjective [usually verb-link ADJECTIVE]) .. e.g. It was plain to him that I was having a nervous breakdown., .. e.g. He's made it plain that he loves the game and wants to be involved still., plain , PLAIN

If a fact, situation, or statement is plain, it is easy to recognize or understand., Synonyms: clear, obvious, patent, evident

possess , POSSESS , (3. verb) .. e.g. [literary] Absolute terror possessed her. [VERB noun], .. e.g. Tsvetayeva was possessed by a frenzied urge to get out of Moscow. [VERB noun], possess , POSSESS

If a feeling or belief possesses you, it strongly influences your thinking or behaviour., Synonyms: control, influence, dominate, consume

describe , DESCRIBE , (2. verb) .. e.g. He described it as an extraordinarily tangled and complicated tale. [VERB noun + as], .. e.g. Eriksson described him as 'the best player on the pitch'. [VERB noun as noun], .. e.g. Even his closest allies describe him as forceful, aggressive and determined. [V n as adj], .. e.g. He described the meeting as marking a new stage in the peace process. [VERB noun + as], describe , DESCRIBE

If a person describes someone or something as a particular thing, he or she believes that they are that thing and says so., Synonyms: portray, depict, characterize, call

reunite , REUNITE , (1. verb) .. e.g. She and her youngest son were finally allowed to be reunited with their family. [be VERB-ed + with], .. e.g. She spent years trying to reunite father and son. [VERB noun], .. e.g. The band will reunite for this show only. [VERB], reunite , REUNITE

If people are reunited, or if they reunite, they meet each other again after they have been separated for some time.,

mimic , MIMIC , (2. verb) .. e.g. Don't try to mimic anybody. You have to be yourself if you are going to do your best. [VERB noun], .. e.g. The computer doesn't mimic human thought; it reaches the same ends by different means. [VERB noun], mimic , MIMIC

If someone or something mimics another person or thing, they try to be like them., Synonyms: resemble, look like, mirror, echo

perform , PERFORM , (4. verb) .. e.g. He had not performed well in his exams. [VERB adverb], .. e.g. England performed so well in the match at Wembley. [VERB adverb], .. e.g. 'State-owned industries will always perform poorly,' John Moore informed readers. [VERB adverb], .. e.g. When there's snow and ice, how's this car going to perform? [VERB adverb], perform , PERFORM

If someone or something performs well, they work well or achieve a good result. If they perform badly, they work badly or achieve a poor result.,

plummet , PLUMMET , (2. verb) .. e.g. The jet burst into flames and plummeted to the ground. [VERB preposition], .. e.g. The car went out of control on a bend and plummeted down an embankment. [VERB preposition] , plummet , PLUMMET

If someone or something plummets, they fall very fast towards the ground, usually from a great height.,

possess , POSSESS , (2. verb [no cont]) .. e.g. [formal] ...individuals who are deemed to possess the qualities of sense, loyalty and discretion. [VERB noun], .. e.g. This figure has long been held to possess miraculous power. [VERB noun], possess , POSSESS

If someone or something possesses a particular quality, ability, or feature, they have it., Synonyms: be endowed with, have, enjoy, benefit from

attract , ATTRACT , (1. verb) .. e.g. The Cardiff Bay project is attracting many visitors. [VERB noun], .. e.g. Warm weather has attracted the flat fish close to shore. [VERB noun adverb/preposition], .. e.g. Summer attracts visitors to the countryside. [VERB noun adverb/preposition], attract , ATTRACT

If something attracts people or animals, it has features that cause them to come to it., Synonyms: allure, interest, draw, invite

delicate , DELICATE , (3. adjective) .. e.g. Although the coral looks hard, it is very delicate., .. e.g. ...a washing machine catering for every fabric-even the most delicate., delicate , DELICATE

If something is delicate, it is easy to harm, damage, or break, and needs to be handled or treated carefully., Synonyms: fragile, weak, frail, brittle

contain , CONTAIN , (1. verb [no cont]) .. e.g. The bag contained a Christmas card. [VERB noun], .. e.g. Factory shops contain a wide range of cheap furnishings. [VERB noun], .. e.g. The 77,000-acre estate contains five of the highest peaks in Scotland. [VERB noun], contain , CONTAIN

If something such as a box, bag, room, or place contains things, those things are inside it., Synonyms: hold, incorporate, accommodate, enclose

chronological , CHRONOLOGICAL , (1. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]) .. e.g. I have arranged these stories in chronological order., .. e.g. chronologically, .. e.g. adverb [ADVERB after verb, ADVERB -ed/adjective] The exhibition is organised chronologically., chronological , CHRONOLOGICAL

If things are described or shown in chronological order, they are described or shown in the order in which they happened., Synonyms: sequential, ordered, historical, progressive

spring , SPRING , (6. verb) .. e.g. When she contacted me at the beginning of August to enlist support, Sharon and I, .. e.g. sprang into action. [VERB preposition], .. e.g. ...new industries which had sprung into life during the 1920s. [VERB preposition] , spring , SPRING

If things or people spring into action or spring to life, they suddenly start being active or suddenly come into existence.,

collide , COLLIDE , (1. verb) .. e.g. Two trains collided head-on in north-eastern Germany early this morning. [VERB], .. e.g. Racing up the stairs, he almost collided with Daisy. [VERB + with], .. e.g. He collided with a pine tree near the North Gate. [VERB + with], collide , COLLIDE

If two or more moving people or objects collide, they crash into one another. If a moving person or object collides with a person or object that is not moving, they crash into them., Synonyms: crash, clash, meet head-on, come into collision

stranger , STRANGER , (2. plural noun) .. e.g. The women knew nothing of the dead girl. They were strangers. , stranger , STRANGER

If two people are strangers, they do not know each other.,

struggle , STRUGGLE , (4. verb) .. e.g. She screamed at him to 'stop it' as they struggled on the ground. [VERB], .. e.g. We were struggling for the gun when it went off! [pl-n V for n], .. e.g. There were signs that she struggled with her attacker. [VERB + with], .. e.g. Struggle is also a noun., .. e.g. He died in a struggle with prison officers., struggle , STRUGGLE

If two people struggle with each other, they fight., Synonyms: fight, battle, wrestle, grapple

likeness , LIKENESS , (1. singular noun) .. e.g. These myths have a startling likeness to one another. [+ to], .. e.g. There might be a likeness between their features, but their eyes were totally dissimilar. [+ between], likeness , LIKENESS

If two things or people have a likeness to each other, they are similar to each other., Synonyms: resemblance, similarity, correspondence, affinity

erupt , ERUPT , (2. verb) .. e.g. [journalism] Heavy fighting erupted there today after a two-day cease-fire. [VERB], .. e.g. Violence erupted as the boys were driven away in two police vans. [VERB], .. e.g. eruption, .. e.g. countable noun ...this sudden eruption of violence. [+ of], erupt , ERUPT

If violence or fighting erupts, it suddenly begins or gets worse in an unexpected, violent way., Synonyms: start, break out, begin, explode Synonyms: flare-up, outbreak, sally Synonyms: inflammation, outbreak, rash, flare-up

appeal , APPEAL , (4. verb) .. e.g. English, you appeal against something. In American English, you appeal something., .. e.g. He said they would appeal against the decision. [VERB + against], .. e.g. We intend to appeal the verdict. [VERB noun], .. e.g. Maguire has appealed to the Supreme Court to stop her extradition. [VERB + to] , appeal , APPEAL

If you appeal to someone in authority against a decision, you formally ask them to change it. In British,

approach , APPROACH , (3. verb [no cont]) .. e.g. When Chappel approached me about the job, my first reaction was disbelief. [VERB noun preposition], .. e.g. He approached me to create and design the restaurant. [VERB noun to-infinitive], .. e.g. Anna approached several builders and was fortunate to come across Eddie. [VERB noun], .. e.g. Approach is also a noun., .. e.g. There had already been approaches from buyers interested in the whole of the group. [+ from] [Also + to], approach , APPROACH

If you approach someone about something, you speak to them about it for the first time, often making an offer or request., Synonyms: make a proposal to, speak to, apply to, appeal to

attract , ATTRACT , (3. verb) .. e.g. In spite of her hostility, she was attracted to him. [be VERB-ed + to], .. e.g. I was married to a man who had ceased to attract me. [VERB noun] , .. e.g. attracted, .. e.g. adjective [verb-link ADJECTIVE] He was nice looking, but I wasn't deeply attracted to him. [+ to], attract , ATTRACT

If you are attracted to someone, you are interested in them sexually.,

arrange , ARRANGE , (4. verb) .. e.g. When she has a little spare time she enjoys arranging dried flowers. [VERB noun], .. e.g. He started to arrange the books in piles. [VERB noun preposition], .. e.g. A number of seats have been arranged in front of the painting. [VERB noun preposition], arrange , ARRANGE

If you arrange things somewhere, you place them in a particular position, usually in order to make them look attractive or tidy., Synonyms: put in order, group, form, order

blunder , BLUNDER , (4. verb) .. e.g. He had blundered into the table, upsetting the flowers. [VERB preposition/adverb], blunder , BLUNDER

If you blunder somewhere, you move there in a clumsy and careless way., Synonyms: stumble, fall, reel, stagger

capture , CAPTURE , (5. verb) .. e.g. The company aims to capture more sales at a time of significant challenges in the, .. e.g. supermarket sector. [VERB noun], .. e.g. The Socialist candidate has captured eighty-five per cent of the vote in the three-way, .. e.g. presidential race. [VERB noun], capture , CAPTURE

If you capture something that you are trying to obtain in competition with other people, you succeed in obtaining it., Synonyms: invade, take over, occupy, seize

vital , VITAL , (2. adjective) .. e.g. They are both very vital people and a good match., .. e.g. They have something important to say and vital and radical ways of saying it. , vital , VITAL

If you describe someone or something as vital, you mean that they are very energetic and full of life.,

dense , DENSE , (4. graded adjective) .. e.g. [disapproval] His prose is vigorous and dense, occasionally to the point of obscurity., dense , DENSE

If you describe writing or a film as dense, you mean that it is difficult to understand because it contains a lot of information and ideas., Synonyms: obscure, deep, complex, profound

gather , GATHER , (7. verb) .. e.g. Gather the skirt at the waist. [VERB noun], gather , GATHER

If you gather fabric or cloth, you make a row of very small folds in it by sewing a thread through it and then pulling the thread tight., Synonyms: fold, tuck, pleat, ruffle

downstairs , DOWNSTAIRS , (1. adverb [ADVERB after verb]) .. e.g. Denise went downstairs and made some tea., downstairs , DOWNSTAIRS

If you go downstairs in a building, you go down a staircase towards the ground floor.,

certain , CERTAIN , (4. graded adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]) .. e.g. He had been there four times to my certain knowledge., certain , CERTAIN

If you have certain knowledge, you know that a particular thing is true.,

trouble , TROUBLE , (4. uncountable noun [noun NOUN]) .. e.g. An unsuitable bed is the most likely cause of back trouble., .. e.g. Simon had never before had any heart trouble., .. e.g. He began to have trouble with his right knee. [+ with], trouble , TROUBLE

If you have kidney trouble or back trouble, for example, there is something wrong with your kidneys or your back., Synonyms: ailment, disease, failure, complaint

respect , RESPECT , (2. uncountable noun) .. e.g. I have tremendous respect for Dean. [+ for], .. e.g. His voice was warm with friendship and respect., respect , RESPECT

If you have respect for someone, you have a good opinion of them., Synonyms: regard, honour, recognition, esteem

cope , COPE , (2. verb) .. e.g. Never before has the industry had to cope with war and recession at the same time. [V with n/-ing], .. e.g. She has had to cope with losing all her previous status and money. [VERB + with], cope , COPE

If you have to cope with an unpleasant situation, you have to accept it or bear it.,

respect , RESPECT , (6. verb) .. e.g. It is about time tour operators respected the law and their own code of conduct. [VERB noun], .. e.g. Respect is also a noun., .. e.g. ...respect for the law and the rejection of the use of violence. [+ for], respect , RESPECT

If you respect a law or moral principle, you agree not to break it., Synonyms: abide by, follow, observe, comply with

likeness , LIKENESS , (3. countable noun [usually singular, usually adjective NOUN]) .. e.g. She says the artist's impression is an excellent likeness of her abductor. [+ of], likeness , LIKENESS

If you say that a picture of someone is a good likeness, you mean that it looks just like them.,

whistle , WHISTLE , (8. countable noun) .. e.g. Every night you could hear the whistles of the steel mill., whistle , WHISTLE

Some factories and other places where people work have a whistle which signals the beginning and the end of the working day.,

influence , INFLUENCE , (5. countable noun [usually singular, usually adjective NOUN]) .. e.g. I thought Sue would be a good influence on you. [+ on], influence , INFLUENCE

Someone or something that is a good or bad influence on people has a good or bad effect on them.,

resolution , RESOLUTION , (6. uncountable noun) .. e.g. [technical] Now this machine gives us such high resolution that we can see very small specks, .. e.g. of calcium., resolution , RESOLUTION

The resolution of an image is how clear the image is.,

temperature , TEMPERATURE , (1. variable noun) .. e.g. The temperature soared to above 100 degrees in the shade., .. e.g. The temperature of the water was about 40 degrees., .. e.g. Coping with severe drops in temperature can be very difficult., temperature , TEMPERATURE

The temperature of something is a measure of how hot or cold it is.,

change , CHANGE , (6. verb) .. e.g. I paid £80 to have my car radio fixed and I bet all they did was change a fuse. [VERB noun], .. e.g. If you want to change your doctor there are two ways of doing it. [VERB noun], .. e.g. Change is also a noun., .. e.g. A change of leadership alone will not be enough. [+ of], change , CHANGE

To change something means to replace it with something new or different.,

applaud , APPLAUD , (1. verb) .. e.g. The audience laughed and applauded. [VERB], .. e.g. Every person stood to applaud his unforgettable act of courage. [VERB noun], applaud , APPLAUD

When a group of people applaud, they clap their hands in order to show approval, for example when they have enjoyed a play or concert., Synonyms: clap, encourage, praise, cheer

revive , REVIVE , (2. verb) .. e.g. The Gaiety is reviving John B. Kean's comedy 'The Man from Clare'. [VERB noun], revive , REVIVE

When someone revives a play, opera, or ballet, they present a new production of it.,

approach , APPROACH , (4. verb) .. e.g. The Bank has approached the issue in a practical way. [VERB noun preposition/adverb], .. e.g. Employers are interested in how you approach problems. [VERB noun], approach , APPROACH

When you approach a task, problem, or situation in a particular way, you deal with it or think about it in that way., Synonyms: set about, tackle, undertake, embark on

athlete , ATHLETE , (2. countable noun) .. e.g. I was no athlete. , athlete , ATHLETE

You can refer to someone who is fit and athletic as an athlete.,

unique , UNIQUE , (2. adjective) .. e.g. [approval] Brett's vocals are just unique., .. e.g. Kauffman was a woman of unique talent and determination., .. e.g. uniquely, .. e.g. adverb [ADVERB with verb] ...people who consider themselves uniquely qualified to be president of the United, .. e.g. States., .. e.g. ...a festival ambience that is uniquely conducive to the absorption of serious music., unique , UNIQUE

You can use unique to describe things that you admire because they are very unusual and special., Synonyms: unparalleled, unrivalled, incomparable, inimitable

average , AVERAGE , (2. singular noun) .. e.g. It takes an average of ten weeks for a house sale to be completed. [+ of] , average , AVERAGE

You use average to refer to a number or size that varies but is always approximately the same.,

primary , PRIMARY , (1. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]) .. e.g. [formal] That's the primary reason the company's share price has held up so well., .. e.g. His misunderstanding of language was the primary cause of his other problems., .. e.g. The family continues to be the primary source of care for people as they grow older., primary , PRIMARY

You use primary to describe something that is very important., Synonyms: chief, leading, main, best

space , SPACE , (1. variable noun) .. e.g. ...bits of open space such as fields and small parks., .. e.g. ...cutting down yet more trees to make space for houses., .. e.g. I had plenty of space to write and sew., .. e.g. The space underneath could be used as a storage area., .. e.g. He looked cautiously through a half-inch space between the curtains and saw an empty, .. e.g. bedroom., .. e.g. The bird was enclosed in such a small space that it could not turn without bending, .. e.g. its tail., .. e.g. List in the spaces below the specific changes you have made., space , SPACE

You use space to refer to an area that is empty or available. The area can be any size. For example, you can refer to a large area outside as a large open space or to a small area between two objects as a small space., Synonyms: gap, opening, interval, gulf

clasp , CLASP , (2. countable noun) .. e.g. ...the clasp of her handbag. [+ of], clasp , CLASP

A clasp is a small device that fastens something.,

economy , ECONOMY , (2. countable noun) .. e.g. The Japanese economy grew at an annual rate of more than 10 per cent. , economy , ECONOMY

A country's economy is the wealth that it gets from business and industry.,

bridge , BRIDGE , (2. countable noun) .. e.g. ...a land bridge linking Serbian territories., bridge , BRIDGE

A bridge between two places is a piece of land that joins or connects them.,

brilliant , BRILLIANT , (3. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]) .. e.g. He served four years in prison, emerging to find his brilliant career in ruins., .. e.g. The raid was a brilliant success., .. e.g. brilliantly, .. e.g. adverb The strategy worked brilliantly., brilliant , BRILLIANT

A brilliant career or success is very successful.,

brilliant , BRILLIANT , (4. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]) .. e.g. The woman had brilliant green eyes., .. e.g. ...a brilliant white open-necked shirt. , .. e.g. brilliantly, .. e.g. adverb [ADVERB adjective/-ed] Many of the patterns show brilliantly coloured flowers., .. e.g. brilliance, .. e.g. uncountable noun ...an iridescent blue butterfly in all its brilliance., brilliant , BRILLIANT

A brilliant colour is extremely bright., Synonyms: splendour, glamour, grandeur, magnificence Synonyms: cleverness, talent, wisdom, distinction

brilliant , BRILLIANT , (1. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]) .. e.g. She had a brilliant mind., .. e.g. Her brilliant performance had earned her two Golden Globes., .. e.g. brilliantly, .. e.g. adverb [usually ADVERB with verb, oft ADVERB adjective] It is a very high quality production, brilliantly written and acted., .. e.g. brilliance, .. e.g. uncountable noun [oft with poss] He was a deeply serious musician who had shown his brilliance very early., brilliant , BRILLIANT

A brilliant person, idea, or performance is extremely clever or skilful., Synonyms: intelligent, sharp, intellectual, alert Synonyms: splendour, glamour, grandeur, magnificence Synonyms: cleverness, talent, wisdom, distinction

brochure , BROCHURE , (1. countable noun) e.g. ...travel brochures., brochure , BROCHURE

A brochure is a magazine or thin book with pictures that gives you information about a product or service., ,Synonyms: booklet, advertisement, leaflet, hand-out

burglar , BURGLAR , (countable noun) .. e.g. Burglars broke into their home., burglar , BURGLAR

A burglar is a thief who enters a house or other building by force., Synonyms: housebreaker, thief, robber, pilferer

cable , CABLE , (2. variable noun) .. e.g. ...the heavy anchor cable., .. e.g. Steel cable will be used to replace worn ropes. , cable , CABLE

A cable is a kind of very strong, thick rope, made of wires twisted together.,

cable , CABLE , (4. countable noun) .. e.g. She sent a cable to her mother. , cable , CABLE

A cable is the same as a telegram.,

campaign , CAMPAIGN , (1. countable noun) .. e.g. change., .. e.g. During his election campaign he promised to put the economy back on its feet., .. e.g. ...the campaign against public smoking. [+ against] [Also + to-inf], campaign , CAMPAIGN

A campaign is a planned set of activities that people carry out over a period of time in order to achieve something such as social or political,

capacity , CAPACITY , (6. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]) .. e.g. A capacity crowd of 76,000 people was at Wembley football stadium for the event., capacity , CAPACITY

A capacity crowd or audience completely fills a theatre, sports stadium, or other place.,

capital , CAPITAL , (8. countable noun) .. e.g. [technical] , capital , CAPITAL

A capital is the top part of a stone column, which is sometimes decorated with stone leaves or other patterns.,

capital , CAPITAL , (7. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]) .. e.g. Espionage is a capital offence in this country., .. e.g. ...Americans wrongly convicted of capital crimes., capital , CAPITAL

A capital offence is one that is so serious that the person who commits it can be punished by death.,

centimeter , CENTIMETER , (countable noun) .. e.g. ...a tiny fossil plant, only a few centimeters high. , centimeter , CENTIMETER

A centimeter is a unit of length in the metric system equal to ten millimeters or one-hundredth of a meter.,

change , CHANGE , (8. countable noun) .. e.g. He stuffed a bag with a few changes of clothing. [+ of], change , CHANGE

A change of clothes is an extra set of clothes that you take with you when you go to stay somewhere or to take part in an activity., Synonyms: exchange, trade, conversion, swap

chill , CHILL , (5. countable noun) .. e.g. He caught a chill while performing at a rain-soaked open-air venue., chill , CHILL

A chill is a mild illness which can give you a slight fever and headache.,

circuit , CIRCUIT , (3. countable noun) .. e.g. He joined the professional circuit., .. e.g. It's a common problem, the one I'm asked about most when I'm on the lecture circuit., circuit , CIRCUIT

A circuit is a series of places that are visited regularly by a person or group, especially as a part of their job., Synonyms: course, round, tour, track

circuit , CIRCUIT , (5. countable noun) .. e.g. [formal] She made a slow circuit of the room. [+ of], circuit , CIRCUIT

A circuit of a place or area is a journey all the way round it., Synonyms: lap, round, tour, revolution

clever , CLEVER , (2. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]) .. e.g. ...a clever and gripping novel., .. e.g. A colleague of mine in Milan devised the following very clever little experiment., .. e.g. ...this clever new gadget. , .. e.g. cleverly, .. e.g. adverb [ADVERB -ed] ...a cleverly-designed swimsuit., clever , CLEVER

A clever idea, book, or invention is extremely effective and shows the skill of the people involved.,

commentary , COMMENTARY , (1. variable noun) .. e.g. He gave the listening crowd a running commentary., .. e.g. That programme will include live commentary on the England-Ireland game. [+ on], commentary , COMMENTARY

A commentary is a description of an event that is broadcast on radio or television while the event is taking place., Synonyms: narration, report, review, explanation

commentary , COMMENTARY , (2. countable noun) .. e.g. Mr Rich will be writing a twice-weekly commentary on American society and culture. [+ on], commentary , COMMENTARY

A commentary is an article or book which explains or discusses something., Synonyms: analysis, notes, review, critique

compact , COMPACT , (5. countable noun) compact , COMPACT

A compact is a small, flat case that contains face powder and a mirror., Synonyms: agreement, deal [informal], understanding, contract

compact , COMPACT , (2. adjective) .. e.g. He was compact, probably no taller than me., .. e.g. He looked physically very powerful, athletic in a compact way. , compact , COMPACT

A compact person is small but strong.,

concise , CONCISE , (2. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]) .. e.g. ...Sotheby's Concise Encyclopedia of Porcelain., concise , CONCISE

A concise edition of a book, especially a dictionary, is shorter than the original edition.,

console , CONSOLE , (2. countable noun) console , CONSOLE

A console is a panel with a number of switches or knobs that is used to operate a machine.,

constant , CONSTANT , (3. countable noun) .. e.g. In the world of fashion it sometimes seems that the only constant is ceaseless change., .. e.g. Two significant constants have been found in a number of research studies., constant , CONSTANT

A constant is a thing or value that always stays the same.,

continuous , CONTINUOUS , (2. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]) .. e.g. ...a continuous line of boats., .. e.g. ...the continuous frieze of sculpted figures., continuous , CONTINUOUS

A continuous line or surface has no gaps or holes in it.,

continuous , CONTINUOUS , (1. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]) .. e.g. Residents report that they heard continuous gunfire., .. e.g. ...all employees who had a record of five years' continuous employment with the firm., .. e.g. There is a continuous stream of phone calls., .. e.g. continuously, .. e.g. adverb [usually ADVERB with verb] The civil war has raged almost continuously for ten years., .. e.g. It is the oldest continuously-inhabited city in America., continuous , CONTINUOUS

A continuous process or event continues for a period of time without stopping., Synonyms: constant, continued, extended, prolonged

contraction , CONTRACTION , (2. countable noun) .. e.g. 'It's' (with an apostrophe) should be used only as a contraction for 'it is'. [+ for], contraction , CONTRACTION

A contraction is a shortened form of a word or words., Synonyms: abbreviation, reduction, shortening, compression

convenient , CONVENIENT , (3. adjective) .. e.g. She will try to arrange a mutually convenient time and place for an interview., .. e.g. Would this evening be convenient for you? [+ for], convenient , CONVENIENT

A convenient time to do something, for example to meet someone, is a time when you are free to do it or would like to do it., Synonyms: appropriate, timely, suited, suitable

cope , COPE , (4. countable noun) cope , COPE

A cope is a long sleeveless piece of clothing worn by some Christian priests on special occasions.,

cordial , CORDIAL , (3. mass noun) .. e.g. [US]regional note: in BRIT, use liqueur , cordial , CORDIAL

A cordial is a strong alcoholic drink with a sweet taste. You drink it after a meal.,

border , BORDER , (2. verb) .. e.g. ...the European and Arab countries bordering the Mediterranean. [VERB noun], .. e.g. Border on means the same as border., .. e.g. Both republics border on the Black Sea. [VERB PARTICLE noun], border , BORDER

A country that borders another country, a sea, or a river is next to it., Synonyms: adjoin, be situated alongside, join, touch

coastline , COASTLINE , (variable noun) .. e.g. This is some of the most exposed coastline in the world., .. e.g. Thousands of volunteers gave up part of their weekend to clean up the California, .. e.g. coastline., coastline , COASTLINE

A country's coastline is the outline of its coast.,

custom , CUSTOM , (1. variable noun) .. e.g. The custom of lighting the famous flame goes back centuries. [+ of], .. e.g. Chung has tried to adapt to local customs., custom , CUSTOM

A custom is an activity, a way of behaving, or an event which is usual or traditional in a particular society or in particular circumstances., Synonyms: tradition, practice, convention, ritual

deed , DEED , (2. countable noun) .. e.g. [law] He asked if I had the deeds to his father's property., deed , DEED

A deed is a document containing the terms of an agreement, especially an agreement concerning the ownership of land or a building., Synonyms: document, title, contract, title deed

deed , DEED , (1. countable noun) .. e.g. [literary] His heroic deeds were celebrated in every corner of India., .. e.g. ...the warm feeling one gets from doing a good deed., .. e.g. The perpetrators of this evil deed must be brought to justice., deed , DEED

A deed is something that is done, especially something that is very good or very bad., Synonyms: action, act, performance, achievement

delicate , DELICATE , (6. adjective) .. e.g. ...a long and delicate operation carried out at a hospital in Florence., .. e.g. Each motion must be delicate and precise, involving tiny movements. , .. e.g. delicately, .. e.g. adverb [ADVERB with verb] She picked her way delicately over the rocks., .. e.g. ...the delicately embroidered sheets., delicate , DELICATE

A delicate task, movement, action, or product needs or shows great skill and attention to detail.,

deluge , DELUGE , (1. countable noun [usually singular]) .. e.g. A deluge of manuscripts began to arrive in the post. [+ of], .. e.g. This has brought a deluge of criticism. [+ of], deluge , DELUGE

A deluge of things is a large number of them which arrive or happen at the same time.,

deposit , DEPOSIT , (3. countable noun) deposit , DEPOSIT

A deposit is a sum of money which is in a bank account or savings account, especially a sum which will be left there for some time.,

deposit , DEPOSIT , (1. countable noun [usually singular]) .. e.g. agree to buy it., .. e.g. A £50 deposit is required when ordering, and the balance is due upon delivery., deposit , DEPOSIT

A deposit is a sum of money which is part of the full price of something, and which you pay when you, Synonyms: down payment, security, stake, pledge

deposit , DEPOSIT , (4. countable noun [oft poss NOUN]) .. e.g. [British] The Tory candidate lost his deposit., deposit , DEPOSIT

A deposit is a sum of money which you have to pay if you want to be a candidate in a parliamentary or European election. The money is returned to you if you receive more than a certain percentage of the votes.,

deposit , DEPOSIT , (2. countable noun [usually singular]) .. e.g. It is common to ask for the equivalent of a month's rent as a deposit., deposit , DEPOSIT

A deposit is a sum of money which you pay when you start renting something. The money is returned to you if you do not damage what you have rented.,

deposit , DEPOSIT , (5. countable noun) .. e.g. The surplus material is washed away and any remaining deposit examined., .. e.g. ...underground deposits of gold and diamonds., .. e.g. ...mineral deposits., deposit , DEPOSIT

A deposit is an amount of a substance that has been left somewhere as a result of a chemical or geological process., Synonyms: accumulation, growth, mass, build-up

desperate , DESPERATE , (3. adjective) .. e.g. India's United Nations ambassador said the situation is desperate., .. e.g. I decided not to abandon John when he was in such a desperate position., desperate , DESPERATE

A desperate situation is very difficult, serious, or dangerous.,

device , DEVICE , (1. countable noun) .. e.g. ...an electronic device that protects your vehicle 24 hours a day., .. e.g. ...a device that could measure minute quantities of matter., .. e.g. We believe that an explosive device had been left inside a container., device , DEVICE

A device is an object that has been invented for a particular purpose, for example for recording or measuring something., Synonyms: gadget, machine, tool, instrument

dialogue , DIALOGUE , (2. variable noun) .. e.g. The dialogue is amusing but the plot is weak., .. e.g. He is a very deft novelist too, with a superb ear for dialogue., .. e.g. ...Shakespeare's dialogues. , dialogue , DIALOGUE

A dialogue is a conversation between two people in a book, film, or play.,

digest , DIGEST , (4. countable noun) .. e.g. The organization publishes a regular digest of environmental statistics., .. e.g. ...the Middle East Economic Digest., digest , DIGEST

A digest is a collection of pieces of writing. They are published together in a shorter form than they were originally published., Synonyms: summary, résumé, abstract, epitome

dishwasher , DISHWASHER , (countable noun) dishwasher , DISHWASHER

A dishwasher is an electrically operated machine that washes and dries plates, saucepans, and cutlery.,

display , DISPLAY , (5. countable noun) .. e.g. can see them easily., .. e.g. ...a display of your work. [+ of], .. e.g. She was leaning against a display case of prints of Paris., display , DISPLAY

A display is an arrangement of things that have been put in a particular place, so that people, Synonyms: exhibition, show, demonstration, presentation

distant , DISTANT , (3. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]) .. e.g. He's a distant relative of the mayor., .. e.g. They were distant cousins., .. e.g. distantly, .. e.g. adverb [usually ADVERB -ed] His father's distantly related to the Royal family., distant , DISTANT

A distant relative is one who you are not closely related to., Synonyms: remote, slight, indirect

diversity , DIVERSITY , (2. singular noun) .. e.g. His object is to gather as great a diversity of material as possible. [+ of], diversity , DIVERSITY

A diversity of things is a range of things which are very different from each other., Synonyms: range, variety, sweep, scope

domestic , DOMESTIC , (7. adjective) .. e.g. ...a domestic cat., domestic , DOMESTIC

A domestic animal is one that is not wild and is kept either on a farm to produce food or in someone's home as a pet., Synonyms: domesticated, trained, tame, house

domestic , DOMESTIC , (5. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]) .. e.g. It was a scene of such domestic bliss., .. e.g. I was called out to attend a domestic dispute. , domestic , DOMESTIC

A domestic situation or atmosphere is one which involves a family and their home.,

domestic , DOMESTIC , (8. countable noun) domestic , DOMESTIC

A domestic, a domestic help, or a domestic worker is a person who is paid to come to help with the work that has to be done in a house such as the cleaning, washing, and ironing., Synonyms: servant, help, maid, woman [informal]

drastic , DRASTIC , (2. adjective) .. e.g. ...a drastic reduction in the numbers of people dying. , .. e.g. drastically, .. e.g. adverb [ADVERB with verb] As a result, services have been drastically reduced., drastic , DRASTIC

A drastic change is a very great change.,

drift , DRIFT , (8. countable noun) .. e.g. ...a nine-foot snow drift., drift , DRIFT

A drift is a mass of snow that has built up into a pile as a result of the movement of wind.,

drift , DRIFT , (4. countable noun) .. e.g. something different., .. e.g. ...the drift towards the cities., drift , DRIFT

A drift is a movement away from somewhere or something, or a movement towards somewhere or, Synonyms: shift, movement, flow, transfer

habit , HABIT , (3. countable noun) .. e.g. She became a prostitute in order to pay for her cocaine habit., habit , HABIT

A drug habit is an addiction to a drug such as heroin or cocaine.,

factor , FACTOR , (4. countable noun) .. e.g. [technical], .. e.g. Phrasal verbs:, .. e.g. factor in, factor , FACTOR

A factor of a whole number is a smaller whole number which can be multiplied with another whole number to produce the first whole number.,

fatal , FATAL , (2. adjective) .. e.g. ...the fatal stabbing of a police sergeant., .. e.g. A hospital spokesman said she had suffered a fatal heart attack., .. e.g. fatally, .. e.g. adverb [usually ADVERB with verb] The dead soldier is reported to have been fatally wounded in the chest., fatal , FATAL

A fatal accident or illness causes someone's death., Synonyms: lethal, deadly, mortal, causing death

fatal , FATAL , (1. adjective) .. e.g. She knew it was fatal to try to argue with Stephen., .. e.g. He made the fatal mistake of compromising early., .. e.g. It would deal a fatal blow to his fading chances of success., .. e.g. fatally, .. e.g. adverb [ADVERB with verb] Failure now could fatally damage his chances in the future., fatal , FATAL

A fatal action has very undesirable effects., Synonyms: disastrous, devastating, crippling, lethal

fierce , FIERCE , (1. adjective) .. e.g. They look like the teeth of some fierce animal., .. e.g. fiercely, .. e.g. adverb 'I don't know,' she said fiercely., fierce , FIERCE

A fierce animal or person is very aggressive or angry., Synonyms: ferocious, wild, dangerous, cruel Synonyms: ferociously, savagely, passionately, furiously

sequence , SEQUENCE , (3. countable noun) .. e.g. The best sequence in the film occurs when Roth stops at a house he used to live in., sequence , SEQUENCE

A film sequence is a part of a film that shows a single set of actions., Synonyms: part, scene, section, episode

foot , FOOT , (6. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]) .. e.g. Paratroopers and foot-soldiers entered the building on the government's behalf., foot , FOOT

A foot patrol or foot soldiers walk rather than travelling in vehicles or on horseback.,

fuse , FUSE , (3. countable noun) .. e.g. A bomb was deactivated at the last moment, after the fuse had been lit., fuse , FUSE

A fuse is a device on a bomb or firework which delays the explosion so that people can move a safe distance away.,

fuse , FUSE , (1. countable noun) .. e.g. melts when there is a fault so that the flow of electricity stops., .. e.g. The fuse blew as he pressed the button to start the motor., .. e.g. Remove the circuit fuse before beginning electrical work., fuse , FUSE

A fuse is a safety device in an electric plug or circuit. It contains a piece of wire which,

gasp , GASP , (1. countable noun) .. e.g. An audible gasp went round the court as the jury announced the verdict., .. e.g. She gave a small gasp of pain. [+ of], gasp , GASP

A gasp is a short quick breath of air that you take in through your mouth, especially when you are surprised, shocked, or in pain., Synonyms: pant, puff, gulp, intake of breath

sequence , SEQUENCE , (4. countable noun) .. e.g. The project is nothing less than mapping every gene sequence in the human body., .. e.g. ...the complete DNA sequence of the human genome. [+ of], sequence , SEQUENCE

A gene sequence or a DNA sequence is the order in which the elements making up a particular gene are combined.,

genre , GENRE , (countable noun) .. e.g. [formal] ...his love of films and novels in the horror genre., genre , GENRE

A genre is a particular type of literature, painting, music, film, or other art form which people consider as a class because it has special characteristics., Synonyms: type, group, school, form

globe , GLOBE , (2. countable noun) .. e.g. ...a globe of the world., .. e.g. Three large globes stand on the floor., globe , GLOBE

A globe is a ball-shaped object with a map of the world on it. It is usually fixed on a stand.,

grade , GRADE , (6. countable noun) .. e.g. [US] She drove up a steep grade and then began the long descent into the desert.regional note: in BRIT, use gradient , grade , GRADE

A grade is a slope.,

gradual , GRADUAL , (adjective) .. e.g. suddenly., .. e.g. Losing weight is a slow, gradual process., .. e.g. You can expect her progress at school to be gradual rather than brilliant., gradual , GRADUAL

A gradual change or process occurs in small stages over a long period of time, rather than, Synonyms: steady, even, slow, regular

grasp , GRASP , (3. singular noun) .. e.g. His hand was taken in a warm, firm grasp., grasp , GRASP

A grasp is a very firm hold or grip.,

grasp , GRASP , (6. singular noun) .. e.g. They have a good grasp of foreign languages. [+ of], grasp , GRASP

A grasp of something is an understanding of it., Synonyms: understanding, knowledge, grip, perception

habit , HABIT , (2. countable noun) .. e.g. Break the habit of eating too quickly by putting your knife and fork down after each, .. e.g. mouthful. [+ of], .. e.g. After twenty years as a chain smoker Mr Nathe has given up the habit., habit , HABIT

A habit is an action which is considered bad that someone does repeatedly and finds it difficult to stop doing., Synonyms: addiction, weakness, obsession, dependence

habit , HABIT , (1. variable noun) .. e.g. He has an endearing habit of licking his lips when he's nervous. [+ of], .. e.g. Many people add salt to their food out of habit, without even tasting it first., .. e.g. ...a survey on eating habits in the U.K., habit , HABIT

A habit is something that you do often or regularly., Synonyms: mannerism, custom, way, practice

haircut , HAIRCUT , (2. countable noun) .. e.g. Who's that guy with the funny haircut? , haircut , HAIRCUT

A haircut is the style in which your hair has been cut.,

heat , HEAT , (8. countable noun) .. e.g. heats., .. e.g. ...the heats of the men's 100m breaststroke. , heat , HEAT

A heat is one of a series of races or competitions. The winners of a heat take part in another race or competition, against the winners of other,

hoax , HOAX , (countable noun [oft NOUN noun]) .. e.g. A series of bomb hoaxes has disrupted Christmas shopping in the city centre., .. e.g. He denied making the hoax call but was convicted after a short trial., hoax , HOAX

A hoax is a trick in which someone tells people a lie, for example that there is a bomb somewhere when there is not, or that a picture is genuine when it is not., Synonyms: trick, joke, fraud, con [informal]

legend , LEGEND , (3. variable noun) .. e.g. The incident has since become a family legend., .. e.g. His frequent brushes with death are the stuff of legend among the press. , legend , LEGEND

A legend is a story that people talk about, concerning people, places, or events that exist or are famous at the present time.,

legend , LEGEND , (1. variable noun) .. e.g. ...the legends of ancient Greece. [+ of], .. e.g. ...the Robin Hood legend., .. e.g. The play was based on Irish legend., legend , LEGEND

A legend is a very old and popular story that may be true., Synonyms: myth, story, tale, fiction

length , LENGTH , (4. countable noun) .. e.g. ...a 30ft length of rope. [+ of], .. e.g. You can hang lengths of fabric behind the glass. [+ of], length , LENGTH

A length of rope, cloth, wood, or other material is a piece of it that is intended to be used for a particular purpose or that exists in a particular situation., Synonyms: piece, measure, section, segment

limit , LIMIT , (1. countable noun [usually singular]) .. e.g. Her love for him was being tested to its limits., .. e.g. There is no limit to how much fresh fruit you can eat in a day. [+ to], .. e.g. Firefighters are being stretched to the limit as fire sweeps through the state., limit , LIMIT

A limit is the greatest amount, extent, or degree of something that is possible., Synonyms: end, bound, ultimate, deadline

limit , LIMIT , (2. countable noun) .. e.g. because of a rule, law, or decision., .. e.g. The three month time limit will be up in mid-June., .. e.g. The economic affairs minister announced limits on petrol sales. [+ on], limit , LIMIT

A limit of a particular kind is the largest or smallest amount of something such as time or money that is allowed,

literal , LITERAL , (2. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]) .. e.g. A literal translation of the name Tapies is 'walls.' , literal , LITERAL

A literal translation is one in which you translate each word of the original work rather than giving the meaning of each expression or sentence using words that sound natural.,

lull , LULL , (1. countable noun) .. e.g. There was a lull in political violence after the election of the current president. [+ in], .. e.g. ...a lull in the conversation. [+ in], lull , LULL

A lull is a period of quiet or calm in a longer period of activity or excitement., Synonyms: respite, pause, quiet, silence

lure , LURE , (3. countable noun [usually singular]) .. e.g. Plans like these will without doubt act as a lure to potential investors. [+ to], .. e.g. The lure of rural life is proving as strong as ever. [+ of], lure , LURE

A lure is an attractive quality that something has, or something that you find attractive., Synonyms: temptation, attraction, incentive, bait

lure , LURE , (2. countable noun) lure , LURE

A lure is an object which is used to attract animals so that they can be caught.,

mailbox , MAILBOX , (1. countable noun) .. e.g. [US], mailbox , MAILBOX

A mailbox is a box outside your house where your letters are delivered.,

metaphor , METAPHOR , (1. variable noun) .. e.g. ...the avoidance of 'violent expressions and metaphors' like 'kill two birds with, .. e.g. one stone'., .. e.g. ...the writer's use of metaphor., metaphor , METAPHOR

A metaphor is an imaginative way of describing something by referring to something else which is the same in a particular way. For example, if you want to say that someone is very shy and frightened of things, you might say that they are a mouse., Synonyms: figure of speech, image, symbol, analogy

meter , METER , (1. countable noun) .. e.g. He was there to read the electricity meter., .. e.g. They have the right to come in and inspect the meter., meter , METER

A meter is a device that measures and records something such as the amount of gas or electricity that you have used.,

method , METHOD , (countable noun) .. e.g. The pill is the most efficient method of birth control. [+ of], .. e.g. ...new teaching methods., .. e.g. The usual method of getting through the Amsterdam traffic is to cycle to your local, .. e.g. railway station and take the train., method , METHOD

A method is a particular way of doing something., Synonyms: manner, process, approach, technique

metropolitan , METROPOLITAN , (2. countable noun & title noun) .. e.g. ...the Ukrainian Catholic representatives, Metropolitan Volodymyr and Bishop Sofron., metropolitan , METROPOLITAN

A metropolitan is an important priest in the Orthodox and Catholic Churches. He has authority over other priests and is in charge of a particular area.,

transport , TRANSPORT , (6. countable noun [usually supplement NOUN]) transport , TRANSPORT

A military or troop transport is a military vehicle, especially a plane, that is used to carry soldiers or equipment.,

mimic , MIMIC , (3. countable noun) mimic , MIMIC

A mimic is a person who is able to mimic people or animals., Synonyms: imitator, impressionist, copycat [informal], impersonator

mural , MURAL , (countable noun) .. e.g. ...a mural of Tangier bay. [+ of], mural , MURAL

A mural is a picture painted on a wall.,

myth , MYTH , (1. variable noun) .. e.g. There is a famous Greek myth in which Icarus flew too near to the Sun., .. e.g. ...the world of magic and of myth., myth , MYTH

A myth is a well-known story which was made up in the past to explain natural events or to justify religious beliefs or social customs.,

nation , NATION , (1. countable noun) .. e.g. Such policies would require unprecedented cooperation between nations., .. e.g. ...Nigeria, by far the most populous of African nations. countrySynonyms: country, state, nation state, power , nation , NATION

A nation is an individual country considered together with its social and political structures.,

painstaking , PAINSTAKING , (adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]) .. e.g. Forensic experts carried out a painstaking search of the debris., .. e.g. painstakingly, .. e.g. adverb Broken bones were painstakingly pieced together and reshaped., painstaking , PAINSTAKING

A painstaking search, examination, or investigation is done extremely carefully and thoroughly., Synonyms: thorough, careful, meticulous, earnest

parody , PARODY , (1. variable noun) .. e.g. 'The Scarlet Capsule' was a parody of the popular 1959 TV series 'The Quatermass, .. e.g. Experiment'. [+ of], .. e.g. Throughout the Twenties, Lardner tried in vain to write a hit song, so at last he, .. e.g. turned to parody., parody , PARODY

A parody is a humorous piece of writing, drama, or music which imitates the style of a well-known person or represents a familiar situation in an exaggerated way.,

idiom , IDIOM , (1. countable noun [usually singular]) .. e.g. [formal] McCartney was also keen to write in a classical idiom, rather than a pop one., .. e.g. It was an old building in the local idiom., idiom , IDIOM

A particular idiom is a particular style of something such as music, dance, or architecture.,

space , SPACE , (2. variable noun) .. e.g. ...the high cost of office space., .. e.g. You don't want your living space to look like a bedroom., .. e.g. Finding a parking space in the summer months is still a virtual impossibility., .. e.g. There is a communal space for people to gather., space , SPACE

A particular kind of space is the area that is available for a particular activity or for putting a particular kind of thing in.,

sequence , SEQUENCE , (2. countable noun) .. e.g. ...the colour sequence yellow, orange, purple, blue, green and white., .. e.g. The chronological sequence gives the book an element of structure., sequence , SEQUENCE

A particular sequence is a particular order in which things happen or are arranged., Synonyms: order, structure, arrangement, ordering

pastime , PASTIME , (countable noun) .. e.g. His favourite pastime is golf., pastime , PASTIME

A pastime is something that you do in your spare time because you enjoy it or are interested in it., Synonyms: activity, game, sport, entertainment

effect , EFFECT , (3. plural noun [with poss]) .. e.g. are arrested or admitted to hospital, or the things that they owned when they died., .. e.g. [formal] His daughters were collecting his effects., effect , EFFECT

A person's effects are the things that they have with them at a particular time, for example when they,

plain , PLAIN , (6. countable noun) .. e.g. Once there were 70 million buffalo on the plains., plain , PLAIN

A plain is a large flat area of land with very few trees on it., Synonyms: flatland, plateau, prairie, grassland

plain , PLAIN , (1. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]) .. e.g. In general, a plain carpet makes a room look bigger., .. e.g. He placed the paper in a plain envelope., .. e.g. He wore a plain blue shirt, open at the collar., plain , PLAIN

A plain object, surface, or fabric is entirely in one colour and has no pattern, design, or writing on it.,

playground , PLAYGROUND , (1. countable noun) playground , PLAYGROUND

A playground is a piece of land, at school or in a public area, where children can play.,

plot , PLOT , (6. countable noun) .. e.g. I thought that I'd buy myself a small plot of land and build a house on it., .. e.g. The bottom of the garden was given over to vegetable plots. , plot , PLOT

A plot of land is a small piece of land, especially one that has been measured or marked out for a special purpose, such as building houses or growing vegetables.,

opponent , OPPONENT , (1. countable noun [usually with poss]) .. e.g. ...Mr Kennedy's opponent in the leadership contest. [+ in], .. e.g. He described the detention without trial of political opponents as a cowardly act., opponent , OPPONENT

A politician's opponents are other politicians who belong to a different party or who have different aims or policies., Synonyms: adversary, rival, enemy, the opposition

preliminary , PRELIMINARY , (2. countable noun) .. e.g. It had taken about ten minutes to cover the preliminaries., .. e.g. A background check is normally a preliminary to a presidential appointment. , preliminary , PRELIMINARY

A preliminary is something that you do at the beginning of an activity, often as a form of preparation.,

preliminary , PRELIMINARY , (3. countable noun) .. e.g. The winner of each preliminary goes through to the final., preliminary , PRELIMINARY

A preliminary is the first part of a competition to see who will go on to the main competition.,

primary , PRIMARY , (4. countable noun) .. e.g. ...the 1968 New Hampshire primary., .. e.g. She won the Democratic primary., .. e.g. New York holds its primary election on Tuesday., primary , PRIMARY

A primary or a primary election is an election in an American state in which people vote for someone to become a candidate for a political office. Compare general election.,

privilege , PRIVILEGE , (1. countable noun) .. e.g. The Russian Federation has issued a decree abolishing special privileges for government, .. e.g. officials., .. e.g. ...the ancient powers and privileges of the House of Commons., privilege , PRIVILEGE

A privilege is a special right or advantage that only one person or group has., Synonyms: right, benefit, due, advantage

profit , PROFIT , (1. variable noun) .. e.g. cost you to make, get, or do it., .. e.g. The bank made pre-tax profits of £3.5 million., .. e.g. You can improve your chances of profit by sensible planning., .. e.g. The profit motive is inherently at odds with principles of fairness and equity., profit , PROFIT

A profit is an amount of money that you gain when you are paid more for something than it, Synonyms: earnings, winnings, return, revenue

rapid , RAPID , (1. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]) .. e.g. ...the country's rapid economic growth in the 1980s., .. e.g. This signals a rapid change of mind by the government., .. e.g. ...the rapid decline in the birth rate., .. e.g. rapidly, .. e.g. adverb [usually ADVERB with verb, oft ADVERB adjective] ...countries with rapidly growing populations., .. e.g. Try to rip it apart as rapidly as possible., .. e.g. 'Operating profit is rising more rapidly,' he said., .. e.g. rapidity (rəpɪdɪti, .. e.g. ) uncountable noun ...the rapidity with which the weather can change., rapid , RAPID

A rapid change is one that happens very quickly., Synonyms: sudden, prompt, speedy, precipitate Synonyms: speed, swiftness, promptness, speediness

rapid , RAPID , (2. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]) .. e.g. He walked at a rapid pace along Charles Street., .. e.g. ...the St John Ambulance Air Wing, formed to provide for the rapid transport of, .. e.g. patients in urgent need of specialist attention., .. e.g. Breathing becomes more rapid and sweating starts., .. e.g. rapidly, .. e.g. adverb [ADVERB with verb] He was moving rapidly around the room., .. e.g. They rapidly spread out over the field., .. e.g. rapidity, .. e.g. uncountable noun The water rushed through the holes with great rapidity., rapid , RAPID

A rapid movement is one that is very fast., Synonyms: quick, fast, hurried, swift Synonyms: quickly, fast, swiftly, briskly

recount , RECOUNT , (2. countable noun) .. e.g. She wanted a recount. She couldn't believe that I had got more votes than her., recount , RECOUNT

A recount is a second count of votes in an election when the result is very close.,

refuge , REFUGE , (2. countable noun) .. e.g. ...a refuge for women who had experienced domestic abuse., .. e.g. We climbed up a winding track towards a mountain refuge., refuge , REFUGE

A refuge is a place where you go for safety and protection, for example from violence or from bad weather., Synonyms: haven, resort, retreat, harbour

between , BETWEEN , (3. preposition) .. e.g. I think the relationship between patients and doctors has got a lot less personal., .. e.g. There have been intensive discussions between the two governments in recent days., .. e.g. There has always been a difference between community radio and commercial radio., between , BETWEEN

A relationship, discussion, or difference between two people, groups, or things is one that involves them both or relates to them both., Synonyms: connecting, uniting, joining, linking

resident , RESIDENT , (3. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]) .. e.g. [British] The morning after your arrival, you meet with the resident physician., resident , RESIDENT

A resident doctor or teacher lives in the place where he or she works.,

resident , RESIDENT , (4. countable noun) .. e.g. [US] , resident , RESIDENT

A resident or a resident doctor is a doctor who is receiving a period of specialized training in a hospital after leaving university.,

resistor , RESISTOR , (countable noun) .. e.g. [technical], resistor , RESISTOR

A resistor is a device which is designed to increase the ability of an electric circuit to stop the flow of an electric current through it.,

resolution , RESOLUTION , (1. countable noun) .. e.g. He replied that the U.N. had passed two major resolutions calling for a complete, .. e.g. withdrawal., .. e.g. ...a draft resolution on the occupied territories., resolution , RESOLUTION

A resolution is a formal decision taken at a meeting by means of a vote.,

reverse , REVERSE , (8. countable noun) .. e.g. [formal] It's clear that the party of the former Prime Minister has suffered a major reverse., reverse , REVERSE

A reverse is a serious failure or defeat.,

sanctuary , SANCTUARY , (3. countable noun [oft noun NOUN]) .. e.g. ...a bird sanctuary., .. e.g. ...a wildlife sanctuary., sanctuary , SANCTUARY

A sanctuary is a place where birds or animals are protected and allowed to live freely., Synonyms: reserve, park, preserve, reservation

sanctuary , SANCTUARY , (1. countable noun) .. e.g. His church became a sanctuary for thousands of people who fled the civil war. [+ for], sanctuary , SANCTUARY

A sanctuary is a place where people who are in danger from other people can go to be safe.,

sandwich , SANDWICH , (1. countable noun) .. e.g. ...a ham sandwich., sandwich , SANDWICH

A sandwich usually consists of two slices of bread with a layer of food such as cheese or meat between them.,

scatter , SCATTER , (3. singular noun [usually NOUN of noun]) .. e.g. [literary] On the table was a pile of books and a scatter of papers., scatter , SCATTER

A scatter of things is a number of them spread over an area in an irregular way.,

schedule , SCHEDULE , (5. countable noun) .. e.g. [mainly US] ...a bus schedule.regional note: in BRIT, usually use timetable , schedule , SCHEDULE

A schedule is a list of all the times when trains, boats, buses, or aircraft are supposed to arrive at or leave a particular place.,

schedule , SCHEDULE , (4. countable noun) schedule , SCHEDULE

A schedule is a written list of things, for example a list of prices, details, or conditions.,

sensitive , SENSITIVE , (6. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]) .. e.g. ...an extremely sensitive microscope., .. e.g. sensitivity, .. e.g. uncountable noun ...the sensitivity of the detector. [+ of], sensitive , SENSITIVE

A sensitive piece of scientific equipment is capable of measuring or recording very small changes., Synonyms: precise, fine, acute, keen Synonyms: touchiness, defensiveness, thin skin, hypersensitivity Synonyms: responsiveness, precision, keenness, acuteness

sensitive , SENSITIVE , (3. adjective) .. e.g. Employment is a very sensitive issue., .. e.g. ...politically sensitive matters., .. e.g. sensitivity, .. e.g. uncountable noun Due to the obvious sensitivity of the issue he would not divulge any details. [+ of], sensitive , SENSITIVE

A sensitive subject or issue needs to be dealt with carefully because it is likely to cause disagreement or make people angry or upset., Synonyms: tricky, difficult, delicate, thorny Synonyms: touchiness, defensiveness, thin skin, hypersensitivity Synonyms: delicacy, difficulty, awkwardness, trickiness

sequence , SEQUENCE , (1. countable noun) .. e.g. ...the sequence of events which led to the murder. [+ of], .. e.g. ...a dazzling sequence of novels by John Updike. [+ of], sequence , SEQUENCE

A sequence of events or things is a number of events or things that come one after another in a particular order., Synonyms: succession, course, series, order

sidewalk , SIDEWALK , (countable noun) .. e.g. [US] Two men and a woman were walking briskly down the sidewalk toward him.regional note: in BRIT, use pavementSynonyms: pavement, footpath [Australian, New Zealand] , sidewalk , SIDEWALK

A sidewalk is a path with a hard surface by the side of a road.,

siege , SIEGE , (1. countable noun [oft under N]) .. e.g. We must do everything possible to lift the siege., .. e.g. They are hopeful of bringing the siege to a peaceful conclusion., .. e.g. The journalists found a city virtually under siege., siege , SIEGE

A siege is a military or police operation in which soldiers or police surround a place in order to force the people there to come out or give up control of the place., Synonyms: blockade, encirclement, besiegement

signature , SIGNATURE , (2. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]) .. e.g. [mainly journalism] Rabbit stew is one of chef Giancarlo Moeri's signature dishes., .. e.g. The dress reflects our signature style of understated elegance with individuality. , signature , SIGNATURE

A signature item is typical of or associated with a particular person.,

watch , WATCH , (7. countable noun) .. e.g. I had the first watch that May evening. , watch , WATCH

A watch is a period of carefully looking and listening, often while other people are asleep and often as a military duty, so that you can warn them of danger or an attack.,

significant , SIGNIFICANT , (3. graded adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]) .. e.g. Mrs Bycraft gave Rose a significant glance. , .. e.g. significantly graded adverb [ADVERB after verb] She looked up at me significantly, raising an eyebrow., significant , SIGNIFICANT

A significant action or gesture is intended to have a special meaning., Synonyms: meaningfully, eloquently, expressively, knowingly

significant , SIGNIFICANT , (1. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]) .. e.g. A small but significant number of 11-year-olds are illiterate., .. e.g. ...foods that offer a significant amount of protein., .. e.g. It is the first drug that seems to have a very significant effect on this disease., .. e.g. significantly, .. e.g. adverb [ADVERB with verb] The number of MPs now supporting him had increased significantly., .. e.g. America's airlines have significantly higher productivity than European ones., significant , SIGNIFICANT

A significant amount or effect is large enough to be important or affect a situation to a noticeable degree., Synonyms: important, marked, notable, striking Synonyms: very much, greatly, hugely, vastly

significant , SIGNIFICANT , (2. adjective) .. e.g. Time would appear to be the significant factor in this whole drama., .. e.g. ...a very significant piece of legislation., .. e.g. I think it was significant that he never knew his own father., .. e.g. significantly, .. e.g. adverb Significantly, the company recently opened a huge store in Atlanta., significant , SIGNIFICANT

A significant fact, event, or thing is one that is important or shows something.,

stubborn , STUBBORN , (2. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]) .. e.g. This treatment removes the most stubborn stains., .. e.g. The first and most stubborn problem was that of reductions in the number of aircraft., .. e.g. stubbornly, .. e.g. adverb Some interest rates have remained stubbornly high., stubborn , STUBBORN

A stubborn stain or problem is difficult to remove or to deal with., Synonyms: persistent, tenacious, indelible, fast

supplement , SUPPLEMENT , (7. countable noun [usually NOUN noun]) .. e.g. Some people may be entitled to a housing benefit supplement., .. e.g. ...people who need a supplement to their basic pension. [+ to] , supplement , SUPPLEMENT

A supplement is an extra amount of money that is paid to someone, in addition to their normal pension or income.,

supplement , SUPPLEMENT , (6. countable noun) .. e.g. If you are travelling alone, the single room supplement is £11 a night., supplement , SUPPLEMENT

A supplement is an extra amount of money that you pay in order to obtain special facilities or services, for example when you are travelling or staying at a hotel., Synonyms: addition, extra, surcharge

supplement , SUPPLEMENT , (5. countable noun) .. e.g. ...the supplement to the Encyclopedia Britannica. [+ to], supplement , SUPPLEMENT

A supplement to a book is an additional section, written some time after the main text and published either at the end of the book or separately., Synonyms: appendix, sequel, add-on, complement

survey , SURVEY , (7. countable noun) .. e.g. [mainly British] ...a structural survey undertaken by a qualified surveyor.regional note: in AM, use inspectionSynonyms: valuation, pricing, estimate, assessment , survey , SURVEY

A survey is a careful examination of the condition and structure of a house, usually carried out in order to give information to a person who wants to buy it.,

swarm , SWARM , (1. countable noun [with singular or plural verb]) swarm , SWARM

A swarm of bees or other insects is a large group of them flying together.,

swarm , SWARM , (4. countable noun [with singular or plural verb]) .. e.g. A swarm of people encircled the hotel., .. e.g. Today at the crossing there were swarms of tourists taking photographs., swarm , SWARM

A swarm of people is a large group of them moving about quickly., Synonyms: multitude, crowd, mass, army

swift , SWIFT , (1. adjective) .. e.g. Our task is to challenge the U.N. to make a swift decision., .. e.g. The police were swift to act., .. e.g. swiftly, .. e.g. adverb They have acted swiftly and decisively to protect their industries., .. e.g. swiftness uncountable noun [oft NOUN of noun] The secrecy and swiftness of the invasion shocked and amazed army officers., swift , SWIFT

A swift event or process happens very quickly or without delay., Synonyms: quick, immediate, prompt, rapid Synonyms: quickly, rapidly, speedily, without losing time Synonyms: rapidity, speed, quickness, promptness

symbol , SYMBOL , (3. countable noun) .. e.g. What's the chemical symbol for mercury?, symbol , SYMBOL

A symbol for an item in a calculation or scientific formula is a number, letter, or shape that represents that item., Synonyms: character, sign, mark, letter

symbol , SYMBOL , (2. countable noun) .. e.g. Later in this same passage Yeats resumes his argument for the Rose as an Irish symbol., .. e.g. I frequently use sunflowers as symbols of strength., symbol , SYMBOL

A symbol of something such as an idea is a shape or design that is used to represent it., Synonyms: representation, sign, figure, mark

rigorous , RIGOROUS , (1. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]) .. e.g. The selection process is based on rigorous tests of competence and experience., .. e.g. ...a rigorous system of blood analysis., .. e.g. ...rigorous military training., .. e.g. rigorously, .. e.g. adverb ...rigorously conducted research., rigorous , RIGOROUS

A test, system, or procedure that is rigorous is very thorough and strict., Synonyms: strict, hard, firm, demanding

weekend , WEEKEND , (countable noun) .. e.g. She had agreed to have dinner with him in town the following weekend., .. e.g. He told me to give you a call over the weekend., weekend , WEEKEND

A weekend is Saturday and Sunday.,

theme , THEME , (1. countable noun) .. e.g. The theme of the summit was women as 'agents of change'. [+ of], .. e.g. One of Chomsky's main themes is that the appearance of open debate is illusion., .. e.g. The need to strengthen the family has been a recurrent theme for the Prime Minister., theme , THEME

A theme in a piece of writing, a talk, or a discussion is an important idea or subject that runs through it., Synonyms: motif, leitmotif, recurrent image, unifying idea

theme , THEME , (3. countable noun) .. e.g. ...variations on themes from Mozart's The Magic Flute., theme , THEME

A theme is a short simple tune on which a piece of music is based.,

theory , THEORY , (1. variable noun) .. e.g. Marx produced a new theory about historical change based upon conflict., .. e.g. Einstein formulated the Theory of Relativity in 1905. [+ of], theory , THEORY

A theory is a formal idea or set of ideas that is intended to explain something., Synonyms: hypothesis, philosophy, system of ideas, plan

thread , THREAD , (3. countable noun) .. e.g. A thin, glistening thread of moisture ran along the rough concrete sill. [+ of], .. e.g. ...Venetian glass decorated with embedded threads of white., .. e.g. ...a corpulent man with threads of black hair plastered across his brow. , thread , THREAD

A thread of something such as liquid, light, or colour is a long thin line or piece of it.,

thunderstorm , THUNDERSTORM , (countable noun) thunderstorm , THUNDERSTORM

A thunderstorm is a storm in which there is thunder and lightning and a lot of heavy rain.,

tone , TONE , (10. countable noun) tone , TONE

A tone is a difference in pitch between two musical notes equal to two semitones.,

tone , TONE , (7. variable noun) .. e.g. Each brick also varies slightly in tone, texture and size., .. e.g. I'm a cheery sort of person, so I like cheerful tones., .. e.g. ...two-tone, striped wallpaper., tone , TONE

A tone is one of the lighter, darker, or brighter shades of the same colour., Synonyms: colour, cast, shade, tint

trait , TRAIT , (countable noun) .. e.g. Many of our personality traits are developed during those early months., .. e.g. Creativity is a human trait., trait , TRAIT

A trait is a particular characteristic, quality, or tendency that someone or something has., Synonyms: characteristic, feature, quality, attribute

twilight , TWILIGHT , (4. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]) .. e.g. They fell into that twilight zone between military personnel and civilian employees. [+ between], twilight , TWILIGHT

A twilight state or a twilight zone is a situation of confusion or uncertainty, which seems to exist between two different states or categories.,

unanimous , UNANIMOUS , (2. adjective) .. e.g. ...the unanimous vote for Petra as President., .. e.g. Their decision was unanimous., unanimous , UNANIMOUS

A unanimous vote, decision, or agreement is one in which all the people involved agree.,

value , VALUE , (8. countable noun) .. e.g. [technical] , value , VALUE

A value is a particular number or quantity that can replace a symbol such as 'x' or 'y' in a mathematical expression.,

vein , VEIN , (5. countable noun) .. e.g. ...a vein of copper., .. e.g. ...a rich and deep vein of limestone. [+ of], vein , VEIN

A vein of a particular metal or mineral is a layer of it lying in rock.,

vein , VEIN , (4. countable noun [usually singular]) .. e.g. The striker's rich vein of form this season has seen him net 32 goals., .. e.g. This Spanish drama has a vein of black humour running through it. [+ of], vein , VEIN

A vein of a particular quality is evidence of that quality which someone often shows in their behaviour or work., Synonyms: streak, element, thread, suggestion

village , VILLAGE , (countable noun) .. e.g. He lives quietly in the country in a village near Lahti., .. e.g. ...the village school., village , VILLAGE

A village consists of a group of houses, together with other buildings such as a church and a school, in a country area.,

vision , VISION , (3. countable noun) .. e.g. a religious experience or as a result of madness or taking drugs., .. e.g. It was on 24th June 1981 that young villagers first reported seeing the Virgin Mary, .. e.g. in a vision. , vision , VISION

A vision is the experience of seeing something that other people cannot see, for example in,

volume , VOLUME , (5. countable noun) .. e.g. ...bound volumes of the magazine. [+ of], volume , VOLUME

A volume is a collection of several issues of a magazine, for example all the issues for one year.,

volume , VOLUME , (4. countable noun) .. e.g. ...the first volume of his autobiography. [+ of] , volume , VOLUME

A volume is one book in a series of books.,

volunteer , VOLUNTEER , (5. countable noun) .. e.g. They fought as volunteers with the rebels., .. e.g. Victory in the civil war had been achieved by a mainly volunteer army. , volunteer , VOLUNTEER

A volunteer is someone who chooses to join the armed forces, especially during a war, as opposed to someone who is forced to join by law.,

volunteer , VOLUNTEER , (1. countable noun) .. e.g. She now helps in a local school as a volunteer three days a week., .. e.g. Mike was a member of the local volunteer fire brigade., volunteer , VOLUNTEER

A volunteer is someone who does work without being paid for it, because they want to do it.,

volunteer , VOLUNTEER , (2. countable noun) .. e.g. Right. What I want now is two volunteers to come down to the front., .. e.g. Any volunteers? , volunteer , VOLUNTEER

A volunteer is someone who offers to do a particular task or job without being forced to do it.,

vow , VOW , (2. countable noun [oft NOUN to-infinitive, NOUN that]) .. e.g. I made a silent vow to be more careful in the future., .. e.g. I had to admire David's vow that he would leave the programme., vow , VOW

A vow is a serious promise or decision to do a particular thing.,

whistle , WHISTLE , (6. countable noun) .. e.g. Hugh listened to the whistle of a train. [+ of], .. e.g. ...the whistle of the wind. [+ of], .. e.g. ...a shrill whistle from the boiling kettle., whistle , WHISTLE

A whistle is a loud sound produced by air or steam being forced through a small opening, or by something moving quickly through the air.,

whistle , WHISTLE , (7. countable noun) .. e.g. On the platform, the guard blew his whistle., .. e.g. The referee blew his whistle for a penalty. , whistle , WHISTLE

A whistle is a small metal tube which you blow in order to produce a loud sound and attract someone's attention.,

width , WIDTH , (3. countable noun) .. e.g. We swam several widths., width , WIDTH

A width is the distance from one side of a swimming pool to the other.,

yard , YARD , (2. countable noun) .. e.g. I saw him standing in the yard., yard , YARD

A yard is a flat area of concrete or stone that is next to a building and often has a wall around it., Synonyms: courtyard, court, garden, backyard

yard , YARD , (4. countable noun) .. e.g. [US] He dug a hole in our yard on Edgerton Avenue to plant a maple tree when I was born.regional note: in BRIT, use garden, yard , YARD

A yard is a piece of land next to someone's house, with grass and plants growing in it.,

yard , YARD , (1. countable noun [num NOUN]) .. e.g. The incident took place about 500 yards from where he was standing. [+ from], .. e.g. A few yards away, José Vargas stands beside his small home., .. e.g. ...a long narrow strip of linen two or three yards long., .. e.g. ...a yard of silk. [+ of], yard , YARD

A yard is a unit of length equal to thirty-six inches or approximately 91.4 centimetres.,

average , AVERAGE , (4. singular noun) .. e.g. Most areas suffered more rain than usual, with Northern Ireland getting double the, .. e.g. average for the month., .. e.g. Average is also an adjective., .. e.g. £2.20 for a coffee is average., .. e.g. ...a woman of average height., average , AVERAGE

An amount or quality that is the average is the normal amount or quality for a particular group of things or people.,

appeal , APPEAL , (3. countable noun [oft NOUN to-infinitive]) .. e.g. ...an appeal to save a library containing priceless manuscripts., .. e.g. This is not another appeal for famine relief., appeal , APPEAL

An appeal is an attempt to raise money for a charity or for a good cause.,

average , AVERAGE , (3. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]) .. e.g. The average adult man burns 1,500 to 2,000 calories per day., .. e.g. Packaging is about a third of what is found in an average British dustbin., average , AVERAGE

An average person or thing is typical or normal., Synonyms: usual, common, standard, general

edit , EDIT , (5. countable noun) .. e.g. The purpose of the edit is fairly simple - to chop out the boring bits from the original., .. e.g. Phrasal verbs:, .. e.g. edit out, edit , EDIT

An edit is the process of examining and correcting a text so that it is suitable for publishing.,

effect , EFFECT , (2. countable noun) .. e.g. The whole effect is cool, light and airy., effect , EFFECT

An effect is an impression that someone creates deliberately, for example in a place or in a piece of writing., Synonyms: impression, feeling, impact, influence

circuit , CIRCUIT , (1. countable noun) .. e.g. Any attempts to cut through the cabling will break the electrical circuit., circuit , CIRCUIT

An electrical circuit is a complete route which an electric current can flow around.,

eligible , ELIGIBLE , (2. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]) .. e.g. He's the most eligible bachelor in Japan., eligible , ELIGIBLE

An eligible man or woman is not yet married and is thought by many people to be a suitable partner.,

encounter , ENCOUNTER , (4. countable noun) .. e.g. ...a sexual encounter., .. e.g. She was not the only person to feel daunted by her encounter with the court. [+ with], encounter , ENCOUNTER

An encounter is a particular type of experience.,

encounter , ENCOUNTER , (3. countable noun) .. e.g. ...offering supporters the chance to win an encounter with the President in return, .. e.g. for any size of donation. [+ with], encounter , ENCOUNTER

An encounter with someone is a meeting with them, particularly one that is unexpected or significant., Synonyms: battle, fight, action, conflict

expanse , EXPANSE , (countable noun) .. e.g. ...a vast expanse of grassland. [+ of], expanse , EXPANSE

An expanse of something, usually sea, sky, or land, is a very large amount of it., Synonyms: area, range, field, space

extinct , EXTINCT , (3. adjective) .. e.g. Its tallest volcano, long extinct, is Olympus Mons., extinct , EXTINCT

An extinct volcano is one that does not erupt or is not expected to erupt any more., Synonyms: inactive, extinguished, doused, out

extract , EXTRACT , (8. countable noun) .. e.g. Read this extract from an information booklet about the work of an airline cabin, .. e.g. crew. [+ from], extract , EXTRACT

An extract from a book or piece of writing is a small part of it that is printed or published separately.,

extract , EXTRACT , (9. variable noun [oft noun NOUN]) .. e.g. a chemical or industrial process., .. e.g. Blend in the lemon extract, lemon peel and walnuts., .. e.g. ...fragrances taken from plant extracts., extract , EXTRACT

An extract is a substance that has been obtained from something else, for example by means of, Synonyms: essence, solution, concentrate, juice

idiom , IDIOM , (2. countable noun) .. e.g. [technical] Proverbs and idioms may become worn with over-use., .. e.g. She is, in fact, a perfect illustration of the French idiom 'to be comfortable in, .. e.g. one's own skin.', idiom , IDIOM

An idiom is a group of words which have a different meaning when used together from the one they would have if you took the meaning of each word separately., Synonyms: phrase, expression, turn of phrase, locution

inch , INCH , (1. countable noun [num NOUN]) .. e.g. ...a candy tin 6 inches high and 8 inches in diameter., .. e.g. ...18 inches below the surface., inch , INCH

An inch is an imperial unit of length, approximately equal to 2.54 centimetres. There are twelve inches in a foot.,

individual , INDIVIDUAL , (2. countable noun) .. e.g. ...anonymous individuals who are doing good things within our community., .. e.g. ...the rights and responsibilities of the individual., .. e.g. A child's awareness of being an individual grows in stages during the pre-school, .. e.g. years., individual , INDIVIDUAL

An individual is a person., Synonyms: person, being, human, party [informal]

inference , INFERENCE , (1. countable noun) .. e.g. There were two inferences to be drawn from her letter., inference , INFERENCE

An inference is a conclusion that you draw about something by using information that you already have about it., Synonyms: deduction, conclusion, assumption, reading

innovation , INNOVATION , (1. countable noun) .. e.g. The vegetarian burger was an innovation which was rapidly exported to Britain., .. e.g. ...the transformation wrought by the technological innovations of the industrial, .. e.g. age., innovation , INNOVATION

An innovation is a new thing or a new method of doing something., Synonyms: change, revolution, departure, introduction

optimist , OPTIMIST , (countable noun) .. e.g. Optimists reckon house prices will move up with inflation this year., optimist , OPTIMIST

An optimist is someone who is hopeful about the future.,

awe , AWE , (1. uncountable noun) .. e.g. She gazed in awe at the great stones., .. e.g. His fellow officers regarded him with awe as some sort of genius., .. e.g. She filled me with a sense of awe., awe , AWE

Awe is the feeling of respect and amazement that you have when you are faced with something wonderful and often rather frightening., Synonyms: wonder, fear, respect, reverence

awhile , AWHILE , (adverb [usually ADVERB after verb]) .. e.g. He worked awhile as a pharmacist in Cincinnati., .. e.g. Awhile is also a noun., .. e.g. Authorities had been looking for him for awhile., awhile , AWHILE

Awhile means for a short time. It is more commonly spelled 'a while', which is considered more correct, especially in British English., Synonyms: for a while, briefly, for a moment, for a short time

barren , BARREN , (2. adjective) .. e.g. He also wants to use the water to irrigate barren desert land., barren , BARREN

Barren land consists of soil that is so poor that plants cannot grow in it., Synonyms: unproductive, dry, useless, sterile

coastal , COASTAL , (adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]) .. e.g. Local radio stations serving coastal areas often broadcast forecasts for yachtsmen., .. e.g. The fish are on sale from our own coastal waters., coastal , COASTAL

Coastal is used to refer to things that are in the sea or on the land near a coast.,

cordial , CORDIAL , (1. adjective) .. e.g. [formal] He had never known him to be so chatty and cordial., .. e.g. He said the two countries had close and cordial relations., .. e.g. cordially, .. e.g. adverb [ADVERB with verb] They all greeted me very cordially and were eager to talk about the new project., .. e.g. cordiality (kɔːʳdiælɪti, .. e.g. , US -dʒæl-, .. e.g. ) uncountable noun Egypt wants to solve the problem in an atmosphere of cordiality., cordial , CORDIAL

Cordial means friendly., Synonyms: warm, welcoming, friendly, cheerful Synonyms: warmth, friendliness, affability, geniality

domestic , DOMESTIC , (4. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]) .. e.g. ...domestic appliances., domestic , DOMESTIC

Domestic items and services are intended to be used in people's homes rather than in factories or offices.,

domestic , DOMESTIC , (1. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]) .. e.g. ...over 100 domestic flights a day to 15 U.K. destinations., .. e.g. ...sales in the domestic market., .. e.g. domestically (dəmestɪkli, .. e.g. ) adverb [ADVERB after verb, ADVERB -ed/adjective] Opportunities will improve as the company expands domestically and internationally., .. e.g. Domestically, he's going to make some compromises that he doesn't want to make., domestic , DOMESTIC

Domestic political activities, events, and situations happen or exist within one particular country., Synonyms: home, state, national, internal

fierce , FIERCE , (2. adjective) .. e.g. Standards are high and competition is fierce., .. e.g. The town was captured after a fierce battle with rebels at the weekend., .. e.g. He inspires fierce loyalty in his friends., .. e.g. fiercely, .. e.g. adverb [ADVERB adjective, ADVERB with verb] He has always been ambitious and fiercely competitive., fierce , FIERCE

Fierce feelings or actions are very intense or enthusiastic, or involve great activity., Synonyms: intense, strong, keen, passionate Synonyms: ferociously, savagely, passionately, furiously Synonyms: strongly, keenly, intensely, passionately

grace , GRACE , (4. uncountable noun) .. e.g. She wanted a couple of days' grace to get the maisonette cleaned before she moved, .. e.g. in., .. e.g. We have only a few hours' grace before the soldiers come., grace , GRACE

Grace is used in expressions such as a day's grace and a month's grace to say that you are allowed that amount of extra time before you have to finish something.,

harsh , HARSH , (2. adjective) .. e.g. He said many harsh and unkind things about his opponents., .. e.g. harshly, .. e.g. adverb [ADVERB with verb] She's been told that her husband is being harshly treated in prison., .. e.g. 'Why didn't you tell me before?' asked Hunter harshly., .. e.g. harshness, .. e.g. uncountable noun ...treating him with great harshness., harsh , HARSH

Harsh actions or speech are unkind and show no understanding or sympathy., Synonyms: hard, sharp, severe, bitter Synonyms: severely, roughly, cruelly, strictly Synonyms: bitterness, acrimony, ill-temper, sourness Synonyms: severity, brutality, roughness, sternness

harsh , HARSH , (1. adjective) .. e.g. The weather grew harsh, chilly and unpredictable., .. e.g. ...the harsh desert environment., .. e.g. ...after the harsh experience of the war., .. e.g. harshness, .. e.g. uncountable noun ...the harshness of their living conditions. [+ of], harsh , HARSH

Harsh climates or conditions are very difficult for people, animals, and plants to live in., Synonyms: bleak, cold, freezing, severe Synonyms: bitterness, acrimony, ill-temper, sourness Synonyms: severity, brutality, roughness, sternness

harsh , HARSH , (4. adjective) .. e.g. It's a pity she has such a loud harsh voice., .. e.g. harshly, .. e.g. adverb [ADVERB with verb] Chris laughed harshly., .. e.g. harshness, .. e.g. uncountable noun Then in a tone of abrupt harshness, he added, 'Open these trunks!'., harsh , HARSH

Harsh voices and sounds are ones that are rough and unpleasant to listen to., Synonyms: raucous, rough, jarring, grating Synonyms: bitterness, acrimony, ill-temper, sourness Synonyms: severity, brutality, roughness, sternness

heat , HEAT , (2. uncountable noun) .. e.g. The seas store heat and release it gradually during cold periods., .. e.g. Its leaves drooped a little in the fierce heat of the sun., heat , HEAT

Heat is warmth or the quality of being hot., Synonyms: warmth, hotness, temperature, swelter

absorb , ABSORB , (3. verb) .. e.g. The Colonial Office was absorbed into the Foreign Office. [be VERB-ed + into], .. e.g. ...an economy capable of absorbing thousands of immigrants. [VERB noun], absorb , ABSORB

If a group is absorbed into a larger group, it becomes part of the larger group., Synonyms: assimilate, take in, incorporate, accommodate

scatter , SCATTER , (2. verb) .. e.g. After dinner, everyone scattered. [VERB], .. e.g. The cavalry scattered them and chased them off the field. [VERB noun], scatter , SCATTER

If a group of people scatter or if you scatter them, they suddenly separate and move in different directions., Synonyms: disperse, separate, break up, dispel

cope , COPE , (3. verb) .. e.g. New blades have been designed to cope with the effects of dead insects. [VERB + with], .. e.g. The hospitals do not have enough money to cope with the numbers of patients. [VERB with noun], .. e.g. The banks were swamped by compensation claims and were unable to cope . [VERB] , cope , COPE

If a machine or a system can cope with something, it is large enough or complex enough to deal with it satisfactorily.,

extinct , EXTINCT , (2. adjective) .. e.g. Herbalism had become an all but extinct skill in the Western world., extinct , EXTINCT

If a particular kind of worker, way of life, or type of activity is extinct, it no longer exists, because of changes in society., Synonyms: obsolete, abolished, void, terminated

mend , MEND , (2. verb) .. e.g. You'll mend. The X-rays show that your arm will heal all right. [VERB], .. e.g. I'm feeling a good bit better. The cut aches, but it's mending. [VERB], .. e.g. He must have a major operation on his knee to mend severed ligaments. [VERB noun], mend , MEND

If a person or a part of their body mends or is mended, they get better after they have been ill or have had an injury., Synonyms: heal, improve, recover, cure

coast , COAST , (3. verb) .. e.g. Villa coasted to a win which earned them a third successive league victory. [VERB to noun], .. e.g. The company was coasting on the enormous success of its early products. [VERB] [Also V adv], coast , COAST

If a person or a team is coasting, they are doing something easily, especially winning a competition.,

swarm , SWARM , (5. verb [usually cont]) .. e.g. Within minutes the area was swarming with officers who began searching a nearby wood. [VERB + with], swarm , SWARM

If a place is swarming with people, it is full of people moving about in a busy way., Synonyms: teem, crawl, be alive, abound

light , LIGHT , (4. verb) .. e.g. It was dark and a giant moon lit the road so brightly you could see the landscape, .. e.g. clearly. [VERB noun], .. e.g. The room was lit by only the one light. [be VERB-ed], .. e.g. The low sun lit the fortress walls with yellow light. [VERB noun + with], .. e.g. ...the little lighted space at the bottom of the stairwell. [VERB-ed], light , LIGHT

If a place or object is lit by something, it has light shining on it., Synonyms: illuminate, light up, brighten, lighten

light , LIGHT , (6. adjective) .. e.g. It is a light room with tall windows., .. e.g. Her house is light and airy, crisp and clean., .. e.g. lightness, .. e.g. uncountable noun The dark green spare bedroom is in total contrast to the lightness of the large main, .. e.g. bedroom. [+ of], light , LIGHT

If a room or building is light, it has a lot of natural light in it, for example because it has large windows., Synonyms: bright, brilliant, shining, glowing

custom , CUSTOM , (3. uncountable noun [usually with poss]) .. e.g. [British, formal] You have the right to withhold your custom if you so wish., .. e.g. Providing discounts is not the only way to win custom., custom , CUSTOM

If a shop has your custom, you regularly buy things there., Synonyms: customers, business, trade, patronage

deposit , DEPOSIT , (9. verb [usually passive]) .. e.g. The phosphate was deposited by the decay of marine microorganisms. [be VERB-ed] , deposit , DEPOSIT

If a substance is deposited somewhere, it is left there as a result of a chemical or geological process.,

absorb , ABSORB , (5. verb) .. e.g. The banks would be forced to absorb large losses. [VERB noun], .. e.g. We can't absorb those costs. [VERB noun], absorb , ABSORB

If a system or society absorbs changes, effects, or costs, it is able to deal with them.,

superior , SUPERIOR , (6. adjective) .. e.g. advantage over it., .. e.g. [formal] The demonstrators fled when they saw the authorities' superior numbers., .. e.g. His men were far superior numerically., superior , SUPERIOR

If one group of people has superior numbers to another group, the first has more people than the second, and therefore has an,

convenient , CONVENIENT , (1. adjective) .. e.g. ...a flexible and convenient way of paying for business expenses., .. e.g. The family thought it was more convenient to eat in the kitchen., .. e.g. convenience, .. e.g. uncountable noun They may use a credit card for convenience., .. e.g. ...the convenience of a fast non-stop flight., .. e.g. conveniently, .. e.g. adverb [usually ADVERB with verb] The body spray slips conveniently into your sports bag for freshening up after a, .. e.g. game., convenient , CONVENIENT

If a way of doing something is convenient, it is easy, or very useful or suitable for a particular purpose., Synonyms: suitable, fitting, fit, handy Synonyms: benefit, good, interest, advantage Synonyms: suitability, fitness, appropriateness, opportuneness Synonyms: usefulness, utility, serviceability, handiness Synonyms: accessibility, availability, nearness, handiness Synonyms: appliance, facility, comfort, amenity

factor , FACTOR , (2. countable noun [usually singular]) .. e.g. The cost of butter quadrupled and bread prices increased by a factor of five. [+ of], factor , FACTOR

If an amount increases by a factor of two, for example, or by a factor of eight, then it becomes two times bigger or eight times bigger.,

plunge , PLUNGE , (5. verb) .. e.g. His weight began to plunge. [VERB], .. e.g. The Pound plunged to a new low on the foreign exchange markets yesterday. [VERB + to], .. e.g. Shares have plunged from £17 to £7.55. [VERB + from/to], .. e.g. The bank's profits plunged by 87 per cent. [VERB + by], .. e.g. Its net profits plunged 73% last year. [VERB amount], .. e.g. Plunge is also a noun., .. e.g. Japan's banks are in trouble because of bad loans and the stock market plunge., plunge , PLUNGE

If an amount or rate plunges, it decreases quickly and suddenly., Synonyms: fall steeply, drop, crash [informal], go down

plummet , PLUMMET , (1. verb) .. e.g. [journalism] In Tokyo share prices have plummeted for the sixth successive day. [VERB], .. e.g. His popularity has plummeted to an all-time low in recent weeks. [VERB + to], .. e.g. The shares have plummeted from 130p to 2.25p in the past year. [V + from/to/by], plummet , PLUMMET

If an amount, rate, or price plummets, it decreases quickly by a large amount.,

capture , CAPTURE , (4. verb) e.g. The incident was captured on video. [beV-ed + on/in], e.g. The images were captured by TV crews filming outside the base. [be VERB-ed], e.g. ...photographers who captured the traumatic scene. [VERB noun], capture , CAPTURE

If an event is captured in a photograph or on film, it is photographed or filmed.,

capture , CAPTURE , (4. verb) .. e.g. The incident was captured on video. [beV-ed + on/in], .. e.g. The images were captured by TV crews filming outside the base. [be VERB-ed], .. e.g. ...photographers who captured the traumatic scene. [VERB noun] [Also V n + on/in], capture , CAPTURE

If an event is captured in a photograph or on film, it is photographed or filmed.,

examine , EXAMINE , (3. verb) .. e.g. I have given the matter much thought, examining all the possible alternatives. [VERB noun], .. e.g. The plans will be examined by E.U. environment ministers. [be VERB-ed], .. e.g. examination, .. e.g. variable noun The proposal requires careful examination and consideration., examine , EXAMINE

If an idea, proposal, or plan is examined, it is considered very carefully., Synonyms: checkup, analysis, going-over [informal], exploration Synonyms: exam, test, research, paper Synonyms: questioning, inquiry, probe, quizzing

distinct , DISTINCT , (3. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]) .. e.g. Now that Tony was no longer present, there was a distinct change in her attitude., .. e.g. I have distinct memories of him in his last years., .. e.g. distinctly, .. e.g. adverb [ADVERB with verb] I distinctly remember wishing I had not got involved., distinct , DISTINCT

If an idea, thought, or intention is distinct, it is clear and definite., Synonyms: definite, marked, clear, decided Synonyms: clearly, plainly, precisely Synonyms: definitely, clearly, obviously, sharply

resident , RESIDENT , (5. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]) .. e.g. Having begun her career at Gray's Pottery, she stayed there as resident designer, .. e.g. for seven years., resident , RESIDENT

If an institution has a resident specialist, that specialist works for the institution.,

spoil , SPOIL , (4. verb) .. e.g. We all know that fats spoil by becoming rancid. [VERB], .. e.g. Some organisms are responsible for spoiling food and cause food poisoning. [VERB noun], .. e.g. Some of my apples were spoilt last year by grubs inside the fruit. [VERB noun], .. e.g. ...the potential health problems from spoiled food. [VERB-ed], spoil , SPOIL

If food spoils or if it is spoilt, it is no longer fit to be eaten.,

light , LIGHT , (5. adjective) .. e.g. It was still light when we arrived at Lalong Creek., .. e.g. He would often rise as soon as it was light and go into the garden., .. e.g. ...light summer evenings., light , LIGHT

If it is light, the sun is providing light at the beginning or end of the day.,

custom , CUSTOM , (2. singular noun [oft with poss]) .. e.g. It was his custom to approach every problem cautiously., .. e.g. As is the custom, police forensic experts carried out a painstaking search of the, .. e.g. debris., custom , CUSTOM

If it is your custom to do something, you usually do it in particular circumstances., Synonyms: habit, way, practice, manner

equivalent , EQUIVALENT , (1. singular noun) .. e.g. The equivalent of two tablespoons of polyunsaturated oils is ample each day. [+ of], .. e.g. Even the cheapest car costs the equivalent of 70 years' salary for a government worker. [+ of], .. e.g. Equivalent is also an adjective., .. e.g. A unit is equivalent to a glass of wine or a single measure of spirits. [+ to], .. e.g. Calls for equivalent wage increases are bound to be heard., equivalent , EQUIVALENT

If one amount or value is the equivalent of another, they are the same.,

dominate , DOMINATE , (2. verb) .. e.g. He denied that his country wants to dominate Europe. [VERB noun], .. e.g. Women are no longer dominated by the men in their relationships. [VERB noun], .. e.g. The countries of Eastern Europe immediately started to dominate. [VERB], .. e.g. domination, .. e.g. uncountable noun They had five centuries of domination by the Romans., dominate , DOMINATE

If one country or person dominates another, they have power over them., Synonyms: control, lead, rule, direct Synonyms: control, power, rule, authority

metaphor , METAPHOR , (2. variable noun) .. e.g. The divided family remains a powerful metaphor for a society tearing itself apart. [+ for], metaphor , METAPHOR

If one thing is a metaphor for another, it is intended or regarded as a symbol of it.,

eclipse , ECLIPSE , (2. verb) .. e.g. The gramophone had been eclipsed by new technology such as the compact disc. [be VERB-ed + by], .. e.g. Of course, nothing is going to eclipse winning the Olympic title. [VERB noun], eclipse , ECLIPSE

If one thing is eclipsed by a second thing that is bigger, newer, or more important than it, the first thing is no longer noticed because the second thing gets all the attention., Synonyms: surpass, exceed, overshadow, excel

opposite , OPPOSITE , (1. preposition) .. e.g. Jennie had sat opposite her at breakfast., .. e.g. Opposite is also an adverb., .. e.g. He looked up at the buildings opposite, but could see no open window., .. e.g. He sits in one chair, I sit opposite., opposite , OPPOSITE

If one thing is opposite another, it is on the other side of a space from it., Synonyms: facing, fronting, face to face with, across from

superior , SUPERIOR , (1. adjective) .. e.g. We have a relationship infinitely superior to those of many of our friends. [+ to], .. e.g. ...a woman greatly superior to her husband in education and sensitivity., .. e.g. Long-term stock market investments have produced superior returns compared with cash, .. e.g. deposits., .. e.g. superiority, .. e.g. uncountable noun He asserts the superiority of free enterprise over other economic systems. [+ over/to], superior , SUPERIOR

If one thing or person is superior to another, the first is better than the second., Synonyms: better, higher, greater, grander

spring , SPRING , (7. verb) .. e.g. Ethiopia's art springs from her early Christian as well as her Muslim heritage. [VERB + from], .. e.g. His anger sprang from his suffering. [VERB from noun], spring , SPRING

If one thing springs from another thing, it is the result of it., Synonyms: originate, come, derive, start

tone , TONE , (8. verb) .. e.g. [mainly British] Her sister toned with her in a turquoise print dress. [VERB with noun], .. e.g. Tone in means the same as tone., .. e.g. [mainly British] The bowls tone in cleverly with the mugs. [VERB PARTICLE with noun], tone , TONE

If one thing tones with another, the two things look nice together because their colours are similar in quality or brightness., Synonyms: harmonize, match, blend, suit

extract , EXTRACT , (7. passive verb) .. e.g. [journalism] This material has been extracted from 'Collins Good Wood Handbook'. [be VERB-ed + from] [Also be VERB-ed] , extract , EXTRACT

If part of a book or text is extracted from a particular book, it is printed or published.,

attach , ATTACH , (3. verb) e.g. The authorities attached much significance to his visit. [VERB noun + to], e.g. ...the magic that still attaches to the word 'spy'. [VERB + to], e.g. ...the stigma attached to mental illness. [VERB-ed], attach , ATTACH

If people attach a quality to someone or something, or if it attaches to them, people consider that they have that quality., ,Synonyms: ascribe, connect, attribute, assign

attach , ATTACH , (3. verb) .. e.g. The authorities attached much significance to his visit. [VERB noun + to], .. e.g. ...the magic that still attaches to the word 'spy'. [VERB + to], .. e.g. ...the stigma attached to mental illness. [VERB-ed], attach , ATTACH

If people attach a quality to someone or something, or if it attaches to them, people consider that they have that quality., Synonyms: ascribe, connect, attribute, assign

discuss , DISCUSS , (1. verb) .. e.g. I will be discussing the situation with colleagues tomorrow. [VERB noun], .. e.g. The cabinet met today to discuss how to respond to the ultimatum. [V wh-to-inf] [Also VERB wh]Synonyms: talk about, consider, debate, review , discuss , DISCUSS

If people discuss something, they talk about it, often in order to reach a decision.,

explore , EXPLORE , (3. verb) .. e.g. Central to the operation is a mile-deep well, dug originally to explore for oil. [VERB + for], .. e.g. The government is allowing the areas of inshore coastal waters to be explored for, .. e.g. oil and gas. [be V-ed for n] [Also V n for n], .. e.g. exploration, .. e.g. uncountable noun Oryx is a Dallas-based oil and gas exploration and production concern., explore , EXPLORE

If people explore an area for a substance such as oil or minerals, they study the area and do tests on the land to see whether they can find it., Synonyms: investigation, study, research, survey

gather , GATHER , (1. verb) .. e.g. In the evenings, we gathered around the fireplace and talked. [VERB preposition/adverb], .. e.g. The man signalled for me to gather the children together. [VERB noun with together] [Also VERB]Synonyms: congregate, assemble, get together, collect , gather , GATHER

If people gather somewhere or if someone gathers people somewhere, they come together in a group.,

migrate , MIGRATE , (1. verb) .. e.g. People migrate to cities like Jakarta in search of work. [VERB preposition/adverb], .. e.g. Farmers have learned that they have to migrate if they want to survive. [VERB], .. e.g. migration (maɪgreɪʃən, .. e.g. )Word forms: plural migrations, .. e.g. variable noun ...the migration of Soviet Jews to Israel. [+ of], migrate , MIGRATE

If people migrate, they move from one place to another, especially in order to find work or to live somewhere for a short time., Synonyms: move, travel, journey, wander Synonyms: wandering, journey, voyage, travel

negotiate , NEGOTIATE , (1. verb) .. e.g. It is not clear whether the president is willing to negotiate with the democrats. [VERB + with], .. e.g. When you have two adversaries negotiating, you need to be on neutral territory. [VERB], .. e.g. The local government and the army negotiated a truce. [VERB noun], .. e.g. Western governments have this week urged him to negotiate and avoid force. [VERB], .. e.g. He has bravely negotiated an end to the country's civil war. [VERB noun], .. e.g. His publishing house had just begun negotiating for her next books. [VERB + for], .. e.g. There were reports that three companies were negotiating to market the drug. [VERB to-infinitive] [Also VERB noun + with]Synonyms: arrange, manage, settle, work out , negotiate , NEGOTIATE

If people negotiate with each other or negotiate an agreement, they talk about a problem or a situation such as a business arrangement in order to solve the problem or complete the arrangement.,

prosper , PROSPER , (verb) .. e.g. [formal] The high street banks continue to prosper. [VERB], .. e.g. His teams have always prospered in cup competitions. [VERB], prosper , PROSPER

If people or businesses prosper, they are successful and do well., Synonyms: succeed, advance, progress, thrive

between , BETWEEN , (8. preposition) .. e.g. The three sites employ 12,500 people between them., .. e.g. Between them, they train over fifty horses in Lambourn., between , BETWEEN

If people or places have a particular amount of something between them, this is the total amount that they have.,

between , BETWEEN , (2. preposition) .. e.g. I spent a lot of time travelling between London and Bradford., between , BETWEEN

If people or things travel between two places, they travel regularly from one place to the other and back again.,

plot , PLOT , (2. verb) .. e.g. Prosecutors in the trial allege the defendants plotted to overthrow the government. [VERB to-infinitive], .. e.g. The military were plotting a coup. [VERB noun], .. e.g. They are awaiting trial on charges of plotting against the state. [VERB + against], plot , PLOT

If people plot to do something or plot something that is illegal or wrong, they plan secretly to do it., Synonyms: plan, scheme, conspire, intrigue

starve , STARVE , (1. verb) .. e.g. A number of the prisoners we saw are starving. [VERB], .. e.g. In the 1930s, millions of Ukrainians starved to death or were deported. [VERB + to], .. e.g. Getting food to starving people does nothing to stop the war. [VERB-ing], starve , STARVE

If people starve, they suffer greatly from lack of food which sometimes leads to their death., Synonyms: die from lack of food, die from malnourishment

whisper , WHISPER , (2. verb) .. e.g. We hit it off so well that everyone started whispering about us. [VERB + about], .. e.g. It is whispered that he intended to resign. [be VERB-ed that], .. e.g. But don't whisper a word of that. [VERB noun], .. e.g. Whisper is also a noun., .. e.g. I've heard a whisper that the Bishop intends to leave. , whisper , WHISPER

If people whisper about a piece of information, they talk about it, although it might not be true or accurate, or might be a secret.,

deluge , DELUGE , (4. verb) .. e.g. [written] At least 150 people died after two days of torrential rain deluged the capital. [VERB noun], deluge , DELUGE

If rain deluges a place, it falls very heavily there, sometimes causing floods.,

drift , DRIFT , (7. verb) .. e.g. The snow, except where it drifted, was only calf-deep. [VERB], .. e.g. The storm caused severe drifting. [VERB-ing], .. e.g. ...the white and drifted snow. [VERB-ed], drift , DRIFT

If snow drifts, it builds up into piles as a result of the movement of the wind., Synonyms: pile up, gather, accumulate, amass

beacon , BEACON , (2. countable noun) .. e.g. Our Parliament has been a beacon of hope to the peoples of Europe. [+ of], .. e.g. He acted as a beacon for new immigrants. [+ for] , beacon , BEACON

If someone acts as a beacon to other people, they inspire or encourage them.,

light , LIGHT , (8. singular noun) .. e.g. [informal] Have you got a light anybody?, light , LIGHT

If someone asks you for a light, they want a match or cigarette lighter so they can start smoking., Synonyms: match, spark, flame, lighter

attach , ATTACH , (2. verb) .. e.g. Natasha attached herself to the film crew filming at her orphanage. [VERB pronoun-reflexive + to], attach , ATTACH

If someone attaches himself or herself to you, they join you and stay with you, often without being invited to do so.,

brief , BRIEF , (6. verb) .. e.g. A department spokesperson briefed reporters. [VERB noun], .. e.g. The Prime Minister has been briefed by her parliamentary aides. [be VERB-ed + by], brief , BRIEF

If someone briefs you, especially about a piece of work or a serious matter, they give you information that you need before you do it or consider it., Synonyms: inform, prime, prepare, advise

burden , BURDEN , (3. verb) .. e.g. We decided not to burden him with the news. [VERB noun + with] [Also VERB noun]Synonyms: weigh down, worry, load, tax , burden , BURDEN

If someone burdens you with something that is likely to worry you, for example a problem or a difficult decision, they tell you about it.,

survey , SURVEY , (5. countable noun) .. e.g. of it., .. e.g. ...the organizer of the geological survey of India., .. e.g. The scientists conducted two aerial surveys followed by two ground surveys., survey , SURVEY

If someone carries out a survey of an area of land, they examine it and measure it, usually in order to make a map,

cling , CLING , (5. verb) .. e.g. [disapproval] I was terrified he would leave me, so I was clinging to him. [VERB to noun] , .. e.g. clinging graded adjective, cling , CLING

If someone clings to a person they are fond of, they do not allow that person to be free or independent.,

cling , CLING , (2. verb) .. e.g. He appears determined to cling to power. [V + to/onto], .. e.g. Another minister clung on with a majority of only 18. [VERB + on], .. e.g. Japan's productivity has overtaken America in some industries, but elsewhere the, .. e.g. United States has clung on to its lead. [V + on to], cling , CLING

If someone clings to a position or a possession they have, they do everything they can to keep it even though this may be very difficult.,

collaborate , COLLABORATE , (2. verb) .. e.g. [disapproval] He was accused of having collaborated with the secret police. [VERB + with] [Also VERB]Synonyms: conspire, cooperate, collude, fraternize , collaborate , COLLABORATE

If someone collaborates with an enemy that is occupying their country during a war, they help them.,

commend , COMMEND , (2. verb) .. e.g. [formal] I can commend it to him as a realistic course of action. [VERB noun + to], commend , COMMEND

If someone commends a person or thing to you, they tell you that you will find them good or useful., Synonyms: recommend, suggest, approve, advocate

confess , CONFESS , (2. verb) .. e.g. You just go to the church and confess your sins. [VERB noun], .. e.g. Once we have confessed our failures and mistakes to God, we should stop feeling guilty. [VERB noun + to] [Also V, V to n], confess , CONFESS

If someone confesses or confesses their sins, they tell God or a priest about their sins so that they can be forgiven.,

confess , CONFESS , (1. verb) .. e.g. He had confessed to seventeen murders. [VERB + to], .. e.g. Her husband confessed to having had an affair. [V to n/-ing], .. e.g. I had expected her to confess that she only wrote these books for the money. [VERB that], .. e.g. Most rape victims confess a feeling of helplessness. [VERB noun], .. e.g. Ray changed his mind, claiming that he had been forced into confessing. [VERB], .. e.g. 'I played a very bad match,' he confessed. [VERB with quote] [Also V wh, V pron-refl adj/n]Synonyms: admit, acknowledge, disclose, confide , confess , CONFESS

If someone confesses to doing something wrong, they admit that they did it.,

crumple , CRUMPLE , (2. verb) .. e.g. [written] His body crumpled. [VERB], .. e.g. He immediately crumpled to the floor. [VERB preposition], .. e.g. Chance McAllister lay crumpled on the floor. [VERB-ed], crumple , CRUMPLE

If someone crumples, they collapse, for example when they have received a shock., Synonyms: collapse, sink, go down, fall

excel , EXCEL , (verb) .. e.g. Caine has always been an actor who excels in irony. [VERB + in], .. e.g. Mary was a better rider than either of them and she excelled at outdoor sports. [VERB + at], .. e.g. Academically he began to excel. [VERB], .. e.g. I think Krishnan excelled himself in all departments of his game. [VERB pronoun-reflexive], excel , EXCEL

If someone excels in something or excels at it, they are very good at doing it., Synonyms: be superior, better, pass, eclipse

unveil , UNVEIL , (1. verb) .. e.g. ...a ceremony to unveil a monument to the victims. [VERB noun], .. e.g. unveiling, .. e.g. uncountable noun ...the unveiling of a monument to one of the Croatian heroes of the past. [+ of], unveil , UNVEIL

If someone formally unveils something such as a new statue or painting, they draw back the curtain which is covering it.,

discretion , DISCRETION , (2. uncountable noun) .. e.g. [formal] This committee may want to exercise its discretion to look into those charges., .. e.g. Courts would have the discretion to impose a community order. , discretion , DISCRETION

If someone in a position of authority uses their discretion or has the discretion to do something in a particular situation, they have the freedom and authority to decide what to do.,

fingerprint , FINGERPRINT , (2. verb [usually passive]) .. e.g. He took her to jail, where she was fingerprinted and booked. [be VERB-ed], fingerprint , FINGERPRINT

If someone is fingerprinted, the police take their fingerprints.,

objective , OBJECTIVE , (3. adjective) .. e.g. I believe that a journalist should be completely objective., .. e.g. I would really like to have your objective opinion on this., .. e.g. objectively, .. e.g. adverb [usually ADVERB with verb] Try to view situations more objectively, especially with regard to work., .. e.g. objectivity, .. e.g. uncountable noun The psychiatrist must learn to maintain an unusual degree of objectivity., objective , OBJECTIVE

If someone is objective, they base their opinions on facts rather than on their personal feelings., Synonyms: unbiased, neutral, detached, just Synonyms: impartially, neutrally, fairly, justly Synonyms: impartiality, detachment, neutrality, equity

persecute , PERSECUTE , (1. verb) .. e.g. Mr Weaver and his family have been persecuted by the authorities for their beliefs. [be VERB-ed], .. e.g. They began by brutally persecuting the Catholic Church. [VERB noun], .. e.g. ...a persecuted minority. [VERB-ed], persecute , PERSECUTE

If someone is persecuted, they are treated cruelly and unfairly, often because of their race or beliefs., Synonyms: victimize, hunt, injure, pursue

reprimand , REPRIMAND , (verb) .. e.g. [formal] He was reprimanded by a teacher for talking in the corridor. [be VERB-ed + for], .. e.g. Her attempts to reprimand him were quickly shouted down. [VERB noun], .. e.g. Reprimand is also a noun., .. e.g. He has been fined five thousand pounds and given a severe reprimand., reprimand , REPRIMAND

If someone is reprimanded, they are spoken to angrily or seriously for doing something wrong, usually by a person in authority., Synonyms: blame, censure [formal], rebuke, reproach

rigorous , RIGOROUS , (2. adjective [usually verb-link ADJECTIVE]) .. e.g. He is rigorous in his control of expenditure. [+ in], rigorous , RIGOROUS

If someone is rigorous in the way that they do something, they are very careful and thorough., Synonyms: thorough, meticulous, painstaking, scrupulous

manipulate , MANIPULATE , (4. verb) .. e.g. The way he can manipulate my leg has helped my arthritis so much. [VERB noun], .. e.g. manipulation, .. e.g. variable noun A permanent cure will only be effected by acupuncture, chiropractic or manipulation., manipulate , MANIPULATE

If someone manipulates your bones or muscles, they skilfully move and press them with their hands in order to push the bones into their correct position or make the muscles less stiff., Synonyms: massage, rub, knead, palpate

grace , GRACE , (1. uncountable noun) .. e.g. He moved with the grace of a trained boxer., .. e.g. Ballet classes are important for poise and grace., grace , GRACE

If someone moves with grace, they move in a smooth, controlled, and attractive way., Synonyms: elegance, finesse, poise, ease

attract , ATTRACT , (2. verb) .. e.g. He wasn't sure he'd got it right, although the theory attracted him by its logic. [VERB noun], .. e.g. What first attracted me to her was her incredible experience of life. [VERB noun to noun], .. e.g. More people would be attracted to cycling if conditions were right. [be VERB-ed + to], attract , ATTRACT

If someone or something attracts you, they have particular qualities which cause you to like or admire them. If a particular quality attracts you to a person or thing, it is the reason why you like them.,

convince , CONVINCE , (1. verb) .. e.g. I soon convinced the jury of my innocence. [VERB noun + of], .. e.g. It is difficult to convince the public of the need for change. [VERB noun that] [Also VERB noun]Synonyms: assure, persuade, satisfy, prove to , convince , CONVINCE

If someone or something convinces you of something, they make you believe that it is true or that it exists.,

convince , CONVINCE , (2. verb) .. e.g. [mainly US] In January, he convinced her to join him in the Pyrenees. [VERB noun to-infinitive] [Also VERB noun], convince , CONVINCE

If someone or something convinces you to do something, they persuade you to do it.,

drift , DRIFT , (2. verb) .. e.g. We need to offer young people drifting into crime an alternative set of values. [VERB preposition/adverb], .. e.g. She and her husband drifted apart and, eventually, they divorced. [VERB preposition/adverb], .. e.g. There is a general sense that the country and economy alike are drifting. [VERB], drift , DRIFT

If someone or something drifts into a situation, they get into that situation in a way that is not planned or controlled.,

influence , INFLUENCE , (4. verb) .. e.g. We became the best of friends and he influenced me deeply. [VERB noun], .. e.g. What you eat may influence your risk of getting cancer. [VERB noun], .. e.g. They still influence what's played on the radio. [VERB wh], influence , INFLUENCE

If someone or something influences a person or situation, they have an effect on that person's behaviour or that situation., Synonyms: affect, have an effect on, have an impact on, control

banish , BANISH , (1. verb) .. e.g. John was banished from England. [beV-ed from/to n], .. e.g. I was banished to the small bedroom upstairs. [beV-ed + from/to], .. e.g. They tried to banish him from politics. [V n + from/to], banish , BANISH

If someone or something is banished from a place or area of activity, they are sent away from it and prevented from entering it., Synonyms: exclude, bar, ban, dismiss

conspicuous , CONSPICUOUS , (1. adjective) .. e.g. He spent his money in a conspicuous way on fast cars and luxury holidays., .. e.g. You may feel tearful in situations where you feel conspicuous., .. e.g. conspicuously, .. e.g. adverb [ADVERB with verb, ADVERB adjective] Johnston's name was conspicuously absent from the list., conspicuous , CONSPICUOUS

If someone or something is conspicuous, people can see or notice them very easily.,

responsible , RESPONSIBLE , (1. adjective [verb-link ADJECTIVE]) .. e.g. He still felt responsible for her death. [+ for], .. e.g. I want you to do everything you can to find out who's responsible., responsible , RESPONSIBLE

If someone or something is responsible for a particular event or situation, they are the cause of it or they can be blamed for it., Synonyms: to blame, guilty, at fault, culpable

lull , LULL , (3. verb) .. e.g. The swish of the tyres lulled him into a light doze. [V n into/to n], .. e.g. Before he knew it, the heat and hum of the forest had lulled him to sleep. [V n + into/to] [Also V n ], lull , LULL

If someone or something lulls you, they cause you to feel calm or sleepy.,

triumph , TRIUMPH , (3. verb) .. e.g. All her life, Kelly had stuck with difficult tasks and challenges, and triumphed. [VERB], .. e.g. The whole world looked to her as a symbol of good triumphing over evil. [VERB + over], triumph , TRIUMPH

If someone or something triumphs, they gain complete success, control, or victory, often after a long or difficult struggle., Synonyms: succeed, win, overcome, prevail

weigh , WEIGH , (1. verb [no cont]) .. e.g. It weighs nearly 27 kilos (about 65 pounds). [VERB amount], .. e.g. This little ball of gold weighs a quarter of an ounce. [VERB amount], .. e.g. You always weigh less in the morning. [VERB amount], weigh , WEIGH

If someone or something weighs a particular amount, this amount is how heavy they are.,

plot , PLOT , (9. verb) .. e.g. to give some indication of how it will develop in the future., .. e.g. They used a computer to plot the movements of everyone in the building. [VERB noun], plot , PLOT

If someone plots the progress or development of something, they make a diagram or a plan which shows how it has developed in order,

prejudice , PREJUDICE , (3. verb) .. e.g. [formal] Her study was not in any way intended to prejudice the future development of the, .. e.g. college. [VERB noun], .. e.g. They claim the council has prejudiced their health by failing to deal with asbestos. [VERB noun], prejudice , PREJUDICE

If someone prejudices another person's situation, they do something which makes it worse than it should be.,

spoil , SPOIL , (5. verb) .. e.g. [British] They had broadcast calls for voters to spoil their ballot papers. [VERB noun], .. e.g. The results showed that 7.2% of the voters cast blank or spoiled ballots. [VERB-ed] , spoil , SPOIL

If someone spoils their vote, they write something illegal on their voting paper, usually as a protest about the election, and their vote is not accepted.,

survey , SURVEY , (6. verb) .. e.g. it., .. e.g. The council commissioned geological experts to survey the cliffs. [VERB noun], .. e.g. surveying, .. e.g. uncountable noun ...data relating to astronomy, astrology, surveying and navigation., .. e.g. ...surveying equipment., survey , SURVEY

If someone surveys an area of land, they examine it and measure it, usually in order to make a map of, Synonyms: measure, estimate, prospect, assess

hyperbole , HYPERBOLE , (uncountable noun) .. e.g. [technical, formal] ...the hyperbole that portrays him as one of the greatest visionaries in the world., hyperbole , HYPERBOLE

If someone uses hyperbole, they say or write things that make something sound much more impressive than it really is., Synonyms: exaggeration, hype [informal], overstatement, enlargement

absorb , ABSORB , (4. verb) .. e.g. ...footwear which does not absorb the impact of the foot striking the ground. [VERB noun], absorb , ABSORB

If something absorbs a force or shock, it reduces its effect., Synonyms: cushion, suppress, soften, pillow

absorb , ABSORB , (1. verb) .. e.g. Plants absorb carbon dioxide from the air and moisture from the soil. [VERB noun], .. e.g. Refined sugars are absorbed into the bloodstream very quickly. [be VERB-ed + into], absorb , ABSORB

If something absorbs a liquid, gas, or other substance, it soaks it up or takes it in., Synonyms: soak up, drink in, devour, suck up

absorb , ABSORB , (6. verb) .. e.g. It absorbed vast amounts of capital that could have been used for investment. [VERB noun], .. e.g. It might help if campaigning didn't absorb so much time and money. [VERB noun] , absorb , ABSORB

If something absorbs something valuable such as money, space, or time, it uses up a great deal of it.,

absorb , ABSORB , (8. verb) .. e.g. ...a second career which absorbed her more completely than her acting ever had. [VERB noun], absorb , ABSORB

If something absorbs you, it interests you a great deal and takes up all your attention and energy., Synonyms: engross, hold, involve, fill

adhere , ADHERE , (3. verb) .. e.g. Small particles adhere to the seed. [VERB + to], .. e.g. This sticky compound adheres well on this surface. [VERB adverb/preposition] [Also VERB], adhere , ADHERE

If something adheres to something else, it sticks firmly to it.,

appeal , APPEAL , (7. verb) .. e.g. On the other hand, the idea appealed to him. [VERB + to], .. e.g. The range has long appealed to all tastes. [VERB to noun] [Also VERB] , appeal , APPEAL

If something appeals to you, you find it attractive or interesting.,

approach , APPROACH , (8. verb) .. e.g. Oil prices have approached their highest level for almost ten years. [VERB noun], approach , APPROACH

If something approaches a particular level or state, it almost reaches that level or state., Synonyms: approximate, touch [informal], be like, compare with

attract , ATTRACT , (4. verb) .. e.g. President Mwinyi said his country would also like to attract investment from private, .. e.g. companies. [VERB noun], .. e.g. Opinion polls suggest that the two rebels have attracted a lot of sympathy. [VERB noun], attract , ATTRACT

If something attracts support, publicity, or money, it receives support, publicity, or money.,

capture , CAPTURE , (3. verb) e.g. ...the great names of the Tory party who usually capture the historian's attention. [VERB noun], e.g. ...the issue that has captured the imagination of nearly the whole nation. [VERB noun], e.g. ...one man's undying love for the woman who captured his heart. [VERB noun], capture , CAPTURE

If something captures your attention or imagination, you begin to be interested or excited by it. If someone or something captures your heart, you begin to love them or like them very much., ,Synonyms: engage, fascinate, absorb, preoccupy

capture , CAPTURE , (3. verb) .. e.g. ...the great names of the Tory party who usually capture the historian's attention. [VERB noun], .. e.g. ...the issue that has captured the imagination of nearly the whole nation. [VERB noun], .. e.g. ...one man's undying love for the woman who captured his heart. [VERB noun], capture , CAPTURE

If something captures your attention or imagination, you begin to be interested or excited by it. If someone or something captures your heart, you begin to love them or like them very much., Synonyms: engage, fascinate, absorb, preoccupy

describe , DESCRIBE , (3. verb [no passive]) .. e.g. [formal] His pass described a perfect arc through the leaden sky. [VERB noun], describe , DESCRIBE

If something describes a particular shape, it forms that shape or makes a movement that follows the line of that shape.,

deteriorate , DETERIORATE , (verb) .. e.g. There are fears that the situation might deteriorate into full-scale war. [VERB], .. e.g. The weather conditions are deteriorating. [VERB], .. e.g. Grant's health steadily deteriorated. [VERB], .. e.g. deterioration (dɪtɪəriəreɪʃən, .. e.g. ) uncountable noun ...concern about the rapid deterioration in relations between the two countries. [+ in], .. e.g. ...the slow steady deterioration of a patient with Alzheimer's disease., deteriorate , DETERIORATE

If something deteriorates, it becomes worse in some way., Synonyms: decline, worsen, degenerate, fall Synonyms: disintegration, decay, rot, breakdown Synonyms: decline, failure, collapse, fall

earn , EARN , (2. verb) .. e.g. ...a current account which earns little or no interest. [VERB noun], .. e.g. We buy everything abroad with the money earned from oil imports. [VERB noun], earn , EARN

If something earns money, it produces money as profit or interest.,

evolve , EVOLVE , (2. verb) .. e.g. more advanced., .. e.g. ...a tiny airline which eventually evolved into Pakistan International Airlines. [VERB + into], .. e.g. Popular music evolved from folk songs. [VERB + from], .. e.g. As medical knowledge evolves, beliefs change. [VERB], .. e.g. This was when he evolved the working method from which he has never departed. [VERB noun], evolve , EVOLVE

If something evolves or you evolve it, it gradually develops over a period of time into something different and usually, Synonyms: grow, develop, advance, progress

fuse , FUSE , (5. verb) .. e.g. His music fused the rhythms of jazz with classical forms. [VERB noun + with], .. e.g. They have fused two different types of entertainment, the circus and the rock concert. [VERB noun], .. e.g. Past and present fuse. [VERB] [Also V + with], fuse , FUSE

If something fuses two different qualities, ideas, or things, or if they fuse, they join together, especially in order to form a pleasing or satisfactory combination.,

gather , GATHER , (4. verb) .. e.g. Demands for his dismissal have gathered momentum in recent weeks. [VERB noun], .. e.g. The raft gathered speed as the current dragged it toward the falls. [VERB noun], gather , GATHER

If something gathers speed, momentum, or force, it gradually becomes faster or more powerful.,

thrill , THRILL , (1. countable noun [usually singular]) .. e.g. I can remember the thrill of not knowing what I would get on Christmas morning. [+ of], .. e.g. It's a great thrill for a cricket-lover like me to play at the home of cricket. [+ for], .. e.g. ...the realization that new adventures, new thrills, and new worlds lie ahead., thrill , THRILL

If something gives you a thrill, it gives you a sudden feeling of great excitement, pleasure, or fear., Synonyms: pleasure, charge [slang], kick [informal], glow

between , BETWEEN , (6. preposition) .. e.g. one., .. e.g. The canal was built between 1793 and 1797., .. e.g. Berlin was well known for its good living in between the two world wars., .. e.g. Between is also an adverb., .. e.g. They come in peaks lasting two or three minutes, with periods of calm in between., between , BETWEEN

If something happens between or in between two times or events, it happens after the first time or event and before the second,

priority , PRIORITY , (1. countable noun) .. e.g. Being a parent is her first priority., .. e.g. The government's priority is to build more power plants., .. e.g. Getting your priorities in order is a good way to not waste energy on meaningless, .. e.g. pursuits., priority , PRIORITY

If something is a priority, it is the most important thing you have to do or deal with, or must be done or dealt with before everything else you have to do.,

between , BETWEEN , (5. preposition) .. e.g. Increase the amount of time you spend exercising by walking between 15 and 20 minutes., .. e.g. Amsterdam is fun-a third of its population is aged between 18 and 30. , between , BETWEEN

If something is between two amounts or ages, it is greater or older than the first one and smaller or younger than the second one.,

border , BORDER , (5. verb) .. e.g. ...the mile of white sand beach bordered by palm trees and tropical flowers. [VERB-ed], .. e.g. Caesar marched north into the forests that border the Danube River. [VERB noun], .. e.g. Phrasal verbs:, .. e.g. border on, border , BORDER

If something is bordered by another thing, the other thing forms a line along the edge of it., Synonyms: edge, bound, decorate, trim

contaminate , CONTAMINATE , (verb) .. e.g. Have any fish been contaminated in the Arctic Ocean? [be VERB-ed], .. e.g. ...vast tracts of empty land, much of it contaminated by years of army activity. [VERB-ed] [Also VERB noun]Synonyms: pollute, infect, stain, corrupt , .. e.g. contaminated, .. e.g. adjective Nuclear weapons plants across the country are heavily contaminated with toxic wastes. [+ with], .. e.g. More than 100,000 people could fall ill after drinking contaminated water., .. e.g. contamination (kəntæmɪneɪʃən, .. e.g. ) uncountable noun ...the contamination of the ocean by plastic. [+ of], contaminate , CONTAMINATE

If something is contaminated by waste, dirt, chemicals, or radiation, it is made dirty or harmful., Synonyms: polluted, dirtied, poisoned, infected Synonyms: pollution, dirtying, infection, corruption

designate , DESIGNATE , (2. verb [usually passive]) .. e.g. Some of the rooms were designated as offices. [be V-ed + as/for], .. e.g. ...scholarships designated for minorities. [VERB-ed], .. e.g. Smoking is allowed in designated areas. [VERB-ed], designate , DESIGNATE

If something is designated for a particular purpose, it is set aside for that purpose., Synonyms: choose, reserve, select, label

distinct , DISTINCT , (1. adjective) .. e.g. Engineering and technology are disciplines distinct from one another and from science. [+ from], .. e.g. This book is divided into two distinct parts., .. e.g. distinctly, .. e.g. adverb [ADVERB adjective] ...a banking industry with two distinctly different sectors., distinct , DISTINCT

If something is distinct from something else of the same type, it is different or separate from it., Synonyms: different, individual, separate, disconnected Synonyms: clearly, plainly, precisely Synonyms: definitely, clearly, obviously, sharply

distinct , DISTINCT , (2. adjective) .. e.g. ...to impart a distinct flavor with a minimum of cooking fat., .. e.g. distinctly, .. e.g. adverb [ADVERB with verb] I distinctly heard the loudspeaker calling passengers for the Turin-Amsterdam flight., distinct , DISTINCT

If something is distinct, you can hear, see, or taste it clearly., Synonyms: striking, sharp, dramatic, stunning [informal] Synonyms: clearly, plainly, precisely Synonyms: definitely, clearly, obviously, sharply

evident , EVIDENT , (1. adjective) .. e.g. His footprints were clearly evident in the heavy dust., .. e.g. The threat of inflation is already evident in bond prices., .. e.g. ...the best-publicised cases of evident injustice., evident , EVIDENT

If something is evident, you notice it easily and clearly.,

intend , INTEND , (2. verb [usually passive]) .. e.g. This money is intended for the development of the tourist industry. [be VERB-ed + for], .. e.g. Columns are usually intended in architecture to add grandeur and status. [be VERB-ed to-infinitive], .. e.g. Originally, Hatfield had been intended as a leisure complex. [be VERB-ed + as], intend , INTEND

If something is intended for a particular purpose, it has been planned to fulfil that purpose. If something is intended for a particular person, it has been planned to be used by that person or to affect them in some way., Synonyms: destine, mean, design, earmark

limit , LIMIT , (7. verb [usually passive]) .. e.g. The protests were not limited to New York. [be VERB-ed + to], .. e.g. Entry to this prize draw is limited to U.K. residents. [be VERB-ed + to] , limit , LIMIT

If something is limited to a particular place or group of people, it exists only in that place, or is had or done only by that group.,

accommodate , ACCOMMODATE , (3. verb) .. e.g. [formal] The roads are built to accommodate gradual temperature changes. [VERB noun], .. e.g. The way that American history is taught may change in order to accommodate some more, .. e.g. of those cultures. [VERB noun], accommodate , ACCOMMODATE

If something is planned or changed to accommodate a particular situation, it is planned or changed so that it takes this situation into account.,

light , LIGHT , (9. countable noun) .. e.g. to be of a particular nature., .. e.g. He has worked hard in recent months to portray New York in a better light., light , LIGHT

If something is presented in a particular light, it is presented so that you think about it in a particular way or so that it appears, Synonyms: aspect, approach, attitude, context

remote , REMOTE , (3. adjective) .. e.g. This government depends on the wishes of a few who are remote from the people. [+ from], .. e.g. Teenagers are forced to study subjects that seem remote from their daily lives., .. e.g. remoteness uncountable noun ...the remoteness of the officers from their men., remote , REMOTE

If something is remote from a particular subject or area of experience, it is not relevant to it because it is very different., Synonyms: irrelevant, foreign, outside, removed

salvage , SALVAGE , (1. verb [usually passive]) .. e.g. The team's first task was to decide what equipment could be salvaged. [be VERB-ed], .. e.g. The investigators studied flight recorders salvaged from the wreckage. [VERB-ed], salvage , SALVAGE

If something is salvaged, someone manages to save it, for example from a ship that has sunk, or from a building that has been damaged., Synonyms: save, recover, rescue, restore

schedule , SCHEDULE , (3. verb [usually passive]) .. e.g. The space shuttle had been scheduled to blast off at 04:38. [be VERB-ed to-infinitive], .. e.g. A presidential election was scheduled for last December. [be VERB-ed + for], .. e.g. No new talks are scheduled. [be VERB-ed], schedule , SCHEDULE

If something is scheduled to happen at a particular time, arrangements are made for it to happen at that time., Synonyms: plan, set up, book, programme

chill , CHILL , (4. countable noun) .. e.g. The violence used against the students sent a chill through Indonesia., .. e.g. He smiled, an odd, dreamy smile that sent chills up my back., chill , CHILL

If something sends a chill through you, it gives you a sudden feeling of fear or anxiety., Synonyms: shiver, frisson, goose pimples, goose flesh

secret , SECRET , (1. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun, verb-link ADJECTIVE]) .. e.g. Soldiers have been training at a secret location., .. e.g. The police have been trying to keep the documents secret., .. e.g. secretly, .. e.g. adverb [ADVERB with verb] He wore a hidden microphone to secretly record conversations., .. e.g. ...secretly organised events., secret , SECRET

If something is secret, it is known about by only a small number of people, and is not told or shown to anyone else., Synonyms: undisclosed, unknown, confidential, underground Synonyms: in secret, privately, surreptitiously, quietly Synonyms: privately, in your heart of hearts, in your innermost thoughts

tangible , TANGIBLE , (adjective) .. e.g. There should be some tangible evidence that the economy is starting to recover., .. e.g. The relief was almost tangible., .. e.g. tangibly, .. e.g. adverb [usually ADVERB with verb, oft ADVERB adjective] This tangibly demonstrated that the world situation could be improved., tangible , TANGIBLE

If something is tangible, it is clear enough or definite enough to be easily seen, felt, or noticed., Synonyms: definite, real, positive, solid

unique , UNIQUE , (3. adjective) .. e.g. No one knows for sure why adolescence is unique to humans. [+ to], .. e.g. This interesting and charming creature is unique to Borneo. [+ to], .. e.g. uniquely, .. e.g. adverb [ADVERB adjective] The problem isn't uniquely American., unique , UNIQUE

If something is unique to one thing, person, group, or place, it concerns or belongs only to that thing, person, group, or place., Synonyms: exclusive to, particular to, peculiar to, found only in

urgent , URGENT , (1. adjective) .. e.g. There is an urgent need for food and water., .. e.g. He had urgent business in New York., .. e.g. urgency, .. e.g. uncountable noun The urgency of finding a cure attracted some of the best minds in medical science. [+ of], .. e.g. It is a matter of utmost urgency., .. e.g. urgently, .. e.g. adverb [ADVERB with verb] Red Cross officials said they urgently needed bread and water., .. e.g. The money was most urgently required., urgent , URGENT

If something is urgent, it needs to be dealt with as soon as possible., Synonyms: crucial [informal], desperate, pressing, great Synonyms: importance, need, necessity, gravity

worth , WORTH , (1. adjective) .. e.g. These books might be worth £80 or £90 or more to a collector., .. e.g. His mother inherited a farm worth 15,000 dollars a year., .. e.g. The contract was worth £25 million a year., worth , WORTH

If something is worth a particular amount of money, it can be sold for that amount or is considered to have that value.,

ignite , IGNITE , (2. verb) .. e.g. [literary] There was one teacher who really ignited my interest in words. [VERB noun], .. e.g. The recent fighting in the area could ignite regional passions far beyond the borders. [VERB noun], ignite , IGNITE

If something or someone ignites your feelings, they cause you to have very strong feelings about something.,

downstairs , DOWNSTAIRS , (2. adverb [be ADVERB, noun ADVERB]) .. e.g. The telephone was downstairs in the entrance hall., .. e.g. Everybody was downstairs watching a movie., .. e.g. ...the woman who lives in the flat downstairs. , downstairs , DOWNSTAIRS

If something or someone is downstairs in a building, they are on the ground floor or on a lower floor than you.,

plunge , PLUNGE , (1. verb) .. e.g. At least 50 people died when a bus plunged into a river. [VERB preposition/adverb], .. e.g. He ran down the steps to the pool terrace and plunged in. [VERB preposition/adverb], .. e.g. Plunge is also a noun., .. e.g. ...a plunge into cold water., plunge , PLUNGE

If something or someone plunges in a particular direction, especially into water, they fall, rush, or throw themselves in that direction., Synonyms: descend, fall, drop, crash

perform , PERFORM , (2. verb) .. e.g. A complex engine has many separate components, each performing a different function. [VERB noun], perform , PERFORM

If something performs a particular function, it has that function.,

persuade , PERSUADE , (2. verb) .. e.g. for doing so., .. e.g. The Conservative Party's victory in April's general election persuaded him to run, .. e.g. for President again. [VERB noun to-infinitive], .. e.g. It was the lack of privacy that eventually persuaded us to move after Ben was born. [VERB noun to-infinitive], persuade , PERSUADE

If something persuades someone to take a particular course of action, it causes them to take that course of action because it is a good reason,

propel , PROPEL , (2. verb) .. e.g. It was a shooting star that propelled me into astronomy in the first place. [VERB noun preposition], .. e.g. He is propelled by both guilt and the need to avenge his father. [be VERB-ed], propel , PROPEL

If something propels you into a particular activity, it causes you to do it., Synonyms: impel, drive, push, prompt

protrude , PROTRUDE , (verb) .. e.g. [formal] ...a huge round mass of smooth rock protruding from the water. [VERB preposition], .. e.g. The tip of her tongue was protruding slightly. [VERB], .. e.g. protruding, .. e.g. adjective ...protruding ears., protrude , PROTRUDE

If something protrudes from somewhere, it sticks out., Synonyms: stick out, start (from), point, project Synonyms: sticking out, projecting, prominent, swollen

provoke , PROVOKE , (2. verb) .. e.g. His election success has provoked a shocked reaction. [VERB noun], provoke , PROVOKE

If something provokes a reaction, it causes it., Synonyms: rouse, cause, produce, lead to

reinforce , REINFORCE , (1. verb) .. e.g. A stronger European Parliament would, they fear, only reinforce the power of the, .. e.g. larger countries. [VERB noun], .. e.g. This sense of privilege tends to be reinforced by the outside world. [VERB noun], reinforce , REINFORCE

If something reinforces a feeling, situation, or process, it makes it stronger or more intense., Synonyms: consolidate, support, increase, further

reinforce , REINFORCE , (2. verb) .. e.g. The delegation hopes to reinforce the idea that human rights are not purely internal, .. e.g. matters. [VERB noun], reinforce , REINFORCE

If something reinforces an idea or point of view, it provides more evidence or support for it.,

relate , RELATE , (1. verb) .. e.g. Other recommendations relate to the details of how such data is stored. [VERB + to], .. e.g. I had papers relating to the children which we had to sign. [VERB to noun], relate , RELATE

If something relates to a particular subject, it concerns that subject.,

skim , SKIM , (2. verb) .. e.g. ...seagulls skimming the waves. [VERB noun], .. e.g. The little boat was skimming across the sunlit surface of the bay. [V + over/across], skim , SKIM

If something skims a surface, it moves quickly along just above it., Synonyms: glide, fly, coast, plane

spring , SPRING , (5. verb) .. e.g. Sadly when the lid of the boot sprang open, it was empty. [VERB adjective], spring , SPRING

If something springs in a particular direction, it moves suddenly and quickly.,

between , BETWEEN , (4. preposition) .. e.g. His sense of duty often stood between him and the enjoyment of life., between , BETWEEN

If something stands between you and what you want, it prevents you from having it.,

dissolve , DISSOLVE , (5. verb) .. e.g. His new-found optimism dissolved. [VERB], .. e.g. Lenny still could not dissolve the nagging lump of tension in his chest. [VERB noun], .. e.g. Phrasal verbs:, .. e.g. dissolve into, dissolve , DISSOLVE

If something such as a problem or feeling dissolves or is dissolved, it becomes weaker and disappears., Synonyms: disappear, fade, vanish, break down

decay , DECAY , (2. verb) .. e.g. Popular cinema seems to have decayed. [VERB], .. e.g. Congress has tried dozens of approaches to revitalize decaying urban and rural areas. [VERB-ing], .. e.g. Decay is also a noun., .. e.g. There are problems of urban decay and gang violence. , decay , DECAY

If something such as a society, system, or institution decays, it gradually becomes weaker or its condition gets worse.,

whistle , WHISTLE , (4. verb) .. e.g. Somewhere a train whistled. [VERB], .. e.g. ...the whistling car radio. [VERB-ing], .. e.g. whistling, .. e.g. singular noun ...the whistling of the wind., whistle , WHISTLE

If something such as a train or a kettle whistles, it makes a loud, high sound.,

whistle , WHISTLE , (5. verb) .. e.g. The wind was whistling through the building. [VERB preposition], .. e.g. As I stood up a bullet whistled past my back. [VERB preposition] , whistle , WHISTLE

If something such as the wind or a bullet whistles somewhere, it moves there, making a loud, high sound.,

flutter , FLUTTER , (1. verb) .. e.g. Her chiffon skirt was fluttering in the night breeze. [VERB], .. e.g. ...a butterfly fluttering its wings. [VERB noun], .. e.g. ...the fluttering white lace handkerchief. [VERB-ing], .. e.g. Flutter is also a noun., .. e.g. ...a flutter of white cloth., flutter , FLUTTER

If something thin or light flutters, or if you flutter it, it moves up and down or from side to side with a lot of quick, light movements., Synonyms: beat, bat, flap, tremble

trouble , TROUBLE , (8. verb) .. e.g. Is anything troubling you? [VERB noun], .. e.g. He was troubled by the lifestyle of his son. [be VERB-ed], .. e.g. troubling, .. e.g. adjective But most troubling of all was the simple fact that nobody knew what was going on., trouble , TROUBLE

If something troubles you, it makes you feel rather worried., Synonyms: bother, worry, upset, disturb

drift , DRIFT , (6. verb) .. e.g. Voices drifted to him across the car park. [VERB preposition/adverb] , drift , DRIFT

If sounds drift somewhere, they can be heard but they are not very loud.,

collide , COLLIDE , (2. verb) .. e.g. therefore opposed., .. e.g. The aims of the negotiators in New York again seem likely to collide with the aims, .. e.g. of the warriors in the field. [VERB + with], .. e.g. What happens when the two interests collide will make a fascinating spectacle. [VERB], collide , COLLIDE

If the aims, opinions, or interests of one person or group collide with those of another person or group, they are very different from each other and are,

prosecute , PROSECUTE , (1. verb) .. e.g. The police have decided not to prosecute because the evidence is not strong enough. [VERB], .. e.g. Photographs taken by roadside cameras will soon be enough to prosecute drivers for, .. e.g. speeding. [VERB noun + for], .. e.g. He is being prosecuted for two criminal offences. [VERB noun + for] [Also VERB noun]Synonyms: take someone to court, try, sue, summon , prosecute , PROSECUTE

If the authorities prosecute someone, they charge them with a crime and put them on trial.,

fingerprint , FINGERPRINT , (3. verb) .. e.g. Let's fingerprint the canoe, see if we come up with anything. [VERB noun] , fingerprint , FINGERPRINT

If the police fingerprint an object, they put a layer of special dust on it so that any fingerprints that are on it can be seen.,

change , CHANGE , (1. variable noun) .. e.g. The ambassador appealed for a change in U.S. policy. [+ in], .. e.g. What is needed is a change of attitude on the part of architects. [+ of], .. e.g. There are going to have to be some drastic changes., .. e.g. ...a passionate, eloquent campaigner for political change in her home country., .. e.g. This is a time of change for the corporation., change , CHANGE

If there is a change in something, it becomes different., Synonyms: alteration, innovation, transformation, modification

light , LIGHT , (12. singular noun [usu N in n]) .. e.g. [literary] I remembered the curious expectant light in his eyes., light , LIGHT

If there is a light in someone's eyes, there is an expression in their eyes that shows you the mood they are in or what they are thinking about.,

adopt , ADOPT , (3. verb) .. e.g. [formal] I tried to adopt a curled-up position to avoid damaging my limbs. [VERB noun], adopt , ADOPT

If you adopt a physical position, you move yourself into it.,

risk , RISK , (1. variable noun [NOUN that]) .. e.g. There is a small risk of brain damage from the procedure. [+ of], .. e.g. In all the confusion, there's a serious risk that the main issues will be forgotten., .. e.g. ...mentally disordered women who pose a serious risk to the public., .. e.g. I suppose people do it because there is that element of danger and risk., .. e.g. Obesity is a major risk factor in many diseases., risk , RISK

If there is a risk of something unpleasant, there is a possibility that it will happen., Synonyms: danger, chance, threat, possibility

ample , AMPLE , (1. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]) .. e.g. There'll be ample opportunity to relax, swim and soak up some sun., .. e.g. The design of the ground floor created ample space for a good-sized kitchen., .. e.g. amply, .. e.g. adverb [usually ADVERB with verb, oft ADVERB adjective] They have been amply rewarded with huge salaries., ample , AMPLE

If there is an ample amount of something, there is enough of it and usually some extra., Synonyms: plenty of, great, rich, liberal Synonyms: fully, well, greatly, completely

trouble , TROUBLE , (5. uncountable noun) .. e.g. Riot police are being deployed throughout the city to prevent any trouble., .. e.g. Fans who make trouble during the match will be severely dealt with., .. e.g. Police sources admitted that the potential for trouble on the streets remained high., trouble , TROUBLE

If there is trouble somewhere, especially in a public place, there is fighting or rioting there., Synonyms: disorder, fighting, row, conflict

abandon , ABANDON , (1. verb) .. e.g. a long time, especially when you should not do so., .. e.g. He claimed that his parents had abandoned him. [VERB noun], .. e.g. The road is strewn with abandoned vehicles. [VERB-ed], abandon , ABANDON

If you abandon a place, thing, or person, you leave the place, thing, or person permanently or for, Synonyms: leave, strand, ditch [slang], leave behind

abandon , ABANDON , (2. verb) .. e.g. The authorities have abandoned any attempt to distribute food. [VERB noun], .. e.g. The scheme's investors, fearful of bankruptcy, decided to abandon the project. [VERB noun], abandon , ABANDON

If you abandon an activity or piece of work, you stop doing it before it is finished., , , Synonyms: stop, drop, give up, halt @END

abandon , ABANDON , (2. verb) .. e.g. The authorities have abandoned any attempt to distribute food. [VERB noun], .. e.g. The scheme's investors, fearful of bankruptcy, decided to abandon the project. [VERB noun], abandon , ABANDON

If you abandon an activity or piece of work, you stop doing it before it is finished., Synonyms: stop, drop, give up, halt

abandon , ABANDON , (3. verb) .. e.g. Logic had prevailed and he had abandoned the idea. [VERB noun], abandon , ABANDON

If you abandon an idea or way of thinking, you stop having that idea or thinking in that way.,

access , ACCESS , (4. verb) .. e.g. You've illegally accessed and misused confidential security files. [VERB noun], access , ACCESS

If you access something, especially information held on a computer, you succeed in finding or obtaining it., Synonyms: acquire, get, gather, obtain

accommodate , ACCOMMODATE , (5. verb) .. e.g. [formal] Some animal and plant species cannot accommodate to the rapidly changing conditions. [VERB to noun], .. e.g. She walked slowly to accommodate herself to his pace. [V pron-refl to n], accommodate , ACCOMMODATE

If you accommodate to something new, you change your behaviour or ideas so that you are able to deal with it., Synonyms: adapt, match, fit, fashion

accuse , ACCUSE , (1. verb) .. e.g. He was accusing my mum of having an affair with another man. [VERB noun + of], .. e.g. Talk things through in stages. Do not accuse or apportion blame. [VERB] [Also VERB noun]Synonyms: point a or the finger at, allege, blame for, denounce , accuse , ACCUSE

If you accuse someone of doing something wrong or dishonest, you say or tell them that you believe that they did it.,

adapt , ADAPT , (3. verb) .. e.g. The scriptwriter helped him to adapt his novel for the screen. [VERB noun], .. e.g. The film has been adapted from a play of the same title. [be VERB-ed], adapt , ADAPT

If you adapt a book or play, you change it so that it can be made into a film or a television programme.,

adapt , ADAPT , (2. verb) .. e.g. Shelves were built to adapt the library for use as an office. [VERB noun] [Also VERB noun + to]Synonyms: convert, change, prepare, fit , adapt , ADAPT

If you adapt something, you change it to make it suitable for a new purpose or situation.,

adapt , ADAPT , (1. verb) .. e.g. The world will be different, and we will have to be prepared to adapt to the change. [VERB + to], .. e.g. They have had to adapt themselves to a war economy. [VERB pronoun-reflexive + to] [Also VERB]Synonyms: adjust, change, match, alter , adapt , ADAPT

If you adapt to a new situation or adapt yourself to it, you change your ideas or behaviour in order to deal with it successfully.,

adhere , ADHERE , (1. verb) .. e.g. All members of the association adhere to a strict code of practice. [VERB + to], .. e.g. It is only when safety procedures are not strictly adhered to that catastrophes occur. [VERB to noun], adhere , ADHERE

If you adhere to a rule or agreement, you act in the way that it says you should.,

adhere , ADHERE , (2. verb) .. e.g. If you can't adhere to my values, then you have to find another place to live. [VERB + to] , adhere , ADHERE

If you adhere to an opinion or belief, you support or hold it.,

adopt , ADOPT , (4. verb) .. e.g. Podulski had joined the U.S. Navy as an aviator, adopting a new country and a new, .. e.g. profession. [VERB noun], .. e.g. ...their adopted home in England. [VERB-ed], adopt , ADOPT

If you adopt a country, you choose it as a place to live., Synonyms: select, choose, pick, nominate

adopt , ADOPT , (1. verb) .. e.g. Parliament adopted a resolution calling for the complete withdrawal of troops. [VERB noun], .. e.g. Pupils should be helped to adopt a positive approach to the environment. [VERB noun] [Also V n as n]Synonyms: take on, follow, support, choose , .. e.g. adoption (ədɒpʃən, .. e.g. ) uncountable noun ...the adoption of Japanese management practices by British manufacturing. [+ of], adopt , ADOPT

If you adopt a new attitude, plan, or way of behaving, you begin to have it., Synonyms: embracing, choice, taking on, taking up

adopt , ADOPT , (5. verb) .. e.g. Adult actors in American productions were expected to adopt English accents. [VERB noun], .. e.g. The girl was uncertain what to do, or what tone of voice to adopt. [VERB noun], adopt , ADOPT

If you adopt an accent or a particular tone of voice, you speak differently from normal, especially to create an effect in a particular situation.,

adopt , ADOPT , (2. verb) .. e.g. There are hundreds of people desperate to adopt a child. [VERB noun], .. e.g. The adopted child has the right to see his birth certificate. [VERB-ed] [Also VERB]Synonyms: take in, raise, nurse, parent , .. e.g. adopter, .. e.g. Word forms: plural adopters, .. e.g. countable noun A social worker is appointed to interview the prospective adopters., .. e.g. adoption, .. e.g. Word forms: plural adoptions, .. e.g. variable noun They gave their babies up for adoption., .. e.g. The majority of adoptions are successful., adopt , ADOPT

If you adopt someone else's child, you take it into your own family and make it legally your son or daughter., Synonyms: fostering, adopting, taking in, fosterage

anticipate , ANTICIPATE , (2. verb) .. e.g. What Jeff did was to anticipate my next question. [VERB noun], .. e.g. Do you expect your partner to anticipate your needs? [VERB noun], anticipate , ANTICIPATE

If you anticipate a question, request, or need, you do what is necessary or required before the question, request, or need occurs.,

anticipate , ANTICIPATE , (1. verb) .. e.g. At the time we couldn't have anticipated the result of our campaigning. [VERB noun], .. e.g. It is anticipated that the equivalent of 192 full-time jobs will be lost. [be VERB-ed that], .. e.g. I hadn't anticipated that Rob's team would advance that far. [VERB that] [Also VERB]Synonyms: expect, predict, forecast, prepare for , anticipate , ANTICIPATE

If you anticipate an event, you realize in advance that it may happen and you are prepared for it.,

anticipate , ANTICIPATE , (3. verb) .. e.g. In the 50s, Rauschenberg anticipated the conceptual art movement of the 80s. [VERB noun] , anticipate , ANTICIPATE

If you anticipate something, you do it, think it, or say it before someone else does.,

appeal , APPEAL , (1. verb) .. e.g. The Prime Minister appealed to young people to use their vote. [V + to/for], .. e.g. He will appeal to the state for an extension of unemployment benefits. [VERB + to], .. e.g. The United Nations has appealed for help from the international community. [VERB + for], appeal , APPEAL

If you appeal to someone to do something, you make a serious and urgent request to them., Synonyms: plead, call, ask, apply

anxious , ANXIOUS , (1. adjective [verb-link ADJECTIVE, ADJECTIVE to-infinitive, ADJECTIVE that]) .. e.g. The miners were anxious to avoid a strike., .. e.g. He is anxious that there should be no delay., .. e.g. Those anxious for reform say that the present system is too narrow., anxious , ANXIOUS

If you are anxious to do something or anxious that something should happen, you very much want to do it or very much want it to happen., Synonyms: eager, keen, intent, yearning

anxious , ANXIOUS , (2. adjective) .. e.g. The foreign minister admitted he was still anxious about the situation in the country., .. e.g. A friend of mine is a very anxious person., .. e.g. anxiously, .. e.g. adverb [ADVERB with verb] They are waiting anxiously to see who will succeed him., anxious , ANXIOUS

If you are anxious, you are nervous or worried about something., Synonyms: uneasy, concerned, worried, troubled

awe , AWE , (2. verb [usually passive, no cont]) .. e.g. I am still awed by David's courage. [be VERB-ed], .. e.g. The crowd listened in awed silence. [VERB-ed], awe , AWE

If you are awed by someone or something, they make you feel respectful and amazed, though often rather frightened., Synonyms: impress, amaze, stun, frighten

brief , BRIEF , (3. adjective [verb-link ADJECTIVE]) .. e.g. Now please be brief-my time is valuable., .. e.g. I hope to be brief and to the point., brief , BRIEF

If you are brief, you say what you want to say in as few words as possible.,

certain , CERTAIN , (1. adjective [verb-link ADJECTIVE, oft ADJ that/wh]) .. e.g. She's absolutely certain she's going to make it in the world., .. e.g. We are not certain whether the appendix had already burst or not., .. e.g. It wasn't a balloon-I'm certain of that. [+ of] [Also + about]Synonyms: sure, convinced, positive, confident , certain , CERTAIN

If you are certain about something, you firmly believe it is true and have no doubt about it. If you are not certain about something, you do not have definite knowledge about it.,

risk , RISK , (4. countable noun) .. e.g. Before providing the cash, they will have to decide whether you are a good or bad, .. e.g. risk., .. e.g. If you are considered a credit risk, a secured loan might be your only alternative. , risk , RISK

If you are considered a good risk, a bank or shop thinks that it is safe to lend you money or let you have goods without paying for them at the time.,

consider , CONSIDER , (3. verb) .. e.g. I had seriously considered telling the story from the point of view of the wives. [VERB verb-ing], .. e.g. Watersports enthusiasts should consider hiring a wetsuit as well as a lifejacket. [V -ing], .. e.g. They are considering the launch of their own political party. [VERB noun], consider , CONSIDER

If you are considering doing something, you intend to do it, but have not yet made a final decision whether to do it.,

desperate , DESPERATE , (2. adjective [verb-link ADJECTIVE, usually ADJECTIVE to-infinitive]) .. e.g. They'd been married nearly four years and June was desperate to start a family., .. e.g. People are desperate for him to do something. [+ for], .. e.g. desperately, .. e.g. adverb [ADVERB with verb] He was a boy who desperately needed affection., desperate , DESPERATE

If you are desperate for something or desperate to do something, you want or need it very much indeed., Synonyms: eager, longing, keen, raring Synonyms: gravely, badly, seriously, severely Synonyms: hopelessly, appallingly, shockingly, frightfully Synonyms: urgently, intensely, with urgency, pressingly

coward , COWARD , (countable noun) .. e.g. [disapproval] She accused her husband of being a coward., coward , COWARD

If you call someone a coward, you disapprove of them because they are easily frightened and avoid dangerous or difficult situations., Synonyms: wimp [informal], chicken [slang], scaredy-cat [informal], sneak

desperate , DESPERATE , (1. adjective) .. e.g. Troops are needed to help get food to the people in desperate need., .. e.g. Desperate with anxiety, Bob and Hans searched the whole house., .. e.g. He made a desperate attempt to hijack a plane., .. e.g. desperately, .. e.g. adverb [ADVERB with verb] Thousands are desperately trying to leave their battered homes., desperate , DESPERATE

If you are desperate, you are in such a bad situation that you are willing to try anything to change it., Synonyms: grave, great, pressing, serious Synonyms: gravely, badly, seriously, severely Synonyms: hopelessly, appallingly, shockingly, frightfully

examine , EXAMINE , (4. verb [usually passive]) .. e.g. ...learning to cope with the pressures of being judged and examined by our teachers. [being V-ed], examine , EXAMINE

If you are examined, you are given a formal test in order to show your knowledge of a subject., Synonyms: test, question, assess, quiz

frantic , FRANTIC , (1. adjective) .. e.g. A bird had been locked in and was by now quite frantic., .. e.g. frantically (fræntɪkli, .. e.g. ) adverb [ADVERB with verb] She clutched frantically at Emily's arm., frantic , FRANTIC

If you are frantic, you are behaving in a wild and uncontrolled way because you are frightened or worried., Synonyms: frenzied, wild, mad [informal], raging

homesick , HOMESICK , (adjective [usually verb-link ADJECTIVE]) .. e.g. She's feeling a little homesick., .. e.g. homesickness, .. e.g. uncountable noun There were inevitable bouts of homesickness., homesick , HOMESICK

If you are homesick, you feel unhappy because you are away from home and are missing your family, friends, and home very much.,

hostile , HOSTILE , (1. adjective) .. e.g. Many people felt he would be hostile to the idea of foreign intervention. [+ to], .. e.g. The West has gradually relaxed its hostile attitude to this influential state. [+ to/towards], .. e.g. The Governor faced hostile crowds when he visited the town yesterday., hostile , HOSTILE

If you are hostile to another person or an idea, you disagree with them or disapprove of them, often showing this in your behaviour., Synonyms: unfriendly, belligerent, antagonistic, unkind

predicament , PREDICAMENT , (countable noun) .. e.g. Hank explained our predicament., .. e.g. The decision will leave her in a peculiar predicament., predicament , PREDICAMENT

If you are in a predicament, you are in an unpleasant situation that is difficult to get out of., Synonyms: fix [informal], state, situation, spot [informal]

indignant , INDIGNANT , (adjective [ADJECTIVE that]) .. e.g. He is indignant at suggestions that they were secret agents. [+ at/about], .. e.g. MPs were indignant that the government had not consulted them., .. e.g. Sheena gave her an indignant look., .. e.g. indignantly, .. e.g. adverb [ADVERB with verb] 'That is not true,' Erica said indignantly., indignant , INDIGNANT

If you are indignant, you are shocked and angry, because you think that something is unjust or unfair., Synonyms: resentful, angry, mad [informal], heated

lull , LULL , (2. verb) .. e.g. It is easy to be lulled into a false sense of security. [be VERB-ed + into], .. e.g. I had been lulled into thinking the publicity would be a trivial matter. [be V-ed into n/-ing], .. e.g. Lulled by almost uninterrupted economic growth, too many European firms assumed that, .. e.g. this would last for ever. [VERB-ed] [Also VERB noun + into]Synonyms: calm, soothe, subdue, still , lull , LULL

If you are lulled into feeling safe, someone or something causes you to feel safe at a time when you are not safe.,

mystify , MYSTIFY , (verb) .. e.g. The audience must have been totally mystified by the plot. [be VERB-ed], .. e.g. There was something strange in her attitude which mystified me. [VERB noun], .. e.g. mystification (mɪstɪfɪkeɪʃən, .. e.g. ) uncountable noun Some minerals, Pough explained to my mystification, are not truly black but only, .. e.g. look so., .. e.g. mystifying, .. e.g. adjective I find your attitude a little mystifying, Moira., mystify , MYSTIFY

If you are mystified by something, you find it impossible to explain or understand., Synonyms: puzzle, confuse, baffle, bewilder

recall , RECALL , (4. verb) .. e.g. The Ambassador was recalled after a row over refugees seeking asylum at the embassy. [VERB noun], .. e.g. Parliament was recalled from its summer recess. [VERB noun], .. e.g. Recall is also a noun., .. e.g. The recall of ambassador Alan Green was a public signal of America's concern. [+ of], recall , RECALL

If you are recalled to your home, country, or the place where you work, you are ordered to return there., Synonyms: call back, bring back, order back, summon back

reluctant , RELUCTANT , (adjective [usu v-link ADJ to-inf]) .. e.g. Mr Spero was reluctant to ask for help., .. e.g. The police are very reluctant to get involved in this sort of thing., .. e.g. reluctantly, .. e.g. adverb [ADVERB with verb] We have reluctantly agreed to let him go., .. e.g. reluctance, .. e.g. uncountable noun [oft NOUN to-infinitive] Ministers have shown extreme reluctance to explain their position to the media., reluctant , RELUCTANT

If you are reluctant to do something, you are unwilling to do it and hesitate before doing it, or do it slowly and without enthusiasm., Synonyms: unwilling, slow, backward, grudging Synonyms: unwillingness, dislike, loathing, distaste

responsible , RESPONSIBLE , (2. adjective [verb-link ADJECTIVE]) .. e.g. ...the minister responsible for the environment. [+ for], .. e.g. ...the man responsible for finding the volunteers., responsible , RESPONSIBLE

If you are responsible for something, it is your job or duty to deal with it and make decisions relating to it., Synonyms: in charge, in control, at the helm, in authority

responsible , RESPONSIBLE , (3. adjective) .. e.g. I'm responsible to my board of directors. [+ to], .. e.g. The government will be responsible to the President alone., responsible , RESPONSIBLE

If you are responsible to a person or group, they have authority over you and you have to report to them about what you do., Synonyms: accountable, subject, bound, liable

relate , RELATE , (3. verb) .. e.g. He is unable to relate to other people. [VERB + to], .. e.g. When people are cut off from contact with others, they lose all ability to relate. [VERB], relate , RELATE

If you can relate to someone, you can understand how they feel or behave so that you are able to communicate with them or deal with them easily.,

sensitive , SENSITIVE , (2. adjective) .. e.g. Some young people are very sensitive about their appearance. [+ about], .. e.g. Take it easy. Don't be so sensitive., .. e.g. sensitivity, .. e.g. Word forms: plural sensitivities, .. e.g. variable noun ...people who suffer extreme sensitivity about what others think. [+ about], .. e.g. Because of political sensitivities some filming had to be done in secre., sensitive , SENSITIVE

If you are sensitive about something, you are easily worried and offended when people talk about it., Synonyms: touchy, defensive, paranoid, neurotic Synonyms: touchiness, defensiveness, thin skin, hypersensitivity

sensitive , SENSITIVE , (1. adjective) .. e.g. [approval] The classroom teacher must be sensitive to a child's needs. [+ to], .. e.g. He was always so sensitive and caring., .. e.g. sensitively, .. e.g. adverb [usually ADVERB with verb] The abuse of women needs to be treated seriously and sensitively., .. e.g. sensitivity (sensɪtɪvɪti, .. e.g. ) uncountable noun A good relationship involves concern and sensitivity for each other's feelings. [+ for], sensitive , SENSITIVE

If you are sensitive to other people's needs, problems, or feelings, you show understanding and awareness of them., Synonyms: thoughtful, kind, understanding, feeling Synonyms: touchiness, defensiveness, thin skin, hypersensitivity Synonyms: consideration, feeling, understanding, patience

thirsty , THIRSTY , (2. adjective) .. e.g. [literary] People should understand how thirsty for revenge they are. [+ for], thirsty , THIRSTY

If you are thirsty for something, you have a strong desire for it., Synonyms: eager for, longing for, hungry for, dying for

thirsty , THIRSTY , (1. adjective [usually verb-link ADJECTIVE]) .. e.g. If a baby is thirsty, it feeds more often., .. e.g. Drink whenever you feel thirsty during exercise., .. e.g. thirstily (θɜːʳstɪli, .. e.g. ) adverb [ADVERB after verb] The child nodded, drinking her milk thirstily., thirsty , THIRSTY

If you are thirsty, you feel a need to drink something., Synonyms: parched, dry, dehydrated

arrange , ARRANGE , (1. verb) .. e.g. She arranged an appointment for Friday afternoon at four-fifteen. [VERB noun], .. e.g. This time it was a friend ringing to try to arrange a fishing trip in Scotland. [VERB noun], .. e.g. The prime minister threw the carefully arranged welcome into chaos. [VERB-ed], arrange , ARRANGE

If you arrange an event or meeting, you make plans for it to happen., Synonyms: plan, agree, prepare, determine

arrange , ARRANGE , (3. verb) .. e.g. I will arrange for someone to take you round. [VERB + for], .. e.g. The hotel manager will arrange for a baby-sitter. [VERB + for], .. e.g. I've arranged your hotels for you. [VERB noun], .. e.g. Transport is not included but can be arranged. [be VERB-ed] , arrange , ARRANGE

If you arrange something for someone, you make it possible for them to have it or to do it.,

arrange , ARRANGE , (2. verb) .. e.g. I've arranged to see him on Friday morning. [VERB to-infinitive], .. e.g. It was arranged that the party would gather for lunch in the Royal Garden Hotel. [be VERB-ed that], .. e.g. He had arranged for the boxes to be stored until they could be collected. [VERB + for] [Also VERB that], arrange , ARRANGE

If you arrange with someone to do something, you make plans with them to do it.,

attach , ATTACH , (1. verb) .. e.g. We attach labels to things before we file them away. [VERB noun to noun], .. e.g. The gadget can be attached to any vertical surface. [be VERB-ed + to], .. e.g. The astronauts will attach a motor that will boost the satellite into its proper, .. e.g. orbit. [VERB noun], .. e.g. For further information, please contact us on the attached form. [VERB-ed], attach , ATTACH

If you attach something to an object, you join it or fasten it to the object., Synonyms: affix, stick, secure, bind

avoid , AVOID , (3. verb) .. e.g. She eventually had to lock herself in the toilets to avoid him. [VERB noun], .. e.g. All through lunch he had carefully avoided the subject of the house. [VERB noun], avoid , AVOID

If you avoid a person or thing, you keep away from them. When talking to someone, if you avoid the subject, you keep the conversation away from a particular topic., Synonyms: elude, escape, ignore, hide from

avoid , AVOID , (2. verb) .. e.g. Swann managed to avoid learning that lesson for a long time. [VERB verb-ing], .. e.g. He was always careful to avoid embarrassment. [VERB noun], avoid , AVOID

If you avoid doing something, you choose not to do it, or you put yourself in a situation where you do not have to do it.,

avoid , AVOID , (1. verb) .. e.g. The pilots had to take emergency action to avoid a disaster. [VERB noun], .. e.g. She took a different route to work to avoid getting stuck in traffic. [VERB verb-ing], avoid , AVOID

If you avoid something unpleasant that might happen, you take action in order to prevent it from happening., Synonyms: prevent, stop, frustrate, hamper

banish , BANISH , (2. verb) .. e.g. ...a public investment programme intended to banish the recession. [VERB noun], .. e.g. ...diseases like malaria that have been banished for centuries. [VERB noun], banish , BANISH

If you banish something unpleasant, you get rid of it., Synonyms: get rid of, remove, eliminate, eradicate

banish , BANISH , (3. verb) .. e.g. He has now banished all thoughts of retirement. [VERB noun], .. e.g. The past few days had been banished from his mind. [beV-ed + from/to], banish , BANISH

If you banish the thought of something, you stop thinking about it., Synonyms: dismiss, drop, ban, reject

blunder , BLUNDER , (3. verb) .. e.g. People wanted to know how they had blundered into war, and how to avoid it in future. [VERB + into], blunder , BLUNDER

If you blunder into a dangerous or difficult situation, you get involved in it by mistake., Synonyms: stumble, confuse, flounder, bumble

blunder , BLUNDER , (2. verb) .. e.g. No doubt I had blundered again. [VERB], .. e.g. You're a blundering fool. [VERB-ing], blunder , BLUNDER

If you blunder, you make a stupid or careless mistake., Synonyms: make a mistake, blow it [slang], err, slip up [informal]

cable , CABLE , (5. verb) .. e.g. 'Don't do it again,' Franklin cabled her when he got her letter. [VERB noun with quote], .. e.g. She had to decide whether or not to cable the news to Louis. [VERB noun preposition/adverb], .. e.g. ...a new formula which is being cabled back to capitals for approval. [VERB noun preposition/adverb] [Also V n, V n n, V with quote, V], cable , CABLE

If you cable someone, you send them a message in the form of a telegram.,

contain , CONTAIN , (6. verb) .. e.g. He was bursting with curiosity and just couldn't contain himself. [VERB pronoun-reflexive], .. e.g. Evans could barely contain his delight: 'I'm so proud of her,' he said. [VERB noun], contain , CONTAIN

If you cannot contain a feeling such as excitement or anger, or if you cannot contain yourself, you cannot prevent yourself from showing your feelings.,

capture , CAPTURE , (1. verb) e.g. The guerrillas shot down one aeroplane and captured the pilot. [VERB noun], e.g. The whole town celebrated when two tanks were captured. [VERB noun], e.g. King Arthur himself captures the beast and cuts off its head. [VERB noun], e.g. The United States captured Puerto Rico from the Spaniards in 1898. [VERB noun + from], e.g. ...the murders of fifteen thousand captured Polish soldiers. [VERB-ed], e.g. Capture is also a noun., e.g. ...the final battles which led to the army's capture of the town. [+ of], e.g. The shooting happened while the man was trying to evade capture by the security forces. [+ by], capture , CAPTURE

If you capture someone or something, you catch them, especially in a war., ,Synonyms: encapsulate, sum up, summarize, put in a nutshell

capture , CAPTURE , (1. verb) .. e.g. The guerrillas shot down one aeroplane and captured the pilot. [VERB noun], .. e.g. The whole town celebrated when two tanks were captured. [VERB noun], .. e.g. King Arthur himself captures the beast and cuts off its head. [VERB noun], .. e.g. The United States captured Puerto Rico from the Spaniards in 1898. [VERB noun + from], .. e.g. ...the murders of fifteen thousand captured Polish soldiers. [VERB-ed], .. e.g. Capture is also a noun., .. e.g. ...the final battles which led to the army's capture of the town. [+ of], .. e.g. The shooting happened while the man was trying to evade capture by the security forces. [+ by], capture , CAPTURE

If you capture someone or something, you catch them, especially in a war., Synonyms: encapsulate, sum up, summarize, put in a nutshell

capture , CAPTURE , (5. verb) e.g. The company aims to capture more sales at a time of significant challenges in the supermarket sector. [VERB noun], e.g. The Socialist candidate has captured eighty-five per cent of the vote in the three-way presidential race. [VERB noun], capture , CAPTURE

If you capture something that you are trying to obtain in competition with other people, you succeed in obtaining it., ,Synonyms: invade, take over, occupy, seize

change , CHANGE , (4. verb) .. e.g. His doctor increased the dosage but did not change to a different medication. [VERB + to], .. e.g. He changed from voting against to abstaining. [VERB + from] , change , CHANGE

If you change from one thing to another, you stop using or doing the first one and start using or doing the second.,

clasp , CLASP , (1. verb) .. e.g. She clasped the children to her. [VERB noun], .. e.g. He paced the corridor, hands clasped behind his back. [VERB-ed], .. e.g. Clasp is also a noun., .. e.g. With one last clasp of his hand, she left him and went to her usual chair., clasp , CLASP

If you clasp someone or something, you hold them tightly in your hands or arms., Synonyms: grasp, hold, press, grip

cling , CLING , (6. verb) .. e.g. They know scholars reject their legend, but they still cling to their belief. [VERB to noun], .. e.g. They're clinging to the past. [VERB to noun], cling , CLING

If you cling to an idea or way of behaving, you continue to believe in its value or importance, even though it may no longer be valid or useful.,

cling , CLING , (1. verb) .. e.g. Another man was rescued as he clung to the riverbank. [V + to/onto], .. e.g. She had to cling onto the door handle until the pain passed. [V to/onto n], .. e.g. They hugged each other, clinging together under the lights. [V + together], cling , CLING

If you cling to someone or something, you hold onto them tightly., Synonyms: clutch, grip, embrace, grasp

coax , COAX , (3. verb) .. e.g. He would stride on stage then proceed to coax the sweetest possible sounds out of, .. e.g. his violin. [VERB noun preposition], .. e.g. He was delighted to coax the monoplane to 330 m.p.h. [VERB noun preposition], coax , COAX

If you coax a machine or device into doing something, you make it work by operating it very slowly and gently.,

coax , COAX , (1. verb) .. e.g. Start trying to coax the rabbit out of its hutch. [VERB noun preposition], .. e.g. The government coaxed them to give up their strike. [VERB noun to-infinitive] [Also VERB noun], coax , COAX

If you coax someone into doing something, you gently try to persuade them to do it.,

coax , COAX , (2. verb) .. e.g. to you., .. e.g. The police officer talked yesterday of her role in trying to coax vital information, .. e.g. from the young victim. [V n + out of/from], .. e.g. She can coax agreement from even the most stubborn people. [V n out of/from n] , coax , COAX

If you coax something such as information out of someone, you gently persuade them to give it,

commend , COMMEND , (1. verb) .. e.g. [formal] I commended her for that action. [V n + for/on], .. e.g. I commend Ms. Orth on writing such an informative article. [V n + for/on], .. e.g. The book was widely commended for its candour. [be VERB-ed + for], .. e.g. The reports commend her bravery. [VERB noun], .. e.g. His actions were commended by the Jury. [be VERB-ed + by], .. e.g. commendation (kɒmendeɪʃən, .. e.g. )Word forms: plural commendations, .. e.g. countable noun The Company received a commendation from the Royal Society of Arts. [+ from], commend , COMMEND

If you commend someone or something, you praise them formally., Synonyms: praise, credit, approval, acclaim

consent , CONSENT , (2. verb) .. e.g. [formal] He finally consented to go. [VERB to-infinitive], .. e.g. The patient must consent to the surgery. [VERB + to], .. e.g. I was a little surprised when she consented. [VERB], consent , CONSENT

If you consent to something, you agree to do it or to allow it to be done., Synonyms: agree, approve, yield, permit

consider , CONSIDER , (1. verb) .. e.g. We don't consider our customers to be mere consumers; we consider them to be our, .. e.g. friends. [VERB noun to-infinitive], .. e.g. I had always considered myself a strong, competent woman. [V n n/adj], .. e.g. I consider activities such as jogging and weightlifting as unnatural. [VERB noun + as], .. e.g. Barbara considers that pet shops which sell customers these birds are very unfair. [VERB that], consider , CONSIDER

If you consider a person or thing to be something, you have the opinion that this is what they are., Synonyms: think, see, believe, rate

consider , CONSIDER , (2. verb) .. e.g. The jury was asked to consider the credibility of his evidence. [VERB noun], .. e.g. You do have to consider the feelings of those around you. [VERB noun], .. e.g. Consider how much you can afford to pay for a course, and what is your upper limit. [VERB wh], consider , CONSIDER

If you consider something, you think about it carefully., Synonyms: bear in mind, remember, regard, respect

contain , CONTAIN , (5. verb) .. e.g. More than a hundred firefighters are still trying to contain the fire at the plant. [VERB noun], .. e.g. The city authorities said the curfew had contained the violence. [VERB noun], contain , CONTAIN

If you contain something, you control it and prevent it from spreading or increasing., Synonyms: restrain, control, hold in, curb

cope , COPE , (1. verb) .. e.g. It was amazing how my mother coped with bringing up eight children. [VERB + with], .. e.g. The problems were an annoyance, but we managed to cope. [VERB], cope , COPE

If you cope with a problem or task, you deal with it successfully., Synonyms: manage, get by [informal], struggle through, rise to the occasion

crumple , CRUMPLE , (1. verb) .. e.g. She crumpled the paper in her hand. [VERB noun], .. e.g. The front and rear of the car will crumple during a collision. [VERB], .. e.g. Crumple up means the same as crumple., .. e.g. She crumpled up her coffee cup. [VERB PARTICLE noun], .. e.g. Nancy crumpled up the note and threw it in the bin. [VERB noun PARTICLE], .. e.g. crumpled, .. e.g. adjective His uniform was crumpled, untidy, splashed with mud., crumple , CRUMPLE

If you crumple something such as paper or cloth, or if it crumples, it is squashed and becomes full of untidy creases and folds., Synonyms: crush, squash, screw up, scrumple Synonyms: crushed, wrinkled, creased, ruffled

cultivate , CULTIVATE , (2. verb) .. e.g. He has written eight books and has cultivated the image of an elder statesman. [VERB noun], .. e.g. Cultivating a positive mental attitude towards yourself can reap tremendous benefits. [VERB noun], .. e.g. cultivation, .. e.g. uncountable noun ...the cultivation of a positive approach to life and health. [+ of], cultivate , CULTIVATE

If you cultivate an attitude, image, or skill, you try hard to develop it and make it stronger or better., Synonyms: refinement, letters, learning, education Synonyms: promotion, support, encouragement, nurture Synonyms: growing, planting, production, farming Synonyms: farming, working, gardening, tilling Synonyms: development, fostering, pursuit, devotion to

cultivate , CULTIVATE , (1. verb) .. e.g. She also cultivated a small garden of her own. [VERB noun], .. e.g. ...the few patches of cultivated land. [VERB-ed], .. e.g. cultivation (kʌltɪveɪʃən, .. e.g. ) uncountable noun ...the cultivation of fruits and vegetables. [+ of], .. e.g. Farmers with many acres under cultivation profited., cultivate , CULTIVATE

If you cultivate land or crops, you prepare land and grow crops on it., Synonyms: farm, work, plant, tend Synonyms: refinement, letters, learning, education Synonyms: promotion, support, encouragement, nurture Synonyms: growing, planting, production, farming Synonyms: farming, working, gardening, tilling

cultivate , CULTIVATE , (3. verb) .. e.g. He may be monarch one day so we must cultivate him. [VERB noun], .. e.g. The President has carefully cultivated relationships with at least five influential, .. e.g. ministers. [VERB noun] , cultivate , CULTIVATE

If you cultivate someone or cultivate a friendship with them, you try hard to develop a friendship with them.,

declare , DECLARE , (3. verb) .. e.g. Your income must be declared on this form. [VERB noun], .. e.g. She had nothing to declare, and was starting to go through the 'Green' channel when, .. e.g. she was stopped. [VERB noun] , .. e.g. Phrasal verbs:, .. e.g. declare for, declare , DECLARE

If you declare goods that you have bought in another country or money that you have earned, you say how much you have bought or earned so that you can pay tax on it.,

declare , DECLARE , (1. verb) .. e.g. [written] Speaking outside Ten Downing Street, she declared that she would fight on. [VERB that], .. e.g. 'I'm absolutely thrilled to have done what I've done,' he declared. [VERB with quote], .. e.g. He declared his intention to become the best golfer in the world. [VERB noun], .. e.g. Glasses of Madeira wine were brought to us. We declared it delicious. [VERB noun adjective], .. e.g. He turned up in northern Cyprus, declaring himself happy to be home. [V pron-refl adj/prep] [Also V n n, V n to-inf]Synonyms: state, claim, announce, voice , declare , DECLARE

If you declare that something is true, you say that it is true in a firm, deliberate way. You can also declare an attitude or intention.,

defend , DEFEND , (1. verb) .. e.g. Every man who could fight was now committed to defend the ridge. [VERB noun], .. e.g. His courage in defending religious and civil rights inspired many outside the church. [VERB noun], .. e.g. They would have killed him if he had not defended himself. [VERB pronoun-reflexive] [Also V n against n]Synonyms: protect, cover, guard, screen , defend , DEFEND

If you defend someone or something, you take action in order to protect them.,

deposit , DEPOSIT , (8. verb) .. e.g. The customer has to deposit a minimum of £100 monthly. [VERB noun], deposit , DEPOSIT

If you deposit a sum of money, you pay it into a bank account or savings account.,

deposit , DEPOSIT , (7. verb) .. e.g. You are advised to deposit valuables in the hotel safe. [VERB noun preposition/adverb], deposit , DEPOSIT

If you deposit something somewhere, you put it where it will be safe until it is needed again., Synonyms: store, keep, put, bank

myth , MYTH , (2. variable noun) .. e.g. Contrary to the popular myth, women are not reckless spendthrifts., myth , MYTH

If you describe a belief or explanation as a myth, you mean that many people believe it but it is actually untrue., Synonyms: illusion, story, fancy, fantasy

massive , MASSIVE , (2. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]) .. e.g. He died six weeks later of a massive heart attack., massive , MASSIVE

If you describe a medical condition as massive, you mean that it is extremely serious.,

jovial , JOVIAL , (adjective) .. e.g. [written] Father Whittaker appeared to be in a jovial mood., .. e.g. joviality (dʒoʊviælɪti, .. e.g. ) uncountable noun ...his old expansive joviality., .. e.g. jovially, .. e.g. adverb [ADVERB with verb] 'No problem,' he said jovially., jovial , JOVIAL

If you describe a person as jovial, you mean that they are happy and behave in a cheerful way., Synonyms: cheerful, happy, jolly, animated Synonyms: mirth, fun, glee, gaiety

elegant , ELEGANT , (1. adjective) .. e.g. Patricia looked beautiful and elegant as always., .. e.g. ...an elegant restaurant., .. e.g. elegance, .. e.g. uncountable noun ...the princess's understated elegance., .. e.g. The furniture managed to combine practicality with elegance., .. e.g. elegantly, .. e.g. adverb ...a tall, elegantly dressed man with a mustache., elegant , ELEGANT

If you describe a person or thing as elegant, you mean that they are pleasing and graceful in appearance or style., Synonyms: stylish, fine, beautiful, sophisticated Synonyms: style, taste, beauty, grace

describe , DESCRIBE , (1. verb) .. e.g. We asked her to describe what kind of things she did in her spare time. [VERB wh], .. e.g. She read a poem by Carver which describes their life together. [VERB noun], .. e.g. The myth of Narcissus is described in Ovid's work. [VERB noun], .. e.g. Just before his death he described seeing their son in a beautiful garden. [VERB verb-ing], describe , DESCRIBE

If you describe a person, object, event, or situation, you say what they are like or what happened., Synonyms: relate, tell, report, present

elegant , ELEGANT , (2. adjective) .. e.g. The document impressed me with its elegant simplicity., .. e.g. elegantly, .. e.g. adverb ...an elegantly simple idea., elegant , ELEGANT

If you describe a piece of writing, an idea, or a plan as elegant, you mean that it is simple, clear, and clever., Synonyms: ingenious, simple, effective, appropriate

playground , PLAYGROUND , (3. countable noun [usually singular]) .. e.g. ...St Tropez, playground of the rich and famous. [+ of] , playground , PLAYGROUND

If you describe a place as a playground for a certain group of people, you mean that those people like to enjoy themselves there or go on holiday there.,

convenient , CONVENIENT , (2. adjective) .. e.g. [approval] The town is well placed for easy access to London and convenient for Heathrow Airport. [+ for], .. e.g. Martin drove along until he found a convenient parking place., .. e.g. conveniently, .. e.g. adverb [usually ADVERB adjective/-ed, oft ADVERB after verb] It was very conveniently situated just across the road from the City Reference Library., .. e.g. He chose Simi Valley in Ventura County mainly because it was conveniently close to, .. e.g. Los Angeles., .. e.g. ...two conveniently placed push-buttons., convenient , CONVENIENT

If you describe a place as convenient, you are pleased because it is near to where you are, or because you can reach another place from there quickly and easily., Synonyms: nearby, available, accessible, handy

arctic , ARCTIC , (2. adjective) .. e.g. [informal, emphasis] The bathroom, with its ancient facilities, is positively arctic., arctic , ARCTIC

If you describe a place or the weather as arctic, you are emphasizing that it is extremely cold., Synonyms: freezing, cold, frozen, icy

burden , BURDEN , (1. countable noun) .. e.g. The developing countries bear the burden of an enormous external debt. [+ of], .. e.g. They don't go around with the burdens of the world on their shoulders the whole time., .. e.g. Her death will be an impossible burden on Paul., .. e.g. The financial burden will be more evenly shared. [Also + on]Synonyms: trouble, care, worry, trial , burden , BURDEN

If you describe a problem or a responsibility as a burden, you mean that it causes someone a lot of difficulty, worry, or hard work.,

barren , BARREN , (4. adjective) .. e.g. [written, disapproval] The room was austere, nearly barren of furniture or decoration. [+ of], .. e.g. Six stale loaves of brown bread formed a dark blot on the otherwise barren shelves., barren , BARREN

If you describe a room or a place as barren, you do not like it because it has almost no furniture or other objects in it., Synonyms: empty [informal], clear, vacant, void

meager , MEAGER , (adjective) .. e.g. [disapproval] The rations that they gave us were meager and inadequate. , meager , MEAGER

If you describe an amount or quantity of something as meager, you are critical of it because it is very small or not enough.,

ordeal , ORDEAL , (countable noun [usually singular, oft with poss]) .. e.g. ...the painful ordeal of the last eight months., .. e.g. She described her agonising ordeal., ordeal , ORDEAL

If you describe an experience or situation as an ordeal, you think it is difficult and unpleasant., Synonyms: hardship, trial, difficulty, test

unruly , UNRULY , (1. adjective) .. e.g. It's not good enough just to blame the unruly children., .. e.g. ...unruly behaviour., unruly , UNRULY

If you describe people, especially children, as unruly, you mean that they behave badly and are difficult to control., Synonyms: uncontrollable, wild, unmanageable, disorderly

distant , DISTANT , (5. adjective) .. e.g. There was a distant look in her eyes from time to time, her thoughts elsewhere., distant , DISTANT

If you describe someone as distant, you mean that they are not concentrating on what they are doing because they are thinking about other things., Synonyms: faraway, blank, abstracted, vague

distant , DISTANT , (4. adjective [verb-link ADJECTIVE]) .. e.g. He found her cold, ice-like and distant., .. e.g. He is direct and courteous but distant., distant , DISTANT

If you describe someone as distant, you mean that you find them cold and unfriendly., Synonyms: reserved, cold, withdrawn, cool

omniscient , OMNISCIENT , (adjective) .. e.g. [formal] ...a benevolent and omniscient deity., .. e.g. ...the Financial Times's omniscient data-gathering network., .. e.g. omniscience, .. e.g. uncountable noun ...the divine attributes of omnipotence, benevolence and omniscience., omniscient , OMNISCIENT

If you describe someone as omniscient, you mean they know or seem to know everything., Synonyms: all-knowing, all-seeing, all-wise

plain , PLAIN , (5. adjective) .. e.g. ...a shy, rather plain girl with a pale complexion., plain , PLAIN

If you describe someone as plain, you think they look ordinary and not at all beautiful., Synonyms: ugly, ordinary, unattractive, homely [US, Canadian]

remote , REMOTE , (5. adjective) .. e.g. She looked so beautiful, and at the same time so remote., .. e.g. remoteness uncountable noun His remoteness was resented., remote , REMOTE

If you describe someone as remote, you mean that they behave as if they do not want to be friendly or closely involved with other people.,

resolute , RESOLUTE , (adjective) .. e.g. [formal] Voters perceive him as a decisive and resolute international leader., .. e.g. He described the situation as very dangerous and called for resolute action., .. e.g. resolutely, .. e.g. adverb [ADVERB with verb, ADVERB adjective] He resolutely refused to speak English unless forced to., .. e.g. The United States remains resolutely opposed to this., resolute , RESOLUTE

If you describe someone as resolute, you approve of them because they are very determined not to change their mind or not to give up a course of action., Synonyms: determined, set, firm, dogged

slimy , SLIMY , (2. adjective) .. e.g. [British, informal, disapproval] I've worked hard for what I have and I don't want it taken away by some slimy business, .. e.g. partner., slimy , SLIMY

If you describe someone as slimy, you dislike them because they are friendly and pleasant in an insincere way.,

superior , SUPERIOR , (5. adjective) .. e.g. [disapproval] Finch gave a superior smile., .. e.g. You can stand there and feel superior as you point and laugh at them., .. e.g. superiority, .. e.g. uncountable noun ...a false sense of his superiority over mere journalists. [+ over], superior , SUPERIOR

If you describe someone as superior, you disapprove of them because they behave as if they are better, more important, or more intelligent than other people., Synonyms: supercilious, patronizing, condescending, haughty Synonyms: supremacy, lead, advantage, excellence

superior , SUPERIOR , (7. countable noun [poss NOUN, oft N in n]) .. e.g. [written] Anthony sometimes felt that his mistress was his superior in will-power., .. e.g. His rival was probably his superior in comic roles. , superior , SUPERIOR

If you describe someone as your superior in a particular activity, you mean that they are better than you at that activity.,

individual , INDIVIDUAL , (3. adjective) .. e.g. [approval] It was really all part of her very individual personality., .. e.g. The language is highly individual., individual , INDIVIDUAL

If you describe someone or something as individual, you mean that you admire them because they are very unusual and do not try to imitate other people or things., Synonyms: unique, different, special, original

convenient , CONVENIENT , (4. adjective) .. e.g. [disapproval] We cannot make this minority a convenient excuse to turn our backs., .. e.g. ...a convenient scapegoat., .. e.g. It does seem a bit convenient, doesn't it?, .. e.g. conveniently, .. e.g. adverb They've conveniently forgotten the risk of heart disease., .. e.g. Conveniently, he had developed amnesia about that part of his life., convenient , CONVENIENT

If you describe someone's attitudes or actions as convenient, you think they are only adopting those attitudes or performing those actions in order to avoid something difficult or unpleasant.,

timid , TIMID , (2. adjective) .. e.g. [disapproval] The President's critics say he has been too timid in responding to changing international, .. e.g. developments., .. e.g. The newspaper called the plan timid and unimaginative., .. e.g. timidity, .. e.g. uncountable noun He was soon disillusioned by the government's timidity on social reform., .. e.g. timidly, .. e.g. adverb [ADVERB with verb] A number of these states are moving timidly towards multi-party democracy., timid , TIMID

If you describe someone's attitudes or actions as timid, you are criticizing them for being too cautious or slow to act, because they are nervous about the possible consequences of their actions.,

ample , AMPLE , (2. graded adjective) .. e.g. [written] ...a young mother with a baby resting against her ample bosom., ample , AMPLE

If you describe someone's figure as ample, you mean that they are large in a pleasant or attractive way., Synonyms: large, great, big, full

eerie , EERIE , (adjective) .. e.g. I walked down the eerie dark path., .. e.g. ...an eerie calm., .. e.g. eerily (ɪərɪli, .. e.g. ) adverb Monrovia after the fighting is eerily quiet., eerie , EERIE

If you describe something as eerie, you mean that it seems strange and frightening, and makes you feel nervous., Synonyms: uncanny, strange, frightening, ghostly

immense , IMMENSE , (adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]) .. e.g. ...an immense cloud of smoke., .. e.g. With immense relief I stopped running., .. e.g. immensity (ɪmensɪti, .. e.g. ) uncountable noun The immensity of the universe is difficult to grasp. [+ of], immense , IMMENSE

If you describe something as immense, you mean that it is extremely large or great., Synonyms: huge, great, massive, vast Synonyms: size, extent, magnitude, sweep

primitive , PRIMITIVE , (3. adjective) .. e.g. The conditions are primitive by any standards., .. e.g. The primitive surgery of those days left him virtually deaf in one ear., .. e.g. It's using some rather primitive technology. , primitive , PRIMITIVE

If you describe something as primitive, you mean that it is very simple in style or very old-fashioned.,

suburban , SUBURBAN , (2. graded adjective) .. e.g. His clothes are conservative and suburban., .. e.g. ...ghastly good taste and suburban gentility., suburban , SUBURBAN

If you describe something as suburban, you mean that it is dull and conventional., Synonyms: conventional, boring, conservative, dull

superior , SUPERIOR , (2. adjective) .. e.g. A few years ago it was virtually impossible to find superior quality coffee in local, .. e.g. shops., .. e.g. Lulu was said to be of very superior intelligence., superior , SUPERIOR

If you describe something as superior, you mean that it is good, and better than other things of the same kind.,

literal , LITERAL , (4. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]) .. e.g. [emphasis] He was saying no more than the literal truth., literal , LITERAL

If you describe something as the literal truth or a literal fact, you are emphasizing that it is true., Synonyms: actual, real, true, simple

trivial , TRIVIAL , (adjective) .. e.g. The director tried to wave aside these issues as trivial details that could be settled, .. e.g. later., .. e.g. I don't like to visit the doctor just for something trivial., trivial , TRIVIAL

If you describe something as trivial, you think that it is unimportant and not serious., Synonyms: unimportant, little, small, minor

respect , RESPECT , (1. verb) .. e.g. I want him to respect me as a career woman. [VERB noun], .. e.g. He needs the advice of people he respects, and he respects you. [VERB noun], respect , RESPECT

If you respect someone, you have a good opinion of their character or ideas., Synonyms: think highly of, value, regard, honour

arid , ARID , (2. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]) .. e.g. She had given him the only joy his arid life had ever known., .. e.g. ...the politically arid years of military dictatorship in the 1960s and '70s., arid , ARID

If you describe something such as a period of your life or an academic subject as arid, you mean that it has so little interest, excitement, or purpose that it makes you feel bored or unhappy., Synonyms: boring, dull, tedious, dreary

barren , BARREN , (3. adjective) .. e.g. [written] ...politics that are banal and barren of purpose. [+ of], .. e.g. ...the player, who ended a 14-month barren spell by winning the Tokyo event in October., .. e.g. As the leaves of autumn wither and fall, so has my own life become barren., .. e.g. barrenness, .. e.g. uncountable noun [oft NOUN of noun] ...a film that would force audiences to confront the barrenness of contemporary life., barren , BARREN

If you describe something such as an activity or a period of your life as barren, you mean that you achieve no success during it or that it has no useful results.,

digest , DIGEST , (2. verb) .. e.g. They learn well but seem to need time to digest information. [VERB noun], .. e.g. She read everything, digesting every fragment of news. [VERB noun], digest , DIGEST

If you digest information, you think about it carefully so that you understand it., Synonyms: take in, master, absorb, grasp

digest , DIGEST , (3. verb) .. e.g. All this has upset me. I need time to digest it all. [VERB noun], digest , DIGEST

If you digest some unpleasant news, you think about it until you are able to accept it and know how to deal with it.,

display , DISPLAY , (3. verb) .. e.g. It was unlike Gordon to display his feelings. [VERB noun], .. e.g. He has displayed remarkable courage in his efforts to reform the party. [VERB noun], .. e.g. Display is also a noun., .. e.g. Normally, such an outward display of affection is reserved for his mother. [+ of], display , DISPLAY

If you display a characteristic, quality, or emotion, you behave in a way which shows that you have it., Synonyms: demonstrate, show, reveal, register

display , DISPLAY , (1. verb) .. e.g. Among the war veterans proudly displaying their medals was Aubrey Rose. [VERB noun], .. e.g. The cabinets display seventeenth-century blue-and-white porcelain. [VERB noun], .. e.g. Display is also a noun., .. e.g. Most of the other artists whose work is on display were his pupils or colleagues., display , DISPLAY

If you display something that you want people to see, you put it in a particular place, so that people can see it easily., Synonyms: show, present, exhibit, unveil

display , DISPLAY , (2. verb) .. e.g. He displayed his scars to the twelve members of the jury. [VERB noun + to], .. e.g. The chart can then display the links connecting these groups. [VERB noun], display , DISPLAY

If you display something, you show it to people.,

dissent , DISSENT , (2. verb) .. e.g. people or by people in authority., .. e.g. [formal] Just one of the 10 members dissented. [VERB], .. e.g. No one dissents from the decision to unify. [VERB + from], .. e.g. There are likely to be many dissenting voices. [VERB-ing], dissent , DISSENT

If you dissent, you express disagreement with a decision or opinion, especially one that is supported by most, Synonyms: disagree, object, disapprove, demur

capacity , CAPACITY , (7. countable noun [in NOUN]) .. e.g. [written] She visited the Philippines in her capacity as a Special Representative of Unicef. [+ as], .. e.g. This article is written in a personal capacity., .. e.g. Morley served in many capacities: as a critic, director, notable biographer and broadcaster. , capacity , CAPACITY

If you do something in a particular capacity, you do it as part of a particular job or duty, or because you are representing a particular organization or person.,

accommodate , ACCOMMODATE , (4. verb) .. e.g. He has never put an arm around his wife to accommodate photographers. [VERB noun], .. e.g. Efforts have been made to accommodate the needs of all users. [VERB noun], accommodate , ACCOMMODATE

If you do something to accommodate someone, you do it with the main purpose of pleasing or satisfying them., Synonyms: help, support, aid, encourage

dwell , DWELL , (1. verb) .. e.g. I'd rather not dwell on the past. [VERB + on/upon], dwell , DWELL

If you dwell on something, especially something unpleasant, you think, speak, or write about it a lot or for quite a long time.,

dwell , DWELL , (2. verb) .. e.g. [formal] They are concerned for the fate of the forest and the Indians who dwell in it. [VERB preposition/adverb], .. e.g. Shiva is a dark god; he dwells in the mountains and deserts. [VERB preposition/adverb] , dwell , DWELL

If you dwell somewhere, you live there.,

earn , EARN , (1. verb) .. e.g. Charlie was earning eight pounds, I was earning five. [VERB noun], .. e.g. What a lovely way to earn a living. [VERB noun], .. e.g. The dancers can earn anything between £80 and £130 for each session. [VERB noun], .. e.g. She was always out earning. [VERB], earn , EARN

If you earn money, you receive money in return for work that you do., Synonyms: be paid, make, get, receive

earn , EARN , (3. verb) .. e.g. Companies must earn a reputation for honesty. [VERB noun], .. e.g. I think that's earned him very high admiration. [VERB noun noun], earn , EARN

If you earn something such as praise, you get it because you deserve it., Synonyms: deserve, win, gain, attain

edit , EDIT , (2. verb) .. e.g. This collection of essays is edited by Ellen Knight. [be VERB-ed + by], .. e.g. She has edited the media studies quarterly, Screen. [VERB noun], .. e.g. ...the Real Sandwich Book, edited by Miriam Polunin. [VERB-ed], .. e.g. editing, .. e.g. uncountable noun He was certainly not cut out to combine the jobs of editing and writing as a journalist., edit , EDIT

If you edit a book or a series of books, you collect several pieces of writing by different authors and prepare them for publishing.,

edit , EDIT , (3. verb) .. e.g. He taught me to edit and splice film. [VERB noun], .. e.g. He is editing together excerpts of some of his films. [VERB noun with together] , .. e.g. editing, .. e.g. uncountable noun He sat in on much of the filming and early editing., edit , EDIT

If you edit a film or a television or radio programme, you choose some of what has been filmed or recorded and arrange it in a particular order.,

edit , EDIT , (1. verb) .. e.g. The majority of contracts give the publisher the right to edit a book after it's, .. e.g. done. [VERB noun], .. e.g. ...an edited version of the speech. [VERB-ed], .. e.g. editing, .. e.g. uncountable noun Throughout the editing of this book, we have had much support and encouragement., edit , EDIT

If you edit a text such as an article or a book, you correct and adapt it so that it is suitable for publishing., Synonyms: revise, check, improve, correct

effect , EFFECT , (5. verb) .. e.g. [formal] Prospects for effecting real political change have taken a step backwards. [VERB noun], effect , EFFECT

If you effect something that you are trying to achieve, you succeed in causing it to happen., Synonyms: bring about, make, cause, produce

elaborate , ELABORATE , (5. verb) .. e.g. A spokesman declined to elaborate on a statement released late yesterday. [VERB + on], .. e.g. Would you care to elaborate? [VERB], elaborate , ELABORATE

If you elaborate on something that has been said, you say more about it, or give more details., Synonyms: expand upon, extend upon, enlarge on, amplify upon

esteem , ESTEEM , (2. verb) .. e.g. [formal] I greatly esteem your message in the midst of our hard struggle. [VERB noun], esteem , ESTEEM

If you esteem someone or something, you respect or admire them.,

exaggerate , EXAGGERATE , (1. verb) .. e.g. He thinks I'm exaggerating. [VERB], .. e.g. Don't exaggerate. [VERB], .. e.g. Sheila admitted that she did sometimes exaggerate the demands of her job. [VERB noun], .. e.g. exaggeration (ɪgzædʒəreɪʃən, .. e.g. )Word forms: plural exaggerations, .. e.g. variable noun Like many stories about him, it smacks of exaggeration., .. e.g. It would be an exaggeration to call the danger urgent., exaggerate , EXAGGERATE

If you exaggerate, you indicate that something is, for example, worse or more important than it really is., Synonyms: overstatement, inflation, emphasis, excess

examine , EXAMINE , (1. verb) .. e.g. He examined her passport and stamped it. [VERB noun], .. e.g. examination (ɪgzæmɪneɪʃən, .. e.g. )Word forms: plural examinations, .. e.g. variable noun The Navy is to carry out an examination of the wreck tomorrow. [+ of], .. e.g. They have also searched offices and taken away documents for examination., examine , EXAMINE

If you examine something, you look at it carefully., Synonyms: inspect, test, consider, study Synonyms: checkup, analysis, going-over [informal], exploration Synonyms: exam, test, research, paper Synonyms: questioning, inquiry, probe, quizzing Synonyms: inspection, testing, study, research

exclude , EXCLUDE , (2. verb) .. e.g. They eat only plant foods, and exclude animal products from other areas of their, .. e.g. lives. [VERB noun + from], .. e.g. ...plans to redraft and downgrade the role to exclude any involvement with the England, .. e.g. team. [VERB noun], exclude , EXCLUDE

If you exclude something that has some connection with what you are doing, you deliberately do not use it or consider it.,

explain , EXPLAIN , (2. verb) .. e.g. 'Let me explain, sir.'—'Don't tell me about it. I don't want to know.'. [VERB], .. e.g. Before she ran away, she left a note explaining her actions. [VERB noun], .. e.g. Hospital discipline was broken. Amy would have to explain herself. [VERB pronoun-reflexive], .. e.g. Explain why you didn't phone. [VERB wh], .. e.g. The receptionist apologized for the delay, explaining that it had been a hectic day. [VERB that], .. e.g. Phrasal verbs:, .. e.g. explain away, explain , EXPLAIN

If you explain something that has happened, you give people reasons for it, especially in an attempt to justify it.,

explain , EXPLAIN , (1. verb) .. e.g. Not every judge, however, has the ability to explain the law in simple terms. [VERB noun], .. e.g. Don't sign anything until your solicitor has explained the contract to you. [VERB noun + to], .. e.g. Professor Griffiths explained how the drug appears to work. [VERB wh], .. e.g. 'He and Mrs Stein have a plan,' she explained. [VERB with quote], .. e.g. I explained that each person has different ideas of what freedom is. [VERB that] [Also VERB]Synonyms: make clear or plain, describe, demonstrate, illustrate , explain , EXPLAIN

If you explain something, you give details about it or describe it so that it can be understood.,

exploit , EXPLOIT , (3. verb) .. e.g. You'll need a good aerial to exploit the radio's performance. [VERB noun], .. e.g. Cary is hoping to exploit new opportunities in Europe. [VERB noun], .. e.g. So you feel that your skills have never been fully appreciated or exploited? [VERB noun], exploit , EXPLOIT

If you exploit something, you use it well, and achieve something or gain an advantage from it.,

explore , EXPLORE , (1. verb) .. e.g. I just wanted to explore Paris, read Sartre, listen to Sidney Bechet. [VERB noun], .. e.g. After exploring the old part of town there is a guided tour of the cathedral. [VERB noun], .. e.g. We've come to this country, let's explore! [VERB], .. e.g. exploration (ekspləreɪʃən, .. e.g. )Word forms: plural explorations, .. e.g. variable noun We devote several days to the exploration of the magnificent Maya sites of Copan. [+ of], .. e.g. We set out on this voyage of exploration with an open mind., explore , EXPLORE

If you explore a place, you travel around it to find out what it is like., Synonyms: travel around, tour, survey, scout Synonyms: investigation, study, research, survey Synonyms: expedition, tour, trip, survey

explore , EXPLORE , (2. verb) .. e.g. The secretary is expected to explore ideas for post-war reconstruction of the area. [VERB noun], .. e.g. The film explores the relationship between artist and instrument. [VERB noun], .. e.g. exploration, .. e.g. variable noun I looked forward to the exploration of their theories. [+ of], explore , EXPLORE

If you explore an idea or suggestion, you think about it or comment on it in detail, in order to assess it carefully., Synonyms: investigate, consider, research, survey Synonyms: investigation, study, research, survey

explore , EXPLORE , (4. verb) .. e.g. He explored the wound with his finger, trying to establish its extent. [VERB noun] , explore , EXPLORE

If you explore something with your hands or fingers, you touch it to find out what it feels like.,

extract , EXTRACT , (6. verb) .. e.g. I've simply extracted a few figures. [VERB noun], .. e.g. Trade figures can be extracted from export-and-import documentation at ports. [be VERB-ed + from], .. e.g. ...files of data extracted from the departmental archives. [VERB-ed] [Also V n + from], extract , EXTRACT

If you extract a particular piece of information, you obtain it from a larger amount or source of information.,

extract , EXTRACT , (5. verb) .. e.g. He made the mistake of trying to extract further information from our director. [VERB noun + from], .. e.g. He used her cash card, and the PIN number he had extracted from her, to take £500, .. e.g. from cashpoints. [VERB noun from noun], extract , EXTRACT

If you extract information or a response from someone, you get it from them with difficulty, because they are unwilling to say or do what you want., Synonyms: elicit, get, obtain, force

extract , EXTRACT , (2. verb) .. e.g. He extracted a small notebook from his hip pocket. [VERB noun + from], .. e.g. Patterson went straight to the liquor cabinet and extracted a bottle of Scotch. [VERB noun], .. e.g. She reached into the wardrobe and extracted another tracksuit. [VERB noun], extract , EXTRACT

If you extract something from a place, you take it out or pull it out., Synonyms: take out, draw, pull, remove

formulate , FORMULATE , (2. verb) .. e.g. I was impressed by the way he could formulate his ideas. [VERB noun], formulate , FORMULATE

If you formulate a thought, opinion, or idea, you express it or describe it using particular words., Synonyms: express, detail, frame, define

formulate , FORMULATE , (1. verb) .. e.g. Little by little, he formulated his plan for escape. [VERB noun], formulate , FORMULATE

If you formulate something such as a plan or proposal, you invent it, thinking about the details carefully., Synonyms: devise, plan, develop, prepare

gather , GATHER , (3. verb) .. e.g. ...a private detective using a hidden recording device to gather information. [VERB noun], .. e.g. This would help the prosecutor gather evidence against him which could be used in, .. e.g. court. [VERB noun] , gather , GATHER

If you gather information or evidence, you collect it, especially over a period of time and after a lot of hard work.,

gather , GATHER , (2. verb) .. e.g. I suggest we gather enough firewood to last the night. [VERB noun], .. e.g. She stood up and started gathering her things together. [VERB noun with together], .. e.g. Gather up means the same as gather., .. e.g. When Sutcliffe had gathered up his papers, he went out. [VERB PARTICLE noun], .. e.g. He gathered the leaves up off the ground. [VERB noun PARTICLE], gather , GATHER

If you gather things, you collect them together so that you can use them., Synonyms: collect, assemble, accumulate, round up

advice , ADVICE , (1. uncountable noun) .. e.g. Don't be afraid to ask for advice about ordering the meal. [+ about], .. e.g. Your community officer can give you advice on how to prevent crime in your area. [+ on], .. e.g. Take my advice and stay away from him!, .. e.g. Most foreign nationals have now left the country on the advice of their governments. [+ of], advice , ADVICE

If you give someone advice, you tell them what you think they should do in a particular situation., Synonyms: instruction, notification, view, information

space , SPACE , (4. uncountable noun) .. e.g. do this., .. e.g. You need space to think everything over., .. e.g. We will give each other space to develop., space , SPACE

If you give someone space to think about something or to develop as a person, you allow them the time and freedom to,

survey , SURVEY , (4. singular noun [with supplement, oft NOUN of noun]) .. e.g. ...a brief survey of some important books on astrology., .. e.g. He sniffed the perfume she wore, then gave her a quick survey., survey , SURVEY

If you give something a brief survey or a quick survey, you look at or consider all of it quickly, but not in detail., Synonyms: examination, inspection, scrutiny, overview

consent , CONSENT , (1. uncountable noun [usually with poss]) .. e.g. [formal] Pollard finally gave his consent to the search. [+ to], .. e.g. Can my child be medically examined without my consent?, consent , CONSENT

If you give your consent to something, you give someone permission to do it., Synonyms: agreement, sanction, approval, go-ahead [informal]

glance , GLANCE , (1. verb) .. e.g. He glanced at his watch. [VERB preposition/adverb], .. e.g. I glanced back. [VERB preposition/adverb], glance , GLANCE

If you glance at something or someone, you look at them very quickly and then look away again immediately., Synonyms: peek, look, view, check

glance , GLANCE , (2. verb) .. e.g. I picked up the phone book and glanced through it. [VERB + through], .. e.g. I never even glanced at the political page of a daily paper. [VERB + at], glance , GLANCE

If you glance through or at a newspaper, report, or book, you spend a short time looking at it without reading it very carefully., Synonyms: scan, browse, dip into, leaf through

glide , GLIDE , (1. verb) .. e.g. Waiters glide between tightly packed tables bearing trays of pasta. [VERB preposition/adverb], glide , GLIDE

If you glide somewhere, you move silently and in a smooth and effortless way., Synonyms: slip, sail, slide, ghost

grasp , GRASP , (5. verb) .. e.g. The Government has not yet grasped the seriousness of the crisis. [VERB noun], .. e.g. He instantly grasped that Stephen was talking about his wife. [VERB that], grasp , GRASP

If you grasp something that is complicated or difficult to understand, you understand it., Synonyms: understand, realize, take in, get

grasp , GRASP , (1. verb) .. e.g. He grasped both my hands. [VERB noun], .. e.g. She was trying to grasp at something. [VERB + at], grasp , GRASP

If you grasp something, you take it in your hand and hold it very firmly., Synonyms: grip, hold, catch, grab

flutter , FLUTTER , (3. countable noun) .. e.g. [British, informal] I had a flutter on five horses. [+ on], flutter , FLUTTER

If you have a flutter, you have a small bet on something such as a horse race., Synonyms: bet, gamble, punt [mainly British], wager

haircut , HAIRCUT , (1. countable noun) .. e.g. Your hair is all right; it's just that you need a haircut., haircut , HAIRCUT

If you have a haircut, someone cuts your hair for you.,

theory , THEORY , (2. countable noun) .. e.g. There was a theory that he wanted to marry her., .. e.g. My theory is that you don't need a gym if you have stairs., theory , THEORY

If you have a theory about something, you have your own opinion about it which you cannot prove but which you think is true., Synonyms: belief, feeling, speculation, assumption

vision , VISION , (2. countable noun) .. e.g. He had a vision of Cheryl, slumped on a plastic chair in the waiting-room. [+ of], .. e.g. Maybe you had visions of being surrounded by happy, smiling children. [+ of], vision , VISION

If you have a vision of someone in a particular situation, you imagine them in that situation, for example because you are worried that it might happen, or hope that it will happen.,

voice , VOICE , (3. singular noun) .. e.g. The people themselves must be an important voice in the debate. [+ in], .. e.g. But your partners will have no voice in how you operate your company., voice , VOICE

If you have a voice in something, you have the right to express an opinion on it., Synonyms: say, part, view, decision

access , ACCESS , (1. uncountable noun) .. e.g. The facilities have been adapted to give access to wheelchair users. [+ to], .. e.g. Scientists have only recently been able to gain access to the area. [+ to], .. e.g. The Mortimer Hotel offers easy access to central London. [+ to], access , ACCESS

If you have access to a building or other place, you are able or allowed to go into it., Synonyms: admission, entry, passage, entrée

access , ACCESS , (3. uncountable noun) .. e.g. He was not allowed access to a lawyer. [+ to], .. e.g. He had direct access to the Prime Minister. , access , ACCESS

If you have access to a person, you have the opportunity or right to see them or meet them.,

access , ACCESS , (2. uncountable noun) .. e.g. ...a Code of Practice that would give patients right of access to their medical records. [+ to], .. e.g. Consultant-led teams will have access to the latest equipment., access , ACCESS

If you have access to something such as information or equipment, you have the opportunity or right to see it or use it.,

ambition , AMBITION , (1. countable noun [oft NOUN to-infinitive]) .. e.g. His ambition is to sail round the world., .. e.g. He harboured ambitions of becoming a Tory MP., ambition , AMBITION

If you have an ambition to do or achieve something, you want very much to do it or achieve it., Synonyms: goal, end, hope, design

drastic , DRASTIC , (1. adjective) .. e.g. Drastic measures are needed to clean up the profession., .. e.g. He's not going to do anything drastic about economic policy., drastic , DRASTIC

If you have to take drastic action in order to solve a problem, you have to do something extreme and basic to solve it.,

imitate , IMITATE , (2. verb) .. e.g. Clarence screws up his face and imitates the Colonel again. [VERB noun], imitate , IMITATE

If you imitate a person or animal, you copy the way they speak or behave, usually because you are trying to be funny., Synonyms: do an impression of, take off [informal], mimic, do [informal]

imitate , IMITATE , (1. verb) .. e.g. ...a genuine German musical which does not try to imitate the American model. [VERB noun], .. e.g. ...a precedent which may be imitated by other activists in the future. [VERB noun], imitate , IMITATE

If you imitate someone, you copy what they do or produce., Synonyms: copy, follow, repeat, echo

improvise , IMPROVISE , (1. verb) .. e.g. advance., .. e.g. You need a wok with a steaming rack for this; if you don't have one, improvise. [VERB], .. e.g. The vet had improvised a harness. [VERB noun], .. e.g. ...an improvised stone shelter. [VERB-ed], .. e.g. ...tents improvised from sheets of heavy plastic draped over wooden poles. [VERB-ed], .. e.g. improvisation (ɪmprəvaɪzeɪʃən, .. e.g. , US -vɪz-)Word forms: plural improvisations, .. e.g. variable noun Funds were not abundant and clever improvisation was necessary., improvise , IMPROVISE

If you improvise, you make or do something using whatever you have or without having planned it in, Synonyms: devise, contrive, make do, concoct Synonyms: invention, spontaneity, ad-libbing, extemporizing

influence , INFLUENCE , (2. verb) .. e.g. He is trying to improperly influence a witness. [VERB noun], .. e.g. The angry crowds could influence the government. [VERB noun], .. e.g. My dad influenced me to do electronics. [VERB noun to-infinitive], influence , INFLUENCE

If you influence someone, you use your power to make them agree with you or do what you want.,

intend , INTEND , (3. verb) .. e.g. He didn't intend any sarcasm. [VERB noun], .. e.g. His response seemed a little patronizing, though he undoubtedly hadn't intended it, .. e.g. that way. [VERB noun noun], .. e.g. This sounds like a barrage of accusation-I don't intend it to be. [VERB noun to-infinitive], .. e.g. I think he intended it as a put-down comment. [VERB noun preposition], intend , INTEND

If you intend a particular idea or feeling in something that you say or do, you want to express it or want it to be understood.,

intend , INTEND , (1. verb) .. e.g. She intends to do A levels and go to university. [VERB to-infinitive], .. e.g. I didn't intend coming to Germany to work. [VERB verb-ing], .. e.g. We had always intended that the new series would be live. [VERB that], intend , INTEND

If you intend to do something, you have decided or planned to do it., Synonyms: plan, mean, aim, determine

interpret , INTERPRET , (1. verb) .. e.g. The whole speech might well be interpreted as a coded message to the Americans. [be VERB-ed + as], .. e.g. The judge quite rightly says that he has to interpret the law as it's been passed. [VERB noun], .. e.g. Both approaches agree on what is depicted in the poem, but not on how it should be, interpret , INTERPRET

If you interpret something in a particular way, you decide that this is its meaning or significance., Synonyms: explain, define, clarify, spell out

interpret , INTERPRET , (2. verb) .. e.g. The chambermaid spoke little English, so her husband came with her to interpret. [VERB], .. e.g. Interpreters found they could not interpret half of what he said. [VERB noun], interpret , INTERPRET

If you interpret what someone is saying, you translate it immediately into another language., Synonyms: translate, convert, paraphrase, adapt

intimidate , INTIMIDATE , (verb) .. e.g. Jones had set out to intimidate and dominate Paul. [VERB noun], .. e.g. Attempts to intimidate people into voting for the governing party did not work. [VERB noun + into], .. e.g. intimidation (ɪntɪmɪdeɪʃən, .. e.g. ) uncountable noun ...an inquiry into allegations of intimidation during last week's vote., intimidate , INTIMIDATE

If you intimidate someone, you deliberately make them frightened enough to do what you want them to do., Synonyms: frighten, pressure, threaten, alarm Synonyms: bullying, pressure, threat(s), menaces

journey , JOURNEY , (3. verb) .. e.g. [formal] In February 1935, Naomi journeyed to the United States for the first time. [VERB + to], .. e.g. She has journeyed on horseback through Africa and Turkey. [VERB preposition/adverb], .. e.g. usage note: Do not confuse journey, voyage, trip, and excursion. A journey is the process of travelling from one place to another by land, air, or sea. ...a journey of over 2,000 miles. If you journey to a place, you travel there. This is a literary use. The nights became colder as they journeyed north. A voyage is a very long journey from one place to another, usually by sea or through space., .. e.g. ...the voyage to the moon in 1972. A trip is the process of travelling from one place to another, staying there, usually for, .. e.g. a short time, and coming back again. ...a business trip to Milan. Note that the verb trip is not used with this meaning. An excursion is a short trip made either as a tourist or in order to do a particular thing. The tourist office organizes excursions to the palace of Knossos., journey , JOURNEY

If you journey somewhere, you travel there., Synonyms: travel, go, move, walk

limit , LIMIT , (5. verb) .. e.g. He limited payments on the country's foreign debt. [VERB noun], .. e.g. Place numbers are limited to 25 on both tours, so please book early. [VERB noun + to], limit , LIMIT

If you limit something, you prevent it from becoming greater than a particular amount or degree., Synonyms: restrict, control, check, fix

limit , LIMIT , (6. verb) .. e.g. It is now accepted that men should limit themselves to 20 units of alcohol a week. [VERB pronoun-reflexive + to], .. e.g. Voters cut councillors' pay and limited them to one staff member each. [VERB noun + to] [Also VERB pronoun-reflexive], .. e.g. limiting, .. e.g. adjective The conditions laid down to me were not too limiting., limit , LIMIT

If you limit yourself to something, or if someone or something limits you, the number of things that you have or do is reduced.,

linger , LINGER , (2. verb) .. e.g. Customers are welcome to linger over coffee until around midnight. [VERB adverb/preposition], .. e.g. I lingered on in Atlanta for a few days, spending much of my time with an artist, .. e.g. friend. [VERB adverb/preposition], .. e.g. It is a dreary little town where few would choose to linger. [VERB], linger , LINGER

If you linger somewhere, you stay there for a longer time than is necessary, for example because you are enjoying yourself., Synonyms: stay, remain, stop, wait

loathe , LOATHE , (verb) .. e.g. The two men loathe each other. [VERB noun], .. e.g. She loathed being the child of impoverished labourers. [VERB verb-ing], loathe , LOATHE

If you loathe something or someone, you dislike them very much., Synonyms: hate, dislike, despise, detest

remark , REMARK , (2. countable noun) .. e.g. He made some remarks about the President for which he had to apologise. [+ about], .. e.g. ...the FIFA president's controversial remarks that the Portuguese superstar and other, .. e.g. top footballers are modern-day slaves., remark , REMARK

If you make a remark about something, you say something about it.,

resolution , RESOLUTION , (2. countable noun) .. e.g. They made a resolution to lose all the weight gained during the Christmas period. , resolution , RESOLUTION

If you make a resolution, you decide to try very hard to do something.,

economy , ECONOMY , (4. countable noun [usually plural]) .. e.g. They will make economies by hiring fewer part-time workers. , economy , ECONOMY

If you make economies, you try to save money by not spending money on unnecessary things.,

retrieve , RETRIEVE , (2. verb) .. e.g. He is the one man who could retrieve that situation. [VERB noun], retrieve , RETRIEVE

If you manage to retrieve a situation, you succeed in bringing it back into a more acceptable state., Synonyms: redeem, save, rescue, repair

revive , REVIVE , (3. verb) .. e.g. She and a neighbour tried in vain to revive him. [VERB noun], .. e.g. With a glazed stare she revived for one last instant. [VERB], revive , REVIVE

If you manage to revive someone who has fainted or if they revive, they become conscious again., Synonyms: bring round, awaken, animate, rouse

salvage , SALVAGE , (4. verb) .. e.g. Officials tried to salvage the situation. [VERB noun], .. e.g. Diplomats are still hoping to salvage something from the meeting. [VERB noun from noun], salvage , SALVAGE

If you manage to salvage a difficult situation, you manage to get something useful from it so that it is not a complete failure.,

manipulate , MANIPULATE , (3. verb) .. e.g. The technology uses a pen to manipulate a computer. [VERB noun], .. e.g. The puppets are expertly manipulated by Liz Walker. [VERB noun], .. e.g. Much of what I do is manipulating data from different sources. [VERB noun], .. e.g. manipulation, .. e.g. variable noun ...science that requires only the simplest of mathematical manipulations., manipulate , MANIPULATE

If you manipulate something that requires skill, such as a complicated piece of equipment or a difficult idea, you operate it or process it., Synonyms: work, use, operate, handle

mend , MEND , (1. verb) .. e.g. They took a long time to mend the roof. [VERB noun], .. e.g. Somebody else lent me a pump and helped me mend the puncture. [VERB noun], .. e.g. I should have had the catch mended, but never got round to it. [have noun VERB-ed], mend , MEND

If you mend something that is broken or not working, you repair it, so that it works properly or can be used., Synonyms: repair, fix, restore, renew

mimic , MIMIC , (1. verb) .. e.g. He could mimic anybody. [VERB noun], mimic , MIMIC

If you mimic the actions or voice of a person or animal, you imitate them, usually in a way that is meant to be amusing or entertaining.,

between , BETWEEN , (7. preposition) .. e.g. Students will be able to choose between English, French and Russian as their first, .. e.g. foreign language. , between , BETWEEN

If you must choose between two or more things, you must choose just one of them.,

remark , REMARK , (1. verb) .. e.g. I remarked that I would go shopping that afternoon. [VERB that], .. e.g. 'Some people have more money than sense,' Winston had remarked. [VERB with quote], .. e.g. On several occasions she had remarked on the boy's improvement. [VERB + on/upon], remark , REMARK

If you remark that something is the case, you say that it is the case., Synonyms: comment, say, state, reflect

negotiate , NEGOTIATE , (2. verb) .. e.g. Frank Mariano negotiates the desert terrain in his battered pickup. [VERB noun], .. e.g. I negotiated the corner on my motorbike and pulled to a stop. [VERB noun], .. e.g. I negotiated my way out of the airport and joined the flow of cars. [VERB noun preposition/adverb], negotiate , NEGOTIATE

If you negotiate an area of land, a place, or an obstacle, you successfully travel across it or around it., Synonyms: get round, clear, pass, cross

observe , OBSERVE , (2. verb) .. e.g. [formal] In 1664 Hooke observed a reddish spot on the surface of the planet. [VERB noun], observe , OBSERVE

If you observe someone or something, you see or notice them., Synonyms: notice, see, note, mark

observe , OBSERVE , (4. verb) .. e.g. Imposing speed restrictions is easy, but forcing motorists to observe them is trickier. [VERB noun], .. e.g. The army was observing a ceasefire. [VERB noun], .. e.g. American forces are observing Christmas quietly. [VERB noun], observe , OBSERVE

If you observe something such as a law or custom, you obey it or follow it., Synonyms: comply with, keep, follow, mind

observe , OBSERVE , (3. verb) .. e.g. noticed and thought about a lot., .. e.g. [formal] When he spoke, it was to observe that the world was full of criminals. [VERB that], .. e.g. 'He is a fine young man,' observed Stephen. [VERB with quote], observe , OBSERVE

If you observe that something is the case, you make a remark or comment about it, especially when it is something you have,

paraphrase , PARAPHRASE , (1. verb) .. e.g. Parents, to paraphrase Philip Larkin, can seriously damage your health. [VERB noun], .. e.g. Baxter paraphrased the contents of the press release. [VERB noun], .. e.g. I'm paraphrasing but this is honestly what he said. [VERB], paraphrase , PARAPHRASE

If you paraphrase someone or paraphrase something that they have said or written, you express what they have said or written in a different way., Synonyms: reword, interpret, render, restate

persuade , PERSUADE , (3. verb) .. e.g. I've persuaded Mrs Tennant that it's time she retired. [VERB noun that], .. e.g. We had managed to persuade them that it was worth working with us. [VERB noun that], .. e.g. Derek persuaded me of the feasibility of the idea. [VERB noun + of], .. e.g. persuaded, .. e.g. adjective [verb-link ADJECTIVE, ADJECTIVE that] He is not persuaded of the need for electoral reform. [+ of], .. e.g. I remain persuaded that the decisions we made last year were broadly right., persuade , PERSUADE

If you persuade someone that something is true, you say things that eventually make them believe that it is true., Synonyms: convince, satisfy, assure, prove to

persuade , PERSUADE , (1. verb) .. e.g. My partner persuaded me to come. [VERB noun to-infinitive], .. e.g. We're trying to persuade manufacturers to sell them here. [VERB noun to-infinitive], .. e.g. They were eventually persuaded by the police to give themselves up. [VERB noun to-infinitive, be VERB-ed], .. e.g. persuader, .. e.g. Word forms: plural persuaders, .. e.g. countable noun All great persuaders and salesmen are the same., persuade , PERSUADE

If you persuade someone to do something, you cause them to do it by giving them good reasons for doing it., Synonyms: talk (someone) into, urge, advise, prompt

plunge , PLUNGE , (2. verb) .. e.g. A soldier plunged a bayonet into his body. [VERB noun into noun], .. e.g. She plunged her face into a bowl of cold water. [VERB noun into noun], .. e.g. I plunged in my knife and fork. [V n with in], plunge , PLUNGE

If you plunge an object into something, you push it quickly or violently into it., Synonyms: stab, push, stick, sink

predict , PREDICT , (verb) .. e.g. The latest opinion polls are predicting a very close contest. [VERB noun], .. e.g. He predicted that my hair would grow back 'in no time'. [VERB that], .. e.g. It's hard to predict how a jury will react. [VERB wh], .. e.g. 'The war will continue another two or three years,' he predicted. [VERB with quote], predict , PREDICT

If you predict an event, you say that it will happen., Synonyms: foretell, forecast, divine, foresee

profit , PROFIT , (3. verb) .. e.g. [formal] Jennifer wasn't yet totally convinced that she'd profit from a more relaxed lifestyle. [V + from/by], .. e.g. So far the French alliance had profited the rebels little. [VERB noun], .. e.g. Whom would it profit to terrify or to kill this man? [VERB noun to-infinitive], .. e.g. Profit is also a noun., .. e.g. The artist found much to his profit in the Louvre., profit , PROFIT

If you profit from something, or it profits you, you gain some advantage or benefit from it., Synonyms: benefit, help, serve, aid

attitude , ATTITUDE , (2. uncountable noun) .. e.g. [journalism], attitude , ATTITUDE

If you refer to someone as a person with attitude, you mean that they have a striking and individual style of behaviour, especially a forceful or aggressive one.,

chronological , CHRONOLOGICAL , (2. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]) .. e.g. [formal], chronological , CHRONOLOGICAL

If you refer to someone's chronological age, you are referring to the number of years they have lived, in contrast to their mental age or the stage they have reached in their physical or emotional development.,

exploit , EXPLOIT , (5. countable noun [usually plural, with poss]) .. e.g. His wartime exploits were later made into a film., exploit , EXPLOIT

If you refer to someone's exploits, you mean the brave, interesting, or amusing things that they have done., Synonyms: feat, act, achievement, enterprise

relate , RELATE , (4. verb) .. e.g. [formal] There were officials to whom he could relate the whole story. [VERB noun + to], .. e.g. She related her tale of living rough. [VERB noun] , relate , RELATE

If you relate a story, you tell it.,

rely , RELY , (1. verb) .. e.g. They relied heavily on the advice of their professional advisers. [VERB + on/upon], .. e.g. The Association relies on member subscriptions for most of its income. [V on/upon n for n], rely , RELY

If you rely on someone or something, you need them and depend on them in order to live or work properly.,

respect , RESPECT , (4. verb) .. e.g. Finally, trying to respect her wishes, I said I'd leave. [VERB noun], respect , RESPECT

If you respect someone's wishes, rights, or customs, you avoid doing things that they would dislike or regard as wrong., Synonyms: show consideration for, regard, notice, honour

restrain , RESTRAIN , (2. verb) .. e.g. She was unable to restrain her desperate anger. [VERB noun], .. e.g. Unable to restrain herself, she rose and went to the phone. [VERB noun], .. e.g. She wanted to ask, 'Aren't you angry with him?' But she restrained herself from doing, .. e.g. so. [VERB noun + from], restrain , RESTRAIN

If you restrain an emotion or you restrain yourself from doing something, you prevent yourself from showing that emotion or doing what you wanted or intended to do., Synonyms: control, keep in, limit, govern

restrain , RESTRAIN , (1. verb) .. e.g. Wally gripped my arm, partly to restrain me and partly to reassure me. [VERB noun], .. e.g. One onlooker had to be restrained by police. [VERB noun], restrain , RESTRAIN

If you restrain someone, you stop them from doing what they intended or wanted to do, usually by using your physical strength., Synonyms: hold back, hold, control, check

retaliate , RETALIATE , (verb) .. e.g. I was sorely tempted to retaliate. [VERB], .. e.g. The Labour leader retaliated by accusing Sturgeon of supporting the Tories. [VERB + by], .. e.g. The militia responded by saying it would retaliate against any attacks. [VERB + against], .. e.g. They may retaliate with sanctions on other products if the bans are disregarded. [VERB + with] [Also + for]Synonyms: pay someone back, hit back, strike back, reciprocate , .. e.g. retaliation (rɪtælieɪʃən, .. e.g. ) uncountable noun Police said they believed the attack was in retaliation for the death of a gang member. [+ for], retaliate , RETALIATE

If you retaliate when someone harms or annoys you, you do something which harms or annoys them in return., Synonyms: revenge, repayment, vengeance, reprisal

reverse , REVERSE , (2. verb) .. e.g. Simply reversing the order of the questions made it more logical. . [VERB noun], .. e.g. The normal word order is reversed in passive sentences. [be VERB-ed], reverse , REVERSE

If you reverse the order of a set of things, you arrange them in the opposite order, so that the first thing comes last.,

reverse , REVERSE , (3. verb) .. e.g. the other one had., .. e.g. He reversed the position of the two stamps. [VERB noun], reverse , REVERSE

If you reverse the positions or functions of two things, you change them so that each thing has the position or function that, Synonyms: transpose, change, move, exchange

risk , RISK , (6. verb) .. e.g. The captain was not willing to risk taking his ship through the straits in such bad, .. e.g. weather. [V v-ing/n], .. e.g. At the top, I risked a glance back. [V -ing/n], .. e.g. Don't risk it. It isn't worth it. [V -ing/n], risk , RISK

If you risk doing something, you do it, even though you know that it might have undesirable consequences.,

risk , RISK , (5. verb) .. e.g. Those who fail to register risk severe penalties. [VERB noun/verb-ing], risk , RISK

If you risk something unpleasant, you do something which might result in that thing happening or affecting you., Synonyms: stand a chance of, chance, venture, take the risk of

risk , RISK , (7. verb) .. e.g. She risked her own life to help a disabled woman. [VERB noun], .. e.g. Why should he have risked all that to become an agent of a foreign power? [VERB noun], risk , RISK

If you risk your life or something else important, you behave in a way that might result in it being lost or harmed., Synonyms: dare, endanger, jeopardize, imperil

salvage , SALVAGE , (5. verb) .. e.g. We definitely wanted to salvage some pride for British tennis. [VERB noun], .. e.g. She was lucky to be able to salvage her career. [VERB noun] , salvage , SALVAGE

If you salvage something such as your pride or your reputation, you manage to keep it even though it seems likely you will lose it, or you get it back after losing it.,

sandwich , SANDWICH , (2. verb) .. e.g. Sandwich the two halves of the sponge together with cream. [V n together], .. e.g. I had to sandwich my writing between supervising work on the farm and entertaining, .. e.g. guests. [V n between pl-n] , sandwich , SANDWICH

If you sandwich two things together with something else, you put that other thing between them. If you sandwich one thing between two other things, you put it between them.,

saunter , SAUNTER , (verb) .. e.g. We watched our fellow students saunter into the building. [VERB preposition/adverb], .. e.g. He sauntered along the river to the mill. [VERB preposition/adverb], .. e.g. Saunter is also a noun., .. e.g. She began a slow saunter toward the bonfires., saunter , SAUNTER

If you saunter somewhere, you walk there in a slow, casual way., Synonyms: stroll, wander, amble, roam

secret , SECRET , (4. singular noun) .. e.g. The secret of success is honesty and fair dealing. [+ of], .. e.g. I learned something about writing. The secret is to say less than you need., secret , SECRET

If you say that a particular way of doing things is the secret of achieving something, you mean that it is the best or only way to achieve it., Synonyms: key, answer, formula, recipe

active , ACTIVE , (5. adjective [usually verb-link ADJECTIVE]) .. e.g. their usual activities or performing a particular activity., .. e.g. Guerrilla groups are active in the province., .. e.g. ...animals which are active at night., .. e.g. ...men who are sexually active., active , ACTIVE

If you say that a person or animal is active in a particular place or at a particular time, you mean that they are performing, Synonyms: in operation, working, live, running

trouble , TROUBLE , (7. uncountable noun) .. e.g. My little grandson is no trouble at all, but his 6-year-old elder sister is rude, .. e.g. and selfish., trouble , TROUBLE

If you say that a person or animal is no trouble, you mean that they are very easy to look after., Synonyms: problem, bother, concern, pest

trouble , TROUBLE , (2. singular noun) .. e.g. unsatisfactory., .. e.g. The trouble is that these restrictions have remained while other things have changed., .. e.g. Your trouble is that you can't take rejection., trouble , TROUBLE

If you say that one aspect of a situation is the trouble, you mean that it is the aspect which is causing problems or making the situation, Synonyms: shortcoming, problem, failing, fault

reverse , REVERSE , (7. singular noun) .. e.g. There is no evidence that spectators want longer cricket matches. Quite the reverse., .. e.g. I expected a dense and detailed autobiography. The reverse is true. The book is short, .. e.g. and spare., reverse , REVERSE

If you say that one thing is the reverse of another, you are emphasizing that the first thing is the complete opposite of the second thing., Synonyms: opposite, contrary, converse, antithesis

trouble , TROUBLE , (10. verb) .. e.g. [disapproval] He yawns, not troubling to cover his mouth. [VERB to-infinitive], .. e.g. He hadn't troubled himself to check his mirrors. [VERB pronoun-reflexive to-infinitive], .. e.g. He seemed to be a naturally solitary person, troubling himself about only a few friends. [V pron-refl about/with n], trouble , TROUBLE

If you say that someone does not trouble to do something, you are critical of them because they do not behave in the way that they should do, and you think that this would require very little effort., Synonyms: take pains, take the time, make an effort, go to the effort of

abandon , ABANDON , (5. uncountable noun [usu with N]) .. e.g. [disapproval] He has spent money with gay abandon., .. e.g. Their permissiveness toward their children reflects the wild abandon of their own, .. e.g. lives., abandon , ABANDON

If you say that someone does something with abandon, you mean that they behave in a wild, uncontrolled way and do not think or care about how they should behave., Synonyms: recklessness, dash, wildness, wantonness

drift , DRIFT , (3. verb) .. e.g. [disapproval] You've been drifting from job to job without any real commitment. [VERB preposition/adverb] [Also VERB] , drift , DRIFT

If you say that someone drifts around, you mean that they travel from place to place without a plan or settled way of life.,

extract , EXTRACT , (4. verb) .. e.g. [disapproval] The capitalist system extracts huge profits from arms production at the tax-payers', .. e.g. expense. [VERB noun from noun], .. e.g. He sought to extract the maximum political advantage from the cut in interest rates. [VERB noun + from], .. e.g. His development policies have extracted cash from the city centre. [VERB noun from noun], extract , EXTRACT

If you say that someone extracts something, you disapprove of them because they take it for themselves to gain an advantage.,

flutter , FLUTTER , (4. verb) .. e.g. She'd been fluttering about in the kitchen. [VERB adverb/preposition], flutter , FLUTTER

If you say that someone flutters somewhere, you mean that they walk there with quick, light movements, often in a silly way or in a way which suggests that they are nervous.,

grace , GRACE , (6. verb) .. e.g. [formal] He had been invited to grace a function at the evening college. [VERB noun], grace , GRACE

If you say that someone important will grace an event or an organization, you mean that they have agreed to be present at the event or to be part of the organization.,

misery , MISERY , (3. countable noun) .. e.g. [mainly British, informal, disapproval]Synonyms: moaner, pessimist, killjoy, spoilsport [informal] , misery , MISERY

If you say that someone is a misery, you are critical of them because they are always complaining.,

treasure , TREASURE , (4. countable noun) .. e.g. [informal] Charlie? Oh, he's a treasure, loves children., treasure , TREASURE

If you say that someone is a treasure, you mean that they are very helpful and useful to you., Synonyms: angel, darling, find, star [informal]

avid , AVID , (2. adjective [verb-link ADJECTIVE]) .. e.g. He was intensely eager, indeed avid, for wealth. [+ for], .. e.g. avidly, .. e.g. adverb [ADVERB with verb] Western suppliers too are competing avidly for business abroad., avid , AVID

If you say that someone is avid for something, you mean that they are very eager to get it., Synonyms: insatiable, hungry, greedy, thirsty

dense , DENSE , (5. adjective [verb-link ADJECTIVE]) .. e.g. [informal] He's not a bad man, just a bit dense., dense , DENSE

If you say that someone is dense, you mean that you think they are stupid and that they take a long time to understand simple things., Synonyms: stupid [informal], slow, thick, dull

hungry , HUNGRY , (3. adjective) .. e.g. [literary, emphasis] Susan was certainly hungry for a life different from the one she had made for herself., .. e.g. I left Oxford in 1961 hungry to be a critic., .. e.g. Hungry is also a combining form., .. e.g. ...power-hungry politicians., .. e.g. hungrily, .. e.g. adverb [ADVERB with verb] Other companies were also eyeing the market hungrily., hungry , HUNGRY

If you say that someone is hungry for something, you are emphasizing that they want it very much., Synonyms: eager, keen, craving, yearning

inept , INEPT , (adjective) .. e.g. [disapproval] He was inept and lacked the intelligence to govern., .. e.g. You are completely inept at writing., .. e.g. ...his inept handling of the army., inept , INEPT

If you say that someone is inept, you are criticizing them because they do something with a complete lack of skill., Synonyms: incompetent, bungling, clumsy, cowboy [informal]

persecute , PERSECUTE , (2. verb) .. e.g. Local boys constantly persecuted him, throwing stones at his windows. [VERB noun], .. e.g. Vic was bullied by his father and persecuted by his sisters. [VERB noun], persecute , PERSECUTE

If you say that someone is persecuting you, you mean that they are deliberately making your life difficult.,

fortunate , FORTUNATE , (adjective [oft ADJECTIVE to-infinitive]) .. e.g. He was extremely fortunate to survive., .. e.g. Central London is fortunate in having so many large parks and open spaces., .. e.g. It was fortunate that the water was shallow., .. e.g. She is in the fortunate position of having plenty of choice., fortunate , FORTUNATE

If you say that someone or something is fortunate, you mean that they are lucky., Synonyms: providential, auspicious, fortuitous, felicitous

grace , GRACE , (5. verb) .. e.g. [formal] He went to the beautiful old Welsh dresser that graced this homely room. [VERB noun], .. e.g. Her shoulders were graced with mink and her fingers sparkled with diamonds. [be V-ed + with/by], grace , GRACE

If you say that something graces a place or a person, you mean that it makes them more attractive., Synonyms: adorn, enhance, decorate, enrich

change , CHANGE , (3. singular noun) .. e.g. [approval] It is a complex system, but it certainly makes a change., .. e.g. Do you feel like you could do with a change?, change , CHANGE

If you say that something is a change or makes a change, you mean that it is enjoyable because it is different from what you are used to.,

maximum , MAXIMUM , (3. adverb) .. e.g. amount is acceptable or very possible., .. e.g. We need an extra 6g a day maximum., maximum , MAXIMUM

If you say that something is a particular amount maximum, you mean that this is the greatest amount it should be or could possibly be, although a smaller,

certain , CERTAIN , (2. adjective [oft ADJECTIVE to-infinitive]) .. e.g. However, the scheme is certain to meet opposition from fishermen's leaders., .. e.g. It's not certain they'll accept the Front's candidate if he wins., .. e.g. Brazil need to beat Uruguay to be certain of a place in the finals. [+ of], .. e.g. The Prime Minister is heading for certain defeat if he forces a vote., .. e.g. Victory looked certain., certain , CERTAIN

If you say that something is certain to happen, you mean that it will definitely happen.,

certain , CERTAIN , (3. adjective [verb-link ADJECTIVE]) .. e.g. One thing is certain, both have the utmost respect for each other., .. e.g. It is certain that Rodney arrived the previous day., certain , CERTAIN

If you say that something is certain, you firmly believe that it is true, or have definite knowledge about it., Synonyms: known, true, positive, plain

futile , FUTILE , (adjective) .. e.g. He brought his arm up in a futile attempt to ward off the blow., .. e.g. It would be futile to sustain his life when there is no chance of any improvement., futile , FUTILE

If you say that something is futile, you mean there is no point in doing it, usually because it has no chance of succeeding., Synonyms: useless, vain, unsuccessful, pointless

grasp , GRASP , (4. singular noun [with poss, oft in/from N]) .. e.g. The people in your grasp are not guests, they are hostages., .. e.g. She allowed victory to slip from her grasp., .. e.g. ...the task of liberating a number of states from the grasp of tyrants. , grasp , GRASP

If you say that something is in someone's grasp, you disapprove of the fact that they possess or control it. If something slips from your grasp, you lose it or lose control of it.,

treacherous , TREACHEROUS , (2. adjective) .. e.g. The current of the river is fast flowing and treacherous., .. e.g. They made the treacherous journey across stormy seas in rotten boats., treacherous , TREACHEROUS

If you say that something is treacherous, you mean that it is very dangerous and unpredictable., Synonyms: dangerous, tricky, risky, unstable

worth , WORTH , (4. adjective) .. e.g. He's decided to get a look at the house and see if it might be worth buying., .. e.g. If this was what his job required, then the job wasn't really worth having., .. e.g. Most things worth having never come easy., worth , WORTH

If you say that something is worth having, you mean that it is pleasant or useful, and therefore a good thing to have.,

nowhere , NOWHERE , (5. adverb) .. e.g. A car came from nowhere, and I had to jump back into the hedge just in time., .. e.g. Houses had sprung up out of nowhere on the hills., nowhere , NOWHERE

If you say that something or someone appears from nowhere or out of nowhere, you mean that they appear suddenly and unexpectedly.,

risk , RISK , (3. countable noun) .. e.g. It's being overfat that constitutes a health risk., .. e.g. The restaurant has been refurbished-it was found to be a fire risk., .. e.g. He was not seen as a risk to national security., risk , RISK

If you say that something or someone is a risk, you mean they are likely to cause harm.,

magnificent , MAGNIFICENT , (adjective) .. e.g. ...a magnificent country house in wooded grounds., .. e.g. ...magnificent views over the San Fernando Valley., .. e.g. She is magnificent at making you feel you can talk quite naturally to her., .. e.g. magnificence, .. e.g. uncountable noun ...the magnificence of the Swiss mountains. [+ of], .. e.g. magnificently, .. e.g. adverb [ADVERB after verb, ADVERB adjective/-ed] The team played magnificently throughout the competition., .. e.g. ...a magnificently elaborate head-dress., magnificent , MAGNIFICENT

If you say that something or someone is magnificent, you mean that you think they are extremely good, beautiful, or impressive., Synonyms: splendid, striking, grand, impressive Synonyms: splendour, glory, majesty, grandeur

chill , CHILL , (3. verb) .. e.g. [written] There was a coldness in her that chilled him. [VERB noun], .. e.g. Some films chill you to the marrow of your bones. [VERB noun to noun], chill , CHILL

If you say that something you see, hear, or feel chills you, you mean that it frightens you., Synonyms: dishearten, depress, discourage, dismay

remote , REMOTE , (4. adjective) .. e.g. [emphasis] I use a sunscreen whenever there is even a remote possibility that I will be in the, .. e.g. sun., .. e.g. The chances of his surviving are pretty remote., remote , REMOTE

If you say that there is a remote possibility or chance that something will happen, you are emphasizing that there is only a very small chance that it will happen., Synonyms: slight, small, outside, poor

transport , TRANSPORT , (5. verb) .. e.g. [mainly literary] Dr Drummond felt that he had been transported into a world that rivalled the Arabian, .. e.g. Nights. [be VERB-ed preposition/adverb], .. e.g. In a dream you can be transported back in time. [be VERB-ed preposition/adverb], .. e.g. This delightful musical comedy transports the audience to the innocent days of 1950s, .. e.g. America. [VERB noun preposition/adverb], transport , TRANSPORT

If you say that you are transported to another place or time, you mean that something causes you to feel that you are living in the other place or at the other time.,

scatter , SCATTER , (1. verb) .. e.g. She tore the rose apart and scattered the petals over the grave. [VERB noun preposition/adverb], .. e.g. They've been scattering toys everywhere. [VERB noun preposition/adverb], .. e.g. He began by scattering seed and putting in plants. [VERB noun], scatter , SCATTER

If you scatter things over an area, you throw or drop them so that they spread all over the area., Synonyms: throw about, spread, sprinkle, strew

respect , RESPECT , (5. uncountable noun) .. e.g. or regard as wrong., .. e.g. They will campaign for the return of traditional lands and respect for aboriginal, .. e.g. rights and customs. [+ for], respect , RESPECT

If you show respect for someone's wishes, rights, or customs, you avoid doing anything they would dislike,

skim , SKIM , (3. verb) .. e.g. He skimmed the pages quickly, then read them again more carefully. [VERB noun], .. e.g. I only had time to skim through the script before I flew over here. [VERB + through], .. e.g. Phrasal verbs:, .. e.g. skim off, skim , SKIM

If you skim a piece of writing, you read through it quickly., Synonyms: scan, glance, run your eye over, thumb or leaf through

skim , SKIM , (1. verb) .. e.g. Rough seas today prevented specially equipped ships from skimming oil off the water's, .. e.g. surface. [V n + off/from], .. e.g. Skim off the fat. [V n with off], skim , SKIM

If you skim something from the surface of a liquid, you remove it., Synonyms: remove, separate, cream, take off

soothe , SOOTHE , (1. verb) .. e.g. He would take her in his arms and soothe her. [VERB noun], .. e.g. It did not take long for the central bank to soothe investors' fears. [VERB noun], .. e.g. soothing, .. e.g. adjective Put on some nice soothing music., .. e.g. His casual, relaxed manner was very soothing., .. e.g. soothingly adverb [usually ADVERB after verb] 'Now don't you worry,' she said soothingly., soothe , SOOTHE

If you soothe someone who is angry or upset, you make them feel calmer., Synonyms: calm, still, quiet, hush Synonyms: calming, relaxing, peaceful, quiet

space , SPACE , (9. verb) .. e.g. or intervals of time between them., .. e.g. Women once again are having fewer children and spacing them further apart. [VERB noun adverb/preposition], .. e.g. His voice was angry and he spaced the words for emphasis. [VERB noun] , .. e.g. Space out means the same as space., .. e.g. He talks quite slowly and spaces his words out. [VERB noun PARTICLE], .. e.g. I was spacing out the seedlings into divided trays. [VERB PARTICLE noun], .. e.g. Their last four games are spaced out over three weeks. [be VERB-ed PARTICLE], .. e.g. spaced adjective [adverb ADJECTIVE, v-link ADJ adv/prep] Its houses are large, well-spaced and surrounded by gardens., .. e.g. The RAC is calling for rest areas spaced at regular intervals on major roads., .. e.g. spacing, .. e.g. uncountable noun Generous spacing gives healthier trees and better crops., space , SPACE

If you space a series of things, you arrange them so that they are not all together but have gaps,

urgent , URGENT , (2. adjective) .. e.g. His voice was low and urgent., .. e.g. His mother leaned forward and spoke to him in urgent undertones., .. e.g. urgency, .. e.g. uncountable noun She was surprised at the urgency in his voice. [+ in], .. e.g. 'Daniel,' Pat said, her voice harsh with urgency. 'Come out here immediately.', .. e.g. urgently, .. e.g. adverb [ADVERB with verb] They hastened to greet him and asked urgently, 'Did you find it?', urgent , URGENT

If you speak in an urgent way, you show that you are anxious for people to notice something or to do something., Synonyms: insistent, earnest, determined, intense

spoil , SPOIL , (2. verb) .. e.g. Grandparents are often tempted to spoil their grandchildren whenever they come to, .. e.g. visit. [VERB noun], .. e.g. spoilt, spoiled, .. e.g. adjective A spoilt child is rarely popular with other children., .. e.g. Oh, that child. He's so spoiled., spoil , SPOIL

If you spoil children, you give them everything they want or ask for. This is considered to have a bad effect on a child's character., Synonyms: overindulge, indulge, pamper, baby

spoil , SPOIL , (3. verb) .. e.g. Spoil yourself with a new perfume this summer. [VERB pronoun-reflexive], .. e.g. Perhaps I could employ someone to iron her shirts, but I wanted to spoil her. [VERB noun], spoil , SPOIL

If you spoil yourself or spoil another person, you give yourself or them something nice as a treat or do something special for them., Synonyms: indulge, treat, pamper, satisfy

spring , SPRING , (9. verb) .. e.g. The two superpower leaders sprang a surprise at a ceremony in the White House yesterday, .. e.g. by signing a trade deal. [VERB noun], .. e.g. Mclaren sprang a new idea on him. [VERB noun + on], spring , SPRING

If you spring some news or a surprise on someone, you tell them something that they did not expect to hear, without warning them., Synonyms: announce suddenly, present suddenly, introduce suddenly, reveal suddenly

stifle , STIFLE , (2. verb) .. e.g. She makes no attempt to stifle a yawn. [VERB noun], .. e.g. His hand shot to his mouth to stifle a giggle. [VERB noun], stifle , STIFLE

If you stifle a yawn or laugh, you prevent yourself from yawning or laughing., Synonyms: restrain, suppress, repress, smother

stifle , STIFLE , (3. verb) .. e.g. It is best to stifle curiosity and leave birds' nests alone. [VERB noun], .. e.g. He stifled his temptation to take hold of Ivy and shake her. [VERB noun], stifle , STIFLE

If you stifle your natural feelings or behaviour, you prevent yourself from having those feelings or behaving in that way.,

struggle , STRUGGLE , (6. verb) .. e.g. The pilot struggled out of the wreck almost uninjured. [VERB preposition/adverb], .. e.g. Catherine struggled to her feet. [VERB preposition/adverb], .. e.g. I struggled into a bathrobe and staggered down the stairs. [VERB preposition/adverb] , struggle , STRUGGLE

If you struggle somewhere, you succeed in moving there, but only with great difficulty.,

struggle , STRUGGLE , (5. verb) .. e.g. I could see the young boy struggling to free himself. [VERB to-infinitive], .. e.g. I struggled with my bags, desperately looking for a porter. [VERB preposition], struggle , STRUGGLE

If you struggle to move yourself or to move a heavy object, you try to do it, but it is difficult.,

subordinate , SUBORDINATE , (4. verb) .. e.g. He was both willing and able to subordinate all else to this aim. [VERB noun + to], .. e.g. subordination (səbɔːʳdɪneɪʃən, .. e.g. ) uncountable noun ...the social subordination of women. [+ of], .. e.g. They want to end the country's subordination to foreign economic interests. [Also + to]Synonyms: inferiority, servitude, subjection, inferior or secondary status , subordinate , SUBORDINATE

If you subordinate something to another thing, you regard it or treat it as less important than the other thing.,

supplement , SUPPLEMENT , (1. verb) .. e.g. ...people doing extra jobs outside their regular jobs to supplement their incomes. [VERB noun], .. e.g. I suggest supplementing your diet with vitamins E and A. [VERB noun + with], .. e.g. Supplement is also a noun., .. e.g. Business sponsorship must be a supplement to, not a substitute for, public funding. [+ to], supplement , SUPPLEMENT

If you supplement something, you add something to it in order to improve it., Synonyms: add to, reinforce, complement, augment

survey , SURVEY , (2. verb) .. e.g. Business Development Advisers surveyed 211 companies for the report. [VERB noun], .. e.g. Only 18 percent of those surveyed opposed the idea. [VERB-ed], survey , SURVEY

If you survey a number of people, companies, or organizations, you try to find out information about their opinions or behaviour, usually by asking them a series of questions., Synonyms: interview, question, poll, study

survey , SURVEY , (3. verb) .. e.g. He pushed himself to his feet and surveyed the room. [VERB noun], .. e.g. He surveys American politics with a conservative world view. [VERB noun], survey , SURVEY

If you survey something, you look at or consider the whole of it carefully., Synonyms: look over, view, scan, examine

switch , SWITCH , (2. verb) .. e.g. Estonia is switching to a market economy. [VERB + to], .. e.g. The law would encourage companies to switch from coal to cleaner fuels. [VERB from noun to noun], .. e.g. The encouragement of a friend spurred Chris into switching jobs. [VERB noun] [Also VERB], .. e.g. Switch is also a noun., .. e.g. New technology made a switch to oil possible., .. e.g. The spokesman implicitly condemned the government's policy switch. , .. e.g. Switch over means the same as switch., .. e.g. ...a professional man who started out in law but switched over to medicine. [VERB PARTICLE + to] [Also VERB PARTICLE], switch , SWITCH

If you switch to something different, for example to a different system, task, or subject of conversation, you change to it from what you were doing or saying before.,

switch , SWITCH , (4. verb) .. e.g. In half an hour, they'd switched the tags on every cable. [VERB noun], .. e.g. The ballot boxes have been switched. [be VERB-ed], .. e.g. Phrasal verbs:, .. e.g. switch off, .. e.g. switch on, .. e.g. switch over, switch , SWITCH

If you switch two things, you replace one with the other., Synonyms: exchange, trade, swap, replace

switch , SWITCH , (3. verb) .. e.g. My mother's interest had switched to my health. [VERB + to], .. e.g. As the era wore on, she switched her attention to films. [VERB noun + to], switch , SWITCH

If you switch your attention from one thing to another or if your attention switches, you stop paying attention to the first thing and start paying attention to the second.,

refuge , REFUGE , (3. uncountable noun) .. e.g. in that way., .. e.g. With these restrictions on childhood it's no wonder kids seek refuge in consumerism., .. e.g. Father Rowan took refuge in silence., refuge , REFUGE

If you take refuge in a particular way of behaving or thinking, you try to protect yourself from unhappiness or unpleasantness by behaving or thinking, Synonyms: solace, relief, comfort

harsh , HARSH , (5. adjective) .. e.g. [emphasis] The harsh truth is that luck plays a big part in who will live or die., harsh , HARSH

If you talk about harsh realities or facts, or the harsh truth, you are emphasizing that they are true or real, although they are unpleasant and people try to avoid thinking about them.,

privilege , PRIVILEGE , (2. uncountable noun) .. e.g. have, usually because of their wealth or their high social class., .. e.g. Pironi was the son of privilege and wealth, and it showed., .. e.g. Having been born to privilege in old Hollywood, she was carrying on a family tradition, .. e.g. by acting., privilege , PRIVILEGE

If you talk about privilege, you are talking about the power and advantage that only a small group of people,

fortune , FORTUNE , (4. plural noun [with poss]) .. e.g. The electoral fortunes of the party may decline. [+ of], .. e.g. She kept up with the fortunes of the Reeves family., .. e.g. The company had to do something to reverse its sliding fortunes., fortune , FORTUNE

If you talk about someone's fortunes or the fortunes of something, you are talking about the extent to which they are doing well or being successful., Synonyms: destiny, life, lot, experiences

trouble , TROUBLE , (6. uncountable noun [oft NOUN to-infinitive]) .. e.g. [politeness] It's no trouble at all; on the contrary, it will be a great pleasure to help you., .. e.g. Will it be any trouble to get over here that quickly?, trouble , TROUBLE

If you tell someone that it is no trouble to do something for them, you are saying politely that you can or will do it, because it is easy or convenient for you.,

watch , WATCH , (6. verb) .. e.g. You really ought to watch these quiet types. [VERB noun], .. e.g. If you're watching the calories, don't have mayonnaise. [VERB noun], watch , WATCH

If you tell someone to watch a particular person or thing, you are warning them to be careful that the person or thing does not get out of control or do something unpleasant.,

thread , THREAD , (8. verb) .. e.g. ...threading the laces through the eyelets of his shoes. [V n + through], .. e.g. Air ducts and electrical cables were threaded through the complex structure. [V n through n], .. e.g. These instruments allow doctors to thread microscopic telescopes into the digestive, .. e.g. tract. [VERB noun + into], thread , THREAD

If you thread a long thin object through something, you pass it through one or more holes or narrow spaces.,

thread , THREAD , (9. verb) .. e.g. Wipe the mushrooms clean and thread them on a string. [VERB noun preposition] , thread , THREAD

If you thread small objects such as beads onto a string or thread, you join them together by pushing the string through them.,

thread , THREAD , (7. verb) .. e.g. move., .. e.g. Slowly, she threaded her way back through the moving mass of bodies. [VERB noun preposition], .. e.g. ...threading our way past little boats. [VERB way preposition/adverb], .. e.g. We threaded through a network of back streets. [VERB preposition], thread , THREAD

If you thread your way through a group of people or things, or thread through it, you move through it carefully or slowly, changing direction frequently as you, Synonyms: move, pass, inch, ease

treasure , TREASURE , (3. verb) .. e.g. She treasures her memories of those joyous days. [VERB noun], .. e.g. Treasure is also a noun., .. e.g. His greatest treasure is his collection of rock records., .. e.g. treasured, .. e.g. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun] These books are still among my most treasured possessions., treasure , TREASURE

If you treasure something that you have, you keep it or care for it carefully because it gives you great pleasure and you think it is very special., Synonyms: prize, value, worship, esteem

twine , TWINE , (2. verb) .. e.g. He had twined his chubby arms around Vincent's neck. [VERB noun preposition], .. e.g. He twined his fingers into hers. [VERB noun preposition], .. e.g. These strands of molecules twine around each other to form cable-like structures. [VERB preposition], twine , TWINE

If you twine one thing around another, or if one thing twines around another, the first thing is twisted or wound around the second., Synonyms: twist together, weave, knit, braid

unveil , UNVEIL , (2. verb) .. e.g. Mr Werner unveiled his new strategy this week. [VERB noun], .. e.g. Companies from across the country are here to unveil their latest models. [VERB noun], .. e.g. unveiling, .. e.g. uncountable noun ...the unveiling of a detailed peace plan. [+ of], unveil , UNVEIL

If you unveil a plan, new product, or some other thing that has been kept secret, you introduce it to the public., Synonyms: reveal, publish, launch, introduce

figurative , FIGURATIVE , (1. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]) .. e.g. ...an event that will change your route-in both the literal and figurative sense., .. e.g. figuratively, .. e.g. adverb [ADVERB with verb] Europe, with Germany literally and figuratively at its centre, is still at the start, .. e.g. of a remarkable transformation., figurative , FIGURATIVE

If you use a word or expression in a figurative sense, you use it with a more abstract or imaginative meaning than its ordinary literal one., Synonyms: symbolical, representative, abstract, allegorical

custom , CUSTOM , (4. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]) .. e.g. Her one-of -a-kind custom garments are priced from one hundred dollars., custom , CUSTOM

If you use custom to describe something such as a vehicle or a piece of clothing, you mean that it has been designed for one particular customer.,

yardstick , YARDSTICK , (countable noun) .. e.g. There has been no yardstick by which potential students can assess schools., .. e.g. She had never had a boyfriend before and so had no yardstick by which to compare, .. e.g. Charles's behaviour., yardstick , YARDSTICK

If you use someone or something as a yardstick, you use them as a standard for comparison when you are judging other people or things., Synonyms: standard, measure, criterion, gauge

vacate , VACATE , (verb) .. e.g. [formal] He vacated the flat and went to stay with an uncle. [VERB noun], .. e.g. He recently vacated his post as Sales Director. [VERB noun], .. e.g. Chris slumped down in the chair Mrs Tennant had just vacated. [VERB noun], vacate , VACATE

If you vacate a place or a job, you leave it or give it up, making it available for other people., Synonyms: quit, leave, resign from, give up

value , VALUE , (2. verb) .. e.g. I've done business with Mr Weston before. I value the work he gives me. [VERB noun], .. e.g. If you value your health then you'll start being a little kinder to yourself. [VERB noun], .. e.g. valued, .. e.g. adjective As you are a valued customer, I am writing to you to explain the situation., .. e.g. Why were spices so highly valued in late 15th-century Europe?, value , VALUE

If you value something or someone, you think that they are important and you appreciate them., Synonyms: appreciated, prized, esteemed, highly regarded

voice , VOICE , (4. verb) .. e.g. Some scientists have voiced concern that the disease could be passed on to humans. [VERB noun], .. e.g. This is a criticism frequently voiced by opponents. [VERB-ed], voice , VOICE

If you voice something such as an opinion or an emotion, you say what you think or feel., Synonyms: express, say, declare, air

volunteer , VOLUNTEER , (4. verb) .. e.g. [formal] The room was quiet; no one volunteered any further information. [VERB noun], .. e.g. 'They were both great supporters of Franco,' Ryle volunteered. [VERB with quote], .. e.g. The next week, Phillida volunteered that they were getting on better. [VERB that], volunteer , VOLUNTEER

If you volunteer information, you tell someone something without being asked.,

volunteer , VOLUNTEER , (3. verb) .. e.g. Aunt Mary volunteered to clean up the kitchen. [VERB to-infinitive], .. e.g. He volunteered for the army in 1939. [VERB + for], .. e.g. She volunteered as a nurse in a soldiers' rest-home. [VERB + as], .. e.g. He's volunteered his services as a chauffeur. [VERB noun] [Also VERB]Synonyms: offer, step forward, offer your services, propose , volunteer , VOLUNTEER

If you volunteer to do something, you offer to do it without being forced to do it.,

vow , VOW , (1. verb) .. e.g. While many models vow to go back to college, few do. [VERB to-infinitive], .. e.g. I solemnly vowed that someday I would return to live in Europe. [VERB that], .. e.g. 'I'll kill him,' she vowed. [VERB with quote], .. e.g. They have vowed a quick and decisive response. [VERB noun], vow , VOW

If you vow to do something, you make a serious promise or decision that you will do it., Synonyms: promise, pledge, swear, commit

wander , WANDER , (1. verb) .. e.g. When he got bored he wandered around the fair. [VERB preposition/adverb], .. e.g. They wandered off in the direction of the nearest store. [VERB preposition/adverb], .. e.g. Those who do not have relatives to return to are left to wander the streets and sleep, .. e.g. rough. [VERB noun], .. e.g. Wander is also a noun., .. e.g. A wander around any market will reveal stalls piled high with vegetables. [+ around], wander , WANDER

If you wander in a place, you walk around there in a casual way, often without intending to go in any particular direction.,

watch , WATCH , (3. verb) .. e.g. Human rights groups have been closely watching the case. [VERB noun], .. e.g. Annoyed commuters could only watch as the departure time ticked by. [VERB] , watch , WATCH

If you watch a situation or event, you pay attention to it or you are aware of it, but you do not influence it.,

watch , WATCH , (4. verb) .. e.g. Parents can't be expected to watch their children 24 hours a day. [VERB noun], watch , WATCH

If you watch people, especially children or animals, you are responsible for them, and make sure that they are not in danger., Synonyms: guard, keep, mind, protect

watch , WATCH , (1. verb) .. e.g. The man was standing in his doorway watching him. [VERB noun], .. e.g. He watched the waiter prepare the coffee he had ordered. [VERB noun infinitive], .. e.g. Chris watched him sipping his brandy. [VERB noun verb-ing], .. e.g. I watched as Amy ate a few nuts. [VERB], watch , WATCH

If you watch someone or something, you look at them, usually for a period of time, and pay attention to what is happening., Synonyms: look at, observe, regard, eye

watch , WATCH , (5. verb) .. e.g. Ella was scared that someone was watching her. [VERB noun], .. e.g. I always had the feeling we were being watched. [VERB noun], watch , WATCH

If you watch someone, you follow them secretly or spy on them., Synonyms: spy on, follow, track, monitor

wander , WANDER , (4. verb) .. e.g. His eyes wandered restlessly around the room. [VERB preposition/adverb], .. e.g. His eyes kept wandering to the picture. [VERB preposition/adverb], .. e.g. Read their body language. Are their eyes wandering? [VERB], wander , WANDER

If your eyes wander, you stop looking at one thing and start looking around at other things.,

flutter , FLUTTER , (5. verb) .. e.g. The look in his eyes made my heart flutter. [VERB] , flutter , FLUTTER

If your heart or stomach flutters, you experience a strong feeling of excitement or anxiety.,

wander , WANDER , (3. verb) .. e.g. His mind would wander, and he would lose track of what he was doing. [VERB], .. e.g. Jarvis found his attention wandering. [VERB], .. e.g. Grace allowed her mind to wander to other things. [VERB preposition/adverb], wander , WANDER

If your mind wanders or your thoughts wander, you stop concentrating on something and start thinking about other things., Synonyms: stray, roam, digress, get sidetracked

erupt , ERUPT , (5. verb) .. e.g. At the end of the second week, my skin erupted in pimples. [V + in/into] [Also VERB], .. e.g. eruption, .. e.g. countable noun ...eruptions of adolescent acne. [+ of], .. e.g. ...an unpleasant skin eruption., erupt , ERUPT

If your skin erupts, sores or spots suddenly appear there., Synonyms: flare-up, outbreak, sally Synonyms: inflammation, outbreak, rash, flare-up

grace , GRACE , (7. uncountable noun) .. e.g. It was only by the grace of God that no one died. [+ of], grace , GRACE

In Christianity and some other religions, grace is the kindness that God shows to people because he loves them., Synonyms: benevolence, favour, goodness, goodwill

continuous , CONTINUOUS , (3. adjective) .. e.g. continual , continuous , CONTINUOUS

In English grammar, continuous verb groups are formed using the auxiliary 'be' and the present participle of a verb, as in 'I'm feeling a bit tired' and 'She had been watching them for some time'. Continuous verb groups are used especially when you are focusing on a particular moment. Compare simple.,

verdict , VERDICT , (1. countable noun) .. e.g. The jury returned a unanimous guilty verdict., .. e.g. Three judges will deliver their verdict in October., verdict , VERDICT

In a court of law, the verdict is the decision that is given by the jury or judge at the end of a trial., Synonyms: decision, finding, judgment, opinion

teammate , TEAMMATE , (countable noun) .. e.g. He was always a solid player, a hard worker, a great example to his teammates. , teammate , TEAMMATE

In a game or sport, your teammates are the other members of your team.,

border , BORDER , (4. countable noun) .. e.g. ...a lawn flanked by wide herbaceous borders., .. e.g. ...border plants., border , BORDER

In a garden, a border is a long strip of ground along the edge planted with flowers., Synonyms: flower bed, area, garden, bed

schedule , SCHEDULE , (6. countable noun) .. e.g. [US]regional note: in BRIT, usually use timetable, schedule , SCHEDULE

In a school or college, a schedule is a diagram that shows the times in the week at which particular subjects are taught.,

opponent , OPPONENT , (2. countable noun [usually poss NOUN]) .. e.g. Norris twice knocked down his opponent in the early rounds of the fight., .. e.g. He's the best opponent I've come across this season, a great player., opponent , OPPONENT

In a sporting contest, your opponent is the person who is playing against you.,

campaign , CAMPAIGN , (3. countable noun [oft noun NOUN]) .. e.g. The allies are intensifying their air campaign., .. e.g. ...a bombing campaign., campaign , CAMPAIGN

In a war, a campaign is a series of planned movements carried out by armed forces.,

hostile , HOSTILE , (5. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]) .. e.g. The city is encircled by a hostile army., .. e.g. They were in hostile territory., .. e.g. ...hostile aircraft. , hostile , HOSTILE

In a war, you use hostile to describe your enemy's forces, organizations, weapons, land, and activities.,

length , LENGTH , (7. countable noun) .. e.g. Harvard won by four lengths. , length , LENGTH

In boat racing or horse racing, a length is the distance from the front to the back of the boat or horse. You can talk about one boat or horse being one or more lengths in front of or behind another.,

attach , ATTACH , (5. verb) e.g. It is possible to attach executable program files to e-mail. [VERB noun + to], attach , ATTACH

In computing, if you attach a file to a message that you send to someone, you send it with the message but separate from it.,

attach , ATTACH , (5. verb) .. e.g. It is possible to attach executable program files to e-mail. [VERB noun + to] , attach , ATTACH

In computing, if you attach a file to a message that you send to someone, you send it with the message but separate from it.,

active , ACTIVE , (8. singular noun) active , ACTIVE

In grammar, the active or the active voice means the forms of a verb which are used when the subject refers to a person or thing that does something. For example, in 'I saw her yesterday', the verb is in the active. Compare passive.,

mood , MOOD , (5. variable noun) mood , MOOD

In grammar, the mood of a clause is the way in which the verb forms are used to show whether the clause is, for example, a statement, a question, or an instruction.,

foot , FOOT , (7. countable noun) foot , FOOT

In poetry, a foot is one of the basic units of rhythm into which a line is divided.,

recall , RECALL , (5. verb) .. e.g. He is still delighted at being recalled to the Argentina squad after a nine-year, .. e.g. absence. [be VERB-ed + to], .. e.g. I had done enough after being recalled against Pakistan to have got on the tour to, .. e.g. India. [be VERB-ed], .. e.g. Recall is also a noun., .. e.g. It would be great to get a recall to the England squad for Sweden. [+ to] , recall , RECALL

In sport, if a player is recalled to a team, he or she is included in that team again after being left out.,

grade , GRADE , (5. countable noun) .. e.g. Mr White teaches first grade in south Georgia., grade , GRADE

In the United States, a grade is a group of classes in which all the children are of a similar age. When you are six years old you go into the first grade and you leave school after the twelfth grade.,

leeway , LEEWAY , (1. uncountable noun) .. e.g. Rarely do schoolteachers have leeway to teach classes the way they want. [+ to-infinitive], .. e.g. The President said that he wanted to give states more leeway to pursue their own, .. e.g. health-care reforms., leeway , LEEWAY

Leeway is the freedom that someone has to take the action they want to or to change their plans., Synonyms: room, play, space, margin

leisure , LEISURE , (1. uncountable noun [usually NOUN noun]) .. e.g. ...a relaxing way to fill my leisure time., .. e.g. ...one of Britain's most popular leisure activities., leisure , LEISURE

Leisure is the time when you are not working and you can relax and do things that you enjoy., Synonyms: spare time, free time, rest, holiday

makeshift , MAKESHIFT , (adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]) .. e.g. ...the cardboard boxes and makeshift shelters of the homeless., .. e.g. ...a makeshift coffee table., makeshift , MAKESHIFT

Makeshift things are temporary and usually of poor quality, but they are used because there is nothing better available., Synonyms: temporary, provisional, make-do, substitute

measurement , MEASUREMENT , (2. variable noun) .. e.g. in numbers., .. e.g. Measurement of blood pressure can be undertaken by practice nurses. [+ of], measurement , MEASUREMENT

Measurement of something is the process of measuring it in order to obtain a result expressed, Synonyms: calculation, assessment, evaluation, estimation

brief , BRIEF , (5. plural noun [oft a pair of NOUN]) .. e.g. A bra and a pair of briefs lay on the floor., brief , BRIEF

Men's or women's underpants can be referred to as briefs.,

heat , HEAT , (10. on heat/in heat) .. e.g. heat up, heat , HEAT

Phrasal verbs:,

light , LIGHT , (26. all sweetness and light) .. e.g. light on, .. e.g. light up, .. e.g. light upon, light , LIGHT

Phrasal verbs:,

primitive , PRIMITIVE , (2. adjective) .. e.g. ...primitive whales., .. e.g. Primitive humans needed to be able to react like this to escape from dangerous animals., .. e.g. It is a primitive instinct to flee a place of danger., primitive , PRIMITIVE

Primitive means belonging to a very early period in the development of an animal or plant.,

delicate , DELICATE , (1. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]) .. e.g. He had delicate hands., .. e.g. ...an evergreen tree with large flame-coloured leaves and delicate blossom., .. e.g. delicately, .. e.g. adverb [ADVERB adjective/-ed] She was a shy, delicately pretty girl with enormous blue eyes., delicate , DELICATE

Something that is delicate is small and beautifully shaped.,

sanctuary , SANCTUARY , (2. uncountable noun) .. e.g. Some of them have sought sanctuary in the church., sanctuary , SANCTUARY

Sanctuary is the safety provided in a sanctuary., Synonyms: protection, shelter, refuge, haven

sandpaper , SANDPAPER , (uncountable noun) sandpaper , SANDPAPER

Sandpaper is strong paper that has a coating of sand on it. It is used for rubbing wood or metal surfaces to make them smoother.,

vein , VEIN , (3. countable noun [usually singular, usually adjective NOUN]) .. e.g. It is one of his finest works in a lighter vein., .. e.g. The girl now replies in similar vein. , vein , VEIN

Something that is written or spoken in a particular vein is written or spoken in that style or mood.,

dense , DENSE , (1. adjective) .. e.g. Where Bucharest now stands, there once was a large, dense forest., .. e.g. Its fur is short, dense and silky., .. e.g. They thrust their way through the dense crowd., .. e.g. densely, .. e.g. adverb [usually ADVERB -ed] Java is a densely populated island., .. e.g. The fire struck a densely wooded area of Oakland., dense , DENSE

Something that is dense contains a lot of things or people in a small area.,

suitable , SUITABLE , (adjective) .. e.g. Employers usually decide within five minutes whether someone is suitable for the, .. e.g. job. [+ for], .. e.g. She had no other dress suitable for the occasion., .. e.g. The authority must make suitable accommodation available to the family., .. e.g. suitability (suːtəbɪlɪti, .. e.g. ) uncountable noun ...information on the suitability of a product for use in the home. [+ of], suitable , SUITABLE

Someone or something that is suitable for a particular purpose or occasion is right or acceptable for it., Synonyms: appropriate, right, fitting, fit Synonyms: appropriateness, fitness, rightness, aptness

vibrant , VIBRANT , (1. adjective) .. e.g. Tom felt himself being drawn towards her vibrant personality., .. e.g. ...Shakespeare's vibrant language., .. e.g. Orlando itself is vibrant, full of affordable accommodation and great places to eat., .. e.g. vibrancy (vaɪbrənsi, .. e.g. ) uncountable noun She was a woman with extraordinary vibrancy and extraordinary knowledge., vibrant , VIBRANT

Someone or something that is vibrant is full of life, energy, and enthusiasm., Synonyms: energetic, dynamic, sparkling, vivid

edit , EDIT , (4. verb) .. e.g. I used to edit the college paper in the old days. [VERB noun], edit , EDIT

Someone who edits a newspaper, magazine, or journal is in charge of it., Synonyms: be in charge of, control, direct, be responsible for

fortune , FORTUNE , (2. countable noun [oft poss NOUN]) .. e.g. He made his fortune in car sales., .. e.g. He inherited a multi-million-dollar fortune from his inventor mother., fortune , FORTUNE

Someone who has a fortune has a very large amount of money., Synonyms: wealth, means, property, riches

able , ABLE , (3. adjective) .. e.g. ...one of the brightest and ablest members of the government., .. e.g. They are bright, intelligent, able and confident. can1Synonyms: capable, experienced, fit, fitted , able , ABLE

Someone who is able is very clever or very good at doing something.,

active , ACTIVE , (1. adjective) .. e.g. Having an active youngster about the house can be quite wearing., .. e.g. ...a long and active life., active , ACTIVE

Someone who is active moves around a lot or does a lot of things., Synonyms: busy, involved, occupied, engaged

apprehensive , APPREHENSIVE , (adjective [usually verb-link ADJECTIVE]) .. e.g. People are still terribly apprehensive about the future. [+ about], .. e.g. apprehensively, .. e.g. graded adverb [ADVERB with verb] I waited apprehensively for him to comment., apprehensive , APPREHENSIVE

Someone who is apprehensive is afraid that something bad may happen., Synonyms: anxious, concerned, worried, afraid

arrogant , ARROGANT , (adjective) .. e.g. [disapproval] He was so arrogant., .. e.g. That sounds arrogant, doesn't it?, .. e.g. ...an air of arrogant indifference., .. e.g. arrogance, .. e.g. uncountable noun At times the arrogance of those in power is quite blatant., .. e.g. arrogantly graded adverb [ADVERB with verb, ADVERB adjective] Later, Simpson arrogantly claimed: 'We won't lose another game.', arrogant , ARROGANT

Someone who is arrogant behaves in a proud, unpleasant way towards other people because they believe that they are more important than others., Synonyms: conceited, lordly, assuming, proud Synonyms: conceit, pride, swagger, pretension

bold , BOLD , (1. adjective) .. e.g. Amrita becomes a bold, daring rebel., .. e.g. In 1960 this was a bold move., .. e.g. Poland was already making bold economic reforms., .. e.g. boldly, .. e.g. adverb [ADVERB with verb] You can and must act boldly and confidently., .. e.g. boldness, .. e.g. uncountable noun Don't forget the boldness of his economic programme., bold , BOLD

Someone who is bold is not afraid to do things which involve risk or danger., Synonyms: fearless, enterprising, brave, daring

delicate , DELICATE , (4. adjective [usually verb-link ADJECTIVE]) .. e.g. She was physically delicate and psychologically unstable., delicate , DELICATE

Someone who is delicate is not healthy and strong, and becomes ill easily., Synonyms: sickly, weak, ailing, frail

diligent , DILIGENT , (adjective) .. e.g. Meyers is a diligent and prolific worker., .. e.g. The historical research was impressively diligent., .. e.g. diligence (dɪlɪdʒəns, .. e.g. ) uncountable noun The police are pursuing their inquiries with great diligence., .. e.g. diligently, .. e.g. adverb [ADVERB with verb] The two sides are now working diligently to resolve their differences., diligent , DILIGENT

Someone who is diligent works hard in a careful and thorough way., Synonyms: hard-working, careful, conscientious, earnest Synonyms: application, industry, care, activity

eligible , ELIGIBLE , (1. adjective [usually verb-link ADJECTIVE, ADJECTIVE to-infinitive]) .. e.g. Almost half the population are eligible to vote in today's election., .. e.g. You could be eligible for a university scholarship. [+ for], .. e.g. eligibility (elɪdʒɪbɪlɪti, .. e.g. ) uncountable noun The rules covering eligibility for benefits changed in the 1980s. [+ for], eligible , ELIGIBLE

Someone who is eligible to do something is qualified or able to do it, for example because they are old enough., Synonyms: entitled, fit, qualified, suited

frail , FRAIL , (1. adjective) .. e.g. She lay in bed looking particularly frail., frail , FRAIL

Someone who is frail is not very strong or healthy., Synonyms: feeble, weak, puny, decrepit

hostile , HOSTILE , (2. adjective) .. e.g. They usually relate in a cold and hostile way to the world., .. e.g. The prisoner eyed him in hostile silence., hostile , HOSTILE

Someone who is hostile is unfriendly and aggressive.,

loyal , LOYAL , (adjective) .. e.g. [approval] They had remained loyal to the president. [+ to], .. e.g. He'd always been such a loyal friend to us all., .. e.g. loyally, .. e.g. adverb [ADVERB with verb] They have loyally supported their party and their leader., loyal , LOYAL

Someone who is loyal remains firm in their friendship or support for a person or thing., Synonyms: faithful, true, devoted, dependable

harsh , HARSH , (3. adjective) .. e.g. Tropical colours may look rather harsh in our dull northern light., .. e.g. ...harsher detergents that can leave hair brittle., .. e.g. harshness, .. e.g. uncountable noun ...as the wine ages, losing its bitter harshness., harsh , HARSH

Something that is harsh is so hard, bright, or rough that it seems unpleasant or harmful., Synonyms: bitterness, acrimony, ill-temper, sourness Synonyms: severity, brutality, roughness, sternness

progressive , PROGRESSIVE , (1. adjective) .. e.g. ...a progressive businessman who had voted for Roosevelt in 1932 and 1936., .. e.g. Willan was able to point to the progressive changes he had already introduced., .. e.g. The children go to a progressive school., .. e.g. A progressive is someone who is progressive., .. e.g. The Republicans were deeply split between progressives and conservatives., progressive , PROGRESSIVE

Someone who is progressive or has progressive ideas has modern ideas about how things should be done, rather than traditional ones., Synonyms: enlightened, liberal, modern, advanced

prominent , PROMINENT , (1. adjective) .. e.g. ...a prominent member of the Law Society., .. e.g. ...the children of very prominent or successful parents., prominent , PROMINENT

Someone who is prominent is important., Synonyms: famous, leading, top, chief

resident , RESIDENT , (2. adjective [verb-link ADJECTIVE]) .. e.g. He moved to Belgium to live with his son, who had been resident in Brussels since 1997. [+ in], resident , RESIDENT

Someone who is resident in a country or a town lives there., Synonyms: inhabiting, living, staying, settled

stubborn , STUBBORN , (1. adjective) .. e.g. He is a stubborn character used to getting his own way., .. e.g. His face was set in an expression of stubborn determination., .. e.g. stubbornly, .. e.g. adverb He stubbornly refused to tell her how he had come to be in such a state., .. e.g. stubbornness, .. e.g. uncountable noun I couldn't tell if his refusal to talk was simple stubbornness., stubborn , STUBBORN

Someone who is stubborn or who behaves in a stubborn way is determined to do what they want and is very unwilling to change their mind., Synonyms: obstinate, dogged, inflexible, fixed

subordinate , SUBORDINATE , (2. adjective) .. e.g. Sixty of his subordinate officers followed his example., .. e.g. Some people still regard women as subordinate to men. [+ to], subordinate , SUBORDINATE

Someone who is subordinate to you has a less important position than you and has to obey you., Synonyms: inferior, lesser, lower, junior

tone , TONE , (2. countable noun) .. e.g. I still didn't like his tone of voice. [+ of], .. e.g. Suddenly he laughed again, this time with a cold, sharp tone., .. e.g. Her tone implied that her patience was limited., tone , TONE

Someone's tone is a quality in their voice which shows what they are feeling or thinking.,

verdict , VERDICT , (2. countable noun [oft with poss]) .. e.g. The doctor's verdict was that he was entirely healthy., .. e.g. The critics were too quick to give their verdict on us. [Also + on], verdict , VERDICT

Someone's verdict on something is their opinion of it, after thinking about it or investigating it.,

voice , VOICE , (2. countable noun) .. e.g. What does one do when a government simply refuses to listen to the voice of the opposition? [+ of], .. e.g. There was no disagreement, there were no dissenting voices., voice , VOICE

Someone's voice is their opinion on a particular topic and what they say about it., Synonyms: instrument, medium, spokesman or woman or person, agency [old-fashioned]

worth , WORTH , (6. uncountable noun [usually with poss]) .. e.g. [formal] He had never had a woman of her worth as a friend., .. e.g. The team would have need of a driver of his worth., worth , WORTH

Someone's worth is the value, usefulness, or importance that they are considered to have.,

bridge , BRIDGE , (4. verb) .. e.g. things., .. e.g. ...the singer who bridged the gap between pop music and opera. [VERB noun], bridge , BRIDGE

Something that bridges the gap between two very different things has some of the qualities of each of these, Synonyms: reconcile, unite, resolve, overcome

symbol , SYMBOL , (1. countable noun) .. e.g. To them, the monarchy is the special symbol of nationhood., .. e.g. She was put under house arrest but remained a powerful symbol in the election., symbol , SYMBOL

Something that is a symbol of a society or an aspect of life seems to represent it because it is very typical of it., Synonyms: metaphor, image, allegory, sign

average , AVERAGE , (5. adjective) .. e.g. I was only average academically., .. e.g. averagely, .. e.g. adverb [ADVERB adjective/adverb, ADVERB after verb] Most children are not geniuses or stars. They just do averagely well., .. e.g. The songs are performed averagely, although the band seem to be enjoying themselves., average , AVERAGE

Something that is average is neither very good nor very bad, usually when you had hoped it would be better., Synonyms: mediocre, fair, ordinary, moderate

beneficial , BENEFICIAL , (adjective) .. e.g. ...vitamins which are beneficial to our health. [+ to], .. e.g. Using computers has a beneficial effect on children's learning., beneficial , BENEFICIAL

Something that is beneficial helps people or improves their lives., Synonyms: favourable, useful, valuable, helpful

brief , BRIEF , (1. adjective) .. e.g. She once made a brief appearance on television., .. e.g. This time their visit is brief., brief , BRIEF

Something that is brief lasts for only a short time., Synonyms: short, fast, quick, temporary

cling , CLING , (4. verb) .. e.g. Her glass had bits of orange clinging to the rim. [VERB to noun], cling , CLING

Something that is clinging to something else is stuck on it or just attached to it.,

concise , CONCISE , (1. adjective) .. e.g. Burton's text is concise and informative., .. e.g. Whatever you are writing make sure you are clear, concise, and accurate., .. e.g. concisely, .. e.g. adverb [ADVERB with verb] He'd delivered his report clearly and concisely., concise , CONCISE

Something that is concise says everything that is necessary without using any unnecessary words., Synonyms: brief, short, to the point, compact

delicate , DELICATE , (2. adjective) .. e.g. Young haricot beans have a tender texture and a delicate, subtle flavour., .. e.g. The colours are delicate and shimmering., .. e.g. delicately, .. e.g. adverb [ADVERB -ed/adjective] ...a soup delicately flavoured with nutmeg., delicate , DELICATE

Something that is delicate has a colour, taste, or smell which is pleasant and not strong or intense., Synonyms: subtle, fine, nice, soft Synonyms: finely, lightly, subtly, softly

hazardous , HAZARDOUS , (adjective) .. e.g. They have no way to dispose of the hazardous waste they produce., .. e.g. Passive smoking can be hazardous to health., hazardous , HAZARDOUS

Something that is hazardous is dangerous, especially to people's health or safety., Synonyms: dangerous, risky, difficult, uncertain

ingenious , INGENIOUS , (adjective) .. e.g. ...a truly ingenious invention., .. e.g. Gautier's solution to the puzzle is ingenious., .. e.g. ingeniously, .. e.g. adverb [usually ADVERB with verb, oft ADVERB adjective] The roof has been ingeniously designed to provide solar heating., ingenious , INGENIOUS

Something that is ingenious is very clever and involves new ideas, methods, or equipment., Synonyms: creative, original, brilliant, clever

intelligent , INTELLIGENT , (2. adjective) .. e.g. An intelligent computer will be an indispensable diagnostic tool for doctors., .. e.g. ...the biggest-ever search for intelligent life elsewhere in the universe., intelligent , INTELLIGENT

Something that is intelligent has the ability to think and understand instead of doing things automatically or by instinct., Synonyms: rational, cognitive, capable of thought, thinking

massive , MASSIVE , (1. adjective) .. e.g. [emphasis] There was evidence of massive fraud., .. e.g. ...massive air attacks., .. e.g. The scale of the problem is massive., .. e.g. ...a massive steam boat., .. e.g. massively, .. e.g. adverb ...a massively popular game., .. e.g. Interest rates will rise massively., massive , MASSIVE

Something that is massive is very large in size, quantity, or extent., Synonyms: huge, great, big, heavy

monotonous , MONOTONOUS , (adjective) .. e.g. It's monotonous work, like most factory jobs., .. e.g. The food may get a bit monotonous, but there'll be enough of it., .. e.g. monotonously, .. e.g. adverb The rain dripped monotonously from the trees., monotonous , MONOTONOUS

Something that is monotonous is very boring because it has a regular, repeated pattern which never changes., Synonyms: tedious, boring, dull, repetitive

noticeable , NOTICEABLE , (adjective) .. e.g. It is noticeable that trees planted next to houses usually lean away from the house, .. e.g. wall., .. e.g. The most noticeable effect of these changes is in the way people are now working, .. e.g. together., .. e.g. noticeably, .. e.g. adverb [ADVERB with verb] Standards of living were deteriorating rather noticeably., .. e.g. There are also many physical signs, most noticeably a change in facial features., noticeable , NOTICEABLE

Something that is noticeable is very obvious, so that it is easy to see, hear, or recognize., Synonyms: obvious, clear, striking, plain

plain , PLAIN , (2. adjective) .. e.g. Bronwen's dress was plain but it hung well on her., .. e.g. It was a plain, grey stone house, distinguished mainly by its largely unspoilt simplicity., .. e.g. plainly, .. e.g. adverb [ADVERB -ed] He was very tall and plainly dressed., plain , PLAIN

Something that is plain is very simple in style., Synonyms: unadorned, simple, basic, severe

precise , PRECISE , (2. adjective) .. e.g. They speak very precise English., .. e.g. He does not talk too much and what he has to say is precise and to the point., precise , PRECISE

Something that is precise is exact and accurate in all its details., Synonyms: strict, particular, exact, nice

prominent , PROMINENT , (2. adjective) .. e.g. Here the window plays a prominent part in the design., .. e.g. ...Romania's most prominent independent newspaper., .. e.g. prominently, .. e.g. adverb [ADVERB with verb] Trade will figure prominently in the second day of talks in Washington., .. e.g. Entries will be prominently displayed in the exhibition hall., prominent , PROMINENT

Something that is prominent is very noticeable or is an important part of something else.,

sensitive , SENSITIVE , (5. adjective) .. e.g. ...a chemical which is sensitive to light. [+ to], .. e.g. ...gentle cosmetics for sensitive skin., .. e.g. sensitivity, .. e.g. uncountable noun ...the sensitivity of cells to damage by chemotherapy. [+ of/to], sensitive , SENSITIVE

Something that is sensitive to a physical force, substance, or treatment is easily affected by it and often harmed by it., Synonyms: delicate, tender, fragile, raw Synonyms: touchiness, defensiveness, thin skin, hypersensitivity Synonyms: susceptibility, responsiveness, reactivity, receptiveness

slippery , SLIPPERY , (1. adjective) .. e.g. The tiled floor was wet and slippery., .. e.g. Motorists were warned to beware of slippery conditions., slippery , SLIPPERY

Something that is slippery is smooth, wet, or oily and is therefore difficult to walk on or to hold., Synonyms: smooth, icy, greasy, glassy

stationary , STATIONARY , (adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]) .. e.g. Stationary cars in traffic jams cause a great deal of pollution., .. e.g. The train was stationary for 90 minutes., stationary , STATIONARY

Something that is stationary is not moving., Synonyms: motionless, standing, at a standstill, parked

subordinate , SUBORDINATE , (3. adjective) .. e.g. It was an art in which words were subordinate to images. [+ to], subordinate , SUBORDINATE

Something that is subordinate to something else is less important than the other thing., Synonyms: subsidiary, supplementary, auxiliary, ancillary

swift , SWIFT , (2. adjective) .. e.g. With a swift movement, Matthew Jerrold sat upright., .. e.g. swiftly, .. e.g. adverb [ADVERB with verb] Lenny moved swiftly and silently across the front lawn., .. e.g. ...a swiftly flowing stream., .. e.g. swiftness uncountable noun With incredible swiftness she ran down the passage., swift , SWIFT

Something that is swift moves very quickly., Synonyms: fast, promptly, hurriedly, apace [literary] Synonyms: speed, velocity, alacrity, expedition

unique , UNIQUE , (1. adjective) .. e.g. Each person's signature is unique., .. e.g. The area has its own unique language, Catalan., .. e.g. uniquely, .. e.g. adverb [ADVERB with verb] Because of the extreme cold, the Antarctic is a uniquely fragile environment., .. e.g. Uniquely among the great world religions, Buddhism is rooted only in the universal, .. e.g. experience of suffering known to all human beings., .. e.g. uniqueness, .. e.g. uncountable noun Each time I returned I was struck by the uniqueness of Australia and its people. [+ of], unique , UNIQUE

Something that is unique is the only one of its kind., Synonyms: distinct, special, exclusive, peculiar

soothe , SOOTHE , (2. verb) .. e.g. ...body lotion to soothe dry skin. [VERB noun], .. e.g. soothing, .. e.g. adjective Cold tea is very soothing for burns., soothe , SOOTHE

Something that soothes a part of your body where there is pain or discomfort makes the pain or discomfort less severe., Synonyms: emollient, palliative, balsamic, demulcent

tone , TONE , (6. verb) .. e.g. This movement lengthens your spine and tones the spinal nerves. [VERB noun], .. e.g. Try these toning exercises before you start the day. [VERB-ing], .. e.g. ...finely toned muscular bodies. [VERB-ed], .. e.g. Tone up means the same as tone., .. e.g. Exercise tones up your body. [VERB PARTICLE noun], .. e.g. Although it's not strenuous exercise, you feel toned-up, supple and relaxed. [VERB-ed PARTICLE] [Also VERB noun PARTICLE] , tone , TONE

Something that tones your body makes it firm and strong.,

weigh , WEIGH , (6. verb) .. e.g. Current economic hardships weigh heavily in young women's decisions to find salaried, .. e.g. work. [V adv prep], .. e.g. Human life weighed more with him than purity of policy. [V adv prep], .. e.g. There are many factors weighing against the meeting happening. [V against n/-ing] , .. e.g. Phrasal verbs:, .. e.g. weigh down, .. e.g. weigh in, .. e.g. weigh out, .. e.g. weigh up, weigh , WEIGH

Something that weighs heavily in a situation has a strong influence or important effect on it.,

secret , SECRET , (5. countable noun [usually plural, oft with poss]) .. e.g. We have an opportunity now to really unlock the secrets of the universe. [+ of], .. e.g. The past is riddled with deep dark secrets., secret , SECRET

Something's secrets are the things about it which have never been fully explained., Synonyms: mystery, question, puzzle, paradox

space , SPACE , (7. uncountable noun) .. e.g. The six astronauts on board will spend ten days in space., .. e.g. ...launching satellites into space., .. e.g. ...developments in space technology., .. e.g. ...outer space., space , SPACE

Space is the area beyond the Earth's atmosphere, where the stars and planets are., Synonyms: outer space, the universe, the galaxy, the solar system

spring , SPRING , (1. variable noun) .. e.g. We planted bulbs to flower in spring., .. e.g. The Labor government of Western Australia has an election due next spring., .. e.g. We met again in the spring of 1977., .. e.g. The apricot plant provides delicate, white spring flowers., spring , SPRING

Spring is the season between winter and summer when the weather becomes warmer and plants start to grow again., Synonyms: springtime, springtide [literary]

capacity , CAPACITY , (5. singular noun [oft to N]) .. e.g. If a place is filled to capacity, it is as full as it can possibly be., .. e.g. Each stadium had a seating capacity of about 50,000. [+ of], .. e.g. Toronto hospital maternity wards were filled to capacity. , capacity , CAPACITY

The capacity of a building, place, or vehicle is the number of people or things that it can hold.,

capital , CAPITAL , (4. countable noun) .. e.g. ...Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. [+ of] , capital , CAPITAL

The capital of a country is the city or town where its government or parliament meets.,

clarity , CLARITY , (1. uncountable noun) .. e.g. ...the clarity with which the author explains technical subjects., clarity , CLARITY

The clarity of something such as a book or argument is its quality of being well explained and easy to understand., Synonyms: clearness, precision, simplicity, transparency

climate , CLIMATE , (1. variable noun) .. e.g. ...the hot and humid climate of Cyprus. [+ of], climate , CLIMATE

The climate of a place is the general weather conditions that are typical of it., Synonyms: weather, country, region, temperature

climax , CLIMAX , (1. countable noun) .. e.g. For Pritchard, getting a medal was the climax of her career. [+ of/to], .. e.g. It was the climax to 24 hours of growing anxiety. [+ to], .. e.g. The last golf tournament of the European season is building up to a dramatic climax., climax , CLIMAX

The climax of something is the most exciting or important moment in it, usually near the end., Synonyms: culmination, head, top, summit

display , DISPLAY , (7. countable noun [usually singular]) .. e.g. also be referred to as the display., .. e.g. A hard copy of the screen display can also be obtained from a printer., .. e.g. ...obscure error messages appearing on the display. , display , DISPLAY

The display on a computer screen is the information that is shown there. The screen itself can,

downstairs , DOWNSTAIRS , (4. singular noun) .. e.g. The downstairs of the two little houses had been entirely refashioned. , downstairs , DOWNSTAIRS

The downstairs of a building is its lower floor or floors.,

drift , DRIFT , (10. singular noun) .. e.g. Grace was beginning to get his drift., .. e.g. Anybody who's listening will get the drift of what he was saying., .. e.g. I follow the drift of her conversation. [Also + of]Synonyms: meaning, point, gist, aim , .. e.g. Phrasal verbs:, .. e.g. drift off, drift , DRIFT

The drift of an argument or speech is the general point that is being made in it.,

duration , DURATION , (1. uncountable noun) .. e.g. He was given the task of protecting her for the duration of the trial., .. e.g. Courses are of two years' duration., duration , DURATION

The duration of an event or state is the time during which it happens or exists., Synonyms: length, time, period, term

climax , CLIMAX , (2. verb) .. e.g. [journalism] The demonstration climaxed two weeks of strikes. [VERB noun], .. e.g. They've just finished a sell-out U.K. tour that climaxed with a three-night stint, .. e.g. at Brixton Academy. [VERB + with] [Also VERB], climax , CLIMAX

The event that climaxes a sequence of events is an exciting or important event that comes at the end. You can also say that a sequence of events climaxes with a particular event.,

expression , EXPRESSION , (1. variable noun) .. e.g. Laughter is one of the most infectious expressions of emotion. [+ of], .. e.g. From Cairo came expressions of regret at the attack., .. e.g. ...the rights of the individual to freedom of expression., .. e.g. Her concern has now found expression in the new environmental protection act., expression , EXPRESSION

The expression of ideas or feelings is the showing of them through words, actions, or artistic activities., Synonyms: statement, declaration, announcement, communication

grace , GRACE , (3. plural noun [oft adjective NOUN]) .. e.g. She didn't fit in and she had few social graces. , grace , GRACE

The graces are the ways of behaving and doing things which are considered polite and well-mannered.,

grade , GRADE , (2. countable noun [oft adjective NOUN]) .. e.g. ...a good grade of plywood., .. e.g. ...a grade II listed building., .. e.g. Grade is also a combining form., .. e.g. ...weapons-grade plutonium., .. e.g. ...aviation fuel and high-grade oil., grade , GRADE

The grade of a product is its quality, especially when this has been officially judged., Synonyms: class, condition, quality, brand

gravity , GRAVITY , (3. uncountable noun) .. e.g. They deserve punishment which matches the gravity of their crime. [+ of], .. e.g. Not all acts of vengeance are of equal gravity. , gravity , GRAVITY

The gravity of a situation or event is its extreme importance or seriousness.,

gravity , GRAVITY , (4. uncountable noun) .. e.g. There was an appealing gravity to everything she said., gravity , GRAVITY

The gravity of someone's behaviour or speech is the extremely serious way in which they behave or speak., Synonyms: solemnity, gloom, seriousness, gravitas

habitat , HABITAT , (variable noun) .. e.g. In its natural habitat, the hibiscus will grow up to 25ft., .. e.g. Few countries have as rich a diversity of habitat as South Africa., habitat , HABITAT

The habitat of an animal or plant is the natural environment in which it normally lives or grows., Synonyms: home, environment, surroundings, element

heat , HEAT , (7. singular noun) .. e.g. Last week, in the heat of the election campaign, the Prime Minister left for America. [+ of], heat , HEAT

The heat of a particular activity is the point when there is the greatest activity or excitement.,

length , LENGTH , (2. variable noun [oft with poss]) .. e.g. in it., .. e.g. ...a book of at least 100 pages in length., .. e.g. The length of a paragraph depends on the information it conveys., length , LENGTH

The length of something such as a piece of writing is the amount of writing that is contained,

limit , LIMIT , (4. plural noun) .. e.g. She has to work within the limits of a fairly tight budget. [+ of], .. e.g. He outlined the limits of British power. [+ of], limit , LIMIT

The limits of a situation are the facts involved in it which make only some actions or results possible., Synonyms: limitation, maximum, restriction, ceiling

literal , LITERAL , (1. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]) .. e.g. In many cases, the people there are fighting, in a literal sense, for their homes., literal , LITERAL

The literal sense of a word or phrase is its most basic sense.,

literature , LITERATURE , (2. uncountable noun) .. e.g. The literature on immigration policy is extremely critical of the state. [+ on], .. e.g. This work is documented in the scientific literature., literature , LITERATURE

The literature on a particular subject of study is all the books and articles that have been published about it.,

main , MAIN , (1. adjective) .. e.g. ...one of the main tourist areas of Amsterdam., .. e.g. My main concern now is to protect the children., .. e.g. What are the main differences and similarities between them?, main , MAIN

The main thing is the most important one of several similar things in a particular situation., Synonyms: chief, leading, major, prime

main , MAIN , (3. countable noun [usually plural]) .. e.g. ...the water supply from the mains., .. e.g. The capital has been without mains water since Wednesday night. , main , MAIN

The mains are the pipes which supply gas or water to buildings, or which take sewage away from them.,

main , MAIN , (4. plural noun) .. e.g. [mainly British] ...amplifiers which plug into the mains., .. e.g. Make sure plugs are disconnected from the mains., .. e.g. It is mains or battery powered., main , MAIN

The mains are the wires which supply electricity to buildings, or the place where the wires end inside the building.,

majority , MAJORITY , (1. singular noun [with singular or plural verb, usually singular]) .. e.g. The majority of my patients come to me from out of town., .. e.g. The vast majority of our cheeses are made with pasteurised milk. [+ of], .. e.g. As a fuel it is preferred by top chefs and is used in the majority of British homes., .. e.g. Still, a majority continue to support the treaty., .. e.g. in a majority/in the majority , majority , MAJORITY

The majority of people or things in a group is more than half of them.,

measurement , MEASUREMENT , (3. variable noun) .. e.g. ...the measurement of output in the non-market sector. [+ of], measurement , MEASUREMENT

The measurement of the quality, value, or effect of something is the activity of deciding how great it is.,

minute , MINUTE , (2. plural noun) .. e.g. He'd been reading the minutes of the last meeting. [+ of], minute , MINUTE

The minutes of a meeting are the written records of the things that are discussed or decided at it.,

mood , MOOD , (3. singular noun [oft with poss]) .. e.g. The government seemed to be in tune with the popular mood., .. e.g. They largely misread the mood of the electorate. [+ of], mood , MOOD

The mood of a group of people is the way that they think and feel about an idea, event, or question at a particular time.,

mood , MOOD , (4. countable noun) .. e.g. First, set the mood with music., .. e.g. I wanted different moods in each room., mood , MOOD

The mood of a place is the general impression that you get of it., Synonyms: atmosphere, feeling, feel, spirit

opposite , OPPOSITE , (4. countable noun) .. e.g. Ritter was a very complex man but Marius was the opposite, a simple farmer., .. e.g. Well, whatever he says, you can bet he's thinking the opposite., opposite , OPPOSITE

The opposite of someone or something is the person or thing that is most different from them., Synonyms: reverse, contrary, converse, antithesis

tone , TONE , (3. singular noun [oft in NOUN]) .. e.g. in it., .. e.g. The spokesperson said the tone of the letter was very friendly. [+ of], .. e.g. His comments to reporters were conciliatory in tone., .. e.g. The whole tone of the President's speech was one of continuity and stability., tone , TONE

The tone of a speech or piece of writing is its style and the opinions or ideas expressed, Synonyms: character, style, approach, feel

tone , TONE , (5. uncountable noun) .. e.g. ...stretch exercises that aim to improve muscle tone., .. e.g. Keeping your muscles strong and in tone helps you to avoid back problems. , tone , TONE

The tone of someone's body, especially their muscles, is its degree of firmness and strength.,

value , VALUE , (6. plural noun [oft with poss]) .. e.g. The countries of South Asia also share many common values., .. e.g. The Health Secretary called for a return to traditional family values., .. e.g. ...young people's rejection of the values of an older generation. , value , VALUE

The values of a person or group are the moral principles and beliefs that they think are important.,

vein , VEIN , (6. countable noun) .. e.g. ...the serrated edges and veins of the feathery leaves. [+ of] , vein , VEIN

The veins on a leaf are the thin lines on it.,

verge , VERGE , (2. countable noun) .. e.g. [mainly British]regional note: in AM, usually use shoulder , .. e.g. Phrasal verbs:, .. e.g. verge on, verge , VERGE

The verge of a road is a narrow piece of ground by the side of a road, which is usually covered with grass or flowers.,

volume , VOLUME , (2. countable noun [usually singular]) .. e.g. They use PVA glue, mixed with the same volume of water., .. e.g. When egg whites are beaten they can rise to seven or eight times their original volume. , volume , VOLUME

The volume of an object is the amount of space that it contains or occupies.,

relate , RELATE , (2. verb) .. e.g. He understands building and cities, the spaces between them and how they relate to, .. e.g. each other. [plural-noun VERB], .. e.g. The course investigates how language relates to particular cultural codes. [VERB + to], .. e.g. He felt the need to relate his experience to that of people from different cultures. [VERB noun + to], .. e.g. ...a paper in which the writer tries to relate his linguistic and political views. [VERB noun], .. e.g. At the end, we have a sense of names, dates, and events but no sense of how they, .. e.g. relate. [VERB] , relate , RELATE

The way that two things relate, or the way that one thing relates to another, is the sort of connection that exists between them.,

width , WIDTH , (2. uncountable noun [usually with poss]) .. e.g. The best utensil for steaming is a wok because its width easily accommodates a whole, .. e.g. fish. , width , WIDTH

The width of something is its quality of being wide.,

width , WIDTH , (1. variable noun) .. e.g. Measure the full width of the window. [+ of], .. e.g. The road was reduced to 18ft in width by adding parking bays., .. e.g. Saddles are made in a wide range of different widths., width , WIDTH

The width of something is the distance it measures from one side or edge to the other.,

theme , THEME , (4. countable noun [usually NOUN noun]) .. e.g. ...the theme from Dr Zhivago. [+ from], .. e.g. The programme has an appallingly catchy theme tune. , theme , THEME

Theme music or a theme song is a piece of music that is played at the beginning and end of a film or of a television or radio programme.,

dominate , DOMINATE , (1. verb) .. e.g. The book is expected to dominate the best-seller lists. [VERB noun], .. e.g. ...countries where life is dominated by war. [VERB noun], .. e.g. No single factor appears to dominate. [VERB], .. e.g. domination (dɒmɪneɪʃən, .. e.g. ) uncountable noun ...the domination of the market by a small number of organizations. [+ of], dominate , DOMINATE

To dominate a situation means to be the most powerful or important person or thing in it.,

accommodate , ACCOMMODATE , (2. verb) .. e.g. ...a hotel built to accommodate guests for the wedding of King Alfonso. [VERB noun], .. e.g. Students are accommodated in homes nearby. [be VERB-ed preposition/adverb], accommodate , ACCOMMODATE

To accommodate someone means to provide them with a place to live or stay., Synonyms: house, put up, take in, lodge

compact , COMPACT , (4. verb) .. e.g. [formal] The Smith boy was compacting the trash. [VERB noun], .. e.g. The soil settles and is compacted by the winter rain. [be VERB-ed + by], .. e.g. compacted graded adjective ...a pile of compacted earth., .. e.g. compaction (kəmpækʃən, .. e.g. ) uncountable noun Regular forking of beds and borders relieves the compaction caused by rain., compact , COMPACT

To compact something means to press it so that it becomes more solid., Synonyms: pack closely, stuff, cram, compress

conserve , CONSERVE , (2. verb) .. e.g. ...a big increase in U.S. aid to help developing countries conserve their forests. [VERB noun], .. e.g. ...the Government-funded body responsible for conserving historic buildings. [VERB noun], conserve , CONSERVE

To conserve something means to protect it from harm, loss, or change., Synonyms: protect, keep, save, preserve

deposit , DEPOSIT , (6. verb) .. e.g. Someone was seen depositing a packet. [VERB noun], .. e.g. Fritz deposited a glass and two bottles of beer in front of Wolfe. [VERB noun preposition/adverb], deposit , DEPOSIT

To deposit someone or something somewhere means to put them or leave them there., Synonyms: put, place, lay, drop

diagram , DIAGRAM , (2. verb) .. e.g. [mainly US, formal] The sound waves of the voice could be diagramed as in B. [be VERB-ed], .. e.g. ...diagramming the movement of a system's variables. [VERB noun], diagram , DIAGRAM

To diagram something means to draw a diagram of it or to explain it using a diagram.,

drift , DRIFT , (5. verb) .. e.g. As rural factories shed labour, people drift towards the cities. [VERB preposition], drift , DRIFT

To drift somewhere means to move there slowly or gradually.,

enable , ENABLE , (3. verb) .. e.g. The republic's legislation enables young people to do a form of alternative service. [VERB noun to-infinitive] , .. e.g. enabling, .. e.g. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun] Some protection for victims must be written into the enabling legislation., enable , ENABLE

To enable someone to do something means to give them permission or the right to do it.,

enable , ENABLE , (2. verb) .. e.g. The hot sun enables the grapes to reach optimum ripeness. [VERB noun to-infinitive], .. e.g. A series of holes in the side panels enables the position of the shelves to be adjusted. [VERB noun to-infinitive], .. e.g. The working class is still too small to enable a successful socialist revolution. [VERB noun], enable , ENABLE

To enable something to happen means to make it possible for it to happen.,

exclude , EXCLUDE , (3. verb) .. e.g. I cannot entirely exclude the possibility that some form of pressure was applied, .. e.g. to the neck. [VERB noun], .. e.g. ...the pathological evidence, which does not exclude suicide. [VERB noun] , exclude , EXCLUDE

To exclude a possibility means to decide or prove that it is wrong and not worth considering.,

exclude , EXCLUDE , (4. verb) .. e.g. This was intended to exclude the direct rays of the sun. [VERB noun], .. e.g. They have spent $3 million building fences around the National Park to exclude such, .. e.g. pests. [VERB noun], exclude , EXCLUDE

To exclude something such as the sun's rays or harmful germs means to prevent them physically from reaching or entering a particular place.,

exploit , EXPLOIT , (4. verb) .. e.g. I think we're being very short sighted in not exploiting our own coal. [VERB noun] , .. e.g. exploitation, .. e.g. uncountable noun ...the planned exploitation of its potential oil and natural gas reserves. [+ of], exploit , EXPLOIT

To exploit resources or raw materials means to develop them and use them for industry or commercial activities., Synonyms: misuse, abuse, manipulation, imposition

generate , GENERATE , (1. verb) .. e.g. The Employment Minister said the reforms would generate new jobs. [VERB noun], .. e.g. ...the passion and emotion generated by football. [VERB-ed], generate , GENERATE

To generate something means to cause it to begin and develop., Synonyms: produce, create, make, form

influence , INFLUENCE , (3. countable noun) .. e.g. Van Gogh had a major influence on the development of modern painting. [+ on], .. e.g. The Shropshire landscape was an influence on Owen too., .. e.g. Many other medications have an influence on cholesterol levels., influence , INFLUENCE

To have an influence on people or situations means to affect what they do or what happens., Synonyms: effect, impact, impression, sway

humiliate , HUMILIATE , (verb) .. e.g. She had been beaten and humiliated by her husband. [be VERB-ed], .. e.g. There are people out there who want to humiliate you. [VERB noun], .. e.g. humiliated, .. e.g. adjective I have never felt so humiliated in my life., humiliate , HUMILIATE

To humiliate someone means to say or do something which makes them feel ashamed or stupid., Synonyms: embarrass, shame, humble, crush

inch , INCH , (2. verb) .. e.g. ...a climber inching up a vertical wall of rock. [VERB preposition/adverb], .. e.g. He inched the van forward. [VERB noun preposition/adverb], .. e.g. An ambulance inched its way through the crowd. [VERB noun preposition/adverb] , inch , INCH

To inch somewhere or to inch something somewhere means to move there very slowly and carefully, or to make something do this.,

liberate , LIBERATE , (1. verb) .. e.g. They planned to march on and liberate the city. [VERB noun], .. e.g. They made a triumphal march into their liberated city. [VERB-ed], .. e.g. liberation (lɪbəreɪʃən, .. e.g. ) uncountable noun ...a mass liberation movement., liberate , LIBERATE

To liberate a place or the people in it means to free them from the political or military control of another country, area, or group of people.,

liberate , LIBERATE , (2. verb) .. e.g. He asked how committed the leadership was to liberating its people from poverty. [VERB noun + from] [Also VERB noun]Synonyms: free, release, rescue, save , .. e.g. liberating, .. e.g. adjective Telling your problems to a therapist can be a very liberating experience., .. e.g. liberation, .. e.g. uncountable noun ...the women's liberation movement., liberate , LIBERATE

To liberate someone from something means to help them escape from it or overcome it, and lead a better way of life., Synonyms: freeing, release, freedom, liberty

lure , LURE , (1. verb) .. e.g. not do., .. e.g. He lured her to his home and shot her with his father's gun. [VERB noun preposition/adverb], .. e.g. They did not realise that they were being lured into a trap. [VERB noun preposition/adverb], .. e.g. Supermarkets will try to lure customers back in with special offers. [VERB noun preposition/adverb], lure , LURE

To lure someone means to trick them into a particular place or to trick them into doing something that they should, Synonyms: tempt, draw, attract, invite

meter , METER , (2. verb) .. e.g. it people use, usually in order to calculate how much they have to pay., .. e.g. Only a third of these households thought it reasonable to meter water. [VERB noun], .. e.g. Metered taxis are relatively inexpensive. [VERB-ed] , meter , METER

To meter something such as gas or electricity means to use a meter to measure how much of,

prevent , PREVENT , (2. verb) .. e.g. He said this would prevent companies from creating new jobs. [VERB noun + from], .. e.g. Its nationals may be prevented from leaving the country. [V n from -ing], .. e.g. The police have been trying to prevent them carrying weapons. [VERB noun verb-ing] [Also VERB noun], prevent , PREVENT

To prevent someone from doing something means to make it impossible for them to do it.,

prevent , PREVENT , (1. verb) .. e.g. These methods prevent pregnancy. [VERB noun], .. e.g. Further treatment will prevent cancer from developing. [VERB noun + from], .. e.g. We recognized the possibility and took steps to prevent it happening. [VERB noun verb-ing], .. e.g. prevention, .. e.g. uncountable noun ...the prevention of heart disease. [+ of], .. e.g. ...crime prevention., prevent , PREVENT

To prevent something means to ensure that it does not happen., Synonyms: stop, avoid, frustrate, restrain Synonyms: elimination, safeguard, precaution, anticipation

privilege , PRIVILEGE , (4. verb) .. e.g. ...privileging a structure that rewards the fastest, strongest, and wealthiest among, .. e.g. us. [VERB noun], .. e.g. They are privileging a tiny number to the disadvantage of the rest. [VERB noun], privilege , PRIVILEGE

To privilege someone or something means to treat them better or differently than other people or things rather than treat them all equally., Synonyms: favour, promote, spoil, side with

propel , PROPEL , (1. verb) .. e.g. Floor the accelerator pedal and you are propelled forward in a wave of power. [VERB noun preposition], .. e.g. #NAME?, .. e.g. ...rocket-propelled grenades., .. e.g. ...the first jet-propelled aeroplane., propel , PROPEL

To propel something in a particular direction means to cause it to move in that direction.,

reinforce , REINFORCE , (4. verb) .. e.g. Both sides have been reinforcing their positions after yesterday's fierce fighting. [VERB noun], .. e.g. Troops and police have been reinforced in the city. [VERB noun], reinforce , REINFORCE

To reinforce an army or a police force means to make it stronger by increasing its size or providing it with more weapons. To reinforce a position or place means to make it stronger by sending more soldiers or weapons., Synonyms: increase, extend, add to, strengthen

reinforce , REINFORCE , (3. verb) .. e.g. Eventually, they had to reinforce the walls with exterior beams. [VERB noun + with], .. e.g. reinforced, .. e.g. adjective Its windows were made of reinforced glass., reinforce , REINFORCE

To reinforce an object means to make it stronger or harder., Synonyms: support, strengthen, fortify, toughen

restrain , RESTRAIN , (3. verb) .. e.g. The radical 500-day plan was very clear on how it intended to try to restrain inflation. [VERB noun], .. e.g. In the 1970s, the government tried to restrain corruption. [VERB noun], restrain , RESTRAIN

To restrain something that is growing or increasing means to prevent it from getting too large.,

retrieve , RETRIEVE , (3. verb) .. e.g. Computers can instantly retrieve millions of information bits. [VERB noun], .. e.g. As children older, their strategies for storing and retrieving information improve. [VERB noun], retrieve , RETRIEVE

To retrieve information from a computer or from your memory means to get it back.,

sequence , SEQUENCE , (5. verb) .. e.g. The technique offers a means of sequencing the human genome much more quickly. [VERB noun] , .. e.g. sequencing uncountable noun DNA sequencing has become more advanced., sequence , SEQUENCE

To sequence genes is to determine the order in which the elements that make them up are combined.,

starve , STARVE , (2. verb) .. e.g. They harassed and starved the Native people. [VERB noun], .. e.g. Judy decided I was starving myself. [VERB pronoun-reflexive], starve , STARVE

To starve someone means not to give them any food.,

terminate , TERMINATE , (2. verb) .. e.g. [medicine] After a lot of agonizing, she decided to terminate the pregnancy. [VERB noun], .. e.g. termination, .. e.g. Word forms: plural terminations, .. e.g. variable noun You should also have a medical check-up after the termination of a pregnancy. [+ of], terminate , TERMINATE

To terminate a pregnancy means to end it., Synonyms: abort, end Synonyms: abortion, ending, discontinuation

transform , TRANSFORM , (1. verb) .. e.g. Your metabolic rate is the speed at which your body transforms food into energy. [VERB noun + into], .. e.g. Delegates also discussed transforming them from a guerrilla force into a regular, .. e.g. army. [V n + from/into] [Also VERB noun]Synonyms: change, convert, alter, translate , .. e.g. transformation (trænsfəʳmeɪʃən, .. e.g. )Word forms: plural transformations, .. e.g. variable noun Norah made plans for the transformation of an attic room into a study. [+ of], .. e.g. Chemical transformations occur., transform , TRANSFORM

To transform something into something else means to change or convert it into that thing., Synonyms: revolution, radical change, makeover, sea change Synonyms: change, conversion, alteration, metamorphosis

transform , TRANSFORM , (2. verb) .. e.g. The high-speed rail link is transforming the area. [VERB noun], .. e.g. A cheap table can be transformed by an interesting cover. [VERB noun], .. e.g. A love of rugby transformed him from a podgy child into a trophy winner. [V n + from/into] [Also VERB noun + into]Synonyms: make over, overhaul, revamp, remake , .. e.g. transformation, .. e.g. variable noun In the last five years he's undergone a personal transformation., .. e.g. ...one of the most astonishing economic transformations seen since the second world, .. e.g. war., transform , TRANSFORM

To transform something or someone means to change them completely and suddenly so that they are much better or more attractive., Synonyms: revolution, radical change, makeover, sea change

transition , TRANSITION , (2. verb) .. e.g. The country has begun transitioning from a military dictatorship to a budding democracy. [VERB + from/to], .. e.g. The company transitioned to an intellectual property company. [VERB + to] [Also VERB noun], transition , TRANSITION

To transition from one state or activity to another means to move gradually from one to the other.,

transition , TRANSITION , (3. verb) .. e.g. He confirmed in an interview with ABC that he is transitioning to life as a woman. [VERB + to] , transition , TRANSITION

To transition means to start living your life as a person of a different gender. ,

transport , TRANSPORT , (4. verb) .. e.g. There's no petrol, so it's very difficult to transport goods. [VERB noun], .. e.g. They use tankers to transport the oil to Los Angeles. [VERB noun preposition/adverb], .. e.g. The troops were transported to Moscow. [VERB noun preposition/adverb], transport , TRANSPORT

To transport people or goods somewhere is to take them from one place to another in a vehicle., Synonyms: convey, take, run, move

transition , TRANSITION , (4. variable noun) .. e.g. She has made a TV series about her gender transition and how she is adjusting to, .. e.g. her new life., .. e.g. He started gender transition treatment last year., transition , TRANSITION

Transition is the process of starting to live your life as a person of a different gender.,

transport , TRANSPORT , (2. uncountable noun) .. e.g. [mainly British] The extra money could be spent on improving public transport., .. e.g. The sudden onset of winter caused havoc with rail and air transport., .. e.g. An efficient transport system is critical to the long-term future of London.regional note: in AM, usually use transportation, transport , TRANSPORT

Transport is a system for taking people or goods from one place to another, for example using buses or trains.,

transport , TRANSPORT , (3. uncountable noun) .. e.g. [mainly British] Local production virtually eliminates transport costs.regional note: in AM, usually use transportation , transport , TRANSPORT

Transport is the activity of taking goods or people from one place to another in a vehicle.,

treasure , TREASURE , (1. uncountable noun) .. e.g. [literary] It was here, the buried treasure, she knew it was., treasure , TREASURE

Treasure is a collection of valuable old objects such as gold coins and jewels that has been hidden or lost., Synonyms: riches, money, gold, fortune

treasure , TREASURE , (2. countable noun [usually plural]) .. e.g. The house was large and full of art treasures., treasure , TREASURE

Treasures are valuable objects, especially works of art and items of historical value., Synonyms: objet d'art, masterpiece, work of art, valuable object

triumph , TRIUMPH , (2. uncountable noun) .. e.g. Her sense of triumph was short-lived., .. e.g. He was laughing with triumph., triumph , TRIUMPH

Triumph is a feeling of great satisfaction and pride resulting from a success or victory., Synonyms: joy, pride, happiness, rejoicing

twilight , TWILIGHT , (1. uncountable noun) .. e.g. They returned at twilight, and set off for one of the promenade bars., twilight , TWILIGHT

Twilight is the time just before night when the daylight has almost gone but when it is not completely dark., Synonyms: dusk, evening, sunset, early evening

display , DISPLAY , (4. verb) .. e.g. They started out by looking at the computer screens which display the images. [VERB noun], .. e.g. Using the option to display only text speeds things up a lot. [VERB noun], display , DISPLAY

When a computer displays information, it shows it on a screen.,

extract , EXTRACT , (3. verb) .. e.g. A dentist may decide to extract the tooth to prevent recurrent trouble. [VERB noun], .. e.g. She is to go and have a tooth extracted at 3 o'clock today. [have noun VERB-ed], .. e.g. extraction, .. e.g. Word forms: plural extractions, .. e.g. variable noun In those days, dentistry was basic. Extractions were carried out without anaesthetic., extract , EXTRACT

When a dentist extracts a tooth, they remove it from the patient's mouth., Synonyms: pull out, remove, take out, draw Synonyms: distillation, separation, derivation Synonyms: taking out, drawing, pulling, withdrawal

unanimous , UNANIMOUS , (1. adjective [usually verb-link ADJECTIVE, ADJECTIVE that]) .. e.g. Editors were unanimous in their condemnation of the proposals. [+ in], .. e.g. They were unanimous that Chortlesby Manor must be preserved., .. e.g. unanimously, .. e.g. adverb [ADVERB with verb] Today its executive committee voted unanimously to reject the proposals., .. e.g. The board of ministers unanimously approved the project last week., unanimous , UNANIMOUS

When a group of people are unanimous, they all agree about something or all vote for the same thing., Synonyms: agreed, united, in agreement, agreeing Synonyms: without exception, by common consent, without opposition, with one accord

dissolve , DISSOLVE , (4. verb [usually passive]) .. e.g. The marriage was dissolved in 1976. [be VERB-ed] , dissolve , DISSOLVE

When a marriage or business arrangement is dissolved, it is officially ended.,

accelerate , ACCELERATE , (2. verb) .. e.g. Suddenly the car accelerated. [VERB], .. e.g. She accelerated away from us. [VERB preposition/adverb], accelerate , ACCELERATE

When a moving vehicle accelerates, it goes faster and faster., Synonyms: speed up, speed, advance, quicken

dissolve , DISSOLVE , (3. verb) .. e.g. The present assembly will be dissolved on April 30th. [be VERB-ed], .. e.g. Kaifu threatened to dissolve the Parliament and call an election. [VERB noun], dissolve , DISSOLVE

When a parliament is dissolved, it is formally ended, so that elections for a new parliament can be held.,

spring , SPRING , (4. verb) .. e.g. He sprang to his feet, grabbing his keys off the coffee table. [VERB preposition], .. e.g. Outside each door a guard sprang to attention as they approached. [VERB preposition], .. e.g. Throwing back the sheet, he sprang from the bed. [VERB preposition], .. e.g. The lion roared once and sprang. [VERB], spring , SPRING

When a person or animal springs, they jump upwards or forwards suddenly or quickly., Synonyms: jump, bound, leap, bounce

erupt , ERUPT , (1. verb) .. e.g. The volcano erupted, devastating a large area. [VERB], .. e.g. Scientists say the volcano could erupt again soon. [VERB], .. e.g. eruption (ɪrʌpʃən, .. e.g. )Word forms: plural eruptions, .. e.g. variable noun ...the volcanic eruption of Tambora in 1815. [+ of], erupt , ERUPT

When a volcano erupts, it throws out a lot of hot, melted rock called lava, as well as ash and steam., Synonyms: flare-up, outbreak, sally Synonyms: inflammation, outbreak, rash, flare-up Synonyms: explosion, discharge, outburst, venting

contraction , CONTRACTION , (1. countable noun) contraction , CONTRACTION

When a woman who is about to give birth has contractions, she experiences a very strong, painful tightening of the muscles of her womb.,

applaud , APPLAUD , (2. verb) .. e.g. He should be applauded for his courage. [be VERB-ed + for], .. e.g. This last move can only be applauded. [be VERB-ed], .. e.g. She applauds the fact that they are promoting new ideas. [VERB noun], applaud , APPLAUD

When an attitude or action is applauded, people praise it., Synonyms: praise, celebrate, approve, acclaim

fuse , FUSE , (2. verb) .. e.g. [British] The wire snapped at the wall plug and the light fused. [VERB], .. e.g. Rainwater had fused the bulbs. [VERB noun] , fuse , FUSE

When an electric device fuses or when you fuse it, it stops working because of a fault.,

dissolve , DISSOLVE , (2. verb) .. e.g. The committee has been dissolved. [be VERB-ed], .. e.g. The King agreed to dissolve the present commission. [VERB noun], dissolve , DISSOLVE

When an organization or institution is dissolved, it is officially ended or broken up., Synonyms: end, dismiss, suspend, axe [informal]

evolve , EVOLVE , (1. verb) .. e.g. The bright plumage of many male birds has evolved to attract females. [VERB], .. e.g. Maize evolved from a wild grass in Mexico. [VERB + from], .. e.g. ...when amphibians evolved into reptiles. [VERB + into], evolve , EVOLVE

When animals or plants evolve, they gradually change and develop into different forms.,

glide , GLIDE , (2. verb) .. e.g. ... the albatross, which glides effortlessly and gracefully behind the yacht. [VERB preposition/adverb] [Also VERB]Synonyms: float, fly, soar, skim , glide , GLIDE

When birds or aeroplanes glide, they float on air currents.,

migrate , MIGRATE , (2. verb) .. e.g. to breed or to find new feeding grounds., .. e.g. Most birds have to fly long distances to migrate. [VERB], .. e.g. ...a dam system that kills the fish as they migrate from streams to the ocean. [VERB preposition/adverb], .. e.g. migration, .. e.g. variable noun ...the migration of animals in the Serengeti. [+ of], migrate , MIGRATE

When birds, fish, or animals migrate, they move at a particular season from one part of the world or from one part of a country to another, usually in order,

chill , CHILL , (2. verb) .. e.g. The marble floor was beginning to chill me. [VERB noun], .. e.g. An exposed garden may be chilled by cold winds. [be VERB-ed], .. e.g. Wade placed his chilled hands on the radiator. [VERB-ed], .. e.g. The boulder sheltered them from the chilling wind. [VERB-ing], chill , CHILL

When cold weather or something cold chills a person or a place, it makes that person or that place feel very cold.,

value , VALUE , (4. verb) .. e.g. Your lender will then send their own surveyor to value the property. [VERB noun], .. e.g. I asked him if he would have my jewellery valued for insurance purposes. [have noun VERB-ed], .. e.g. He has been selling properties valued at £700 million. [VERB-ed], value , VALUE

When experts value something, they decide how much money it is worth., Synonyms: evaluate, price, estimate, rate

freight , FREIGHT , (3. verb [usually passive]) .. e.g. From these ports the grain is freighted down to Addis Ababa. [be VERB-ed adverb/preposition], freight , FREIGHT

When goods are freighted, they are transported in large quantities over a long distance., Synonyms: transport, carry, ship, deliver

collaborate , COLLABORATE , (1. verb) .. e.g. He collaborated with his son Michael on the English translation of the text. [VERB + with], .. e.g. A hospital will collaborate with a retail developer to improve retail and catering, .. e.g. services. [VERB + with], .. e.g. ...a place where professionals and amateurs collaborated in the making of music. [V + on/in], .. e.g. The two men met and agreed to collaborate. [VERB] [Also pl-n V to-inf, V with n to-inf], collaborate , COLLABORATE

When one person or group collaborates with another, they work together, especially on a book or on some research.,

erupt , ERUPT , (3. verb) .. e.g. [journalism] In Los Angeles, the neighborhood known as Watts erupted into riots. [V + into/in], .. e.g. This region which had been relatively calm erupted in violence again this spring. [V into/in n] [Also VERB], erupt , ERUPT

When people in a place suddenly become angry or violent, you can say that they erupt or that the place erupts.,

plot , PLOT , (3. verb) .. e.g. Yesterday's meeting was intended to plot a survival strategy for the party. [VERB noun], .. e.g. For the next five years she plotted her career. [VERB noun], plot , PLOT

When people plot a strategy or a course of action, they carefully plan each step of it., Synonyms: devise, design, project, lay

swarm , SWARM , (3. verb) .. e.g. People swarmed to the shops, buying up everything in sight. [VERB preposition/adverb] [Also VERB noun]Synonyms: crowd, flock, throng, mass , swarm , SWARM

When people swarm somewhere, they move there quickly in a large group.,

improvise , IMPROVISE , (2. verb) .. e.g. I asked her what the piece was and she said, 'Oh, I'm just improvising.' [VERB], .. e.g. Uncle Richard intoned a chapter from the Bible and improvised a prayer. [VERB noun], .. e.g. I think that the art of a storyteller is to take the story and improvise on it. [VERB + on], .. e.g. ...improvised comedy. [VERB-ed], .. e.g. improvisation, .. e.g. Word forms: plural improvisations, .. e.g. variable noun ...an improvisation on 'Jingle Bells'. [+ on], improvise , IMPROVISE

When performers improvise, they invent music or words as they play, sing, or speak., Synonyms: ad-lib, invent, vamp, busk Synonyms: ad-lib

freedom , FREEDOM , (2. uncountable noun [oft poss NOUN]) .. e.g. ...an agreement under which all hostages and detainees would gain their freedom., freedom , FREEDOM

When prisoners or slaves are set free or escape, they gain their freedom., Synonyms: liberty, release, discharge, emancipation

climax , CLIMAX , (4. verb) .. e.g. Often, a man can enjoy making love but may not be sufficiently aroused to climax. [VERB], climax , CLIMAX

When someone climaxes, they have an orgasm.,

minute , MINUTE , (3. verb) .. e.g. it., .. e.g. You don't need to minute that. [VERB noun] , minute , MINUTE

When someone minutes something that is discussed or decided at a meeting, they make a written record of,

reverse , REVERSE , (1. verb) .. e.g. They have made it clear they will not reverse the decision to increase prices. [VERB noun], .. e.g. The rise, the first in 10 months, reversed the downward trend in the jobless rate. [VERB noun], reverse , REVERSE

When someone or something reverses a decision, policy, or trend, they change it to the opposite decision, policy, or trend., Synonyms: change, alter, cancel, overturn

neighbor , NEIGHBOR , (3. countable noun) .. e.g. ...its big oil-rich neighbor., neighbor , NEIGHBOR

You can refer to something which stands next to something else of the same kind as its neighbor.,

parody , PARODY , (2. verb) .. e.g. ...a sketch parodying the British class system. [VERB noun], .. e.g. Any style can be parodied. [VERB noun], parody , PARODY

When someone parodies a particular work, thing, or person, they imitate it in an amusing or exaggerated way., Synonyms: take off [informal], mimic, caricature, send up [British, informal]

plot , PLOT , (7. verb) .. e.g. We plot about eight points on the graph. [VERB noun], plot , PLOT

When someone plots something on a graph, they mark certain points on it and then join the points up.,

plot , PLOT , (8. verb) .. e.g. We were trying to plot the course of the submarine. [VERB noun], plot , PLOT

When someone plots the position or course of a plane or ship, they mark it on a map using instruments to obtain accurate information., Synonyms: chart, mark, draw, map

grace , GRACE , (8. variable noun) .. e.g. ask Him to bless it., .. e.g. Leo, will you say grace?, .. e.g. ...a Latin grace., grace , GRACE

When someone says grace before or after a meal, they say a prayer in which they thank God for the food and, Synonyms: prayer, thanks, blessing, thanksgiving

voice , VOICE , (1. countable noun [oft poss NOUN, adjective NOUN]) .. e.g. Miriam's voice was strangely calm., .. e.g. 'The police are here,' she said in a low voice., .. e.g. There was a sound of loud voices from the kitchen., .. e.g. I ended up with bronchitis and no voice., voice , VOICE

When someone speaks or sings, you hear their voice., Synonyms: tone, sound, language, articulation

whistle , WHISTLE , (2. verb) .. e.g. People sometimes whistle when they are surprised or shocked, or to call a dog, or to show that they are impressed., .. e.g. He whistled, surprised but not shocked. [VERB], .. e.g. Jenkins whistled through his teeth, impressed at last. [VERB preposition], .. e.g. Women don't enjoy being whistled at. [VERB preposition] , .. e.g. Whistle is also a noun., .. e.g. Jackson gave a low whistle., whistle , WHISTLE

When someone whistles, they make a sound by forcing their breath out between their lips or their teeth.,

change , CHANGE , (5. verb) .. e.g. We are trying to detect and understand how the climates change. [VERB], .. e.g. In the union office, the mood gradually changed from resignation to rage. [VERB from noun to noun], .. e.g. She has now changed into a happy, self-confident woman. [VERB + into], .. e.g. They should change the law to make it illegal to own replica weapons. [VERB noun], .. e.g. Trees are changing colour earlier than last year. [VERB noun], .. e.g. He is a changed man since you left. [VERB-ed], .. e.g. A changing world has put pressures on the corporation. [VERB-ing] [Also V n into n]Synonyms: alter, reform, transform, adjust , change , CHANGE

When something changes or when you change it, it becomes different.,

drift , DRIFT , (1. verb) .. e.g. We proceeded to drift on up the river. [VERB adverb/preposition], .. e.g. The climbing balloon drifted silently over the countryside. [VERB adverb/preposition], .. e.g. The waves became rougher as they drifted. [VERB], drift , DRIFT

When something drifts somewhere, it is carried there by the movement of wind or water., Synonyms: float, go (aimlessly), bob, coast

between , BETWEEN , (9. preposition) .. e.g. His company was bought out for £3.5m, divided between five partners., .. e.g. There is only one bathroom shared between eight bedrooms. , between , BETWEEN

When something is divided or shared between people, they each have a share of it.,

originate , ORIGINATE , (verb) .. e.g. [formal] The alfalfa plant originated in North Africa. [VERB preposition/adverb], .. e.g. All carbohydrates originate from plants. [VERB preposition/adverb], .. e.g. I suppose no one has any idea who originated the story? [VERB noun], originate , ORIGINATE

When something originates or when someone originates it, it begins to happen or exist.,

decay , DECAY , (1. verb) .. e.g. The bodies buried in the fine ash slowly decayed. [VERB], .. e.g. The ground was scattered with decaying leaves. [VERB-ing], .. e.g. Decay is also a noun., .. e.g. When not removed, plaque causes tooth decay and gum disease., .. e.g. decayed, .. e.g. adjective ...decayed teeth., decay , DECAY

When something such as a dead body, a dead plant, or a tooth decays, it is gradually destroyed by a natural process., Synonyms: rot, break down, disintegrate, spoil Synonyms: rotten, bad, decaying, wasted

linger , LINGER , (1. verb) .. e.g. The scent of her perfume lingered on in the room. [VERB adverb/preposition], .. e.g. A guerrilla war has lingered into its fourth decade. [VERB adverb/preposition], .. e.g. He was ashamed. That feeling lingered, and he was never comfortable in church after, .. e.g. that. [VERB], .. e.g. He would rather be killed in a race than die a lingering death in hospital. [VERB-ing], linger , LINGER

When something such as an idea, feeling, or illness lingers, it continues to exist for a long time, often much longer than expected.,

revive , REVIVE , (1. verb) .. e.g. ...an attempt to revive the British economy. [VERB noun], .. e.g. His trial revived memories of French suffering during the war. [VERB noun], .. e.g. There is no doubt that grades have improved and interest in education has revived. [VERB], .. e.g. revived, .. e.g. adjective Habib grimaced at the revived memories., revive , REVIVE

When something such as the economy, a business, a trend, or a feeling is revived or when it revives, it becomes active, popular, or successful again., Synonyms: revitalize, restore, rally, renew

journey , JOURNEY , (1. countable noun) .. e.g. There is an express service from Paris which completes the journey to Bordeaux in, .. e.g. under 4 hours. [+ to], journey , JOURNEY

When you make a journey, you travel from one place to another.,

fuse , FUSE , (4. verb) .. e.g. also say that one thing fuses with another., .. e.g. The skull bones fuse between the ages of fifteen and twenty-five. [VERB], .. e.g. Conception occurs when a single sperm fuses with an egg. [VERB + with], .. e.g. Manufactured glass is made by fusing various types of sand. [VERB noun], .. e.g. Their solution was to isolate specific clones of B cells and fuse them with cancer, .. e.g. cells. [VERB noun + with], .. e.g. The flakes seem to fuse together and produce ice crystals. [V together], fuse , FUSE

When things fuse or are fused, they join together physically or chemically, usually to become one thing. You can, Synonyms: join, unite, combine, blend

former , FORMER , (5. pronoun) .. e.g. first of them as the former., .. e.g. If there is a choice between using fresh vegetables and canned foods, always choose, .. e.g. the former., .. e.g. Voters want personal prosperity and public spending. They will not sacrifice the, .. e.g. former to the latter. latter, former , FORMER

When two people, things, or groups have just been mentioned, you can refer to the,

accumulate , ACCUMULATE , (verb) .. e.g. Households accumulate wealth across a broad spectrum of assets. [VERB noun], .. e.g. Lead can accumulate in the body until toxic levels are reached. [VERB], accumulate , ACCUMULATE

When you accumulate things or when they accumulate, they collect or are gathered over a period of time., Synonyms: build up, increase, grow, be stored

amble , AMBLE , (verb) .. e.g. Slowly they ambled back to the car. [VERB adverb/preposition], .. e.g. We ambled along in front of the houses. [VERB adverb/preposition], .. e.g. Amble is also a noun., .. e.g. ...an afternoon's amble around the oldest parts of Paris., amble , AMBLE

When you amble, you walk slowly and in a relaxed manner., Synonyms: stroll, walk, wander, ramble

approach , APPROACH , (1. verb) .. e.g. He didn't approach the front door at once. [VERB noun], .. e.g. When I approached, they grew silent. [VERB], .. e.g. We turned to see the approaching car slow down. [VERB-ing], .. e.g. Approach is also a noun., .. e.g. At their approach the little boy ran away and hid., .. e.g. ...the approach of a low-flying helicopter., approach , APPROACH

When you approach something, you get closer to it., Synonyms: move towards, come to, reach, near

hungry , HUNGRY , (1. adjective) .. e.g. My friend was hungry, so we drove to a shopping mall to get some food., .. e.g. hungrily (hʌŋgrɪli, .. e.g. ) adverb [ADVERB with verb] James ate hungrily., hungry , HUNGRY

When you are hungry, you want some food because you have not eaten for some time and have an uncomfortable or painful feeling in your stomach., Synonyms: starving, ravenous, famished, starved

change , CHANGE , (9. verb) .. e.g. After changing the bed, I would fall asleep quickly. [VERB noun], .. e.g. I changed the sheets on your bed today. [VERB noun], change , CHANGE

When you change a bed or change the sheets, you take off the dirty sheets and put on clean ones.,

change , CHANGE , (11. verb) .. e.g. At Glasgow I changed trains for Greenock. [VERB noun], .. e.g. We were turned off the train at Hanover, where we had to change. [VERB], change , CHANGE

When you change buses, trains, or planes or change, you get off one bus, train, or plane and get on to another in order to continue your journey.,

change , CHANGE , (12. verb) .. e.g. [British] The driver tried to change gear, then swerved. [VERB noun], .. e.g. He looked up into the mirror as he changed through his gears. [VERB preposition]regional note: in AM, use shift , change , CHANGE

When you change gear or change into another gear, you move the gear lever on a car, bicycle, or other vehicle in order to use a different gear.,

change , CHANGE , (17. verb) .. e.g. smaller notes, bills, or coins., .. e.g. You can expect to pay the bank a fee of around 1% to 2% every time you change money. [VERB noun], .. e.g. Find an agency that will change one foreign currency directly into another. [VERB noun + into], change , CHANGE

When you change money, you exchange it for the same amount of money in a different currency, or in,

change , CHANGE , (7. verb) .. e.g. Ben had merely changed his shirt. [VERB noun], .. e.g. They had allowed her to shower and change. [VERB], .. e.g. I changed into a tracksuit. [VERB + into], .. e.g. I've got to get changed first. I've got to put my uniform on. [get VERB-ed] [Also V + out of] wear , change , CHANGE

When you change your clothes or change, you take some or all of your clothes off and put on different ones.,

designate , DESIGNATE , (3. verb) .. e.g. Designate someone as the spokesperson. [VERB noun + as], .. e.g. The President's designated successor is his son. [VERB-ed], designate , DESIGNATE

When you designate someone as something, you formally choose them to do that particular job.,

gasp , GASP , (2. verb) .. e.g. shocked, or in pain., .. e.g. She gasped for air and drew in a lungful of water. [VERB + for], .. e.g. I heard myself gasp and cry out. [VERB] [Also VERB with quote]Synonyms: pant, blow, puff, choke , gasp , GASP

When you gasp, you take a short quick breath through your mouth, especially when you are surprised,,

gather , GATHER , (5. verb) .. e.g. You must gather your strength for the journey. [VERB noun], .. e.g. Gather up means the same as gather., .. e.g. She was gathering up her courage to approach him when he called to her. [VERB PARTICLE noun] [Also VERB noun PARTICLE], gather , GATHER

When you gather something such as your strength, courage, or thoughts, you make an effort to prepare yourself to do something., Synonyms: muster, collect, assemble, summon

heat , HEAT , (1. verb) .. e.g. Meanwhile, heat the tomatoes and oil in a pan. [VERB noun], .. e.g. ...a gas that absorbs the sun's energy and heats the air above it. [VERB noun], .. e.g. ...heated swimming pools. [VERB-ed], heat , HEAT

When you heat something, you raise its temperature, for example by using a flame or a special piece of equipment., Synonyms: warm (up), cook, fry, boil

ignite , IGNITE , (1. verb) .. e.g. The bombs ignited a fire which destroyed some 60 houses. [VERB noun], .. e.g. The blasts were caused by pockets of methane gas that ignited. [VERB], ignite , IGNITE

When you ignite something or when it ignites, it starts burning or explodes., Synonyms: set fire to, light, set alight, torch

fact , FACT , (5. variable noun) .. e.g. ...a statement of verifiable historical fact., .. e.g. How much was fact and how much fancy no one knew., fact , FACT

When you refer to something as a fact or as fact, you mean that you think it is true or correct., Synonyms: truth, reality, gospel (truth), certainty

origin , ORIGIN , (2. countable noun [usually poss NOUN, oft of/in N]) .. e.g. Thomas has not forgotten his humble origins., .. e.g. ...people of Asian origin., .. e.g. They are forced to return to their country of origin., origin , ORIGIN

When you talk about a person's origin or origins, you are referring to the country, race, or social class of their parents or ancestors., Synonyms: ancestry, family, race, beginnings

whisper , WHISPER , (1. verb) .. e.g. 'Keep your voice down,' I whispered. [VERB with quote], .. e.g. She sat on Rossi's knee as he whispered in her ear. [VERB preposition], .. e.g. He whispered the message to David. [VERB noun preposition], .. e.g. Somebody whispered that films like that were illegal. [VERB that], .. e.g. She whispered his name. [VERB noun], .. e.g. Whisper is also a noun., .. e.g. Men were talking in whispers in every office., whisper , WHISPER

When you whisper, you say something very quietly, using your breath rather than your throat, so that only one person can hear you., Synonyms: murmur, breathe, mutter, mumble

whistle , WHISTLE , (1. verb) .. e.g. He whistled and sang snatches of songs. [VERB], .. e.g. He was whistling softly to himself. [VERB], .. e.g. As he washed, he whistled a tune. [VERB noun], whistle , WHISTLE

When you whistle or when you whistle a tune, you make a series of musical notes by forcing your breath out between your lips, or your teeth.,

objective , OBJECTIVE , (1. countable noun [usually with poss]) .. e.g. Our main objective was the recovery of the child safe and well., .. e.g. His objective was to play golf and win., objective , OBJECTIVE

Your objective is what you are trying to achieve., Synonyms: purpose, aim, goal, end

disease , DISEASE , (2. countable noun [with supplement]) .. e.g. [literary]Synonyms: evil, disorder, plague [informal], curse , disease , DISEASE

You can refer to a bad attitude or habit, usually one that a group of people have, as a disease.,

yard , YARD , (3. countable noun) .. e.g. ...a railway yard., .. e.g. ...a ship repair yard., yard , YARD

You can refer to a large open area where a particular type of work is done as a yard., Synonyms: workshop, works, plant, industrial unit

fortune , FORTUNE , (1. countable noun) .. e.g. [emphasis] We had to eat out all the time. It ended up costing a fortune., .. e.g. He made a small fortune in the London property boom., fortune , FORTUNE

You can refer to a large sum of money as a fortune or a small fortune to emphasize how large it is., Synonyms: large sum of money, bomb [British, slang], packet [slang], bundle [slang]

journey , JOURNEY , (2. countable noun) .. e.g. How do we go about embarking on this 'inner journey' to understand ourselves?, .. e.g. My films try to describe a journey of discovery, both for myself and the watcher. [+ of], journey , JOURNEY

You can refer to a person's experience of changing or developing from one state of mind to another as a journey., Synonyms: progress, passage, voyage, pilgrimage

obstacle , OBSTACLE , (2. countable noun) .. e.g. Overcrowding remains a large obstacle to improving conditions. [+ to], .. e.g. To succeed, you must learn to overcome obstacles., obstacle , OBSTACLE

You can refer to anything that makes it difficult for you to do something as an obstacle., Synonyms: hindrance, check, bar, block

thread , THREAD , (4. plural noun) .. e.g. [mainly US, informal] ...a cheap place to pick up natty threads., thread , THREAD

You can refer to clothes as threads.,

imagery , IMAGERY , (2. uncountable noun) .. e.g. [formal] This is an ambitious and intriguing movie, full of striking imagery. , imagery , IMAGERY

You can refer to pictures and representations of things as imagery, especially when they act as symbols.,

trouble , TROUBLE , (1. uncountable noun [oft in NOUN]) .. e.g. I had trouble parking., .. e.g. You've caused us a lot of trouble., .. e.g. The plane developed engine trouble soon after taking off., .. e.g. The crew are in serious trouble in 50-knot winds and huge seas., .. e.g. The Sullivans continued to have financial troubles., trouble , TROUBLE

You can refer to problems or difficulties as trouble., Synonyms: bother, problems, concern, worry

origin , ORIGIN , (1. variable noun [usually with poss, oft in/of N]) .. e.g. ...theories about the origin of life., .. e.g. The disorder in military policy had its origins in Truman's first term., .. e.g. Their medical problems are basically physical in origin., .. e.g. Most of the thickeners are of plant origin., origin , ORIGIN

You can refer to the beginning, cause, or source of something as its origin or origins., Synonyms: beginning, start, birth, source

imagery , IMAGERY , (1. uncountable noun) .. e.g. [formal] ...the nature imagery of the ballad. [+ of], imagery , IMAGERY

You can refer to the descriptions in something such as a poem or song, and the pictures they create in your mind, as its imagery.,

neighbor , NEIGHBOR , (2. countable noun) .. e.g. The woman prodded her neighbor and whispered urgently in his ear. , neighbor , NEIGHBOR

You can refer to the person who is standing or sitting next to you as your neighbor.,

light , LIGHT , (10. singular noun [the NOUN of noun]) .. e.g. things as the light of that situation, person, or thing., .. e.g. [written] ...the harsh light of reality., light , LIGHT

You can refer to the type of influence that something has on situations, people, or,

recall , RECALL , (2. verb) .. e.g. As I recall, you're not on the board, Joe; you're only a minor shareholder. [VERB], .. e.g. At the final a fortnight ago, you will recall that after eight minutes the club had, .. e.g. a two-goal lead. [VERB that], recall , RECALL

You can say as I recall, you might recall, or you will recall to someone that you are talking to when you want to mention something that you are both already aware of which is relevant to the discussion.,

brilliant , BRILLIANT , (2. adjective) .. e.g. [mainly British, informal, spoken] If you get a chance to see the show, do go-it's brilliant., .. e.g. My sister's given me this brilliant book., .. e.g. brilliantly, .. e.g. adverb [ADVERB with verb, ADVERB adjective/adverb] It's extremely hard working together but on the whole it works brilliantly., brilliant , BRILLIANT

You can say that something is brilliant when you are very pleased about it or think that it is very good., Synonyms: excellent, great [informal], good, fine

respect , RESPECT , (7. phrase) .. e.g. [politeness] With respect, Minister, you still haven't answered my question., .. e.g. With respect, I hardly think that's the point., respect , RESPECT

You can say with respect when you are politely disagreeing with someone or criticizing them.,

capital , CAPITAL , (2. uncountable noun [usually NOUN noun]) .. e.g. [business] ...capital equipment that could have served to increase production., .. e.g. ...capital investment. , capital , CAPITAL

You can use capital to refer to buildings or machinery which are necessary to produce goods or to make companies more efficient, but which do not make money directly.,

climate , CLIMATE , (2. countable noun) .. e.g. The economic climate remains uncertain., .. e.g. ...the existing climate of violence and intimidation. [+ of], .. e.g. A major change of political climate is not in prospect., climate , CLIMATE

You can use climate to refer to the general atmosphere or situation somewhere., Synonyms: atmosphere, environment, spirit, surroundings

distinct , DISTINCT , (4. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]) .. e.g. [emphasis] Being 6ft 3in tall has some distinct disadvantages!, .. e.g. Another Cup marathon between the two sides is now a distinct possibility., .. e.g. distinctly, .. e.g. adverb [ADVERB adjective/-ed] His government is looking distinctly shaky., distinct , DISTINCT

You can use distinct to emphasize that something is great enough in amount or degree to be noticeable or important., Synonyms: clearly, plainly, precisely Synonyms: definitely, clearly, obviously, sharply

equivalent , EQUIVALENT , (3. singular noun) .. e.g. [emphasis] His party has just suffered the equivalent of a near-fatal heart attack. [+ of], equivalent , EQUIVALENT

You can use equivalent to emphasize the great or severe effect of something.,

factor , FACTOR , (3. singular noun) .. e.g. ...suncream with a protection factor of 8. , factor , FACTOR

You can use factor to refer to a particular level on a scale of measurement.,

nowhere , NOWHERE , (4. adverb [ADVERB after verb]) .. e.g. ...endless paths that led nowhere in particular., .. e.g. ...country roads that go from nowhere to nowhere. , nowhere , NOWHERE

You can use nowhere to refer in a general way to small, unimportant, or uninteresting places.,

plain , PLAIN , (7. adverb [ADVERB adjective]) .. e.g. [emphasis] The food was just plain terrible., .. e.g. Plain is also used before a noun., .. e.g. Is it love of publicity or plain stupidity on her part?, plain , PLAIN

You can use plain before an adjective in order to emphasize it.,

poverty , POVERTY , (2. singular noun) .. e.g. [formal] Britain has suffered from a poverty of ambition. [+ of], .. e.g. ...a poverty of ideas., poverty , POVERTY

You can use poverty to refer to any situation in which there is not enough of something or its quality is poor., Synonyms: scarcity, lack, absence, want

privilege , PRIVILEGE , (3. singular noun) .. e.g. It must be a privilege to know such a man., .. e.g. I had the privilege of meeting Mandela at the only service of the Order of Merit, .. e.g. he attended. , privilege , PRIVILEGE

You can use privilege in expressions such as be a privilege or have the privilege when you want to show your appreciation of someone or something or to show your respect.,

schedule , SCHEDULE , (2. uncountable noun) .. e.g. The jet arrived in Johannesburg two minutes ahead of schedule., .. e.g. Everything went according to schedule., .. e.g. It will be completed several weeks behind schedule., schedule , SCHEDULE

You can use schedule to refer to the time or way something is planned to be done. For example, if something is completed on schedule, it is completed at the time planned.,

temperature , TEMPERATURE , (3. countable noun [usually singular]) .. e.g. There's also been a noticeable rise in the political temperature., temperature , TEMPERATURE

You can use temperature to talk about the feelings and emotions that people have in particular situations.,

wisdom , WISDOM , (4. variable noun) .. e.g. Health education wisdom in the U.K. differs from that of the United States., .. e.g. Unchallenged wisdoms flow swiftly among the middle classes., .. e.g. conventional wisdom , wisdom , WISDOM

You can use wisdom to refer to ideas that are accepted by a large number of people.,

brilliant , BRILLIANT , (5. adjective) .. e.g. The event was held in brilliant sunshine., .. e.g. It was 250 million times more brilliant than the Sun., .. e.g. brilliantly, .. e.g. adverb [ADVERB adjective/-ed, ADVERB after verb] It's a brilliantly sunny morning., .. e.g. brilliance, .. e.g. uncountable noun His eyes became accustomed to the dark after the brilliance of the sun outside. [+ of], brilliant , BRILLIANT

You describe light, or something that reflects light, as brilliant when it shines very brightly., Synonyms: bright, shining, intense, sparkling Synonyms: splendour, glamour, grandeur, magnificence Synonyms: cleverness, talent, wisdom, distinction Synonyms: brightness, blaze, intensity, sparkle

erupt , ERUPT , (4. verb) .. e.g. Then, without warning, she erupts into laughter. [VERB + into], .. e.g. The crowd erupted in fury and wouldn't let the competition continue. [V into/in n] [Also VERB] , .. e.g. eruption, .. e.g. countable noun ...an eruption of despair. [+ of], erupt , ERUPT

You say that someone erupts when they suddenly have a change in mood, usually becoming quite noisy., Synonyms: flare-up, outbreak, sally Synonyms: inflammation, outbreak, rash, flare-up

light , LIGHT , (11. plural noun [prep poss N]) .. e.g. [formal] By his own lights, obeying orders is what a soldier is meant to do. , light , LIGHT

You say that something is done or is acceptable according to someone's lights when you mean that it is done or is acceptable according to their own ideas and standards.,

actual , ACTUAL , (2. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]) .. e.g. [emphasis] She had compiled pages of notes, but she had not yet gotten down to doing the actual, .. e.g. writing., .. e.g. The exercises in this chapter can guide you, but it will be up to you to do the actual, .. e.g. work., actual , ACTUAL

You use actual to contrast the important aspect of something with a less important aspect., Synonyms: real, substantial [formal], concrete, definite

actual , ACTUAL , (1. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]) .. e.g. [emphasis] The segments are filmed using either local actors or the actual people involved., .. e.g. In this country, the actual number of miscarriages in humans is never fully recorded., actual , ACTUAL

You use actual to emphasize that you are referring to something real or genuine., Synonyms: genuine, real, true, confirmed

avid , AVID , (1. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]) .. e.g. He misses not having enough books because he's an avid reader., .. e.g. ...an avid collector of art and history., .. e.g. avidly, .. e.g. adverb [ADVERB with verb] Thank you for a most entertaining magazine, which I read avidly each month., avid , AVID

You use avid to describe someone who is very enthusiastic about something that they do., Synonyms: enthusiastic, keen, devoted, intense

civic , CIVIC , (1. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]) .. e.g. ...the local politicians and civic leaders of Manchester., .. e.g. ...Bromley Civic Centre., civic , CIVIC

You use civic to describe people or things that have an official status in a town or city., Synonyms: public, community, borough, municipal

civic , CIVIC , (2. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]) .. e.g. ...a sense of civic pride., civic , CIVIC

You use civic to describe the duties or feelings that people have because they belong to a particular community.,

constant , CONSTANT , (1. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]) .. e.g. Inflation is a constant threat., .. e.g. He has been her constant companion for the last four months., .. e.g. constantly, .. e.g. adverb [usually ADVERB with verb] The direction of the wind is constantly changing., .. e.g. We are constantly being reminded to cut down our fat intake., constant , CONSTANT

You use constant to describe something that happens all the time or is always there., Synonyms: continuously, always, all the time, invariably

delicate , DELICATE , (5. adjective) .. e.g. The members are afraid of upsetting the delicate balance of political interests., .. e.g. This sensitive book tackles the delicate issue of adoption with care and simplicity., .. e.g. She turned to Mary Ann. 'This is kind of delicate. Would you excuse us for a moment?', .. e.g. delicately, .. e.g. adverb [ADVERB with verb] Clearly, the situation remains delicately poised., .. e.g. ...a delicately-worded memo., delicate , DELICATE

You use delicate to describe a situation, problem, matter, or discussion that needs to be dealt with carefully and sensitively in order to avoid upsetting things or offending people., Synonyms: tactfully, carefully, subtly, discreetly

distant , DISTANT , (2. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]) .. e.g. There is little doubt, however, that things will improve in the not too distant future., .. e.g. Last summer's drought is a distant memory., distant , DISTANT

You use distant to describe a time or event that is very far away in the future or in the past., Synonyms: faint, vague, dim, uncertain

evident , EVIDENT , (2. adjective) .. e.g. [emphasis] It was evident that she had once been a beauty., .. e.g. The cities are bombarded day after day in an evident effort to force their surrender. , evident , EVIDENT

You use evident to show that you are certain about a situation or fact and your interpretation of it.,

grace , GRACE , (9. countable noun & proper noun) .. e.g. Your Grace, I have a great favour to ask of you., grace , GRACE

You use expressions such as Your Grace and Her Grace when you are addressing or referring to a duke, duchess, or archbishop.,

gather , GATHER , (6. verb) .. e.g. I gather his report is highly critical of the trial judge. [VERB that], .. e.g. 'He speaks English,' she said to Graham. 'I gathered that.' [VERB noun], .. e.g. From what I could gather, he was trying to raise money by organising festivals. [VERB noun], gather , GATHER

You use gather in expressions such as 'I gather' and 'as far as I can gather' to introduce information that you have found out, especially when you have found it out in an indirect way., Synonyms: understand, believe, hear, learn

heat , HEAT , (6. uncountable noun) .. e.g. It was all done in the heat of the moment and I have certainly learned by my mistake. [+ of], .. e.g. 'Look here,' I said, without heat, 'all I did was to walk down a street and sit down.', heat , HEAT

You use heat to refer to a state of strong emotion, especially of anger or excitement., Synonyms: passion, excitement, intensity, violence

jargon , JARGON , (uncountable noun) .. e.g. The manual is full of the jargon and slang of self-improvement courses., .. e.g. ...the reading habits of 600,000 C2 males (marketing jargon for skilled manual workers)., jargon , JARGON

You use jargon to refer to words and expressions that are used in special or technical ways by particular groups of people, often making the language difficult to understand., Synonyms: parlance, slang, idiom, patter

later , LATER , (2. adverb) .. e.g. He resigned ten years later., .. e.g. I'll join you later., .. e.g. Burke later admitted he had lied. , .. e.g. later on, later , LATER

You use later to refer to a time or situation that is after the one that you have been talking about or after the present one.,

later , LATER , (3. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]) .. e.g. At a later news conference, he said differences should not be dramatized., .. e.g. The competition should have been re-scheduled for a later date., .. e.g. A later report said the oil fire on the sea was out. , later , LATER

You use later to refer to an event, period of time, or other thing which comes after the one that you have been talking about or after the present one.,

later , LATER , (4. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]) .. e.g. He found happiness in later life., .. e.g. In his later years he wrote very little., .. e.g. ...the later part of the 20th century., later , LATER

You use later to refer to the last part of someone's life or career or the last part of a period of history.,

literal , LITERAL , (3. adjective) .. e.g. Dennis is a very literal person., literal , LITERAL

You use literal to describe someone who uses or understands words in a plain and simple way., Synonyms: unimaginative, boring, dull, down-to-earth

maximum , MAXIMUM , (1. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]) .. e.g. Under planning law the maximum height for a fence or hedge is 2 metres., .. e.g. China headed the table with maximum points., .. e.g. Maximum is also a noun., .. e.g. The law provides for a maximum of two years in prison. [+ of], .. e.g. Twelve hours is the minimum, sixty hours the maximum., maximum , MAXIMUM

You use maximum to describe an amount which is the largest that is possible, allowed, or required., Synonyms: greatest, highest, supreme, paramount

maximum , MAXIMUM , (2. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]) .. e.g. ...the maximum amount of information., .. e.g. It was achieved with minimum fuss and maximum efficiency., .. e.g. ...a maximum security prison. , maximum , MAXIMUM

You use maximum to indicate how great an amount is.,

mere , MERE , (3. adjective) .. e.g. [emphasis] Sixty per cent of teachers are women, but a mere 5 percent of women are heads and, .. e.g. deputies., .. e.g. Tickets are a mere £7.50 at the door., .. e.g. Its online business increased sales by a mere 1 per cent. , mere , MERE

You use mere to emphasize how small a particular amount or number is.,

mere , MERE , (2. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]) .. e.g. The mere mention of food had triggered off hunger pangs., .. e.g. The merest sight of a car sent him into a panic., .. e.g. The team manager has been quick to clamp down on the merest hint of complacency. , mere , MERE

You use mere to indicate that a quality or action that is usually unimportant has a very important or strong effect.,

nowhere , NOWHERE , (1. adverb [ADV with be, ADVERB after verb]) .. e.g. [emphasis] Nowhere is language a more serious issue than in Hawaii., .. e.g. This kind of forest exists nowhere else in the world., .. e.g. For many birdwatchers, there is nowhere better than Scotland., nowhere , NOWHERE

You use nowhere to emphasize that a place has more of a particular quality than any other places, or that it is the only place where something happens or exists.,

nowhere , NOWHERE , (3. adverb [be ADVERB, oft ADV to-inf, ADV adv/prep]) .. e.g. Michael glanced anxiously down the corridor, but Wilfred was nowhere to be seen., .. e.g. The escaped prisoner was nowhere in sight., .. e.g. The gate was locked and the guards were nowhere., nowhere , NOWHERE

You use nowhere to indicate that something or someone cannot be seen or found.,

nowhere , NOWHERE , (6. adverb [ADVERB before verb, be ADVERB]) .. e.g. [emphasis] He nowhere offers concrete historical background to support his arguments., .. e.g. Point taken, but nowhere did we suggest that this yacht's features were unique., .. e.g. The most important issue for most ordinary people was nowhere on the proposed agenda. , nowhere , NOWHERE

You use nowhere to mean not in any part of a text, speech, or argument.,

nowhere , NOWHERE , (2. adverb [be ADVERB, ADVERB after verb, usu ADV to-inf]) .. e.g. There was nowhere to hide and nowhere to run., .. e.g. I have nowhere else to go, nowhere in the world., .. e.g. He had nowhere to call home. , nowhere , NOWHERE

You use nowhere when making negative statements to say that a suitable place of the specified kind does not exist.,

precise , PRECISE , (1. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]) .. e.g. [emphasis] At that precise moment I felt sorry for him and didn't want to hurt him., .. e.g. The precise location of the wreck was discovered in 1988., .. e.g. He was not clear on the precise nature of his mission., .. e.g. We will never know the precise details of his death., precise , PRECISE

You use precise to emphasize that you are referring to an exact thing, rather than something vague., Synonyms: exact, specific, actual, particular

subsequent , SUBSEQUENT , (1. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]) .. e.g. [formal] ...the increase of population in subsequent years., .. e.g. Those concerns were overshadowed by subsequent events., .. e.g. subsequently, .. e.g. adverb She subsequently became the Faculty's President., .. e.g. Subsequently the arrangement was terminated., subsequent , SUBSEQUENT

You use subsequent to describe something that happened or existed after the time or event that has just been referred to., Synonyms: following, later, succeeding, after Synonyms: later, afterwards, in the end, consequently

trouble , TROUBLE , (11. verb) .. e.g. [formulae] I'm sorry to trouble you, but I wondered if by any chance you know where he is. [VERB noun], .. e.g. I hate to trouble you, but Aunt Lina's birthday is coming up and I would like to, .. e.g. buy something nice for her., trouble , TROUBLE

You use trouble in expressions such as I'm sorry to trouble you when you are apologizing to someone for disturbing them in order to ask them something., Synonyms: inconvenience, disturb, burden, put out

value , VALUE , (5. uncountable noun) .. e.g. The restaurant is informal, stylish and extremely good value., .. e.g. Both offer excellent value at around £50 for a double room., .. e.g. Courses which are offered through these local colleges are fantastic value for money., value , VALUE

You use value in certain expressions to say whether something is worth the money that it costs. For example, if something is or gives good value, it is worth the money that it costs.,

ability , ABILITY , (2. variable noun [oft with poss]) .. e.g. Her drama teacher spotted her ability., .. e.g. I have confidence in the ability of the players., .. e.g. They repeatedly questioned his leadership abilities., .. e.g. Does the school cater for all abilities?, ability , ABILITY

Your ability is the quality or skill that you have which makes it possible for you to do something., Synonyms: skill, talent, know-how [informal], gift

ability , ABILITY , (1. singular noun [NOUN to-infinitive, oft with poss]) .. e.g. The public never had faith in his ability to handle the job., .. e.g. He has the ability to bring out the best in others., ability , ABILITY

Your ability to do something is the fact that you can do it., Synonyms: capability, power, potential, facility

allegiance , ALLEGIANCE , (variable noun) .. e.g. My allegiance to Kendall and his company ran deep. [+ to], .. e.g. ...a community driven by strong ties and allegiances., allegiance , ALLEGIANCE

Your allegiance is your support for and loyalty to a particular group, person, or belief., Synonyms: loyalty, duty, obligation, devotion

ankle , ANKLE , (countable noun [usually poss NOUN]) .. e.g. John twisted his ankle badly., ankle , ANKLE

Your ankle is the joint where your foot joins your leg.,

approach , APPROACH , (5. countable noun) .. e.g. We will be exploring different approaches to gathering information. [+ to], .. e.g. ...the adversarial approach of the British legal system., approach , APPROACH

Your approach to a task, problem, or situation is the way you deal with it or think about it., Synonyms: way, means, course, style

attitude , ATTITUDE , (1. variable noun) .. e.g. ...the general change in attitude towards people with disabilities. [+ to/towards], .. e.g. His attitude made me angry., .. e.g. I don't think it's fair to accuse me of having an attitude problem., attitude , ATTITUDE

Your attitude to something is the way that you think and feel about it, especially when this shows in the way you behave., Synonyms: opinion, thinking, feeling, thought

capacity , CAPACITY , (1. variable noun [oft with poss, NOUN to-infinitive]) .. e.g. Our capacity for giving care, love and attention is limited. [+ for], .. e.g. Her mental capacity and temperament are as remarkable as his., .. e.g. ...people's creative capacities., capacity , CAPACITY

Your capacity for something is your ability to do it, or the amount of it that you are able to do., Synonyms: ability, power, strength, facility

change , CHANGE , (13. uncountable noun) .. e.g. costs because you do not have exactly the right amount of money., .. e.g. 'There's your change.'—'Thanks very much.'., .. e.g. They told the shopkeeper to keep the change., change , CHANGE

Your change is the money that you receive when you pay for something with more money than it,

expression , EXPRESSION , (2. variable noun [oft poss NOUN]) .. e.g. The civil servant's expression, however, did not change, not so much as by a flicker., .. e.g. Levin sat there, an expression of sadness on his face. [+ of], .. e.g. The face is entirely devoid of expression., expression , EXPRESSION

Your expression is the way that your face looks at a particular moment. It shows what you are thinking or feeling., Synonyms: look, countenance [literary], face, air

foot , FOOT , (1. countable noun) .. e.g. She stamped her foot again., .. e.g. ...a foot injury., .. e.g. ...his aching arms and sore feet., .. e.g. #NAME?, .. e.g. combining form She was bare-footed., .. e.g. ...pink-footed geese., foot , FOOT

Your feet are the parts of your body that are at the ends of your legs, and that you stand on.,

grade , GRADE , (4. countable noun) .. e.g. Staff turnover is particularly high among junior grades., grade , GRADE

Your grade in a company or organization is your level of importance or your rank., Synonyms: level, position, rank, group

grade , GRADE , (3. countable noun [oft adjective NOUN]) .. e.g. What grade are you hoping to get?, .. e.g. There was a lot of pressure on you to obtain good grades., grade , GRADE

Your grade in an examination or piece of written work is the mark you get, usually in the form of a letter or number, that indicates your level of achievement., Synonyms: mark, degree [archaic], place, order

intonation , INTONATION , (variable noun) .. e.g. His voice had a very slight German intonation., intonation , INTONATION

Your intonation is the way that your voice rises and falls as you speak., Synonyms: tone, inflection, cadence, modulation

mood , MOOD , (1. countable noun [oft adjective NOUN, oft in NOUN]) .. e.g. He is clearly in a good mood today., .. e.g. When he came back, he was in a foul mood., .. e.g. Lily was in one of her aggressive moods., .. e.g. His moods swing alarmingly., .. e.g. in the mood for/to , mood , MOOD

Your mood is the way you are feeling at a particular time. If you are in a good mood, you feel cheerful. If you are in a bad mood, you feel angry and impatient.,

signature , SIGNATURE , (1. countable noun) .. e.g. I was writing my signature at the bottom of the page., .. e.g. ...a petition containing 170 signatures., signature , SIGNATURE

Your signature is your name, written in your own characteristic way, often at the end of a document to indicate that you wrote the document or that you agree with what it says.,

superior , SUPERIOR , (4. countable noun) .. e.g. Other army units are completely surrounded and cut-off from communication with their, .. e.g. superiors., .. e.g. The company president, and my immediate superior, was the dynamic Harry Stokes., superior , SUPERIOR

Your superior in an organization that you work for is a person who has a higher rank than you.,

temperature , TEMPERATURE , (2. uncountable noun [oft poss NOUN]) .. e.g. His temperature continued to rise alarmingly. , temperature , TEMPERATURE

Your temperature is the temperature of your body. A normal temperature is about 37° centigrade.,

vein , VEIN , (1. countable noun [usually plural]) .. e.g. Many veins are found just under the skin., vein , VEIN

Your veins are the thin tubes in your body through which your blood flows towards your heart. Compare artery., Synonyms: blood vessel

vision , VISION , (5. uncountable noun) .. e.g. Jane blocked Cross's vision and he could see nothing., .. e.g. I saw other indistinct shapes that stayed out of vision., vision , VISION

Your vision is everything that you can see from a particular place or position.,

vision , VISION , (4. uncountable noun) .. e.g. It causes blindness or serious loss of vision., .. e.g. In spite of his otherwise excellent vision, he found he was colour-blind., vision , VISION

Your vision is your ability to see clearly with your eyes., Synonyms: sight, seeing, eyesight, view

vision , VISION , (1. countable noun) .. e.g. I have a vision of a society that is free of exploitation and injustice. [+ of], .. e.g. That's my vision of how the world could be. [+ of], .. e.g. Turning that vision into a practical reality is not easy., vision , VISION

Your vision of a future situation or society is what you imagine or hope it would be like, if things were very different from the way they are now., Synonyms: image, idea, dream, plans

ability , ABILITY , (3. to the best of your ability) .. e.g. capability of the actor. If someone has a particular capacity, a capacity for something, or a capacity to do something, they have the qualities required to do it. Capacity is a more formal word than ability. ...their capacity for hard work. ...his capacity to see the other person's point of, .. e.g. view.COBUILD Advanced English Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers@end, ability , ABILITY

usage note: Do not confuse ability with capability and capacity. You often use ability to say that someone can do something well. He had remarkable ability as a musician. ...the ability to bear hardship. A person's capability is the amount of work they can do and how well they can do it. ...a job that was beyond the capability of one man. ...the director's ideas of the,