F™ Dictionary

of Contemporary
English
NEW EDITION

FOR ADVANCED LEARNERS

Pronunciation table
Consonants Vowels

Symbol Keyword Symbol Keyword

p pen short I bit
b back e bed
t ten e cat
d day re) dog (Br)
k key A cut
g get U put
f fat Fe) about -
Vv view i happy
e) thing u actuality
6 then
S soon long IN sheep
Z zero a father
J ship D: dog (AmE)
3 pleasure DI four
h hot UI boot
x loch 3 bird
tf cheer
dz jump diphthongs et make
m sum al lie
n sun oI boy
n sung dU note (BrE)
Ww wet OU note (AmE)
| let au now
r red 13 real
j yet eo hair (BrE)
Ua sure (BrE)
ud actual
ia peculiar

Special signs

$ separates British and American pronunciations, British on the left, American on the right
/'/ shows main stress
ell shows secondary stress
[/ shows stress shift
Wey means that some speakers use /1/ and some use /2/
Veo means that some speakers use /u/ and some use /a/
/a/ means that /a/ may or may not be used
et Archive
 Short forms and labels
Short forms
adj adjective
adv adverb
n noun
phr v phrasal verb
prep preposition
pron pronoun
V verb

sb someone
sth something

Labels
_@ Words which are used only or mainly in one region or country are marked:
BrE British English
Ame American English
AusE Australian English

© Words which are used ina particular situation, or show a particular attitude:
formal a word that is suitable for formal speech or writing, but would not normally
be used in ordinary conversation
informal a word or phrase that is used in normal conversation, but may not be
suitable for use in more formal contexts, for example in writing essays or
business letters
humorous a word that is normally used in a joking way

© Words which are used in a particular context or type of language:

biblical a word that is used in the language of the Bible, and would sound
old-fashioned to a modern speaker
law a word with a technical meaning used by lawyers, in legal documents etc
literary a word used mainly in English literature, and not in normal speech or writing
medical a word or phrase that is more likely to be used by doctors than by ordinary
people, and that often has a more common equivalent
not polite a word or phrase that is considered rude, and that might offend some people
old-fashioned a word that was commonly used in the past, but would sound
old-fashioned today
old use a word used in earlier centuries
spoken a word or phrase used only, or nearly always, in conversation
taboo a word that should not be used because it is very rude or offensive
technical a word used by doctors, scientists and other specialists
trademark a word that is the official name of a particular product
written a word or phrase that is used only, or nearly always, in written English
Grammar codes and patterns
Grammar codes Patterns

[C] countable: a noun that has both a singular and a [+about] [+along] shows that a word can be followed
plural form: He lent me a book about photography. |Some of immediately by a particular preposition or adverb: I’m
the books were very old. worried about Rachel. | The children skipped along.

[U] uncountable: a noun that has no plural form throw sth at sb/sth shows that a verb can be followed
and refers to something that cannot be counted: the by an object and a particular preposition: Tom threw a
importance of education |a bucket of water cushion at her.

[1] intransitive: a verb that has no object: Jack sneezed. | request that shows that a word can be followed by a
House prices are rising. clause beginning with ‘that’: He requested that his name be
removed from the list of candidates.
{T] transitive: a verb that is followed by an object, which
can be either a noun phrase or a clause: | love chocolate. | surprised (that) or tell sb (that) shows that a word can
She said she was too busy. | |remember going on holiday be followed by a clause beginning with ‘that’, or the word
there. ‘that’ can be left out: |’m surprised you didn’t know that. |
Bill told me you were here.
[singular] a noun that is used only in the singular,
and has no plural form: The room has a modern feel. |a decide who/what/whether etc or ask (sb) who/what/
sprinkling of snow where etc shows that a word can be followed by a clause
beginning with a word such as ‘who’, ‘what’, ‘whether’ or
[plural] a noun that is used only in the plural, and has no
‘where’: | can’t decide what to do. | |asked her what she
singular form: His clothes were soaking wet. | Those are my
meant. |I'm not sure where James is.
scissors.
try to do sth or order sb to do sth shows that a word
[linking verb] a verb that is followed by a noun or
can be followed by an infinitive: Try to forget about it. |He
adjective complement that describes the subject of the
ordered them to leave. |He’s sure to win.
verb: | felt very tired. |Her father is a doctor. | Your dinner's
getting cold. help do sth or see sb/sth do sth shows that a verb can
be followed by an infinitive without ‘to’: This can help
[always + adv/prep] shows that a verb must be
prevent infection. |Did anyone see them leave?
followed by an adverb or a preposition: She went upstairs. |
Robert put the letter in his briefcase. enjoy doing sth or hear sb doing sth shows that a verb
can be followed by a present participle: | enjoy meeting
[not in progressive] shows that a verb is not used in the
new people. |Peter could hear them laughing.
progressive form, that is, the -ing form after ‘be’: /admire
his work. (not | am admiring his work) | |don’t know where bring sb sth shows that a verb can be followed by an
it is. indirect object and then a direct object: Could you bring us
the bill? |Let me buy you a drink.
[no comparative] shows that an adjective is not used in
the comparative or superlative form, that is, not with -er
and -est, or ‘more’ and ‘most’: He played a key role in the
negotiations.

[only before noun] shows that an adjective can be used

only before a noun: the main reason for her visit |You poor
thing!

[not before noun] shows that an adjective cannot be

used before a noun: | don’t even know ifhe’s still alive. |I’m
glad you're here.
[only after noun] shows that an adjective is used only
immediately after a noun: some matters to be discussed
before the meeting proper

[sentence adverb] shows that an adverb modifies a

whole sentence: Fortunately no one was hurt.

[+adj/adv] shows that an adverb of degree is used

before adjectives and adverbs: The room was very dark. |
We've got to act fairly quickly.
[also + plural verb BrE] shows that a group noun can
take a plural verb in British English: The team are feeling
confident.
Dictionary
of Contemporary
English

PEARSON

1
Royateavak-val
Pearson Education Limited
Edinburgh Gate
Harlow
Essex CM20 2JE
England
and associated Companies throughout the world

© Pearson Education Limited, 1978, 2009

All rights reserved; no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in
a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic,
mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior
written permission of the publishers.

First published 1978

Second edition 1987
Third edition 1995
Fourth edition 2003
Fourth edition with Writing Assistant 2005
Fifth edition 2009

Words that the editors have reason to believe constitute trademarks

have been described as such. However, neither the presence nor the
absence of such a description should be regarded as affecting the
legal status of any trademark.
All trademarks used. herein are the property of their respective
owners. The use of any trademark in this publication does not
vest in the editors or publishers any trademark ownership rights in
such trademarks, nor does the use of such trademarks imply any
affiliation with or endorsement of this book by such owners.

ISBN 978 1 4082 15326 (Cased edition + DVD-ROM)

978 1 4082 02975 (Paper edition)
978 1 4082 15333 = (Paper edition + DVD-ROM)
978 3526516774 (German cased edition)
978 3526516781 (German paper edition)
978 3526516798 (German cased edition + DVD-ROM)
978 3 526 51680 4 (German paper edition + DVD-ROM)

Set in Whitney by Letterpart, UK

Printed in China (GCC/01)
 Contents
Pronunciation table
Short forms and labels
Grammar codes and patterns
Acknowledgements vi
Foreword vil
Introduction vill
How to use the Dictionary x
Numbers and symbols xiv

The Dictionary A-Z 1-2043

Formality in spoken and written English

Agreeing A2
Disagreeing A4
Apologizing A6
Opinions A&
Requests A10
Suggestions Al2
Hello A13
Goodbye Al4
Thank you A16

Full-page illustrations
Car 239
Clean 27,
Fruit 705
Office 12Nal
Vegetables 1947
Map of the United Kingdom 2069
Map of North America 2070
Map of Australia and New Zealand 2071

Appendices
Longman Communication 3000 2044
Longman Defining Vocabulary 2060
Irregular verbs 2067
_ Geographical names 2072
Numbers, weights, and measures 2076
Word formation 2078
Photo acknowledgements 2080
Acknowledgements
Editorial Director Corpus and DVD-ROM Design
Michael Mayor Development Eddi Edwards
Steve Crowdy Matthew Dickin
Managing Editors Johnson Banks
Trevor Satchell
Chris Fox
Andy Roberts Project and Databases
Rosalind Combley
Administrator
Editors Computational Linguist and Denise McKeough
Evadne Adrian-Vallance DVD-ROM Project Management
Karen Cleveland Marwick Allan @rsnes Network Administrator
Sheila Dignen Robert Stringer
Stephen Handorf Language Notes
Lucy Hollingworth Chris Fox Keyboarder
Elizabeth Manning Susan Jones
Michael Murphy Academic Word List
Dr Martin Stark DVD-ROM Development
Averil Coxhead Software developed by IDM, Paris
Laura Wedgeworth

Pronunciation Editor Editorial Manager Picture Research

Dinah Jackson Paola Rocchetti Sandra Hilsdon
Jack Holgarth
Proofreaders Production Editors
Joaquin Blasco Zeljka Letica Finnerty Illustrations
Lynda Carey Debora Ferrari Haines Ben Hasler (NB Illustration)
Pat Dunn Maltings Partnership
Isabel Griffiths Technical Support Manager Chris Pavely
Ruth Hillmore Peter Richardson
Ruth Noble
Trevor Satchell Mark Turner (Beehive Illustration)
Alison Sadler
Production
Project Management David Gilmour
Alan Savill Keeley Everitt

The Publishers and editorial team would like to thank the lexicographic team who worked on the Longman Dictionary
of Contemporary English (fourth edition) and the many people who have contributed advice to the making of this
latest edition, in particular the Linglex Dictionary and Corpus Advisory Committee:
Lord Quirk (Chair), Professor David Crystal, Professor Geoffrey Leech, Professor John Wells, Della Summers
The Publishers would also like to thank Professor Norbert Schmitt for his guidance during the development of the
Longman Vocabulary Trainer.

The Publishers and editors of the Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English would like to thank all of the teachers
who took part in the research for the current edition:
Monika Adamowicz, Julia Adkins, Niki Alford, Shanel Ali, Melinda Allen, Marcin Banasiak, Jamie Barnett, Fiona
Bennet, Robert Bundala, Nick Canning, Shelley Carter, Marc Challans, Jaetloon Choi, Matgorzata Chomicz, Ewa
Czwarno, Heather Daniell, Elin Davies, Kasia Downer, Magdalena Dworakowska, Krystyna Dybowska-Gtab, AliReza
Z. Ekbatani, Kate Evans, Alicja Fratczak, Emma Meade Flynn, Helen Galer, John Gallagher, Moriana Gamboa,
Thorkild Gantner, Olga Gawet, Marianna Goral, Laila Grinberga, Harriett Han, Kathleen Hargreaves, Claire Harrison,
Vanessa Harrison, Tess Hicks, Maria Hinc, Susan Holzman, Kim Hyon-hwa, Christian Ricardo Ingracio, Dorota
Jaborska-Adaszewska, Jackie Jays, Rob Julian, Maimu Kado, Kaori Kaneko, Anna Kazmierczak, Tah Eun Kim, Krystyna
Krzeminska, Mick Lammond, Pip Langley, Jerzy Laskus, Du Le Khanh, Bernadette Lingani, Sara L Marlow, Kristina
Maulina, Eve McEllinney, Tim McLeish, Vicky McWilliam, Steven Miller, Anne Morris, Antonio Mulima, Tom Neath,
Jolanta Nyczke, Joanna Odgers, Cheriere Ophelie, Daniel Orina, Sarah Perkins, Stephen Perry, Michel Pierre, Frank
Pinner, Davina Pobee, Martin Porter, Martin Poster, Tom Pritchard, Leena Punga, Jonathan Richardson, Sally Robinson,
Monika Sadowska, Katarzyna Scibor, Jane Sherlock, Misako Shimoji, Elizabeth Singleton, Tomasz Siuta, Ewa Skoczen,
Mark Smith, Katarzyna Socha, Joanna Stansfield, Anna Stepien, Simon Thomas, Luke Thompson, Alison Tiernety,
Ali Tierney, Philippa Titley, Olzhas Tolubayev, Maria Tsangaras, Emina Tuzovic, Rolf Tynan, Alison Waite, Ewa Wirth,
Arkadiusz Witecki, Cathy Yarrow, Gizem Yilmazyurt, Ewa Zalewska, Yu Zhant, Ewa Zielinska
Every effort has been made to include the names of all the teachers who took part in the research. If your name has -
been inadvertently omitted please contact us and we will be happy to insert it in a future reprint.
 vil

Foreword
Randolph Quirk
(Professor the Lord Quirk, FBA)

Young people the world over know that English is the most important single
tool they need to achieve success in their careers. This means acquiring
and retaining an active knowledge of many thousands of words in an ever
expanding, ever changing language.

This is quite a challenge - since a word may not only have several meanings
but also vitally important Cif subtle and invisible) relations with other words.
For instance, hot contrasts with cold if our topic is the weather, but with mild
if we are talking about curry. Or again, one meaning of remain is ‘stay’, but
these two verbs are not freely interchangeable: stay is far more common in
general and especially in spoken English, but remain is more common when
used with seated.

The Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English (cooce) is brilliant both

at capturing such relations between words and at presenting them to the
learner in an attractive and instantly comprehensible way that makes them
easily memorable. In this current edition, Collocation boxes present users
with over 65,000 common collocations whilst the integrated Thesaurus
explains the differences between some 18,000 synonyms and closely related
words. And as you would expect from Longman dictionaries, all of this
information is illustrated with examples taken from the Longman Corpus
Network.

Moreover, this new edition goes much further in recognising that a dictionary
is no longer just a book but needs to be fully integrated with computers
and mobile phones that are at least as much the modern learner's essential
everyday equipment as pen and paper. The accompanying DVD-ROM (for
those who have bought that edition) not only contains thousands more
collocations, synonyms, and examples, it also gives the lucky users free
access to Longman Dictionaries Online where they can find additional words
and phrases along with a wealth of interactive exercises and teaching
resources - all regularly updated so that users always have the very latest
information at their fingertips. But having access to this information and
actually learning it are two very different things - which is where the
_ Longman Vocabulary Trainer comes into play. This software is so excellently
targeted on the individual learner that it remembers errors made and takes
care that the points in question are re-tested until they are thoroughly
learned. The Longman Vocabulary Trainer can also be loaded on to a mobile
phone so that a student can do some vocabulary revision while travelling on
the bus, waiting for friends or even queuing at the check-out!

But if a dictionary is no longer just a book, it is most certainly also a book.

With this fifth edition, the .ooce lexicographers are maintaining a long
tradition of skilled analysis and definition, ever alert to the changing language
and to the changing needs of learners. Let no one forget that the Longman
name was already on the title page of Johnson's epoch-making Dictionary of
the English Language in 1755!
Introduction It is with great pleasure that we introduce you
to the fifth edition of the Longman Dictionary of
Contemporary English - or LDOCE as it has become
known. To those of you who have already used one
of the previous editions published over the past 30
years, thank you for your continued support. And
to those of you who are using LDOcE for the very
first time, welcome to the Longman family!

Here at Longman Dictionaries, our goal is to

provide students and teachers with the most
comprehensive and accurate information on the
English language whilst addressing our users’
needs. It is important that our dictionaries are
user-friendly - and in the digital age of computers,
mobile phones and the Internet, that not only
means that our dictionaries are easy to use, it
also means that the information is available ina
variety of formats so that users can access the
information whenever and wherever they need it.
The fifth edition of LDOcE is being published in a
variety of exciting new formats - on DVD-ROM,
online and on mobile phones - to ensure that we
reach as many learners of English as possible.

The starting point for any Longman dictionary

is research. Research with both students and
teachers. It is only in this way that we can keep
up-to-date with the ever-changing needs of both
groups and adapt our dictionaries accordingly.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank all
of the students and teachers, some of whom are
listed in the acknowledgements to this edition,
who gave generously of their time and ideas.
None of what we have achieved with this fifth
edition would have been possible without you.

So what is special about this fifth edition?

We have obviously retained the features that
are popular with existing users: the Longman
Communication 3000 (the 3000 most frequent
words in spoken and written English - Longman
dictionaries are still the only learners’ dictionaries
 to make this distinction), thousands of contain information on 18,000 related words
corpus-based examples, grammar and error and phrases - with an additional 30,000 on the
notes, signposts to help navigate long entries. DVD-ROM. The DVD-ROM also contains the full
(A full description of all features can be seen in contents of the Longman Language Activator - both
the 'How to use the Dictionary’ pages.) But as a separate database and integrated into the
for this fifth edition, following feedback from main dictionary.
_ existing users and new research, we have
Register
focussed on three key areas: collocation,
synonyms, and register. Being aware of the different register of closely
related words and phrases is a common problem
Collocation for learners of English. Spoken language can
Collocations - or words that are typically used sound unnatural if the words and phrases are
together - are already a key feature of the fourth too formal or high level; conversely, written
edition which has proved popular with both assignments are marked down if the language is
students and teachers. For the fifth edition, we that of spoken English. Throughout this dictionary,
have developed this feature further - transforming you will find hundreds of Register notes, focussing
it into an integrated collocations dictionary which precisely on this problem area. You will see, for
now contains over 65,000 common collocations. example, that accumulate is quite a high level
We have also included more examples to show word and native speakers of English are more
these collocations in context so that learners likely to use the phrasal verb build up in everyday
know exactly how to use them. By focussing spoken English. The two words ‘mean’ the same,
on collocational information, users are able to but the contexts in which they are used are
improve their comprehension when reading different.
and listening, and increase their fluency when
You will also find a middle section in the
speaking or writing in English. If you have bought
dictionary which groups words and phrases
an edition of the dictionary which comes with
according to their ‘function’ in the language - for
a DVD-ROM, you will find an additional 82,000
example ways in which to disagree with someone,
collocations, all with corpus-based examples.
or ways to thank someone. The words and
Synonyms phrases are contrasted with each other to show
Vocabulary building was identified as a key need which are more appropriate for written and formal
for learners of English. Some of you may already English, and which are more suited to informal
be familiar with the Longman Language Activator and spoken language.
- a dictionary that helps users to choose the right
We hope you find this fifth edition of LDOcE an
lexical item to express their ideas from a group
invaluable resource when it comes to learning,
of semantically related words and phrases. The
teaching and generally improving your English.
Longman Language Activator database was used
As always, we would welcome comments on our
as the starting point for creating the Thesaurus
work. Please email us at:
notes for this new edition. For the first time users
have a Thesaurus integrated into LDocE - making Mike,[email protected]
it easier and quicker for them to find the most [email protected]
appropriate word or phrase. The Thesaurus notes
How to use the Dictionary

Words that have more than one part of speech _| beard! gq /bied $ bird/ n [C] .)
Words that have the same spelling, but have thair that grows around a man’s chin and cheeks
different parts of speech, are listed separately and —+ moustache
given different numbers. 2 something similar to a beard, such as hair growing on
an animal's chin —bearded adj

‘beard? y [T] beard sb (in their den) to go and see

someone who has influence or authority, and tell them
what you want, why you disagree with them etc 4

Words that have more than one spelling | fa-vor-a-ble /fervarabal/ adj the American spelling of
lf a word is spelled differently in British and yal FAVOURABLE
American English, the definition and examples are /fa-vour-a:ble BrE, favorable AmE /‘fervarabal/ adj
shown at the British spelling, and there is a cross- 1 a favourable Opinion, or reaction shows that you
reference from the American spelling. think er SoreGe.or something is good or that you
If a word has more than one spelling, the different <—| agree with them: favourable film reviews | The response has
spellings are shown together at the beginning of the been overwhelmingly favorable. 2 suitable and likely to
entry. make something happen or succeed: The disease spreads
quickly under favourable conditions. | [+for/to] a financial
environment that is favorable to job creation 3 if a LOAN,
Derived words
, agreement, rate etc is favourable, the conditions of it are
Derived words are shown at the end of the entry. reasonable and not too expensive or difficult: a favourable
These are words that can easily be understood interest rate | the favorable terms of the settlement 4 mak-
if you know the meaningofthe main word. ing people like or approve of someone or something: A
Many of them end in ‘-ly’ or ‘-ness’. sat appearancemakes a favourable impression at an inter-
view. —favourably adv
a

Compound words ( gen-e-sis /'dzenssis/ n [singular] formal the beginning or

Compound words are treated like ordinary words origin of something: [+of] the genesis of the myth
and listed in alphabetical order as if there were 1 . . .
no spaceter bupneniin teen gene therapy n [U] a way of treating certain diseases
by using GENETIC ENGINEERING
ge-net-ic /dz!'nettk/ adj relating to GENES or GENETICS:
genetic defects | each person's genetic make-up | genetic
research —genetically /-kli/ adv: genetically determined
characteristics
‘genetically ‘modified (also genetically engin'eered)
adj (abbreviation GM) genetically modified foods or plants
have had their genetic structure changed so that they are
(not affected by particular diseases or harmful insects

Position of idioms and phrases (jury 8 0 /‘d3vari $ ‘dzori/ n (plural juries) [C]
Idioms and phrases are shown at the first important 1a group of often 12 ordinary people who listen to the
word of the phrase or idiom. For example the jury is details of a case in court and decide whether someone is
(still) out on sth is shown at jury. Idioms and phrases guilty or not: the members of the jury | The jury found him
are listed with the other senses of the word in not guilty. |the right to trial by jury |sit/serve on a jury (=be
frequency order. part of a jury)
2a group of people chosen to judge a competition
e jury is (still) out on sth used to say that something
has not been finally decided: Is it good value? The jury is
ee out on that. ++ GRAND JURY

Phrasal verbs ( key? v [1] 1 Am informal if you key a win for your-team,
Phrasal verbs are listed in alphabetical order after you help it win a game because you play very well: Abdul
the main verb. keyed the game with three touchdowns. 2 BrE to prepare a
If the phrasal verb has an object, this is shown as sb surface so that a covering such as paint will stick to it
(=somebody) or sth (=something). The symbol «> key sth <> in phr v to put information into a computer or
means that the object can come before or after the other machine, using buttons or a keyboard: Key in your
particle, password and press ‘Return’.
key sth to sth phr v AmE 1 to make or change a system so
that it works well with something else: The daycare hours
are keyed to the needs of working parents. 2 if the level,
price, or value of something is keyed to something else, it
is related to it and they rise and fall at the same time:
Pensions are keyed to the rate of inflation. + KEYED uP
 LEARNING MORE ABOUT A WORD

Pronunciation | cloth
3 /xlv0 $'kin:0/n .
Pronunciation is shown using the International | 1LUJ ras atpee for making things such as clothes:
Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). cotton/woollen/silk etc cloth a dress of the finest silk cloth
2[e a piece of cloth used for a particular purpose: She
lf the British and American pronunciations are _-77 mopped her face with a wet cloth. | Is there a clean cloth for
different, the British pronunciation is shown first and the table? —+ DISHCLOTH, FACECLOTH, TABLECLOTH |
the American pronunciation has a dollar sign ($) in 3 man of the cloth formal a Christian priest
front of it.
ee wae ce the.primany.-stressiO.ancsthe —=_ cloth: cap n [C] BrE a soft flat cap with a stiff pointed
secondary stress (,) are shown. piece at the front
© See inside front cover for a list of IPA symbols.

Frequency let" fi] /let/ v (past tense and past participle let,
The meanings of each word are listed in order of presént participle letting)
frequency. The most common meaning is shown } [T not in passive] to allow someone to do SOUSs
ae “thing —> permit: | can’t come out tonight - my dad won't let
; ; me. | let sb do sth Let Johnny have a go on the computer
The 3000 most common words in English - the Al now. | Some people seem to let their kids do whatever they
Longman Communication 3000 - are printed in red like. |Let me have a look at that letter. |let sb have sth (=give
letters. This shows you which are the most important something to someone) | can let you have another £10, but
words to know. E23
E23 B34 means that the word is no more. /\ Do not say ‘be let to do something’, because
one of the 1000/2000/3000 most common words let has no passive form. Use the active form, or use be
in spoken English. (2){14 [Eimeans that the word is allowed: They let me leave. | ! was allowed to leave.
one of the 1000/2000/3000 most common words ELE attow
in written English. af
© See the end of the book for further information and a Frequencies of the verb let in spoken and written English. |
full list of the Longman Communication 3000. SPOKEN
There are also graphs that give you extra information
about spoken and written frequency. | |written

T T wl al T
200 400 600 800 1000 per million
we yy
A i { preotoneee - f y
Academic words min-i-miz (also -ise BrE) /'mimimaiz/ v [T]
The label E@ indicates that aword is included in 1 uce something that is difficult, dangerous, or
the Academic Word List. These are important words unpleasant to the smallest possible amount or degree
to know if you are studying in an English-speaking [OPP] maximize: Every effort is being made to minimize civil-
environment, or if you are writing academic ian casualties. | The rail company is bringing in more trains in
assignments. an effort to minimize disruption to travellers. 2 to make
3 a: : something seem less serious or important than it really is
2 For ee ld about the saat at didi SYN] play down: We must not minimize the problem of racial
ist, go to: http://language.massey.ac.nz/staff/aw |_
discrimination. 3tomakeadocument orprogram onyour|

Register ( ne'er /nea $ ner/ adv literary never a

Labels before the definition show you if a word is =lo-,well n [Clold use a lazy useless person
used in informal, formal, spoken, literary, legal, or a ; t yes
technical English. ne-far-i-Ous /nttearios $=fer-“adj- formal evil or crimi-
nal: nefarious activities such as drug trafficking and fraud
:
Register notes give additional information about the x
formality of a word or phrase, helping you to choose pe-nul-ti-mate /pe'naltsmit, pa-/ adj [only before noun]
the most appropriate word for a particular context. not the last, but immediately before the last [SYN] last but
one —> ultimate: the penultimate chapter FEEL > LAST
© See page i for a list of the labels used.
REGISTER
© See page Al for further information about formality in
In everyday English, people usually say the next to
spoken and written English.
last or, in British English, the last but one rather than
use penultimate: the next to last chapter |the last but
one chapter BrE
1A,

American and British English police ‘constable n [Cc] BrE formal (abbreviation PC) a
This dictionary has full coverage of both American police officer of the lowest rank
and British English. If a word is only used in * mE the official police
American English, it is marked Ame. If a word is only organization in a particular area or city
used in British English, it is marked BrE,
primary , rE a school for children
lf there is another word with the same meaning in
between 5 and 11 years old in England and Wales
British or American English, it is shown after the
ary school AmE
definition.
 FINDING OUT ABOUT MEANING

The Longman Defining Vocabulary at-mo-sphere fy] ( /‘etmesfia $ -fir/ n

Definitions explain the meaning of the word in clear -—— 1[CU] the-feeling that an event or place gives you: The
simple language, using the 2000-word Longman hotel had a lovely relaxed atmosphere. | The atmosphere at
Defining Vocabulary. home was rather tense. | [tof] An atmosphere of optimism
dominated the conference,
© See the end of the book for further information about
2[U] if a place or event has atmosphere, it is interesting:
the Longman Defining Vocabulary, including a complete
The castle was centuries old and full of atmosphere. | The
list of all 2000 words.
match was lacking in atmosphere.
lf a word used in a definition is not part of the 3 the atmosphere the mixture of gases that surrounds the
Longman Defining Vocabulary, it is shown in SMALL e——_|_ Earth
CAPITAL LETTERS. 4[C] the mixture of gases that surrounds-a-PLANET
| 5[C usually singular] the air inside a room: a smoky atmos-
Xphere
h

MothTy
Signposts class" GI Mi /kla:s $ klas/n
lf a word has a lot of different meanings, signposts —I ASSNTIT a) [C] one of the groups in a society that
help to guide you quickly to the meaning you want. different types of people are divided into according to
their jobs, income, education etc: a member of the landed
class (=people who own land) — LOWER CLASS, MIDDLE
Examples
CLASS, UPPER CLASS, WORKING CLASS, —+ the chattering classes
There are thousands of useful examples, based on at CHATTER'(4) b) [U] the system in which people are
information from the Longman Corpus Network and \divided into these groups: Defining the concept of class is
the Longman Web Corpus, which will help you to hot an easy task. | The old class system is slowly disappear-
produce natural English. ing.
The Longman Corpus Network is a database of pcronents [C, also + plural verb BrE] a) a group of stu-
390 million words of written and spoken British dents who are taught together —+ classmate: in a class

aad
and American English from books, newspapers, We're in the same class for math. |Gary came top of the class
conversations, advertisements, and many other in English. |My class are going to the Lake District. by) AmE a
sources. [group of students who finished studying together in the
In addition to the Corpus, we also use the Internet | samme year —» classmate: a class reunion | the class of
to discover new words and new meanings of 1965/2001 etc (=the group of students who finished in
existing words. 1965 etc) The class of '69 spent almost as much time
protesting as learning.
3 aa «LC,U] a period of time during which
fi

FINDING OUT ABOUT GRAMMAR

Part of speech and grammar information bu-tane /‘bju:tein ] a gas stored in liquid form,
The part of speech is shown first, followed by used for eooking and heating
information about whether a word is countable,
uncountable, transitive, intransitive etc.
® See pages i and ii for lists of parts of speech and
grammar codes.

Inflections buy? J (J /bar/ v (past tense and past participle bought

Information about irregular forms of verbs, nouns, /bait $ boit/)
and adjectives is shown at the beginning of the entry. 1a) [1,7] to get something by paying money for it
[oPP]sell: Where did you buy that dress? |Ricky showed her
Grammar patterns the painting he’d bought that morning. | buy sb sth Let me
buy you a drink. | b h for sb/sth The money will be used
Common grammar patterns are shown in bold before
to ipment for the school. | buy (sth) from sb /t’s
the examples so that you can see clearly how the
word operates in a sentence.
Common prepositions are also shown in bold before
the examples. S? §]J [i determiner, pron
Grammar Notes
Grammar Notes provide detailed information about time for each ot Most of us got £4 an hour, but some
areasof grammar. received even less. | [Fof] The map covered less of the area
than I'd thought. | Flying is less of a risk than driving. | less
Common Error Notes
Common Error Notes are introduced by a warning GRAMMAR
triangle A\ and provide information about common Less, not ‘fewer’, should be used before an
mistakes that people make when using a word, based uncountable noun: Less electricity is used.
on research from the Longman Learners’ Corpus (a A\ Sometimes people use less before a plural noun,
database of over 10 million words of English written but many people think that this is incorrect, so it is
by students from around the world). better to use fewer, especially in writing: There are
fewer delays (NOT less delays).
 xiii

BUILDING VOCABULARY

Synonyms, antonyms, and related words fee-und /‘fekand, ‘fizkand/ adj formal able to produce
Synonyms (=words with the same meaning), many children, young animals, or crops—{synijfertile
antonyms (=words with the opposite meaning), and -=——fecunetity 7rkandsti/ n [U]
related words are shown after the definition. fe-male" t}63 /fimerl/ adj
1relating to women or girls{opP|male —» feminine: female
voters | Over half of the staff are female.
2 belonging to the sex that can have babies or produce
eggs [opp|male: a female spider
r
Collocation ex-tent § [i /1k'stent/ n
Collocations are words that are often used with a Ito ... extent used to say how true something is or how |
particular word. Collocations are shown in bold. = Bilve an effect or change is: to a certain extent/to some
; extent/to an extent (=partly) We all to some extent remem-_ |
lf a word has a lot of collocations, they are listed in a ber the good times and forget the bad. | | do agree with him
box at the end of the entry. fo an extent. |to a great/large extent Its success will depend
to a large extent on local attitudes. | to a lesser/greater
extent (=less or more) /t will affect farmers in Spain and to |
a lesser extent in France, | They examined the extent to which

COLLOCATIONS -MEANING 2
ADJECT
the full extent He refused to reveal the full extent of
his debts.
the actual/true extent Rescue workers stil! do not
know the true extent of the disaster.
ERBS
know/realize the extent of sth We do not yet know
the extent of the damage.
understand the extent of sth Other people didn't
seem to understand the extent of his disability.
discover/find out the extent of sth We were shocked
when we discovered the extent of the fraud.
assess/establish/determine the extent of sth We
are still trying to assess the extent of the problem.
show/reveal the extent of sth These pictures show
the extent of the devastation caused by the earthquake.
a wi

Thesaurus Notes : |broken? adj a

Thesaurus Notes explain the differences between 1 not working properly: The CD play-
words which are similar-in meaning and give er’s broken again. | Do you know how the phone got broken
examples that show how they are used differently. (=became broken)?
2 Gia in small pieces because it has been hit,
dropped etc: Mind the broken glass. | Wrap it up well so it

THESAURUS
broken something that is broken has become
separated into pieces, for example by being hit or
dropped: The floor was covered in broken glass. | This
suitcase is no good - the handle's broken.
out of order [not before noun] if a machine, especially
one used by the public, is out of order, it is not
working for a temporary period: Every phone | tried
was out of order. | The toilets were all out of order.
down [not before noun] if a computer system is down,
it is not working: The computer system was down all
afternoon, so we went home. |go down (=stop
working): The network went down at 11:00 and we lost
the whole morning's work.
there's something wrong with sth used when
saying that a car, machine etc does not work
properly and you do not know why: There's something
wrong with my car; | think it might be the battery.
sth has had it informa! used when saying that a car,
machine etc is completely broken and cannot be
repaired: I’m afraid the bike's had it.
 xiv

Numbers
.22 /twenti 'tu:/n [C] a gun that fires small bullets, used 411 /fo: wan wan $ fo:r-/ 1the telephone number you use
for hunting small animals in the US and Canada to call DIRECTORY ASSISTANCE (=a
45 /fo:ti 'farv $ forrti-/ n [C] a pistoL (=small gun) that service which helps you to find someone's number)
takes BULLETS which are .45 INCHes in DIAMETER 2 the 411 onsth Ame informal information about something:
2.1 /tu: 'wan/ n [C] the higher of the two levels of sEcoND- Let me give you the 411 on the new girl.
CLASS university degree in Britain 419 scam /fo: wan ‘natn skem $ fo:r-/n [C,U] an illegal
2.2 /tu: 'tu:/ n [C] the lower of the two levels of SECOND- way of getting money from someone by sending them an
CLASS university degree in Britain email promising that they will make a lot of money if they
3-D (also three-D) /ri: 'diz«/ adj a 3-D film or picture is INVEST in a business activity which does not really exist
made so that it appears to have length, width, and depth, 527 /farv tu: 'sevan/ (also 527 group) n [C] a group in the
and therefore the people and things in it look much more
real. 3D is short for ‘three dimensional’ —3-D n [U]: a film US that tries to influence voters but is not officially
in 3-D connected with a political party or politician
3G /ri: 'dziss/ adj 3G technology makes it possible to 911 /,nain wan 'wan/ number the telephone number you
have fast Access to the Internet and watch videos when use in the US to call the police, the FIRE SERVICE, or an
using a MOBILE PHONE. 3G is short for ‘third generation’: a AMBULANCE in an emergency
new 3G phone
999 /nain natn 'nain/ number the telephone number you
4x4 n [C] a FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE vehicle use in Britain to call the police, the FIRE SERVICE, or an
4-F /fo:r 'ef/ adj used in the US to describe someone who AMBULANCE in an emergency
is not allowed to become a member of the US military
forces because of physical, mental, or moral reasons Form 1040 /fo:m ten ‘fo:ti $ forrm-, -'forrti/n [C] a form
which people in the US use to give information to the IRS
4-H /fo:r 'ert{/ a US organization that helps young people
(Internal Revenue Service) so that their INCOME TAX can be
to be good citizens, live healthily, and develop new skills
calculated
4WD n (Cla rour-WHee prive vehicle
Form 1099 /fo:m ten natnti 'natn $ fo:rm-/ n [C] the
18-wheel-er /etti:n 'wi:la $ -ar/ n [C] AmE a very large
form which people in the US use to give information to the
TRUCK (=vehicle that carries goods on roads) which has
18 wheels, used especially for moving goods over long IRS (Internal Revenue Service) about money that they
distances have earned during the year apart from their salaries
(SALARY)
20/20 vi-sion /twenti twenti '‘vizen/n [U] the ability to
see perfectly without needing to wear glasses 1471 /wan fo: sevan ‘wan $ -foir-/ number the telephone
24-7 /twenti fa: 'sevan $ -fa:r-/ adv if something happens number you use in Britain to find out the telephone
24-7, it happens all the time, every day number of the person who most recently called you, and
AOTK /fo:r av wan ‘ker $ -ou-/ n [C] in the US, a way of the time when they made the call
saving money for your RETIREMENT that is handled through $64,000 ques-tion, the /sikstifs: @avzand dole
the company where you work 'kwestfan $ -fozr-, -dazlar-/ n the most important thing that
404 /fo:r au ‘fo: $ -ou ‘forr/ adj [not before noun] someone people want to know about something: The $64,000
who is 404 is stupid and unable to use computers or question is whether or not the rocket will take off safely.
other complicated electronic equipment used
humorously. This word comes from the usual message
which appears on the Internet when a particular page you
are searching for cannot be found.

© See page 2076 for more information on numbers.

Symbols
(@ [inemail addresses] at dash
% percent underscore: [email protected]
cals) john underscore smith at email dot com
& ampersand () (round) brackets
* — asterisk : exclamation mark
™ trademark ] square brackets
© copyright colon
# hash sign BrE, pound sign AmE 3 semicolon
\ back slash {} curly brackets, braces
/ forward slash = equals sign: 2+2=4 Two plus two equals four.
“quotation marks, inverted commas ~ does not equal
» apostrophe * multiplication sign: 2x3=6 Two times three equals six.
X cross - used to show that an answer is wrong. + plus sign: 4+1=5 Four plus one equals five.
¥ tick, check mark AmE - used to show that an minus sign: 8-2=6 Eight minus two equals six.
answer is correct. . division sign: 4+2=2 Four divided by two equals two.
. [in grammar] full stop BrE, period AmE; 2+ square root sign: V9=3 The square root of nine
[in email addresses] dot equals three.
 16 used before the names of days, months, seasons, and
events in the year to refer to a particular one: We arrived
in England on a cold wet Sunday in 1963. | |can’t remember a
Christmas like it.
( GRAMMAR: a, an
Before a word beginning with a vowel sound, use an:
an elephant |an umbrella | an obvious mistake
/\ Use an before an ‘h' that is not pronounced: an
Al a /e/n (plural A's, a's) 1 [C,U] the first letter of the hour later |an honest explanation
English alphabet 2 [C,U] the sixth note in the musical A\ Use a before a 'u' that is pronounced like ‘you’: a
SCALE Of C MAJOR or the musical KEY based on this note university |a unique opportunity
3 [C] the highest mark that a student can get in an /\ Use an before an abbreviation that is
examination or for a piece of work: | got an A in French. | pronounced with a vowel sound at the start: an SOS
Julia got straight A’s (=all A’s) in high school. + A LEVEL call |an MP3 file A
4 an A student AmE someone who regularly gets the best
marks possible for their work in school or college a=! /a/ prefix 1 in a particular condition or way: aloud |
5 [U] used to refer in a short way to one of two different alive (=living) |with nerves all a-tingle (=tingling) 2 old use
things or people. You can call the second one B: A in, to, at, or on something: abed (=in bed) | afar (=far
demands £500, B offers £100. — plan A at PLAN'(5) 6 from A away)
to B from one place to another: get/go from A to B Hiring a a=? /et, e, 3/ prefix not or without: amoral (=not moral) |
car was the best way to get from A to B. 7 from A to Z atypically (=not typically)
describing, including, or knowing everything about a sub- A* /ex 'sta: $ -'starr/ n [CU] the highest mark that a
ject: the history of art from A to Z 8 A34, A40 etc the name student can get in a GCSE examination
of a road in Britain that is smaller than a MoTORWAY, but A & E/erand ‘i:/ n (U] BrE (accident and emergency) the
larger than a B-ROAD — A-ROAD 9 [U] a common type of room or department in a hospital where people go if they
blood are injured or suddenly become ill
A? the written abbreviation of amp or amps A-1/ et 'wan/ adj old-fashioned very good or completely
a &) GJ /e; strong et/ (also an) indefinite article, deter- healthy: Everything about the resort was A-1.
miner A\3 /ex 'Oriz</ n [U] a standard size of paper, used in
1used to show that you are talking about someone or Europe and Japan. A3 paper measures 297 x 420 MILLIME-
something that has not been mentioned before, or that TRES — A4, A5
your listener does not know about: We have a problem. | BA / <1 fa:< §$ -foir</ n [U] a standard size of paper, used
There was a hole in the fence. | Suddenly they heard a loud in Europe and Japan. A4 paper measures 210 x 297
bang. — THE! MILLIMETRES — A3, AS
2 used to show that you are referring to a general type of A5 /et faiv</ n [U] a standard size of paper, used in
person or thing and not a specific person or thing: Would Europe and Japan. A5 paper measures 148 x 210 MILLIME-
you like a sandwich? | | want to train to be an engineer. |He’s TRES —+ A3, A4
a really nice man. | Take a look at this. |It needs a good clean.
AA /ex 'e1/ 1.1 (Alcoholics Anonymous) an organization
3 used before someone's family name to show that they
for ALCOHOLICS who want to stop drinking alcohol
belong to that family: One of his daughters had married a
2 the AA (Automobile Association) a British organization
Rothschild.
which provides services for people who own cars
4 one: a thousand pounds |a dozen eggs | You'll have to wait
3 LC] (Associate of Arts) a two-year college degree in the
an hour or two.
US
5 used in some phrases that say how much of something
there is: There were a lot of people at the party. | A few aard-vark /‘a:dva:k $ ‘a:rdvairk/ n [C] a large animal
weeks from now I'll be in Venice. | You have caused a great from southern Africa that has a very long nose and eats
deal of trouble. small insects
6used to mean ‘each’ when stating prices, rates, or aargh /a:x, a: $ a:rg, ar/ interjection used to show you
speeds: | get paid once a month. | The eggs cost $2 a dozen. are disappointed, hurt, or annoyed: Aargh, the lid won't
7used before singular nouns to mean all things of a close.
particular type: A square has four sides (=all squares have AB / et 'bi:/ n [U] a common type of blood
four sides). | A child needs love and affection. a-back /o'bek/ adv be taken aback (by sth) to be very
8used once before two nouns that are mentioned surprised or shocked by something: For a moment, | was
together very often: I'll fetch you a cup and saucer. | Does completely taken aback by her request.
everyone have a knife and fork?
ab:a-cus /‘ebakes/ n [C] a frame with small balls that
9 used before the -ing forms of verbs when they are used can be slid along on thick wires, used for counting and
as nouns referring to an action, event, or sound: There was
calculating
a beating of wings overhead. | Bernice became aware of a
humming that seemed to come from all around her. ab:-a-lo-ne / eballauni $ -lou-/ n [C,U] a kind of SHELLFISH
10 used before nouns that are usually UNCOUNTABLE when which is used as food and whose shell contains MOTHER-
other information about the quality, feeling etc is added OF-PEARL
by an adjective, phrase, or CLAUSE: Candidates must have a a-ban-don' [Gg /a'bendan/ v [T]
good knowledge of chemistry. 1to leave someone, especially someone you are respon-
Tl used before the name of a substance, food etc to refer sible for —+ abandoned: How could she abandon her own
to a particular type of it: Use a good cheese to make the child?
sauce. |plants that grow well in a moist soil 2to go away from a place, vehicle etc permanently,
12 used before the name of a drink to refer to a cup or especially because the situation makes it impossible for
glass of that drink: Can | get you a coffee? |Renwick went to you to stay [S¥N|leave > abandoned: We had to abandon
the bar and ordered a beer. the car and walk the rest of the way. |Fearing further attacks,
13 used before the name of a famous artist to refer to a most of the population had abandoned the city.
painting by that artist: an early Rembrandt 3to stop doing something because there are too many
14 used before a name to mean someone or something problems and it is impossible to continue: The game had
that has the same qualities as that person or thing: She to be abandoned due to bad weather. | They abandoned their
was hailed as a new Marilyn Monroe, attempt to recapture the castle. | Because of the fog they
15 used before someone's name when you do not know abandoned their idea of driving.
who they are: There is a Mr Tom Wilkins on the phone. 4 to stop having a particular idea, belief, or attitude: They
 abandon . ay 23 Sd & & = the most frequent words in spoken English

were accused of abandoning their socialist principles. | Res- Abdi'cation Crisis) the period in Britain in 1936, in which
cuers had abandoned all hope of finding any more survivors. King Edward VIII abdicated so that he could marry Wallis
5 abandon yourself to sth literary to feel an emotion so Simpson, a woman who had been divorced (DIVORCE)
strongly that you let it control you completely: She aban- ab-do-men /‘ebdaman, exb'dau- $ -dou-/ n [C]
doned herself to grief. 1the part of your body between your chest and legs
- 6abandon ship to leave a ship because it is sinking which contains your stomach, BOWELS etc 2 the end part
—abandonment n [U] of an insect's body, joined to the THORAX — see picture at
abandon? n [Uv] if someone does something with aban- INSECT —abdominal /eb'dpminal $ -'da:-/ adj: acute
don, they behave in a careless or uncontrolled way, with- abdominal pains
out thinking or caring about what they are doing: with ab-duct /ab'dakt, eb-/ v [T] to take someone away by
reckless/wild abandon They drank and smoked with reckless force [SYN] kidnap: The diplomat was abducted on his way to
abandon. the airport. —abductor n [C] —abduction /ab'dakjan, eb-/
a-ban-doned [4 /a'bendand/ adj 1an abandoned n[C,U]: child abduction —abductee /,ebdak'ti:/ n [C]
building, car, boat etc has been left by the people who
owned or used it: The car was found abandoned in Bristol. | REGISTER
the demolition of abandoned buildings 2 [only before noun] Abduct is mostly used in journalism. In everyday
an abandoned person or animal has been left completely English, people usually say kidnap: He was kidnapped
alone by the person that was looking after them on his way to the airport. j
3 literary behaving in a wild and uncontrolled way a: bed /a'bed/ adj [not before noun] old use in bed
a-base /a'bets/ v abase yourself to behave in a way that a-ber-rant /‘ebarant, a'berant/ adj formal not usual or
shows you accept that someone has complete power normal [SYN] abnormal: aberrant behaviour
over you —abasement n [U]
ab-er-ra-tion /zba'rerfan/ n [C] formal an action or
a:bashed /a'baft/ adj [not before noun] written embar- event that is very different from what usually happens or
rassed or ashamed because you have done something
what someone usually does: a temporary aberration in US
wrong or stupid [SYN] shamefaced: She looked rather
foreign policy |a mental aberration
abashed.
a:bet /a'bet/ v (abetted, abetting) [T] to help someone
a-bate /a'bert/ v [1] formal to become less strong or
do something wrong or illegal —> aid and abet at AID7(3)
decrease [SYN] subside: We waited for the storm to abate.
ab-at-toir /‘ebatwa: $ -air/ n [C] BrE a place where a-bey-ance /a'berans/ n in abeyance something such as
animals are killed for their meat [SYN] slaughterhouse a custom, rule, or system that is in abeyance is not being
used at the present time: fall into abeyance (=no longer be
a-ba-ya /a'beta/ n [C] a long black piece of clothing
used)
worn by Muslim women in some countries, which covers
the body and is usually worn with a separate head cover- ab-hor /ab'ho: $ ab'ho:r, eb-/ v (abhorred, abhorring) [T
ing — burga, chador not in progressive] formal to hate a kind of behaviour or way
of thinking, especially because you think it is morally
ab-bess /‘ebis, 'ebes/ n [C] a woman who is in charge
of a CONVENT (=a place where a group of NUNs live) wrong: | abhor discrimination of any kind. HATE
ab-bey /‘ebi/ n[C] a large church with buildings next to ab-hor-rence /ab'hprans $ -'ho:r-/ n [U] formal a deep
it where MONKs and NUNS live or used to live feeling of hatred towards something
ab-bot /‘ebat/ n [C] a man who is in charge of a ab-hor-rent /ab'horent $ -'ho:r-/ adj something that is
MONASTERY (=a place where a group of MONKs live) abhorrent is completely unacceptable because it seems
morally wrong [SYN] repugnant: [+to] The practice of killing
abbr. (also abbrev.) the written abbreviation of abbrevia-
tion animals for food is utterly abhorrent to me.
ab-bre-vi-ate /s'briviert/ v [T] to make a word or a-bide /a'bard/ v1 sb can't abide sb/sth used to say that
expression shorter by not including letters or using only someone dislikes someone or something very much: |
the first letter of each word [SYN] shorten: be abbreviated to can't abide that man - he’s so self-satisfied. 2 (past tense
sth ‘Information technology’ is usually abbreviated to ‘IT’. abode /a'baud $ a'boud/) [| always + adv/prep] old_use to
live somewhere
ab-bre-vi-at-ed /a'bri:viertid/ adj made shorter: Orders
abide by sth phr v to accept and obey a decision, rule,
were passed to the commander at the front in an abbreviated
agreement etc, even though you may not agree with it:
form.
You have to abide by the referee's decision.
ab-bre-vi-a-tion /apbri:vi'erjan/ n 1 [C] a short form of
a-bid-ing /a'baidin/ adj [only before noun] written an
a word-of expression: [+of/for] ‘Dr’ is the written abbrevia-
tion of ‘Doctor’. abiding feeling or belief continues for a long time and is
not likely to change lasting: Phil has a deep and
REGISTER abiding love for his family.
In everyday English, people usually say be short for a-bil-i-ty 4 [iy /a'bultti/ n (plural abilities)
instead of be the abbreviation of/for: W.H.O. is short 1[C] the state of being able to do something: ability to do
for ‘World Health Organization’. sth the ability to walk | The health center serves all patients,
\
2 [U] the act of abbreviating something regardless of their ability to pay.
ABC /et bit 'siz/ n1 [singular] BrE, ABCs [plural] AmE the 2[C,U] someone's level of skill at doing something: The
letters of the English alphabet as taught to children test measures your mathematical ability. | mixed ability
2 the ABC of sth BrE, the ABCs of sth AmE the basic facts classes | of high/low etc ability students of average ability |.
about a particular subject: the ABCs of your computer There are musicians of all abilities. | sb's abilities as sth He
3 (the American Broadcasting Company) one of the showed his abilities as a leader.
national television companies in the US 4 (the Australian 3 to the best of your ability as well as you can: He completed
Broadcasting Corporation) the national public television the job to the best of his ability.
company of Australia COLLOCATIONS - MEANINGS 1 & 2
ab-di-cate /‘ebdrkert/ v [1,7] 1 to give up the position of | ADJECTIVES
being king or queen: King Alfonso XIII abdicated in favour of high/low/average abilitya group of low ability pupils
his eldest son. | The king was forced to abdicate the throne. great/considerable ability He was a young man of
2 abdicate (your) responsibility formal to refuse to be great ability.
responsible for something, when you should be or were remarkable/outstanding/exceptional ability a
before: The government has largely abdicated its responsibil- writer of remarkable ability
ity in dealing with housing needs. —abdication mixed ability (=at different levels) a mixed ability
/ ebdskerfan/ n [CU] class
Ab-di-ca-tion /zbdikerfan/ the Abdication (also the uncanny ability (=an unusual ability that is difficult
 (0 (2 OS = the most frequent words in written English 3 abortive
to explain) |natural ability (a/so innate ability a-bly /‘erbli/ adv cleverly, skilfully, or well: She was ably
formal) (=an ability that you are born with) | assisted by her team of researchers.
physical/athletic ability |artistic/creative ability | ab-ne-ga-tion /zbn3'gerfan/ n [U] formal when you do
musical ability |acting ability | mental ability | not allow yourself to have or do something that you want
intellectual/academic ability |verbal/linguistic —» self-denial
ability (=language skills) |mathematical ability | ab-norm-al f@ /eb'no:mal $ -'no:r-/ adj very different —
proven ability (=that you have proved through your from usual in a way that seems strange, worrying, wrong,
achievements) or dangerous [OPP] normal: abnormal behaviour | an abnor-
VERBS mal level of cholesterol |My parents thought it was abnormal
have the ability to do sth (a/so possess the ability to for a boy to be interested in ballet. —abnormally adv: an
do sth formal) She has the ability to make people feel abnormally high pulse rate
relaxed. ab-nor-mal-i-ty / ebno:'melsti $ -nar-/ n (plural abnor-
show/demonstrate the ability to do sth a chance for malities) [C,U] an abnormal feature, especially something
candidates to demonstrate their abilities that is wrong with part of someone's body: tests that can
lack the ability to do sth detect genetic abnormalities in the foetus
ab:0, Abo /‘ebau $ -bou/ n (plural abos) [C] taboo a very
| PHRASES ~ offensive word for an Australian ABoRIGINE. Do not use
a level of ability/ability level The children were of the this word.
same age and ability level. a-board! /a'bo:d $ a'bo:rd/ prep on or onto a ship, plane,
a range of ability/ability range There is a wide range or train: They finally went aboard the plane.
of ability within the class. aboard? adv 10n or onto a ship, plane, or train: The
a test of ability/an ability test |an ability group
plane crashed, killing all 200 people aboard. | The boat
(=a group that students are taught in, based on their swayed as he stepped aboard. 2 All aboard! spoken used to
level of ability) tell passengers of a ship, bus, or train that they must get
on because it will leave soon
=ability /abr:ti/ (also -ibility) suffix makes nouns from a-bode' /a'baud $ a'boud/ n [C] 1 formal someone's
adjectives ending in -ABLE and -IBLE: manageability home - sometimes used humorously: Welcome to my
ab-ject /'‘ebdzekt/ adj 1 abject poverty/misery/failure etc humble abode. | a homeless person with no fixed abode (=no
the state of being extremely poor, unhappy, unsuccessful permanent home) 2 right of abode Jaw the right to live ina
etc 2 an abject action or expression shows that you feel country
very ashamed: an abject apology —abjectly adv abode? the past tense of ABIDE
ab-jure /ab'dzue, eb- $ -'dzur/ v [7] formal to state a-bol-ish /a'bplyf $ a'ba:-/ v [7] to officially end a law,
publicly that you will give up a particular belief or way of system etc, especially one that has existed for a long
behaving [SYN] renounce time: Slavery was abolished in the US in the 19th century.
ab-la-tive /eblaurv/ n [C usually singular] a particular ab-o-li-tiom /zbe'ltfan/ n [U] when a law or a system is
form of a noun in some languages, such as Latin or officially ended: [+of] the abolition of the death penalty
Finnish, which shows movement away or separation ab-o:li-tion-ist /zbs'iijanist/ n [C] someone who
ablaze /a'bleiz/ adj [not before noun] written 1 burn- wants to end a system or law
ing strongly with a lot of flames — blaze: Within minutes A-bomb /'er bom $ -baim/ n [C] old-fashioned an
the whole house was ablaze. | The factory had been set ATOMIC BOMB
ablaze (=made to burn). a-bom-i-na-ble /a'bominabal, -mane- $ a'ba:-/ adj
extremely unpleasant or of very bad quality [SYN] terrible:
REGISTER abominable cruelty —abominably adv: Mavis behaved
Ablaze is mostly used in journalism or in literature. In abominably.
everyday English, people usually say on fire: The
whole house was on fire.
abominable ‘snowman n [Cc] a yer!
a-bom-i-nate /s'bominert $ a'ba:-/ v [T not in progres-
2 very bright or colourful: a passing pleasure-boat, with all sive] formal to hate something very much [S¥N] abhor
its lights ablaze | [+with] Her yard was ablaze with summer a-bom-i-na-tion /aboms'nerfan $ aba:-/ n [C] some-
flowers. 3 feeling or showing strong emotion, especially one or something that is extremely offensive or unac-
anger blazing: [+with] His eyes were ablaze with fury. ceptable: Slavery was an abomination.
a-ble Gy Mi /e1bel/ adj ab-o-rig-i-nal" /eba'ridzinal</ adj 1 (also Aboriginal)
1be able to do sth a) to have the skill, strength, knowledge relating to the Australian aborigines 2 formal relating to
etc needed to do something: I’ve always wanted to be able the people or animals that have existed in a place or
to speak Japanese. b) to be in a situation in which it is country from the earliest times [SYN] indigenous
- possible for you to do something: I'd like to do more aboriginal, Aboriginal n [C] an aborigine
gardening, but | never seem able to find the time. | | haven't
ab-o:rig-i-ne, Aborigine /,eba'ridzini/ n [C] someone
been able to read that report yet.
who belongs to the race of people who have lived in
2 clever or good at doing something: one of my more able
Australia from the earliest times
students
a-bort /a'bs:t $ -s:rt/ v1 [T] to stop an activity because
sable /abal/ (also -ible) suffix [in adjectives] 1 that you it would be difficult or dangerous to continue it: The
can do something. to: washable (=it can be washed) | rescue mission had to be aborted. 2 [T] to deliberately end
unbreakable (=it cannot be broken) | loveable (=easy to a PREGNANCY when the baby is still too young to live 3 [1] if
love) 2 having a particular quality or condition: knowl- a PREGNANT woman or animal aborts, the baby is born too
edgeable (=knowing a lot) | comfortable —-ably /abli/, early and is dead when it is born [SYN] miscarry: The
~ibly suffix [in adverbs]: unbelievably disease causes pregnant animals to abort.
able-'bodied adj1 physically strong and healthy, espe- a-bor-tion /a'bayfan $ a'ba:r-/ n [C,U] a medical opera-
cially when compared with someone who is DISABLED: tion to end a PREGNANCY so that the baby is not born alive
Every able-bodied man had to fight for his country. [SYN] termination: She decided to have an abortion. | anti-
2 the able-bodied [plural] people who are able-bodied abortion campaigners
,able ‘seaman n [C] a low rank in the navy, or someone a-bor-tion-ist /a'bo:fanist $ a'borr-/ n [C] someone who
who has this rank performs abortions, especially illegally
a-blu-tions /a'blurfenz/ n [plural] formal if you perform a-bor-tive /o'bo:trv $ a'bo:r-/ adj an abortive action is
your ablutions, you wash yourself - sometimes used not successful: an abortive military coup |abortive attempt/
humorously effort an abortive attempt to reform local government
 abound | 4
a-bound /a'baund/ v [1] to exist in very large numbers:
Rumours abound as to the reasons for his resignation. |
REGISTER
Examples of this abound in her book. In written English, people usually prefer to use
approximately, as it sounds more technical: The cost
_ abound with/in sth phr v if a place, situation etc abounds
with things of a particular type, it contains a very large to taxpayers is approximately $200 billion.
number of them: The forests abound with deer, birds, and 2 BrE in many different directions within a place or in
squirrels. different parts of a place [SYN] around: People were rushing
about, trying to find the driver. | Cushions were scattered
a-bout' §] Ml /a'baut/ prep about on the chairs.
1concerning or relating to a particular subject: a book 3 near to you or in the same place as you: Is Derek about?
about politics |She said something about leaving town. | He There's a phone call for him. | Quick! Let's go while there's
lied about his age. | About that car of yours. How much are no-one about.
you selling it for? | What's he on about (=talking about)? | 4 BrE spoken existing or available now: | hope she hasn't
It's about Tommy, doctor. He’s been sick again. | Naturally, caught flu. There's a lot of it about. |She might get temporary
my mother wanted to know all about it (=all the details work, but there’s not much about.
relating to it). 5 informal almost or probably: | was about ready to leave
2 used to show why someone is angry, happy, upset etc: when somebody rang the doorbell. | ‘Have you finished?’ ‘Just
I'm really worried about Jack. |She’s upset about missing the about,’ |It’s just about the worst mistake anyone could make.
party. 6 that’s about it/all spoken a) used to tell someone that
3 in many different directions within a particular place, or you have told them everything you know: He was a quiet
in different parts of a place [SYN] around, round: We spent chap, married with kids. That's about it, really. b) used to
the whole afternoon walking about town. | Books were scat- say that there is nothing else available: There's some
tered about the room. cheese in the fridge and that’s about it.
4in the nature or character of a person or thing: There’s 7 so as to face in the opposite direction [SYN] around: He
something really strange about Liza. | What | like about the quickly turned about and walked away.
job is that it's never boring.
5 what/how about sb/sth spoken a) used to ask a question
about® adj1 be about to do sth if someone is about to do
something, or if something is about to happen, they will
that directs attention to another person or thing: What
do it or it will happen very soon: We were just about to
about Jack? We can't just leave him here. | I'm feeling
leave when Jerry arrived. | Work was about to start on a new
hungry. How about you? b) used to make a suggestion:
factory building. 2 not be about to do sth informal used to
How about a salad for lunch?
emphasize that you have no intention of doing some-
6do something about sth to do something to solve a
thing: I've never smoked in my life and I’m not about to start
problem or stop a bad situation: If we don’t do something
now. — out and about at ouT'(3), — be up and about at
about it, the problem is going to get worse. | What can be
up'(11)
done about the rising levels of pollution?
7 if an organization, a job, an activity etc is about some- about-face (also about-'turn BrE) n [C usually singular]
thing, that is its basic purpose: Leadership is all about a complete change in the way someone thinks or behaves
getting your team to co-operate.
SYN] U-turn: The administration seems to have done a com-
8 it’s all about sb/sth used to say who or what is important plete about-face on gun-control.
in a situation: It’s all about money, and who's got the most. a-bove' § [Ml /abav/ adv, prep
9 while you're about it spoken used to tell someone to do lin a higher position than something else over
something while they are doing something else because (OPP| below: Our office is above the hairdresser’s. |He had a
it would be easier to do both things at the same time: Go bruise just above his left eye. | |heard a strange noise coming
and see what's the matter, and while you're about it you can from the room above. | The great bird hovered high above our
fetch me my sweater. heads.
10 what was all that about? spoken used to ask the reason 2more than a particular number, amount, or level
for something that has just happened, especially some- below: 50 metres above sea level |above freezing/zero
one’s angry behaviour (=higher than the temperature at which water freezes)
11 literary surrounding a person or thing: Jo sensed fear and Tonight, temperatures should be just above freezing. |and/or
jealousy all about her. + be quick about it at QUICK"(5), > go above free medical care for pensioners aged 65 and above |
about your business at BUSINESS(12) Prize winners must have gained marks of 80% or above. |
The salaries we offer are well above (=much higher than)
THESAURUS average.
about used when saying what the subject of 3 to a greater degree than something else: Many employ-
something is: She’s always talking about you. | In her ers value personality above experience or qualifications. |
novels she writes about life in South Africa. | There's above all (else) (=used to say that something is more
something | wanted to ask you about. important than anything else) Max is hard-working, cheer-
on about a particular subject: a book on English ful, and above all honest. |medals awarded for bravery above
grammar | a report on poverty in rural areas and beyond the call of duty (=greater than it is your duty to
concerning/regarding formal about: Prince Saiid show) \
answered questions concerning Kuwait's future. | The 4 louder or clearer than other sounds: You can always hear
report raises a number of questions regarding food her voice above everybody else's.
safety. Shigher in rank, power, or importance below: He.
with regard to formal about - used especially when never rose above the rank of corporal. |and/or above officers
you want to start talking or writing about something: of the rank of Major and above |from above (=from people
Dear Sir, I'm writing with regard to your advertisement in higher authority) We just obey orders from above.
in The Times. 6 formal before, in the same piece of writing below:
re used in business letters and in emails to introduce As mentioned above, there is a service charge. | Write to the
the subject that you are going to write about: Re: address above for further information. :
Friday's meeting 7 not be above (doing) sth to not be too good or honest to
do something: Eileen’s not above flirting with the boss when
it suits her, :
about? & fi adv 8 be above suspicion/reproach/criticism etc to be so good
1 (also round about spoken) a little more or less than a that no one can doubt or criticize you: Even the king’s
particular number, amount, or size [SYN] roughly, closest advisers were not above suspicion.
approximately: | live about 10 miles away. |a tiny computer 9 get above yourself to think you are better or more impor-
about as big as a postcard | We left the restaurant at round tant than you really are —> over and above at OVER'(14),
about 10.30. DEEN approximate —+ be above the law at LAWc13)
EX3= words from the Academic Word List E a -absinth
above? [1H adj a) [only before noun] used in a piece of [+from] The boy absconded from a_ children's home.
writing to refer to something mentioned in an earlier part GLUES Escape 2 to secretly leave somewhere, tak-
of the same piece of writing: For the above reasons, the ing with you something that does not belong to you:
management has no choice but to close the factory. b) the [+with] He has to convince a judge that he wasn't going to
above formal something mentioned before in the same abscond with the money.
piece of writing: If none of the above applies to you, you may ab:seil /‘bseil/ v [| + down] BrE to go down a cliff or a
be able to reclaim tax. rock by sliding down a rope and pushing against the rock
above ‘board / $ .'../ adj [not before noun] honest and with your feet [Syn] rappel AmE
legal: His plans for opening a coffee shop are completely ab-sence &] (1 /‘ebsans/ n
above board. 1[C,U] when you are not in the place where people
a,bove-'mentioned adj [only before noun] formal men- expect you to be, or the time that you are away: in/during
tioned on a previous page or higher up on the same page sb's absence Ms Leighton will be in charge during my
ab-ra:ca:dab:ta /braka'debre/ interjection a word absence (=while | am away). | [+from] Her work involved
you say when you do a magic trick, which is supposed to repeated absences from home.
make it successful 2 [singular] the lack of something or the fact that it does
not exist [opp] presence: [+of] a complete absence of any
a:-brade /s'breid/ v [1,7] technical to rub something so
kind of planning | In the absence of any evidence, the police
hard that the surface becomes damaged
had to let Myers go.
a-bra-sion /a'brerzan/ n1 [C] an area on the surface of 3 absence makes the heart grow fonder used to say that
your skin that has been injured by being rubbed against being away from someone makes you like them more
something hard: She was treated for cuts and abrasions. —» leave of absence at LEAVE*(3), > conspicuous by your
2 [U] the process of rubbing a surface very hard so that it absence at CONSPICUOUS(3)
becomes damaged or disappears: extra protection against
ab-sent! /‘ebsant/ adj 1 not at work, school, a meeting
abrasion
etc, because you are sick or decide not to go
a-bra:sive! /o'bretsiv/ adj 1 rude or unkind: She was a OppP|present: [+from] students who are regularly absent
tough girl with rather an abrasive manner. 2 having a rough from school
surface, especially one that can be used to clean some-
thing or make it smooth: Smooth down with a fine abrasive REGISTER
paper. —abrasively adv In everyday English, if someone is on holiday or on a
abrasive? n [C] a rough powder or substance that you business trip, people usually say that he/she is away:
use for cleaning something or making it smooth He's away at the moment. He's gone to Hawaii.
If you want to say elssomeone is not in a particular
a-breast /o'brest/ adv 1 keep/stay abreast of sth to make place, say not there: | called in to see her but she
sure that you know all the most recent facts or informa- wasn't there.
tion about a particular subject or situation: /t’s important If you want to say that someone is not with you, say
to keep abreast of the latest developments in computers. not here: /|'m afraid he's not here at the moment. Can |
2 walk/ride etc abreast to walk, ride etc next to each other, take a message?
all facing the same way: two/three/four etc abreast (=with XX
two, three, four etc people or vehicles next to each other) 2 if someone or something is absent, they are missing or
The planes were flying four abreast. 3 level with someone not in the place where they are expected to be: absent
or something or in line with them: As the car drew abreast parent/father plans to force absent fathers to pay child
of him, Jack suddenly recognised the driver. maintenance | [+from] Local women were conspicuously
a-bridged Jaoridzd/ adj [usually before noun] an absent (=obviously not there) from the meeting.
abridged book, play etc has been made shorter but keeps 3 [only before noun] a look etc that is absent shows you are
its basic structure and meaning: The abridged edition was not paying attention to or thinking about what is happen-
published in 1988. —abridge v [T] —abridgement, abridg- ing — absently: The dull, absent look on her fnge implied
ment n [C,U] boredom.
ab-sent? /ab'sent, eb- $ eb-/ v [T] formal absent your-
a-broad §] [8 /e'bro:d $ a'broid/ adv
self (from sth) to not go to a place or take part in an event
Tin or to a foreign country: /’ve never lived abroad before. |
where people expect you to be
She often goes abroad on business. | We never travelled
abroad when we were kids. | goods imported from abroad | ab-sen-tee / zbsan'tiz</ n [C] someone who should be
The books about Harry Potter have been very popular, both at in a place or at an event but is not there
home and abroad. absentee ‘ballot n [c] AmE a process by which
2 formal if a feeling, piece of news etc is abroad, a lot of ‘people can vote before an election because they will be
people feel it or know about it: commercial secrets which away during the election
_we did not want to be spread abroad ab-sen-tee-is:m /zbsan'tiizzam/ n [U]_ regular
ab-ro-gate /‘ebragett/ v [T] formal to officially end a absence from work or school without a good reason
legal agreement, practice etc: Both governments voted to absentee ‘landlord n [Cc] someone who lives a long
abrogate the treaty. —abrogation /,ebra'getfan/ n [C,U] way away from a house or apartment which they rent to
a-brupt /a'brapt/ adj 1sudden and unexpected: an other people, and who rarely or never visits it
abrupt change of plan |come to an abrupt end/halt etc The absentee ‘vote n [C] AmE a vote which you send by
bus came to an abrupt halt. 2 seeming rude and unfriendly, post in an election because you cannot be in the place
especially because you do not waste time in friendly where you usually vote postal vote BrE
conversation: Sorry, | didn’t mean to be so abrupt.
ab:sen-ti-a /zb'sentia/ n formal in absentia when you
—abruptly adv —abruptness n [U]
are not at a court or an official meeting where a decision
abs /ebz/ n [plural] informal the muscles on your ABbo- is made about you
MEN (=stomach): exercises that improve your legs and abs
ab-sent-ly /‘ebsantli/ adv in a way that shows that you
ABS / et bi: 'es/ n [U] (anti-lock braking system) a piece are not paying attention to or thinking about what is
of equipment that makes a vehicle easier to control when happening: Laura gazed absently out of the window.
you have to stop very suddenly absent-minded adj likely to forget things, especially
ab-scess /‘ebses/ n [C] a painful swollen part of your because you are thinking about something else
skin or inside your body that has become infected and is forgetful: Grandad's been getting rather absent-minded
full of a yellowish liquid lately. —absent-mindedly adv —absent-mindedness n [U]
ab:scond /ab'skond, eb- $ eb'skaind/ v [I] formal ab:sinth, absinthe /‘ebstn0@/ n [U] a bitter green very
1to escape from a place where you are being kept: strong alcoholic drink
absolute 6 Sd &) & = the most frequent words in spoken English

ab-so:lute’ gy (H /‘ebsalu:t/ adj the machines absorbed him completely. | be absorbed in sth
1complete or total: | have absolute confidence in her. | We Judith lay on the settee, absorbed in her book.
don't know with absolute certainty that the project will 4G «6to become part of something
succeed. larger: California absorbs many of the legal immigrants to
2 [only before noun] especially BrE informal used to empha- the US. | be absorbed into sth We were soon absorbed into
size your opinion about something or someone: Some of local village life.
the stuff on TV is absolute rubbish. |How did you do that? 5 Mawes if something absorbs light,
You're an absolute genius. | That meal last night cost an heat, energy, or noise, it takes it in: Darker surfaces absorb
absolute fortune. heat.
3 definite and not likely to change: We need absolute proof 6 PEA «©6=SOif )}3=©9something absorbs
that he took the money. changes or costs, it accepts them and deals with them
4not restricted or limited: an absolute monarch | Parents successfully: The beer industry had absorbed a doubling of
used to have absolute power over their children. federal tax in 1991.
5 true, correct, and not changing in any situation: You 7 (NEA if something absorbs money, time etc, it
have an absolute right to refuse medical treatment. uses a lot of it: Defence spending absorbs almost 20% of the
6 in absolute terms measured by itself, not in comparison country’s wealth.
with other things: In absolute terms wages have risen, but 8 fsa to reduce the effect of a sudden violent move-
not in comparison with the cost of living. ment: A well-designed sports shoe should absorb the impact
absolute? n [Cc] something that is considered to be true on your feet.
or right in all situations: She believed in the importance of ab-sor-bent /ab'so:bent, -'zo:- $ -s:r-/ adj material that
moral absolutes, is absorbent is able to take in liquids easily
oe bs = “4 OpP|non-absorbent: absorbent kitchen paper
( ; f y
Frequencies of the adverb absolutely in spoken and ab-sorb-ing /ab'ss:bin, -z0:- $ -21r-/ adj enjoyable and
| written English. interesting, and keeping your attention for a long time: an
SPOKEN absorbing hobby FEESAULTS> INTERESTING
ab-sorp-tion /ab'so:pjan, -'zo:p- $ -o:r-/ n [U] 1a proc-
WRITTEN ess in which something takes in liquid, gas, or heat: [+of]
the body's absorption of iron 2 a process in which people or
T “Tt
Corgi
Gfate ts tpe vat things become part of something larger: [+of].the absorp-
100 200 per million
tion of Soviet immigrants into Israel 3 when you are very
This graph shows that the adverb absolutely is much more interested in something: [+with/in] | don’t understand
common in spoken English than in written English. This is because |
James’ absorption with military history.
it is used to emphasize adjectives like brilliant, stupid, fantastic etc |
in spoken English. }
ab:stain /ab'stetn/ v [|] 1 to choose not to vote for or
\ against something: Six countries voted for the change, five
ab-so-lute-ly &] (A /ebsaluttli, zbsa'lurtli/ adv voted against, and two abstained. 2 to not do or have
1completely and in every way: He made his reasons for something you enjoy, especially alcohol or sex, usually for
resigning absolutely clear. | Are you absolutely sure? | This reasons of religion or health: [+from] Pilots must abstain
cake is absolutely delicious. from alcohol for 24 hours before flying.
2 used to emphasize something: The burglars took abso- ab-ste-mi-ous /ab'sti:mias/ adj formal careful not to
lutely everything. | Jim knew absolutely nothing about the have too much food, drink etc —abstemiousness n [U]
business when he joined the firm. | He has absolutely no ab-sten-tion /ab'stenfan/ n1 [C,U] an act of not voting
experience of marketing. for or against something: The draft law was passed by 134
3 absolutely not! spoken used when you strongly disagree votes to 19, with 5 abstentions. 2 [U] formal when you do
with someone or when you do not want someone to do not do something you enjoy doing: [+from] fasting and
something: ‘Do you let your kids travel alone at night?’ abstention from intoxicating drinks
‘Absolutely not!’ ab-sti-nence /zbstinans/ n [U] the practice of not
4 absolutely! spoken used to say that you completely having something you enjoy, especially alcohol or sex,
agree with someone usually for reasons of religion or health —abstinent adj
absolute ma'jority n [singular] when a party or per- ab-stract" 2g /‘ebstrakt/ adj 1based on general ideas
son wins more than half of the total votes in an election or principles rather than specific examples or real events
absolute 'zero n [U] the lowest temperature that is [SYN] theoretical: abstract idea/concept etc the ability to
believed to be possible translate abstract ideas into words | By the age of seven,
children are capable of thinking in abstract terms. |Human
ab-so-lu-tion / zbsa'luxfan/ n [U] when someone is beings are the only creatures capable of abstract thought
formally forgiven by the Christian Church or a priest for (=thinking about ideas). 2 existing only as an idea or
the things they have done wrong: Pope Leo gave him
quality rather than as something real that you can see or
absolution.
touch concrete: the abstract nature of beauty
ab-so-lut-is«m /‘ebsaluitizam/ n [U] a political system 3 abstract paintings, designs etc consist of shapes and
in which a ruler has complete power and authority patterns that do not look like real people or things
ab-solve /ab'zolv $ -alv/ v [T] 1 to say publicly that —+ ABSTRACT NOUN
someone is not guilty or responsible for something: abstract? £@ n [Cc] 14 painting, design etc which con-
absolve sb from/of sth He cannot be absolved of all respon- tains shapes or images that do not look like real things or
sibility for the accident. 2 [often passive] if someone is people — see picture at PAINTING 2 a short written state-
absolved by the Christian Church or a priest for some- ment containing only the most important ideas in a
thing they have done wrong, they are formally forgiven speech, article etc 3 in the abstract considered in a gen-
—» absolution eral way rather than being based on specific details and
ab-sorb [ /ab'so:b, ab'zo:b $ -a:rb/ v [7] examples: Talking about crime in the abstract just isn’t
1PCMEYELS to take in liquid, gas, or another substance enough.
from the surface or space around something: Plants ab-stract? [xq /ab'straekt, eb-/ v [T] 1 to write a docu-
absorb nutrients from the soil. | absorb sth into sth Water ment containing the most important ideas or points from.
and salts are absorbed into our blood stream. a speech, article etc 2 formal to remove something from
2 CGE) to read or hear a large amount of new somewhere
information and understand it: Her capacity to absorb ab-stract-ed /ab'straktid, ab-/ adj not noticing any-
information is amazing. thing around you because you are thinking carefully
3 (EGE to interest someone so much that they do not about something else —abstractedly adv
pay attention to other things: The movement and noise of. ab-strac-tion [J /ab'strakjan, eb-/ n 1[C] a general
( (2 GS = the most frequent words in written English 7 accelerant
idea about a type of situation, thing, or person rather than a-but /e'bat/ (also abut on) v (abutted, abutting) [T]
a specific example from real life: He’s always talking in formal if one piece of land or a building abuts another, it is
abstractions. 2 [U] when you do not notice what is hap- next to it or touches one side of it > adjoin EB
pening around you because you are thinking carefully a-bys-mal /a'bizmal/ adj very bad or of bad quality ©
about something else: She rocked the baby gently, gazing in SyNjterrible' The reunion was an abysmal failure.
abstraction at the flickering fire. 3 [U] the use of shapes EC
ESL BAD —abysmally adv
and patterns that do not look like real things a-byss /e'bis/ n [C] 1a very dangerous or frightening
abstract ‘noun n [Cc] a noun that names a feeling, situation: [+of] The country might plunge into the abyss of
quality, or state rather than an object, animal, or person. economic ruin. | At that time Bosnia was standing on the
For example, ‘hunger’ and ‘beauty’ are abstract nouns. edge of an abyss. 2 a deep empty hole in the ground
ab-struse /ab'struss, eb-/ adj formal unnecessarily 3a very big difference that separates two people or
complicated and difficult to understand: Maths is a mix of groups: the gaping abyss between these grand buildings and
abstruse theory and detailed calculations. my own miserable home
ab-surd /ab's3:d, -'z3:d $ -3ird/ adj 1 completely stupid AC /et 'si:/ 1the abbreviation of alternating current
or unreasonable ridiculous: quite/slightly/completely — DC 2 the written abbreviation of air conditioning
etc absurd /t seems quite absurd to expect anyone to drive for —> AC/DC
3 hours just for a 20-minute meeting. | It seems an absurd a/C the written abbreviation of ACCOUNT'(2)
idea. STUPID 2 the absurd something that is a-Ca-cia /a'ketfa/ n [C] a tree with small yellow or white
completely stupid and unreasonable: Some of the stories flowers that grows in warm countries
he tells verge on the absurd. —absurdity n [C,U]: Duncan ac-a-deme /‘ekadiim, zke'diim/ n [U] the work that
laughed at the absurdity of the situation. university teachers and students do - often used humor-
ab-surd:ly /ab's3:dli, -'z3:d- $ -3:r-/ adv surprisingly or ously
unreasonably [SYN] ridiculously: absurdly low/high Prices ac-a-de-mi-a / zke'di:mia/ n [U] the activities and work
seem absurdly low to Western tourists. done at universities and colleges, or the teachers and
ABTA /‘bta/ (Association of British Travel Agents) an students involved in it
organization of travel agencies and holiday companies in
the UK. Members of ABTA promise to treat their custom-
ac-a-dem-ic' (1 Gg /,eke'demtk</ adj
1 [usually before noun] relating to education, especially at
ers fairly and to give them their money back if their
college or university level [OPP|non-academic: He pos-
holiday is cancelled (CANCEL).
sessed no academic qualifications. | a program to raise aca-
a-bun-danee /a'bandans/ n (singular, U] a large quantity demic standards
of something: [tof] an abundance of wavy red hair | in 2 [usually before noun] concerned with studying from
abundance One quality the team possessed in abundance books, as opposed to practical work: the study of art as an
was fighting spirit. academic discipline
a-bun-dant /a'bandant/ adj something that is abundant 3 good at studying [OPP] unacademic: He’s not very aca-
exists or is available in large quantities so that there is demic.
more than enough scarce: an abundant supply of fresh 4if a discussion about something is academic, it is a
water |abundant opportunities for well-qualified staff waste of time because the speakers cannot change the
a-bun-dant-ly /a'bandantli/ adv 1 abundantly clear very existing situation: The question of where we go on holtday is
easy to understand: She’d made her feelings towards him purely academic since we don't have any money.
abundantly clear. 2 in large quantities: Melons grow abun- —academically /-kli/ adv
dantly in this region. academic? £@ n [Cc] a teacher in a college or university
abuse’ 3 Gy /e'bjuis/ n a-cad-e-mi-cian /akeda'mifan $ ekeda-/ n [C] a mem-
1[plural, UJ cruel or violent treatment of someone: several ber of an official organization which encourages the
cases of child abuse | physical/sexual/racial abuse Many development of literature, art, science etc
children suffer racial abuse at school. | An independent academic ‘year n [C] the period of the year during
committee will look into alleged human rights abuses. which there are school or university classes
2[C,U] the use of something in a way that it should not a-cad-e-my /akedami/ n (plural academies) [C]
be used [SYN] misuse: [tof] government officials’ abuse of 1 an official organization which encourages the develop-
power |A self-monitoring tax system is clearly open to abuse ment of literature, art, science etc: the American Academy
(=able to be used wrongly). | alcohol/drug abuse (=the of Arts and Letters 2 a college where students are taught a
practice of drinking too much or taking illegal drugs) particular subject or skill: a military academy | the Royal
—> SOLVENT ABUSE Academy of Music 3 a school in Scotland for children
3 [U] rude or offensive things that someone says when between 11 and 16 4a private school in the US
they are angry: vandalism and verbal abuse directed at old 5 previously city academy in England, a state secondary
_ people | a torrent/stream of abuse (=a series of rude or school that is run with help and money from private
angry words) | shout/hurl/scream abuse at sb The other organizations or people
driver started hurling abuse at me. — a term of abuse at
a-cai berry /o'sar beri/ n [C] a small purple fruit that
TERM '(3) grows in South America and is used especially for its
a-buse? /a'bjuiz/ v [T] 1 to treat someone in a cruel and juice
violent way, often sexually: sexually/physically abused She
a cap:pel-la / & ke'pela $ a: ka-/ adj, adv sung without
was sexually abused as a child. 2 to deliberately use some-
any musical instruments
thing for the wrong purpose or for your own advantage:
Williams abused his position as Mayor to give jobs to his ACAS /etkes/ (Advisory Conciliation and Arbitration
friends. |Morris abused the trust the firm had shown in him. | Service) a British organization that tries to end disagree-
people who abuse the system | abuse alcohol/drugs The ments about pay, conditions at work etc between the
proportion of drinkers who abuse alcohol is actually quite management of a business and its workers
small. 3 to say rude or offensive things to someone accede /ak'si:d, ek-/ v
[SYN] insult: Many soldiers in Belfast are verbally abused. |He accede to sth phr v formal 1to agree to a demand,
came to the help of another driver who was being racially proposal etc, especially after first disagreeing with it
abused by three white passengers. 4 to treat something so —» accession: the doctor's refusal to accede to his patient's
badly that you start to destroy it: James abused his body request 2 if someone accedes to the THRONE, they become
for years with heroin and cocaine. —abuser n [C] king or queen — accession
a-bursive /a'bju:stv/ adj using cruel words or physical ac-cel-e-ran-do /eksela'rendav §$ -\ra:ndou/ adj, adv
violence: Smith denies using abusive language to the getting gradually faster
referee. |He became abusive and his wife was injured in the ac-cel-er-ant /ak'selarant/ n [C] formal a substance
struggle. —abusively adv —abusiveness n [U] such as petrol that makes a fire spread or burn more
accelerate 8 (XQ = words from the Academic Word List

strongly: Police suspect that an accelerant was used in the His school reports said that he is always ready to accept a
arson attack, challenge (=agree to do something difficult). | Please
ac:-cel-e-rate /ak'selarert/ v 1 [1,7] if a process acceler- accept this small gift. | They offered me a job and |
ates or if something accelerates it, it happens faster than accepted. |accept sth from sb He accepted a glass of water
usual or sooner than you expect: measures to accelerate from Helen. | He readily accepted her invitation (=accepted
the rate of economic growth 2 [1] if a vehicle or someone it quickly).
who is driving it accelerates, it starts to go faster
[opp] decelerate: The car accelerated smoothly away.
(
REGISTER
In everyday English, when talking about accepting a
ac-cel-e:ra-tion /aksela'rerjan/ n 1 [singular, U] a proc- job, accepting responsibility or blame, or accepting a
ess in which something happens more and more quickly: method of payment, people usually use take: They
[+in] an acceleration in the rate of inflation | [+of] the rapid offered me the job and | accepted. — They offered me
acceleration of economic progress in South East Asia the job and | took it.
2 [U] the rate at which a car or other vehicle can go When talking about accepting an offer, people often
faster; The latest model has excellent acceleration. say take someone up on their offer: He decided to take
3 [U] technical the rate at which the speed of an object \_her up on her offer.
increases
ac-cel-e-ra-tor /ak'selarerta $ -ar/ n [C] 1 the part of a 2BMEMLMEad ([T] to decide that there is
car or other vehicle that you press with your foot to make nothing you can do to change a difficult and unpleasant
it go faster [syN]gas pedal AmE — see picture at CAR situation or fact and continue with your normal life: He’s’
2 technical a large machine used to make extremely small not going to change, and you just have to accept it. |accept
pieces of MATTER'(3) move at extremely high speeds that We have to accept that this is not an ideal world. | You
ac-cent® /‘eksant $ 'eksent/ n [C] 1 the way someone need to accept the fact that most of your problems are caused
pronounces the words of a language, showing which by jealousy.
country or which part of a country they come from 3 Tea aad LT] to decide that some-
—» dialect: He had a strong Irish accent EXECS one has the necessary skill or intelligence for a particular
LANGUAGE2 the accent is on sth if the accent is on a job, course etc or that a piece of work is good enough
particular quality, feeling etc, special importance is given Opp] reject: Students accepted by Stanford Law School had
to it: accommodation with the accent on comfort 3 the part very high scores on the LSAT. | accept sb/sth as sth They
of a word that you should emphasize when you say it have accepted him as the representative of the company. |
[SYN] stress: [ton] /n the word ‘dinner’ the accent is on the accept sb/sth for sth Random House accepted the book for
first syllable. 4 a written mark used above or below par- publication.
ticular letters in some languages to show how to pro- 4G eae «=[T] to allow someone to
nounce that letter become part of a group, society, or organization, and to
treat them in the same way as the other members
COLLOCATIONS_ OPP] reject: accept sb as sth The children gradually began to
accept her as one of the family. | accept sb into sth /t often
have an accent The man had a Spanish accent. takes years for immigrants to be accepted into the host
speak with an accent She spoke with an accent that | community.
couldn't understand. SETEVOPTEEEE] [7] to agree to take or
pick up an accent During his stay in England, he had deal with something that someone gives you, or to say
picked up an English accent. that it is suitable or good enough: The government has
lose your accent (=no longer speak with an accent) accepted the resignation of a senior army commander. |
After five years in Europe, Ricky had lost his American Please accept my sincere apologies. |Sorry, we don’t accept
accent. traveller’s cheques.
put on an accent (=deliberately speak with a 6 Biase [T] to decide to do what someone
different accent from your usual one) When mum's suggests or advises you should do: Be prepared to accept
on the phone, she puts on a [wasn accent.
9 the advice of members of staff.
i ADJECTIVES/NOUN |+accent Ra ene
7 PIRES
EE [7] to agree that
what someone says is right or true [opp] reject: She has
a eirong/broad/thich/ pronbuneed Becant G very accepted your explanation as to why you didn’t attend the
noticeable) She spoke with a strong Scottish accent. meeting. BELIEVE
a slight/faint accent He has a very slight accent. 8 accept responsibility/blame for sth to admit that you
a French/American etc accent | a New York/ were responsible for something bad that happened: The
London etc accent |a foreign accent |a University will not accept responsibility for items lost or
southern/northern accent |a regional accent stolen.
(=from a particular area of a country) |an
upper-class/middle-class/working-class accent | ac-cept-a-ble gy [q /ak'septabal/ adj
a posh/plummy accent BrE informal (=an 1 good enough to be used for a particular purpose or to
upper-class accent) be considered satisfactory: [+to] an agreement which is
acceptable to all sides |Students who achieve an acceptable
ac-cent? /ak'sent $ 'eksent/ v [T] 1 to make something standard will progress to degree studies. |How do we reach
more noticeable so that people will pay attention to it an acceptable level of data security? [EON
[syn] highlight: Use make-up to accent your cheekbones and SATISFACTORY
eyes, 2. technical to emphasize a part of a word in speech 2 acceptable behaviour is considered to be morally or
ac-cen-ted /ak'sentid $ 'eksen-/ adj 1 spoken with a socially good enough: Alcohol is not an acceptable way out
foreign accent: He spoke heavily accented English. of your problems. | Here, the students set the standards for
2 emphasized or given special importance: accented light- acceptable behaviour. |acceptable (for sb) to do sth /t is not
ing socially acceptable for parents to leave children unattended ,
ac-cen-tu-ate /oak'sentfuert/ v [T] to make something at that age. | It is perfectly acceptable to sample the food
more noticeable: The photograph seemed to accentuate his before you buy. —acceptably adv —acceptability
large nose. EMPHASIZE —accentuation /aksepte' brlsti/ n{u]
/aksentfu'erfan/ n [C,U] ac-cept-ance /ak'septans/ n 1[U] when you officially
acceptG] Ml /ak'sept/ v agree to take something that you have been offered:
IGT ADMee) §«(LI,T] to take something that [+of] the formal acceptance of an invitation | He wrote a
someone offers you, or to agree to do something that letter of acceptance (=a letter in which you agree to accept
someone asks you to do [opp|refuse: Rick accepted her a job, university place etc) to the university. 2 [singular, U]
offer of coffee. |He accepted the invitation to stay with us. |’ when people agree that an idea, statement, explanation
 —X3 = words from the Academic Word List 9 accident
etc is right or true: [+of] the acceptance of Einstein's an accessory before/after the fact (=someone who helps a
theory |acceptance that There is still not widespread accept- criminal before or after the crime)
ance that fathers can care for children as well as mothers do. | ‘access point n [Cc] technical (written abbreviation AP) a
gain/find acceptance This management style gained accept- special piece of equipment on a computer system, which
ance in the 1980s. 3 [U] the ability to accept an unpleas- is designed to manage and control information, requests
ant situation which cannot be changed, without getting etc received from other computers that are connected to
angry or upset about it: [+of] By the end of the trial, the system without wires — wireless communication
Nicolas moved towards acceptance of his fate. 4 [U] the
process of allowing someone to become part of a group ‘access pro,vider n {C] a company that provides the
or a society and of treating them in the same way as the technical services that allow people to use the Internet,
other members: Acceptance by their peer group is important usually in exchange for a monthly payment [SYN] Internet
to most youngsters. Service Provider
ac-cept-ed /ak'septid/ adj considered right or suitable ‘access road n [C] a road which allows traffic to reach
by most people: Having more than one wife is a normal and a particular place: the access road to the farm
accepted practice in some countries. | generally/widely/ ‘access time n [C,U] technical the time taken by a
universally etc accepted generally accepted principles of fair- computer to find and use a piece of information in its
ness and justice memory
ac-cess! GO BG /‘xkses/ n [U] ac-ci-dent Gj 0 /‘zksidant/ n
ithe right to enter a place, use something, see someone 1by accident in a way that is not planned or intended
etc: [+to] Access to the papers is restricted to senior OPP| on purpose, deliberately: | met her quite by accident
management. | Cats should always have access to fresh, (=completely by accident). | The discovery was made
clean water. almost by accident. | The pilot, whether by accident or design
2 how easy or difficult it is for people to enter a public (=whether it was planned or not planned), made the plane
building, to reach a place, or talk to someone: [+for] do a sharp turn.
We're trying to improve access for disabled visitors. | [+to] a 2[C] an event in which a car, train, plane etc is damaged
villa with easy access to the sea and often someone is hurt: Over 70,000 people are seri-
3 the way you use to enter a building or reach a place: ously injured every year in road accidents. | The accident
Access is by means of a small door on the right. | [+to] happened at the junction of Forest Road and Pine Walk. | a
Access to the restrooms is through the foyer. train accident
4have access to a car/a computer etc to have a car, a
3[C] a situation in which someone is injured or some-
computer etc that you can use
thing is damaged without anyone intending them to be:
5 BrE the legal right to see and spend time with your Ken had an accident at work and had to go to hospital. | I'm
children, a prisoner, an official etc: My ex-husband has sorry about breaking the vase - it was an accident (=| did not
access to the children once a week. intend to do it). |a climbing/skiing/hunting etc accident He
6 gain/get access (to sth) to succeed in entering a place or died in a climbing accident in the Himalayas. | She was
in seeing someone or something: The police managed to injured in a freak accident (=an unusual accident) when a
gain access through an upstairs window. wall suddenly collapsed. | | had a slight accident with your
access” G3 v [7] to find information, especially on a coffee. | They lost their lives in a tragic accident.
computer: Users can access their voice mail remotely. 4[C,U] something that happens without anyone planning
access course n [C] BrE an educational course for or intending it: My third baby was an accident. | It is no
adults which prepares them for study at a university or accident that men fill most of the top jobs in nursing, while
college women remain on the lower grades. | an accident of birth/
geography/history etc (=an event or situation caused by
ac-ces:si-ble fg /ak'sesibal/ adj 1a place, building, or
chance)
object that is accessible is easy to reach or get into
5 accidents (will) happen spoken used to tell someone who
[OPP] inaccessible: The island is only accessible by boat. |
has broken something that they should not worry that it
There is a church which is easily accessible from my home.
has happened
2 easy to obtain or use: [+to] the need for a health service
6 an accident waiting to happen used about a situation in
that is accessible to all |easily/readily accessible Computers
which an accident is likely to happen because no one is
should be made readily accessible to teachers and pupils.
trying to prevent it: The boats are being left to drift; it’s an
3 someone who is accessible is easy to meet and talk to,
accident waiting to happen.
even if they are very important or powerful
approachable: / think that you'll find she’s very _COLLOCATIONS -MEANING 2
accessible. 4 a book, poem, painting etc that is accessible
is easy to understand and enjoy: [+to] He wants his music a bad/serious accident There's been a bad accident
.to be accessible to everyone. —accessibly adv on the freeway.
—accessibility /aksesa'bilsti/ n [U] a major accident News is coming in of a major rail
ac-ces-sion /ak'sefan/ n 1[U] an official process in accident.
which someone becomes king, queen, president etc a horrible/nasty/horrific accident We narrowly
—» succession: [+of] the accession of James | |accession to avoided a nasty accident.
power/to the throne (=the act of becoming king, queen, a fatal accident (=in which someone is killed) a fatal
president etc) 2 [U] formal the act of agreeing to a accident involving a bus and a cyclist
demand 3 [C] technical an object or work of art that is a minor accident (=one that is not serious) |
added to a collection of objects or paintings a road/traffic accident |a car accident (a/so an
ac-Ces-SO-rize (also -ise BrE) /ak'sesoraiz/ v [T usually automobile accident Ame formal) |a plane
passive] to add accessories to clothes, a room etc accident/an airplane accident (also a flying
accident) |a rail accident/a train accident |
ac-ces:so'ry /ak'sesari/ n (plural accessories) [C] a hit-and-run accident (=when someone is hit by
1 [usually plural] something such as a piece of equipment a driver who does not stop)
or a decoration that is not necessary, but that makes a
machine, car, room etc more useful or more attractive: FWERBS sic cutoons nce merase nia tone
bathroom accessories such as mirrors and towel-rails have an accident | had an accident on my way to
2 [usually plural] something such as a bag, belt, or jewel- work,
lery that you wear or carry because it is attractive: fashion be involved in an accident formal: Your son has been
accessories | a set of fully matching clothes and accessories involved in a car accident.
3 someone who helps a criminal, especially by helping prevent an accident Steps have been taken to prevent
them hide from the police: [+to] an accessory to murder | a similar accident happening again.
accidental 10 Gd & & =the most frequent words in spoken English

an accident happens (also an accident occurs ac-co-lade /‘ekalerd/ n [C] praise for someone who is _
formal) greatly admired, or a prize given to them for their work: °
ultimate/highest/supreme etc accolade She received a
NOU! eae Grammy Award, the highest accolade in the music business.
an accident victim One of the accident victims is still
trapped in his vehicle.
ac-com-mo-date [fq /a'komadert $ a'ka:-/ v 1[T] if a
accident rates/statistics |an accident room, building etc can accommodate a particular number
investigation/inquiry |an accident investigator of people or things, it has enough space for them: He
bought a huge house to accommodate his library. | The
ballroom can accommodate 400 people. 2 [T] to provide
the scene of an accident (=the place where it someone with a place to stay, live, or work: The island was
happened) Police were at the scene of the accident used to accommodate child refugees. 3 [T] to accept some-
within minutes. one’s opinions and try to do what they want, especially
when their opinions or needs are different from yours:
We've made every effort to accommodate your point of view.
Z\ Do not say ‘a small accident’. Say a minor 4 [|] to get used to a new situation or to make yourself do
accident. this: [+to] Her eyes took a while to accommodate to the
darkness.
THESAURUS ac-com-mo-dat-ing /a'komadertin $ a'kar-/ adj helpful
accident an event in which a vehicle is damaged and and willing to do what someone else wants
often someone is hurt: Her father died in a car awkward: an accommodating child
accident. | Hugh had an accident on his way to work. ac-com-mo-da-tion fy ( Lg /akoma'derfan $ aka:-/
crash a serious accident in which a vehicle hits n
something else: Rees-Jones was the only person to 1[U] especially BrE (also accommodations AmE) a place
survive the crash. | a car/plane/train crash for someone to stay, live, or work: The price for the holiday
collision an accident in which two or more cars, includes flights and accommodation. | living accommoda-
trains etc hit each other: His car was involved in a tions for the crews | travel and hotel accommodations |
collision with a train. |.a head-on collision (=between rented accommodation | secure accommodation for young
vehicles that are driving towards each other) offenders | Universities have to provide student accommoda-
disaster a serious accident involving a train, plane, tion for first-year students.
or boat, in which a lot of people are killed or injured:
It was Britain's worst air disaster. REGISTER
wreck AméE an accident in which a car or train is In everyday English, people usually say somewhere to
badly damaged: Ben nearly died in a car wreck. live/stay rather than accommodation: She’s trying to
pile-up an accident that involves several cars or find somewhere to live. |Have you found anywhere to
trucks: The pile-up happened in thick fog. stay yet?
2 [singular, U] formal an agreement between people or
ac-ci-den-tal /,eks!dentl</ adj happening without
groups who have different views or opinions, that satis-
being planned or intended [opp] deliberate: an accidental
fies everyone: We reached an accommodation between both
discharge of toxic waste |Buy an insurance policy that covers
parties.
accidental damage. —accidentally adv: | accidentally locked
myself out of the house. ac-com-pa-ni-ment £9 = /akkampaniment/ sn
1[C,U] music that is played in the background at the
accidental ‘death n [u] Jaw especially BrE an expres-
same time as another instrument or singer that plays or
sion used by a court when it has decided that someone's
sings the main tune: piano/orchestral/organ/guitar etc
death was caused by an accident
accompaniment He plays folk music with guitar
accident and e'mergency n [U] BrE (abbreviation A accompaniment. | to the accompaniment of sth A group of
& E) the room or department in a hospital where people children danced around to the accompaniment of drums and
go if they are injured or suddenly become ill piano. 2 [C] something that is provided or used with
emergency room AmE something else: White wine makes an excellent accompani-
‘accident prone adj more likely to have accidents than ment to fish. 3 to the accompaniment of sth while some-
other people thing else is happening or while another sound can be
acclaim! /aklerm/ v [T] to praise someone or some-
heard: They were exercising to the accompaniment of cheer-
thing publicly: His work was acclaimed by art critics. ful music. 4 [C] something that happens at the same time
as another thing
acclaim? n [U] praise for a person or their achieve-
ments: The young singer is enjoying critical acclaim (=praise
ac-com:pa-nist /a'kampanist/ n [C] someone who
by people who are paid to give their opinion on art, music plays a musical instrument while another person sings or
etc). | international/great/popular/public etc acclaim Their plays the main tune :
\

recordings have won great acclaim. ac‘com:pa:ny (2) LS /a'kampeni/ v (accompanied,

ac-claimed /a'kletmd/ adj publicly praised by a lot of accompanying, accompanies) [T]
people: highly/widely/universally acclaimed The book has 1to go somewhere with someone: Children under 14 must
been widely acclaimed by teachers and pupils. |His work was be accompanied by an adult. | Wherever her husband went,
critically acclaimed (=praised by people who are paid to she would accompany him.
give their opinion on art, music ete). REGISTER
ac-cla-ma:tion /ekla'merfan/ n 1[C,U] formal a loud In everyday English, people usually say go with or
expression of approval or welcome 2 [singular, U] formal come with someone rather than accompany someone:
the act of electing someone, using a spoken rather than Do you want me to go with you to the station? |She
written vote came with me to church.
ac-cli-ma-tize (also -ise BrE) /a'klatmataiz/ (also 2to play a musical instrument while someone sings a.
ac-cli-mate /a'klarmat $ ‘eklamert, a'klarmat/ AmE) v [1,7] song or plays the main tune: Daniel wanted Liz to accom-
to become used to a new place, situation, or type of pany him on violin.
weather, or to make someone become used to it: [+to] 3 [usually passive] to happen or exist at the same time as
Runners had to acclimatize to the humid tropical conditions. | something else: The disease is accompanied by sneezing
acclimatize yourself (to sth) | found it hard to acclimatize and fever.
myself to working at weekends. —acclimatization 4if a book, document etc accompanies something, it
/aklaimatar'zerfan $ -ta-/ n [U] comes with it: Please see accompanying booklet for
 (i (2 GS = the most frequent words in written English n account
instructions. | Your passport application form should be ac-cordi-on /a'ka:idian QNeee)
lo) le)
accompanied by two recent photographs. $ a'koir-/ (also piano accor-
ac-com:plice /a'kamplis $ a'ka:m-, a'kam-/ n [C] a per- dion BrE) n [C] a musical
son who helps someone such as a criminal to do some- instrument like a large box
thing wrong that you hold in both
hands. You play it by
ac-com:plish /a'kamplt{ $ a'ka:m-, a'kam-/ v [T] to pressing the sides together
succeed in doing something, especially after trying very and pulling them out again,
hard [SYN] achieve: We have accomplished all we set out to while you push buttons
do. | Mission accomplished (=we have done what we and KEYS. —accordionist n
intended to do). GEESAUKIE> succeeD [Cc]
ac-com-plished /a'kamplift $ a'ka:m-, a'kam-/ adj ac-cost /a'kost $ a'kp:st, [
1 an accomplished writer, painter, singer etc is very skil- a'ka:st/ v [T] written to go
ful: highly/very accomplished a highly accomplished designer towards someone you do not know and speak to them in
ELE skitFuL 2 an accomplished fact BrE something an unpleasant or threatening way: He was accosted by four
that is known to be true and cannot be doubted youths and forced to give them all his money.
ac:com:plish-ment /a'kampli{mant $ a'ka:m-, a'kam-/ account! §] My /akavnt/ n [Cc]
n 1[C]. something successful or impressive that is 1a) «<a written or spoken description that says
achieved after a lot of effort and hard work what happens in an event or process: [+of] He was too
[SYN] achievement: impressive/significant/great etc accom- shocked to give an account of what had happened. |blow-by-
plishment Cutting the budget was an_ impressive blow account (=a description of all the details of an event
accomplishment. | It was a major accomplishment for a in the order that they“-happened) a blow-by-blow account
player who had been injured so recently. 2 [U] the act of of how England lost to Portugal |Chomsky’s account of how
finishing or achieving something good: [+of] the accom- children learn their first language | eye-witness/first-hand
plishment ofpolicy goals 3 [C,U] an ability to do something account (=a description of events by someone who saw
well, or the skill involved in doing something well: Playing them) Eye-witness accounts told of the unprovoked shooting
the piano is one of her many accomplishments. of civilians. | This gives a first-hand account of the war.
ac-cord' /a'ko:d $ -2:rd/ n 1 of sb's/sth’'s own accord 2 EEO (written abbreviation a/c or acct.) an arrange-
without being asked or forced to do something: He ment in which a bank keeps your money safe so that you
decided to go of his own accord. | The door seemed to move can pay more in or take money out: My salary is paid into
of its own accord. 2 [U] formal a situation in which two my bank account. | I've opened an account with Barclay’s
people, ideas, or statements agree with each other: be in Bank. | My husband and | have a joint account (=one that is
accord with sth These results are in accord with earlier shared between two people). + BANK ACCOUNT, CHECKING
research. | in perfect/complete accord It is important to the ACCOUNT, CURRENT ACCOUNT, DEPOSIT ACCOUNT, PROFIT AND
success of any firm that its partners should be in complete LOSS ACCOUNT, SAVINGS ACCOUNT
accord. 3 [C] a formal agreement between countries or 3 take account of sth (also take sth into account) to consider
groups: the Helsinki accord on human rights 4 with one or include particular facts or details when making a
accord formal if two or more people do something with decision or judgment about something: These figures do
one accord, they do it together or at the same time: There not take account of changes in the rate of inflation.
was a silence as the women turned with one accord to stare 4 on account of sth because of something else, especially a
at Doreen. problem or difficulty: She was told to wear flat shoes, on
account of her back problem.
accord? v formal 1[T] to give someone or something 5 accounts a) [plural] an exact record of the money that a
special attention or a particular type of treatment: You company has received and the money it has spent: The
will not be accorded any special treatment. | accord sth to accounts for last year showed a profit of $2 million. b) [U] a
sth/sb Every school accords high priority to the quality of department in a company that is responsible for keeping
teaching. 2 accord with sth to match or agree with some- records of the amount of money spent and received:
thing: The punishments accorded with the current code of Eileen works in accounts.
discipline. 6 on account if you buy goods on account, you take them
ac-cord-ance /a'ko:dans $ a'kair-/ n in accordance with away with you and pay for them later
sth formal according to a rule, system etc: Article 47 may 7 TILE an arrangement that you have
only be used in accordance with international law. | Use this with a shop or company, which allows you to buy goods
product only in accordance with the manufacturer's instruc- Or use a service now and pay for them later [SVN] credit
tions. account: Can you charge this to my account please? | an
unlimited-use Internet account
’ ac-cord-ing-ly /a'ko:dinli $ a'ko:r-/ adv1 in a way that is
8 EIT) a statement that shows how much money you
suitable for a particular situation or that is based on what
owe for things you have bought from a shop [syn] bill:
someone has done or said: Katherine still considered him a
pay/settle your account (=pay what you owe) James left
child and treated him accordingly. 2 [sentence adverb] as a
the restaurant, settling his account by credit card.
result of something [SYN] therefore: Some of the laws were
OLE «an arrangement to sell
contradictory. Accordingly, measures were taken to clarify
goods and services to another company over a period of
them.
time: Our sales manager has secured several big accounts
ac cording to Gy [i prep recently.
1as shown by something or stated by someone: Accord- 10 by/from all accounts according to what a lot of people
ing to the police, his attackers beat him with a_ blunt say: It has, from all accounts, been a successful marriage.
instrument. | There is now widespread support for these Tlon sb's account if you do something on someone's
proposals, according to a recent public opinion poll. A\ Do account, you do it because you think they want you to:
not say ‘according to me’ or ‘according to my opinion/ Please don’t change your plans on my account.
point of view’. Say in my opinion: In my opinion his first 12 on your own account by yourself or for yourself: Carrie
book is much better. decided to do a little research on her own account.
2in a way that depends on differences in situations or 13 on no account/not on any account used when saying that
amounts: You will be paid according to the amount of work someone must not, for any reason, do something: On no
you do. account must you disturb me.
3 inja way that agrees with a system or plan, or obeys a _ 14 by sb’s own account according to what you have said,
“set of rules: The game will be played according to rules laid especially when you have admitted doing something
down for the 1992 Cup. | Everything went according to plan, wrong: Bentley was, by his own account, over-sensitive to
and we arrived on time. i criticism.
account 12 EX3 = words from the Academic Word List

15 on that account/on this account concerning a particular

situation: There needn't be any more worries on that (
REGISTER
account.
In everyday English, people usually say build up
16 give a good/poor account of yourself to do something or rather than accumulate: These chemicals tend to build
perform very well or very badly: Kevin gave a good account up in the soil.
of himself in today's game. ac-cu-mu-la-tive /a'kju:mjglativ $.-ler-, -la-/ adj gradu-
17 bring/call sb to account formal to force someone who is ally increasing in amount or degree over a period of time
responsible for a mistake or a crime to explain publicly [SYN| cumulative —accumulatively adv
why they did it and punish them for it if necessary: The
people responsible for the accident. have never been brought
ac-cu-mu:-la:tor /a'kju:mjglerta $ -ar/ n [C] 1 technical a
part of a computer that stores numbers 2 especially BrE a
to account.
kind of BETTING on the results of a series of horse races, by
18 put/turn sth to good account formal to use something
which any money you win from a race is bet on the next
for a good purpose: Perhaps she could put some of her
race
talents to good account by helping us.
19 of no/little account formal not important: As she grew up, accuracy Lg /‘eksrasi/ n [U] 1 the ability to do some-
her father was of no account to her. thing in an exact way without making a mistake: He
passes the ball with unerring accuracy. 2 the quality of
account? g] fav being correct or true [opP]inaccuracy: [+of] worries about
account for sth phr v
the accuracy of government statistics
1to form a particular amount or part of something: Afro-
Americans account for 12% of the US population. ac-cu-rate GQ fa Lg /‘ekjsrat/ adj
2 to be the reason why something happens [SyN] explain: 1m ~«correct and true in every detail
Recent pressure at work may account for his behavior. fopp|jinaccurate: The brochure tries to give a fair and accu-
3 to give a satisfactory explanation of why something has rate description of each hotel. | fairly/reasonably accurate
happened or why you did something [syn] explain: Can you Police believe Derek gave a reasonably accurate account of
account for your movements on that night? what happened. | not strictly/entirely/completely accurate
4 to say where all the members of a group of people or The evidence she gave to the court was not strictly accurate
things are, especially because you are worried that some (=not exactly accurate). EEE RIGHT, TRUE
of them may be lost: Three days after the earthquake, more 2aoussh «=Cmeasured or calculated correctly
than 150 people had still to be accounted for. foppjinaccurate: /t is difficult to get accurate figures on
ac-count-a-:ble /s'kauntabal/ adj [not before noun] population numbers.
responsible for the effects of your actions and willing to 3 [eye a machine that is accurate is able to do
explain or be criticized for them: [+to] The government something in an exact way without making a mistake: The
should be accountable to all the people of the country. | cutter is accurate to within % a millimetre.
[+for] Managers must be accountable for their decisions. | 4 ({GT2IN) an accurate shot, throw etc succeeds in
The hospital should be held accountable for the quality of hitting or reaching the thing that it is intended to hit: an
care it gives. —accountability /a,kaunta'brlsti/ n [U] accurate shot | accurate bowling —accurately adv: It’s
impossible to predict the weather accurately.
ac-coun-tan-cy /e'kauntansi/ n [U] BrE the profession
or work of keeping or checking financial accounts, calcu- ac-curs:ed /a'k3isid, a'kaist $ -3:r-/ adj 1 [only before
lating taxes etc noun] formal used to show that something makes you
very angry 2 old use someone who is accursed has had a
ac-coun-tant /a'kauntant/ n [C] someone whose job is
to keep and check financial accounts, calculate taxes etc
CURSE put on them
ac-coun-ting /a'kauntin/ n [U] accountancy ac-cu-sa-tion /,zkj3'zerfan/ n [C] a statement saying
that someone is guilty of a crime or of doing something
ac-cou-tre-ments /a'kurtrimants/ (also wrong: [+against] A number of serious accusations have
ac-cou-ter-ments /a'ku:tamants $ -tar-/ AmE) n [plural] been made against her. |The main accusation levelled against
formal the equipment needed for a particular activity or him was that he tried to avoid military service. | [+of] His
way of life: the stylish accoutrements of an English country administration now faces accusations of corruption. |[+that]
gentleman The organizers of the march strongly denied government
ac-cred-it-ed /a'kreditid/ adj 1 having official approval accusations that they intended to cause trouble. | Burton’s
to do something, especially because of having reached an enemies had made false accusations against him. | She's
acceptable standard: an accredited counsellor | an accred- made all sorts of wild accusations against me in the past. |
ited language school 2 if a government official is accred- They fled the country, amid accusations of corruption.
ited to another country, they are sent to that country to
officially represent their government there: the UK accred- ac-cu:sa-tive /a'kju:zatrv/ n [C] technical a form of a
ited representative —accredit v [T] —accreditation
noun in languages such as Latin or German, which shows
/akreds'terfan/ n [U]
that the noun is the DIRECT OBJECT of a verb or a PREPOSITION
—accusative adj
ac-cre-tion /a'krizjan/ n [CU] formal 1a layer of a sub-
stance which slowly forms on something 2 a gradual ac-cu:sa‘to-ry /a'kju:zatari $ -to:ri/ adj an accusatory
process by which new things are added and something remark or look from someone shows that they think you,
gradually changes or gets bigger have done something wrong
accrue /akru:/ v1 [1] if advantages accrue to you, you accuse {g /ekju:z/ v [1] to say that you believe
get those advantages over a period of time: [+to] benefits someone is guilty of a crime or of doing something bad: .
that accrue to students | [+from] advantages accruing from accuse sb of (doing) sth He was accused of murder. |Smith
the introduction of new technology 2 [|, T] if money accrues accused her of lying. |The professor stands accused of (=has
or is accrued, it gradually increases over a period of time: been accused of) stealing his student's ideas and publishing
Interest will accrue until payment is made. —accrual n [C them, —accuser n [C]
usually singular]
acct. the written abbreviation of account accuse to say that you believe that someone is guilty
ac-cu-mu-late fq /a'kju:mjslert/ v 1[T] to gradually of a crime or of doing something bad: Two women
get more and more money, possessions, knowledge etc have been accused of kidnapping a newborn baby. |Are
over a period of time: It is unjust that a privileged few you accusing me of lying?
should continue to accumulate wealth. COLLECT allege /a'ledz/ to accuse someone of doing
2 [1] to gradually increase in numbers or amount until something, although this has not been proved: He
there is a large quantity in one place: Fat tends to accumu- alleged that the other man had attacked him first.
late around the hips and thighs, —accumulation charge if the police charge someone, they officially
/akjurmjs'letfan/ n [C,U]: the accumulation of data tell that person that they are believed to be guilty of
 EX = words from the Academic Word List B acid
a crime and that they must go to court: She was ache! /erk/ v [1] 1 if part of your body aches, you feel a
charged with murder. continuous, but not very sharp pain there [SYN] hurt: His
indict AmE law to officially accuse someone of a feet were aching from standing so long. GEES ATT> Hurt
crime so that they will be judged in court under the
REGISTER
American legal system: He was indicted on charges of
fraud. In everyday English, people usually say they have a
headache, have (a) backache, have (a) stomach ache, or
have (a) toothache rather than saying that their head,
ac-cused /a'kju:zd/ n the accused [singular or plural] the back, etc aches: My head aches terribly. + | have a
person or group of people who have been officially terrible headache. }
accused of a crime or offence in a court of law
2 to want to do or have something very much: [+for] /’m
ac-cus-ing /a'kju:zin/ adj an accusing look from some-
aching for sleep. |ache to do sth He ached to reach out and
one shows that they think you have done something
hold her close. 3to have a strong unhappy feeling:
wrong —accusingly adv
[+with] Sarah ached with sadness that her brother was so
ac-cus:tom /a'kkastam/ v [T] to make yourself or ill. |Tim's heart was aching for her.
another person become used to a situation or place: ache? n [Cc] 1a continuous pain that is not sharp or very
accustom yourself to sth /t took a while for me to accustom strong: a stomach ache |A dull ache throbbed at the back of
myself to all the new rules and regulations. David's head. | aches and pains (=slight feelings of pain
ac-cus‘tomed /s'kastamd/ adj 1be accustomed to that are not considered to be serious) Apart from the usual
(doing) sth to be familiar with something and accept it as aches and pains, she felt all right. GDEGXTTE> pain
normal: We were accustomed to working together. | 2 a strong, mostly unhappy, feeling: the ache of his loneli-
become/grow/get accustomed to sth Her eyes quickly ness —achy adj: I’m feeling tired and achy.
became accustomed to the dark.
a-chieve ] (I LG /a'tfi:v/ v
REGISTER 1[T] to successfully complete something or get a good
In everyday English, people usually say be used to result, especially by working hard: Frances achieved very
instead of be accustomed to, and get used to instead good exam results. | Wilson has achieved considerable suc-
of get/become accustomed to: She's used to working cess as an artist. | She eventually achieved her goal of
with children. | It’s hard at first, but you'll get used to it. becoming a professor. SUCCEED
2 [only before noun] formal usual: The pans were, in their REGISTER
accustomed places. In everyday English, people usually say someone
AC/DC /er si: ‘di: si:/ adj informal sexually attracted to gets a result rather than achieves it: He got good
both men and women grades in his final exams.
ace” /eis/n[C] 2 [|] to be successful in a particular kind of job or activity:
1GZNMEIATT) a playing card with a single spot on it, We want all our students to achieve within their chosen
which usually has the highest value in a game: the ace of profession. —achievable adj
hearts | I've got a pair of aces. a-chieve-ment fy (4 Lg /e'tfi:vmant/ n
2 ECC «~someone who is extremely skilful at 1[C] something important that you succeed in doing by
doing something: a soccer ace |cycling ace Chris Boardman your own efforts: [+of] We try to celebrate the achieve-
3 GEQDISS a first shot in tennis or VOLLEYBALL which is ments of our students. |His great achievement is to make all
hit so well that your opponent cannot reach the ball and the players into a united team. |sb's achievement in (doing)
you win the point sth The test measures children’s achievements in reading,
4 hold the aces to have the advantages in a situation so spelling, and maths.
that you are sure to win: The Americans hold most of the 2[U] when you achieve something or when people
aces in this technology. achieve something: Roberts is researching the effect of
5 within an ace of (doing) sth very close to doing or achiev- social class on educational achievement. |As we climbed the
ing something: The team came within an ace of winning the final few metres, we felt a sense of achievement.
championship.
6 have an ace up your sleeve to have a secret advantage a-chiev-er /a'tfi:va $ -ar/ n [C] someone who is suc-
which could help you to win or be successful cessful because they are determined and work hard
7 ace in the hole AmE informal something that you keep —» underachiever, overachiever
secretly to use when you need it: That fifty dollars is my A-chil:les' heel Jakalizz ‘hisl/ n [C] a weak part of
ace in the hole. someone's character, which could cause them to fail at
ace” adj 1 ace pilot/player/skier etc someone who is a something: | think Frank’s vanity is his Achilles’ heel.
_ very skilful pilot, player etc: an ace marksman 2 BrE spoken A-chil-les ten-don /akzlizz 'tendan/ n [C] the part of
very good: The party was ace. your body that connects the muscles in the back of your
ace? y [T] 1 AmE informal to do very well in an examina- foot with the muscles of your lower leg
tion, a piece of written work etc: | aced the History test. a-choo /s't{u:/ n [C] used to represent the sound you
2 to hit your first shot in tennis or VOLLEYBALL so well that make when you SNEEZE
your opponent cannot reach the ball acid" [SB /‘esid/ n
a-cer-bic /o'ss:zbtk $ -3:r-/ adj criticizing someone or 1[C,U] a chemical substance that has a PH of less than 7.
something in a clever but cruel way [SYN] biting: acerbic wit Strong acids can burn holes in material or damage your
.—acerbity n [U] skin: sulphuric acid
ac-e-tate /‘xsitert/ n1 [U] a chemical made from acetic 2 [U] informal the drug LsD
acid 2 [U] a smooth artificial cloth used to make clothes acid? adj 1 having a sharp sour taste [SYN] bitter: a juicy
3 [C] a transparent sheet that you write or print some- apple with a slightly acid flavour 2 acid remark/comment/
thing on, and that is used with an OVERHEAD PROJECTOR tone ete an acid remark uses humour in an unkind way to
a-ce-tic ac-id /asi:ttk 'esid/ n [U] the acid in VINEGAR criticize someone: | was expecting another of his acid
remarks, but he remained silent. 3 the acid test a way of
ac-e-tone /‘zesitaun $ -toun/ n [U] a clear liquid with a finding out whether something is as good as people say it
strong smell, used for cleaning surfaces, making paint is, whether it works, or whether it is true: People ask if the
more liquid, or for making other chemical substances team is good enough. This match will be the acid test.
a-cet-y-lene /s'setilizn $ -tl-an, -i:n/ n [U] a gas which 4 technical an acid soil does not contain much Lime'@):
burns with a bright flame and is used in equipment for Blueberry bushes need a very acid soil. —acidity /a'stdsti/ n
cutting and joining pieces of metal —+ oxyacetylene [U]
 acid house 14 SJ & & = the most frequent words in spoken English

» ‘acid house n [U] a kind of dance music that is played acorn /‘etko:n § -o:rn, -arn/ n [C] the nut of the OAK tree
loudly using electronic instruments — see picture at TREE
- a-cid-ic /o'stdrk/ adj 1 very sour: Some fruit juices taste a ACOUSTIC
os bit acidic. 2 containing acid
_ a-cid-i-fy /a'stdifar/ v (acidified, acidifying, acidifies) [1,7]
technical to become an acid or make something become
an acid amplifier
‘acid jazz n [U] a type of popular music that combines
features of many other kinds of music, especially JAzz,
HIP-HOP, and SOUL
ac-id-ly /sidli/ adv if you say something acidly, you
say it in a cruel or unkind way: ‘I’m sure you're right,’ he
said acidly.
acid ‘rain n [U] rain that contains harmful acid which
can damage the environment and is caused by chemicals a-cous:tic /a'ku:sttk/ adj 1 relating to sound and the
in the air, for example from cars or factories way people hear things 2 an acoustic GUITAR or other
ac-knowl-edge gy (5) GG /akinvlidz $ -'na:-/ v [T] musical instrument does not have its sound made louder
1fyhg to admit or accept that something is true or that electronically — electric —acoustically /-kli/ adv
a situation exists: The family acknowledge the need for a-cous:tics /o'ku:sttks/ n [plural] 1 the shape and size of
change. |acknowledge that He acknowledges that when he’s a room, which affect the way sound is heard in it: The hall
tired he gets bad-tempered. | Claire acknowledged that she has excellent acoustics. 2 the scientific study of sound
was guilty. | The government must acknowledge what is ac-quaint /a'kwemt/ v [T] formal 1 acquaint yourself
happening and do something about it. | ‘Maybe you are with sth to deliberately find out about something: | need to
right,’ she acknowledged. | This is a fact that most smokers acquaint myself with the new regulations. 2 acquaint sb with
readily acknowledge. ADMIT sth to give someone information about something: You
2 CER aaeis4 [usually passive] if people need to acquaint the police with the facts.
acknowledge something, they recognize how good or ac-quaint-ance /a'kwerntans/ n
important it is: acknowledge sth as sth The film festival is 18keoT LC] someone you know, but who is not a
acknowledged as an event of international importance. | be close friend: She was a casual acquaintance of my family in
widely/generally acknowledged to be sth The mill produces Vienna. | He heard about the job through a mutual acquaint-
what is widely acknowledged to be the finest wool in the ance (=someone you and another person both know).
world. ECLELULTE> FRIEND
3 Kad «to accept that someone or
something has authority over people: Both defendants REGISTER
refused to acknowledge the authority of the court. |acknowl- In everyday English, people usually say someone |
edge sb as sth Many of the poor acknowledged him as their know rather than an acquaintance: | got the job
spiritual leader. through someone | know.
4 GEWTY to publicly announce that you are grateful for 2 (EES [singular, U] a relationship with someone
the help that someone has given you: We wish to acknowl- you know, but who is not a close friend: They developed an
edge the support of the university. acquaintance over the Internet. |You can't judge her on such
5 ekasstay
Sie ae to show someone that you have short acquaintance (=when you have not known her
noticed them or heard what they have said: Tom acknowl- long). | My uncle did not improve on further acquaintance
edged her presence by a brief glance. (=when you knew him better).
6 PNAC eid «to let someone know that 3 make sb's acquaintance formal to meet someone for the
you have received something from them: | would be first time: | should be delighted to make Mrs McGough’s
grateful if you would acknowledge receipt of this letter. acquaintance. | At the hotel, | made the acquaintance of a
ac-knowl-edge-ment eG, acknowledgment young American actor.
/ak'nolidzment $ -'na:-/ n 1 [C,U] the act of admitting or 4 (rss ~[U): formal knowledge or experience of a
accepting that something is true: [+of] We want an particular subject: [+with] The practice of a lawyer requires
acknowledgement of the existence of the problem. | acquaintance with court procedures. | have a passing/
acknowledgement that The reduction in their grant is an nodding acquaintance with sth (=have only slight know-
acknowledgement that they have been paid too much. ledge or experience of something) He has a passing
2 [singular, U] a movement of your body that shows that acquaintance with a lot of different subjects.
you have noticed someone or heard what they have 5 of your acquaintance formal a person of your acquaint-
said: Basi! nodded an acknowledgement as he entered the ance is someone that you know: The poems were written
room. | He gave her a faint smile of acknowledgement. | in by various women of her acquaintance.
acknowledgement Larsen looked over and nodded in 6 on first acquaintance formal when you meet someone for
acknowledgement. 3 [C,U] the act of publicly thanking the first time: Most people are nicer than you think on first’
someone for something they have done: in acknow- acquaintance.
ledgement of sth She received a special award in acknow- acquaintance rape n [C,U] a crime in which a per-
ledgement of all her hard work. 4 [C,U] a letter written to son forces someone they know to have sex with them
tell someone that you have received their letter, mes- [SYN] date rape :
sage etc: Do you want a written acknowledgement?
5 acknowledgements [plural] a short piece of writing at ac-quaint-ance-:ship = /a'kweintansfip/- on [U]
the beginning or end of a book in which the writer 1 your experience or knowledge of a subject 2 a slight
thanks all the people who have helped him or her friendship with someone: Sheridan had struck up an
acquaintanceship with Giles (=had met him and became :
ac-me /‘ekmi/ n the acme of sth formal the best and friendly with him).
highest level of something [SYN] pinnacle: the acme of per-
fection ac-quaint-ed /a'kweintid/ adj [not before noun] 1 if you
are acquainted with someone, you have met them a few
acme /‘ekni/ n [U] a medical problem which causes a _times but do not know them very well: [+with] Were you
lot of red spots on your face and neck and mainly affects acquainted with a friend of mine, Daniel Green? | We would
young people like to get better acquainted. 2 be acquainted with sth formal
ac-o-lyte /‘ekalart/ n [C] 1 formal someone who serves to know about something, because you have seen it, read
a leader or believes in their ideas 2 someone who helps a it, used it etc: She was well acquainted with classical litera-
priest at a religious ceremony ture.
(W (2 GH = the most frequent words in written English 15 act

ac-qui-esce /zkwi'es/ v [1] formal to do what someone ac-ro-bat-ics /zkra'bettks/ n [plural] skilful move-
else wants, or allow something to happen, even though ments of your body, for example jumping through the air
you do not really agree with it: [+in/to] Oil companies or balancing on a rope
have been accused of acquiescing in the pollution of the ac-ro-ynym /'‘ekranim/ n [C] a word made up from the
ocean. first letters of the name of something such as an organi-
ac-qui-es-cent /zkwi'esant</ adj too ready to agree zation. For example, NATO is an acronym for the North =
with someone or do what they want, without complaining Atlantic Treaty Organization.
or saying what you want to do —acquiescence n [U] a-cross §] (i /a'kros $ a'kro:s/ adv, prep
ac-quire (2 EG /a'kwate $ a'kwarr/ v [T] 1from one side of something to the other: the first flight
1 formal to obtain something by buying it or being given it: across the Atlantic | They ran straight across the road
Manning hoped to acquire valuable works of art as cheaply (=without stopping). | We'll have to swim across. | We'd
as possible. |She has acquired an email address and a site on got halfway across before Philip realized he'd left his money
the WorldWide Web. GIES suy at home. | We gazed across the valley.
2to get or gain something: The college acquired a reputa- 2 towards someone or something on the other side of an
tion for very high standards. area: There's Brendan. Why don’t you go across and say
hello? | [+to/at] The referee looked across at his linesman
REGISTER before awarding the penalty. | He walked across to where |
In everyday English, people usually say get rather was sitting.
than acquire: Where did you get that tie? | He soon got 3 used to say that something exists or reaches from one
a reputation for being unfriendly. side of an area to the other: a deep crack across the ceiling |
the only bridge across the river |Do you think this shirt is too
3 to gain knowledge or learn a skill: He spent years acquir-
tight across the shoulders? | Someone's parked right across
ing his skills as a surgeon. |Elsie acquired a good knowledge
the entrance to the driveway.
of Chinese. GEESLULI> GET
4 on the opposite side of something: My best friend lives
4 acquire a taste for sth to begin to like something: She had
across the road. | He knew that just across the border lay
acquired a taste for European beer.
freedom. | across (sth) from sb/sth Across the street from
5 an acquired taste something that people only begin to
where we're standing, you can see the old churchyard. | the
like after they have tried it a few times woman sitting across from me (=opposite me) on the train
ac-qui-si-tion [4 /ekws'zifan/ n 1[U] the process by 5 in every part of a country, organization etc: a TV series
which you gain knowledge or learn a skill: the acquisition that became popular across five continents | Teachers are
of language 2 [U] the act of getting land, power, money expected to teach a range of subjects right across the curricu-
etc: [+of] the acquisition of new sites for development lum.
3 [C] formal something that you have obtained by buying 6used to show how wide something is: ten feet/five
it or being given it: The Art Society is holding an exhibition metres etc across [he river is 2 kilometres across.
of recent acquisitions. a,cross-the-'board, across the board adj, adv affect-
ac-quis:i-tive /a'kwizitiv/ adj wanting to have and keep ing everyone or everything in a situation or organization:
a lot of possessions —acquisitiveness n [U] an across-the-board pay increase |In July everything we sell
ac-quit /a'kwit/ v (acquitted, acquitting) 1 [T usually pas- is reduced right across the board.
sive] to give a decision in a court of law that someone is a-cros-tic /a'krostik $ a'kro:-/ n [C] a poem or piece of
not guilty of a crime: All the defendants were acquitted. | writing in which the first or last letter of each line spells a
acquit sb of sth The judge directed the jury to acquit Phillips word
of the murder. 2 acquit yourself well/honourably to do a-crylic¢ /a'kriltk/ adj acrylic paints or cloth are made
something well, especially something difficult that you do from chemical substances, not natural substances
for the first time in front of other people a-cryl-ics /a'krtltks/ n [plural] acrylic paints
ac-quit-tal /akkwitl/ n [CU] an official statement in a act" Gy Oa /ekt/ n
court of law that someone is not guilty + conviction 1£X4ie@) [C] one thing that you do: The new president's
acre /‘erka $ -ar/ n [C] 1a unit for measuring area, first act should be to end the war. |a thoughtless act |act of
equal to 4,840 square yards or 4,047 square metres: (doing) sth an act of violence | her many acts of kindness |
They own 200 acres of farmland. | a 200-acre wood The act of writing a list can help to calm you down. | in the
2 acres of space/room BrE informal a large amount of act of doing sth (=at the moment that you are doing
space something) Lindsay paused in the act of putting down the
phone.
a-cre-age /‘etkarid3/ n [U] the area of a piece of land
measured in acres REGISTER
ac-rid /‘ekrid/ adj 1 an acrid smell or taste is strong and In everyday English, people usually say a
unpleasant and stings your nose or throat: a cloud of acrid thoughtless/kind/stupid etc thing to do rather than a
smoke 2 formal an acrid remark expresses anger and thoughtless/kind/stupid etc act.
criticizes someone strongly 2 [ay (also Act) [C] a law that has been officially
ac-ri-mo-ni-ous /,kr\maunias< $ -'movu-/ adj an acri- accepted by Parliament or Congress: the Housing and
monious meeting or discussion is one in which people Community Development Act of 1977 | an act of Parliament
argue alot and get very angry [syN|bitter: The meeting 3 [singular] insincere behaviour in which you
ended in an acrimonious dispute. —acrimoniously adv pretend to have a particular kind of feeling or to be a
—acrimoniousness n [U] particular kind of person: Mike played the loving husband in
ac-ri-mo-ny /'ekrsmani $ -mouni/ 1 [U] formal feelings front of the children but it was all an act. | Be natural. Don’t
of anger between people who disagree strongly and do feel you have to put on an act.
not like each other 4 get your act together informal to become more organized
and behave in a more effective way, especially in order to
ac-ro-bat /‘ekrabet/ n [C] someone who entertains achieve something: You need to get your act together if
people by doing difficult physical actions such as walking you're going to find the right house to buy.
on their hands or balancing on a high rope, especially at a 5 [C] one of the main parts into which a stage play,
CIRCUS OPERA etc is divided: | arrived at the theatre late and missed
ac-ro-bat-ic /,ekra'bettk</ adj acrobatic movements the first act. |the beginning of Act 3
involve moving your body in a very skilful way, for exam- 6 [C] a short performance on stage or
ple by jumping through the air or balancing on a rope: television by someone who plays music or tells jokes: The
They performed some amazing acrobatic feats. argument was just part of their act.
—acrobatically /-kli/ adv 7 Gages (C] a performer or a group of performers
act 16 EX3 = words from the Academic Word List

who perform together: The band is one of many acts that behaviour or actions, especially when you have been
have been booked for the concert. feeling angry or nervous: These teenagers are likely to act
8 a hard/tough etc act to follow someone who does such out their distress by running away.
an excellent job that it would be difficult for someone act up phrv
doing the same job after them to be as good: He has been 1if children act up, they behave badly: He's a tough kid and
a very successful captain and will be a hard act to follow. he acts up a lot.
9 get in on the act informal to take part in an activity that 2 if a machine or part of your body acts up, it does not
someone else has started, especially in order to get a work properly: The computer is acting up again.
share of the advantages for yourself act-ing" /‘ektin/ adj acting manager/head teacher/
10 act of God an event that is caused by natural forces, director etc someone who does an important job while the
such as a storm, flood, or fire, which you cannot prevent usual person is not there, or until a new person is chosen
or control for the job
Tl act of worship an occasion when people pray together
and show their respect for God acting? n [U] the job or skill of performing in plays and
12 balancing/juggling act a situation in which you are films — drama
trying to do several different types of work at the same
time
ac-tion’ § Ty /‘ekjan/ n
1D] ~[U] the process of doing something, espe-
13 do a disappearing/vanishing act to be impossible to find
cially in order to achieve a particular thing: The govern-
when you are needed — catch sb in the act at CATCH"3),
ment must take action (=do something) now to stop the rise
~» clean up your act at CLEAN UP(3)
in violent crime. | [ton] Environmental groups want tougher
act? §] 0 v action on pollution from cars. |She was looking forward to
1D2SOTSEEE [1] to do something in a particular way putting her ideas into action (=doing the things she had
or for a particular reason: The company acted correctly in planned). |Ambulance crews are ready to spring into action
sacking him. | The jury decided that Walker had acted in (=suddenly start doing something) if anything goes wrong
self-defence. | act to do sth The UN must act now to restore during the race.
democracy. | Politicians will only act when enough people 20220 [Cc] something that someone does: quick/
demand that they do something. swift/prompt action Her prompt actions probably saved my
life. | The child could not be held responsible for his actions
REGISTER
(=he was too young to be blamed for them). | defend/
In everyday English, people often use expressions
justify your action(s) The chief of police tried to justify his
like do the right thing or do a brave thing rather than
actions.
use act with an adverb such as correctly or bravely:
3 in action someone or something that is in action is doing
They acted correctly in telling her. + They did the right
the job or activity they are trained or designed to do:
thing in telling her.
photos of ski jumpers in action | see/watch sth/sb in action
When act is used alone to mean ‘take action’, in
I'd like to see the new computer system in action.
everyday English people usually just say do
4 out of action a) broken and not working: The photocopier
\_something: We have to do something now.
is out of action again. b) injured and unable to do anything:
2 G2ZEVG [I always + adv/prep] to behave in a particular put/keep sb out of action The injury will keep him out of
way: They acted unreasonably when they turned down Jill's action for a month.
application. | He's been acting strangely ever since his Mom Sits [vu] fighting during a war: There have been
died. | [+as if] Pip acted as if he was better than everyone reports of widespread enemy action in the area. | killed/
else. | [+like] Stop acting like a baby. | [+with] She acted wounded in action (=killed or wounded while fighting) His
with dignity. | act your age (=used to tell someone to father was killed in action in Vietnam. |530 servicemen were
behave in a more adult way, suitable for someone of their reported missing in action (=they were never seen again
age) after a battle). |The men were sent into action with little or
3 GS) [1,7] to pretend to have feelings, qualities etc no training. | He had seen action (=been involved in fight-
that are different from your true ones: When he’s angry, he ing) in Korea. WAR
acts the fool. | That guy is acting crazy. |act a part/role Stella 6fGe0§ [C,U] a legal or formal process to decide
felt unnatural in their company, as if she was acting a part. | whether someone has done something wrong: They are
[+as if/like] Why does he act as if he was stupid? threatening to take legal action against the hospital (=start a
PRETEND court case against them). | The director faces disciplinary
4 G27) [1,7] to perform in a play orfilm: ! first started action (=official action to punish him). | The matter is now
acting when | was 12 years old. |act a part/role She is acting the subject of a court action (=a court case). | The students
the role of Lady Macbeth six evenings a week. | The movie is agreed to drop their action (=decided not to continue with
very well acted. a court case or an official complaint). | The sisters brought
5 DEVE eaas [1] to have an effect or use: [tas] The a libel action against the newspaper (=started a court
padding acts as a cushion if the player falls or is hit by the case),
ball. | [+on] Disinfectants act on bacteria in two main ways. 7@Maea 4[U] a) informal exciting things that are
6 act for sb/act on sb’s behalf to represent someone, espe- happening: There hasn't been much action around here for
cially in a court of law or by doing business for them: months. | New York is where all the action is. b) an action
Makin, a solicitor, is acting for the young people in their case film has a lot of exciting scenes in it, in which people
against the county council. | | am acting on behalf of the fight, chase, and kill each other: Gibson became famous in
bank. + AcTING! action movies. |a TV action hero
act as sth phr v to do a particular job-for a short time, for 8 RIALESOa7ay
HER the action the events in
example while the usual person is absent: My brother a story, film, play etc: Most of the action takes place in San
speaks French - he can act as interpreter. Francisco. | The action opens (=starts) in a barbershop.
act on/upon sth phr v to do something because of 9 (EES [C,U] the way something moves or works: |
another person's advice or order, or because you have [+of] the action of the heart | a smooth braking action
received information or had an idea: She is acting on the 10 Gaisai [U] the effect that a substance, especially a
advice of her lawyers. | Police say they acted on information chemical, has on something: [+of] The drug blocks the
received, action of the cancer gene. |[+on/upon] the action of alcohol
act sth <> out phrv on the liver
1if a group of people act out an event, they show how it 11 action group/committee etc a group formed to change a
happened by pretending to be the people who were social or political situation - often used in names: the
involved in it: The children were acting out the story of the Child Poverty Action Group f
birth of Jesus. 12 a piece/slice of the action informal an opportunity to be
2 to express your feelings about something through your * involved in an event or activity, especially one that will be
EX4 = words from the Academic Word List _ activity
enjoyable or will make money: If you want a slice of the youngsters | She's over 80, but is still very active. | active
action, tickets may still be available. life/lifestyle My father always led a very active life. | active
13 actions speak louder than words used to say that you are mind/imagination a child with a very active imagination
judged by what you do, and not by what you say 2 (XRT) involved in an organization or activity and
14 action! used by film DIRECTORs to give the instruction to doing lots of practical things to achieve your aims: He |
begin filming: Lights, camera, action! ++ AFFIRMATIVE ACTION became politically active at college. |be active in (doing) sth
The Bureau is active in promoting overseas investment. |
cxieeaee NS
take/play an active part/role in sth Encourage students to
take an active part in discussions, |She took an active interest
He action (=do somet ing to deal with a problem in local charities. | active participation/involvement the
The government must take action to control inflation. importance of active participation by elderly people in the life
demand/call for action (=ask forcefully) Voters are of the community | We're taking active steps (=doing prac-
demanding tougher action on gun crime. tical things) to deal with the problem. | We maintain active
swing/spring/leap into action (=suddenly start links with other European universities. | active member/
doing something) |put sth into action (=start doing supporter He is an active member of the Labour Party.
something you have planned to do) 3 say 4operating in a way that is normal or
expected [oppjinactive: The virus is active even at low
temperatures.
immediate/prompt/swift action The public wants
4 fy) «doing something regularly: sexually active
immediate action to stop the terrorists.
teenagers
urgent action (=that needs to be done immediately)
5 (Hee an active VOLCANO is likely to explode at any
The Opposition called for urgent action to reduce
time: The volcano became active last year with a series of
unemployment.
eruptions.
firm/tough action We need firm action to deal with
6 (ETE an active verb or sentence has the person or
the problem.
thing doing the action as its suBJecT. In ‘The boy kicked
decisive action (=that has a big effect on the way
the ball’, the verb ‘kick’ is active + PASSIVE'(2)
something develops) |drastic action (=that has a
7 say producing a chemical reaction: nicotine, the
very severe effect) |further action |direct action
active ingredient in tobacco —actively adv: Carol was
(=that is aimed at making a government or company
actively involved in the local sports club.
do something) | political action |industrial/strike
action (=that workers take in order to protest about active? n the active the active form of a verb, for exam-
pay, working conditions etc) |joint action (=that ple ‘destroyed’ in the sentence ‘Enemy planes destroyed
two or more countries, organizations etc take the village.’ + PASSIVE?
together) active ‘service (also active 'duty) n [U] the work that
soldiers do in a war: Powell was declared unfit for active
| PHRASES a :
service. | on active service/duty More than 20,000 women
a course of action Have you d ed urse of- are on active duty.
action?
a plan of action The General outlined his plan of action ac-tiv-ist Gy /ektvist/ n [C] someone who works hard
for the campaign. doing practical things to achieve social or political
change: political/gay/animal rights etc activist —activist
action? v [7] formal to do a specific thing that needs to adj [only before noun]: activist groups
be done, especially after discussing it: How are we actually ac-tiv-i-ty Gy [a /ek'twviti/ n (plural activities)
going to action these objectives? 1[C,U] things that people do, especially in order to
ac-tion-a-ble /‘ekfanabal/ adj law if something you say achieve a particular aim: Everyone is free to engage in
or do is actionable, it is so bad or damaging that a claim peaceful political activity. | fund-raising activities | Regular
could be made against you in a court of law: His remarks physical activity helps to control your weight.
are actionable in my view. 2([C usually plural] something that you do because you
action-packed adj an action-packed film, book etc enjoy it: leisure activities |outdoor activities such as hiking or
contains a lot of exciting events climbing
‘action point n [C] something that must be done, as a 3 [U] a situation in which a lot of things are happening or
result of a meeting a lot of things are being done: The office was suddenly full
action ‘replay n [C] BrE 1 an important or exciting of frantic activity. | The farm was always a hive of activity at
‘moment in a sports game that is shown again on tele- this time of year.
vision immediately after it happens, sometimes at a _COLLOCATIONS -M
slower speed [SyNlinstant replay AmE 2 [usually singular]
'an event in your life that is very similar to one that you take part in an activi y (also participate insan
have experienced before: [+of] an action replay of the activity formal) The children were encouraged to take
week we spent in Jamaica part in several different activities.
‘action jstations 7 [plural] BrE the positions that be involved in an activity The men were involved in
people such as soldiers or the police take when they are terrorist activities.
getting ready to fight or deal with a difficult situation - do an activity He doesn't do a lot of physical activity.
often used to tell people to go to these positions: Crew,
return to action stations! | ADJECTIVES/NOUN+ activit
ac-tiv-ate /‘ektivert/ v [7] technical to make an electri- political activity Political activity is closely controlled
cal system or chemical process start working by the government.
[opp|deactivate: Cooking fumes may activate the alarm. | economic activity The current level of economic
The yeast’s growth is activated by sugar and warmth. activity will influence business confidence.
—activation / ekt3'verfan/ n [U] business/commercial activity /nternet shopping is a
rapidly developing area of business activity.
REGISTER human activity |criminal/illegal activity |terrorist
In everyday English, people usually use set off rather activity |outdoor activities |physical activity |
than activate when talking about electrical systems: mental activity |leisure activities |classroom
Someone has set off the smoke alarm again. activities |cultural ait
Ras
ac-tive’ 6 (1B /‘ektv/ adj | PHRASES
1—gy always busy doing things, especially physical or the level of activity The rae of economic amity rr
mental activities [oppjinactive: games for active increased.
 Sl & B& = the most frequent words in spoken English

actually leaving? | Labor costs have actually fallen. | ‘Disap-

col vi fe
pointed?’ ‘No, actually I'm rather glad.’
A
activity or be involved in an activity. ; Frequencies of the adverb actually in spoken and written
Do not say ‘sport activity’. Say sports activity. | English.

ac-tor [5 /‘ekta $ -ar/ n [C] someone who performs in SPOKEN

a play or film: leading/principal actor She has starred with
many leading actors. |character actor (=an actor who takes WRITTEN
unusual or interesting roles)
T Ngee
500 1000 per million

actor someone who performs in a play or film: Her This graph shows that the adverb actually is much more common in
| spoken English than in written English.
son wants to be an actor. 4,
actress a woman who performs in a play or film.
Many women prefer to be called actors rather than ac-tu-als /‘ektfualz/ n [plural] numbers that relate to
actresses: Who was the actress who played Jane Eyre? something that has actually happened, rather than what
star a famous actor: Julia Roberts is a famous was expected to happen: Mobile phone operators had
Hollywood star. | The hotel is popular with movie stars. expected monthly usage of up to 250 minutes. Actuals are
the star someone who plays the most important very different, at 100 minutes.
part in a play or film: Daniel Radcliffe is the star of the actuary /‘ektfuari $ -tfueri/ n (plural actuaries) [C]
‘Harry Potter’ films. someone whose job is to advise insurance companies on
co-star one of two or more famous actors who have how much to charge for insurance, after calculating the
important parts in a play or film: Her co-star Jodie risks —actuarial /ektfu'eorial $ -'er-/ adj
Foster won the Best Actress Award. ac:tu-ate /'ektJuert/ v [7] formal 1 be actuated by sth to
the lead the main acting part in a play or film: He behave in a particular way because of something: He was
will play the lead in a new version of ‘Dracula’. actuated by violent jealousy. 2 to make a piece of machin-
extra an actor in a film who does not say anything ery start to operate
but is part of a crowd: She started her career as an a-curi-ty /a'kjusti/ n [U] formal the ability to think, see,
extra in TV soap operas. or hear clearly: A motorist needs good visual acuity.
understudy: an actor who learns a part in a play so
acumen /‘ekj3men, a'kju:man/ n [U] the ability to think
that they can act the part if the usual actor is ill:
quickly and make good judgments: business/political/
Vanessa had flu, and her place was taken by her
financial etc acumen The firm's success is largely due to
understudy, Miss Lisa Fennell.
Brannon's commercial acumen.
ac-u-pres-sure /'ekj3,prefa $ -ar/ n [U] a treatment for
a play or : Other pain and disease that involves pressing your hands on
members of the cast include Johnny Depp and Danny particular parts of the body
DeVito. |She will head the cast (=she will have the ac-u-punc-ture /‘ekjspanktfa $ -ar/ n [U] a treatment
most important part). for pain and disease that involves pushing special needles
company a group of actors who perform plays into parts of the body: the four main acupuncture points
together: In 2006, he joined the Royal Shakespeare —acupuncturist n [C]
Company. | The play will be performed by an all-female acute /a'kjust/ adj
\_company. 1G) an acute problem is very serious: The housing
as Lote SALE,
shortage is more acute than first thought.
ac-tress /‘ektris/ n [C] a woman who performs in a SERIOUS
play or film GEESE actor 2(@gNN +an acute feeling is very strong: acute pain |
ac-tu-al Gy [1 /‘ektJual/ adj [only before noun] acute embarrassment |acute anxiety
1used to emphasize that something is real or exact: I’m 3 (MNES technical an acute illness or disease quickly
not joking. Those were his actual words. | | know Germany becomes very serious chronic: acute arthritis
won, but | can’t tell you the actual score. | Interest is only 4a5s34 acute senses such as hearing, taste, touch etc
charged on the actual amount borrowed. | In actual fact are very good and sensitive: Young children have a particu-
(=really), there is little evidence to support the allegations. larly acute sense of smell. ¥
/\ Do not use actual to mean ‘at the present time’. Use 5a quick to notice and understand things
current or present: the current (NOT actual) economic sharp: Simon's vague manner concealed an acute
policy mind. |an acute analysis of Middle Eastern politics
2 the actual sth used to introduce the most important part 6 (eas technical an acute angle is less than 90°
of an event or activity: The programme starts at 8.00 but — obtuse
the actual film doesn’t start until 8.30. 7 NSE) an acute ACCENT (=a mark used to show
ac-tu-aliety /zktfu'elsti/ n (plural actualities) formal pronunciation) is a small mark written above a vowel. In,
1[C usually plural] facts, rather than things that people ‘café’, the letter ‘e’ has an acute accent — grave, circum-
believe or imagine [SYN] realities: the grim actualities of flex —acuteness n [U]
prison life 2 [U] the state of being real or really existing: In a-cute-ly /a'kju:tli/ adv feeling or noticing something
actuality, it's much more complex than that (=used when very strongly: acutely aware/conscious (of/that) Students
talking about what a situation is really like). are becoming acutely aware that they need more than just
paper qualifications. |acutely embarrassed
ac-tura:lize (also -ise BrE) /‘ekjualaiz/ v [T] to make a
plan or wish become true [SYN] realize: Mistakes are a ad § (8 /ed/ n [C] informal an advertisement — clas-
necessary part of actualizing your vision. —actualization sified ad EULI>
PR ADVERTISEMENT :
/ ektfualar'zerfan $ -le-/ n [U] AD BrE, A.D. AmE /x 'di:/ (Anno Domini) used to show
that a date is a particular number of years after the birth
ac-tu-al-ly Gy fa /‘ektfuali, -tfali/ adv of Christ CE — BC: the first century AD |54 AD
1 [sentence adverb] spoken used to add new information to
what you have just said, to give your opinion, or to start a ad-age /‘edidz/ n [C] a well-known phrase that says
new conversation: I’ve known Barbara for years. Since we something wise about human experience [SYN] proverb:
were babies, actually. |Actually, on second thoughts, | don't the old adage that a picture is worth a thousand words
think | want to go out tonight. a:da:gi-o /a'da:dziau $ -dzou/ n (plural adagios) [C]
2 used to emphasize the real or exact truth of a situation, technical a piece of music that should be played or sung
rather than what people may think: What time are you slowly —adagio adj, adv
( [2 GS = the most frequent words in written English 19 addiction
Ad-am /‘dam/1 in the Old Testament of the Bible, the organizing it. |add a touch of glamour/class (to sth) Cham-
first man created by God. God put him in the Garden of pagne always adds a touch of glamour to the occasion. |
Eden, and created Eve, the first woman, from one of Coloured glass can be added for effect.
Adam's ribs. He was the father of Cain, Abel, and Seth. 6 add(ed) to that/this used to introduce another fact that
2 not know someone from Adam informal to not know supports your opinion: Our hospitals are short of cash. Add
someone at all to that the long hours doctors work, and you have a recipe for ~
ad-a-‘mant /‘edamant/ adj determined not to change disaster.
your opinion or a decision that you have made: She 7 add weight to sth if something adds weight to an argu-
begged me to change my mind, but | remained adamant. | ment, idea etc, it makes it stronger: add weight to the
[+that] Madonna is adamant that she will not tour this year. suggestion/idea etc Recent research adds weight to the
—adamantly adv: Britain is adamantly opposed to the new theory that the climate is changing.
directive. 8 to add insult to injury to make a bad situation worse for
Adam's ‘apple / $".. ../ n [Cc] the lump at the front of someone who has already been treated badly: She not only
your neck that moves when you talk or swallow deceived him but, to add insult to injury, allowed him to pay for
her meal.
a-dapt [q /e'dept/ v 9 add fuel to the fire/flames to make an argument or disa-
1[|,T] to gradually change your behaviour and attitudes in greement worse: Rather than providing a solution, their
order to be successful in a new situation: [+to] The statements merely added fuel to the fire.
children are finding it hard to adapt to the new school. | add sth <> in phr v to include something with something
flowers which are well adapted to harsh winters | The ability else: Don't forget to add in the cost of your time.
to adapt is a definite asset in this job. | adapt yourself/itself add sth <> on (also add sth on sth) phr v to include or put
etc (to sth) How do these insects adapt themselves to new on something extra: proposals to add a penny on income tax |
environments? [+to] The private chapel was added on to the church much
2[T] to change something to make it suitable for a later.
different purpose: adapt sth to do sth The car has been add to sth phr v to make a feeling or quality stronger and
adapted to take unleaded gas. | adapt sth for sb These more noticeable: This show will no doubt add to his growing
teaching materials can be adapted for older children. reputation.
3 [7 usually passive] if a book or play is adapted for film, add up phrv
television etc, it is changed so that it can be made into a 1to calculate the total of several numbers: | can add up in
film, television programme etc — adaptation: be adapted my head quite easily. |add sth <> up Specialized software adds
for sth Many children buy books after they have been up the statistics.
adapted for television. —adapted adj: She lives in a specially 2 not add up a) if a set of facts does not add up, it does not
adapted flat. provide a reasonable explanation for a situation: He was
a-dapt-a-ble —@ /e'deptabal/ adj [usually after noun] troubled by a feeling that things just didn’t add up. b) if sums,
able to change in order to be successful in new and numbers etc do not add up, there is a mistake in them:
different situations: The American Constitution has proved These figures don’t add up.
adaptable in changing political conditions. |[+to] The catfish 3it all adds up informal used to say that lots of small
is adaptable to a wide range of water conditions. amounts gradually make a large total: There are five of us
—adaptability /adepte'bilsti/ n [U] using the phone so it all adds up.
ad-ap-ta-tion [gy /edep'terfan/ (also a-dap-tion add up to sth phr v to produce a particular total or result:
/a'depfan/) n1 [C] a film or television programme that is Rising prison population and overcrowding add up to a real
based on a book or play: [+of] the BBC adaptation of the crisis.
best-selling book |television/film/stage etc adaptation He’s ADD /er di: ‘di:/ n [U] medical the abbreviation of
working on a screen adaptation of his latest novel. attention-deficit disorder
2 [U] formal the process of changing something to make Ad-dams Fam-i-ly, the /‘edamz femali/ trademark
it suitable for a new situation: [+to] adaptation to the an imaginary family from a US CARTOON strip, which was
environment later made into a humorous television programme and
a-dapt-er, adaptor /a'depta $ -ar/ n [C] an object that films. They wear black clothes and are very interested in
you use to connect two different pieces of electrical death and frightening things. If you describe a family as
equipment, or to connect two pieces of equipment to the being like the Addams Family, you mean that they are
same power supply — see picture at PLUG’ very strange.
add &] Ol /.ed/ v ad-ded /'‘edid/ adj in addition to what is usual or
1Giss [T] to put something with something expected extra: cereal with added vitamins | no added
else or with a group of other things: If the mixture seems sugar |added advantage/bonus/benefit etc The system has
dry, add water. |add sth to sth Do you want to add your name the added advantage of recordable DVD drives. | Include
to the list? | Suzuki has added extra doors to its sports people in your picture for added interest. | added difficulty/
off-roader. | Material about recent research has been added problem etc Our yard is only small, and has the added
to this new edition. disadvantage of facing north. |It may not be necessary to go
2a [1,7] if you add numbers or amounts together, to the added expense of updating your anti-virus software.
you calculate their total — subtract: add sth and sth ad-den-dum /s'dendam/ n (plural addenda /-da/ or
(together) Add 7 and 5 to make 12. | For tax purposes, your addendums) [C] something you add to the end of a
pension and earnings are added together. |add sth to sth Add speech or book to change it or give more information:
£2.20 to the cost for postage. [+to] an addendum to section 4
3 (QE [1,7] to increase the amount or cost of some- adder /‘eda $ -ar/ n [C] a type of poisonous snake
thing: add (sth) to sth Spell-checking your document adds
time to the process. |Sales tax adds to the price. ad-dict /‘edrkt/ n [C] 1 somedne who is unable to stop
483g [7] to say more about something that has taking drugs: drug/heroin/morphine etc addict a recovering
just been said: ‘And | don’t care what you think,’ she added heroin addict 2 someone who is very interested in some-
defiantly. |Is there anything you'd like to add, David? |[+that] thing and spends a lot of time doing it: TV/sports etc
addict My nephew is a complete video game addict.
Everyone will be invited to vote, he said, adding that voting is
likely to be via the Web. || was refused accommodation - not, I ad-dic-ted /a'diktid/ adj 1unable to stop taking a
hasten to add, on account of my appearance (=used to harmful substance, especially a drug: [+to] 50 million
explain more about what you have just said). | She was Americans are addicted to nicotine. 2 liking something so
trying to entertain us - unsuccessfully, |might add (=used to much that youdo not want to stop doing it or having it:
comment on what you have just said). MiEeEU n> SAY [+to] kids addicted to surfing the Net
5 SEMEL Tad [7] to give a particular quality to some- ad-dic-tion /a'dikjan/ n [CU] 1the need to take a
thing: add sth to sth We've added value to the information by harmful drug regularly, without being able to stop: drug/
 addictive : 20 [4 = words from the Academic Word List

~ heroin/alcoho! etc addiction | [+to] addiction to alcohol a web/website address Just type in the web address.
2 a strong desire to do or have something regularly the full address They need the full address, including
ad-dic:tive /a'diktiv/ adj 1 if a substance, especially a the postcode.
_ drug, is addictive, your body starts to need it regularly a forwarding address (=a new address for sending
and you are unable to stop taking it: Tobacco is highly mail to when you move from your old address) |
- addictive. 2 an activity that is addictive is so enjoyable a false/fake address
that you do not want to stop: It started as a hobby, ‘but it
got so addictive | had to keep on doing it. |addictive arcade
give sb your address She refused to give me her
games
address.
ad-di-tion GY [a /adifen/ n have/know sb's address Do you know Helen's
1in addition used to add another piece of information to address?
what you have just said: The company provides cheap lose sb’s address / wanted to write to him, but I've
Internet access. In addition, it makes shareware freely lost his address.
available. | in addition to sth In addition to his movie work,
Redford is known as a champion of environmental causes.
2 [U] the act of adding something to something else: the sb's name an address
addition of sth The addition of networking facilities will address. j
greatly enhance the system. | with the addition of sth Turn a change of address (=a new address when you
sparkling wine into Buck's Fizz with the addition of chilled move to a different place) |of no fixed address
orange juice. (=having no permanent home - used especially in
3 [C] something that is added to something else, often in news reports) |an address book (=a book or a file
order to improve it: [+to] This excellent book will be a on your computer, where you keep people's
welcome addition to the library of any student. | latest/new/ addresses)
recent addition the latest addition to our designer range
4[U] the process of adding numbers or amounts to make ad-dress? gy [a /e'dres/ v [7]
a total — subtraction 1if you address an envelope, package etc, you write on it
5 [C] AmE an extra room that is added to a building: They the name and address of the person you are sending it to:
built a big addition onto the back of the house. address sth to sb That letter was addressed to me. |Send a
stamped, self-addressed envelope (=with your address on it
ad-di-tion-al G3 [ /e'drfanal/ adj more than what was
so it can be sent back to you),
agreed or expected {syn]extra: Additional information can
2 formal if you address a problem, you start trying to solve
be obtained from the centre. | additional costs/expenditure
it: address a problem/question/issue etc Our products
etc An additional charge is made on baggage exceeding the
address the needs of real users. | address yourself to sth
weight allowance.
Marlowe now addressed himself to the task of searching the
REGISTER room.
In everyday English, people usually say extra rather 3 formal to speak to someone directly: She turned to
\ than additional: He gets extra money from his parents. address the man on her left.
4 formal if you address remarks, complaints etc to some-
ad-di-tion-al-ly /a'difenali/ adv [sentence adverb] in one, you say or write them directly to that person: You will
addition [synjalso: A new contract is in place. Additionally, have to address your comments to our Head Office.
staff will be offered a bonus scheme. 5to make a formal speech to a large group of people:
ad-di-tive /‘ed3t1v/ n [C usually plural] a substance that address a meeting/conference etc He addressed an audience
is added to food to improve its taste, appearance etc: of 10,000 supporters.
permitted food additives | Our products are free from artifi- 6to use a particular title or name when speaking or
cial additives. writing to someone: address sb as sth The president should
ad-dle /‘edl/ v [T] old-fashioned to confuse someone so be addressed as ‘Mr. President’.
they cannot think properly: addle sb’s brains/wits A/l that ad-dress:ee /zdre'si:, adresiz/ n [C] the person a
drink has addled his brains! letter, package etc is addressed to
!
add-on n [C] 1 something extra that is added to an ad-duce /a'dju:s $ a'du:s/ v [1] formal to give facts or
existing plan, agreement, law etc: [+to] We bought legal reasons in order to prove that something is true
protection as an add-on to our home insurance policy.
ad-e-noid-al /,ednotdl<, edan's1dl</ adj an adenoidal
2 apiece of equipment that you connect to a computer to
voice is unpleasant and sounds as if it comes mainly
improve its performance: an add-on circuit board 3 a prod- through someone's nose [SYN] nasal: her adenoidal singing
uct that is designed to be used with another product voice
ad:-dress' Gy [iH /adres $-a'dres, 'edres/ n ad-e-noids /‘edino1dz, 'edan-/ n [plural] the small soft
1[C] a) the details of the place where someone lives or pieces of flesh at the top of your throat, behind your nose,
works, which you use to send them letters etc: What's that sometimes become swollen
your new address? | | can give you the address of a good
ad-ept /‘edept, a‘dept $ a'dept/ adj good at something
attorney. b) the series of letters and other symbols that
that needs care and skill [Syn] skilful: [tat] Melissa quickly
you put when sending email to a particular person, or
became .adept at predicting his moods. | [+in] Silas proved
that is the name of a website: They have changed the
adept in the art of avoiding potholes in the road. | I’m afraid
address of their website.
she’s also an adept liar. —adept /‘edept/ n [C]: a form of
2[C] a formal speech that someone makes to a group of
kung fu practiced by only a handful of adepts —adeptly adv
people: [+to] an address to the European Parliament |
presidential/inaugural etc address The new President deliv- ad-e-quate gy (5) Bg /‘edrkwst/ adj
ered his inaugural address in Creole. ETA SPEECH Tenough in quantity or of a good enough quality for a
3 form/mode/style of address the correct title or name particular purpose [SYN] sufficient (opP|inadequate: Farm-
hat you should use when speaking or writing to some- ers have been slow to make adequate provision for their°
one retirement. |Some creams we tested failed to give adequate
protection against UV light. | The standard of his work is
COLLOCATIONS barely adequate. | The company has yet to provide an.
adequate explanation for its actions. |[+for] Are the parking
sb's home/private address What's your home facilities adequate for 50 cars? | adequate to do sth The
address? lunchtime menu is more than adequate to satisfy the biggest
sb's work/business/school address | sent the letter appetite. FLEE > ENOUGH
to her work address. 2 fairly good but not excellent — satisfactory: Her perform-
sb's email address | can’t find his email address. ance was adequate but lacked originality.
EX3 = words from the Academic Word List 21 administration
SATISFACTORY —adequately adv: She wasn’t adequately 2 technical an ADVERBIAL word or phrase that adds infor-
insured, —adequacy n [U] mation to another part of a sentence. In ‘They arrived on
ADHD /er di: ett{ ‘di:/ n [U] medical the abbreviation of Sunday’, ‘on Sunday’ is an adjunct.
attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder ad-jure /a'dzua $ a'dzur/ v [7] formal to order or try to
ad-here /ad'h1a $ -'h1r/ v [1] formal to stick firmly to persuade someone to do something: adjure sb to do sth ©
something: [+to] The eggs of these fish adhere to plant Gwen adjured him to be truthful. .
leaves. ad-just (2) Bg /a'dzast/ v
adhere to sth phr v formal to continue to behave accord- 1[1,T] to gradually become familiar with a new situation
ing to a particular rule, agreement, or belief: We adhere to [SYN] adapt: They'll soon settle in - kids are very good at
the principles of equal rights and freedom of expression for adjusting. |[+to] It took a few seconds for her eyes to adjust
all. | |have adhered strictly to the rules. to the darkness. |adjust to doing sth My parents had trouble
ad-her-ence /adhierans $ -'h1r-/ n [U] when someone adjusting to living in an apartment. |adjust yourself to sth /t
behaves according to a particular rule, belief, principle took time to adjust myself to motherhood.
etc: [+to] adherence to democratic principles | strict/rigid/
slavish adherence strict adherence to Judaic law REGISTER
In everyday English, people usually say get used to
ad-her-ent /ad'hierant $ -hir-/ n [C] someone who
rather than adjust (to): You'll soon adjust. + You'll
supports a particular belief, plan, political party etc: [+of]
soon get used to it.
adherents of the Greek Orthodox Church | [+to] The anti- A

globalization movement is attracting new adherents to its 2 [T] to change or move something slightly to improve it
principles. or make it more suitable for a particular purpose: Check
ad-he-sion /ad'hizzan/ n 1 [U] when something sticks and adjust the brakes regularly. | Taste the soup and adjust
to something else 2 [C] medical a piece of Tissue (=skin) the seasoning. | If your employment status changes, your tax
that grows around a cut or diseased area code will be adjusted accordingly.
ad-he-sive /adhi:s1v/ n [C,U] a substance such as glue REGISTER
that you use to stick two things together: waterproof In everyday English, people usually say turn up or
adhesive —adhesive adj: adhesive tape turn down the temperature, volume etc rather than |
ad hoc /ed ‘hok< $ -hark«-'houk</ adj, adv formal not adjust it. )
planned, but arranged or done only when necessary: ad
hoc committee/group etc |decisions made on an ad hoc basis 3([T] if you adjust something you are wearing, you move
it slightly so that it is neater, more comfortable etc: He
a-dieu /a'dju:/ n (plural adieus or adieux /a'dju:z/) [C]
paused to adjust his spectacles. + WELL-ADJUSTED
literary goodbye: He bid her adieu. — adieu interjection
ad-just-a-ble /a'dzastabal/ adj something that is
ad in-fi-ni-tum / ed infsinattam/ adv formal continuing
adjustable can be changed or moved slightly to make it
without ever ending - often used humorously: | have to
suitable for different purposes: an adjustable spanner
explain A, then B, and C, and so on ad infinitum.
ad-i-0S /di'ps $ -'ous/ interjection goodbye ad-just-ment [@ /e'dzastmant/ n [CU] 1a small
change made to a machine, system, or calculation: [+for]
adj. (also adj BrE) the written abbreviation of adjective Once we make the adjustments for inflation, the fall in
ad-ja-cent fq /o'dzersant/ adj a room, building, piece of interest rates is quite small. |[+to] a slight adjustment to the
land ete that is adjacent to something is next to it: We mechanism | minor/slight adjustment /t just needs a few
stayed in adjacent rooms. |[+to] the building adjacent to the minor adjustments. 2 a change in the way that someone
library behaves or thinks: a period of adjustment |[+to] her adjust-
ad-jec-tive /d33kt1v/ n [C] a word that describes a ment to her new role
noun Or PRONOUN. In the phrase ‘black hat’, ‘black’ is an ad-ju-tant /‘edz3tent/ n[C] an army officer responsible
adjective and in the sentence ‘It makes her happy’, for office work
‘happy’ is an adjective. —adjectival /edz3k'tarval</ adj:
ad-land /zdlend/ n [U] the activity or business of
an adjectival phrase
advertising, considered as a whole: Anything that grabs
ad-join /a'dzo1n/ v [T] a room, building, or piece of land your attention is good in adland.
that adjoins something is next to it and connected to it: A
vacant plot of land adjoins his house. —adjoining adj [usually
ad-lib /ed 'tb/ v (ad-libbed, ad-libbing) [|,T] to say
things that you have not prepared or planned when you
before noun]: adjoining rooms
are performing or giving a speech [SYN] improvise: | never
ad-journ /a'd33in $ -3:rn/ v 1 [1,7] if a meeting, parlia- use a script; | just ad lib the whole programme. —ad-lib n
ment, law court etc adjourns, or if the person in charge
[C]
adjourns it, it stops for a short time: It was almost noon
when the meeting adjourned. | [+for/until] Congress has ad-man /‘edmen/ n (plural admen /-men/) [C] informal
‘adjourned for the November elections. | His trial was someone who works in advertising
adjourned until May. 2 adjourn to sth to finish an activity ad-min /zdmin/ n [U] informal ADMINISTRATION: an
and go somewhere - often used humorously: The rest of admin assistant |She works in admin.
us adjourned to a nearby pub for some refreshments. ad-min-is:ter /ad'minista $ -ar/ v1 [T usually passive] to
—adjournment n [C,U]: We sought an adjournment of the manage the work or money of a company or organization:
proceedings. The money will be administered by local charities. |Our office
ad-judge /2'd3Ad3/ v [T usually passive] formal to make a administers the affairs of the Society. 2 [1,1] to provide or
judgment about something or someone [SYN] judge: The organize something officially as part of your job: adminis-
reforms of 1979 were generally adjudged to have failed. ter justice/punishment etc /t is not the job of the police to
ad-ju-di-cate /a'dzu:drkert/ v 1 [1,7] to officially decide administer justice; that falls to the courts. | [+to] Pillai had
who is right in a disagreement and decide what should be responsibility for administering to the needs of half a million
done: The Dean adjudicates any faculty disputes. | people. |administer sth to sb The test was administered to all
[+on/upon/in/between] The owner can appeal to the court 11-year-olds. | administer an oath (=be the official person
to adjudicate on the matter. | adjudicate that The judge who listens to it) 3 [T] formal to give someone a medicine
adjudicated that he should be released. 2 [|] to be the judge or medical treatment: administer sth to sb Painkillers were
in a competition: He adjudicated at all the regional music administered to the boy. | This unit teaches students how to
competitions, —adjudicator n [C]: an impartial adjudicator administer first aid.
—adjudication /a,dzu:dr'ker{an/ n [U] ad-min-is-tra-tion § [1 Lg /edmini'strerfan/ n
ad-junct J'edzankt/ n[C] 1 something that is added or 1[U] the activities that are involved in managing the work
joined to something that is bigger or more important: of a company or organization: We're looking for someone
[+to] Online instruction is a useful adjunct to the real thing. with experience in administration. |The health service spends
administrative 22 Si &) &) = the most frequent words in spoken English

too much on administration. | the administration (=the respect to have a good opinion of someone, even if
people who do this work) the college administration you do not agree with them, for example because
2 [C] the government of a country at a particular time: the they have achieved a lot or have high standards: She
Kennedy Administration | The problem has been ignored by is respected by all her colleagues at the university.
successive administrations. GOVERNMENT revere /rr'via $ -'vir/ formal to greatly admire
3[U] the act of administering something, especially a someone because of their achievements and
law, test, or medicine: [+of] the administration ofjustice | personal qualities, especially someone famous:
the administration of sedatives Mandela is revered as one of the great leaders of our
ad-min-is-tra-tive [E] Eg /ed'ministratry $ -strertrv/ time.
adj relating to the work of managing a company or look up to sb to admire someone who is older or
organization: The job is mainly administrative. | administra- who has more experience than you: All the young
tive staff/duties/job etc the administrative costs of health comedians look up to him.
care systems |an administrative assistant |staff who provide think highly of sb to think that someone is good at
technical and administrative support to the college what they do: His teachers seem to think very highly of
—administratively adv him.
idolize to admire someone so much that you think
ad-min-is-tra-tor /ad'mmnistrerta $ -ar/ n [C] someone
whose job involves managing the work of a company or they are perfect - used especially about famous
organization
people or people in your family: He idolized his
brother. |Jane grew-up idolizing Princess Diana.
ad-mi-ra:‘ble /edmerabel/ adj formal having many
good qualities that you respect and admire: an admirable
achievement —admirably adv ad-mir-er /ad'matara $ -matrer/ n [C] 1 literary some-
ad-mb-ral /‘edmaeral/ n [C] a high rank in the British or one who likes a person and thinks that they are attractive:
US navy, or someone with this rank a beautiful woman with many admirers | a secret admirer
Ad-mi-ral-ty /‘edmarelti/ n the Admiralty the govern- 2 someone who respects a famous person, especially
ment department that controls the British navy because they like their work [SyN]fan: a crowd of fervent
ad-mi-ra-tion /edme'rerfan/ n [U] a feeling of great admirers | [+of] ‘I’m a great admirer of yours,’ she managed
respect and liking for Pre Te or someone: Daniel to stammer.
gazed at her in admiration. | [+for] |wanted to express my
admiration for the way the crew handled the crisis. | [+of] ad-mir-ing /ad'matertn $ -matr-/ adj [usually before
noun] showing that you think someone‘or something is
Her riding soon drew the admiration of the older girls.
very impressive or attractive: admiring glances
—admiringly adv

great/deep admiration Ginatyyou feel arora) ad-mis:si-ble /ad'misibal/ adj admissible reasons,
He’s a man for whom | have the greatest admiration. facts etc are acceptable or allowed, especially in a court
genuine/real admiration ‘Where did you learn to do of law inadmissible: admissible _ evidence
that?’ she asked with genuine admiration. —admissibility /ad,mis3'brlsti/ n [U]
a sneaking admiration (=that you secretly feel, but
do not show) | have always had a sneaking admiration ad-mis:sion ( /ed'myan/ n
for his music. 1[C] a statement in which you admit that something is
open admiration (=that you do not try to hide) Her true or that you have done something wrong
father looked at her in open admiration. [SYN|confession: admission that The Senator's admission
grudging/reluctant admiration (=unwilling that he had lied to Congress shocked many Americans. |
admiration) |mutual admiration (=that two or more admission of guilt/defeat/failure etc Silence is often inter-
people feel for each other) preted as an admission of guilt. |Reese, by his own admission,
lacks the necessary experience.
olivate) : : 2 [U] permission given to someone to enter a building or
be full of admiration/be filled with admiration /’m place, or to become a member of a school, club etc: No
full ceadmiration for what you've done. admission after 10 pm. | The young men tried to enter a
nightclub but were refused admission. | Women gained
admission to the club only recently. |[+to] those applying for
have great/deep/a lot “ etc admiration She always admission to university
had great admiration for people who could speak so 3 admissions [plural] the process of allowing people to
many languages. enter a university, institution etc, or the number of people
win sb's admiration (a/so draw sb's admiration who can enter: university/college/school admissions |
formal) His films have won the admiration of the critics. admissions policy/procedures etc The college has a very
express your admiration (=talk or write about your selective admissions policy. |the admissions officer
admiration) She wrote to him expressing her 4[C,U] the process of taking someone into a hospital for
admiration for his work. treatment, tests, or care: There are 13,000 hospital admis~
show your admiration sions annually due to playground accidents.
/5[U] the cost of entrance to a concert, sports event,
ad-mire fy /ad'mata $ -'matr/ v [T not in progressive]
1to respect and like someone because they have done cinema etc —+ admittance: Admission: $10 for adults, $5 for
something that you think is good: | really admire the way children. | The cost includes free admission to the casinos. |
she brings up those kids all on her own. | admire sb for The Museum has no admission charge.
(doing) sth Lewis was much admired for his work on medieval
literature. ad-mit § (J /ed'mtt/ v (admitted, admitting)
2 to look at something and think how beautiful or impres- 1 [1,T] to agree unwillingly that something
sive it is: We stopped halfway to admire the view. |Sal stood is true or that someone else is right: ‘Okay, so maybe | was °
back to admire her work. alittle bit scared,’ Jenny admitted. |admit (that) You may not
3 admire sb from afar literary to be attracted to someone, like her, but you have to admit that she’s good at her job. |
without letting them know admit to sb (that) Paul admitted to me that he sometimes -
feels jealous of my friéndship with Stanley. | | must admit, |
didn’t actually do anything to help her. |Admit it! I'm right,
admire to like someone because they have achieved aren't |? |admit (to) doing sth Dana admitted feeling hurt by
something special, or they have skills or qualities what | had said. | freely/openly/frankly etc admit (=admit
that you would like to have: / admire your courage. | without being ashamed) Phillips openly admits to having an
She admired him for the way he dealt with.the situation. alcohol problem.
(i) (2 GE = the most frequent words in written English 23 adoption
2 Reese [1,7] to say that you have done some- admit of sth phr v formal if a situation admits of a
thing wrong, especially something criminal [SYN] confess particular explanation, that explanation can be accepted
{OPP| deny: admit doing sth Greene admitted causing death as possible: The facts admit of no other explanation.
by reckless .driving. | admit to (doing) sth A quarter of all ad-mit-tanee /ad'mitans/ n [U] formal permission to
workers admit to taking time off when they are not ill. |After enter a place —> admission(5): Gaining admittance to the
questioning, he admitted to the murder. |No organization has club was no easy matter.
admitted responsibility for the bombing. FEES ATT avmit ad-mit-ted-ly Jad'imitsdli/ adv [sentence adverb] used
3 EEE) [T] to allow someone to enter a public when you are admitting that something is true: This has
place to watch a game, performance etc —> admittance, led to financial losses, though admittedly on a fairly small
admission: admit sb to/into sth Only ticket-holders will be scale.
admitted into the’stadium.
ad-mix-ture /adimikstfa, ed- $ ad'mrkstfar/ n [C] tech-
REGISTER nical a substance that is added to another substance in a
In everyday English, people usually say let someone mixture
in rather than admit.someone: They won't let you in ad-mon-ish /ad'monif $ -'ma:-/ v [T] formal to tell
without a ticket. someone severely that they have done something wrong:
admonish sb for (doing) sth The witness was admonished for
4 ETF [7] to allow someone to join an organi-
failing to answer the question. —admonishment n [C]
zation, club etc: admit sb to/into sth Drake was admitted
into the club in 1997. ad-mo:ni-tion /edma'nyan/ n [C,U] formal a warning
5 Geen [7] if people at a hospital admit someone, or expression of disapproval about someone's behaviour
that person is taken in to be given treatment, tests, or —admonitory /ad'mnnitari $ -'ma:nsto:ri/ adj: an admoni-
care: What time was she admitted? |be admitted to hospital tory glance
BrE, be admitted to the hospital AmE ad nau-se-am / zd 'no:ziam, -iem $ -noi-/ adv if you
6 admit defeat to stop trying to do something because you say or do something ad nauseam, you say or do it so
realize you cannot succeed: For Haskill, selling the restau- often that it becomes annoying for other people: Look,
rant would be admitting defeat. we've been over this ad nauseam. | think we should move on
7 admit evidence to allow a particular piece of EVIDENCE to to the next item.
be used in a court of law: Courts can refuse to admit a:do /a'du:/ n without more/further ado without delaying
evidence obtained illegally by police. or wasting any time: So without further ado, I‘Il now ask Mr
THESAURUS Davis to open the debate.

_ADMIT SO a-:do-be /a'daubi $ a'dou-/ n [U] earth and straw that

are made into bricks for building houses
admit to agree unwillingly that something is true: He
admitted that the company was having financial ad-o-les-cence /zdallesans/ n [U] the time, usually
difficulties. | |must'‘admit | was disappointed by their between the ages of 12 and 18, when a young person is
reaction. developing into an adult
concede formal to admit something in a discussion ad-o-les-cent /eda'lesant</ n [C] a young person, usu-
or argument: ‘You may be right,’ Bridget conceded. |It ally between the ages of 12 and 18, who is developing into
was a decision which he now concedes was incorrect. an adult BEEELUEIS> cHitp, YOUNG —adolescent adj: ado-
acknowledge /ak'npl1dz/ formal to say that lescent girls + CHILD
something is true or that a situation exists: The A-do-nis Jadaunis $ a'da:-/ n [C usually singular] an
report acknowledges that research on animals is not extremely attractive young man
always a reliable guide when it comes to humans.
a-dopt &) (1H /a'dpt $ a'da:pt/ v
confess to admit something that you feel
1000) [!, T] to take someone else's child into your home
embarrassed or ashamed about: Bradley confessed
and legally become its parent — foster(1): Sally was
that he struggled to finish the race. | | must confess |
adopted when she was four. | The couple are unable to have
don't like his wife at all.
children of their own, but hope to adopt.
Granted/I grant you formal spoken used when 2 adopt an approach/policy/attitude etc to start to deal
admitting that something is true, although you do with or think about something in a particular way: The
not think it makes much difference to the main courts were asked to adopt a more flexible approach to young
point. Granted is usually used at the beginning of a offenders. | The store recently adopted a drug testing policy
sentence, or on its own: She has a lot of experience, |
for all new employees. | California has adopted a tough
grant you, but she’s not good at managing people. |
stance on the issue.
Granted he did play well in the last game, but generally 3 [T] to use a particular style of speaking,
his form hasn't had been very good recently.
writing, or behaving, especially one that you do not
| ADMIT YOU HAVE DONE SOMETHING WRONG usually use: Kim adopts a southern accent when speaking to
admit to say that you have done something wrong, family back home.
especially something criminal: He admitted charges of 4 EXWZTI [7] to formally approve a proposal, AMEND-
theft and false accounting. |Bennett admitted killing his MENT etc, especially by voting: Congress finally adopted the
wife. law after a two-year debate.
confess to tell the police or someone in authority 5 MMs [T] to choose a new name, coun-
that you have done something bad, especially when try, custom etc, especially to replace a previous one:
they have persuaded you to do this: He finally Stevens became a Muslim and adopted the namie Yusuf
confessed that he had stolen the money. | They told him Islam. |Becoming a member of a society means adopting its
that if he confessed he would get a lighter sentence. values.
6 Gaie) [7] BrE to officially choose someone to repre-
own up to admit that you have done something
wrong, usually something that is not very serious, sent a political party in an election —adopter n [C]
_ —adoptee /adop'ti: $ ada:p-/ n [C]
“Own up is more informal than admit or confess: He
owned up to the mistake straight away. a-dopt-ed /a'dpptid $ a'darp-/ adj 1an adopted child
fess up informal to admit that you have done has been legally made part of a family that he or she was
something wrong that is not very serious: Come on, not born into: his adopted son 2 your adopted country is
fess up! Where were you last night? one that you have chosen to live in permanently
come clean informal to finally admit something bad a-dop-tion /a'dppjan $ alda:p-/ n 1[C,U] the act or
that you have been trying to hide: They want the process of adopting a child: She decided to put the baby up
government to come clean on where all the money has for adoption. 2 [U] the act of starting to use a particular
gone. plan, method, way of speaking etc 3 [U] BrE the choice of
adoptive 24 EX4 = words from the Academic Word List

a particular person to represent a political party in an a-dul-ter-er /a'daltara $ -er/ n [C] someone who is
election married and has sex with someone who is not their wife
a-dop-tive /a'doptiv $ a'da:p-/ adj [only before noun] an or husband
adoptive parent is one who has adopted a child a-dul-ter-ess /a'daltaris/ n [C] a married woman who
a-dor-a-ble /a'do:rabal/ adj someone or something that has sex with a man who is not her husband
is adorable is so attractive that they fill you with feelings a-dul-ter-y /a'daltari/ n [U] sex between someone who
of love: Oh what an adorable little baby! is married and someone who is not their wife or husband:
ad-o-ra-tion /zda'rerfan/ n [U] 1 great love and admi- She had committed adultery on several occasions.
ration: the look of adoration in his eyes 2 literary the show- —adulterous adj
ing of great love and respect for God ad-ult-hood /zdalthud, a'dalt-/ n [U] the time when
a-dore /a'ds: $ a'do:r/ v [T not in progressive] 1 to love
you are an adult [OPP] childhood
someone very much and feel very proud of them: Betty ad-um-brate /‘edambreit/ v [T] formal to suggest or
adores her grandchildren. HLEEIXETE> Love 2 informal to describe something in an incomplete way
like something very much: | simply adore chocolate. adv. (also adv BrE) the written abbreviation of adverb
|THESAURUS Alice ad-vance’ & [7B /ed’varns $ ad'vens/ n
a-dor-ing /a'da:in/ adj [only before noun] liking and lin advance (of sth) before something happens or is
admiring someone very much: his adoring fans expected to happen: | should warn you in advance that I'm
—adoringly adv not a very good dancer. | Many thanks, in advance, for your
a-dorn /a'doin $ -s:rn/ v [T] formal to decorate some- help. |six months/a year etc in advance Book tickets 21 days
thing: adorn sth with sth church walls adorned with religious in advance. | Could you distribute copies well in advance of
paintings the meeting?
a-dorn-:ment /a'do:znment $ -o1r-/ n formal 2 be in advance of sb/sth to be more developed or modern
1[C] something that you use to decorate something than someone or something else: Their aircraft were in
2 [U] the act of decorating something advance of those used by the US.
a-dren-a:lin, adrenaline /a'drenal-in/ n [U] a chemical 3 PEE «[C] a change, discovery,
Or INVENTION that brings progress: technological/scientific/
produced by your body when you are afraid, angry, or
medical etc advance one of the great technological advances
excited, which makes your heart beat faster: There’s noth-
of the 20th century | a major advance | [+in] Recent
ing like a good horror film to get the adrenalin going (=make
advances in genetics have raised moral questions. | [ton] an
you feel nervously excited). advance on previous treatments | the advances made in the
a-drift /a'drft/ adj, adv 1a boat that is adrift is not understanding of mental handicap HRESULT PROGRESS
fastened to anything or controlled by anyone: Several of 4G «=CLC] +=forward _movement or
the lifeboats were still afloat a month after being cast adrift. progress of a group of people - used especially to talk
2 someone who is adrift is confused about what to do in about soldiers: [+on] the enemy's advance on St. Petersburg
their life: a young woman adrift in London 3 come adrift BrE 5 (ieis4 ([C usually singular] money paid to someone
if something comes adrift, it is no longer fastened or before the usual time, especially someone's Salary: a
attached to something: Her hair was forever coming adrift $500 advance | [ton] Krebs decided to ask for an advance
from the pins she used to keep it in place. 4 two points/five on his salary.
seconds etc adrift (of sb) two points, five seconds etc 6 advances [plural] formal an attempt to start a sexual
behind someone in a competition, race etc relationship with someone: She accused her boss of making
a-droit /a'drott/ adj clever and skilful, especially in the advances to her. | The witness said that he ‘went berserk’
way you use words and arguments [SYN] skilled: an adroit when she rejected his sexual advances.
negotiator —adroitly adv —adroitness n [U] 7 (tessa [Cc] an increase in the price or value of
ADSL /er di: es 'el/ n [U] (asymmetric digital subscriber something - used especially when talking about the
line) a system that makes it possible for information such STOCK EXCHANGE
as video images to be sent to computers through tele- advance? [iH v
phone wires at a very high speed 1DDEITY) [1] to move towards someone or some-
ad-u-la-tion /zdz3lerjan/ _n [U] formal praise and thing, especially in a slow and determined way - used
admiration for someone that is more than they really especially to talk about soldiers: A line of US tanks slowly
deserve —adulatory /,edz'lertari, ‘adzslertari $ advanced. | [+on] Troops advanced on the rebel stronghold
'‘edzalatorri/ adj (=moved towards it in order to attack it). |
ad-ult" By 1 BG /edalt, a'dalt/ n [C] [+across/through/towards] The army advanced across the
1a fully-grown person, or one who is considered to be plain.
legally responsible for their actions — child: Some children 208209 [1,7] if scientific or technical knowledge
find it difficult to talk to adults. advances, or if something advances it, it develops and
2 fully-grown animal: The adults have white bodies and improves: Our understanding of human genetics has
grey backs. advanced considerably. |The group's research has done much
to advance our Prtiieeee of the HIV virus. \
adult? (ej 4 adj 3 (SY =[T] to give someone money before they nave
1 [only before noun] fully grown or developed: an adult lion | earned it: advance sb sth Will they advance you some money
the adult population | He lived most of his adult life in until you get your first paycheck? | advance sth to sb |
Scotland. advanced $1,500 to Kramer last Thursday.
2 typical of an adult's behaviour or of the things adults 4 advance your career/a cause/your interests etc to do
do: dealing with problems in an adult way | That wasn't very something that will help you achieve an advantage or
adult of you. success for yourself or someone else: Jameson agreed to
3 [only before noun] adult films, magazines etc are about the deal in an effort to advance his political career.
sex or related to sex: The film is rated R for language and 5 Gils [1] if the price or value of something advances, it”
adult themes. increases - used especially when talking about the stock
adult edu'cation n [u] education provided for adults EXCHANGE
outside schools and universities, usually by means of 6 WS «[T] formal to change the time or date-when:
classes that are held in the evening an event should happen to an earlier time or date: The
a-dul-ter-ant /a'daltarant/ n [C] formal a substance meeting has been advanced to ten o'clock.
that is secretly added to food or drink, making it less pure 7 (ENE 1,7] formal if you advance a film, clock, musi-
a-dul-ter-ate /a'daltarert/ v [T] to make food or drink cal recording etc, or if it advances, it goes forward
less pure by adding another substance of lower quality to —> ADVANCING
it + unadulterated —adulteration /adalte'rerfan/ n [U] advance® adj 1 advance planning/warning/booking etc
XQ = words from the Academic Word List 25 advantageous
planning etc that is done before an event: We received no features of someone or something very noticeable: Her
advance warning of the storm. 2 advance party/team a dress showed her tanned skin to great advantage.
group of people who go first to a place where something 7 advantage sb used in tennis to show that the person
will happen to prepare for it 3 advance copy a copy of a named has won the next point.after the score was 40-40
book, record etc that has not yet been made available to
COLLOCATIONS -MEANINGS 1 & 2
the public
“Bains
ad-vanced [qj /ad'varnst $ ad'venst/ adj have an advantage (also enjoy an advantage formal)
very modern: advanced weapon systems | advanced Our parents didn’t have all the advantages that we
technology | high levels of unemployment in the advanced have.
industrial societies get/gain an advantage Both teams tried to get an
2 studying or dealing with a school subject at a difficult advantage.
level: advanced learners of English |advanced physics give sb an advantage His height gives him a big
3 having reached a late point in time or development: The advantage.
disease was too far advanced to be treated. work to your advantage (=make you have an
4 advanced age/years used to talk about the age of some- advantage - often used when this is unexpected)
one who is old: Despite his advanced age, he often travelled Sometimes a lack of experience can work to your
abroad. advantage.
see ue seeds a eae (= Lee il the amen
advanced using very modern technology and ideas:
technologically advanced nations | Their equipment isn’t a Bie /craaty maceive/ muse adantace It'sai
as advanced as ours. advantage to be able to speak some Spanish.
sophisticated very advanced, and working in a a slight advantage (=a small one) Karpov enjoyed a
better but often more complicated way than other slight advantage over his opponent.
things: highly sophisticated weapons |As machines an unfair advantage Companies that receive
become more sophisticated, they become more likely to government subsidies have an unfair advantage.
break down. a definite/distinct advantage (=one that you can
high-tech / hat 'tek</ using very advanced clearly notice) | a real advantage (=a definite
technology, especially electronic equipment and advantage) | an added advantage (=an extra
computers: high-tech industries in Silicon Valley | advantage) | a political advantage |a military
High-tech listening equipment was used to find advantage |a psychological advantage
survivors in the rubble.
state-of-the-art using the newest and most
advanced features, ideas, and materials that are the advantages and disadvantages of sth the
available: The football club has invested £40 million in ~ advantages and disadvantages of living in a big city
state-of-the-art training facilities. | The sound system is the advantages outweigh the disadvantages (=the
state-of-the-art. advantages are more valuable)
cutting-edge cutting-edge technology or research is
the most advanced that there is at this time: The
system uses cutting-edge technology to identify and /\ Do not say ‘a good advantage’. Say a big
eliminate viruses. \_advantage or a real advantage.

Ad'vanced level n [c,U] A LeveL THESAURUS - MEANING 2

ad vance ‘fee fraud n [C,U] another name for 419 advantage a good feature that something has, which
SCAM makes it better, more useful etc than other things:
ad-vance:ment /ad'va:nsmant $ ad'ven-/ n [C,U] for- The great advantage of digital cameras is that there is
mal progress or development in your job,.level of know- no film to process.
ledge etc: career advancement |advancements in science benefit a feature of something that has a good
effect on people’s lives: Regular exercise has many
ad-vanc-ing /ad'vainstn $ ad'van-/ adj advancing years/
benefits, including reducing the risk of heart disease.
age the fact of growing older: Blake had grown much
merit a good feature that something has, which you
quieter — another sign of his advancing years.
consider when you are deciding whether it is the
ad-van-tage fF [i /ed'vaintid3 $ ad'ven-/ n best choice: The committee will consider the merits of
1[C,U] something that helps you to be more successful the proposals.
than others, or the state of having this disadvantage: virtue an advantage that makes you believe that
[+over] Her experience meant that she had a big advantage something is a good thing: They believed in the virtues
over her opponent. | Younger workers tend to be at an of culture, civilization, and reason.
advantage (=have an advantage) when applying for jobs. | the good/great/best thing about sth especially
It might be to your advantage (=it might help you) to take a spoken used when mentioning a good feature of
computer course of some kind. something. This phrase is rather informal and you
2[C,U] a good or useful feature that something has: [+of] should not use it in formal essays: The good thing
One of the many advantages of living in New York is that you about cycling is that you don't have to worry about
can eat out at almost any time of day. | [+tover] This printer getting stuck in a traffic jam.
has several advantages over conventional printers. the beauty of sth is that used when you want to
3 take advantage of sb to treat someone unfairly in order to emphasize that something has a very good or useful
get what you want, especially someone who is generous feature: The beauty of the plan is that it is so simple.
or easily persuaded: Don’t lend them the car - they're
taking advantage of you!
4take advantage of sth (to do sth) to use a particular ad-van-taged /ad'va:ntid3d $ ad'ven-/ adj formal hav-
ing more money, a higher social position etc than some-
situation to do or get what you want: | took advantage of
the good weather to paint the shed. | You'll want to take full one else [opp] disadvantaged: Some of the boys come from
advantage of the beach-front clubs.
less advantaged backgrounds. | socially/geographically/
5 use/turn sth to your/good advantage to use something
economically etc advantaged
that you have or that happens in order to achieve some- ad-van-ta-geous /,edvan'terdzas, edven-/ adj helpful
thing: How could he turn the situation to his advantage? | and likely to make you successful [opp] disadvantageous:
Burns used his family connections to good advantage. He was now in a more advantageous position. | [+to] terms
6 show sth to (good/great) advantage to make the best advantageous to foreign companies —advantageously adv
advent 26° Sd & & = the most frequent words in spoken English

ad-vent /‘edvent/ n written the advent of sth the time 3 advertise the fact (that) to let people know something
when something first begins to be widely used about yourself: Don’t advertise the fact that you're looking
[SYN] coming: the advent of the computer for another job.
Advent n [vu] the period of four weeks before Christmas ad:-ver-tise-ment
By /ad'v3:tismant $ dvar'tarz-/ n[C]
in the Christian religion 1 (also ad informal, advert BrE) a picture, set of words, or
‘Advent calendar n [Cc] a picture on thick paper a short film, which is intended to persuade people to buy
which has parts like doors with smaller pictures behind a product or use a service, or that gives information
them. You open one door each day in December until about a job that is available, an event that is going to
Christmas. happen etc: [+for] The Sunday papers are full of advertise-
ad-ven-ti-tious / edvan'tifas<, edven-/ adj formal hap- ments for cars. |She saw an advertisement for a ski vacation
pening by chance [SYN] unexpected —adventitiously adv in Vermont. | They put an advertisement in ‘The Morning
ad-ven-ture /ad'vent{a $ -ar/ n [C,U] 1an exciting News’, offering a high salary for the right person. | The
experience in which dangerous or unusual things happen: organizers of the concert had taken out a full page advertise-
a great adventure |Ahab’s adventures at sea | an adventure ment in ‘The New York Times’. | Only a handful of people
story 2 sense/spirit of adventure willingness to try new answered the advertisement.
things, take risks etc: Come on - where's your sense of 2 be an advertisement for sth to be a good example of
adventure? something or show how effective it can be: He’s a very
ad venture ‘playground n [C] Bré an area of ground good advertisement for the benefits of regular exercise.
for children to play on, with equipment and structures for
climbing on
advertisement: an advertisement for shampoo | They
ad-ven:tur-er /ad'ventjara $ -ar/ n [C] 1 someone who placed an advertisement in the newspaper.
enjoys adventure: an adventurer travelling the world
ad informal an advertisement: She’s been in several TV
2 old-fashioned someone who tries to become rich or
ads.
socially important by using dishonest or immoral meth-
advert BrE an advertisement: a job advert | He took
ods - used to show disapproval
out a front-page advert for his shop.
ad-ven-tur-is-m /ad'ventfartzam/ n [U] when someone commercial an advertisement on television or radio:
who is in charge of a government, business, army etc television commercials | He was in some commercials
takes dangerous risks for beer.
ad-ven-tur-ous /ad'ventfaras/ adj1 not afraid of taking trailer an advertisement in the cinema, on television,
risks or trying new things: Andy isn’t a very adventurous or online for a film or programme which will be
cook. EESTI srAve2 (also adventuresome AmE) shown soon: A second trailer for Richard Friedman's
eager to go to new places and do exciting or dangerous film has just been added to the website.
things promotion a series of advertisements for a
ad-verb /‘edv3:b $ -v3:rb/ n [C] a word that adds to the company’s products: The company has spent more
meaning of a verb, an adjective, another adverb, or a than $300 million on promotions for the brand.
whole sentence, such as ‘slowly’ in ‘He ran slowly’, ‘very’ poster an advertisement on a wall: They selected a
in ‘It’s very hot’, or ‘naturally’ in ‘Naturally, we want you famous artist to do the poster for the upcoming
to come.’ —+ ADJECTIVE performance.
ad-ver-bi-al /ad'va:bial $ -3:r-/ adj technical used as an billboard (also hoarding BrE) a large sign next to a
adverb: an adverbial phrase —adverbial n [C] road, with an advertisement on it: billboard
ad-ver-sa:ti-al /,edv3:'searial $ -var'ser-/ adj an adver- advertisements |A huge hoarding shows two
sarial system, especially in politics and the law, is one in contrasting images.
which two sides oppose and attack each other: the adver- flyer a piece of paper with an advertisement on it,
sarial nature of two-party politics often given to you in the street: Someone was handing
ad-ver-sa-ry /‘edvasari $ '‘edvarseri/ n (plural adversar- out flyers for a new nightclub.
ies) [C] formal a country or person you are fighting or banner ad an advertisement across the top of a
competing against opponent: his old adversary page on the Internet: Banner ads are becoming more
ad-verse /‘edvais $ -3:rs/ adj 1 not good or favourable: sophisticated.
They fear it could have an adverse effect on global financial junk mail unwanted advertisements that you get in
markets. | Miller's campaign has received a good deal of the post: | never read junk mail.
adverse publicity. 2 adverse conditions conditions that spam unwanted emails advertising things: I’m trying
make it difficult for something to happen or exist: The to delete all the spam.
expedition was abandoned because of adverse weather con- classified ad (a/so want ad AmE, small ad BrE) a
ditions. —adversely adv: developments which had adversely short advertisement that you put in a newspaper if
affected their business you want to buy or sell something: The bike was
advertised for sale in the small ads section.
ad-ver-si-ty /ad'v3:siti $ -3:r-/ n [U] a situation in which
you have a lot of problems that seem to be caused by bad
luck: his courage in the face of adversity ad-ver-tis-er /‘edvataize $ -vartarzar/ n [C] 1a person
or company that advertises something 2 Advertiser used
ad-vert" gy /‘edva:t $ -3:rt/ n [C] BrE an advertisement in the names of newspapers: the Stockport Advertiser
ADVERTISEMENT
ad-vert? /ad'va:t $ -3:rt/ v ad-ver-tis-ing [ /‘edvatarztn $ -ar-/ n [U] the activity
advert to sth phr v formal to mention something or business of advertising things on television, in news-
papers etc: advertising aimed at 18-25 year olds |a career in
ad-ver-tise Gy [ /‘edvatarz $ -ar-/ v [1,7] advertising | television/radio/newspaper advertising Both
Ito tell the public about a product or service in order to
candidates are spending millions on television advertising. |
persuade them to buy it: They no longer advertise alcohol or
advertising campaign/strategy a major advertising.
cigarettes at sporting events. | advertise (sth) on
campaign |the advertising slogan ‘Come alive with Pepsi’
television/in a newspaper etc Many companies will only
advertise in the Sunday paper. |be advertised as sth The inn ‘advertising agency n [Cc] a company that designs
is advertised as being from the early 16th century. | Colleges advertisements for other companies :
and universities have found that it pays to advertise (=adver- ad-ver-to-ri-al /,dv3:'to:rial $ -var-/ n [C] an advertise-
tising brings good results). ment in a newspaper or magazine that is made to look
“2 to make an announcement, for example in a newspaper
like a normal article
or on a Poster, that a job is available, an event is going to
happen etc: a poster advertising the concert | [+for] | see ad-vice & (Q /ed'vais/ n [U] an opinion you give
they're advertising for a new Sales Director. someone about what they should do: You should have
(i (2 GS= the most frequent leadin written Eieve 27 _ aerate
followed my advice. | [+on/about] advice on saving energy | Experts advise that sunscreen be reapplied every one to two
| need some advice about my computer. | on sb's advice On hours. | advise caution/patience/restraint etc (=advise
her doctor's advice (=because her doctor advised her) people to be careful, patient etc) The makers advise
Smith decided to take early retirement. 4\ Do not confuse extreme caution when handling this material.
the noun advice /ad'vats/ with the verb advise /ad'vaiz/: 2 [1,1] to be employed to give advice on a subject about
He gave me some useful advice. | Can you advise me on which you have special knowledge or skill: [+on] She’s Nadi
college courses? been asked to advise on training the new sales team. |advise
sb on sth He advises us on tax matters.
GRAMMAR
3 [T] formal to tell someone about something: advise sb of
Advice is an uncountable noun. Do not say ‘advices’ sth We'll advise you of any changes in the delivery dates. |
or ‘an advice’. Keep us advised of (=continue to tell us about) any new
developments. |advise sb that They advised him that the tour
fee] Holey Wale). would proceed.
| VERBS 4 you would be well/ill advised to do sth used to tell some-
give sb some advice My father once gave me some one that it is wise or unwise to do something: You would
useful advice. be well advised to stay in bed and rest.
get some advice | decided to get some advice froma
specialist.
ask sb’s advice Can / ask your advice about advise to tell someone what you think they should
something? do, especially when you have more experience or
ask for advice /f in doubt, always ask for advice. knowledge than they do: My lawyer advised me to
take/follow sb's advice (also act on sb’s advice plead guilty.
formal) (=do what someone advises you to do) He give advice to advise someone about questions
followed his doctor's advice and went on a low-fat diet. relating to a particular subject: They give advice to
listen to sb’s advice (also heed sb's advice formal) people about loans. | Can | give you some advice?
(=pay attention to someone's advice) | ignore/ tell to tell someone what you think they should do,
disregard sb's advice (=not do what someone tells especially in order to avoid problems: My Dad told
you) |go/turn to sb for advice |seek advice (=try me to talk to a teacher if|was being bullied. | | told her
to get some advice ) | offer advice | pass on some not to worry.
advice (=give someone advice that you have learned recommend to advise someone to do something,
or been given) especially after careful study of that subject: Doctors
recommend eating five portions of fruit and vegetables
each day.
ee acct helntal The Fook isfullof suggest to tell someone your ideas about what they
good advice. should do: | suggested they should visit the cathedral
sound (=sensible) | thought that this was sound while they're here.
advice. urge to strongly advise someone to do something:
wrong Unfortunately all the advice they gave me was Police have urged anyone with information about the
wrong. murder to contact them.
bad advice Financial advisors can be fined if they give
bad advice to a client. ad-vis-ed-ly Jadvaizidli/ adv formal after careful
practical advice |detailed advice |professional/ thought deliberately: He behaved like a dictator, and |
expert/specialist advice |legal/medical/financial use the term advisedly.
etc advice |independent/impartial advice (=from ad:-vis-er & (0, advisor /ad'vaiza $ -ar/ n[C] someone
someone who is not involved and will not get an whose job is to give advice because they know a lot about
advantage) |conflicting advice (=very different a subject, especially in business, law, or politics: a finan-
opinions about what you should do) cial adviser
PHRASES ad-vi-so-ry" /od'vazori/ adj having the purpose of giv-
a piece of advice (also a bit of advice informal) Let ing advice: advisory committee/body the Environmental
me give you a piece of advice. Protection Advisory Committee | advisory role/capacity He
a word of advice spoken (=used when advising was employed in a purely advisory role.
someone what to do ) A word of advice: look at the advisory” n (plural advisories) [C] AmE an official
small print in the contract very carefully. warning or notice that gives information about a danger-
ous situation: The State Department issues travel advisories
advice + NOUN about conditions overseas.
an advice centre/service/desk/bureau ad-vo-ca-cy [4 /‘edvakasi/ n [U] public support for a
course of action or way of doing things
ad'vice column pn [c] part of a newspaper or maga- ad-vo:cate’ fq /‘edvakert/ v [I, T] to publicly support a
zine in which someone gives advice to readers who have particular way of doing something: Extremists were openly
written to them about their personal problems advocating violence. | [+for] AmE: Those who advocate for
[SYN] agony column Br£ —advice columnist n [C] doctor-assisted suicide say the terminally ill should not have
ad-vi-sab-le /ad'varzobal/ adj [not before noun] formal to suffer. GETS RECOMMEND
something that is advisable should be done in order to ad-vo-cate? [fq /‘dvakit, -kert/ n [C] 1 someone who
avoid problems or risks inadvisable: Regular medical publicly supports someone or something proponent:
check-ups are advisable. | It is advisable to write a career [+of] She’s a passionate advocate of natural childbirth. |
objective at the start of your resume. —advisability [+for] an advocate for the disabled 2 a lawyer who speaks
/advaize'bristi/ n [U] 3 in a court of law, especially in Scotland — DEvit's
ADVOCATE
ad-vise (1 /ed'vaiz/ v adze, adz /zdz/ n [C] a sharp tool with the blade at a
1[1,T] to tell someone what you think they should do, right angle to the handle, used to shape wood
especially when you know more than they do about
aegis /\i:d33s/ n formal under the aegis of sb/sth with the
something: She needed someone to advise her. | ‘Make sure
that you keep the documents in a safe place,’ Otley advised protection or support of a person or organization: a
him. | advise sb to do sth Evans advised him to leave refugee camp operating under the aegis of the UN
London. | You are strongly advised to take out medical insur- ae-On, eon /‘i:an/ n [C] an extremely long period of time
ance when visiting China. |advise sb against (doing) sth I’d aer-ate /‘earert $ 'er-/ v [T] technical to put a gas or air
advise you against saying anything to the press. |advise that into a liquid or into soil
aerial 28 EX3 = words from the Academic Word List

aer-ral" /'earial $ 'er-/ adj [only before noun] 1 from a role in public affairs. b) things connected with your per-
plane; an aerial attack |aerial photographs |an aerial view of sonal life, your financial situation etc: | am not prepared to
the Three Gorges Dam project 2 in or moving through the discuss my financial affairs with the press. —> state of affairs
air at STATE'8)
aerial* n [Cc] 1a piece of equipment for receiving or 270 a) an event or set of related events, especially
sending radio or television signals, usually consisting of a one that is impressive or shocking: the Watergate affair |
piece of metal or wire [SYN] antenna AmE — see picture at The whole affair was a disaster. b) used when describing an
CAR 2 aerials a sport in which someone goes down a event: The party was a very grand affair. EVENT
mountain on Skis and performs complicated jumps and 3 QEEGENST a secret sexual relationship between two
turns in the air people, when at least one of them is married to someone
aer-i-al-ist /earialist $ 'er-/ n [C] someone who goes else [SYN] love affair: [+with] He had an affair with his boss
down a mountain on skis and performs complicated that lasted six years.
jumps and turns in the air
423289 informal old-fashioned used when describing an
object, machine etc: The computer was one of those little
aero~ /earau, eara $ erou, -ra/ prefix concerning the air
portable affairs.
or aircraft: aerodynamics (=the science of movement 5 be sb's affair if something is your affair, it only concerns
through air) | an aeroengine you and you do not want anyone else to get involved in it:
aer-o-bat-ics /eara'betiks, earau- $ era-/ n [plural] What | do in my free time is my affair.
tricks done in a plane that involve making difficult or
dangerous movements in the air
_ COLLOCATIONS
ae-ro-bic /ea'raubik $ e'rou-/ adj 1 technical using
world/international affairs China isnow a major
cise intended to strengthen the heart and lungs: running, player in world affairs.
swimming, and other forms of aerobic exercise current affairs (=important events that are
aer-o-bics /ea'raubiks $ e'rou-/ n [U] a very active type happening now) a 24-hour news and current affairs
of physical exercise done to music, usually in a class channel
sb's private affairs (=things that are personal and
aer-o-drome /'earadraum $ ‘eradroum/ n [C] BrE old-
not for other people to know about) He never
fashioned a place that small planes fly from
discussed his private affairs in public.
aer-o-dy-nam-ic /esraudarnemik<« $ erou-/ adj sb's financial affairs They offer advice on managing
1 an aerodynamic car, design etc uses the principles of your financial affairs.
aerodynamics to achieve high speed or low use of petrol sb’s business affairs |economic affairs | political
2 technical related to or involving aerodynamics: aerody- affairs | military affairs |religious affairs |
namic efficiency —aerodynamically /-kli/ adv foreign/external affairs (=events in other
aer-o-dy-nam-ics /eoraudai'nemrks $ erou-/ n [U] countries) |domestic/internal affairs (also home
1 the scientific study of how objects move through the air affairs BrE) (=events inside a country) |public
2 the qualities needed for something to move smoothly affairs (=events that affect the people of a country)
through the air
aer-o-gramme (also aerogram AmE) /‘earagrem
$ 'era-/ n [C] a very light letter you send by AIRMAIL
e business of the government)
The church played no role in the affairs of state.
aer-o-nau-tics /eara'no:ttks $ era'no:-/ n [U] the sci- put your affairs in order (=organize them before
ence of designing and flying planes —aeronautical adj you go somewhere or die)
aer-o:plane /‘earaplein $ 'era-/ BrE, airplane AmE n [C]
a flying vehicle with wings and at least one engine af-fect Gy [i HG /a'fekt/ v [7]
plane —> AIRCRAFT 1to do something that produces an effect or change in
aer-o-sol /eoraspl $ ‘erasa:l/ n [C] a small metal con- something or in someone's situation: the areas affected by
tainer with liquid inside. You press a button on the con- the hurricane | a disease that affects the central nervous
tainer to make the liquid come out in very small drops. system | decisions which affect our lives | Trading has been
—> spray adversely affected by the downturn in consumer spending.
aerospace /‘earauspers $ ‘erou-/ n [U] the industry that 2 [usually passive] to make someone feel strong emotions:
designs and builds aircraft and space vehicles: aerospace We were all deeply affected by her death.
company/worker etc employment in the aerospace industry 3 formal to pretend to have a particular feeling, way of
speaking etc: As usual, Simon affected complete boredom. |
aes:thete, esthete /‘i:s@i:t $ 'es-/ n [C] formal someone He used to affect a foreign accent.
who loves and understands beautiful things, such as art
and music af-fec-ta-tion / efek'tefan/ n [C,U] a way of behaving,
speaking etc that is not sincere or natural: Calling every-
aes:thet-ic', esthetic /i:s'Gettk, es- $ es-/ adj connected one ‘darling’ is just an affectation.
with beauty and the study of beauty: From an esthetic
point of view, it’s a nice design. | a work of great aesthetic af-fect-ed /s'fektid/ adj not sincere or natural: an
appeal —aesthetically /-kli/ adv: aesthetically pleasing affected laugh :
aesthetic? n forma/1 aesthetics [U] the study of beauty, af-fect-ing /a'fektin/ adj formal producing strong emo-
especially beauty in art 2 [C] a set of principles about tions of sadness, pity etc [SYN] upsetting: a deeply affecting
beauty or art: a new aesthetic story :
ae-ther /':0a $ -ar/ n [U] an old spelling of ETHER (=the af-fec-tion /a'fekfan/ n [singular, U] 1a feeling of liking
air or sky) or love and caring [SYN] fondness: [+for] Bart had a deep
affection for the old man. | She looked back on those days
ae:ti-ol-o-gy, etiology /ji:tiplad3i $ -'a:I-/ n [U] medical with affection. | Their father never showed them much
the study of what causes disease
affection. | The church was held in great affection (=loved -
afar /a'fa: $ alfair/ adv literary from afar from a long and cared about a lot) by the local residents. 2 sb's
distance away: | saw him from afar. affections the feelings of love and caring that someone
af-fa-ble /fabal/ adj friendly and easy to talk to has: Africa has always had a special place in my affections. _
{SYN| pleasant: an affable guy —affably adv —affability af-fec-tion-ate /a'fekjanst/ adj showing in a gentle way
/ efa'b1sti/ n [U] that you love someone and care about them [SYN] loving:
af-fair 6 (i /efes $ a'fer/ n [C] [+towards] Jo is very affectionate towards her. |an affection-
IDES
YNS TS affairs [plural] a) public or ate hug —affectionately adv
political events and activities: Are you interested in world af-fec-tive /a'fektrv/ adj medical or technical relating to
affairs? | the Ministry of Foreign Affairs | Women had little or having an effect on the emotions: affective disorders
 [4 = words from the Academic Word List
: =
affective com'puting n [U] technical computing in rent on my own. |How can she afford to eat out every night? ~
which the computer measures the user's emotional state b) to have enough time to do something: Dad can’t afford —
and then uses this information in order to change the way any more time off work. ¢) if you cannot afford to do
it reacts to the user something, you must not do it because it could cause
af-fi-anced /e'fatanst/ adj old use ENGAGED) serious problems for you: afford to do sth We can’t afford —
ra
af-fi-da-vit /zf'dervit/ n [C] law a written statement to wait any longer or we'll miss the plane. /A\ Afford can be
that you swear is true, for use as proof in a court of law followed by an infinitive with to, but not an ‘-ing’ form: /
af-fil-i-ate’ /a'filiett/ v1 [1,7 usually passive] if a group or can't afford to buy (NOT can't afford buying) a car.
organization affiliates to or with another larger one, it 2 formal to provide something or allow something to
forms a close connection with it: [+with] The Society is not happen: The room affords a beautiful view over the city. |
affiliated with any political party. |[+to] the church's right to afford (sb) an opportunity/chance /t afforded her the oppor-
affiliate to Rome 2 affiliate yourself to/with sb/sth to join or tunity to improve her tennis skills. |The new law will afford
become connected with a larger group or organization: protection to employees. —affordable adj: affordable hous-
She affiliated herself with the Impressionist school of paint- ing
ing. ‘ af-for-es-ta-tion /aforisterjan $ afo:-, afar-/ n [U]
af-fil-i-ate? /a'filist/ n [C] a company, organization etc technical the act of planting trees in order to make a forest
that is connected with or controlled by a larger one: opp] deforestation
Volvo's Japanese affiliate, Mitsubishi af-fray /a'fret/ n [C,U] law a noisy fight in a public place,
af-fil-i-at-ed /a'filiertid/ adj [only before noun] an affili- or when someone is involved in such a fight
ated organization/club/member etc an organization, club af-fri-cate /‘efrtkit/ n [C] technical a PLosive sound such
~ etc that is a member of a larger group or organization, or as /t/ or /d/ that is immediately followed by a FRICATIVE
is closely connected with it: The Association provides infor- sound made in the same part of the mouth, such as /s/
mation on affiliated clubs. or /3/. The word ‘church’, for example, contains the
af-fil-i-a:tion /afilierjan/ n 1[C,U] the connection or affricate /t//.
involvement that someone or something has with a af-front! /a'frant/ v [7 usually passive] formal to offend or
political, religious etc organization: sb's (political/religious insult someone, especially by not showing respect: He
etc) affiliation the newspaper's political affiliations stepped back, affronted by the question.
2 [U] when a smaller group or organization joins a larger affront? n (Cc usually singular] a remark or action that
one offends or insults someone: [+to] The comments were an
af-fin-i-ty /a'ftnsti/ n (plural affinities) 1 [singular] a affront to his pride.
strong feeling that you like and understand someone or Af-ghan" /‘efgen/ adj relating to Afghanistan or its
something: [+with/for/between] his remarkable affinity people
with animals 2 [C,U] a close relationship between two Afghan? n [Cc] 1someone from Afghanistan 2 (also
things because of qualities or features that they share: Afghan hound) a tall thin dog with a pointed nose and
[+with/between] the affinity between Christian and Chinese very long silky hair
concepts of the spirit a-fi-cio-na:do /afifaina:dau $ -dou/ n (plural aficiona-
affinity card n [Cc] a type of crepiT CARD, where an dos) [C] someone who is very interested in a particular
amount of money is given by the credit card company to activity or subject and knows a lot about it: [+of] an
a CHARITY every time the card is used aficionado of fine food
af-firm /e'fsim $ -3:rm/ v [T] formal 1 to state publicly afield /a'fi:id/ adv far/further/farthest afield far away,
that something is true [SYN] confirm: The general affirmed especially from home: They were exporting as far afield as
rumors of an attack. | affirm that A spokesman for the Alexandria. |students who come from further afield
company affirmed that a merger was likely. 2 to strengthen a-fire /a'fata $ a'farr/ adj, adv [not before noun] literary
a feeling, belief, or idea: He claims that modern physics burning ablaze: One of the boats had been set afire.
affirms his Christian beliefs. —affirmation /,efa'merfan a-flame Ja'tlerm/ adj [not before noun]
$ efar-/ n [C,U] 1 burning [SyNjablaze: Most of the city was aflame.
af-fir-ma:-tive' /a'fs:matrv $ -3:r-/ adj formal an affirma- 2 very bright with colour or light [syn]jablaze: [+with]
tive answer or action means ‘yes’ or shows agreement trees aflame with autumn leaves 3 filled with strong emo-
negative: an affirmative nod —affirmatively adv tions or excitement —aflame adv
affirmative? n answer/reply in the affirmative formal to AFL-CIO, the /er ef el si: ar 'au $ -'ou/ (the American
say ‘yes’ + answer/reply in the negative at NEGATIVE?(2) Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organiza-
af firmative ‘action n [U] especially AmE the practice tions) an organization of American TRADE UNIONS
of choosing people for a job, college etc who are usually afloat /aflavt $ aflout/ adj [not before noun] 1 hav-
treated unfairly because of their race, sex etc ing enough money to operate or stay out of debt: keep
[SYN] positive discrimination BrE (sb/sth) afloat/stay afloat The Treasury borrowed £40 bil-
af-fix" /o'ftks/ v [T often passive] formal to fasten or stick lion, just to stay afloat. 2 floating on water: keep (sb/sth)
something to something else: affix sth to sth A label must afloat/stay afloat Somehow we kept the ship afloat. —afloat
be affixed to all parcels. adv
af-fix? /‘ftks/ n [C] a group of letters added to the afoot /e'fut/ adj [not before noun] being planned or
beginning or end of a word to change its meaning or use, happening: moves/plans/changes afoot There were plans
such as ‘un-’, ‘mis-’, ‘-ness’, or ‘-ly’ —> PREFIX'(1), SUFFIX afoot for a second attack. —afoot adv
af-flict /a'fltkt/ v [T often passive] formal to affect some- a-fore-men-tioned /saf2:menfand $ ‘efarmenfand,
one or something in an unpleasant way, and make them a'farr-/ (also a-fore-said /a'fa:sed $ a'fa:r-/) adj [only before
suffer: [+with/by] a country afflicted by famine noun] law the aforementioned mentioned before in an
af-flic-tion /aflkjan/ n [CU] formal something that earlier part of a document, article, book etc: The property
causes pain or suffering, especially a medical condition: belongs to the aforementioned Mr Jones. —aforementioned
the afflictions of old age n [singular or plural]
af-flu-ent /‘efluant/ adj formal having plenty of money, a-fore-thought /o'fo:05:t $ a'fo:rOp:t/ adj — with malice
nice houses, expensive things etc [SYN] wealthy: affluent aforethought at MALICE(2)
families | an affluent society/area etc the affluent Cote afoul /a'faul/ adv run afoul of sb/sth formal to do some-
d'Azur GENTE RICH —affluence n [U] thing that is not allowed or legal, or that is against
af-ford &] (8 /e'fo:d $ -o:rd/ v [T] people's beliefs
1can/could afford [usually negative] a) to have enough a-fraid §] (4 /e'frerd/ adj [not before noun]
money to buy or pay for something: afford (to do) sth We 1 frightened because you think that you may get hurt or
can't afford to go on vacation this year. || couldn’t afford the that something bad may happen [SYN] scared: There’s no
 Si] & & = the most frequent words in spoken English

~) need to be afraid. |afraid of (doing) sth kids who are afraid of received the Nobel Prize. | soon/not long/shortly after (sth)
the dark |He was afraid of being caught by the police. |afraid Not long after the wedding, his wife became ill. | The family
SG
moved to Hardingham in June 1983, and Sarah's first child
oe to do sth Zoe was half afraid (=a \ittle afraid) to go back in
the house. (EERIE FRIGHTENED was born soon after.
2when a particular amount of time has passed
REGISTER opP|before: After ten minutes remove the cake from the
In everyday English, people often say scared rather oven. | You'll get used to it after a while. | After months of
than afraid: I’m scared of heights. negotiation, an agreement was finally reached.
2 worried about what might happen, or that something 3 following someone or something else in a list or a piece
bad will happen: afraid (that) He was afraid that the other of writing, or in order of importance: Whose name is after
kids would laugh at him. |afraid of (doing)-sth | didn’t tell her yours on the list? | The date should be written after the
because | was afraid of upsetting her. | The government was address. |After football, tennis is my favourite sport. |The UK
afraid of a public outcry. |afraid to do sth Don't be afraid to is the world’s third largest arms producer, after the USA and
ask for help. Russia.
3 afraid for sb/sth worried that something bad may hap- 4AmE used when telling the time to say how many
pen to a particular person or thing: Her father looked ill and minutes have passed since a particular hour [SYN] past
she was suddenly afraid for him. |Many of us were afraid for BrE: The movie starts at a quarter (=fifteen minutes) after
our jobs. seven.
41'm afraid spoken used to politely tell someone some- 5 day after day/year after year etc continuously for a very
thing that may annoy, upset, or disappoint them: That's long time: He's worked in that same office week after week,
the most we can offer you, I'm afraid. | [+(that)] I’m afraid year after year, since he was 18.
you've come to the wrong address. | ‘Is she very ill?’ ‘I'm 6 a) following someone in order to stop or speak to them:
afraid so (=yes).’ | ‘Did you see him?’ ‘I'm afraid not (=no).’ Go after him and apologize. | | heard someone running after
~ me, and a voice called my name. b) in the direction of
GRAMMAR someone who has just left: ‘Good luck,’ she called after me
Afraid to do something means ‘unwilling to do as | left. |Harry stood in the doorway gazing after her.
something, because you are frightened or worried’: 7 when someone has left a place or has finished doing
They are afraid to express their political views. something: Remember to close the door after you. | | spend
Afraid of doing something can also mean this: When | all day cleaning up after the kids.
was a child, | was afraid of going to sleep. 8 because of something that happened earlier: I’m not
However, it more often means ‘frightened or worried surprised he walked out, after the way she treated him. |
that something might happen as a result of your After your letter, | didn’t think I'd ever see you again.
action’: They were afraid of damaging their careers. 9 in spite of something that was done in the past: How
4
can you treat me like this after all I've done for you?
a-fresh /a'fre{/ adv if you do something afresh, you do it 10 when you have passed a particular place or travelled a
again from the beginning [Syn] anew: He moved to America certain distance along a road: Turn left after the hotel. |
to start afresh. After a mile you will come to a crossroads.
Af-ri-can! /‘efrtken/ adj relating to Africa or its people 11 be after sb/sth a) to be looking for someone or some-
African? n [Cc] someone from Africa thing: That boy's always in trouble - the police are after him
African A'merican n [C] an American with dark skin, again. | ‘Were you after anything in particular?’ ‘No, we're
whose family originally came from the part of Africa just looking.’ b) informal to want to have something that
south of the Sahara Desert belongs to someone else: | think Chris is after myjob.
Af-ri-kaans /zfn'ka:ns/ n [U] a language of South 12 one after another/one after the other if a series of events
Africa that is similar to Dutch or actions happen one after another, each one happens
soon after the previous one: Ever since we moved here it’s
Af-ri-ka-ner /zfrrka:na $ -ar/ n [C] a white South
African whose first language is Afrikaans and who is been one problem after another.
usually related to the Dutch people who settled in South 13 after all a) in spite of what you thought was true or
Africa in the 1600s — Boer expected to happen: He wrote to say they couldn't give me
a job after all. | Union leaders announced that they would,
Af-ro /‘efrau $ -rou/ n [C] a hairstyle popular with black after all, take part in the national conference. b) used to say
people in the 1970s in which the hair is cut into a large that something should be remembered or considered,
round shape because it helps to explain what you have just said:
Afro= /zfrau $ -rou/ prefix [in nouns and adjectives] Afri- Prisoners should be treated with respect - they are human
can and something else: an Afro-American | Afro- beings after all. | | don’t know why you're so concerned - it
Caribbean children isn’t your problem after all.
Af-ro-beat /zfraubi:t $ -rou-/ n [U] a style of African 14 especially BrE used to say who or what first had the
popular music that is a mixture of American FUNK and name that someone or something has been given: His
African PERCUSSION and singing styles name is Alessandro, after his grandfather. | It was named
aft /a:ft $ eft/ adj, adv technical in or towards the back Waterloo Bridge, after the famous battle. :
part of a boat or aircraft [opp] fore (2) 15 formal in the same style as a particular painter, musi-
cian etc: a painting after Rembrandt
af-ter? &] [a /‘a:fta $ ‘eftar/ prep, conjunction, adv 16 a) after you spoken used to say politely that someone
when a particular event or time has happened, or when
else can use or do something before you do: ‘Do you need
someone has done something [opp] before: After the war
the copier?’ ‘After you.’ b) after you with sth used to ask
many soldiers stayed in France. | | go swimming every day
someone if you can have or use something after they
after work, | Do you believe in life after death? | The first
have finished: After you with that knife, please. + a man/
attack started just after midnight. | David went to bed
woman after my own heart at HEART(22), — take after at.
straight after (=immediately after) supper. | After you'd
TAKE!
called the police, what did you do? |Zimmerman changed his
name after he left Germany, |People still remember the 1958
revolution and what came after (=happened after it). |after after prep after something happens, or after a period
doing sth After leaving school, Mackay worked in a restau- of time has passed. After is used especially when
rant for a year. | two days/three weeks etc after (sth) Ten taking about the past: We went for a walk after
years after he bought the painting, Carswell discovered that it lunch. |After an hour, we got tired of waiting and went
was a fake, |the day/week/year etc after (sth) (=the next home.
day, week etc) His car was outside your house the morning in prep after a particular period of time. In is used
after Bob's engagement party. | I'll see you again tomorrow especially when talking about the future, especially
or the day after. |She retired from politics the year after she the next few minutes, hours, days etc: The concert’s
 ( (2 GS = the most frequent words in written English 3 against
due to start in a few minutes. | I'll come back in an af-ter-thought /a:fta@s:t $ ‘zftaren:t/ n° [C] some-
hour. |In.a few years’ time, this place will look thing that you mention or add later because you did not
completely different. think of it or plan it before: He added as an afterthought,
within prep within a month/two weeks etc after less ‘Bring Melanie too.’
than a month, two weeks etc has passed - used af-ter-wards & 18 /a:ftowedz $ ‘eftarwardz/ adv
especially when the time seems surprisingly short: (also afterward) after an event or time that has already
Within two days of arriving she had managed to upset been mentioned: Charles arrived shortly afterwards. |days/
everyone. weeks etc afterwards The experience haunted me for years
24 hours/a year etc from now at a time 24 hours, a afterwards. | She died not long afterwards. | Afterwards, |
year etc after now: A week from now we'll be in Paris. was asked to write a book. PEESATI> AFTER
afterwards (also afterward especially AmE) adv after a-gain §] (i /e'gen, a'gein $ a'gen/ adv
an event or time you have mentioned: He moved to 1one more time - used when something has happened or
Belgium, and soon afterwards he met Angela. been done before: Can you say that again? | didn’t hear. | I'll
later adv some time after now or after the time you never go there again. | Mr Khan's busy. Can you try again
are talking about: /'// tell you about it later when I’m later? once again/yet again used to emphasize that some-
less busy. |two months/three years etc later: James thing has happened several or many times before: /n
went off, and came back ten minutes later with some 1997, the family moved house yet again. | Once again, Drew
food. was under arrest.
subsequently adv formal after something had 2 back to the same state or situation that you were in
happened in the past: The book was published in 1954 before: She stayed and nursed him back to health again. | It’s
and was subsequently translated into fifteen languages. great to have you home again.
after? adj [only before noun] 1 in after years /iterary in the 3 all over again if you do something all over again, you
years after the time that has been mentioned 2. technical repeat it from the beginning: | had to write the essay all
in the back part of a boat or an aircraft over again.
4 as much/as many/the same again the same amount or
after= /a:fta $ zftar/ prefix coming or happening
number as you have just had, said etc: What a fantastic
afterwards [OPP] pre-: an after-dinner speech | after-school
lunch. | could eat the same again. | Nearly as many again
activities
died from pneumonia. | The amount of crime is about half as
af-ter-birth /'a:ftab3:0 $ ‘eftarb3:1r@/ n [U] the sub- much again (=the same in addition to half that amount) as
stance that comes out of female humans or animals just it was in 1973. | ‘Another drink?’ ‘Yes, same again (=the
after they have had a baby [SYN] placenta same drink again), please.’
af-ter-care /‘a:ftakea $ 'eftarker/ n [U] BrE care or 5 spoken used to give a fact or opinion that explains or
treatment given to someone after they leave hospital, adds to something you have just said: And again, these
prison etc: the aftercare of ex-offenders workshops will benefit the community widely.
‘after-ef fect Br, af-ter-ef-fect AmE /‘a:ftarifekt $ ‘ef-/ 6 then/there again spoken used to introduce an idea or fact
n [C usually plural] a bad effect that continues for a long that is different from something you have just said, or
time after the thing that caused it: the after-effects (of sth) makes it seem less likely to be true: She says she’s thirty-
the after-effects of his illness five. But then again she might be lying.
af-ter-glow /'a:ftaglau $ '‘eftarglou/ n [C usually singular] 7 again and again/time and (time) again/over and over again
1 a pleasant feeling that remains after a good experience: very often - used in order to show disapproval: I've told
[+of] the afterglow of victory 2 the light that remains in you again and again, don’t do that!
the sky after the sun goes down 8 spoken used when you want someone to repeat infor-
mation that they have already given you: What did you say
af-ter-life /‘a:ftalarf $ ‘eftar-/ n [singular] the life that
your name was again? — now and again at NOW\5)
some people believe people have after death
a-gainst i /a'genst, a'getnst $ a'genst/ prep
af-ter-math /‘a:ftame0 $ ‘eftar-/ n [singular] the period
1a) used to say that someone opposes or disagrees with
of time after something such as a war, storm, or accident
something: Every council member voted against the
when people are still dealing with the results: [+of] the
proposal, |those who are campaigning against the new road |
danger of disease in the aftermath of the earthquake
He advised me against travelling. |Mr Howard has declared
af-ter-noon' &] ( /,a:fta'nuin< $ eftar-/ n [CU] that he is against all forms of racism. | the fight against
1the part of the day after the morning and before the terrorism b) used to say that an action is not wanted or
evening — morning, evening: There’s a meeting on Thursday approved of by someone: They got married against her
afternoon. | It was very hot in the afternoon. | See you parents’ wishes (=although they knew her parents did not
tomorrow afternoon. | Are you going into town this want them to). |She has been kept in the house against her
afternoon? | We met in the early afternoon. | By late after- will (=she does not want to stay in the house). |The use of
‘noon, Micky had changed his mind. | He was having his certain drugs is against:the law (=illegal). | It’s against my
afternoon nap. principles to borrow money (=| do not believe it is right).
2afternoons during the afternoon every day: She only c) used to say that something is not allowed by a law or
works afternoons. rule: There ought to be a law against it.
afternoon? jnterjection BrE informal used to greet 2 used to say who someone is competing with or trying to
~ someone when you meet them in the afternoon defeat in a game, battle etc: Gambotti was injured in last
af-ters /‘a:ftez $ ‘eftarz/ n [plural] BrE informal the part Saturday's game against the Lions. | We'll be competing
of a meal that comes after the main dish dessert against the best companies in Europe.
af-ter-school club /a:fta'sku:! kab $ eftar-/ n [C] a 3used to say who is harmed, threatened, or given a
place, usually at a school, where young children in Britain disadvantage: violence against elderly people | crimes
can go after the normal school day has finished, and take against humanity |discrimination against women |There had
part in organized activities until their parents can collect been death threats against prison staff. | Your lack of experi-
them after finishing work ence could count against you. | The regulations tend to work
against smaller companies.
af-ter-shave /a:ftaferv $ ‘eftar-/ n [C,U] a liquid with a 4used to say that something touches, hits, or rubs a
nice smell that a man puts on his face after he has shaved surface: the sound of the rain drumming against my
af-ter-shock /‘a:ftafok $ ‘zftarfark/ n [C] 1a small window | The car skidded and we could hear the crunch of
EARTHQUAKE that happens after a larger one 2 the effects metal against metal.
of a shocking event: the war and its aftershocks 5 next to and touching an upright surface, especially for
af-ter-taste /‘a:ftaterst $ 'zftar-/ n [C usually singular] a support: There was a ladder propped up against the wall. |
taste that stays in your mouth after you have eaten or The younger policeman was leaning against the bureau with
drunk something: The wine leaves a strong aftertaste. his arms folded.
 agape 32 Gq = words from the Academic Word List

6in the opposite direction to the movement or flow of

something [opp] with: sailing against the wind | She dived
down and swam out strongly against the current.
the problems of
_ 7seen with something else behind or as a background:
old age
_ He could see a line of figures silhouetted against the sky. | It is
middle age (=between about 40 and 60) He was in
important to know what colours look good against your skin.
late middle age.
8 used to show that you are considering particular events
a great/advanced age (=a very old age) My aunt
in relation to other events that are happening at the same
died at a great age.
time: The reforms were introduced against a background of
a difficult/awkward age (=used mainly about the
social unrest.
time when people are teenagers) |retirement age |
9 used to say what you are comparing something with:
school age |school-leaving age BrE |the legal age |
The pound has fallen 10% against the dollar. |She checked
the minimum age |the voting age |the marrying
the contents of the box against the list. | The cost of the
age
proposed research needs to be balanced against its benefits.
10 used to say who or what you are trying to protect
someone or something from: insurance against accident from an early/young age She'd been playing the
and sickness |a cream to protect against sunburn |a vaccine piano from a very early age. {
which is effective against pneumonia at an early/young age Kids can start learning a
11 used to say who is said or shown to have done some- second language at a young age.
thing wrong: He has always emphatically denied the allega- sb (of) your own age He needs to find people his own
tions against him. | The evidence against you is over- age. \
whelming. of childbearing age (=at the age when a woman can
12 be/come up against sb/sth to have to deal with a diffi- have children) |of working age |the age of consent
cult opponent or problem: You see, this is what we're up (=when you are legally allowed to marry or have
against - the suppliers just aren't reliable. sex)
13 have sth against sb/sth to dislike or disapprove of some-
one or something: | don’t have anything against babies. |
just don’t feel very comfortable with them. an age group/bracket/range Ven in the 50-65 age
a-gape /a'getp/ adj [not before noun] with your mouth group are most at risk from heart disease.
wide open, especially because you are surprised or an age limit
shocked: Vince watched, his mouth agape in horror.
ag-ate /‘egit/ n [CU] a hard stone with bands of get to/reach/live to a particular age One in three
different colours, used in jewellery children die before they reach the age of 5.
age’ Gi] Ml /erds/ n lower/raise the age (=at which something can be
1fiza) [C,U] the number of years someone has lived done) The voting age was lowered from 21 to 18.
or something has existed — old: Francis is the same age as look/feel your age (=look or feel as old as you
me. | Experts disagree over the age of the drawings. | Dad really are) |act your age (=behave in the way that a
retired at the age of 56. |at age 5/18 etc In Britain, schooling person of your age should behave) |ask/say your
starts at age 5. |4/15 etc years of age (=4, 15 etc years old) age (=ask or say how old you are)
She was just over 16 years of age. | at my/your etc age
(=when you are as old as me etc) At my age, it’s quite age? v (present participle aging or ageing) 1 [1,1] to ‘start
difficult getting up the stairs. |over/under the age of 5/18 etc looking older or to make someone or something look
people over the age of 65 |for his/her etc age (=compared older: He was worried to see how much she'd aged. | The
with other people of the same age) She’s tall for her age, experience had aged him in advance of his years. 2 [I] to
isn’t she? become older: The buildings are ageing, and some are
REGISTER unsafe. 3 [1,1] to improve and develop in taste over a
In everyday English, people usually use the period of time, or to allow food or alcohol to do this
expression how old ...? rather than using the noun [SYN] mature: Cheddar cheese ages well. |The whisky is aged
age: What age is your brother? — How old is your for at least ten years.
brother? | They asked me my age. — They asked m ‘age bracket n [Cc] the people between two particular
how old | was. : ages, considered as a group [SYN] age group: in the ... age
2 (S394 [U] the age when you are legally old enough bracket single people in the 40-50 age bracket
to do something: What's the minimum age for getting a
aged" [WH /erd3d/ adj aged 5/25 etc 5 etc years old:
driver's license? | You're not allowed to buy alcohol. You're
[+between] Police are looking for a man aged between 30
under age (=too young by law). | The normal retirement age
and 35. | The course is open to children aged 12 and over.
is 65.
3 GEE «[C,U] one of the particular periods of aged? /‘erdzid/ adj 1very old: my aged parents
someone's life: When you get to old age, everything seems OLD 2 the aged [plural] old people: the care of
to take longer. | The early teens are often a difficult age. children and the aged
4G3nta) [U] the state of being old — youth: with age
High blood pressure increases with age. |Some of the furni- ‘age discrimination n (UJ unfair treatment of people
ture was showing signs of age. because they are old [SYN] ageism BrE
5 Gea Teed LC usually singular] a particular period ‘age group n [C] the people between two particular
of history era: We are living in the age of technology. | ages, considered as a group: in the ... age group a book for
Molecular biology. is pushing medicine into a new age. > in children in the 12-14 age group
this day and age at DAY(6) PERIOD
6 ages [plural] (also an age) especially BrE informal a long age-ing /e1dzin/ adj a British spelling of AGING°
time: Simon! | haven't seen you for ages. | That recipe takes EEN o1p
ages. | it's ages since/before/until etc sth /t’s ages since age-is-m (also agism AmE) /'erd3izam/ n [U] unfair
we've played that game. treatment of people because they are old [SYN]age —
7.come of age a) to reach the age when you are legally discrimination {i.e PREJUDICE
considered to be a responsible adult b) if something
comes of age, it reaches a stage of development at which age-ist /‘erdzist/ adj treating older people unfairly
people accept it as being important, valuable etc: During because of a belief that they are less important than
this period the movies really came of age as an art form. younger people: The article seemed somewhat insensitive
—> NEW AGE!, NEW AGE* and ageist to me. —ageist n [C]
Xa = words from the Academic Word List 33 aghast
age-less /eidzlas/ adj 1never looking old or old- ag-glu-ti-na-tion /aglu:tsnerjan $ aglu:tn'e-/ n [U]
fashioned: Her face seemed ageless. 2 having existed for a 1 the state of being stuck together 2 the process of mak- —
very long time and continuing forever [SYN] timeless: the ing new words by combining two or more words, such as
ageless charm of a country kitchen —agelessness n [U] combining ‘ship’ and ‘yard’ to make ‘shipyard’ z
‘age Jimit n[C] the oldest or youngest age at which you ag-gran-dize-ment (also —--isement BrE)
are allowed to do something: [+for] The upper age limit for /a'grendizmant/ n [U] when a person or country tries to
entrants was set at 25. increase their power or importance - used to show disap-
a-gen-cy &) (i /'etdzeansi/ n (plural agencies) [C] proval: the misuse of authority for personal aggrandizement
1a business that provides a particular service for people ag:gra-vate /‘gravert/ v [T] 1 to make a bad situation,
or organizations: an advertising/employment/travel etc an illness, or an injury worse [OPP] improve: Their money
agency a local housing agency —+ DATING AGENCY, NEWS problems were further aggravated by a rise in interest rates. |
AGENCY Building the new road will only aggravate the situation.
2 an organization or department, especially within a gov- 2 to make someone angry or annoyed [SYN] irritate: What
ernment, that does a specific job: a UN agency responsible really aggravates me is the way she won't listen.
for helping refugees |the Environmental Protection Agency —aggravating adj —aggravatingly adv —aggravation
3 by/through the agency of sb formal being done as the / egra'verfan/ n [C,U]
result of someone's help
ag-gra-va-ted /‘zgravertid/ adj [only before noun] law
a-gen-da /a'dzenda/ n [C] 14 list of problems or sub- an aggravated offence is one in which a criminal does
jects that a government, organization etc is planning to something that makes their original crime more serious:
deal with: be high on the agenda/be top of the agenda (=be He was charged with aggravated assault.
one of the most important problems to deal with) Meas-
ures to combat terrorism will be high on the agenda. | The
ag-gre-gate' Ly /‘gngit/n formal1 [C] the total after
a lot of different figures or points have been added
government set an agenda for constitutional reform. |
political/economic/legislative/domestic etc agenda Our together: [+of] The smaller minorities got an aggregate of
Centre has limited its research agenda to four areas. 1327 votes. | In the aggregate (=as a group or in total),
2 the ideas that a political party thinks are important and women outlive men by 7 or more years. | on aggregate BrE
(=when the points from two football games are added
the things that party aims to achieve: The Republicans
have stuck to their conservative agenda. 3 a list of the together) Manchester United won 2-1 on aggregate.
2 [singular, U] technical sand or small stones that are used
subjects to be discussed at a meeting: the next item
in making CONCRETE
(=subject) on the agenda — hidden agenda at HIDDEN2(3)
a-gent §] (1 /eidzent/ n [Cc] aggregate” (X39 adj [only before noun] technical being the
1a person or company that represents another person or total amount of something after all the figures or points
company, especially in business: Our agent in Rio deals have been added together: an increase in the aggregate
with all our Brazilian business. | [+for] We're acting as production
agents for Mr Watson. —> ESTATE AGENT, LAND AGENT, REAL ag-gre-gate® Lg /‘egrigeit/ v formal 1 [linking verb] to
ESTATE AGENT, TRAVEL AGENT be a particular amount when added together: Sheila’s
2someone who finds work for actors, musicians etc, or earnings from all sources aggregated £100,000. 2 [I,T usually
who finds someone to PUBLISH a writer's work: My agent passive] to put different amounts, pieces of information
has a new script for me to look at. |a literary agent etc together to form a group or a total: [+with] A wife’s
3 someone who works for a government or police depart- income is no longer aggregated with that of her husband.
ment, especially in order to get secret information about —aggregation /gri'gerfan/ n [U]
another country or organization: an intelligence agent |an ag-gres:sion /a'grefan/ n [U] 1 angry or threatening
FBI agent |an undercover (=secret) agent —> SECRET AGENT, behaviour or feelings that often result in fighting: Tele-
DOUBLE AGENT vision violence can encourage aggression in children. |
4 technical a chemical or substance that is used for a [+towards] Our dogs have never shown aggression towards
particular purpose or that has a particular effect: Soap is a other dogs. 2 the act of attacking a country, especially
cleansing agent. when that country has not attacked first: an unprovoked
5 someone or something that affects or changes a situa- act of aggression | [tagainst] Athenian aggression against
tion: agent for/of change Technological advances are the Persia
chief agents of change. —> FREE AGENT
agent pro-voc:a-‘teur /zzp0n provoke'ts: $ a:zain ag-gres-sive fy /a'gresiv/ adj
-prouvarke'tsir/ n (plural agents provocateurs (same pronun- 1 behaving in an angry threatening way, as if you want to
ciation)) [C] someone who is employed to encourage fight or attack someone: Jim's voice became aggressive. |
people who are working against a government to do Teachers apparently expect a certain amount of aggressive
something illegal so that they are caught behaviour from boys.
2 very determined to succeed or get what you want: A
age of con'sent n the age of consent the age when
successful businessman has to be aggressive. |an aggressive
someone can legally get married or have a sexual rela-
marketing campaign
tionship .
3.an aggressive disease spreads quickly in the body: an
age-old adj having existed for a very long time: an aggressive form of breast cancer —aggressively adv
age-old tradition/practice/custom etc BrE: age-old customs | —aggressiveness n [U]
the age-old problem of sexual discrimination
OLD ag-gres-SOr /a'gresa $ -ar/ n [C] a person or country
that begins a fight or war with another person or country:
‘age range n [C] the people between two particular
measures taken to deter potential aggressors
ages, considered as a group age group: in the ... age
range young people in the 15-18 age range | This affects ag-grieved /a'griivd/ adj 1angry and sad because you
people across a wide age range. think you have been unfairly treated: an aggrieved tone of
ag-fla-tion /zg'lerjan/ n [U] a general increase in the voice 2 law having suffered as a result of the illegal
price of food: A major cause of agflation is the growing use actions of someone else: the aggrieved party (=the person
of crops for fuel. who has suffered)
ag-glom-er-ate /a'glomarit $ a'gla:-/ n [singular, U] aggro /‘egrav $ -rou/ n [U] BrE informal 1 angry behav-
technical a type of rock formed from pieces of material iour or fighting: | hope he doesn’t cause any aggro. 2 prob-
from a VOLCANO that have melted together lems or difficulties that annoy you: | can’t cope with all this
ag-glom-e-ra-tion /aglomea'rerfan $ agla:-/ n [C,U] a aggro.
large collection of things that do not seem to belong a-ghast /a'gaist $ a'gest/ adj [not before noun] written
together: [+of] buildings in an agglomeration of styles feeling or looking shocked by something you have seen or
 agile 34

-» just found out: [+at] Everyone was aghast at the verdict. | before a phrase with ago: They first met fifteen years
~ Hank looked at her aghast. GEERT sHockeD ago (NOT at/in fifteen years ago).
agile /‘edzatl $ 'edzal/ adj 1able to move quickly and Z\ Do not use ‘since’ or before’ with ago: | came to
easily: Dogs are surprisingly agile. 2 someone who has an the US two months ago (NOT since/before two months
agile mind is able to think very quickly and intelligently: ago).
He was physically strong and mentally agile. —agility
/a'datlsti/ n [UJ]: With surprising agility, Karl darted across a-208 /a'gog $ a'ga:g/ adj [not before noun] very excited
the road, about something and wanting to find out more: I’ve been
agog all afternoon, waiting for the next part of your story. |
ag-ing" (also ageing BrE) /‘erd31n/ adj [only before noun]
Paul was agog with curiosity.
becoming old: aging movie stars | Europe’s ageing popula-
tion (=with more old people than before) GEESAUII> ag-o-nize (also -ise BrE) /‘eganaiz/ v [1] to think about
OLD a difficult decision very carefully and with a lot of effort:
[+over/about] Al] the way home she agonized about what
aging (also ageing BrE) /‘e1dz1n/ n [U] the process of
she should do. —agonizing n [U]
getting old: Memory loss is often a part of ageing.
ag-o-nized (also -ised BrE) /‘eganaizd/ adj [only before
ag«is«M /‘erdz1zam/ n an American spelling of AGEISM
noun] expressing very severe pain: an agonized scream |
a-gi-tate /‘edz}text/ v 1 [I] to argue strongly in public From some place close by she heard agonized sobbing.
for something you want, especially a political or socia
change: [+for/against] unions agitating for higher pay ag-o-niz-ling (also -ising BrE) /‘eganaizin/ adj
agitate to do sth His family are agitating to get him freed. Textremely painful: The pain was agonizing.
2 [7] formal to make someone feel anxious, upset, and
2 very unpleasant to experience, especially because of
nervous: | must warn you that any mention of Clare agitates involving a difficult choice or a long wait: an agonizing
your grandmother. 3 [T] technical to shake or mix a liquid decision —agonizingly adv: at an agonizingly slow pace
quickly ag:o:ny /‘egani/ n (plural agonies) [C,U] 1-very severe
a-gi-ta-ted /‘dzitertid/ adj so nervous or upset tha pain: the agony of arthritis | in agony | was in agony, | He
you are unable to keep still or think calmly: Amanda was groaned in agony. PAIN 2 a very sad, difficult,
getting visibly agitated. or unpleasant experience: It was agony not knowing if she
would live. | [+of] He was in agonies of remorse. — pile on
a-gi-ta-tion / d3$terjan/ n 1 [U] when you are so anx- the pressure/agony at PILE ON(2), — prolong the agony at
ious, nervous, or upset that you cannot think calmly: She
PROLONG(2)
was in a state of considerable agitation. 2 [C,U] public
argument or action for social or political change: [+for/ ‘agony aunt n [C] Br someone who writesan agony
against] mass agitation for political reform 3 [U] technical column
the act of shaking or mixing a liquid ‘agony column n [Cc] Br£ a part of a newspaper or
a-gi-ta-tor /zdziterta $ -ar/ n [C] someone who magazine in which someone gives advice to readers
encourages people to work towards changing something about their personal problems [SYN] advice column
in society - used to show disapproval: a political agitator ag-o-ra:pho-bi-a /zgarefaubie $ -fou-/ n [U] fear of
a-git-prop /,edzit'prop $ -'prazp/ n [U] music, litera- crowds and open spaces —> claustrophobia
ture, or art that tries to persuade people to follow a ag-o-ra:pho-bic / zgarafaubik< $ -‘fou-/ n [C] some-
particular set of political ideas one who suffers from agoraphobia —agoraphobic adj
a-glow Ja'glav $ a'glou/ adj [not before noun] literary a-grar-i-an /a'grearian $ a'grer-/ adj [usually before noun]
1 having a soft light, or a strong warm colour: The evening relating to farming or farmers: an agrarian economy
sky was still aglow. 2 if someone's face is aglow, they (=based on farming)
seem happy and excited: [+with] Linda's face was aglow
agree GJ [a /egri:/ v
with happiness.
18ST [1,7 not in progressive] to have or express
AGM\ / 1 d3i:'em/ n [C] BrE (annual general meeting) a the same opinion about something as someone else
meeting held once a year by a club, business, or organi- {opP|disagree: Teenagers and their parents rarely agree. |
zation for the members to discuss the previous year’s [+with] If she felt he was right, she would agree with him. |
business, elect officials etc [SYN] annual meeting AmE agree that /Viost people nowadays would agree that a good
ag-nos-tic /eg'nosttk, ag- $ -'na:-/ n [C] someone who pub is one of our best traditions. | [+on/about] We don’t
believes that people cannot know whether God exists or agree on everything, of course. || quite agree/I couldn't agree
not — atheist RELIGIOUS —agnostic adj more (=| agree completely) ‘We have to talk.’ ‘Absolutely,’
—agnosticism /-t3sizam/ n [U] Meredith replied. ‘I couldn't agree more.’
ago &] Ml /e'geu $ a'gou/ adv used to show how far 2 SVHL [1,T not in progressive] to say yes to an idea, plan,
back in the past something happened: 5 minutes/an suggestion etc [opp] refuse: | suggested we go somewhere
hour/20 years etc ago Her husband died 14 years ago. |long for the weekend and she agreed at once. |agree to do sth No
ago/a long time ago He should have finished at university one really knows why he agreed to do the film. | [+to] My
long ago, but he kept taking extra courses. | a minute/ sister won't agree to our mother going into a nursing home.
moment ago The little girl you saw a moment ago was my 3 Psa [1,7 not in progressive] to make a deci-
niece, |a little/short while ago Tom got a letter from him just sion with someone after a discussion with them: agree to
a little while ago. | They moved to a new house some time do sth We agreed to meet again the following Monday. |
ago (=a fairly long time ago). | We had our bicentenary [t+on] They managed to agree on a date for the wedding. |
celebrations not that long ago. agree that /t was agreed that elections would be held in.
May. | agree a price/plan/strategy etc We agreed a new
( GRAMMAR: ago, before, previously four-year contract.
Use ago to say how much time has passed from the 4 GSR S90 [1 not in progressive] if two pieces of infor-
time something happened to the present time: We mation agree with each other, they match or are the
went to Madrid two years ago. same: [+with] Your story doesn’t agree with what the police
Use before to say how much time passed from the have told us. :
time something happened to a time in the past: Her 5 agree to differ/disagree if two people agree to differ, they
husband had died many years before. accept that they have different opinions about something
Previously is used in the same way, but is more and stop arguing about it ;
formal: The meeting was a follow-up to one that had
been held four days previously. THESAURUS
/A\ Use the past tense, not the present perfect, with | TO SAY YES
ago: | started (NOT I've started) a new job a few weeks agree to say that you think that someone's plan or
ago. suggestion is a good idea and you think it should
A\ Do not use a preposition (‘at', ‘in’, ‘on’ etc) happen: Charles suggested going for a picnic, and we
{) [2 OS = the most frequent words in written English 35 agreement
all agreed. | The Council of Ministers would never agree under an agreement Under the agreement, most agricultural
to such a plan. prices will remain at the same level.
say yes especially spoken to agree to do what 2 [U] when people have the same opinion as each other —
someone has asked: They asked if | would give a talk, Opp] disagreement: agreement that There is general agree-
and | stupidly said yes. ment that copyright is a good idea. | [ton] There is wide- |
approve to officially agree to a plan or proposal: spread agreement on the need for prison reform. | be in —
Congress approved the plan by a large majority. agreement A decision will not be made until everyone is in
give your consent to say that you agree to agreement. | It is easier for two parties to reach agreement
something that will affect you, your family, or your than for three.
property, when you have the legal right to say ‘no’: 3 [U] when someone says yes to an idea, plan, suggestion
Her parents have given their consent to the marriage. etc: agreement to do sth Would their discussion result in his
go along with sth to agree with someone else's plan agreement to visit his stepmother? | [+of] Such arrange-
or suggestion even though you are not sure if it is ments cannot be altered without the agreement of the bank.
the right thing to do: He wasn't very happy with the 4[C] an official document that people sign to show that
idea, but he decided to go along with it. they have agreed to something: Please read the agreement
and sign it. |a hire purchase agreement
agree to have the same opinion as someone, or to
think that a statement is correct: | totally agree with
what you've just said. |Most experts agree that dieting make an agreement We made an agreement not to
needs to be accompanied by regular exercise. tell anyone.
be in agreement formal if people are in agreement, sign an agreement [he two countries have signed an
they agree with each other, especially after agreement on military co-operation.
discussing something: The world’s scientists are in have an agreement They have an agreement that all
agreement that global warming is a problem that needs workers should be union members.
to be addressed. reach/come to an agreement (a/so conclude an
share sb's view/be of the same opinion formal to agreement formal) /t took the two sides several weeks
have the same opinion as someone, especially to reach an agreement.
about an important issue: A lot of people share his view break/violate an agreement The UN accused the
that tourism will have a negative impact on the island, | country's leaders of breaking international agreements.
Professor Dawkins is of thesame opinion as DrJones. keep/honour an agreement (also stick to an
concur /kan'k3: $ -'k3:r/ formal to agree with someone agreement informal) (=do what you have agreed) |
or about something - a very formal word which is used go back on an agreement (also renege on an
especially in official contexts: The committee concurred agreement formal) (=not do what you agreed to
with this view. |She asked her colleague, and she do) |be bound by an agreement (=have to obey the
concurred. conditions of an official agreement) | negotiate an
see eye to eye [not in progressive] to agree with agreement (=discuss particular things in order to
someone about something - used especially in reach an agreement) |draft an agreement (=write
negative sentences: We don’t always see eye to eye, but the conditions of an agreement, which may be
we do respect each other's opinions. changed) |broker an agreement (=arrange an
agree up to a point to partly agree with someone: | agreement between two or more opposing groups) |
agree with you up to.a point, but surely the situation is enter into an agreement formal (=make an official
more:complex than that? agreement, which has legal responsibilities) |
agree with sth phr v finalize an agreement (=agree the last part) |
1to believe that a decision, action, or suggestion is cor-
an agreement breaks down (=it stops working)
rect or right: | don’t agree with hitting children.
2 not agree with sb if a type of food does not agree with you,
a written agreement Jhere is usually a written
it makes you feel ill: Green peppers don’t agree with me.
agreement between the borrower and the bank.
3 if an adjective, verb etc agrees with a word, it matches
a verbal agreement (=agreed in words, but not
that word by being plural if the word is plural etc
written down) The doctor needs to have a verbal
a-gree-a-ble /a'grizabal/ adj 1. written or old-fashioned agreement from the patient.
pleasant disagreeable: We spent a most agreeable a trade agreement The administration has signed a
couple of hours. |an agreeable young man 2 be agreeable to multi-billion dollar trade agreement with Colombia.
sth formal to be willing to do something or willing to allow a legal agreement The golf club is also offering to
something to be done: My parents are quite agreeable to enter into a legal agreement with local residents.
my studying abroad. 3 acceptable: [+to] The main objective a binding agreement (=an official agreement that
is to find a solution that is agreeable to the company in terms must be obeyed) Lawyers are in the process of drafting
of cost. —agreeably adv: | think you'll be agreeably surprised a legally binding agreement between both parties
by what I’m going to say. a formal/informal agreement | a peace agreement
(=a permanent agreement to stop fighting) |
a-greed /a'gri:d/ adj [only before noun] 1 an agreed plan, a ceasefire agreement (=a temporary agreement
price, arrangement etc is one that people have discussed to stop fighting) |an international agreement |
and accepted: The important thing is to have agreed a multilateral agreement formal (involving several
objectives. 2 be agreed if people are agreed, they have countries or groups) |a bilateral agreement formal
discussed something and agree about what to do: [ton] (=between two countries or groups) |a draft
All parties are now agreed on the plan. |be agreed that We're agreement (=one that is not yet in its finished form) |
all agreed that we cannot spend what we have not earned. a gentleman's agreement (=an agreement that is not
3 Agreed used to check if someone agrees, or to show written down, and is based only on trust)
that you agree: ‘Let's just forget it ever happened. Agreed?’
‘Agreed.’ PHRASES. : Cte ine te eliredy
the terms of an agreement (=the conditions that
a-gree-ment § (J /e'gri:mant/ n people agree on) Under the terms of the agreement,
1[C] an arrangementor promise to do something, made the debt would be repaid over a 20-year period.
by two or more people, companies, organizations etc: a breach of an agreement (=an act of breaking an
[+that] They had made an agreement that they would share agreement) |be close to an agreement (=have
the profits equally. | [+with] Haydon came to an agreement almost reached an agreement)
with his creditors. |[ton] an agreement on arms reduction | Ne als
 agribusiness
, ag-ri-busi-ness /‘egrbiznis/ n [C,U] the production attention, or when you are saying something embarrass-
and sale of farm products, or a company involved in this ing
ag-ri-cul-ture [qj /egrtkaltja $ -ar/ n [U] the practice -aholic /aholtk $ ahp:-, aha:-/ suffix [in nouns and adjec-
or science of farming: More than 75% of the land is used for tives] someone who cannot stop doing something or
agriculture. —agricultural / egrt'kalt{aral</ adj: agricultural using something: a workaholic (=someone who never
land | agricultural labourers —agriculturalist n [C] stops working) | a chocaholic (=someone who loves
—+ HORTICULTURE chocolate)
ag:ri-tour-is«m /‘egri,tuarizem $ -tur-/ n [U] holidays a-hoy /a'ho1/ interjection old-fashioned used by sailors to
in which visitors stay in country areas on farms or near get someone's attention or greet them
farms Al /et'at/ n [U] the abbreviation of artificial intelligence
agro= /egrav $ -rou/ prefix (also agri- /egrt/) relating aid’ § [a /erd/ n
to farming: agrobiology 1[U] help, such as money or food, given by an organiza-
a-gron-o-my /a'gronami $ a'gra:-/ n [U] the study of tion or government to a country or to people who are ina
the growing of crops —agronomist n [C] difficult situation: Foreign aid from many countries poured
a-ground /a'graund/ adv run/go aground if a ship runs into the famine area. |convoys delivering humanitarian aid |a
aground, it becomes stuck in a place where the water is substantial aid programme | He has been granted legal aid
not deep enough (=free legal services).
a-gue /'etgju:/ n [C,U] old-fashioned a fever that makes 2[U] help that you need to do a particular thing: with/
you shake and feel cold without the aid of sth Father Poole walked painfully, with the
aid of a stick.
ah /a:/ interjection used to show surprise, happiness,
3 in aid of sth in order to help a CHARITY: We're collecting
agreement etc: Ah! There you are!
money in aid of cancer research.
a-ha /arha:/ interjection used to show that you under- 4[U] help or advice that is given to someone who needs
stand or realize something: Aha! So you planned all this, did it: come/go to sb's aid (=help someone) | didn’t speak any
you? — HA French, but a nice man came to my aid.
a-head §] (1G /ahed/ adv 5[C] something such as a machine or tool that helps
1({ii a short distance in front of someone or someone do something: A video is a useful aid ‘in the
something [ope] behind: He kept his gaze fixed on the car classroom. |a hearing aid
ahead. | [+of] A hill loomed ahead of them. | We could see 6 what's this in aid of? BrE spoken used to ask what some-
the lights of Las Vegas up ahead. | some/a little/a long way thing is used for or why someone is doing something:
ahead The clinic was now in sight, some way ahead. | What's this meeting tomorrow in aid of, then?
straight/dead ahead (=straight in front) The river is eight 7 an American spelling of AIDE — FIRST AID
miles away dead ahead. |Henry hurried on ahead (=went in aid? GQ v [1] 1 to help someone do something: an index
front of the others). to aid the reader |aid sb in/with (doing) sth Mrs Coxen was
2 GTZ) if someone or something looks or moves aided in looking after the children by her niece. FEES
ahead, they look or move forward: He stared straight HELP 2 to make something happen more quickly or easily:
ahead. | The ship forged ahead through the thin ice. Welfare spending aids economic development in three ways.
3 Gas «~Cbefore someone else: [+of] There were 3 aid and abet law to help someone do something illegal
four people ahead of me at the doctor's. aide /erd/ n [C] someone whose job is to help someone
4 (TG in the future: [+of] You have a long trip ahead of who has an important job, especially a politician: a presi-
you. | Problems may lie ahead. |the years/days/months etc dential aide
ahead We do not foresee any major changes in the years
ahead. | Unless we plan ahead (=plan for the future) we are aide-de-camp /erd da ‘ka:mp/ n (plural aides-de-
going to be in a mess. camp (same pronunciation)) [C] a military officer whose
5 Paria ~4(before an event happens [syYN]in job is to help an officer of a higher rank
advance: | cook rice two or three hours ahead. | Can you tell AIDS (also Aids BrE) /etdz/ n [U] (Acquired Immune
me ahead of time if you're coming? | [+of] He’s giving a Deficiency Syndrome) a very serious disease that stops
series of concerts in London ahead of his international tour. your body from defending itself against infections, and
6 ahead of schedule earlier than planned or arranged: | usually causes death: the AIDS virus | Aids sufferers |
arrived at Jack's suite half an hour ahead of schedule. full-blown AIDS (=AIDS at its most advanced stage)
7 ROSSA «making progress and being suc- ‘aid worker n [Cc] someone who works for an organiza-
cessful in your job, education etc: get/keep/stay ahead tion that brings food and other supplies to people in
Getting ahead at work is the most important thing to her at danger from wars, floods etc: UN aid workers
the moment. ail /et// v1 what ails sth formal the thing or things that
8 LUYZNT) ideas, achievements etc that are ahead of are causing difficulties for something: This initiative is not
others have made more progress or are more developed:
the answer to what ails our educational system.
This design is light years ahead (=much more advanced) in 2 [1,1] old-fashioned to be ill, or to make someone feel ill
performance and comfort. | ahead of your/its time (=very or unhappy
advanced or new, and not understood or accepted) Col-
eridge was in many ways far ahead of his time. ail-ing /‘erltn/ adj [usually before noun] 1 an ailing com-
9 ({7REIETS ~winning in a competition or election: Two pany, organization, or ECONOMY is having a lot of prob-
shots from Gardner put the Giants 80-75 ahead. | We are 10 lems and is not successful: the ailing car industry
points ahead in the polls. | [+of] At this stage, Smith 2 formal ill and not likely to get better
appeared to be ahead of his rivals. ail-ment /‘etlmant/ n [C] an illness that is not very
10 go ahead a) spoken used to tell someone they can do serious: minor ailments (GG]SA.> ILLNESS
something: ‘Can | have the sports section?’ ‘Yeah, go ahead, aim’ & /eim/ n :
I've read it.’ b) to do something that was planned, espe- 1[C] something you hope to achieve by doing something:
cially in spite of a problem: [+with] Frank’ll be late but we'll [+of] The aim of the research is to find new food sources. |
go ahead with the meeting anyway. c) to take place: Tests of The main aim of the course is to improve your writing. |with |
anti-cancer drugs are to go ahead this year. + GO-AHEAD' the aim of doing sth a campaign with the aim of helping
11 ahead of the game/curve informal in a position where , victims of crime | Teamwork is required in order to achieve
you are more advanced or more successful than your these aims. | a policy which sets out the school’s aims and
competitors: Belmont city leaders have never been ahead of objectives FLEA PURPOSE
the curve in environmental matters. 2take aim to point a gun or weapon at someone or
a-hem /m'hm; spelling pronunciation athem/ interjection a something you want to shoot: [+at] Alan took aim at the
sound like a cough that you make to attract someone's target.
EQ = words from the Academic Word List 37 airbrush
3 take aim at sb/sth Ame to criticize someone or some- 8 fs [C] a simple tune, often used in the title of a
thing: Critics took aim at the President. piece of CLASSICAL music
4[U] someone's ability to hit what they are aiming at 9 airs [plural] a way of behaving that shows someone —
when they throw or shoot something: Val’s aim was very thinks they are more important than they really are: put —
good. on airs/give yourself airs Trudy is always putting on airs. |an
actor with no airs and graces
10 be walking/floating on air to feel very happy — HOT AiR,
aim something you hope to achieve by doing ON-AIR, — clear the air at CLEAR*(15), > disappear/vanish
something: The main aim of the plan was to provide into thin air at THIN'(15), + out of thin air at THIN'(16)
employment for local people.
goal something important that you hope to achieve COLLOCATIONS
in the future, even though it may take a long time:
The country can still achieve its goal of reducing poverty fresh She opened the window to let in some fresh air.
by a third. clean London's air is cleaner than it has been at any
target a particular amount or total that you want to time since 1585.
achieve: The company is on track to meet its target of warm/hot Warm air rises and is replaced by cooler and
increasing profits by 10%. denser air.
objective the specific thing that you are trying to cool/cold The air had turned a little cooler.
achieve - used especially about things that have crisp (=pleasantly cool) the crisp autumn air
been officially discussed and agreed upon in clear |damp/humid | polluted | stale (=not fresh
business, politics etc: Their main objective is to halt and often full of smoke) |the air is thin (=there is
the flow of drugs. | We met to set the business less oxygen because you are in a high place) |the
objectives for the coming year. morning/evening/night air |the sea/mountain/
ambition something that you very much want to country air |the still air (=air in which there is no
achieve in your future career: Her ambition was to go wind)
to law school and become an attorney.
a
Fal
aim? Gy [Ev air pollution Most air pollution is caused by cars.
1[1] to try or intend to achieve something: aim to do sth the air quality The air quality is very poor on hot days.
We aim to finish by Friday. | (be) aimed at doing sth an the air pressure
initiative aimed at reducing road accidents | [+for] We're
aiming for a big improvement.
2 aim sth at sb to say or do something that is intended for a breath of air / went outside for a breath of air.
a particular person or group of people: a program that’s a rush/blast/stream of air |a current of air
aimed at teenagers | The criticism wasn't aimed at you.
3 [I,T] to choose the place, person etc that you want to hit breathe in the air She breathed in the coo! mountain
or reach and point a weapon or another object towards air.
them: Denver aimed his gun but did not shoot. | [+at/for] fight/gasp for air (=try to breathe with difficulty)
The pilot was aiming for the runway but came down in a He clutched his throat as he fought for air.
nearby field. let in some air (=let fresh air into a room) | put air
aim-less /‘emlas/ adj not having a clear purpose or into sth (=fill a tyre, balloon etc with air)
reason: a young man drifting through life in an aimless way
—aimlessly adv —aimlessness n [U] air? v
ain't /emnt/ a short form of ‘am not', ‘is not’, ‘are not’, 1@bIe [T] to express your opinions publicly: air your
‘has not’, or ‘have not’, that many people think is incor- views/grievances/complaints etc Staff will get a chance to
rect ask questions and air their views. REEL SAY
2 (ZEON [!,T] to broadcast a programme on television
Ain-tree /erntri:/ a RACECOURSE in northwest England
where a famous horse race, the Grand National, takes or radio: KPBS airs such popular children’s programs as
place each year ‘Barney’ and ‘Sesame Street’. |The program is due to air next
month.
air’ GO /ee $ er/ n 3) [T] especially BrE, air sth out AmE to let fresh air
19 [U] the mixture of gases around the Earth, that we into a room, especially one that has been closed for a
breathe: Let’s go outside and get some fresh air. | You need long time
to put some air in the tyres. | in the air There was a strong 4@%309 [1,7] especially BrE, air (sth) out AmE to put a
smell of burning in the air. + a breath of fresh air at piece of clothing in a place that is warm or has a lot of air,
BREATH(2) so that it smells clean: I’ve left my sweater outside to air.
2A) the air the space above the —> AIRING, — air your dirty laundry at DIRTY'(7)
ground or around things: into the air Flames leapt into the ‘air ambulance n [Cc] a special aircraft used for taking
air. | through the air He fel! 2.000 metres through the air people to hospital
without a parachute.
3 GWE a) by air travelling by, or using, a plane: Id prefer
air-bag /‘eabeg $ 'er-/ n [C] a bag in a car that fills with
air to protect the driver or passenger in an accident
to travel by air. b) relating to or involving planes: the
— see picture at CAR
victims of Britain's worst air disaster |Air travel was growing
rapidly. | air traffic congestion | His brother died in an air air-base /'eobeis $ 'er-/ n [C] a place where military
crash. aircraft begin and end their flights, and where members
4 be in the air a) if a feeling is in the air, a lot of people feel of an air force live
it at the same time: There was a sense of excitement in the airbed /eabed $ 'er-/ n [C] something that you fill with
air. b) to be going to happen very soon: Change is in the air. air and use as a bed
5 Een [singular] if something or someone has an air-borne /‘eaboin §$ 'erbo:rn/ adj 1a plane that is air-
air of confidence, mystery etc, they seem confident, mys- borne is in the air 2 airborne soldiers are trained to fight
terious etc: [+of] She had an air of quiet confidence. | She in areas that they get to by jumping out of a plane
looked at him with a determined air. 3 carried through the air: airborne pollutants
6 be up in the air if something is up in the air, no decision
has been made about it yet: Our trip is still very much up in
‘air brakes n [plural] srakes that work using air pressure
the air. ; air-brush’ J'eabraf $ 'er-/ n [C] a piece of equipment
7 be on/off (the) air to be broadcasting on the radio or that uses air to put paint onto a surface
television at the present moment, or to stop broadcast- airbrush? y [T] to use an airbrush to make a picture or
ing: We'll be on air in three minutes. photograph look better
 Airbus 38 Sd &) & = the most frequent words in spoken English

airbrush sb/sth <* out phr v to remove someone or takes passengers and goods to different places by plane:
- something from a picture or photograph using an air- an airline pilot
_ brush air-lin-er /'ealatna $ 'erlatnar/ n (C] a large plane for
Air-bus /'eabas $ 'er-/ n [C] trademark a large plane that Passengers
carries a lot of people for short distances ‘air lock n [C] 1a small room used for moving between
air chief ‘marshal n (C] a high rank in the British air two places that do not have the same air pressure, for
force, or someone who has this rank example in a spacecraft 2 a small amount of air in a pipe
air ‘commodore n [C] a high rank in the British air that stops liquid flowing through it
force, or someone who has this rank air-mail /'eameil $ 'er-/ n [U] letters and packages that
‘air conditioner n [C] a machine that makes the air in are sent somewhere using a plane, or the system of doing
a room or building cooler and drier this: Send the letter by airmail.
‘air conditioning n [U] (written abbreviation AC) a ai*man /‘eaman $ 'er-/ n (plural airmen /-man/) [C]
system that makes the air in a room or building cooler |Someone who is a member of their country’s air force
and drier —air-conditioned adj ‘air marshal n [C] another name for a sky MARSHAL
air-craft § 0 /eekra:ft $ ‘erkreft/ n [C] (plural air- Air-miles /‘eamaiiz $ 'er-/ n [plural] trademark a system
craft) a plane or other vehicle that can fly — ticHt in which people collect points when they buy things from
AIRCRAFT certain companies. These points can be exchanged for
‘aircraft carriern (C] a type of ship that planes can fly free flights.
from and land on airplane /‘eaplein $ ‘er-/ n [C] AmE a vehicle that flies
air-craft-man /‘eakra:ftman $ ‘erkreft-7n (plural air- through the air and has one or more engines
craftmen /-man/) [C] a low rank in the British air force, or [SYN|aeroplane BrE, plane
someone who has this rank air-play /'eaplet $ 'er-/ n [U] the number of times that a
aircrew /‘eakru: $ ‘er-/ n [C] the pilot and the people _-Particular song is played on the radio: The new single is
who are responsible for flying a plane already getting airplay.
airdrop /‘eadrop $ ‘erdra:p/ n [C] the action of deliver- ‘ait.pocket n{C]1a current of air that makes a plane
ing supplies to people by dropping them from a plane suddenly move down 2 a small area that becomes filled
—airdrop v[T] with air
air-fare /‘eafea $ ‘erfer/ n [C] the price of a journey by airport Gy [ /‘eapa:t $ 'erpo:rt/ n [C] a place where
plane planes take off and land, with buildings for passengers to
air-field /eofild $ 'er-/ n [C] a place where planes can Wait in —» airfield: The plane landed at Heathrow Airport. |
fly from, especially one used by military planes Her family went to see her off at the airport.
air-flow /‘eaflau $ 'erflou/ n [U] the movement of air airport fiction n [U] books that are not very serious,
through or around something and that people buy at airports to read when they are on
‘air force n [C] the part of a country's military organiza- 9 plane journey ; ;
tion that uses planes to fight > army, navy air pump n [C] a piece of equipment used to put air
Air Force ‘One the name of the plane that the Us "to something
president uses air quote n [C usually plural] a movement that someone
makes in the air with their fingers to show that what they
‘air freshener n [CU] a substance or object used to are saying should be in QUOTATION MARKs, and that it
make a room smell pleasant
should not be taken as their real opinion or their usual
‘air gui,tar n [CU] if someone plays air guitar, they way of speaking
pretend to play an imaginary GUITAR, usually while listen-
‘air rage n [U] violence and angry behaviour by a
ing to ROCK music
air-gun /'eagan $ 'er-/ n [C] a gun that uses air pressure Labtec aici bowarcls pthent Baas necisaaa
- fivesarSintalbotrecpettet . ‘air raid n [C] an attack in which bombs are dropped on
air-head /‘eahed $ 'er-/ n [C] informal someone who 3 place by planes
behaves ina stupid way ‘air rifle n (C] a gun that uses air pressure to fire a small
air hostess n [C] BrE old-fashioned a woman who bullet
serves food and drink to passengers on a plane air-ship-/‘eajrp $ ‘er-/ n [C] a large aircraft with no
air-i-ly /‘earsli $ 'er-/ adv in a way that shows you are not _—_wings, that has an engine and is filled with gas to make it
worried about something or do not think it is serious: 7 float
don't really care,’ he replied airily. air-show /‘eafeu $ ‘erfou/ n [C] an event at which
alr-ing /‘eartn $ 'er-/ n1 [singular] an occasion when an _ people watch planes fly and do very complicated move-
opinion, idea etc is discussed: get/be given an airing an ments in the sky
issue that wasn’t given an airing during the campaign air-sick /‘eastk $ ‘er-/ adj feeling sick because of the
2 [C] an occasion when a programme is broadcast on movement of a plane —airsickness n [U]
television or radio: the program's first airing in 2000 air-space /'easpers $ 'er-/ n [U] the sky above a particu
3 [C] an occasion when something is shown to people: a jar country, that is legally controlled by that country:
car which had its first airing at the Paris Motor Show Canadian Biaracé "O :
4 [singular] an ewe
occasion when you let fresh ; air move
; j
air-speed /easpi:d $ 'er-/ n } [singular U] the speed at
around something: Put your houseplants outside to give which a plane travels
them an airing. 1 : : ae :
‘airing cupboard n [c] 8 a warm cupboard in a ainstrike; [C] an attack in which military aircraft drop

ot 2 gt HOE Soop sehs : : airstrip /‘eastrip $ ‘er-/ n [C] a long narrow piece of
air kiss n [C] a way of greeting someone with a kiss land that planes can fly from or land on ‘
that is near the side of their face, but that does not touch ‘air terminal n [C] a large building at an airport where
them| —air-kiss
1
v [1,T]
1
‘ed 4 passengers wait to get on planes
aif-less /‘ealas $ 'er-/ adj airless places or conditions are air-tight /‘eatart $ 'er-/ adj 1 not allowing air to get in or
a pleceayt because there is not enough fresh air —+ airy: ut. airtight containers 2 planned or done so carefully that
lees Celi there is no chance of any problems or mistakes
airlift /‘ealift $ 'er-/ n [C] an occasion when people or —_[syn]watertight: an airtight alibi
supplies are taken toa place by plane, especially during a air-time /‘eatamm $ 'er-/ n [U] 1 the amount of time that
war or dangerous situation — airlift v [7] a radio or television station gives to a particular subject,
air-line & ( /‘eslarn §$ 'er-/ n [C] a company that advertisement etc: Advertisers have bought airtime on all
{ 12 OS = the most frequent words in written English 39 alarmist
the major TV networks. 2 the amount of time that has a la mode /z la 'maud, a: lar $ -'moud/ adj, adv &
been paid for when using a MOBILE PHONE 1 old-fashioned fashionable 2 AmE served with ICE CREAM:
‘airtime pro,vider n [C] a company that provides the apple pie a la mode
service that allows you to make and receive calls on a
MOBILE PHONE
air-to-air adj shot from one plane to another while
both planes are flying: an air-to-air missile
air ‘traffic control n [U]1 the process or job of giving
instructions to pilots by radio 2 the people whose job is
to do this
air ‘traffic con troller n [c] someone at an airport
whose job is to give instructions to pilots by radio
air vice-'marshal n [Cc] a high rank in the British air
force, or someone who has this rank
airwaves /‘eowervz $ 'er-/ n the airwaves informal radio
and television broadcasts: on/over the airwaves a subject a-larm' 8 /a'larm $ a'larrm/ n
that’s been debated on the airwaves 1[C] a piece of equipment that makes a loud noise to
air-way /‘eawer $ 'er-/ n [C] 1 the passage in your throat warn you of danger: | forgot to set the burglar alarm. | Car
that you breathe through 2 an area of the sky that is alarms are always going off in the street. | a sophisticated
regularly used by planes alarm system
2 [U] a feeling of fear or worry because something bad or
air-wor-thy /'caw3:0i $ ‘erw3:rdi/ adj a plane that is
dangerous might happen: [+at] There is growing alarm at
airworthy is safe to fly —airworthiness n [U]
the increase in crime. | in alarm She looked up in alarm. |
air-y /eari $ ‘eri/ adj 1an airy room or building has Scientists have said there is no cause for alarm. FEEOAU>
plenty of fresh air because it is large or has a lot of FEAR
windows: All the hotel’s bedrooms are light and airy. 3 [C] an alarm clock: I've set the alarm for 7 o'clock. | | was
2 done in a happy and confident way, even when you still asleep when the alarm went off.
should be serious or worried: He dismissed her concerns 4 raise/sound the alarm especially BrE to warn people that
with an airy wave of the hand. something bad is happening: Neighbours raised the alarm
airy ‘fairy adj BrE informal not sensible or vercticat airy when they smelled smoke.
‘fairy ideas 5 alarm bells ring if alarm bells ring, you feel worried that
aisle /ail/ n [C] 1 a long passage between rows of seats something bad may be happening: Alarm bells started to
in a church, plane, theatre etc, or between rows of ring when he failed to return home. —+ FALSE ALARM
shelves in a shop: Would you like a window seat or an aisle (elo)Boley-vale)ks
seat (=seat next to the aisle)? 2 go/walk down the aisle | ADJECTIVES/NOUN + alarm — ; a
informal to get married — be rolling in the aisles at ROLL'(20)
a burglar alarm Neighbours Heit the burglar aa
aitch /eit{/ n (plural aitches) [C,U] the letter H when and called the police.
written as a word not a letter: drop your aitches (=not a fire/smoke alarm A fire alarm went off and the
pronounce the letter H at the beginning of words) People building had to be evacuated.
with Cockney accents tend to drop their aitches. a car alarm (=for when someone tries to steal a car)
a-jat /a'dzax $ a'dza:r/ adj [not before noun] a door that is | was woken by a car alarm in the middle of the night.
ajar is slightly open a baby alarm (=for when a baby wakes up and
ak-a, aka / et ket ‘et, 'eka/ (also known as) used when cries) Is the baby alarm switched on?
giving someone or something's real name together with a a personal alarm (=that you carry with you in case
different name they are known by: John Phillips, aka The you are attacked)
Mississippi Mauler | alarm + NOUN
a:kim-bo /e'kimbau $ -bou/ adj 1 (with) arms akimbo an alarm button He hit the nna button under the
with your hands on your Hips so that your elbows point desk,
away from your body 2 (with) legs akimbo with your legs an alarm system
wide apart
arkin /o'kin/ adj formal akin to sth very similar to some-
thing: Something akin to panic overwhelmed him. set off/trigger/activate tha Staiari (=make it start
ringing) A window blew open, setting off the alarm.
a la /@ la, ‘az la:/ prep in the same style as someone or set the alarm (=make it ready to operate) Did you
something else: detective stories a la Agatha Christie set the burglar alarm?
al-a-bas-ter" /‘elaba:sta $ -bestar/ n [U] a white stone, an alarm goes off (a/so an alarm sounds formal) The
used for making STATUES or other objects for decoration thieves fled when an alarm went off.
alabaster? adj1 made of alabaster 2 white and smooth switch/turn off the alarm
a la carte /2 la ‘katt, a: la:- $ -‘ka:rt/ adj, adv if food in alarm? vy [T] to make someone feel worried or fright-
a restaurant is aja carte, each dish has a separate price ened: | don’t want to alarm you, but | can't find the key.
a-lac-ri-ty /a'lekriti/ n [U] formal quickness and eager- alarm clock n (c] a clock that makes a noise at a
ness: with alacrity |She accepted with alacrity. particular time to wake you up — see picture at CLOCK’
A-lad-din's Cave /aledinz ‘ke1v/ nan Aladdin's Cave a a-larmed /a'la:md $ -a:r-/ adj 1 worried or frightened:
place that contains a large variety of interesting, valuable, [+by/at] Environmentalists are alarmed by the increase in
or exciting things. This expression comes from the story pollution. | alarmed to see/hear etc He was alarmed to
of Aladdin in The Arabian Nights: Her apartment is an discover that his car was gone. FRIGHTENED
Aladdin's Cave of antiques, old books, and fine paintings. 2 protected by an alarm: The whole building is alarmed.
Alamo, the /zlamev/ a famous battle that took a-larm-ing /a'la:miy $ -a:r-/ adj making you feel wor-
place in 1836, when the US and Mexico were fighting ried or frightened [SYN] disturbing: an alarming increase in
each other for the control of Texas. The Americans were violent crime | The rainforest is disappearing at an alarming
eventually all killed, but their brave action encouraged rate. —alarmingly adv
others, and Texas later became part of the US. The a-larm-ist /alla:mist $ -a:r-/ adj making people feel
phrase ‘Remember the Alamo!’ is used to encourage worried about dangers that do not really exist: alarmist
people to continue doing something very difficult. reports of health risks
 alas Ae
alas! /o'les/ adv [sentence adverb] formal used when al-eck /‘elsk/ — SMART ALEC
mentioning a fact that you wish was not true: Donald, ale-house /‘e1lhaus/ n [C] old-fashioned a place where
alas, died last year. people drank beer in the past
alas? interjection literary used to express sadness, a-lert™ /o'lst $ -3irt/ adj 1 giving all your attention to
_ shame, orfear what is happening, being said etc: The animal raised its
al-ba-tross /‘zlbatros $ -trois, -trais/ n 1[1C] a very head, suddenly alert. | Taking notes is one of the best ways to
large white sea, bird 2 an albatross (around your neck) stay alert in lectures. 2 able to think quickly and clearly:
something that causes problems for you and prevents Jack was as mentally alert as a man half his age. 3 be alert to
you from succeeding: The issue has become a political sth to know about or understand something, especially a
albatross for the government. possible danger or problem: The authorities should have
al-be-it LXg /o:''bist $ p:I-/ conjunction formal used to add been alert to the possibility of invasion. —alertness n [U]
information that reduces the force or importance of what alert? v [1] 1 to officially warn someone about a prob-
you have just said [SyN|although: He accepted the job, lem or danger so that they are ready to deal with it: The
albeit with some hesitation. | Chris went with her, albeit school immediately alerted the police. WARN
reluctantly. 2 to make someone realize something important or dan-
al-bi-no /zl'bi:nau $ el'bainou/ n (plural albinos) [C] a gerous: alert sb to sth campaigns to alert the public to the
person or animal with a GENETIC condition that makes dangers of HIV 2
their skin and hair very white and their eyes pink alert? n1 [C] a warning to be ready for possible danger:
al-bum § [1 /‘elbem/ n [Cc] a bomb/fire/terrorist etc alert a full-scale flood alert | The
1a group of songs or pieces of music on a CD, tape etc: bomb alert was raised soon after midnight. + RED ALERT
The band plan to release their new album next week. 2 on (the) alert (for sth/sb) ready to notice and deal with a
2a book that you put photographs, stamps etc in: a situation or problem: Be on the alert for anyone acting
photograph album suspiciously. | Troops in the vicinity were put on alert. |on full
al-bu-men /‘elbjomin $ el'bju:-/ n [U] technical the alert (also on high alert) (=completely ready to deal with a
colourless part inside an egg white
dangerous situation) All our border points are on full alert.
Al-ca-traz /‘elkatrez/ a prison on-a rocky island in San A lev-el /‘er Jeval/ n [C,U] (Advanced level) an examina-
Francisco Bay, in California. It was known for being tion that students in England and Wales take, usually
when they are 18 — A/S level, GCSE, GNVQ, O level:
almost impossible to escape from, and for having very
strict rules for its prisoners. When people are describing
do/take (your) A levels She decided to stay on at school and
a place that is very difficult to escape from, they often do her A levels. | at A level | took maths, physics, and
compare it to Alcatraz.
chemistry at A level.
al-che-:my /‘zlkami/ n [U] 1a science studied in the Al-ex-an-der tech-nique, the / zltg'za:nda teknizk $
Middle Ages, that involved trying to change ordinary. -'zendar-/ trademark a special way of sitting, standing,
and moving, which some people believe helps to improve
metals into gold 2 literary magic —alchemist n [C]
general health, cure back problems etc
al-co-hol [H /‘ezlkahol $ -ho:l/ n al-fal-fa /el'telfa/ n [U] a plant grown especially in the
1[U] drinks such as beer or wine that contain a substance
US to feed farm animals
which can make you drunk: | don’t drink alcohol anymore. |
alcohol abuse (=when someone drinks too much) |people al-fres:co /alfreskau $ -kou/ adj, adv if you eat alfresco,
you eat in the open air: We dined alfresco, on a balcony
with alcohol problems (=people who drink too much)
2[C,U] the chemical substance in alcoholic drinks that overlooking the sea. |alfresco lunch/supper etc
can make you drunk, which is also used in other types of al-gae /‘eldzi:, -gi:/ n [U] a very simple plant without
products: low alcohol drinks stems or leaves that grows in or near water
al-co-hol-ic" /,lkatholik< $ -'hn:-/ adj 1 relating to alco- al-ge-bra /‘zldzibra/ n [U] a type of mathematics that
hol or containing alcohol [opP|nonalcoholic: alcoholic uses letters and other signs to represent numbers and
drinks 2 caused by drinking alcohol: an alcoholic stupor values —algebraic /ldz$bret-1k</ adj —algebraically
alcoholic? n [Cc] someone who regularly drinks too /-kli/ adv
much alcohol and has difficulty stopping al-go-rith-m /‘zlgertéam/ n [C] technical a set of
al-co-hol-isem /‘elkaholizam $ -ho:-/ n [U] the medical instructions that are followed in a fixed order and used
condition of being an alcoholic for solving a mathematical problem, making a computer
al-co:pop /‘elkaupop $ -koupa:p/ n [C] BrE a sweet program etc
Fizzy drink that contains alcohol a:lisas" /etlias/ prep used when giving someone's real
name, especially an actor's or a criminal’s name, together
ALCOVE
with another name they use: ‘Friends’ star Jennifer Aniston,
alias Rachel Green
alias n [C] a false name, usually used by a criminal: a
spy operating under the alias Barsad LENT NAME
al-i-bi /'‘zlbat/ n [C] 1something that proves that
someone was not where a crime happened and therefore
could not have done it: a perfect/cast-iron/unshakeable etc
alibi He had a perfect alibi and the police let him go.
2 an excuse for something you have failed to do or have
done wrong
= Al-ice in Won-der-land / Is in ‘wandalend $ -dar-/
(also Alice's Adventures in 'Wonderland) a book by
al-cove /‘elkauv $ -kouv/ n [C] a place in the wall of a Lewis Carroll about a girl called Alice who has many ,
room that is built further back than the rest of the wall strange adventures. People sometimes describe some-
SYN] recess thing as being ‘Alice-in- Wonderland’, when they mean it
al den-te /el 'denti, -ter/ adj food, especially pasta that is the opposite of what is normal or what you expect: The
is al dente is still pleasantly firm after it has been cooked book is a good introduction to the strange, Alice-in-
al-der-man /:ldamen $ 'p:ldar-/ n (plural aldermen Wonderland world of theoretical physics.
/-man/) [C] 1an elected member of a town or city a-li-en' /etlian/ adj 1 very different from what you are
council in the US 2 an important member of a town used to, especially in a way that is difficult to understand
council in Britain in the past or accept strange: the alien environment of the city |be
ale /eil/ n [U] 1a type of beer made from MALT@) alien to sb a way of life that is totally alien to us 2 belong-
2 old-fashioned beer — LIGHT ALE ing to another country or race foreign: alien cultures |
E@ = words from the Academic Word List i all
an alien multiracial society 3 [only before noun] relating to al-‘iumo-my /‘elsmani $ -mouni/ n [U] money that a
creatures from another world: alien beings from another court orders someone to pay regularly to their former
planet wife or husband after their marriage has ended — main-
alien? n [c] 1 someone who is not a legal citizen of the tenance
country they are living or working in: illegal aliens entering A-list /‘ex Itst/ n the A-list all the most popular or
the country. famous film stars, musicians etc — B-list: the Hollywood
A-list |A-list celebrities
( REGISTER A-list-er /'ex |rsta $ -ar/ n [C] informal a very famous
Alien is used in official contexts. In everyday English,
film star, musician etc - used especially in newspapers
foreigner is used, but can sound disapproving or
and magazines: Several A-listers are expected to be at the
unfriendly. To avoid this, people often use the
movie premiere.
expression people from other countries instead: /n
those days people from other countries rarely came to a:lit /a'lut/ a past tense and past participle of ALIGHT
\ Japan. a-live 3 TS /ellatv/ adj [not before noun]
1 {a ) still living and not dead: It was a bad accident
2 in stories, a creature from another world
- they're lucky to be alive. |My grandparents are still alive. |
a-li-en-ate /etlianett/ v [T] 1to do something that We stayed alive by eating berries. | He was kept alive on a
makes someone unfriendly or unwilling to support you: life-support machine. | Apparently he’s alive and well and
The latest tax proposals will alienate many voters. 2 to make living in Brazil.
it difficult for someone to belong to a particular group or 2 SST continuing to exist: Ancient traditions are
to feel comfortable with a particular person: alienate sb very much alive in rural areas. | Christianity is alive and well
from sth He felt that his experiences had alienated him from in Asia. | The sport is still very much alive and kicking in this
society. —alienated adj: Gina had become alienated from country.
her family. 3 fay full of energy, happiness, activity etc: It was
ali-en-a-tion /eulia'nerfan/ n [U] 1 the feeling of not the kind of morning when you wake up and feel really alive. |
being part of society or a group: [+from] Unemployment [+with] Her face was alive with excitement. | The whole
may provoke a sense of alienation from society. house was alive with activity.
2 when someone becomes less friendly, understanding, Acome alive a) if a subject or event comes alive, it
or willing to give support as the result of something that becomes interesting and seems real: Hopefully, we can
happens or is done: [+of] the alienation of voters make history come alive for the children. b) if someone
alight! Jailatt/ adj [not before noun] 1 burning: The car comes alive, they suddenly become happy and interested
was set alight and pushed over a hill. in what is happening: She only came alive when she sat
down at the piano. c) if a town, city etc comes alive, it
REGISTER becomes busy: seaside resorts that come alive in the sum-
Alight is mostly used in journalism or in literature. In mer
everyday English, people usually say on fire: The car 5 be alive to a fact/possibility/danger etc to know that a
had been deliberately set on fire. particular fact etc exists and that it is important: The
2 literary someone whose face or eyes are alight looks company is alive to the threat posed by foreign imports.
excited, happy, etc: alight with excitement/pleasure/ 6 be alive with sth to be full of living things that are
laughter etc Jed’s face was alight with excitement. 3 literary moving: The pond was alive with fish.
bright with light or colour 7 bring sth alive to make something interesting and real:
The way he describes his characters really brings them alive.
alight? v [1] formal1 if a bird or insect alights on some-
thing, it stops flying and stands on it [SYN]land 2 to step
—» skin sb alive at SKIN2(3)
out of a vehicle after a journey: [+from] She alighted from al-ka-li /‘zlkalai/ n [CU] a substance that forms a
the train at 74th Street. chemical salt. when combined with an acid — acid
alight on/upon sth phr v formal to suddenly think of or al-ka:line /zlkalain/ adj containing an alkali
notice something or someone: His mind alighted on several all" &] (i /2:| $ n:l/ determiner, predeterminer, pron
possible answers. 1 the whole of an amount, thing, or type of thing: Have you
align /ellain/ v 1[T] to publicly support a political done all your homework? | all your life/all day/all year etc
group, country, or person that you agree with: align your- (=during the whole of your life, a day, a year etc) He had
self with sb/sth Church leaders have aligned themselves with worked all his life.in the mine. | The boys played video games
the opposition. | a country closely aligned with the West all day. | They were quarrelling all the time (=very often or
2 [1,1] to arrange things so that they form a line or are continuously). |Hannah didn’t say a single word all the way
parallel to each other, or to be in a position that forms a back home (=during the whole of the journey). | [+of]
line etc: The desks were neatly aligned in rows. | Make sure Almost all of the music was from Italian operas. |I’ve heard it
‘that all the holes align. 3 [T usually passive] to organize or all before, |She’d given up all hope of having a child.
change something so that it has the right relationship to 2every one of a number of people or things, or every
something else: [+with] This policy is closely aligned with thing or person of a particular type: Someone's taken all
the goals of the organization. my books! | Will all the girls please stand over here. | All
a:lign-‘ment /allarnmant/ n 1[U] the state of being children should be taught to swim. | 16 per cent of all new
arranged in a line with something or parallel to some- cars sold in Western Europe these days are diesel-engined. |
thing: [+of] the geometrical alignment of the Sun, Moon, They all speak excellent English. | [+of] important changes
and Earth at the eclipse | out of/into alignment The wheels that will affect all of us
were out of alignment. 2 [C,U] support given by one coun- 3 the only thing or things: All you need is a hammer and
try or group to another in politics, defence etc: [+with] some nails. |All I'm asking for is a little respect.
their military alignment with the US 4 formal everything: I’m doing all | can to help her. | | hope
all is well with you. | All was dark and silent down by the
alike’ /s'latk/ adj [not before noun] very similar: My
mother and | are alike in many ways. SIMILAR
harbour wall.
5 used to emphasize that you mean the greatest possible
alike? adv1 ina similar way: The twins were dressed alike. amount of the quality you are mentioning: Can any of us
—> great minds think alike at GREAT'(15) 2 used to empha- say in all honesty that we did everything we could?
size that you mean both the people, groups, or things that 6at all used in negative statements and questions to
you have just mentioned: | learned a lot from teachers and emphasize what you are saying: They've done nothing at
students alike. all to try and put the problem right. | He’s not looking at all
al-i:men-ta-ry ca-nal /zlimenteari ka'nel/ n [C] the well. | ‘Do you mind if | stay a little longer?’ ‘No, not at all.’ |
tube in your body that takes food through your body from’ Has the situation improved at all?
your mouth to your ANUS [SYN] digestive tract 7all sorts/kinds/types of sth many different kinds of
 42 a S2)a== the most— words in spoken English

something: Social workers have to deal with all kinds of different situation: Clayton's achievement is all the more
problems. remarkable when you consider his poor performance last
8 of all people/things/places etc used to emphasize that season. | The job was made all the easier by having the
_ your statement is true of one particular person, thing, or proper tools.
place more than any other: You shouldn't have done it. You Aall but almost completely: Britain's coal industry has all
~ of all people should know that. | She did not want to quarrel but disappeared. |His left arm was all but useless,
with Maria today, of all days. 5 all too used to mean ‘very’ when talking about a bad
9 all in all used to show that you are considering every situation: All too often it’s the mother who gets blamed for
part of a situation: All in all, it had been one of the most her children’s behaviour. | In these conditions it was all too
miserable days of Henry's life. easy to make mistakes.
10 for all sth in spite of a panies fact: For all his faults, 6 all along informal all the time from the beginning while
he's a kind-hearted old soul. | For all my love of landscape, something was happening: Chapman had known all along
nothing could persuade me to spend another day in the that the plan wouldn't work. | We had to admit that Dad had
Highlands. been right all along.
11in all including every thing or person: In all, there were 7 all round Br€, all around AmE a) used to say that you are
215 candidates. | We received £1,550 in cash and promises of describing the general quality or effect of something: All
another £650, making £2,200 in all. round it's not a bad car. | It was a nasty business all round.
12 and all a) including the thing or things just mentioned: b) from everyone, for everyone, or involving everyone:
They ate the whole fish - head, bones, tail, and all. b) spoken There were smiles all round. | He paid for drinks all round.
informal used to emphasize a remark that you have just 8 one-all/two-al! etc used when giving the score of a game
added: And you can take that smelly old coat out of here, and in which both players or teams have scored the same
all! number of points: The game ended one-all.
13 all of 50p/20 minutes etc spoken used to emphasize 9 all told including everything or everyone: a project cost-
how large or small an amount actually is: The game lasted ing £10,000, all told
all of 58 seconds. | The repairs are going to cost all of 10 it’s all up (with sb) informal BrE used to say that some-
£15,000. one’s success or happiness has ended: Ifsomeone tells the
14 it's all or nothing used to say that unless something is police, then it'll be all up with me.
done completely, it is -not acceptable: Half-heartedness 11 be not all there informal someone who is not all there
won't do - it's got to be all or nothing. seems stupid or slightly crazy
15 give your all to make the greatest possible effort in 12 be all smiles/innocence/sweetness etc to be showing a
order to achieve something: The coach expects every player lot of a particular quality or type of behaviour: The mayor
to give their all in every game. and mayoress were all smiles and kisses during the grand
16 it was all | could do to do sth used to say that you only ceremony.
just succeeded in doing something: /t was all | could do to 13 be all over sb informal to be trying to kiss someone and
stop them hitting each other. touch them, especially in a sexual way: Before | could
17 when all's said and done spoken used to remind some- speak, he was all over me.
one about an important point that needs to be consid-
SPOKEN PHRASES
ered: When all's said and done, he’s only a kid. — for all sb 14 very: You're getting me all confused.
cares at CARE7(8), —» for all sb knows at KNOW'(33), — all and 15 that’s sb all over used to say that a particular way of
sundry at SUNDRY(1), — after all at AFTER"(13) behaving is typical of someone: He was late of course, but
GRAMMAR that's Tim all over!
Use a singular verb after all when you are using an 16 be all in BrE to be very tired
uncountable or singular noun: All the food is prepared 17 sb was all ... AmE used to report what someone said or
in advance. Use a plural verb when you are using a did, when telling a story: He drove me home, and he was all,
plural noun: All the windows have locks. ‘L love this car... it’s like a rocket.’
lf you are referring to a specific group or thing, use 18 not all that not very: It doesn’t sound all that good, does
all (of) before ‘the’, ‘my’, ‘these’ etc: All the money it? | | don’t think it matters all that much.
(NOT The all money) had been spent. |All of my friends 19 sb/sth is not all that used to say that someone or
were girls. lf you are referring to a type of person or something is not very attractive or desirable: | don’t know
thing, use all directly before an uncountable noun or why you keep chasing her around. She's not all that.
plural noun: All reptiles have scaly skin. lf you are
saying that something happened continuously, use all= /a:l $ o:l/ prefix 1consisting of or made of only one
all directly before ‘day’, ‘week’ etc: /t rained all day kind of thing: an all-male club | an all-wool coat
yesterday. 2 all-day/all-night continuing for the whole day or night:
When all follows a pronoun or noun referring to a an all-day seminar |an all-night café
group, it should come after the first auxiliary if there Al-lah /‘ezla $ ‘ela, 'a:-/ the Muslim name for God
is one: This is something in which we can all be all-A'merican adj [usually before noun] T having quali-
involved (NOT we all can be involved). It comes after a ties that are considered to be typically American and that
simple tense of ‘be’: They are all lawyers. American people admire, such as being healthy and
all, whole working hard: an all-American family 2 belonging to a
With a singular noun, it is possible to use whole group of players who have been chosen as the best in
instead of all: a war that could destroy the whole planet their sport at American universities: an all-American foot-
eee
ball player
all? § ti adv
1Lalways + adj/adv/prep] completely: You shouldn't be sit- all-a'round adj [only before noun] AmE good at doing
ting here by yourself, all alone. |a strange woman, dressed all many different things, especially sports [SYN] all-round
in black | Ifpeople want more freedom of choice, then I’m all BrE: an all-around athlete
for it(=I strongly support it). | ‘It was a dreadful experi- al-lay /o'ler/ v [T] allay (sb's) Sy Pre Pncaype in etc
ence.’ ‘Never mind, it’s all over (=completely finished) now.’ to make someone feel less afraid, worried etc: The presi-
2 all over (sth) a) everywhere on an object or surface: dent made a statement to allay public anxiety.
There were bits of paper all over the floor. |He has cuts all
over his legs. |She ached all over (=her whole body ached). all ‘clear, all-clear n the all clear a) official permission to
b) everywhere in a place: Antique clocks from all over the ‘begin doing something: give (sb)/get the all clear We've
world are on display. | People came from all over the got the all clear for the new project. b) a signal such as a
country. | They're putting up new offices all over the place. loud wipe that tells you that a dangerous situation has
3all the better/easier/more etc used to emphasize how -ende
much better, easier etc something is than it would be ina all ‘comers, all-comers n [plural] everyone who wants
{0 (2 GS = the most frequent words in written English = allocation
to take part in something, especially a competition: The very suitable for someone: The job sounds right up your
marathon is open to all comers. alley. —> BLIND ALLEY, BOWLING ALLEY
al-le-ga-tion /,elr'gerjan/ n [C usually plural] a state- ‘alley cat n [Cc] a cat that lives on the streets and does
ment that someone has done something wrong or illegal, not belong to anyone
but that has not been proved: allegations of corruption/ al-ley-way /‘zliwer/ n [C] an ALLEY
fraud/misconduct ete Mr Singh has strongly denied the alle- all-'fired adv AmE completely - used when describing a
gations of sexual harassment. | allegation that an allegation quality that you think is extreme: If he weren't so all-fired
that senior government figures were involved | [+against] sure of himself, I'd like him better.
The teacher made serious allegations against a colleague. | all ‘fours — onall fours at FoUR(2)
[+of] A committee will investigate allegations of racial
all ‘go adj BrE it's all go spoken used to say that a
discrimination. HEEL CLAIM
situation is very busy and full of activity: /t was all go from
al-lege /a'ledz/ v [T often passive] formal to say that 8.00 until we finished at 5.00.
something is true or that someone has done something al-li-amce /o'latans/ n [C] 1 an arrangement in which
wrong, although it has not been proved: it is alleged (that) two or more countries, groups etc agree to work together
It was alleged that the policeman had accepted bribes. | to try to change or achieve something: [+with] Britain’s
allege that The prosecution alleged that the man had been military alliance with her NATO partners | [+between] the
responsible for an act of terrorism. | be alleged to be/do sth possibility of a political alliance between the two parties |
The water is alleged to be polluted with mercury. make/enter into/form/forge an alliance (=agree to work
GEESE accuse together) The companies have formed an alliance to market
alleged /a'ledzd/ adj [only before noun] formal an the product. 2 a group of two or more countries, groups
alleged crime, fact etc is one that someone says has etc who work together to achieve something: independent
happened or is true, although it has not been proved: organizations and alliances 3 in alliance (with sb/sth) if two
alleged offence/crime/incident etc their alleged involvement groups, countries etc are in alliance, they work together
in international terrorism | The alleged victim made the to achieve something or protect each another: Relief
complaint at a police station in York. workers in alliance with local charities are trying to help the
al-leg-ed-ly /a'ledzidli/ adv [sentence adverb] formal victims. 4 formal a close relationship, especially a mar-
used when reporting something that people say is true, riage, between people — unholy alliance at UNHOLY(1)
although it has not been proved: a sports car, allegedly al-lied /'zlaid, a'latd/ adj 1 usually Allied [only before
stolen in Manchester noun] belonging or relating to the countries that fought
al-le-giance /alli:dzans/ n [C,U] loyalty to a leader, with Britain, the US etc in the First or Second World War:
country, belief etc: [+to] You owe allegiance (=have a duty an Allied bombing raid | Allied forces 2 (be) allied to/with
to give allegiance) to your king. |swear/pledge allegiance | sth formal to be related to something or to be very similar:
pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of Anthropology is closely allied to the field of psychology.
America. | an oath of allegiance | switch/transfer allegiance 3 allied industries/organizations/trades etc connected with
(=start to support a different person, group etc) | The each other because of being similar to or dependent on
people here have strong political allegiances. each other: agriculture and allied industries 4 joined by the
al-le-go-ry /‘eligari $ -go:ri/ n (plural allegories) [C,U] a same political, military, or economic aims: loosely allied
story, painting etc in which the events and characters guerilla groups
represent ideas or teach a moral lesson —allegorical al-li-ga-tor /‘eligerta $ -ar/ n1 [C] a large animal witha
/ x gortkal $ -'go:r-/ adj —allegorically /-kli/ adv long mouth and tail and sharp teeth that lives in the hot
al-leg-ro /a'legrau, aller- $ -grou/ n (plural allegros) [C] wet parts of the US and China — see picture at REPTILE
a piece of music played or sung quickly —allegro adj, adv 2 [U] the skin of this animal used as leather: alligator
shoes
al-le-lu-ia /zl#lu:ja</ interjection another spelling of
HALLELUJAH
all-im'portant adj extremely important: the all-
important question in everyone's minds
all-em'bracing adj including everyone or everything:
an all-embracing vision of society all ‘in, all-in adj, adv BrE used to describe the total cost
of something, or the total amount of money charged for
Al-len key /‘elan ki:/ n [C] BrE a tool used to turn an something [SY¥Nlinclusive: all-in price/package/deal etc
Allen screw [SYN] Allen wrench AmE all-in deals to Australia and New Zealand | The hourly rate is
Allen screw /‘zlan skru:/ n [C] a type of screw with a £20 all in.
hole that has six sides all-in'clusive adj including the cost of everything in the
Allen wrench /zlan rent{// n [C] AmE a tool used to price charged [S¥NJall in: an all-inclusive price/package/
turn an Allen screw [SYN] Allen key-BrE holiday etc an all-inclusive vacation cruise
al-‘ler-gen /zladzan $ -lar-/ n [C] a substance that all-in-'one adj [only before noun] BrE combining two or
causes an allergy more things that are usually separate into one thing: an
al-ler-gic /a'lsidzik $ -3:r-/ adj1having an allergy: [+to] all-in-one TV and video
I'm allergic to penicillin. 2 caused by an allergy: an allergic al-lit-er-a-tion /a,ltta'retfan/ n [U] the use of several
reaction to.nuts |an allergic rash 3 be allergic to sth informal words together that begin with the same sound or letter
if you are allergic to something, you do not like it and try in order to make a special effect, especially in poetry
to avoid it - used humorously: Most men are allergic to ECGS Lancuace
housework! all-'nighter n [C] AmE informal an occasion when you
al-ler-gy /‘eladzi $ -ar-/ n (plural allergies) [C,U] a spend the whole night studying or doing written work at
medical condition in which you become ill or in which university
your skin becomes red and painful because you have al-lo-cate [9 /‘elakeit/ v [T] to use something for a
eaten or touched a particular substance: [+to] | have an particular purpose, give something to a particular person
allergy to cats. |a food allergy etc, especially after an official decision has been made:
al-le-vi-ate /aili:viert/ v [T] to make something less allocate sth to sb/sth the importance of allocating resources
painful or difficult to deal with: alleviate the problem/ to local communities | You should allocate the same amount
situation/suffering etc a new medicine to alleviate the symp- of time to each question. | allocate sth for sth One million
toms of flu | measures to alleviate poverty —alleviation dollars was allocated for disaster relief. |allocate sb/sth sth
/aivi'erfan/ n.[U] Several patients were waiting to be allocated a bed.
al-ley /zli/ (also alleyway) n [C] 1a narrow street al-lo-ca-tion [ /zla'kerjan/ n 1[C] the amount or
between or behind buildings, not usually used by cars: share of something that has been allocated for a particu-
The alley led to the railway bridge. |She found the side alley lar purpose: Twelve hours a week seemed a generous alloca-
where the stage door was located. 2 right up/down sb's alley tion of your time. 2 [U] the decision to allocate something,
 allot Aa EQ = words from the Academic Word List

or the act of allocating it: [+of] the allocation of funds to have a legal right to say ‘no’: Her parents have given
universities their consent to the marriage.
al-lot /o'lot $ a'la:t/ v (allotted, allotting) [T] to use a give sth the go-ahead to officially allow a planned
particular amount of time for something, or give a par- project or activity to happen: The government finally
_ ticular share of money, space etc to someone or gave the go-ahead for a new terminal at Heathrow
something [SYN] allocate: allot sth to sth/sb Try and allot airport. | A new nuclear plant has been given the
two or three hours a day to revision. | Each school will be go-ahead.
allotted twenty seats. | allot sb sth Everyone who works for authorize to officially or legally allow someone to do
the company has been allotted ten shares. —allotted adj something - used about laws or people: The UN
[only before noun]: The department has already spent more resolution would authorize the use of force. | | never
than its allotted budget. authorized them to give information about me to other
al-lot-ment /a'lotmant $ a'la:t-/ n 1 [C,U] an amount or banks.
share of something such as money or time that is given to entitle to give someone the right to do or have
someone or something, or the process of doing this: The something: The pass entitles you to travel on any bus,
budget allotment for each county is below what is needed. | at any time, in Norwich. |If the goods are faulty, the
[+of] the allotment of shares in the company 2 [C] BrE a customer is entitled to a refund.
small area of land that people can rent for growing sanction formal to give official approval and support
vegetables for something: The Truman administration refused to
sanction a military attack. | The advertisements were
all-'out adj [only before noun] done in a very détermined sanctioned by the candidate himself.
way, and involving a lot of energy or anger: all-out war/
attack/offensive etc | an all-out effort to win —all out adv: allow for sb/sth phr v to consider the possible facts,
Canada will have to go all out on the ice if they want to win. problems, costs etc involved in something when making a
al-low Ed Gil /a'lav/ v [7] plan, calculation, or judgment: Allowing for inflation, the
1 QE to let someone do or have something, or let cost of the project will be $2 million. | You should always
something happen [SYN] permit: allow sb/sth to do sth My allow for the possibility that it might rain.
parents wouldn't allow me to go to the party. | Women are allow of sth phr v formal to make it possible for something
not allowed to enter the mosque. |Don’t allow your problems to happen or be accepted: The facts allow of only one
to dominate your life. | allow sb sth Passengers are allowed interpretation.
one item of hand luggage each. | How much time are we al-low-a-ble /a'lavabal/ adj 1 acceptable according to
allowed? |allow sb in/out/up etc ! don't allow the cat in the the rules [SYN] permissible: The maximum allowable dosage
bedroom. | The audience is not allowed backstage. | sth is is two tablets a day. 2 allowable costs are costs that you
(not) allowed (=something is or is not officially permitted) do not pay tax on: allowable deductions such as alimony
Are dictionaries allowed in the exam? | We don't allow diving and business expenses
in the pool. al-low-ance § [1 /a'lavens/ n
2 TGS to make it possible for something to 1[C usually singular] an amount of money that you are
happen or for someone to do something, especially given regularly or for a special purpose: a monthly/annual
something helpful or useful [SYN] permit: This adjustment
etc allowance His father gives him a monthly allowance of
of the figures allows a fairer comparison. | [+for] Our new
£200. | [+for] Do you get an allowance for clothes? | Sales
system will allow for more efficient use of resources. | allow
staff get a generous mileage allowance or a company car, | If
sb to do sth A 24-hour ceasefire allowed the two armies to
you are entitled to sickness allowance, you must claim it from
reach an agreement. |allow sb sth a seat belt that allows the
your employer.
driver greater freedom of movement
2[C usually singular] an amount of something that is
3 GWE) to be sure that you have enough acceptable or safe: the recommended daily allowance of
time, money, food etc available for a particular purpose:
Vitamin C | Passengers’ baggage allowance is 75 pounds per
allow sb sth Allow yourselves plenty of time to get to the
person.
airport. |allow sth for sb/sth I've allowed half a bottle of wine
3 [C] BrE an amount of money that you can earn without
for each person.
paying tax on it: a new tax allowance
4 Wea) formal to accept that something is A[C usually singular] especially AmE a small amount of
correct or true, or that something is acceptable according
money that a parent regularly gives to a child [SYN] pocket
to the rules or law: allow that / allow that there may have
money BrE
been a mistake. | The judge allowed the evidence.
5 [C,U] something that you consider when deciding what
5 allow me formal used as a polite way of offering to help
is likely to happen, what you should expect etc: [+for]
someone do something: ‘Allow me,’ the waiter said, open-
There is always an allowance in insurance premiums for
ing the door. + LET’, FORBID(1)
whether someone smokes or not. | make (an) allowance/
make allowances (for sth) The budget makes allowances for
allow to say that someone can do something - used extra staff when needed.
about parents, teachers, or people in authority: They 6 make allowance/allowances (for sb) to let someone
don’t allow students to chew gum in the classroom. |I'm behave in a way you do not normally approve of, because
not allowed to stay out after ten o'clock. you know there are special reasons for their behaviour:
let [not in passive] to allow someone to do Dad's under pressure - you have to make allowances.
something. Let is not used in the passive, and is al-loy! /‘elor $ 'elo1, a'lo1/ n [C,U] a metal that consists
much more commonly used in everyday English than of two or more metals mixed together: Brass is an alloy of
allow: Will your Mum let you come to the party? | I'll copper and zinc.
borrow John’s bicycle, if he'll let me. al-loy Jalor $ a'lor, ‘elot/ v [T + with] technical to mix
permit formal if something is permitted, it is allowed one metal with another
according to the rules - used especially on written all-powerful adj having complete power or control,
notices and announcements: Smoking is not permitted [SYN| omnipotent: an all-powerful dictator
anywhere in the building.
give sb permission used when someone in an all-'purpose adj [only before noun] able to be used in
important official position decides to allow someone any situation: an all-purpose cleaner
to do something: He was given special permission to all 'right § 1 adj [not before noun], adv, interjection
leave school early. |The Home Office has given him 1{{) satisfactory, but not excellent [SYN] okay: ‘What's
permission to stay in Britain indefinitely. the food like?’ ‘It's all right, but the place on campus is
give your consent to say that you will allow better.’ |‘How’s school going, Steve?’ ‘Oh, all right, | guess.’
someone to do something that will affect you 2 TERT not ill, hurt, or upset or not having any
personally, or a member of your family, when you problems [SYN] okay: Kate looks really unhappy - I'd better
 EX = words from the Academic Word List 45 almost
make sure she’s all right. |Are you feeling all right? | The kids been: an all-time high/low The price of wheat had reached
seem to be getting on all right at school. | Tony was worried an all-time low. | They reached an all-time record score.
about the meeting but it went all right (=happened with no al-lude Ja'lurd/ v
problems). |Don’t worry, it'll turn out all right. allude to sb/sth phr v formal to mention something or
3 do all right (for yourself/herself etc) to be successful in someone indirectly: Rick didn’t want to discuss his past,
your job, life etc: She’s doing all right - she's got a job with though he alluded darkly to ‘some bad things that happened.’ ~~
Microsoft. al-lure /a'ijva $ a'lur/ n [singular, U] a mysterious, excit-
4 G0R20 used to say whether something is suitable or ing, or desirable quality: [+of] the allure of foreign travel |
convenient [SYN] okay: [+with/by/for] Is Thursday morning At 50, she had lost none of her sexual allure. —allure v [T]:
all right with you? | We'll eat at eight. Does that sound all harmonies that never fail to allure the listener —alluring adj:
right to you? the alluring magic of Hong Kong —allurement n [C,U]
5 it's all right used to make someone feel less afraid or al-lu-sion /a'lu:zan/ n [C,U] something said or written
worried: It’s all right, Mommy's here. that mentions a subject, person etc indirectly: [+to] The
6 it's/that's all right used to reply to someone who thanks committee made no allusion to the former President in its
you or says they are sorry about something: ‘Thanks for all report. |literary/classical/cultural etc allusions Eliot’s poetry
your help!’ ‘That's quite all right.’ is full of biblical allusions. | In his poetry we find many
7 G2Q0089R0] used to ask or give permission for allusions to the human body. —allusive /-stv/ adj [only
something [SYN] okay: Would it be all right if|left early? |be before noun]
all right to do sth Is it all right to bring my dog?
al-lu-vi-al /a'lu:vial/ adj [usually before noun] technical
8 ETT used to agree with someone's suggestion,
made of soil left by rivers, lakes, floods etc: alluvial flood
although you may be slightly unwilling [SYN] okay: ‘Why
plains
not come along?’ ‘Oh, all right.’
9 TREES [sentence adverb] used to check that al-lu-vi-um /a'lu:viam/ n [U] technical soil left by rivers,
someone understands what you have said, or to show lakes, floods etc
that you understand [SYN]okay: /'ll leave a key with the al-ly’ /‘elar $ ‘elar, alar/ n (plural allies) [C] 1a country
neighbours, all right? | ‘The train leaves at 5.30.’ ‘All right, that agrees to help or support another country in a war: a
I'm coming!’ meeting of the European allies 2 the Allies the group of
10 fis) «used when asking in a threatening or angry countries including Britain and the US that fought
way what someone's intentions are [SYN] okay: All right, together in the First and Second World Wars 3 some-
you two. What are you doing in my room? one who helps and supports you when other people are
NLS ~used to introduce a new subject trying to oppose you: Ridley was one of the Queen’s closest
or to end a conversation [SYN] okay: All right, now Id like to allies. | a staunch ally (=very close ally) of President Soares |
introduce our first speaker. a network of political allies |She knew she had found an ally
12 it’s all right for sb BrE informal used to say that someone in Ted. 4 something that helps you succeed in a difficult
else does not have the problems that you have, or that situation: Exercise is an important ally in your campaign to
you are jealous because someone else is luckier than you: lose weight.
‘| get eight weeks’ holiday a year.’ ‘Well, it's all right for al-ly? /a'lat $ a'lat,'elat/ v (allied, allying, allies) [T always
some.’ +adv/prep] to help and support other people or countries,
13 Gee informal used to emphasize that you are especially in a war or disagreement: ally yourself to/with
certain about something: ‘Are you sure it was Bill?’ ‘Oh, yes, sb Some of the northern cities allied themselves with the
it was him all right.’ emperor. — ALLIED
14 Gidea Ame informal used to say you are happy about al-ma ma-ter /elma 'ma:ta, -'mer- $ -'ma:ter/ n
something you have just been told: You passed? All right! [singular] 1 sb'’s alma mater the school, college etc that
15 [iw BrE used to describe someone you like or approve someone used to attend 2 AmE the song of a particular
of: ‘The new boss isn’t too bad, is she?’ ‘No, she’s all right.’ school, college etc
16 Gs informal especially BrE used as a greeting al-ma-nac, almanack old-fashioned /'s:Imanek § ‘o:l-,
when you meet someone you know well, or reply to a 'el-/ n [C] a book produced each year containing infor-
greeting: ‘How are you, John?’ ‘Oh, all right - can't com- mation about a particular subject, especially a sport, or
plain.’ important dates, times etc [SYN] yearbook: a football
17 I'm all right Jack BrE informal used to describe some- almanac |a nautical almanac
one's attitude when they do not care about other people al-might-y /o:!'marti $ o:I-/ adj 1 the Almighty/Almighty
as long as they themselves are happy, comfortable etc God/Almighty Father expressions used to talk about God
18 it'll be all right on the night BrE informal used to say that that emphasize His power 2 God/Christ Almighty an
something will be successful, even though there have expression used when you are angry or upset. Some
been lots of problems: Workmen have yet to finish the new people consider this use offensive. 3 almighty din/crash/
complex, but the organisers are confident it will be all right on row etc BrE old-fashioned informal a very loud noise, argu-
’ the night. — a bit of all right at BIT"12) ment etc: There was an almighty bang and the car came to a
all-'round BrE, all-a'round AmE adj [only before noun] halt.
good at doing many different things: an all-round athlete al-mond /a:moand $ 'a:-, '‘z-, 'el-/ n [C] a flat pale nut
all-'rounder n [Cc] BrE someone with many different with brown skin that tastes sweet, or the tree that pro-
skills: a good all-rounder duces these nuts: Stir in the ground almonds and egg.
all-‘seater adj BrE an all-seater football ground, sTA- — see picture at NUT"
DIUM etc is one where everyone has a seat al-most §] (7 /2:lmaust $ ‘p:lmoust, v:lI'moust/ adv
all- singing, all-'dancing adj [only before noun] BrE nearly, but not completely or not quite: Have you almost
an all-singing, all-dancing machine or system can. do finished? |Supper’s almost ready. | It was almost midnight. |
many things because it is so technically advanced - used Almost nothing was done to improve the situation. | The
humorously story is almost certainly true. | He's almost as old as | am. |
all-spice /:lspais $ 'p:l-/ n [U] the dried fruit of a almost all/every/everything Marsha visits her son almost
tropical American tree, crushed and used in cooking every day.
‘all-star adj [only before noun] including many famous
actors, sports players etc: an all-star cast almost not completely or not quite: I’ve almost
all-ter'rain adj [only before noun] all-terrain vehicles are finished my essay. | It's almost lunchtime.
very strong with thick tyres and are suitable for use in nearly almost. Nearly is more commonly used in
many different conditions: an all-terrain bike British English than American English: I’ve been a
‘all-time adj used when you compare things to say that teacher for nearly 10 years now. | It's very nearly time to
one of them is the best, worst etc that there has ever go home.
alms as
not quite almost, but not yet: ‘Is he 60?’ ‘Not quite!’ | 3 feeling unhappy and lonely: | cried like a child because |
It’s not quite time to go yet. | I'm not quite ready yet. felt so alone.
practically/virtually very nearly: The room was 4 without any help from other people: He was left to raise
practically empty. | practically all/everything/everyone their two children alone.
etc: The frost killed practically every plant in the 5 without including anything else: The case will cost thou-
garden. | Virtually everyone had gone home. sands of pounds in legal fees alone.
more or less/just about/pretty much especially 6 you/he etc alone used to emphasize that there is only
spoken very nearly - use this when saying that the one person who knows, can do something etc: Julie alone
difference is not important: All the rooms are more or knew the truth.
less the same size. | His jacket was pretty much the 7 go it alone to start working or living on your own,
same colour as his trousers. especially after working or living with other people: After
getting on for BrE informal, getting on toward years of working for a big company | decided to go it alone.
especialiy AmE informal almost a particular time, age, 8 leave sb alone (also let sb alone old-fashioned) to stop
or period of time - used especially when you are not annoying or interrupting someone: ‘Leave me alone!’ she
sure of the exact time, age etc: It’s getting on for 10 screamed.
years since we last saw each other. | ‘How old's Diane?’ 9 leave sth alone (also let sth alone old-fashioned) to stop
‘She must be getting on toward 5O.' touching an object or changing something: Leave those
close to almost a particular number, amount, or time cakes alone. They're for the guests. | leave well (enough)
- used especially when the number or amount is alone (=not change something that is satisfactory) In
surprisingly large or the time is very late: It was close economic matters, they should leave well alone.
to midnight by the time we arrived. | They've spent close 10 be yours/hers/his etc alone used to emphasize that
to $1.3 billion on the project. something belongs to someone: The responsibility is yours
approaching/nearing almost - used when a number and yours alone.
or amount is still increasing or a time is getting 11 not be alone in (doing) sth to not be the only person to
nearer: The unemployment rate was nearing 20%. do something: You're not alone in feeling upset, believe me.
be on the verge of (doing) sth to be very close to 12 stand alone a) to be strong and independent: the cour-
doing something: She was on the-verge of tears age to stand alone b) to be at a distance from other
(=almost crying). | | was on the verge of giving up. objects or buildings: The house stood alone at the end of the
be on the brink of sth to be very close to an road.
extremely bad situation: The two countries are on the
a-long" §] Oy /ellon $ allo:n/ adv
brink of war. | The company was on the brink of
1 going forward: | was driving along, thinking about Chris. |a
bankruptcy.
group of children walking along in a line
2 go/come along to go or come to a place where some-
alms /a:mz $ a:mz, a:lmz/ n [plural] literary money, food thing is happening: You're welcome to come along if you
etc given to poor people in the past like. | 1 think I'll go along and watch the game.
alms-house /‘a:mzhaus/ (plural -houses /-havziz/) n 3 take/bring sb/sth along to take someone or something
[C] in Britain in the past, a house where a poor person with you to a place: Mandy brought some of her friends
was allowed to live without paying rent along. | Why don’t you take your guitar along?
aloe ve-va /lav 'viera $ lou 'vera/ n [U] a tropical 4 be/come along to arrive: Another bus should be along in a
plant with thick leaves that are filled with a liquid which is minute. | Every so often, a band comes along that changes
used to make medicine, COSMETICs etc music history.
5 come/go/get along to improve, develop, or make
aloft /alloft $ a'lo:ft/ adv formal high up in the air:
progress: After a five-hour operation, Wendy is coming
hold/bear sth aloft He emerged, holding a baby aloft.
along just fine.
6 along with sb/sth together with someone or something
Frequencies of alone, on your own and by yourself else: Dunne was murdered, along with three guards.
| inspoken and written English.
7 all along all the time from the beginning, while some-
SPOKEN thing was happening: They should have known all along
that she was lying.
on your own along? & (i prep
by yourself 1from one place on something such as a line, road, or
edge towards the other end of it: We were driving along
WRITTEN Follyfoot Road. | She glanced anxiously along the line of
alone faces. | He slid his hand along her arm.
on your own 2 forming a line beside something long: The palm trees
by yourself
along the shore swayed in the wind. | the toolbar along the
T T “orwihe T top of your screen | There were cheering crowds all along
20 40 60 80 100 per million Pennsylvania Avenue. ;
3a particular distance away, on or beside something long
In spoken English it is more usual to say on your own or by yourself
rather than alone. In written or more formal English alone is more
such as a line, road, edge etc: Hugo’s house was about two
common. e) hundred yards away along the main street. |The bathroom is.
just along (=a short distance along) the corridor.
a-lone § {i /alleun $ a'lloun/ adj [not before noun], adv 4 along the way/line during a process or experience, or
1if you are alone in a place, there is no one with you during someone's life: I’ve been lucky, but I've had my share
[SYN| by yourself: She lives alone. | You shouldn't leave a child of heartbreak along the way.
alone in the house. | My wife and | like to spend time alone a-long-side [8 /alon'said $ alo:n-/ adv, prep ‘
together away from the kids. 1next to the side of something: A car drew up alongside. |
Children’s prices are shown alongside adult prices.
REGISTER
In everyday English, people often say by yourself or 2 used to say that people or things do something or exist .
together at the same time: Charles spent a week working
on your own rather than alone: She lives by herself/on
her own.
alongside the miners. |Organized crime continued to flourish
alongside the mainstream economy. ‘
2 without any friends or people you know: It was scary 3in comparison with something: His achievement may
being all alone in a strange city. | She was all alone in the seem small alongside the great triumphs of 20th-century
world (=she had no family or friends to help her or look technology. |Athletics should rank alongside (=be equal to)
after her). soccer and cricket as a major sport.
(i) G2 GS = the most frequent words in written English 47 alternate
a-loof /a'lu:f/ adj, adv 1 unfriendly and deliberately not 4used to say that a situation exists and it might get
talking to other people: remain/stay aloof (from sb) They worse, greater etc: Hurry up, we're already late.
worked hard, but tended to stay aloof from the local al-right / ail'ratt $ o:l-/ adj, adv another spelling of ALL
inhabitants. | keep/hold yourself aloof (from sb) She had RIGHT that some people think is incorrect
always kept herself aloof from the boys in class. | Beneath Al-sa-tian /el'serfan/ n [C] BrE a large dog, often used
that aloof exterior, Gayle is a warm, sympathetic person. by the police or to guard places |SYN| German Shepherd
UNFRIENDLY 2 deliberately not becoming
al-so &] [0 /a:lsau $ 'v:lsou/ adv
involved in something: remain/stand aloof (from sth) /ni-
1in addition to something else that you have mentioned
tially, the President remained aloof from the campaign. |
—+ as well, too: Information is also available on women’s
hold/keep (yourself) aloof from sth The doctor held himself
health care. | She sings beautifully and also plays the flute
somewhat aloof from the rest of the ship’s crew. —aloofness
and piano. | The system was not only complicated but also
n[{U] ineffective.
a-loud /a'laud/ adv it you read, laugh, say something etc
aloud, you read etc so that people can hear you [SYN] out REGISTER
loud: read/say sth aloud Joanne, would you read the poem In written English, avoid starting a sentence with
aloud? | laugh/groan/cry etc aloud The pain made him cry also. Use furthermore or moreover instead, or put also
aloud. | She could have laughed aloud. | think aloud (=say before the main verb: Also, it costs more.
the things you are thinking) ‘What did you say?’ ’ Sorry, | —» Furthermore, it costs more. | It also costs more.
was just thinking aloud,’ A\ Do not use aloud to mean ‘in a
2used to say that the same thing is true about another
loud voice’. Use loudly: You need to speak quite loudly for
person or thing: My girlfriend was also called Helen.
the people at the back.
al-pac-a /el'peka/ n 1[C] an animal from South
‘also-ran pn [Cc] someone who fails to win a competition,
election etc: Ten months ago he was just an also-ran for the
America with long hair that looks like a LLAMA 2 [U] cloth
Democratic nomination.
made from the wool of an alpaca
al-pha /‘elfa/ n LC usually singular] 1 the first letter of the
al-tar />:lta $ 'p:ltar/ n [C] 1 a holy table or surface used
in religious ceremonies: a crucifix above the high altar
Greek alphabet 2 the alpha and omega formal the start and
(=the main altar in a church) | The victim was tied to-a
finish of something, and therefore the whole of it: Collec-
sacrificial altar. 2 the area furthest from the entrance of a
tive bargaining was viewed as the alpha and omega of trade
church, where the priest or minister stands
unionism.
‘altar boy n [c] a boy who helps a Catholic priest during
al-pha-bet /‘zlfabet/ n [C] a set of letters, arranged ina
a church service
particular order, and used in writing: the Greek/Roman etc
alphabet the international phonetic alphabet al-tar-piece /s:\tapis $ 'p:ltar-/ n [C] a painting or
al-pha-bet-i-cal /,eIfa'bettkal</ (also _al-pha-bet-ic SCULPTURE behind an altar
/ elfa'bettk</) adj relating to the alphabet: The files are al-ter &) (8 GG />:\ta $ ‘osltar/ v
arranged in alphabetical order. —alphabetically /-kli/ adv: 1[1,7] to change, or to make someone or something
Are the records filed alphabetically? change: Her face hadn't altered much over the years. | The
al-pha-bet-ize (also -ise BrE) /‘elfabetarz/ v [T] to city centre has altered beyond recognition (=changed very
arrange things in order according to the letters of the much). |Nothing can alter the fact that the refugees are our
alphabet responsibility.
2 [T] to make a piece of clothing longer, wider etc so that
‘alpha girl nC usually singular] a teenage girl who is the
it fits: have/get sth altered She had the dress altered for the
most important and powerful member of a group of girls wedding.
who regularly spend time together. Alpha girls are typi-
al-ter-a-tion fg /ailta'rerfan $ jo:l-/ n [CU] a small
cally confident, attractive, and determined to be success-
change that makes someone or something slightly differ-
ful. Often used humorously.
ent, or the process of this change: [+to] /f you make
alpha ‘male n (c usually singular] 1 the male with the alterations to the Windows setup, save the new settings
highest rank in a group of animals such as CHIMPANZEES before closing. |[+in] Have you noticed any alteration in the
2 the man who has the most power and influence and the patient's behaviour? |minor/major etc alterations The King’s
highest social position in a particular group - used Arms pub is to undergo extensive alterations.
humorously
al-ter-ca-tion /o:lta'kerfan $ p:ltar-/ n [C] formal a
al-pha-nu-mer-ic / elfenju:'mertk< $ -nu:-/ (also short noisy argument: They became involved in an alterca-
al-pha-nu-mer-i-cal /-'mertkal/) adj using letters and num- tion.
bers: alphanumeric codes
al-ter @-2o /ezltar ‘i:geu, ail- $ ltar 'iigou, jorl-/ n [C]
‘alpha ,particle p (c] technical an ATOMIC PARTICLE con- 1 sb's alter ego an invented person that you use to
_ sisting of two PROTONS and two NEUTRONS that is sent out represent part of your character that is very different
by some RADIOACTIVE substances from your usual one: Gissing used his fictional alter ego to
‘alpha test n [c] a test of software to see if it works attack Victorian morals. 2 someone you trust and who has
properly, done by the company that is writing the soft- similar opinions, attitudes etc: Mrs Reagan was widely
ware —+ beta test regarded as the President's alter ego.
‘alpha version n [Cc] software that is being tested by al-ter-nate™ fq />:\'ta:nst $ ‘piltar-, ‘zl-/ adj [usually
the company that is writing it, to see if it works properly before noun] 1 if something happens on alternate days,
—» beta version weeks etc, it happens on one day etc and not the next,
al-pine /'elpain/ adj [only before noun] relating to the and continues in this pattern — every other: alternate
Alps (=a mountain range in central Europe) or to moun- Mondays/weekends etc The service runs on alternate days.
tains in general: breathtaking alpine scenery | alpine
REGISTER
flowers |alpine skiing
In everyday English, instead of alternate days/
al-read-y &] (0 />:\'redi $ p:l-/ adv Fridays/weeks etc, people usually use the phrase
1 before now, or before a particular time: The design of the every other day/Friday/week etc: We meet on alternate
new house is similar to those that have already been built. | Saturdays. + We meet every other Saturday.
The performance had already started when we arrived.
2 used to say that something has been done before and 2 two alternate things are placed one after the other ina
does not need doing again: You already told me that. | regular pattern: alternate blue and red stripes |Arrange the
‘Fancy a coffee?’ ‘No thanks, | already have one.’ leeks and noodles in alternate layers. 3 used to replace
3 used to say that something has happened too soon or another thing of the same type [SYNJalternative: the
before the expected time: Have you eaten all that food appointment of an alternate director
already? | Is it 5 o'clock already? al-ter-nate? £4 />:I\tanert $ 'p:ltar-, 'el-/ v [1,1] if two
 alternating current 48
things alternate, or if you alternate them, they happen serious. | not altogether (=not completely) | wasn’t alto-
one after the other in a repeated pattern: [+between] She gether happy about Mike staying over. | The results were not
alternated between outrage and sympathy. | [+with] Periods altogether surprising.
of depression alternate with excited behavior. | alternate sth 3 used to show that you are referring to the total amount:
~ and/with sth Twist your body, alternating right and left There were five people altogether. |How much do | owe you
~ stretches, —alternation /p:lta'nerjan $ ,o:ltar-, el-/ n [C,U] altogether?
alternating ‘current n [U] (abbreviation AC) a flow of 4 used to make a final statement about several things you
electricity that changes direction regularly and quickly have just mentioned [SYN] all in all: Lots of sunshine, won-
—» direct current derful food, and amazing nightlife - altogether a great vaca-
tion!
al-ter-na-tive’ § [ Lg /o:''ts:natry $ oil'tarr-, el-/ adj altogether? n in the altogether not wearing any clothes
1 [only before noun] an alternative idea, plan etc is different - used humorously: Several of the men were parading
from the one you have and can be used instead: alter- around in the altogether.
native ways/approach/methods etc alternative approaches
al-tru-isem /eltru-1zam/ n [U] when you care about or
to learning | Have you any alternative suggestions? | An
help other people, even though this brings no advantage
alternative route is along the Via Unione.
to yourself: Many choose to work in developing countries out
2 deliberately different from what is usual, expected, or
of altruism. —altruist n [C]
traditional: alternative music/theatre etc Tucson's alter-
native radio station | sources of alternative energy (=energy al-tru-is-tic /ltru'tsttk</ adj altruistic behaviour
produced by the sun, wind etc rather than by gas, coal shows that you care about and will help other people,
etc) | tolerance of alternative lifestyles | alternative even though this brings no advantage for yourself
medicine/therapies (=medical treatment that is not based OPP|selfish: Were his motives entirely altruistic?
on the usual western methods) Acupuncture is widely used —altruistically /-kli/ adv
by practitioners of alternative medicine. —alternatively adv: al-um /‘elam/ n [C] AmE informal a former student of a
You can relax on the beach or alternatively try the bustling school, college etc: a Crawford High alum
town centre, al-u-min-itum = /zla'miniam/ —Br£, ~—a-luemi-num
/a'lu:minam/ AmE n [U] a silver-white metal that is very
alternative? § (5) —@ n [Cc] something you can light and is used to make cans, cooking pans, window
choose to do or use instead of something else: [+to] /s
frames etc. It is a chemical ELEMENT: symbol Al: recycled
there a viable alternative to the present system? | If payment
aluminium cans
is not received legal action will be our only alternative. | |had
no alternative but to report him to the police. | He quickly a-lum-na /a'lamna/ n (plural alumnae /-ni:/) [C] formal
assessed what alternatives were open to him. a woman who is a former student of a school, college etc
al ternative ‘lifestyle n [c] the way that someone a:lum-ni /a'lamnar/ n [plural] the former students of a
lives their life, when this is not the usual way that other
school, college etc: the University alumni association
people live: Some people say schools need to teach tolerance a:lum-nus /sa'lamnas/ n (plural alumni /-nat/) [C] for-
of alternative lifestyles. mal a former student of a school, college etc
al-ve-o-lar / elvi'avlas, el'virala $ el'viralar/ n [C] techni-
al-ter-na-tor /5:ltanerta $ 'p:ltarnertar, ‘el-/ n [C] an
cal a CONSONANT sound such as /t/ or /d/ that you make
object that produces an ALTERNATING CURRENT, especially in
a car by putting the end of your tongue behind your upper front
teeth
al-though §] [i /s:!'6eu $ v:I'S0u/ conjunction al-ways §) Oi />:lwiz, -werz $ 'p:I-/ adv
1used to introduce a statement that makes your main Tall the time, at all times, or every time: Always lock your
statement seem surprising or unlikely [SYN] though: bicycle to something secure. | She'd always assumed that
Although in poor health, she continued to carry out her Gabriel was a girl’s name. | He hadn't always been a butler.
duties. | We decided to take rooms in Longwood House, 2 for a very long time: I’ve always wanted to go to Paris. |
although we knew we could not really afford the rent. | John's always been keen on music.
Although | can’t help admiring the man’s courage, | do not 3 for ever: I'll always remember that day.
approve of his methods. 4 if someone or something is always doing something,
2used to add a statement that balances or reduces the they do it often, especially in an annoying way: That
effect of what you have just said [SYN] but: You can copy woman next door’s always complaining.
down my answers, although I’m not sure they're right. | No, 5 always assuming/supposing (that) sth BrE used to say
this is my responsibility, although | appreciate your offer. that one important fact has to be accepted as true for
D> BUT something else to happen, be true etc: We'll leave on
al-ti-me-ter /‘eltrmi:ta $ el'trmitar/ n [C] an instru- Tuesday - always assuming the car's repaired by then.
ment in an aircraft that tells you how high you are 6 as always as is usual or expected: The truth, as always, is
al-ti-tude /zltitju:d $ -turd/ n [C] the height of an more complicated. | As always, Deborah was the last to
object or place above the sea: [+of] We're flying at an arrive.
altitude of 40,000 feet. |high/low altitudes At high altitudes 7 can/could always do sth (also there's always sth) spoken
it is difficult to get enough oxygen. used to make a polite suggestion: You could always try
ringing again. | If you can’t get it locally, there's always the
al-to’ /eltav $ -tov/ adj an alto instrument or voice Internet.
produces notes at the second highest level, below a 8 sb always was lucky/untidy etc used to say you are not
SOPRANO: an alto sax surprised by what someone has done because it is typical
alto? n (plural altos) 1[C] a singing voice that is lower of them: You always were a stubborn creature. | He's a
than a SOPRANO, or a singer with a voice like this troublemaker! Always was and always will be!
2 [singular] the part of a musical work that is written for
an alto voice or instrument — BARITONE'(2), BASS'(2),
always all the time, at all times, or every time: / will
SOPRANO|(2), TENOR'(2)
always love you. | He always carries his medicine. |
al-to-geth-er’ 5 [1] /a:lta'geda< $ ppilta'gedar</ adv People will always need houses.
1used to emphasize that something has been done com- forever (also for ever BrE) if something lasts or
pletely or has finished completely: an old custom that has continues forever, it remains or continues for all
vanished altogether | Congress could ban the procession future time: Nothing lasts forever. |He seemed to think
altogether. he would live forever.
2 [+adj/adv] used to emphasize that the way you describe permanently always, or for a very long time - used
something is completely true: In Canada, the situation is about changes that you expect to last forever.
altogether different. | This latest problem is altogether more Permanently can be used with a verb or with an
—X%3 = words from the Academic Word List 49 ambiguous
adjective: His eyesight may be permanently damaged. | am-a-teur-ish /‘zmaterj, -t{ve-, -tfa- gemea'tsinf $
They decided to move to Portugal permanently. eme'tur-, -'t31r-/ adj not skilfully done or made
for life for the rest of your life: Marriage is supposed OPP] professional: His paintings are rather amateurish. —
to be for life. |He was sent to jail for life. —amateurishly adv —amateurishness n [U]
for good especially spoken forever - used to talk am-a:'to-ry /‘emateri $ -to:ri/ adj formal expressing —
about a permanent change: This time, he’s coming sexual or romantic love
back for good. |Once a species dies out, it is gone for
good, amaze /a'meiz/ v [T] to surprise someone very much
for all time forever - used when saying that SYN] astonish: Dave amazed his friends by suddenly getting
something will last or be remembered forever married. | it amazes sb how/what etc /t stil! amazes me how
because it is very good or special: Their deeds will be much she has improved. | [+that] /t never ceased to amaze
‘remembered for all time. him that women were attracted to Sam.
to/until your dying day for the rest of your life - a-mazed /a'meizd/ adj very surprised [SYN] astonished:
used when something has affected you very deeply: amazed (that)/how /'m amazed you've never heard of the
Ill remember what he said to my dying day. Rolling Stones. | You'd be amazed how much money you can
save. | [+at/by] We were absolutely amazed at his rapid
recovery. |amazed to see/find/discover sth Visitors are often
(GRAMMAR_ amazed to discover how little the town has changed.
Always usually comes before the verb, unless the
verb is a simple tense of ‘be’, or after the first
GEESE surprised
auxiliary: | always wanted to be an engineer. | He is a:maze-:ment /a'meizmant/ n [U] a feeling of great
always cheerful. |The British education system has surprise [SYN| astonishment: do sth in amazement Ralph
always been considered one of the best in the world. gasped in amazement. | to sb's amazement Jo everyone's
always, still amazement, the goal was disallowed.
Use still, not always, to say that a previous situation a-maz-ing § /e'meizin/ adj
has not changed, and is continuing at the time of 1very good, especially in an unexpected way: He’s an
speaking: He still lives (NOT always lives) with his amazing player to watch. |an amazing bargain LXE
parents. GOOD
2so surprising you can hardly believe it: It’s amazing how
Alz-heim-er's dis-ease /‘eltshatmaz drzizz $ -arz-/ often you see drivers using mobile phones. EEEELTS>
(also Alzheimer's) n [U] a disease that affects the brain, SURPRISING —amazingly adv: These shoes were amazingly
especially of old people, and that gradually makes it cheap.
difficult to move, talk, or remember things [SYN] dementia
Am-a-zon /‘emazan $ -za:n -zan/ n [C] literary a strong
am /m, em; strong em/ v the first person singular of the tall woman —Amazonian /,emeazeunian< §$ -'zou-/ adj
present tense of the verb BE
am-bas:sa:dor /em'besada $ -ar/ n [C] 1 an important
a.m. (also am BrE) /,e1'em/ (ante meridiem) used to talk official who represents his or her government in a foreign
about times that are after MIDNIGHT but before MIDDAY country: [+to] the US ambassador to Spain 2 some-
— p.m.: Work starts at 9 am. one who represents a particular sport, business etc
AM /er 'em/ n [U] (amplitude modulation) a system because they behave in a way that people admire: [+for]
used for broadcasting radio programmes —> FM He has made some good films and he is a good ambassador
A.M.A., the /e1 em ‘e1/ (the American Medical Asso- for the industry. —ambassadorial /zem,bese'do:rial/ adj:
ciation) an organization in the US for doctors and people relations at ambassadorial level
who do medical RESEARCH. There is a similar organization am:ber /‘emba $ -ar/ n [U] 1a yellowish brown colour
in the UK called the BMA (British Medical Association). 2 a hard yellowish brown substance used to make jewel-
a-mal-gam /e'melgam/ n[C] formal a mixture of differ- lery: an amber necklace —amber adj
ent things: [+of] an amalgam of different styles am-bi-ance /‘embians/ n [singular] another spelling of
ERED mixture AMBIENCE
a-mal-ga‘mate /a'melgame:t/ v formal 1 [1,7] if two am-bi-dex-trous /mbr'dekstras</ adj able to use
organizations amalgamate, or if one amalgamates with either hand equally well — left-handed, right-handed
another, they join and make one big organization
am:bij-ence, ambiance /‘embians/ n [singular] the quali-
[SYN| merge: amalgamate sth with/into/under sth The
ties and character of a particular place and the way these
agency is expected to amalgamate with the National Rivers
make you feel atmosphere: pleasant/relaxing/friendly
Authority. 2 [T] to combine two or more things together
etc ambience The restaurant's new owners have created a
to make one thing: Stir until the ingredients are
amalgamated. | amalgamate sth with/into sth The editors
welcoming ambience.
will amalgamate all the information into one article. am-bi-ent /‘embiant/ adj 1 ambient temperature/light
—amalgamation /amelge'merfan/ n [C,U]: an amalgama- etc technical the temperature etc of the surrounding area
tion between two companies 2 ambient music/sounds a type of modern music or sound
4 5
a-Man-W-en-sis /amenju'ensis/ n [C] formal someone that is slow, peaceful, and does not have a formal struc-
ture
whose job is to write down what someone else says
amass /a'mes/ v [T] if you amass money, knowledge, ambient ‘advertising n [vu] advertising that is
information etc, you gradually collect a large amount of it: present on objects that are not usually expected to have
For 25 years, Darwin amassed evidence to support his advertising, for example on a train ticket or a RECEIPT
theories. |He amassed a fortune after the war. am-bi-gu-i-ty Eg /zembr'gju:iti/ n (plural ambiguities)
COLLECT [C,U] the state of being unclear, confusing, or not certain,
am-a-teur /‘amoto, -tfva, -tfa, emea't3: $ 'ematfor, -tar/ n or things that produce this effect: [tin] There was an
[C] 1 someone who does an activity just for pleasure, not element of ambiguity in the president's reply. |legal ambigui-
as their job professional: a gifted amateur |Mickelson ties
won his first major golf tournament while still an amateur. am-big-u-ous [gq /em'bigjues/ adj something that is
2 informal someone who you think is not very skilled at ambiguous is unclear, confusing, or not certain, especially
something: You English are a bunch of amateurs when it because it can be understood in more than one way
comes to romance. —amateur adj: an amateur orchestra | [OPP] unambiguous: The language in the Minister's state-
amateur dramatics BrE (=producing or acting in plays as ment.is highly ambiguous. | His role in the affair is ambigu-
an interest) —amateurism n [U]: well-meaning amateur- ous, —ambiguously adv: The legislation had been
ism ambiguously worded.
 Sd & & = the most frequent words in spoken English

wreckage. |the ambulance service |by ambulance Mike had to

REGISTER be taken by ambulance to hospital. |Do you think we need to
In everyday English, people also use the phrase you call an ambulance (=phone to ask an ambulance to come)?
can take sth two ways instead of saying it is ‘ambulance chaser n [c] a lawyer who uses a lot of
ambiguous: What she says is ambiguous. > You can
pressure to persuade someone who has been hurt in an
_ take what she says two ways.
accident to sue other people or companies in court, so
am: -bit /embst/ n [singular] formal the range or limit of that the lawyer will get part of the money if they win -
someone's authority, influence etc — remit: fall within the used to show disapproval
ambit of sth areas falling within the ambit of our research am-bush /‘embof/ n [C,U] a sudden attack on some-
am-bi-tion [Xj /em'byfan/ n one by people who have been hiding and waiting for
1[C] a strong desire to achieve something: an ambition to them, or the place where this happens: The soldiers were
do sth She had always had an ambition to be a pilot. | sb's killed in an.ambush. |In winter the danger of ambush is much
ambitions of doing sth An injury ended his ambitions of reduced. | lie/wait in ambush Armed police lay in ambush
becoming a professional footballer. AIM behind the hedge. EEN attack —ambush v [T]:
2 [U] determination to be successful, rich, powerful etc: Everybody thought our train would be ambushed, but we got
He was young and full of ambition. out safely.
3 have no ambition to do sth used when saying that you a-me:ba /a'mitba/ n [C] an American spelling of AMOEBA
definitely do not want to do something: | have no ambition a-me:li-o-rate /a'mi:liarert/ v [T] formal.to make a bad
to go back there again. situation better or less harmful [SYN] improve: /t is not clear
what can be done to ameliorate the situation.
fecledaceaadaalel oeMESTENSS 1 & 2
—amelioration /a,mitlia'retfan/ n [U]
amen /a:'men, e1-/ interjection, n [C] 1a word used to
Pra ambition iis to be/do sth My ambition was to be end a prayer: Blessed be the Lord, Amen! | McAllister
a journalist. murmured a fervent amen. 2. amen to that informal used to
have an ambition He had an ambition to be a top cello show that you agree with a suggestion or remark: ‘I think
player. we can close the meeting now.’ ‘Amen to that.’
achieve/fulfil/realize your ambition (=do what you a-‘me-na-ble /a'mi:nabal $ a'mi:n- a'men-/ adj 1 will-
wanted to do) It took.her ten years to achieve her ing to accept what someone says or does without argu-
ambition. ing: She was always a very amenable child. | [+to] Young
lack ambition/have no ambition Many of the people are more amenable than older citizens to the idea of
students lack ambition. immigration. 2 suitable for a particular type of treatment:
nurse/harbour/cherish an ambition (=have it for a [+for/to] Such conditions may be amenable to medical
long time, especially secretly) |frustrate/thwart
intervention.
sb's ambitions formal (=prevent someone from
a:mend [@ /a'mend/ v [T] formal to correct or make
achieving them)
small changes to something that is written or spoken: The
ADJECTIVES/NOUN + ambition_ law was amended to include women. | The defendant later
sb’s main ambition What's your main HE in life? amended his evidence. | ‘Steve stole it - or rather borrowed
sb's great ambition He didn’t achieve his greatest it, he amended. —amended adj: an amended version
ambition - to be Wimbledon Champion. a-‘mend-ment [ /a'mendmeant/ n [CU] a small
a lifelong/long-held ambition (=one that you have change, improvement, or addition that is made to a law or
had all your life) | a personal ambition |a secret document, or the process of doing this: constitutional
ambition |a burning/driving ambition (=a very amendments | [+to] an amendment to the resolution
strong ambition) |career ambitions | political/ amends /a'mendz/ n make amends (to sb/for sth) to do
presidential ambitions something to show you are sorry for hurting or upsetting
| PHRASES someone, especially something that makes it better for
them: He seized the chance to make amends for his behavior.
sb's dreams and ambitions He told her all about his
dreams and ambitions. a-me:ni-ty /a'mi:niti $ a'me-/ n (plural amenities) [C
sb's lack of ambition | was frustrated by their usually plural] something that makes a place comfortable
apparent lack of ambition. or easy to live in: The hotel is in the city centre, close to
be full of ambition shops and local amenities. | houses that lack basic amenities
(=basic things that people need, such as heat and run-
am-bi-tious /em'bifas/ adj 1 determined to be suc- ning water)
cessful, rich, powerful etc: Alfred was intensely ambitious, Anmver-a-sian /zma'erzan<, -fan</ n [C] someone
obsessed with the idea of becoming rich. | [+for] mothers from Asia who has one American parent and one Asian
who are highly ambitious for their children (=who want their parent — Asian-American
children to be successful) 2 an ambitious plan, idea etc A-mer-i-can" /a'merikan/ adj 1 relating to the US or its
shows a desire to do something good but difficult: an people: Her mother is American. |a famous American writer
ambitious engineering project | an over-ambitious health 2 sth is as American as apple pie used to say that some-
reform program —ambitiously adv —ambitiousness n [U] thing is very typically American —> LATIN AMERICAN
am-biv-a-lent /em'bialant/ adj not sure whether you American? n [Cc] someone from the US
want or like something or not: [+about] We are both A-mer-i-ca-na /amerika:na $ -'ka:na, -'kene/ n [U]
somewhat ambivalent about having a child. | ambivalent objects that are considered to be typical of the US,
attitude/feelings etc — ambivalence n [singular, UJ]: O'Neill especially when they are in a COLLECTION: 1940s Americana
had a genuine ambivalence toward US involvement in the American ‘Dream, the the idea that the US is a
war, —ambivalently adv place where everyone has the chance of becoming rich
am-ble /'embal/ v [I always + adv/prep] to walk slowly in and successful. Many IMMIGRANTS to the US in the early .
a relaxed way [SYN|saunter: An old man came out and 20th century believed in the American Dream.
ambled over for a chat. —amble n [singular]: a pleasant A.merican ‘football n [u] Br£ a game played in the
amble by the river US by two teams of eleven players, who carry, throw, or
am:-bro-Si-a /am'brauzia $ -'brouza/ n [U] literary food kick an OVAL ball [SYN] football AmE
or drink that tastes very good American ‘Indian n [Cc] another name for a NATIVE
am-bu-lance — /‘embjslans/ n [C] a special vehicle AMERICAN (=someone who belongs to one of the races
that is used to take people who are ill or injured to that lived in North America before Europeans arrived)
hospital: the ambulance service | ambulance staff/crew/ A-meri-can-is:m /a'merikantzam/ n [C] a word or
worker The ambulance crew removed him from the phrase that is typically used in American English
(@ 2 OB = the most frequent words in written English 51 amoeba
A-mer-i-camize (also -ise BrE) /a'merikanaiz/ v [T] to other people and follow many strict rules about behav-
change a society, language, system etc so that it jour, such as wearing traditional clothes and not using
becomes more American in character —Americanization telephones, cars, and other modern inventions
/amerskanatzerfan $ -ne-/ n [U]: the Americanization of a:miss' /a'mis/ adj [not before noun] if something is
youth culture amiss, there is a problem [SYN] wrong: Elsa continued as if
American ‘League, the one of two groups of pro- nothing was amiss. | [+with/in] There's something amiss in
fessional baseball teams that make up the highest level of their relationship.
baseball in the US and Canada. Every year, the team that amiss? adv BrE 1 sth would not come/go amiss informal
wins in this LEAGUE plays against the winning team of the used to say that something would be suitable or useful in
National League in the World Series. a situation: A cup of tea wouldn't go amiss. 2 take sth amiss
American ‘Way, the a set of beliefs or values that to feel upset or offended about something that someone
many Americans hold but which are not laws or written has said or done: Don't take it amiss - | was just teasing.
down in any form am-i-ty /'‘emiti/ n [U] formal friendship, especially
between countries [opp] hostility: a spirit of perfect amity
America's ‘Cup, the a sailing competition held every
three or four years, in which teams from the US, Aus- am-me:ter /‘emita, ‘emmi:ta $ -ar/ n [C] a piece of
tralia, and other nations compete. It is the most impor- equipment used to measure the strength of an electric
tant yacht race in the world. current
am-Mmo /‘emav $ -mov/ n [U] informal ammunition
America the ‘Beautiful a patriotic song which
most people in the US learn when they are children am-mo-ni-a /elmaunia $ -'mou-/ n [U] 1 clear liquid
with a strong bad smell that is used for cleaning or in
am-e-thyst /‘emi03st/ n 1 [C] a valuable purple stone cleaning products 2 a poisonous gas with a strong bad
used in jewellery 2 [U] a light purple colour —amethyst smell that is used in making many chemicals, FERTILIZERS
adj etc
a-mi-a:ble /‘exmiabal/ adj friendly and easy to like: The am-mosnite /'emanart/ n [C] technical an EXTINCT sea
driver was an amiable young man. | She was in an amiable creature with a sPiRAL shell that can be found as a FOSSIL
mood. FRIENDLY —amiably adv —amiability am-mu-ni-tion /zmjs'nijan/ n [U] 1 bullets, shells
/ ermia'brlsti/ n CU] (SHELL) etc that are fired from guns 2 information that you
am-i-ca:ble /zmtkebal/ adj an amicable agreement, can use to criticize someone or win an argument against
relationship etc is one in which people feel friendly them: give sb ammunition/provide sb with ammunition His
towards each other and do not want to quarrel: Their mistakes provided political opponents with even more ammu-
relationship hasn't always been amicable. | amicable nition.
settlement/agreement The two parties have reached an ami- am-ne:Si-a /em'nizia $ -32/ n [U] the medical condi-
cable settlement. —amicably adv: In the end, the matter was tion of not being able to remember anything —amnesiac
resolved amicably. /-ziek $ -ziak, -ziek/ n [C]
a-mid /a'mid/ prep 1 while noisy, busy, or confused am-nes:ty /‘emnasti/ n (plural amnesties) [C] 1 an offi-
events are happening - used in writing or news reports: cial order by a government that allows a particular group
The dollar has fallen in value amid rumors of weakness in the of prisoners to go free: [+for] The government granted an
US economy. | Demonstrators ripped up the national flag amnesty for all former terrorists. 2 a period of time when
amid shouts of ‘Death to the tyrants!’ 2 literary among or you can admit to doing something illegal without being
surrounded by things: He sat amid the trees. punished: [+on] an amnesty on illegal handguns
—amnesty v [T]
a-mid:ships /a'midjtps/ adv technical in the middle
part of a ship am-ni-o-cen-te-sis / emniausen'tizsis $ -niou-/ n [U] a
test to see if an unborn baby has a disease or other
a:midst /a'midst/ prep literary amid: a light that shines problem, done by taking liquid from the mother’s woms
amidst the darkness
amniotic ‘fluid n (U] medical the liquid that surrounds
a-mi-no ac-id /ami:nau ‘esid, amat- $ -nov-/ n[C] one and protects a baby when it is growing inside its mother's
of the substances that combine to form PROTEINS body
A-mish, the /‘a:myf/ n [plural] a Christian religious a:moe:ba (also ameba Am) /a'mi:ba/ n [C] a very
group in Pennsylvania and Ohio who live separately from small creature that has only one cell —amoebic adj
AMERICAN FOOTBALL

goalpost

Leal
end zone
a tackle
goal line

a fumble
amok 52 EQ= words from the Academic Word List

amok /a'mpk $ a'mark/ (also amuck) adv run amok something, and no more is needed: The school has any
a) to suddenly behave in a very violent and uncontrolled amount of resources and equipment.
way: Drunken troops ran amok in the town. b) to get out of
control and cause a lot of problems: an age in which global
capitalism has run amok amount how much of something there is: Try to
reduce the amount of fat in your diet. |a tiny amount of
a-mong & @ /e'man/ (also a-mongst /a'manst/) prep poison
1in or through the middle of a group of Cur or things: quantity a particular amount of food, liquid, or
The girl quickly disappeared among the crowd. | | could hear another substance that can be measured - used
voices coming from somewhere among the bushes. | We
especially in written descriptions and instructions:
walked among the chestnut woods on the mountain slopes. | Make sure that you add the right quantity of milk. |
She began rummaging among the books on her desk. They buy the wood in large quantities.
—> BETWEEN volume the amount of something such as business
2 with a particular group of people: Jim relaxed, knowing
activity or traffic, especially when this is large or
he was among friends. increasing: The volume of traffic on our roads has risen
3 used to say that many people in a group have the same sharply. | the huge volume of trade with China
feeling or opinion, or that something affects many people
level the exact amount of something at one time,
in a group: The problem is causing widespread concern
which can go up or down at other times: They
among scientists. |The general opinion among police officers
measured the level of alcohol in his blood. | There is a
was that the law should be tightened. | The changes will high level of unemployment.
mean 7,000 job losses among railway workers. proportion the amount of something, compared with
4 used to talk about a particular person, thing, or group
the whole amount that exists: the proportion of road
as belonging to a larger group: She was the eldest among
accidents caused by drunk drivers |A high proportion of
them. | Innocent civilians were among the casualties. | My
the students were from poor families.
grandfather had among his possessions a portrait by
quota a maximum amount of something that can be
Matisse. |Representatives were chosen by the students from
produced, sold, brought into a country etc: import
among themselves.
quotas on Japanese cars
5 among other things/places/factors etc used to say that
yield /ji:ld/ the amount of something that is
you are only mentioning one or two people or things out
produced, especially crops: this year’s cotton yield
of a much larger group: At the meeting they discussed,
among other things, recent events in Japan. amount? v
6if something is divided or shared among a group of amount to sth phr v 1 if figures, sums etc amount to a
people, each person is given a part of it: A father’s prop- particular total, they equal that total when they are added
erty was divided among his heirs. together: Time lost through illness amounted to 1,357 work-
7 among yourselves/ourselves/themselves with each other: ing days. 2 if an attitude, remark, situation etc amounts to
The allies found it hard to agree among themselves. something, it has the same effect: The court's decision
amounts to a not guilty verdict. | Ultimately, their ideas
( GRAMMAR among, between y
When you are talking about position, use among if amount to the same thing. 3 not amount to much/anything/a
there are more than two people or things around great deal etc to not be important, valuable, or successful:
someone or something, and between if there is just Her academic achievements don’t amount to much, | Jim’s
never going to amount to much.
one person or thing on each side: They hid among the
reeds, | | put my bag on the ground between my feet. amour /a'mva $ a'mur/ n [C] literary a sexual relation-
Z\ Among is not commonly used after words such ship, especially a secret one
as ‘relationship’ and ‘difference’, even when more amp /emp/ n[C]1 (also am-pere /‘empeo $ -ptr/) a
than two people or things are involved. Use between: unit for measuring electric current: a 3 amp fuse
the relationship between these three sectors of the | 2 informal an AMPLIFIER
econom ty
Reet am-per-sand /‘empasend $ -ar-/ n [C] the sign ‘&’ that
means ‘and’: Mills & Boon
amoral /er'moral, e- $ e1'mo:-, -'ma:-/ adj having no
moral standards at all [opp] moral — immoral: a completely
am-phet-a-‘mine /em‘etami:n, -min/ n [C,U] a drug
that gives you a feeling of excitement and a lot of energy
amoral person —amorality /,ermo'relsti, - $ erma-/ n [U]
am-:o-rous /‘emeras/ adj formal showing or concerning am:phib-i-an /emifibian/ n [C] an animal such as a
sexual love: She resisted his amorous advances. | He was FROG that can live both on land and in water
always boasting about his amorous adventures. —amorously am:-phib-i-ous /em'ftbias/ adj1 able to live both on land
adv and in water: amphibious creatures 2 amphibious vehicle a
a-mor-phous /s'mo:fas $ -s:r-/ adj formal having no vehicle that is able to move both on land and in water
definite shape or features: an amorphous mass of twisted 3 amphibious operation/force/assault an amphibious
metal operation etc involves both sea and land vehicles
a:mor:tize (also -ise BrE) /a'mo:taiz $ ‘emartaiz/ v [T] am-phi-thea-tre Br£, amphitheater AmE /emfiOreta $
technical to pay a debt by making regular payments -ar/ n[C] a large circular building without a roof and with
—amortization /e,mo:tar'zerfan $ zmerta-/ n [C,U] many rows of seats
am-pho-ra /‘emfara/ n[C] a tall clay container for oilor¢
a-mount! §] {i /e'maont/ n [CU] wine, used in ancient times
1a quantity of something such as time, money, or a
substance: [+of] They spend equal amounts of time in am-ple /‘empal/ adj 1 more than enough sufficient
California and New York. | a considerable/large/enormous opp] insufficient: ample time/evidence/opportunity You'll
etc amount a considerable amount of money | a small/tiny have ample time for questions later. |There is ample evidence
etc amount a tiny amount of dirt |Please pay the full amount that climate patterns are changing. | ample room/space etc
(=of money) by the end of the month. She found ample room for her things in the wardrobe
2used to talk about how much there is of a feeling or REESE ENOUGH 2 literary large in a way that is
quality: a large/considerable etc amount of sth Her case has attractive or pleasant: an ample bosom —amply adv:
attracted an enormous amount of public sympathy. | a Recent US history has amply demonstrated the risks of for-
certain/fair amount of sth Dina encountered a fair amount of eign intervention.
envy among her colleagues. am-pli-fi-er /zmplifara $ -farar/ n [C] a piece of elec-
3no amount of sth can/will etc do sth used to say that trical equipment that makes sound louder [SYN] amp
something has no effect: No amount of persuasion could —» see picture at ACOUSTIC
make her change her mind. am-pli-fy /‘emplifar/ v (amplified, amplifying, amplifies)
4 any amount of sth used to say that there is plenty of [T] 1 to make sound louder, especially musical sound: an
[X39 = words from the Academic Word List 53 anagram
amplified guitar 2 formal to increase the effects or
strength of something: These stories only amplified her
fears. 3 formal to explain something that you have said by
giving more information about it: Would you care to
amplify that remark? —amplification /emplifikerfan/ n
[u]
am-pli-tude /zmpbtju:d $ -tu:d/ n [U] technical the big wheel BrE/
distance between the middle and the top or bottom of a ferris wheel AmE &
WAVE Such as a SOUND WAVE
am-poule, ampule /‘empu:! $ -pju:l/ n [C] a small
container for medicine that will be put into someone with
a special needle
am:-pu-tate /‘empjtert/ v [1,1] to cut off someone's
arm, leg, finger etc during a medical operation: Two of her
toes were amputated because of frostbite. —amputation
/ empjs'terfan/ n [C,U]
Qe adel Sia oie eye
am:pu-tee /zempjs'ti:/ n [C] someone who has had an an J (@ /an; strong en/ indefinite article, determiner
arm or a leg amputated used when the following word begins with a vowel sound
a-muck /a'mak/ adv Amok — a: an orange |an X-ray
am= /an, en/ prefix 1the form used for A before a vowel
anv-ulet /zmjslat, -let $ -lat/ n [C] a small piece of
sound 2 not SYN|without: anarchy (=without
jewellery worn to protect against bad luck, disease etc
government) | anoxia (=a condition caused by lack of
amuse /a'mju:z/ v [T] 1 to make someone laugh or oxygen)
smile: He made funny faces to amuse the children. | The =aN /an/ (also -ean, -ian) suffix1 [in adjectives and nouns]
question seemed to amuse him in some way. |it amuses sb to someone or something of, from, or connected with a
do sth /f amused me to think back to my life in London. particular thing, place, or person: suburban | Jamesian
REGISTER 2 [in nouns] someone skilled in or studying a particular
In everyday English, people usually say they think subject: a historian (=someone who studies history)
something is funny rather than say that it amuses =ana /a:na $ ana, ena/ suffix [in nouns] another form of
them: The joke really amused them. + They thought the suffix IANA: Americana
the joke was really funny. an-a-bol-ic ste-roid / enaboltk 'straroid, -'ster- $ -ba:ltk
‘sturoid, -'ster-/ n [C] a drug that makes muscles grow
2 to make time pass in an enjoyable way, so that you do
quickly, sometimes used illegally by people in sport
not get bored [SYN] entertain: Doing jigsaws would amuse
Amy for hours on end. | The kids amused themselves playing a-nach-ro-nis-‘m /s'nekranizam/ n [C] 1 someone or
hide-and-seek. something that seems to belong to the past, not the
present: The monarchy is something of an anachronism
amused Ja'mjuzd/ adj 1 if you are amused by some- these days. 2 something in a play, film etc that seems
thing, you think it is funny and you smile or laugh: wrong because it did not exist in the period of history in
[+at/by] Ellen seemed amused by the whole situation. | | which the play etc is set: The film is full of anachronisms.
could see she was highly amused (=very amused). | The —anachronistic /anekra'nistik</ adj: His painting style
man looked a little amused. |He won't be very amused (=he was seen as outdated and anachronistic.
will be annoyed) when he finds out what's happened to his an-a:con-da /znakonda ¢ -'ka:n-/ n [C] a very large
garden. | an amused smile/look/expression etc 2 keep sb
South American snake
amused to entertain or interest someone for a long time
a:Nae-Mica (also anemia AmE) /a'ni:mia/ n [U] a medi-
so that they do not get bored: There were puzzles and
games to keep the children amused. cal condition in which there are too few red cells in your
blood
a-‘muse-:ment /a'mju:zmant/ n 1[U] the feeling you
a:nae-mic (also anemic Ame) /a'ni:m1k/ adj 1 suffer-
have when you think something is funny: with/in amuse-
ing from anaemia: his anaemic-looking face
ment Her eyes sparkled with amusement. |She looked at him
2 written seeming weak and uninteresting: an anaemic
in amusement. |Steve couldn't hide his amusement. |to sb‘s
first novel
amusement (=in a way that makes someone laugh or
an-ae-ro-bic / ena'raubik« $ -'rou-/ adj 1 not needing
smile) They were dancing and singing in the car, much to the
amusement of passers-by. | The cats are a constant source of oxygen in order to live [OPP|aerobic: anaerobic bacteria
amusement to us. 2 amusements [plural] a) things that 2 without oxygen, or happening without oxygen
entertain you and make time pass in an enjoyable way: [OPP] aerobic: anaerobic fermentation
childhood amusements b) BrE special machines or games an-aes:the-si-a (also anesthesia AmE) /,enis'Oi:zia $
that are intended to entertain people, for example at a -3a/ n [U] 1the use of anaesthetics in medicine
FAIR: The kids can ride on the amusements. 3 [U] the proc- 2 the state of being unable to feel pain
ess of getting or providing pleasure and enjoyment: What an-aes:thet-ic (also anesthetic AmE) /,enis'ettk</ n
do you do for amusement in this town? [C,U] a drug that stops you feeling pain: under anaesthetic
a'musement ar,cade n [c] BrE a place where you The operation will have to be done under anaesthetic
play games on machines by putting coins into them (=using anaesthetic). |Eye surgery is often performed using
[SYN] video arcade AmE a local anaesthetic (=one that only affects a particular area
of your body). | You will need to have a general anaesthetic
a’'musement park n [c] a large park with many (=one that makes. you completely unconscious).
special machines that you can ride on, such as ROLLER —anaesthetic adj [only before noun]: anaesthetic drugs
COASTERS and MERRY-GO-ROUNDS a-‘naes-the:tist (also anesthetist AmE) /a'ni:sOstist $
a-mus-ing Ja'mjuizin/ adj funny and entertaining: | a'nes-/ n [C] a doctor or nurse who has been specially
don’t find his jokes at all amusing. |a highly amusing (=very trained to give people anaesthetics
amusing) film |an amusing story/anecdote/incident etc The a-naes:the-tize (also -ise Br, anesthetize AmE)
book is full of amusing stories about his childhood. | mildly/ /a'nissOstarz $ a'nes-/ v [T] to give someone an anaes-
vaguely amusing (=a little amusing, but not very) a mildly thetic so that they do not feel pain
amusing spectacle FUNNY —amusingly adv an-a-gram /‘enagrem/ n [C] a word or phrase that is
REGISTER made by changing the order of the letters in another word
In everyday English, people usually say funny rather or phrase: ‘Silent’ is an anagram of ‘listen’.
than amusing: Someone told me a really funny joke. anal /‘eml/ adj 1connected with the ANUS 2 (also anal
 analgesia 54 Si] & & = the most frequent words in spoken English

retentive) showing too much concern with small details, examine something: analytical chemistry —analytically
especially in a way that annoys other people - used to /-kli/ adv
show disapproval: Don’t be so anal. an-a-lyze /‘enoal-aiz/ v [T] the American spelling of
an-al-ge-Si-a /znalidzi:zia $ -32/ n [U] technical the ANALYSE
finEGLU > EXAMINE
- condition of being unable to feel pain while conscious an-a-phy-lac-tic shock /znafslekttk 'fok $ -Ya:k/ n
an-al-ge-si¢ /nal'dzi:ztk</ n [C] technical a drug that [U] medical a very sudden serious physical reaction that
reduces pain [SYN] painkiller: Aspirin is a popular analgesic. is caused by an ALLERGY to something such as nuts, eggs,
—analgesic adj [only before noun]: drugs that have an anal- or the STING of some insects. The reaction causes shock,
gesic effect on ulcers breathing difficulties, and sometimes death.
a-nal-o-gous LQ /a'nelagas/ adj formal similar to an-ar-chic /e'na:ktk $ -a:r-/ adj lacking any rules or
another situation or thing so that a comparison can be order, or not following the moral rules of society: a
made: [+to/with] The report's findings are analogous with lawless, anarchic city |an anarchic sense of humour
our own. an-ar-chis‘m /‘znakizom $ -ar-/ n [U] the political
an-a-logue (also analog Am) /‘enalog $ -In:g, -la:g/ belief that there should be no government and ordinary
adj 1 analogue clock/watch a clock or watch that uses people should work together to improve society
POINTERS, not changing numbers + digital an-ar-chist /znakist $ -ar-/ n [C] someone who
2 technical analogue technology uses changing physical believes that governments, laws etc are not necessary
quantities such as VOLTAGE to store data — digital: ana- —anarchistic / ena'kistik< $ -ar-/ adj
logue computer/circuit/technology an-ar-chy /‘enaki $ -ar-/ n [U] a situation in which there
a-nal-o-gy [Q /a'neledzi/ n (plural analogies) [C,U] is no effective government in a country or no order in an
something that seems similar between two situations, organization or situation: The prison is close to anarchy. |
processes etc: [+with/to/between] analogies between The classroom was ina constant state of anarchy. |slide/fall/
human and animal behaviour | draw/make an analogy descend into anarchy The nation is in danger of falling into
(=make a comparison) She drew an analogy between child- anarchy.
birth and the creative process. | by analogy with Dr Wood a-nath-e-ma /a'ne0ima/_n [singular, U] formal some-
explained the movement of light by analogy with (=using thing that is completely the opposite of what you believe
the analogy of) the movement of water. in: [+to] His political views were anathema to me.
an-a-lyse [9 Eq BrE, analyze AmE /‘enal-aiz/ v [T] an-a-tom-i-cal /zna'tomikeal< $ -'ta:-/ adj relating to
1to examine or think about something carefully, in order the structure of human or animal bodies: an anatomical
to understand it: She still needs to analyse the data. | You examination —anatomically /-kli/ adv
need to sit down and analyse why you feel so upset. |Joe had a-:nat-o-mist /a'nztamist/ n[C] a scientist who studies
never tried to analyze their relationship. anatomy
EXAMINE a-nat-o-my /a'netami/ n (plural anatomies) 1 [U] the
2 to examine a substance to see what it is made of: The scientific study of the structure of human or animal
cell samples are analyzed by a lab. bodies: a professor of anatomy | human/animal anatomy
3to examine someone's mental or emotional problems Knowledge of human anatomy is essential to figure drawing.
by using PSYCHOANALYSIS 2 [C usually singular] the structure of a body, or of a part of
a-:nal-y:sis &] (i La /s'nelisis/ n (plural analyses a body: [+of] the anatomy of the nervous system 3 [C] your
/ -Si:Z/) body - often used in a humorous way: You could see a part
1[C,U] a) a careful examination of something in order to of his anatomy that I'd rather not mention. 4 the/
understand it better: [+of] a detailed analysis of the week's an anatomy of sth a) a study or examination of an organi-
news | Further analysis of the data is needed. | do/carry zation, process etc in order to understand and explain
out/conduct an analysis They were doing some type of sta- how it works: Elkind’s book is an anatomy of one man’s
tistical analysis. b) the way in which someone describes a discussion with his son about life. b) the structure of an
situation or problem, and says what causes it to happen: organization, process etc or the way it works: For the first
[+of] Do you agree with Marx's analysis of the failure of time, we have the chance to examine the anatomy of a secret
free-market capitalism? government operation.
2[C,U] a careful examination of a substance to see what «ance /ons/, -ence suffix [in nouns] the action, state, or
it is made of: [+of] analysis of genetic material |for analysis quality of doing something or of being something: his
Blood samples were sent for analysis. | You'll get the results sudden appearance (=he appeared suddenly) | her bril-
when the analysis is complete. liance (=she is BRILLIANT)
3[U] a process in which a doctor makes someone talk an-ces-tor /‘ensasta, -ses- $ -sestar/ n [C] 1a member
about their past experiences, relationships etc in order to of your family who lived a long time ago —+ descendant:
help them with mental or emotional problems My ancestors were French. °
[SYN] psychoanalysis — therapy: She's been in analysis for RELATIVE 2 an animal that lived in the past, that modern
three years. animals have developed from: Lions and house cats evolved
4 in the final/last analysis used when giving the most basic from a common ancestor (=the same ancestor). 3 the form
or important facts about a situation: /n the final analysis, in which a modern machine, vehicle etc first existed
profit is the motive. [SYN] forerunner: [+of] Babbage’s invention was the ancestor
an-a-lyst [9 GG /‘enal-ist/ n [C] of the modern computer. —ancestral /zn'sestral/ adj: the
1someone whose job is to think about something care- family’s ancestral home ;
fully in order to understand it, and often to advise other an:ces:try /‘ensastri, -ses- $ -ses-/ n (plural ancestries)
people about it: Political analysts expect the Conservatives {C usually singular, U] formal the members of your family
to win. | investment/financial/business analyst Cleary has who lived a long time ago: of ... ancestry Her mother is of
been working as a computer analyst in Winchester. German ancestry (=has German ancestors). |Helen's fam-
2a doctor who helps people who have mental or emo- ily can trace their ancestry back to the 1700s. i
tional problems by making them talk about their experi- an-chor'? /'enke $ -ar/ n [C] 1a piece of heavy metal
ences and relationships [SYN|psychoanalyst —> SYSTEMS that is lowered to the bottom of the sea, a lake etc to
ANALYST prevent a ship or boat moving: at anchor The ship was at
amalyt-ical [4 /enol'ttikol/ (also amaclyt-ic anchor. | We dropped anchor a few yards offshore. |The next
/ enal'tttk</) adj1 thinking about things in a detailed and morning, they weighed anchor (=lifted the anchor) and
intelligent way, so that you can examine and understand began to move south again. 2 especially AmE someone who
things: She’s got an analytical mind. | analytical method/ reads the news on TV and introduces news reports
techniques/approach/skills During the course, students will [SYN]newsreader BrE: Dan Rather, anchor of the CBC
develop their analytical skills. 2 using scientific analysis to Evening News 3 someone or something that provides a
(0 © GS = the most frequent words in written English 55 aneurysm

feeling of support and safety: Dad was the anchor of the 6 spoken used to introduce a statement, remark, question
family. etc: And now I'd like to introduce our next speaker, Mrs
anchor? v 1 [1,7] to lower the anchor on a ship or boat Thompson. | ‘She's getting married in June.’ ‘And who's the
to hold it in one place [SYN]moor: Three tankers were lucky man?’
anchored in the harbor. 2 [T usually passive] to fasten some-
REGISTER
thing firmly so that it cannot move: The shelves should be
In written English, avoid starting a sentence with
securely anchored to the wall. 3 be anchored in sth to be
and: And now we come onto the issue of homelessness.
strongly connected with a particular system, way of life
—+ We now come onto the issue of homelessness.
etc: John’s outlook has always been anchored in the political
mainstream. 4 [T] to provide a feeling of support, safety, 7 used between repeated words to emphasize what you
or help for someone or an organization: Steve anchors the are saying: More and more people are losing their jobs. | We
team’s defense. | Her life was anchored by her religion. waited for hours and hours! | That was years and years ago. |
5 [1] AmE to be the person who reads the news and We ran and ran.
introduces reports on television [SYN] present: Collins 8 a) used before saying the part of a large number which
anchors the 6 o'clock news. is less than 100: a hundred and four | five hundred and
an-chor-age /‘enkaridz/ n 1[C] a place where ships seventy-six | by the year two thousand and ten b) used
can anchor 2[C,U] a place where something can be when saying a number which consists of a whole number
firmly fastened followed by a FRACTION: three and three-quarters | in about
an-chor-per-son /‘enke,p3isan $ -kar,p3ir-/, two and a half hours’ time |five and a quarter per cent
an-chor-man /-men/, an-chor-wom-an /-women/ n [C] 9 used between repeated plural nouns to say that some
someone who reads the news on TV and introduces things of a particular kind are much better than others:
reports [SYN] anchor ‘They said this guy was an expert.’ ‘Yes, but there are experts
and experts.’
‘anchor store n [Cc] Ame a large, well-known, and 10 and? spoken used when you want someone to add
popular store in a SHOPPING MALL (=place containing a lot something to what they have just said: ‘I’m sorry.’ ‘And?’
of shops), that attracts a lot of customers to the mall and ‘And | promise it won't happen again.’
to the other shops. An anchor store is usually part of a
successful chain that has stores in many cities. an-dan-te! /en'denti, -ter $ a:n'da:n-/ adj played or
sung at a speed that is neither very fast or very slow
an-cho-vy /‘entfavi $ ‘entfouvi/ n (plural anchovies)
—andante adv
[C,U] a very small fish that tastes strongly of salt
andante? n [Cc] a piece of music played or sung at a
an-cient’ (Q /‘emnjant/ adj speed that is neither very fast nor very slow
1 belonging to a time long ago in history, especially thou-
sands of years ago [OPP] modern: the ancient civilizations of
an-drog-y-nous /en'drod3inas $ -‘dra:-/ adj 1 hav-
Asia | ancient Greece/Egypt/Rome the religion of ancient ing both male and female parts 2 someone who is
androgynous looks both female and male: Bowie had a
Egypt kind of androgynous sex appeal.
2 having existed for a very long time [OPP] new: an ancient
walled city |an ancient forest |the ancient art of calligraphy an-droid /ndrotd/ n [C] a rosoT that looks com-
3 very old - used humorously: That photo makes me look pletely human
ancient! SLT oLp an-dro-pause /‘endraupoiz $ -droupoiz/ n [U] the
4 ancient history a) the history of ancient societies, such period in a man’s life when the amount of TESTOSTERONE in
as Greece or Rome: a professor of ancient history b) infor- his body begins to reduce, after about age 50 [SYN] male
mal if you say that something is ancient history, you menopause —andropausal /endrev'poizal $ -drou'pp:-/
mean that it happened a long time ago and is not impor- adj
tant now: It’s all ancient history and I’m not upset any more. an-ec-da-ta /‘enikderta, -da:ta/ n [U] information
ancient? n the ancients [plural] people who lived long which is presented as if it is the result of serious research,
ago, especially the Greeks and Romans: The ancients but which is actually based on what someone thinks but
believed that the Sun and Moon were planets. cannot prove: All this is just anecdata, when what we need
an-cil-la-ry /en'silari $ '‘ensileri/ adj1 ancillary workers/ now is some hard evidence of what UK firms are doing.
staff etc workers who provide additional help and services an-ec-dot-al /zntkdautl< $ -dou-/ adj consisting of
for the people who do the main work in hospitals, schools short stories based on someone's personal experience:
etc 2 formal connected with or supporting something His findings are based on anecdotal evidence rather than
else, but less important than it: Agreement was reached on serious research.
several ancillary matters. an-ec-dote /ntkdaut $ -dovt/ n [C] a short story
-alncy /ansi/, -ency suffix [in nouns] the state or quality based on your personal experience: The book is full of
of doing something or of being something: expectancy amusing anecdotes about his life in Japan.
(=state of expecting) | hesitancy | complacency (=being a:ne-mi-a /a'ni:mia/ n [U] the usual American spelling
complacent) of ANAEMIA
and §] i /end, an; strong end/ conjunction a-:ne-mic¢ /a'nizmik/ adj the usual American spelling of
1used to join two words, phrases etc referring to things ANAEMIC
that are related in some way: He’s gone to get some fish
a-nem:o-ne /a'nemani/ n [C] a plant with red, white, or
and chips. | The film starred Jack Lemmon and Shirley
blue flowers —> SEA ANEMONE
Maclaine. | We've dealt with items one, two, and eleven. |He
was tall, dark, and handsome. |He plays the guitar and sings an-es-the-si-a /znis'@izia $ -z2/ n [U] the usual
pk songs. |She didn’t speak to anyone and nobody spoke to American spelling of ANAESTHESIA
er an-es-the:si-ol-o-gist / znisOi:zi'pladzist $ -a:l-/ n [C]
2 used to say that one action or event follows another: Sit AmE a doctor who gives ANAESTHETICS to a patient
down and tell me all about it. |She picked up the kitten and an-es-thet-ic /,enis'@etrk</ n [C,U] the usual American
put it in the box. | He knocked on the door and went in. | spelling of ANAESTHETIC
You'll have to wait and see what happens.
anes-the-tist /s'ni:sestist $ a'nes-/ n [C] the usual
3used to say that something is caused by something
American spelling of ANAESTHETIST
else: | missed supper and I'm starving! | She fell downstairs
and broke her leg. a-nes-the-tize /a'ni:sOstarz $ a'nes-/ v [7] the usual
4 used when adding numbers: Six and four is ten. American spelling of ANAESTHETIZE
5. especially BrE used after verbs such as ‘go’, ‘come’, and aneurysm, aneurism /‘enyartzam/ n [C] a small
‘try’ to show what your intention is: Shall we go and have a place on the surface of a BLOOD VESSEL that is swollen and
cup of coffee? |I'll see if|can try and persuade her to come. full of blood, and that can kill you if it breaks open
anew 56 EX4 = words from the Academic Word List

a-mew /oa'nju: $ a'nu:/ adv written 1 start/begin anew to

begin a different job, start to live in a different place etc,
REGISTER
especially after a difficult period in your life: | was ready to In everyday English, people usually say something
leave everything behind and start anew in California. 2 if you makes them angry rather than say that it angers them:
do something anew, you start doing it again: The commit- | didn’t want to anger him. — | didn't want to make him
tee is going to examine the whole situation anew. angry.
an-gel /‘emnd3al/ n [C] 1a spirit who is God's servant in an:gi-na /en'dzaine/ n [U] a medical condition in which
heaven, and who is often shown as a person dressed in you have bad pains in your chest because your heart is
white with wings: the angel Gabriel 2 someone who is weak
very kind, very good, or very beautiful: That little girl of
theirs is an angel. |Sam is no angel (=often behaves badly).
3 old-fashioned spoken used when asking someone to help
you or when thanking someone for helping you: Thanks
for mailing those letters, you're an angel. | Be an angel and
get me my glasses, will you? 4 (also business angel, angel
investor) someone who gives new businesses money, right angle: 90° obtuse angle: acute angle:
often in exchange for a share of the company — GUARDIAN between 90° less than 90°
ANGEL and 180°
an-gel-ic /en'dzeltk/ adj1 looking good, kind, and gen-
tle or behaving in this way: She had an angelic smile, but a
dreadful temper. 2 connected with angels: the angelic hosts
—angelically /-kli/ adv
an-gel-i-ca /en'dzelike/ n [U] a plant that smells sweet
and is used in cooking reflex angle: adjacent angles opposite angles
an-ger" TAI /‘enga $ -ar/ n [U] between 180°
1a strong feeling of wanting to hurt or criticize someone and 360°
because they have done something bad to you or been
unkind to you: There is growing anger among the people
against the government. | [+at] She struggled to control her
anger at her son's disobedience. | in anger ‘That's a lie!’ he
shouted in anger.
2 do/use sth in anger to do or use something for the first
time, or in a real situation: He joined the club last month,
alternate angles corresponding angles
but has yet to kick a ball in anger. ee

an-gie! El OS /engeal/ n [Cc]

1the space between two straight lines or surfaces that
be filled with anger/be full of anger His face was join each other, measured in degrees: an angle of sth an
suddenly filled with anger. angle of 45° | [+of] the angles of a triangle | You didn’t
be shaking with anger My aunt was shaking with measure the angle accurately. | [+between] the angle
anger as she left the room. between walls and ceiling —+ RIGHT ANGLE
be seething with anger (=be extremely angry) 2a way of considering a problem or situation: We're
Seething with anger and frustration, Polly pushed back approaching the issue from many different angles. | Look at
her chair and stood up. every angle of the situation. | [+to] There’s another angle to
express your anger (a/so vent your anger formal) this question.
(=show your anger) Demonstrators expressed their 3 a position from which you look at something or photo-
anger by burning American flags. graph it: from a... angle This drawing of the monastery was
hide your anger |control/contain your anger | done from an unusual angle. | Some of the pictures have
arouse/provoke anger (also stir up anger informal) strange camera angles.
(=make people angry) |fuel anger (=make people 4at an angle leaning to one side and not straight or
even more angry) |sb’s anger goes away/ upright: The portrait was hanging at an angle. | at a slight/
subsides/fades (=it stops) steep angle The sign leaned over at a slight angle.
5 the shape formed when two lines or surfaces join: [+of]
My head struck the angle of the shelf.
deep/great/fierce anger There is deep anger against
the occupying forces. angle? y [1] 1 to move or place something so that it is
growing/rising/mounting anger There is growing not straight or upright: a mirror angled to reflect light from
anger among drivers over the rise in fuel prices. a window | Philip angled his chair towards the door.
widespread anger (=among many people) The 2 to present information from a particular point of view
decision to build the airport has provoked widespread or for a specific group of people: The book is angled
anger. towards a business audience.
public/popular anger |suppressed/pent-up anger angle for sth phr v to try to get something you want
(=that you have tried not to show) |real anger | without asking directly for it: She was obviously angling for
righteous anger often disapproving (=anger felt when an invitation. || didn't want him to think | was just angling for
you think something should not be allowed to sympathy,
happen) ‘angle brackets n [plural] BrE a pair of BRACKETS < >
used for enclosing information :
an-gler /‘engla $ -ar/ n [C] someone who catches fish
a fi /outburst of anger (=an occasion when as a sport — fisherman
someone suddenly becomes angry) His occasional
outbursts of anger shocked those around him. An-gli-can /zngltken/ n [C] a Christian who is a mem-
a feeling of anger ber of the Church of England or related churches
—Anglican adj: members of the Anglican Church
anger? v [T] to make someone angry [SYN] annoy: What —Anglicanism n [U] ‘
angered me most was his total lack of remorse. | be angered an-gli-cize (also -ise BrE) /‘xnglisatz/ v [T] to make
by/at sth Environmental groups were disappointed and something or someone more English: Leszek anglicized his
angered by the president's decision. name to ‘Lester’.
EX = words from the Academic Word List 57 animal
angling /ngltn/ n [U] the sport of catching fish with
(anal a deirshows satiscommon siierent grammar
a fishing rod [SYN] fishing
patterns of the adjective angry are.
Anglo- /engles $ -glou/ prefix [in nouns and adjectives]
1 relating to England or Britain: an anglophile (=someone
be/get angry
who loves Britain) 2 English or British and something
else: an Anglo-Scottish family | an improvement in Anglo- angry person/look etc
American relations angry with sb
Anglo-'Catholic n (c] a Christian who is a member of angry about sth
the part of the Church of England that is similar to the angry (that)
Roman Catholic Church —Angio-Catholie adj —Anglo-
Ca'tholicism n [U] angry at sth

Anglo-'Indian n [C] someone whose family is partly

British and partly Indian —Anglo-Indian adj 10% 20%
+
30%
+
40%
+
50% J
an-glo-phile /nglevfail, -gla- $ -glou-, -gla-/ n [C]
someone who is not English but likes England and any- was angry withh himself for letting the others see his true
thing English feelings.
an-glo-phobe /‘englaufaub, -gla- $ -gloufoub, -gla-/ n 3 literary an angry sky or cloud looks dark and stormy
{[C] someone who dislikes anything English 4 literary an angry wound etc is painful and red and looks
—anglophobia /,engleu'feubia, -gla- $ -glou'fou-, -gla-/ n infected [syn] inflamed —angrily adv: Joey reacted angrily.
[U] Angry Young ‘Man n [c] Br£ a young man who
an-glo-:phone /‘englaofeon, -gla- $ -gloufoun, -gla-/ n strongly criticizes society and the government. The
[C] someone who speaks English as their first language phrase was first used to describe John Osborne and other
—anglophone adj: the US and other anglophone countries British writers in the 1950s,
Anglo-'Saxon n 1 [Cc] someone who belonged to the angst /enst/ n [U] strong feelings of anxiety and
race of people who lived in England from about 600 AD unhappiness because you are worried about your life,
2 [U] the language used by the Anglo-Saxons 3 [C] a your future, or what you should do in a particular situa-
white person, especially someone whose family originally tion: love letters full of angst
came from England —Anglo-Saxon adj an-guish /‘engw1f/ n [U] written mental or physical
an-go-ra /en'go:re/ n1 [C] a type of goat, rabbit, or cat suffering caused by extreme pain or worry: the anguish of
with very long soft hair or fur 2 [U] wool or thread made not knowing what had happened to her —anguished adj: an
from the fur of an angora goat or rabbit: soft pink angora anguished cry for help
sweaters an-gu-lar /‘engjsla $ -ar/ adj1thin and not having much
angry GY (8 /‘engri/ adj (comparative angrier, superla- flesh on your bones: a tall, angular young man 2 hav-
tive angriest) ing sharp and definite corners: a cubist painting with
1 feeling strong emotions which make you want to shout angular shapes
at someone or hurt them because they have behaved in an-i-mal! §] (i /‘enimeal/ n [C]
an unfair, cruel, offensive etc way, or because you think 1a living creature such as a dog or cat, that is not an
that a situation is unfair, unacceptable etc — annoyed: | insect, plant, bird, fish, or person: furry little animals |
was angry because he hadn't told me his plans. | He was wild/domestic/farm animals cattle, sheep, and other domes-
beginning to get angry. | His comments brought an angry tic animals |The cosmetics have not been tested on animals. |
response from opposition politicians. | ‘Calm down,’ she said, Beth is an animal lover (=someone who likes animals).
looking at his angry face. | [+with/at] ‘Please don’t be angry 2 any living creature that is not a plant or a person: He
with me,’ she said. | Jesse laughed, which made me even can’t stand cruelty to animals of any sort. | the enormous
angrier. | [+about/over] Kate's still so angry about the diversity of the animal kingdom
whole thing. | angry (that) The workers are angry that they 3 any living creature, including people: Man is a highly
haven't been paid for the week. intelligent animal.
2 angry with/at yourself feeling strongly that you wish you 4 informal someone who behaves in a cruel, violent, or
had done something or had not done something: David very rude way: Football hooligans are just animals.
THESAURUS: angry
angry feeling strong emotions because you think someone has behaved badly, or because a situation seems bad
or unfair: He gets really angry if people keep him waiting. |a crowd of angry protesters
mad [not before noun] informal angry: Dad was mad at me for damaging the car.
cross [not before noun] spoken rather angry - used when speaking to people you know well: She was cross with me
for being late.
annoyed [not before noun] a little angry: | was annoyed no one had told me the class was cancelled.
irritated annoyed and impatient, especially by something that keeps happening or something someone keeps
saying: | was irritated by their stupid questions. |an irritated voice
bad-tempered becoming annoyed or angry easily: a bad-tempered old man |He's always bad-tempered when he
doesn't get what he wants.
in a bad/foul mood feeling a little angry for a period of time, often for no particular reason: | woke up in a bad
mood,
in a huff /haf/ in an angry mood for a short time, especially because someone has just said something to offend
or annoy you: He walked off in a huff when they refused to let him join in their game.
sb has got up on the wrong side of the bed informal used when you think someone has been in an angry mood
all day, for no particular reason - often used humorously: | don’t know what's wrong - she must have got up on the
wrong side of the bed today.
EXTREMELY ANGRY
- furious/livid extremely angry: She was furious when she found out he’d been Wing to her. |He looked absolutely livid.
outraged very angry and shocked by something you think is unfair or wrong: Most people were outraged by the
9/11 attacks. |complaints from outraged viewers
incandescent with rage BrE formal extremely angry - used mainly in writing, for example in newspaper reports:
- Gordon Brown was reported to be incandescent with rage over the article.
lose your temper to suddenly become very angry and start shouting at someone: It was the first time I’d seen her
lose her temper.
 i] & & = the most frequent words in spoken English

- 5a (very/completely/entirely) different animal informal ani-mis-m /‘enimizam/ n [U] a religion in which ani-
_ something that is very different from the thing you have mals and plants are believed to have spirits
~ mentioned: Writing email is a very different animal from all ani-mos:i-ty /zeni'mpsiti $ -'ma:-/ n (plural animosi-
other forms of writing. ties) [CU] strong dislike or hatred [SyYN}hostility:
6a political/social etc animal informal someone who is [+between] There is no personal animosity between the
interested in politics, in meeting other people etc: He is party leaders, | [+towards/against] She felt a certain
simply not a social animal. amount of animosity towards him.
animus /‘enimes/ n [singular, U] formal a feeling of
strong dislike or hatred [Ssy¥N|animosity, hostility:
animal a living thing such as a dog, cow, or tiger, but
[+against/towards] | have no animus towards Robert.
not an insect, fish, or bird: farm animals such as cows,
sheep, and pigs | People are becoming more concerned amise /'ents/ n [U] a plant with seeds that have a
about animal welfare. strong taste
creature /'kri:t{a $ -ar/ an animal - used especially an-i-seed /‘enisi:d/ n [U] the seeds of an anise plant,
when describing a particular animal's characteristics which are used in alcoholic drinks and in sweets
or when referring to animals generally: The cheetah is an-kle /‘enkal/ n [C] 1 the joint between your foot and
a magnificent creature. | all the living creatures in the your leg: break/twist/sprain your ankle Janet slipped on the
sea stairs and twisted her ankle: | slender ankles
beast an animal, especially a large or dangerous one: 2 ankle socks/boots socks or boots that only come up to
To most people, lions are savage beasts. |a wild beast your ankle
living thing an animal considered as one of a group an-klet /znklst/ n [C] a ring or BRACELET worn around
of things that grow and then die, including humans your ankle
and plants: The only living things we saw were dogs an-nals /‘enlz/ n [plural] 1 in the annals of sth in the
and cats. whole history of something: one of the most unusual cases
species /'spi:fi:z/ a group of animals whose in the annals of crime 2 used in the titles of official records
members are similar and can breed together to of events or activities: the Annals of the Zoological Society
produce young animals: Seven species of birds of prey an-neal /a'ni:l/ v [T] technical to make metal or glass
have been observed. hard by heating it and then slowly letting it get cold
mammal an animal that drinks milk from its
am-nex /a'neks $ a'neks, 'aneks/ v [T] to take control of a
mother’s body when it is young: Humans, dogs, and
country or area next to your own, especially by using
whales are all mammals.
force: The Baltic republics were annexed by the Soviet Union
vertebrate a living creature that has a backbone:
in 1940. —annexation /enek'serfan/ n [C,U]
viruses that affect chickens, monkeys, and most other
vertebrates an-nexe, annex /‘eneks/ n [C] 1 a separate building that
invertebrate a living creature that does not have a has been added to a larger one: Some of us will be sleeping
backbone: earthworms and other small invertebrates in the annexe. 2 formal a part that has been added to the
end of a document, report etc
animal? adj 1 animal urges/instincts ete human feelings, an-ni-hi-late /a'naralert/ v [T] 1 to destroy something
desires etc that are connected with sex, food, and other or someone completely: Just one of these bombs could
basic needs 2 animal products/fats/ protein etc things that annihilate a city the size of New York, 2 to defeat someone
are made or come from animals: a diet rich in red meat and easily and completely in a game or competition: Tyson
animal fats annihilated his opponent in the first round. —annihilation
/anata'lerfan/ n [U]
animal ‘husbandry n [vu] farming that involves keep-
ing animals and producing milk, meat etc
an-ni-ver-Sa-ry /nsvaisari $ -3ir-/ n (plural anniversa-
ries) [C] a date on which something special or important
,animal ‘rights n [U] the idea that people should treat happened in a previous year: Jack and Kim celebrated their
animals well, and especially not use them in tests to twentieth wedding anniversary in January. | [+of] A huge
develop medicines or other products: animal rights parade was held on the anniversary of the 1959 revolution.
activists/campaigners/groups etc Bill has been involved in
An-no Domini /,enav ‘'dominat $ nou 'da:-/ AD
the animal rights movement for years.
an-no-tate /‘natert/ v [T usually passive] to add short
an-i:mate"™ /‘enimit/ adj formal living [oPP]inanimate: notes to a book or piece of writing to explain parts of it:
animate beings
an annotated edition of ‘Othello’ —annotation / ene'terjan/
animate? /'znimert/ v [T] to give life or energy to n{Cu]
something: Laughter animated his face for a moment.
an-nounce Gy {i /e'nauns/ v [T]
an-iema-ted /‘znimertid/ adj 1showing a lot of interest 1to officially tell people about something, especially
and energy: animated discussion/conversation The per- about a plan or a decision: They announced their engage-
formance was followed by an animated discussion. 2 ani- ment in ‘The Times’. | announce a decision/intention/plan
mated cartoon/film/feature etc a film or programme that The government has announced plans to create 10,000 new
shows pictures, clay models etc that seem to be really jobs. | announce that A government spokesman announced
moving: an animated Disney film —animatedly adv that the hostages had been released. | At the end of their
an-i-ma:tion /,en$merfan/ n 1 [U] the process of mak- meeting, it was announced that an agreement had been
ing animated films, television programmes, computer reached. |announce sth to sb Cordon announced his resigna-
games etc: They used computer animation in the film. tion to staff members on Wednesday. TELL
2 [C] a film, television programme, computer game etc 2to say something, especially something that other
that has pictures, clay models etc that seem to be really people will not like, in a loud and confident way
moving: 3-D animations 3 [U] liveliness and excitement: {syn|state: ‘I’m not going to their party,’ Maggie
with animation They were talking with animation. announced. | announce (that) He stood up and announced
an-i-ma-tor /‘nimerta $ -ar/ n [C] someone who that he was ready to go. SAY :
makes animated films 3to give information to people using a LOUDSPEAKER or
MICROPHONE, especially at an airport or railway station:
an-i-ma-tromics /znimo'trontks $ -'tra:-/ n [U] the We arrived just as they were announcing the arrival of Flight .
method or process of making or using moving models 207 from Minneapolis.
that look like real animals or people in films 4 announce sb/yourself to officially tell people that some-
—animatronic adj one has arrived at a particular place: All visitors to the
an-i-me /‘enime1, -ma/ n [U] Japanese CARTOONS and apartment building must be announced. | After announcing
computer ANIMATION (=pictures, films etc produced using himself at the reception desk, James was led upstairs.
a computer) BEEEUETG> Movi MANGA 5 to introduce a programme on television or radio
[ (2 OS = the most frequent words in written English 59 another
an-nounce-:ment § () /a'naunsmant/ n before noun] technical if money or an amount is annual-
1[C] an important or official statement: The minister made ized, it is calculated for one year, based on amounts for
the announcement at a news conference. | [+about] an shorter periods of time: an annualized inflation rate of 15%
important announcement about tax increases |[+ that] They an-nu-i-ty /a'nju:ti $ a'inu:-/ n (plural annuities) [C] a
heard the announcement that the mayor was resigning. fixed amount of money that is paid each year to some-
2 [U] the act of telling people that something important is one, usually until they die
going to happen: [+of] the announcement of the company’s an-nul /a'nal/ v (annulled, annulling) [T often passive] to
annual results officially state that a marriage or legal agreement no
3 [C] a small advertisement or statement in a newspaper: longer exists: Their marriage was annulled last year.
a wedding announcement in the local paper CANCEL —annulment n [C,U]
| COLLOCATIONS an-ode /'naud $ 'enoud/ n [C] technical the part of a
BATTERY that collects ELECTRONS, often a wire or piece of
make/issue an announcement The next day an metal with the sign (+) — cathode
announcement was issued to staff, saying the company an-o-dyne’ /‘enadain/ adj formal expressed in a way
would be closing. that is unlikely to offend anyone [SYN] bland: anodyne
hear an announcement Everyone was shocked when topics of conversation
they heard the announcement. anodyne? n [Cc] 1 technical a medicine that reduces
welcome an announcement (=say that you are pain [SYN] painkiller 2 formal an activity or thing that com-
pleased about it) Environmental groups welcomed the forts people
announcement. a-noint /a'nomnt/ v [T] to put oil or water on someone's
an announcement comes (=it happens) His head or body, usually as part of a religious ceremony: the
announcement came after two days of peace talks. anointed king | anoint sb with sth He was anointed with
| ADJECTIVES ~~ ee ea sacred oil. —anointment n [C,U]
a formal announcement A formal announcement will a:nom-a:lous /a'nomalas $ a'na:-/ adj formal different
be made in Parliament. from what you expected to find: a highly anomalous
an official announcement No official announcement is situation |anomalous results —anomalously adv
expected until next year. a-nom-a:ly /a'nomali $ a'na:-/ n (plural anomalies) [C,U]
a surprise announcement/an unexpected formal something that is noticeable because it is different
announcement |a dramatic announcement from what is usual: In those days, a woman professor was
(=sudden and important) | a further announcement still an anomaly. | [+in] various anomalies in the tax system
a-non /a'non $ a'na:n/ adv literary soon: See you anon.
an-nounc-er /a'naunsa $ -ar/ n [C] 1 someone who
reads news or information on the television or radio anon. (also anon BrE) the written abbreviation of anony-
2 someone who gives information to people using a LOUD- mous
SPEAKER OF MICROPHONE, especially at an airport or railway an-o-nym-i:ty /ena'nmmiti/ n [U] when other people
station do not know who you are or what your name is: Every step
an-noy Gy /e'no1/ v [T] to make someone feel slightly will be taken to preserve your anonymity. | One official, who
angry and unhappy about something [SYN] irritate: What spoke on condition of anonymity (=he would only speak if
annoyed him most was that he had received no apology. | It his name was not told), said the White House took the
really annoys me when | see people dropping litter. | She threat very seriously. |the anonymity of city streets (=you do
annoyed him with her stupid questions. not know anyone, and no one knows you)
a-non-y-mMous /a'nonimas §$ a'na:-/ adj 1 unknown by
REGISTER name: the anonymous author of a collection of poems |
In everyday English, people also often use the phrase anonymous donor/benefactor the anonymous donor of a
get on someone's nerves: She got on his nerves with large sum of money | According to one employee, who
her stupid questions. wishes to remain anonymous, the company engaged in ille-
an-noy-ance /a'notens/ n1 [U] a feeling of slight anger gal activities. 2 done, sent, or given by someone who
[SYN] irritation: A look of annoyance crossed her face. |to sb's does not want their name to be known: an anonymous
annoyance To his annoyance, he discovered they hadn't donation of $5,000 | anonymous phone call/letter etc
waited, | in annoyance Kelly shook her head in annoyance. (=one that is often unpleasant or contains threats)
2 [C] something that makes you slightly angry: Alan 3 written uninteresting in features or qualities - used to
found the constant noise of the traffic an annoyance. show disapproval: grey, anonymous housing estates
—anonymously adv
aim-noyed /a'nsid/ adj slightly angry [SyNlirritated
~ angry: //! be annoyed if we don’t finish by eight. | be an-o-rak /enarek/ n [C] 1 especially BrE a short coat
annoyed at/with sb She was annoyed with Duncan for for- with a HOOD that keeps out the wind and rain
getting to phone. |be annoyed about/by sth He was annoyed 2 BrE informal a boring person who is interested in the
by her apparent indifference. | annoyed that Mr Davies was unimportant details of a particular subject and does not
annoyed that the books were missing. ANGRY know how to behave properly in social situations
an-noy-ing /a'no1-1n/ adj making you feel slightly angry [SYN] nerd
{S¥YN]irritating: an annoying habit of interrupting | The an-o-rex-i-a /,ena'reksia/ (also anorexia ner-vo-sa
annoying thing is he’s usually right. | It's annoying that we /-n3'vausa $ -n3ir'vou-/) n [U] a mental illness that
didn't know about this before. —annoyingly adv makes someone stop eating
an-nu-al’ gy 0 GG /‘enjueal/ adj an-o-rex-ic¢ /na'rekstk</ adj suffering from or relating
Thappening once a year [SYN] yearly: The school trip has to anorexia THIN —anorexic n [C]
become an annual event. | annual report/meeting/ an-oth-er §] (i /e'nnde $ -ar/ determiner, pron
conference 1 £0230 one more person or thing of the same type:
2based on or calculated over a period of one year I'm going to have another cup of coffee. | There'll be another
[SYN] yearly: annual budget/income/cost etc a household bus along in a few minutes, | Buy two CDs and get another
with an annual income of $60,000 —annually adv: The jazz completely free. | [+of] Is this another of your schemes to
festival is held annually in July. make money? | Not another word was spoken. | Oh look,
annual? n (Cc) 1a plant that lives for one year or season there's another one of those birds. | This misunderstanding is
—» biennial(2) + perennial 2 a book, especially for children, yet another example of bad communication (=there have
that is produced once a year with the same title but already been several). |another 2/10/100 etc (=an addi-
different stories, pictures etc tional amount or number) We'll have to wait another three
an-nu-a-lized (also -ised BrE) /‘enjualaizd/ adj [only weeks for the results. | There's still another £100 to pay.
 answer 60 EX = words from the Academic Word List

2 QTE not the same thing, person etc, but a you know everything about a situation, especially when
different one: They must have returned by another route. | you do not: He acts like he has all the answers.
We finally moved to another apartment. |I'm busy right now. 8 sb’s answer to sth written someone or something that is
Could you come back another time? |Helen resigned from her considered to be just as good as a more famous person or
_ last job and has yet to find another. | [+of] The gold watch thing: The Space Needle is Seattle's answer to the Eiffel Tower.
was a present from another of his girlfriends. |from one ... to
another She spends the day rushing from one meeting to answer? GI [a v
another. 1(a7u9 [1,7] to say something to someone as a reply
3 one another used to say that two or more people or when they have asked you a question, made a suggestion
things do the same thing to each other or share a rela- etc: She thought for a moment before answering. | He still
tionship: They seem to love one another very much. | The hadn't answered my question. | ‘Why don’t you just leave?’
streets are all at right angles to one another. ‘I'd like to,’ she answered, ‘but | have nowhere else to go.’ |
4 one ... or another used to say that there are many differ- answer (that) When questioned, Hughes answered that he
ent types of something, or many possibilities, rather than knew nothing about the robbery. | How much was it? Come
being specific: All the kids in this class have learning difficul- on, answer me.
ties of one sort or another. | people who, for one reason or 2 G57 [1,T] to write or say the answer to a question in a
another, can't have children test or competition: Answer as many questions as possible
5 one after another used to talk about a series of similar in the time provided. :
things or events: Small businesses have been collapsing one 3 answer the phone/a call/the door to pick up the tele-
after another. phone and speak when it rings or open the door when
6 not another ... ! spoken used when a series of bad or someone knocks or rings the bell: | kept ringing the bell,
annoying things have happened and something of the but no one answered the door.
same type seems to have just happened again: Oh no! Not 4 (30023 [7] if you answer a letter or advertisement, you
another accident! write a letter to the person who has written it: Simon got
the job by answering an advert in the paper.
7 be another thing/matter used to suggest that something
5 answer criticism/charges/accusations etc to explain why
may not be true, possible, easy etc, after mentioning
something that is: /t is true that his programme is original, you did something when people are criticizing you - used
in news reports: How do you answer the criticism that your
though whether it is funny is quite another matter. | It is one
government has done nothing to help the homeless?
thing to talk about ‘involving the students’, it is quite another
6 LENSER) [1,7] to do something as a reaction to
thing to actually do this.
criticism or an attack [SYN] respond: The army answered by
8 and another thing spoken used to introduce something
firing into the crowd.
additional that you want to say to someone about a
7 CEE «[T] to be a way of dealing with or
different subject: And another thing. You were late for work
solving a problem: ‘You can borrow my car ifyou like.’ ‘Well,
again this morning.
that answers one problem.’
9 Sao used with the name of a well-
8 answer a need to provide something that is needed: Our
known person, thing, event etc to mean someone or
transportation system is designed to answer the needs of the
something else that is similar because they have the
city’s commuters.
same good or bad qualities: warnings that not enough has
9 answer a description if someone answers a description,
been done to prevent another Chernoby! | There'll never be
they match that description: A man answering the police's
another Elvis Presley.
description was seen entering the building.
an-swer" GJ (i /‘a:nsa $ 'ensar/ n THESAURUS
1(a759 [C,U] something you say when you reply to a answer to say something to someone when they
question that someone has asked you [SYN] response: You
have asked you a question or spoken to you: You
don’t have to give them an answer now. |Every time | ask him don’t have to answer the question if you don’t want to. |
about it, | geta different answer. | [+to] These are important | said hello to her, but she didn’t answer.
questions, and we want answers to them. |She’s still waiting reply to answer someone. Used especially in written
for an answer from the school. |The honest answer was that | English to report what someone said: ‘I’m so sorry,’ he
didn’t know. | He was never able to get a straight answer replied. |We asked Jane to help, but she replied that she
about why it happened. | It’s impossible for me to give you a was too busy.
definite answer at this time. |The short answer is that it can’t respond formal to answer someone: How do you
be done. |In answer to your question, yes, you can go. | If it’s respond to the allegation that you deliberately deceived
money you want, the answer is no! your employers?
2 [C] something that you write or give sb an answer to answer someone by telling
say in reply to a question in a test or competition: [+to] them what you have decided or giving them a piece
What was the answer to question 4? | the right/wrong/ of information they asked for: He asked me to marry
correct/incorrect answer Score two points for each correct him, but | didn't give him an answer straight away.
answer. get back to sb to answer someone at a later time
3 TOO [C] a written reply to a letter, especially by telephoning them, usually because you
invitation, advertisement etc: [+to] Did you ever get an need to think about their question or find out more
answer to your letter? information: She's promised to get back to me as soon
4G@07G0 [Cc] a way of dealing with a problem as she hears any more news from the hospital.
[SYN|solution: simple/easy/obvious answer There is no sim- retort written to answer someone angrily, especially
ple answer. |[+to] The police do not have an answer to rising because they have annoyed you or criticized you:
crime. | Some people think cars should be banned from the ‘You're not afraid?’ Brenda asked. ‘Of course not,” he
city, but | don’t think that's the answer. |be the answer to sb’s retorted angrily.
problems/worries etc /f he could get a job it’d be the answer
to all his worries. answer back phr v to reply in a rude way to someone that °
5 CREATE [singular, U usually in negative] if you get an you are supposed to obey: answer sb back Don’t answer me
answer when you call someone on the phone, they pick back young man!
up the phone and talk to you: | tried calling him all day but answer for sb/sth phr v ,
couldn't get an answer. 1to explain to people in authority why you did something
6 (SECT [singular, U usually in negative] if you get an wrong or why something happened, and be punished if
answer when you knock on a door, someone opens it and necessary: Their coach must answer for the team’s poor
talks to you: | tried knocking on her door, but there was no performance.
answer, 2 have a lot to answer for informal to be responsible for
7 have/know all the answers informal to be very sure that causing a lot of trouble
 Xq = words from the Academic Word List 61
i ids
3 can't answer for sb spoken used to say that you cannot an-te-cham-ber /‘entr,tfermba $ -ar/ n [C] ANTEROOM
make a decision for someone who is not there, or give an-te-date /‘entidert, zntrdett/ v [1] formal to come
their opinion: I’m sure John will help us - | can’t really from an earlier time in history than something else
answer for the others. [SYN| predate [opp] postdate: The economic troubles ante-
answer to sb/sth phr v date the current administration.
ito give an explanation to someone, especially about an-te-di-lu-viean /zntidsluivien</ adj formal very “
something that you have done wrong: Phipps answers to old-fashioned [SyN] outdated: antediluvian ideas about
me and me alone. women
2 answer to the name of sth to be called a particular name -
an-te-lope /‘ntileup $ ‘ental-oup/ n [C] an animal
used humorously: a well-dressed young woman answering with long horns that can run very fast and is very graceful
to the name of Suzanne
an-te-na-tal /zentrnettl</ adj [only before noun] BrE
an-swer:a-ble /‘a:nserabal $ 'en-/ adj 1 be answerable
relating to the medical care given to women who are
to sb (for sth) to have to explain your actions to someone going to have a baby [Syn] prenatal — postnatal: an antena-
in authority: The agency is answerable to the governor. tal clinic | regular antenatal care | Many young mothers do
2 a question that is answerable can be answered not attend antenatal classes.
papwering ma,chine (also an-swer-phone BrE an:-ten-na /en'tena/ n [C] 1 (plural antennae /-ni:/)
/'a:nsafaun $ 'ensarfoun/) n [C] a machine that records one of two long thin parts on an insect’s head, that it uses
your telephone calls when you cannot answer them to feel things — see picture at INSECT 2 (plural antennas
ant /ent/ n[C]1 a small insect that lives in large groups or antennae) a wire ROD etc used for receiving radio and
2 have ants in your pants spoken to be so excited or full of television signals [Syn] aerial: television antennas — see
energy that you are unable to sit or stand still - used picture at CAR
humorously
anm-ter-i-or /en'tiaria $ -'ttriar/ adj [no comparative]
=ant /ant/, -ent suffix [in nouns and adjectives] Someone or 1 technical at or towards the front > posterior: anterior
something that does something: a servant (=someone vertebrae 2 formal happening or existing before some-
who serves others) | disinfectant (=substance for killing thing else
germs) |expectant (=expecting) |pleasant (=pleasing) an-te-room /‘enttrum, -ruzm/ n [C] a small room tha
ant-a-cid /ent'esid/ n [C] a substance that gets rid of is connected to a larger room, especially where people
the burning feeling in your stomach when you have eaten wait to go into the larger room [SYN] antechamber
too much, drunk too much alcohol etc an-them /'‘enQam/ n [C] 1a formal or religious song
an-tag-o-nis‘m /en'tegenizam/ n ([U] hatred —+ NATIONAL ANTHEM 2 a song that a particular group o
between people or groups of people [Syn] hostility: people consider to be very important: The Rolling Stones’
[+between] the antagonism between the army and other ‘Satisfaction’ was an anthem for a generation.
military groups 2 opposition to an idea, plan etc: [+to/ an-the-mic /en'@emik, -'6i:-/ adj having the qualities o
towards] his antagonism towards the press an anthem: anthemic rock music
an-tag-o-nist /en'tegansst/ n [C] your opponent in a an-ther /‘en®a $ -ar/ n [C] technical the part of a male
competition, battle, quarrel etc +> PROTAGONIST flower which contains POLLEN
an-tag-o-:nis:tic /entega'nisttk</ adj 1 unfriendly; ant-hill /znthrl/ n [C] a place where Ants live
wanting to argue or disagree [Syn] hostile: an antagonistic
attitude UNFRIENDLY 2 opposed to an idea or an-thol-o-gy /en'@vled3i $ en'@a:-/ n (plural antholo-
group: [+to/towards] antagonistic to new _ ideas gies) [C] a set of stories, poems, songs etc by different
people collected together in one book [Syn] collection: an
—antagonistically /-kli/ adv
anthology of American literature —anthologist n [C]
an-tag-o-nize (also -ise Br£) /en'teganaiz/ v [T] to
annoy someone very much by doing something that they an-thra-cite /‘en@rasatt/ n [U] a very hard type of coal
do not like: Do not antagonize your customers. that burns slowly and produces a lot of heat
An-tare-tic /en'tazkttk $ -a:r-/ n the Antarctic the very an-thrax /‘en@reks/ n [U] a serious disease affecting
cold most southern part of the world — see picture at cattle and sheep, which can affect humans
EARTH! anthropo- /en@rapa, -pau $ -pa, -pou/ prefix like or
Antarctic ‘Circle n the Antarctic Circle an imaginary concerning HUMAN BEINGS: anthropomorphic (=having
line drawn around the world at a certain distance from human form or qualities)
the most southern point (the South Pole) — see picture an-thro-poid /‘n@rapotd/ adj an anthropoid animal,
at EARTH! such as an APE, looks like a human —anthropoid.n [C]
an-te! /enti/ n up/raise the ante to increase your an-thro-pol-o-gy /zn@re'poled3i $ -'pa:-/ n [U] the
demands or try to get more things from a situation, even scientific study of people, their societies, CULTURES etc
though this involves more risks: They've upped the ante by — ethnology, sociology —anthropologist n [C]
making a $120 million bid to buy the company. —+ PENNY —anthropological /,enOrape'lodzikal $ -'la:-/ adj
ANTE an-thro-po-mor-phis‘m / enOrape'moa:fizam $ -d1r-/ n
ante? v (past tense and past participle anted or anteed, [U] 1the belief that animals or objects have the same
present participle anteing) feelings and qualities as humans 2. technical the belief
ante up (sth) phr v to pay an amount of money in order to that God can appear in a human or animal form
be able to do or be involved in something: Small firms that —anthropomorphic adj
want to expand must ante up large legal fees. anti- /entr $ entt, entar/ prefix 1opposed to [opp] pro-:
ante= /entt/ prefix before — anti-, post-, pre-: antedate antinuclear (=opposing the use of NUCLEAR weapons and
(=earlier than something) |antenatal (=before birth) power) |anti-American 2 the opposite of something: anti-
ant-eat-er /‘entj:ta $ -ar/ n [C] an animal that has a climax (=an unexciting ending instead of the expected
very long nose and eats small insects exciting ending) |antimatter (=material completely oppo-
an-te-bel-Jum / zntr'belam/ adj [only before noun] exist- site in kind to the ordinary material in the universe)
ing before a war, especially the American Civil War: an 3 acting to prevent something: antifreeze (=a liquid added
antebellum plantation to a car's engine to prevent freezing) | antiseptic (=a
liquid that kills harmful bacteria)
an-te-ced-ent /znt'si:dant/ n [C] 1 formal an event,
organization, or thing that is similar to the one you have anti-aircraft adj [only before noun] anti-aircraft weap-
mentioned but existed earlier: historical antecedents ons are used against enemy aircraft: anti-aircraft missiles
2 antecedents [plural] formal the people in your family an-ti-bi-ot-ic¢ / zntibar'otik< $ -'a:-/ n [C usually plural] a
who lived a long time ago [syn] ancestors 3 technical a drug that is used to kill BACTERIA and cure infections
~word, phrase, or sentence that is represented by another an-ti-bod-y /‘entrbodi $ -,ba:-/ n (plural antibodies) [C]
word, for example a PRONOUN —antecedent adj a substance produced by your body to fight disease
 anti-choice 62 GJ &) & = the most frequent words in spoken English

» anti-'choice adj against women having the right to anti-in flammatory adj [only before noun] medical
have an ABORTION [OPP] pro-choice anti-inflammatory drugs reduce INFLAMMATION (=painful
an-tic-i-pate GE Eq /en'tisipert/ v [T] swelling) in part of your body: anti-inflammatory painkill-
1to expect that something will happen and be ready for ers for treating arthritis —anti-inflammatory n [C]
_ it: Sales are better than anticipated. | anticipate changes/ anti-lock ‘braking system n (U] (abbreviation ABS)
developments The schedule isn’t final, but we don’t antici- a piece of equipment that makes a vehicle easier to
pate many changes. | anticipate problems/difficulties We control when you have to stop very suddenly
don’t anticipate any problems. | A good speaker is able to an-ti-mat-ter /‘entimeta $ -ar/ n [U] a form of MAT-
anticipate an audience's needs and concerns. | anticipate TER(30) (=substance which the things in the universe are
(that) This year, we anticipate that our expenses will be 15% made of) consisting of antiparticles
greater. | It is anticipated that the research will have many an-tim-o-ny /en'timani $ 'entsmouni/ n [U] a silver-
different practical applications. |anticipate doing sth | didn't white metal that breaks easily and is often combined with
anticipate having to do the cooking myself! other metals. It is a chemical ELEMENT: symbol Sb
2 to think about something that is going to happen, espe- an-ti-ox-i-dant /znti'pksidant $ -lark-/ n [C] a sub-
cially something pleasant [SYN] look forward to: Daniel was stance in some foods that cleans the body and protects it
eagerly anticipating her arrival. from CANCER
3 to do something before someone else: Copernicus antici- an-ti-par-ti-cle /zntipa:ttkal $ -pazr-/ n [C] a very
pated in part the discoveries of the 17th and 18th centuries. small part of an atom that has the opposite electrical
—anticipatory /en,tis3'pertari $ zn'tisapato:ri/ adj formal: charge to the one usually found in atoms
the anticipatory atmosphere of a big college football game
an-ti-pas-to /‘entipestav $ nti'pa:stou/ n (plural anti-
an-tic-i-pa-tion [gq /en,tis!perfan/ n [U] 1 when you pasti /-ti/) [U] an Italian dish consisting of cold meat or
are expecting something to happen: She waited in eager vegetables that you eat before the main part of a meal
anticipation for Robert to arrive. | Taylor was excited and full
an-ti-pa-thet-ic /entrpa'Getrk</ adj formal having a
of anticipation at the prospect of the trip. 2 do sth in antici-
very strong feeling of disliking or opposing someone or
pation of sth to do something because you expect some-
something [SyN|hostile: [+to] /t’s human nature to be
thing to happen: The workers have called off their strike in
antipathetic to change.
anticipation of a pay offer.
an-tip-a-thy /en'trpa6i/ n [U] formal a feeling of strong
an-ti-cler-i-cal /znti'klertkal</ adj being opposed to dislike towards someone or something [SYN] hostility:
priests having any political power or influence
[+to/towards] a growing antipathy towards the
—anticlericalism n [U]
government | [+between] There's always been a certain
an-ti-cli-max /zntrklarmeks/ n [CU] a situation or amount of antipathy between the two doctors.
event that does not seem exciting because it happens
anti-person'nel adj [only before noun] an_anti-
after something that was much better: Going back to work
after a month travelling in China was bound to be an anticli-
personnel weapon is designed to hurt people rather than
max. to damage buildings, vehicles etc
an-ti-clock-wise / entrklokwaiz $ -‘kla:k-/ adv, adj BrE ,anti-'perspirant n [U] a substance that prevents you
moving in the opposite direction to the hands of a clock SWEATINg —> deodorant
[SYN] counterclockwise AmE [opp|clockwise: Turn the lid an-ti-quar-i-an /znt'kwearien« $ -'kwer-/ adj [only
anticlockwise. before noun] an antiquarian bookshop sells old books
an-tics /‘enttks/ n [plural] behaviour that seems an-ti-quat-ed /‘entskwertid/ adj old-fashioned and not
strange, funny, silly, or annoying: We're all growing tired of suitable for modern needs or conditions - used to show
his childish antics. GEEEATI> BEHAVIOUR disapproval [SYN] outdated: antiquated laws
an-ti-cy-clone /ntr'satklaun $ -kloun/ n [C] an area of OLD-FASHIONED
high air pressure that causes calm weather in the place it an-tique’ / en'titk</ adj [usually before noun] antique
is moving over — cyclone furniture, jewellery etc is old and often valuable: an
an-ti-de-pres-sant /zntidr'presant/ n [C,U] a drug antique rosewood desk OLD
used to treat DEPRESSION (=a mental illness that makes antique n [C] a piece of furniture, jewellery etc that
people very unhappy) was made a very long time ago and is therefore valuable:
an-ti-dote /‘entidaut $ -dout/ n [C] 1a substance that The palace is full of priceless antiques. | They bought the
stops the effects of a poison: [+to] There is no known clock at an antique shop in Bath. |an antique dealer (=some-
antidote to a bite from this snake. 2 something that makes one who buys and sells antiques)
an unpleasant situation better: laughter, the antidote to an-tiq-ui-ty =/en'ttkwiti/ nn (plural __antiquities)
stress 1[U] ancient times: in antiquity The common household
an-ti-freeze /‘entifri:z/ n [U] a liquid that is put in the fork was nearly unknown in antiquity. 2 [U] the state of
water in car engines to stop it from freezing being very old: a building of great antiquity 3 [C usually
,anti-'fungal adj anti-fungal medicines are used to cure plural] a building or object made in ancient times: a
FUNGAL infections such as ATHLETE'S FOOT, RINGWORM, and collection of Roman antiquities
THRUSH an-ti-ret-ro-vi-ral drug. /ntiretrau'vataral. drag $
an-ti-gen /‘enttdzan/ n [C] technical a substance that -trou'vatral-/ n [C] a type of drug that is used against HIV)
makes the body produce ANTIBODIES infection
,anti-globali'zation (also -isation BrE) n [U] a belief anti-Se-mite / nti ‘si:mart $ -'sem-/ n [C] someone
shared by various political groups that people must who hates Jewish people —anti-Semitic /,entis3imittk</
Oppose GLOBALIZATION (=the process of making some- adj: He made a few anti-Semitic remarks.
thing such as a business operate in different countries anti-Sem:i-tissm /zntz 'semitizzam/ n [U] hatred of
around the world) because of bad effects it has on Jewish people: the struggle against fascism and
people, especially in developing countries, and because anti-Semitism PREJUDICE
of the damage it does to the environment: anti- an-ti-sep-tic’ /nti'septtk</ n [CU] a medicine that -
globalization protests you put onto a wound to stop it from becoming infected:
an-ti-her-o /‘entrhtareu $ —htrou/ n (plural antiheroes) He dabbed the cut with antiseptic. |Mint is a mild antiseptic.
[C] a main character in a book, play, or film who is an antiseptic? adj helping to prevent infection: an antisep- .
ordinary or unpleasant person and lacks the qualities that tic cream | Some herbs have antiseptic qualities. + see
you expect a hero to have picture at FIRST AID KIT
an-ti-his-ta-mine /zntr'histamiin, -min/ n [CU] a ansti-so-cial /zntr'savfal $ -'sou-/ adj 1 antiso-
drug that is used to treat an ALLERGY (=an unpleasant cial behaviour is violent or harmful to other people, or
reaction to particular foods, substances etc) shows that you do not care about other people: She was
 { (2 OH = the most frequent words in written English 63
ccc
finding it hard to cope with her son's increasingly antisocial other questions? | They haven’t shown any interest at all in
behaviour. | Smoking is an antisocial habit. GIEANEE> my research. | The universities have shown few if any signs of
UNFRIENDLY 2 someone who is antisocial does not enjoy a willingness to change.
meeting or being with other people [opp|sociable: /f | 2 used to refer to a person or thing of a particular type
don't go tonight, everyone will accuse me of being antisocial. when what you are saying is true of all people or things of
SHY 3 an activity or job that is antisocial that type: Any child who breaks the rules will be punished. |
does not give you the chance to meet other people Always check the details carefully before you sign any written
[SYN] unsocial: | got fed up with the low pay and antisocial agreement. || can see you any time on Monday. |If|can help
hours. in any way, let me know. | [+of] You can choose any of the
anti-'tank adj an anti-tank weapon is designed to books on the list. |This excuse was as good as any other.
destroy enemy TANKS 3.as much as possible: They're going to need any help they
an-tith-e-sis /en'tr0isis/ n (plural antitheses /-si:z/) can get.
[C] formal the complete opposite of something: [+of] This 4 not just any (old) man/woman/job etc used to say that
is not democratic. It is the antithesis of democracy. someone or something is special: She's not just any
an-ti-thet-i-cal /zntr'detikel/ (also _anti-thet-ic actress, she's one of the best. + any old thing at OLD(10),
/-ettk«/) adj formal exactly opposite to something: — any old how at OLD(11), > not in any way at way'(40)
[+to] This violence is completely antithetical to the teaching any” 4 adv [usually in questions and negatives]
of the church. 1used before the comparative form of an adjective to
at-ti-tox-in /enti'toksin $ -'tark-/ n [C] a medicine or mean ‘even a small amount’: | can’t run any faster. |Are you
substance produced by your body which stops the effects feeling any better?
of a poison 2 not any more/longer if something does not happen any
an-ti-trust / znti'trast/ adj [only before noun] intended to more or any longer, it used to happen but does not
prevent companies from unfairly controlling prices: new happen now: Sarah doesn’t live here any more. |He was told
tougher antitrust laws |an antitrust investigation he wasn’t wanted any longer.
3 AmE spoken used with a verb to mean ‘at all’: We tried
anti-'virus software (also anti-'virus program) n
talking to him but that didn't help any.
[U] a type of SoFTWARE that looks for and removes viruses
in programs and documents on your computer: You need an-y-bod-y &] [4 /‘enibodi, 'enibadi $ -ba:di/ pron
to update your anti-virus software regularly. ANYONE
ant-ler /‘ntla $ -ar/ n [C] one of the two horns of a an-y-how J /‘enihav/ adv
male DEER > see picture at MOOSE 1[sentence adverb] informal ANYWAY: The scandal could
an-to-nym /‘entenim/ n [C] a word that means the damage her reputation but the press reported it anyhow. |
opposite of another word — synonym: a dictionary of I've never been to a circus, not recently anyhow.
synonyms and antonyms 2in a careless or untidy way: The cupboard would hardly
ant-sy /‘entsi/ adj informal nervous and unable to keep close, with all the shoes thrown in anyhow.
still because you are waiting for something to happen an-y:more /eni'ms: $ -'ma:r/ adv not anymore not any
anus /'etnas/ n [C] the hole in your bottom through longer: Nick doesn't live here anymore. | She told me not to
which solid waste leaves your body — anal phone her anymore.
an-vil /‘envil/ n [C] a heavy iron block on which pieces an-y-one §] (i /‘eniwan/ pron
of hot metal are shaped using a hammer 1used to refer to any person, when it is not important to
anx-i-e-ty GJ [5] /en'zatati/ n (plural anxieties) say exactly who; Anyone could win tonight. | They offer help
1[C,U] the feeling of being very worried about something and advice to anyone interested in becoming a teacher. | If
[SYN] concern: [+about/over] There is considerable anxiety anyone sees Lisa, ask her to call me. | Anyone else who is
among staff about job losses. | There is growing public interested in going on the trip should see me at the end of this
anxiety over levels of air pollution in our cities. |deep/acute/ lesson.
great anxiety The fear of unemployment can be a source of 2 used in questions to mean ‘someone’: Does anyone want
deep anxiety to people. |his feelings of anxiety |A high level a drink? |Is there anyone new coming to tonight's meeting? |
of anxiety was created by the introduction of cameras into Do you know anyone else who wants a ticket?
the factory. | It can help if you discuss your anxieties with 3 used in negative sentences to mean no person: / went to
someone. the bar but there wasn't anyone there. | | haven't spoken to
2[U] a feeling of wanting to do something very much: anyone all day.
anxiety to do sth | nearly fell in my anxiety to get downstairs GRAMMAR
quickly. Use a singular verb after anyone: Hardly anyone was
anx-ious fF (Al /‘enkias/ adj paying attention to him.
1Iworried about something: [+about] He was a bit anxious A\ Do not use ‘of’ after anyone. Use any of: Do any of
_ about the safety of the machinery. | [+for] We were anxious these people have jobs?
for you. |She gave me an anxious look. |anxious (that) She
was anxious that it might be cancer. WORRIED an-y-place /‘eniplets/ adv AmE ANYWHERE: | can't imag-
2an anxious time or situation is one in which you feel ine living anyplace else now.
nervous or worried [Sy¥N|worrying: We had an anxious an-y-thing §] [i /enie@1n/ pron
couple of weeks waiting for the test results. | There was an Tany thing, event, situation etc, when it is not important
anxious moment when the plane suddenly dropped. to say exactly which: You can buy anything you want. | He
3 feeling strongly that you want to do something or want was prepared to do anything to make a bit of money. |
something to happen [S¥N]keen: anxious to do sth The Anything would be better than staying at home! | You can
company is anxious to improve its image. | He seemed most write about swimming, skiing, or anything else you enjoy
anxious to speak to me alone. | The president is anxious not doing.
to have another crisis. |anxious for sb to do sth Why was she 2 used in questions to mean ‘something’: Is there anything
so anxious for me to stay? | [+for] We were all anxious for ! can do to help? | Do you want anything from the shops? |
news. | anxious (that) Both sides were anxious that the Would you like anything else to eat?
agreement should be signed as quickly as possible. 3 used in negative sentences to mean no thing event etc:
—anxiously adv: She waited anxiously by the phone. We didn’t have anything to eat for three days. | Don't do
an-y’ §y (i /eni/ determiner, pron anything until we get there.
1 [usually in questions and negatives] some or even the small- 4 anything but used to emphasize that someone or some-
est amount or number: Have you got any money? | Do you thing does not have a particular quality: Maria is anything
need any further information? | [+of] Are any of the paint- but stupid!
ings for sale? | They didn’t invite any of us. |Are there any 5 anything like sb/sth similar in any way to someone or
 anytime 64 Xa = words from the Academic Word List

something else: You don’t look anything like your mother. |If you anywhere, it does not change a situation or help you
you're anything like me, you'll want to be where the action is. to achieve something: You can try writing to complain, but |
- 6 not anything like/near spoken used to emphasize a don’t think it will get you anywhere.
negative sentence: We don’t have anything like enough 8 not be going anywhere informal to not be achieving suc-
money to buy a new car. cess in your life: He's a nice enough lad, but he’s not going
7 as important/clear/big etc as anything informal extremely anywhere.
important, clear etc: He was as nice as anything to me. An-zac /‘enzek/ n[C] a soldier from Australia or New
8 or anything spoken or something that is similar; Would Zealand, especially in World War |
you like a drink or anything? AOB /et au ‘bi: $ -ou-/ BrE (any other business) things
9 anything goes informal used to say that anything some- which are not written on the list of subjects to discuss at
one says or does is acceptable: From what other people a meeting, but which people want to talk about after all
were wearing, it looked like anything goes. the other subjects have been discussed
10 for anything informal if you will not do something for A-OK /e1 av'ker $ -ov-/ adj AmE spoken informal in good
anything, you will definitely not do it: | wouldn’t go back condition satisfactory: We took the car in for a check,
there for anything. and it was A-OK. —A-OK adv: Everything's been going
11 like anything informal if you do something like anything, A-OK since Jack got home.
you do it a lot: We all encouraged him like anything.
12 if anything spoken used when you are adding something aorta /er's:ta $ -':r-/ n [C] the largest ARTERY that
to emphasize what you have just said: Sam didn’t seem too takes blood away from your heart -
disappointed at losing. If anything, he seemed relieved that it AP /er'pi:/ n [C] the abbreviation of access point
was all over. apace /a'peis/ adv happening quickly: Expansion of the
13 anything you say spoken used to tell someone you agree company has continued apace.
with what they suggest: Yes, of course, anything you say. apart §) Gi /e'patt $ -a:rt/ adv, adj
an-y-time /‘enitatm/ adv at any time: Call me anytime. Ife eau if things are apart, they are not
!'m always home. | They should arrive anytime between noon close to each other or touching each other: two miles/six
and 3 p.m. feet etc apart Place the two posts 6 metres apart. |They have
offices in countries as far apart as India and Peru. | The police
an-y-way §] (@ /‘eniwer/ (also anyhow) adv [sentence
adverb]
try to keep rival supporters apart at all matches. |A couple of
lin spite of the fact “that you have just mentioned:
men started fighting and we had to pull them apart. | Joel
stood apart from the group, frowning.
Catherine wasn’t sure the book was the right one, but she
bought it anyway. | This idea probably won't work, but let's 2 Dba if something comes apart, or you
try it anyway.
take it apart, it is separated into different pieces: The
2 used when adding a remark which shows that the fact whole thing comes apart so that you can clean it. |They took
just mentioned is not important: They didn’t have any the engine apart to see what was wrong.
trainers in my size, and anyway I'd already decided I'd rather
3Gaz0rG if you keep things apart, you keep them
save the money. | ‘| hope you haven't told anyone.’ ‘No. Who separate from each other: | try to keep my work and private
would believe me anyway?’ life as far apart as possible.
3 used when adding something that corrects or slightly 40D
eee if things are a particular time apart,
changes what you have just said: Let's think about it for a they do not happen at the same time but have that much
while, for a few days anyway. | There seems to have been a time between them: two days/three weeks/five years etc
technical problem - anyway, that's what they told me. apart Our birthdays are exactly a month apart.
4 spoken used when you are ignoring details so that you 5 GoemG if people are apart, they are not together in the
can talk immediately about the most important thing: He same place, or not having a relationship with each other:
got lost and spent hours looking for the station, and anyway The children have never been apart before. | My wife and |
it was past midnight by the time he got home. |Anyway, why are living apart at the moment. | [+from] He's never been
didn’t you call the police? apart from his mother.
5 spoken used when you are changing the subject of a 6 fall apart a) if something falls apart, it breaks into differ-
conversation or returning to a previous subject: Anyway, ent pieces: /t just fell apart in my hands! b) if something is
let's leave that for the moment and look at this month’s profit falling apart, it is in very bad condition: He drives around in
figures. |Anyway, how are you? an old car that's falling apart. ¢) if something falls apart, it
6 spoken used when you want to end a conversation or fails completely: He lost his job and his marriage fell apart. |
leave a place: Anyway, | must be going now. The country’s economy is in danger of falling apart.
7 be torn apart if a marriage, family etc is torn apart, it can
an-y-ways /'eniweiz/ adv [sentence adverb] ANYWAY. no longer continue because of serious difficulties: The
Many teachers think this is not correct English. play portrays a good marriage torn apart by external forces.
an-y-where &] [4 /‘eniwea $ -wer/ (also anyplace 8 be worlds/poles apart if people, beliefs, or ideas are
AmE) adv worlds or poles apart, they are completely different from
Tin or to any place: Sit anywhere you like. | You can buy each other: | realized we were still worlds apart.
clothes like these anywhere. | | don’t want to live in London, 9 grow/drift apart if people drift or grow apart, their rela-
but I'd be happy living anywhere else. tionship slowly becomes less close: Lewis and his father
2 used in questions to mean ‘somewhere’: Do you need drifted apart after he moved to New York.
anywhere to stay for the night? |Did you go anywhere exotic 10 joking apart used to say that you want to say some-
on vacation this year? | Have you been anywhere else in thing seriously: Joking apart, they did do quite a good job for
Spain? US.
3 used in negative sentences to mean no place: | can’t find 11 sb/sth apart except for someone or something: The car
my passport anywhere. industry apart, most industries are now seeing an improve-
4 not. anywhere near a) not at all near: | wasn’t anywhere ment in their economic performance.
near him when he fell. b) not at all: |don’t think these figures 12 set sb/sth apart to make someone or something differ-
are anywhere near accurate. ent from other people or things: Her unusual lifestyle set’
5 anywhere between one and ten/anywhere from one to ten her apart as a child.
etc used to mean any age, number, amount etc between a'part from (also a'side from AmE) prep 1 except for:
the ones that you say: She could have been anywhere We didn’t see anyone all day, apart from a couple of kids on:
between 45 and 60 years of age. | We can accommodate the beach. | Apart from the ending, it’s a really good film.
anywhere between 60 and 300 people. 2 as well as: Apart from his earnings as a football coach, he
6 not get anywhere informal to not be successful at all: You also owns and runs a chain of sports shops. |Quite apart from
won't get anywhere without qualifications. the cost, we need to think about how much time the job will
7 not get sb anywhere informal if something does not get take.
EX3 = words from the Academic Word List 65 apology
a:part-heid /a'pattait, -tert, -tarid $ -air-/ n [U] the society. 3 formal the most successful part of something
former political and social system in South Africa, in [SYN] peak: He was at the apex of his career.
which only white people had full political rights and APEX /‘e1peks/ adj APEX tickets for planes or trains are
people of other races, especially black people, were cheaper than normal ones, and have to be bought several
forced to go to separate schools, live in separate areas days before you travel: The APEX fare is £222 return.
etc —APEX n[C]:/ managed to get an APEX for less than £100.
a:part-ment &] ( /e'pa:tmoant $ -arr-/ n [C] a:phid /'erfsd, ‘efid/ n [C] a type of small insect that
1 especially AmE a set of rooms on one floor of a large feeds on the juices of plants
building, where someone lives [SYN] flat BrE: She lives in a aph-o-ris-m /‘eferizam/ n [C] formal a short phrase
small apartment. that contains a wise idea [SYN|saying —aphoristic
2 [usually plural] a room or set of rooms used by an / wfa'rtstik</ adj
important person such as a president: | had never been in aph-ro-dis-i-ac /efra'diziek</ n [C] a food, drink, or
the prince’s private apartments before. | the presidential drug that makes you want to have sex —aphrodisiac adj:
apartments a fruit that is believed to have aphrodisiac properties
(oo)Holey
ile) fy a-:piece /2'pi:s/ adv [only after number or noun] costing or
| ADJECTIVES/NOUN
+ apartm having a particular amount each [SYN]each: The pictures
are worth about £10,000 apiece. | The two top teams have
a one-bedroom/two-bedroom etc apartment (also ten points apiece.
one-bedroomed/two-bedroomed apartment BrE) A
a-plen-ty /a'plenti/ adj [only after noun] literary in large
tiny one-bedroom apartment was all she could afford.
a studio apartment (=with just one main room, amounts, especially more than you need: There was food
which you use for sleeping, cooking, and eating) | aplenty.
a first-floor/second-floor etc apartment | a:plomb /a'plom $ a'pla:m/ n [U] formal with aplomb in
a basement apartment (=below the level of the a confident and skilful way, especially when you have to
ground) |a penthouse apartment (=on the top floor deal with difficult problems or a difficult situation: Ms
of a building) |a luxury apartment |a furnished/ Sharpe handled their questions with great aplomb.
unfurnished apartment (=with or without apocalypse /alppkaips $ a'pa-/ on [Cl]
furniture) |a holiday apartment BrE, a vacation 1 the apocalypse the destruction and end of the world:
apartment AmE anti-nuclear protesters who fear the apocalypse 2 a situa=
tion in which a lot of people die or suffer, and a lot of
damage is done: A lot of investors now fear a stock market
live in an apartment He lived in a small apartment on apocalypse.
the third floor. a-poc-a-lyp-tic /apokallrptik< $ apa:-/ adj 1 warn-
buy/rent an apartment Jom rented an apartment at ing people about terrible events that will happen in the
the top of the building. future: The novel presents us with an apocalyptic vision of
share an apartment |own an apartment the future. 2 connected with the final destruction and end
| NOUN + apartment —__ : of the world, or with any great destruction: Before them
an apartment building (a/so an apartment block BrE, was an apocalyptic landscape of burnt villages and bomb
craters.
apartment house AmE) a five-storey apartment block
an apartment complex (=a group of buildings a-poc-ry-phal /a'pokrsfal $ a'lpa:-/ adj an apocryphal
| containing apartments) story is well-known but probably not true
ap-o-gee /'epadzi:/ n [C] formal the most successful
apartment block Br£, apartment house Am, part of something [SYN] apex: His political career reached its
a'partment building n [C] a large building containing apogee in the 1960s.
many apartments — see picture at HOUSE" a-po-lit-i-cal /,e1pa'ltttkal</ adj not interested in poli-
ap-a-thet-ic /pa'detrk</ adj not interested in some- tics, or not connected with any political party: a group of
thing, and not willing to make any effort to change or apolitical young professional people |an apolitical organiza-
improve things: She felt too apathetic even to move. | tion
[+about] How can you be so apathetic about the world and a-pol-o-get-ic /apola'dzettk< $ a,pa:-/ adj showing or
its problems? —apathetically /-kli/ adv saying that you are sorry that something has happened,
ap-a-thy /‘padi/ n [U] the feeling of not being inter- especially because you feel guilty or embarrassed about
ested in something, and not willing to make any effort to it: [+about] The manager was very apologetic about
change or improve things: The campaign failed because of everything. | She gave me an apologetic smile. | look/sound
public apathy. apologetic Dan came in looking very apologetic.
—apologetically /-kli/ adv: ‘l know,’ she said apologetically.
ape’ /erp/ n [C] 1 an animal that is similar to a monkey
ap-o-lo-gi-a / pa'laudzia, -d3a $ -llou-/ n [C] formal a
but has no tail or only a very short tail 2 go ape informal to
statement in which you defend an idea or organization
suddenly become very angry
that you believe in: [+for] an apologia for the Christian
ape? v [T] 1to copy the way someone speaks or church
behaves in order to make fun of them [SYN|mimic: He a-pol-o-gist /a'poladzist $ alpa:-/ n [C] someone who
could ape his teachers perfectly. 2 to copy someone's way tries to explain and defend an idea, person, or political
of doing something, so that what you do or produce is not system: [+for] an apologist for socialism
good or original [SYN] mimic: cheap clothes which ape the
high fashions of the day a-pol-o-gize — (also -ise BrE) /a'poladzarz $ a'pa:-/ v
[1] to tell someone that you are sorry that you have done
a-per-i-tif /apers'ti:f/ n [C] an alcoholic drink that something wrong — apologetic: I’m so sorry, | do
people drink before a meal
apologize. | [+to] | think you should apologize to your
ap-er-ture /‘zpoatfa $ ‘epart{ur/ n [C] 1 formal a small brother. |apologize for (doing) sth He later apologized for his
hole or space in something 2 the small hole at the front of behaviour. | | apologize for losing my temper.
a camera, which can be made larger or smaller to let
more or less light in when you take a photograph REGISTER
ape-shit /‘e1pjit/ adj go apeshit informal to suddenly In everyday English, people often use the phrases
become very angry say (you are) sorry or tell someone you are sorry,
rather than apologize (to sb): I've already apologized to
apex /'etpeks/ n [C] 1 technical the top or highest part him. — I've already told him I'm sorry.
of something pointed or curved: the apex of the roof | the
apex ofapyramid 2 formal the most important position in a-pol-o-gy § /a'poladzi $ a'pa:-/ n (plural apologies)
an organization or society: The king was at the apex of 1[C,U] something that you say or write to show that you
 apoplectic 66 SJ &) & = the most frequent words in spoken English

are sorry for doing something wrong: [+for] The minister have been left out, as in ‘don't’ (=do not) and '86
had to issue a formal public apology for his remarks. | (=1986) b) the same sign used before ‘s’ to show that
_ [+from] She finally received an apology from the company. | something belongs to someone or something, or is con-
_ [+to] an apology to passengers for any inconvenience caused nected with them, as in ‘John’s book’, or ‘Charles’
2 apologies [plural] a message that you send to a meeting mother’, or ‘Henry's first year as a teacher’ €) the same
to say that you will not be able to come to the meeting: sign used before ‘s’ to show the plural of letters and
Edward can't be here today, but he sends his apologies. numbers as in ‘Your r's look like v's’.
3 make your apologies to say that you are sorry but you a-poth-e-ca-ry /a'ppO%kari $ a'tpaz@keri/ n (plural apoth-
have to leave: | quickly made my apologies and left. ecaries) [C] someone who mixed and sold medicines in
4 make no apology for sth to not say that you are sorry for the past
something, because you do not regret it and you think it a-poth-e-0-sis /apnei'ausis $ apaiOiousis, epa'Girasis/
is the right thing to do: We make no apology for defending n [singular] formal 1 the best and most perfect example of
our members’ interests - that is our job. something: [+of] the apotheosis of romantic art 2 the best
5 [C] literary a statement in which you defend something or highest point in someone's life or job [SYN] apex: [+of]
you believe in after it has been criticized by other people: the apotheosis of his career
[+for] an apology for Christianity ap-pal BrE, appall AmE /a'po:| $ a'pp:I/ v [T] to make
6an apology for sth a very bad example of something: someone feel very shocked and upset [SYN] horrify: The
They served us up an apology for a meal. way we kill animals appals a lot of people. | The decision to
execute the two men has appalled many politicians.
ap-palled /a'pa:id $ a'po:ld/ adj very shocked and upset
make an apology /| hope you are going to make an by something very bad or unpleasant: [+by] / was
apology. appalled by what | saw. |[+at] He was appalled at how dirty
issue an apology (=make an official public apology) the place was. | When | heard what had happened | was
North Korea issued an official apology for the incident. absolutely appalled. SHOCKED
get/receive an apology He received a formal apology ap-pal-ling /a'po:lin $ a'po:-/ adj1 very unpleasant and
from the company. shocking [SYN] terrible: She suffered appalling injuries. | He
offer an apology We would like to offer our sincere was kept in appalling conditions in prison. | an appalling
apologies for the delay.” famine 2 very bad [SYN] atrocious: The weather was abso-
accept sb's apology Please accept my apologies for lutely appalling. GOEINTTE> sap —appallingly adv: He
having to cancel our meeting. behaved appallingly. |an appallingly difficult job
demand an apology |owe sb an apology |publish ap-pa-loo-Sa /zpa'lu:sa/ n [C] AmE a type of horse
an apology (=print it in a newspaper) |mumble/ that is pale in colour, with dark spots
mutter an apology (=say it quietly, especially ap-par-at-chik /,a:pa'ra:t{tk/ n [C] an official who
because you are embarrassed) works for a government or other organization and who
Tiv| obeys orders without thinking: a Communist party appa-
ratchik
my sincere/profound apologies (=used when you
feel very sorry ) Firstly, my sincere apologies for not ap-pa-ra-tus /,po'rettas $ -'re-/ n 1 [U] the set of tools
having contacted you earlier. and machines that you use for a particular scientific,
a public apology The authorities published a public medical, ar technical purpose equipment:
Astronauts
apology in the newspaper. have special breathing apparatus. 2 [C] the way in which a
a formal apology Russia is demanding a formal lot of people are organized to work together to
do a job or
apology. control a company or country [SYN] machinery: The tax will
an official apology |a written apology |a full require a massive administrative apparatus. |The state appa-
apology |an abject apology formal (=one that ratus has become corrupt. | the apparatus of government
shows that you are very sorry) ap-par-el /a'peral/ n [U] formal clothes: She looked
lovely, despite her strange apparel. |men wearing protective
PHRASES apparel | We sell a full range of sports apparel.
a letter of apology
ap-par-ent ( LG /e'perant/ adj
ap-o-plec-tic / epe'plektik</ adj 1 informal so angry leasy to notice obvious: it is apparent (that) /t soon
that your face becomes red: The colonel was apoplectic became apparent that we had a major problem. | it is
with rage. 2 old-fashioned relating to apoplexy apparent from sth that /t is apparent from scientific studies
that the drug has some fairly nasty side effects. | it is
ap-o-plex-y /‘epapleksi/ n [U] old-fashioned an illness in apparent to sb that /t was apparent to everyone that he was
your brain which causes you to suddenly lose your ability
seriously ill. | The difference in quality was immediately
to move or think stroke
apparent. |He left suddenly, for no apparent reason.
a:pos:ta:sy /s'ppstasi $ a'pa:-/ n [U] formal when 2seeming to have a particular feeling or attitude,
someone suddenly stops believing in a religion or sup- although this may not be true: He did well in his exams,
porting a political party despite his apparent lack of interest in his work.
a:pos:tate /a'ppstert, -stit $ atpa:-/ n [C] formal some- ap-par-ent-ly §] (@ /s'perantli/ adv
one who has stopped believing in a religion or supporting 1[sentence adverb] used to say that you have heard that,
a political party
something is true, although you are not completely sure
a pos-ter-i-o-ri /el posteri's:rat, a: posteri's:ri $ a: about it: Apparently the company is losing a lot of money. ||
poustiri'd:ri, et pa:-/ adj, adv formal using facts that you wasn't there, but apparently it went well.
know now to form a judgment about what must have 2 according to the way someone looks or a situation
happened before — A PRIORI appears, although you cannot be sure: She turned to face
a-pos:tle /a'ppsal $ a'pa:-/ n [C] 1 one of the 12 people him, her anger apparently gone. 7
chosen by Jesus Christ to teach and spread the Christian ap-pa-ri-tion /zpa'rijan/ n [C] something that you
religion 2 formal someone who believes strongly in an imagine you can see, especially the spirit of a dead
idea and tries to persuade other people about it person: He stared at the strange apparition before him. | a
proponent: [+of] a great apostle of non-violence ghostly apparition of a man
ap-o-stol-ic / epa'stolik« $ -'sta:-/ adj technical 1 con- appeal’ gM /e'pi:l/ n
nected with the Pope (=leader of the Catholic church) 1G200E59 [C] an urgent request for something impor-
2 connected with one of Christ's 12 apostles tant: [+for] The police have issued a new appeal for
a-pos:tro-phe /a'postrafi $ a'pa:-/ n [C] a) the sign (‘) information. | [+to] All the organizations involved have sent
that is used in writing to show that numbers or letters urgent appeals to the government, asking for extra funding. |
to te 0B =
= sbi most ieee words in writteney 67 appear

The girl’s family have made a public appeal for help to try and appeal. | [+against] Both men intend to appeal against their
catch her killer. |appeal to sb to do sth an appeal to the army convictions. | [+to] Appealing to the referee does not often —
to not use too much force result in a decision being changed.
2 CSS Tea (C] an attempt to persuade people 3 GSE [1] if someone or something appeals to
to give money in order to help people who need some- you, they seem attractive and interesting: [+to] The pro-
thing: The appeal has nearly reached its target of £100,000. gramme appeals to young children. | The idea of working
3 EST (CU) a formal request to abroad really appeals to me.
a court or to someone in authority asking for a decision to 4 appeal to sb’s better nature/sense of justice etc to try to
be changed: [+to] an appeal to the European Court of persuade someone to do something by reminding them
Human Rights |on appeal The sentence was reduced to three that it is a good or fair thing to do: You could always try
years on appeal. appealing to his better nature.
4 EERE ~[U] a quality that makes people like Ap‘peal Court n [singular] the courT OF APPEAL
something or someone: What is the particular appeal of
this island? |The programme has a very wide appeal. |[+for] ap-peal-ing /a'piltn/ adj 1 attractive or interesting
The film has great appeal for young audiences. | She's defi- [OPP] unappealing: The city offers an appealing combination
nitely got sex appeal (=she is sexually attractive). + COURT of sporting and cultural events. | It creates an atmosphere
OF APPEAL which visitors find so appealing. 2 appealing look/expres-
sion/voice etc a look etc that shows that someone wants
| COLLOCATIONS- MEANINGS 1 & 2 help or sympathy: ‘Are you sure it’s okay?’ she said with an
appealing smile. —appealingly adv: She looked appealingly
make/issue/launch an appeal Detectives are making at Ben.
an urgent appeal for information.
ap'peals court n [Cc] a court of law in some countries
renew an appeal (=make an appeal again) Detectives
which deals with cases when people are not satisfied
renewed their appeal for help from the public.
with the judgment given by a lower court |SYN|Court of
Appeals: a ruling by a US federal appeals court
an urgent appeal Jhe fire service has made an urgent ap:pear 8] Mi /e'pre $ a'pir/ v
appeal for more part-time firefighters. 1350) [linking verb, not in progressive] used to say how
a desperate appeal The family made a desperate something seems, especially from what you know about
appeal to their daughter to come home. | The it or from what you can see: appear to be sth Police say
London-based relief agency issued a desperate appeal there appear to be signs of a break-in. |appear to do sth The
for aid. survey appears to contradict motor industry claims. | it
a direct appeal The police have issued a direct appeal appears (that) /f appears that all the files have been
to the witness to come forward with information. deleted. | Police have found what appear to be human
a personal appeal Muslim leaders made a personal remains. |He tried to make it appear that she had committed
appeal for the hostage's freedom. suicide. | It may be less useful than it appears at first. |so it
a public appeal |a fresh appeal (=one that you would appear (=used to say that something seems likely
make again) |a nationwide appeal | to be true, although you are not completely sure)
an international appeal |a television appeal 2 SESS [linking verb, not in progressive] used to
say that someone or something seems to have a particu-
COLLOCATIONS - MEANING 3 lar quality or feeling: He tried hard to appear calm. || don’t
want to appear rude. | The right colours can make a small
make an appeal My client is planning to make an room appear much bigger.
appeal. 3 BSS) «(| always + adv/prep] to start to be
lodge/file/bring an appeal (=make an appeal) Mr seen, to arrive, or to exist in a place, especially suddenly:
Sarhadi, who has lived here for three years, has lodged Two faces appeared at our window. | A man suddenly
an appeal against extradition. appeared from behind a tree. | Small cracks appeared in the
consider an appeal The US Supreme Court could wall. |It was nearly an hour before Sweeney appeared in the
refuse to consider the appeal. pub. |appear from nowhere/out of nowhere (=appear sud-
hear an appeal (=listen to all the facts) The FA will denly and unexpectedly) The car seemed to appear from
hear Chelsea's appeal against the fine next week. nowhere.
win/lose an appeal |uphold/allow an appeal 40a [| always + adv/prep] to take
(=give permission for a decision to be changed) | part in a film, play, concert, television programme etc:
dismiss/throw out/turn down an appeal (=not give appear in a film/play She has already appeared in a number
permission for a decision to be changed) |an appeal of films. | appear on television/stage He appeared on
fails/succeeds national television to deny the claims. | appear at a theatre
etc
ADJECTIVES 5 WE TE sas [I always + adv/prep] to be written
a formal appeal She decided to make a formal appeal or shown on a list, in a book or newspaper, in a document
through her lawyer. etc: The story appeared in all the. national newspapers. |
Some of the material used has appeared in print before (=has
| PHRASES
been published).
grounds for an appeal (=reasons for making an 6 NETO (Ll always + adv/prep] to become
appeal) You need to have reasonable grounds for your widely available or known about: The new range will be
appeal. appearing in shops in the autumn. |New courses are appear-
a right of appeal |pending appeal (=until an appeal ing every year.
can take place) 7 EMTs [| always + adv/prep] to go to a law
court or other official meeting to give information,
appeal? Bila answer questions etc: The three men are due to appear in
1(3q [1] to make a serious public request for help, court tomorrow. | appear before a court/judge/committee
money, information etc: [+for] Church and community etc She appeared before Colchester magistrates charged with
leaders have appealed for calm. | [+to] Farmers have attempted murder. | appear for sb/on behalf of sb (=to be
appealed to the government for help. |appeal to sb to do sth the legal representative for someone) Sir Nicholas Gam-
The police have appealed to anyone with information to come mon QC appeared on behalf of the defendant.
forward and talk to them.
2 Eesti [IT] to make a formal request
to a court or someone in authority asking for a decision to appear to start to be seen, especially suddenly: A
be changed: She is not happy with the decision and plans to few small white clouds appeared on the horizon.
appearance 68 XS = words from the Academic ini List

pop up to appear very suddenly: A woman's face which people APPEAL against decisions made in other
popped up from the other side of the fence. courts of law
become visible to gradually start to be able to be ap-pel-la-tion /,pa'lerfan/ n [C] literary a name or title
seen: The shape of the baby’s head gradually became ap-pend [@ /a'pend/ v [T] formal to add something to a
visible on the screen. piece of writing — appendix: [+to] The results of the client
come into view if something comes into view, you survey are appended to this document.
start to see it as you move closer to it, or it gets
closer to you: The white cliffs of Dover came into view.
ap-pend-age /a'pendidz/ n [C] 1 something that is
connected to a larger or more important thing 2 formal
come out if the sun, moon, or the stars come out,
an arm, leg, or other body part
they suddenly appear: The sun came out from behind a
cloud. ap-pen-dec-to-my / zpin'dektami/ n (plural appendec-
loom/loom up if a large frightening object or person tomies) [C,U] a medical operation in which your APPENDIX
looms, they appear suddenly: The dark shape of the is removed
castle loomed up out of the mist. | The man’s face ap:pen-di-ci-tis /apendssattis/ n [U] an illness in
suddenly loomed over him. which your APPENDIX swells and causes pain
resurface to appear again after being lost or ap-pen-dix EQ /a'pendiks/ n [C] 1 (plural appendixes)
missing: The girl's father has resurfaced after six years a small organ near your BOWEL, which has little or no use:
of no contact. Christine had to go into hospital to have her appendix out
(=have it removed). 2 (plural appendices /-dési:z/) a part
ap:pear-ance {qj /e'pterans §$ a'prr-/ n at the end of a book containing additional information:
1D ALES [CU] the way someone or some- See Appendix 2.6.
thing looks to other people: He was always criticising his ap-per-tain /zpa'tein $ -ar-/ v
wife's appearance. | [+of] They've changed the appearance appertain to sth phr v [not in passive] formal to belong to
of the whole building. | We are often attracted to somebody
or concern something: A forum was set up to deal with all
first by their physical appearance. | Women, in general, tend issues appertaining to Everton Park.
to be more concerned than men about their personal
appearance. | She had an outward appearance of calm, but ap-pe-tite /zpitart/ 1 [C usually singular, U] a desire for
deep down she was really worried. | The metal posts spoiled food: Her husband always had a huge appetite. |Symptoms
the appearance of the garden. | A garnish helps to enhance include tiredness and loss of appetite. 2 [C] a desire or
the appearance of any dish. | She's the kind of woman who liking for a particular activity: [+for] She has an amazing
takes pride in her appearance. | You shouldn't judge by appetite for knowledge. | People seem to have an insatiable
appearances. | They work hard at school without giving the appetite (=always wanting more of something) for news of
appearance of being particularly hard-working. | The case any kind. | a loss of sexual appetite —-> whet sb's appetite at
had all the appearances of a straightforward murder. | The WHET(1)
pupils looked angelic - but appearances can be deceptive. | (elo) Rotor Wale). ky
He was, to all appearances, a respectable, successful busi-
nessman.
a good/healthy appetite Growing children should
2 Ea «=C] when a famous have a healthy appetite.
person takes part in a film, concert, or other public event:
a big/huge/enormous appetite By the time Ron was
It was his first public appearance since the election. | He
16 he had an enormous appetite.
made his last appearance for the club in the Cup Final. |
a poor appetite A poor appetite may be a sign of
appearance money/fee (=money paid to a famous person
illness.
to attend an event)
a small appetite
3 ELDAR §=[singular] when something
new begins to exist or starts being used: [tof] The
industry has changed greatly with the appearance of new have an appetite There’s lots of food - | hope you have
technologies. |the appearance of buds on the trees a good appetite.
4 (XZ) [C usually singular] the unexpected or sudden lose your appetite She was so miserable that she
arrival of someone or something: [+of] Eileen was deep in completely lost her appetite.
concentration, and the sudden appearance of her daughter give sb an appetite (a/so stimulate your appetite
startled her. formal) The exercise and fresh air had given us an
5 keep up appearances to dress and behave in the way in appetite.
which people expect you to, especially to hide your true spoil/ruin your appetite (=make you not feel like
situation: She just wanted to keep up appearances for the eating a meal) Don't give the children any more sweets
kids. - it will Balaha wats
6 for appearances’ sake/for the sake of appearances if you
do something for appearances’ sake, you are trying to PHRASES oS
behave how people expect you to, especially to hide your loss/lack of apatite Syinotoms include fete and loss
true situation or feelings of appetite.
7 put in an appearance/make an appearance to go to an
event for a short time, because you think you should ap-pe-tiz-er (also -iser BrE) /‘epstaiza $ -ar/ n [C] a
rather than because you want to: At least Marc managed small dish that you eat at the beginning of a meal
to put in an appearance at the party. ap-pe-tiz-ing (also -ising BrE) /‘epitaizin/ adj food that
8 RENT LC] an occasion when some- is appetizing smells or looks very good, making you want
one goes to a court of law or official meeting to give to eat it [OPP] unappetizing: an appetizing aroma | The food
information, answer questions etc: He is due to make wasn't particularly appetizing.
another court appearance on Monday. ap-plaud /s'plo:d $ alploid/ v 1 [1,7] to hit your open
appease /a'pi:z/ v [T] formal to make someone less hands together, to show that you have enjoyed a play,
angry or stop them from attacking you by giving them concert, speaker etc [SYN|clap: The audience applauded
what they want: They attempted to appease international loudly. | A crowd of 300 supporters. warmly applauded her
opposition by promising to hold talks. —appeasement n speech.
eaee Chamberlain's policy of appeasement towards Hitler in
the 30s
REGISTER
In everyday English, people usually say clap rather
ap-pel-lant /a'pelant/ n [C] law a person who APPEALS than applaud: Everyone was clapping and cheering.
against the decision in a court of law
2 [T] formal to express strong approval of an idea, plan
ap:pel-late court /ajpelat ‘ko:t $ -koirt/ n [C] a court in etc: | applaud the decision to install more security cameras. |
 GG = words from the Academic Word List 69 appointment
applaud sb for sth She should be applauded for her honesty. application ‘software n [U] technical computer soft-
EET Praise ware that is designed for a particular use or user: We need
ap-plause /a'plo:z $ a'plo:z/ n [U] the sound of many to ensure that the application software on both the PC and
people hitting their hands together and shouting, to show the Macintosh produces compatible files.
that they have enjoyed something: She got a round of ap-pli-ca-tor /‘epltkerta $ -ar/ n [C] a special brush or
applause (=a short period of applause) when she finished. | tool used to spread a cream, liquid, medicine etc onto a
rapturous/enthusiastic applause He left the stage to raptur- surface
ous applause. | loud/thunderous applause ap-plied /o'plard/ adj applied science/physics/linguistics
ap-ple fy 1H /‘epel/ n etc science etc that has a practical use — pure (10),
1[C,U] a hard round fruit that has red, light green, or theoretical (1)
yellow skin and is white inside: apple pie | an apple tree | ap-pli-qué /a'pli:ker $ zepliker/ n [C,U] the process of
roast pork and apple sauce (=a thick sauce made from sewing pieces of material onto a piece of clothing for
cooked apples) —+ COOKING APPLE, EATING APPLE, see picture decoration, or the pieces themselves —appliqué v [T]
at FRUIT! ap-ply &] (i /e'plar/ v (applied, applying, applies)
2 be the apple of sb’s eye to be loved very much by some- 1G [1] to make a formal request, usually written,
one: Ben was always the apple of his father’s eye. for something such as a job, a place at a university, or
3 bob/dunk/dip for apples to play a game in which you permission to do something: [+for] She applied for a job
must use your teeth to pick up apples floating in water with the local newspaper. | We need to apply for planning
4 be as American as apple pie used to describe something permission to build a garage. | [+to] | applied to four univer-
that is typically American sities and was accepted by all of them.
5 the apple doesn't fall far from the tree AmE used to say 2 Gay [1,7 not in progressive] to have an effect on or to
that children are usually similar to their parents, espe- concern a particular person, group, or situation: [+to] Do
cially in a bad way — upset the apple cart at UPSET'(4), > a the same rules apply to part-time workers? | The offer only
rotten apple at ROTTEN'(7), > ADAM'S APPLE, BIG APPLE applies to flights from London and Manchester.
‘apple polisher n [Cc] AmE spoken someone who tries 3 {Sg [T] to use something such as a method, idea, or
to gain something, become popular etc by praising or law in a particular situation, activity, or process: apply sth
helping someone else without being sincere to sth New technology is being applied to almost every
industrial process. | These ideas are often difficult to apply in
ap-plet /‘eplst/ n [C] technical a computer program that practice. FETUS use
is part of a larger program, and which performs a particu- 4 apply yourself to work hard at something, especially
lar job, such as finding documents on the Internet with a lot of attention for a long time: Stephen. would do
ap:pli-ance /a'plarans/ n [C] a piece of equipment, well if only he applied himself. | [+to] Over the next months,
especially electrical equipment, such as a COOKER or he applied himself to improving the technique.
WASHING MACHINE, used in people's homes: domestic/ 5 fesse LT] to make something such as a piece
household etc appliance There's plenty of space for all the of equipment operate, usually by pushing or pressing
usual kitchen appliances. |electrical/gas appliance something: apply the brakes
ap-plic-a-ble /a'pitkabal, ‘eplikabal/ adj if something is 6 ATs [1] to put or spread some-
applicable to a particular person, group, or situation, it thing such as paint, liquid, or medicine onto a surface:
affects them or is related to them — apply: [+to] The offer Apply the cream evenly over the skin. | apply make-up/
is only applicable to bookings for double rooms. |where/if/as lipstick etc
applicable Ms/Miss/Mrs/Mr Please delete as applicable. 7 apply force/pressure to push on something
—applicability /a,pltka'bilsti/ n [U] 8 TEazW0) [7] to use a particular word or name to
ap:pli-cant /‘epltkant/ n [C] someone who has for- describe something or someone: The term ‘mat’ can be
mally asked, usually in writing, for a job, university place applied to any small rug.
etc —+ apply: [+for] He was one of 30 applicants for the ap-point & (@ /e'point/ v [7]
manager's job. |successful/unsuccessful applicant (=some- 1to choose someone for a position or a job: officials
one who is accepted or not accepted for a job etc) appointed by the government | appoint sb to sth He’s been
Successful applicants will be expected to travel extensively. appointed to the State Supreme Court. |appoint sb to do sth
A committee was appointed to consider the plans. | appoint
ap:pli-ca-tion §] My /eplrkerjan/ n (sb) as sth O'Connell was appointed as chairman.
Iie «6CC,U] a formal, usually written, 2 formal to arrange or decide a time or place for some-
request for something such as a job, place at university, thing to happen: The committee appointed a day in June for
or permission to do something: [+for] an application for a celebrations. | Everyone assembled in the hall at the
grant | [+from] The university welcomes applications from appointed time (=at the time that had been arranged).
Overseas students. | We receive hundreds of job applications —appointee /a,poin'tiz, poin-/ n [C]: a presidential
each year. || filled in the application form and sent it off. |You appointee —> SELF-APPOINTED, WELL-APPOINTED
_ have to submit your application before the end of the month. |
I've put in an application for a transfer. |He received a letter
ap:point-ment gy [Q /e'pointmant/ n
1[C] an arrangement for a meeting at an agreed time and
saying that his application had been rejected. | It can take a
place, for a particular purpose: an appointment to do sth /|‘d
long time.for your visa application to be processed. | The
like to make an appointment to see the doctor. | [+with] He
Council is currently reviewing the way it deals with planning
has an appointment with a client at 10.30. |All consultations
applications. | Thank you for your letter of application, which
are by appointment only.
we received yesterday.
2[C,U] when someone is chosen for a position or job:
2 Giana [C,U] the practical purpose for which a
[+of] Other changes included the appointment of a new
machine, idea etc can be used, or a situation when this is
Foreign Minister. | [+as] They congratulated him on his
used: [+of/to/in] the applications of genetic engineering in
appointment as chairman.
agriculture | The research has many practical applications.
3[C] a job or position, usually involving some responsi-
— 3S «([C] a piece of computer software which
bility: [as] He has taken up an appointment as Professor of
_ does a particular job: We received training on a number of
Chemistry. JOB
spreadsheet and database applications.
4 by appointment to the Queen BrE a phrase that can be
4m) [CU] when you put something such as
used by a business that sells goods or services to the
paint, liquid, medicine etc onto a surface: [+of] The
Queen
application of fertilizer increased the size of the plants.
5 Garcia [U] attention or effort over a long period of COLLOCATIONS
time: Making your new business successful requires luck, | VERBS
patience, and application. have an appointment She has an appointment with
application ‘service pro,viderin [Cc] an asp the dentist at 5 o'clock.
appointment book 70 &J & & = the most frequent words in spoken English

make/arrange an appointment Can you phone the something is: Her abilities are not fully appreciated by her
hairdresser and make an appointment? employer. | I'm not an expert, but | appreciate fine works of
book an appointment BrE, schedule an appointment art.
AmE (=make an appointment) I’ve scheduled your A [I] technical to gradually become more valuable over a
appointment for 9.30. period of time [opP|depreciate: Most investments are
cancel an appointment |get an appointment expected to appreciate at a steady rate.
(=succeed in arranging one) | miss an appointment ap-pre-ci-a-tion Eq /apri:f'erfan/ n1 [U] pleasure you
(=not go to an appointment you have arranged) | feel when you realize something is good, useful, or well
keep an appointment (=go to an appointment that done: [+of] It helps children to develop an appreciation of
you have arranged) poetry and literature. 2 [U] a feeling of being grateful for
something someone has done: show/express your appre-
a hospital appointment BrE My hospital appointment ciation The chairman asked me to express our appreciation of
lasted half an hour. all your hard work. | He was presented with a watch in
a doctor's appointment (a/so an appointment at the appreciation ofhis long service. 3 [C,U] an understanding of
doctor's) What time is your doctor's appointment? the importance or meaning of something: [+of] a realistic
an urgent appointment / can’t talk now - | have an appreciation of the situation 4 [singular, U] a rise in value,
urgent appointment to get to.
especially of land or possessions [OPP] depreciation: an
a dentist's/dental appointment |a medical appreciation of 50% in property values
appointment | a business appointment | ap-pre-cia-tive /a'prifativ/ adj 1 feeling or showing
a morning/afternoon appointment that you enjoy something or are pleased about it: appre-
ciative audience/crowd | appreciative laughter/applause
ap'pointment book n [c] 1Amé a piary 2 large 2 [not before noun] grateful for something: [+of] She was
book divided into days and times containing the names of appreciative of Greg's concern for her health.
people you have appointments with, for example a doctor —appreciatively adv
Or a HAIRDRESSER etc
ap-pre-hend /zpri'hend/ v [T] 1 formal if the police
ap-por-tion /a'po:fan $ -o1r-/ v [T] formal to decide how apprehend a criminal, they catch him or her [SYN] arrest:
something should be: shared among various people: /t’s
The police have failed to apprehend the culprits.
not easy to apportion blame (=say-who deserves to be
EES CATCH 2 old-fashioned to understand some-
blamed) when a marriage breaks up. | [tamong/between]
thing: They were slow to apprehend the danger.
Court costs were equally apportioned between them.
—apportionment n [C,U] ap-pre-hen-sion /prrhenfan/ n1 [C,U] anxiety about
ap-po-site /‘pazit/ adj formal suitable to what is hap- the future, especially about dealing with something
pening or being discussed _ [SYN] appropriate unpleasant or difficult [SYN|anxiety: a feeling of
[OPP|inappropriate: [+to] His observations are, indeed, apprehension | | woke before the alarm, filled with
apposite to the present discussion. —appositely adv apprehension. 2 [U] formal the act of apprehending a
—appositeness n [U] criminal [SYN] arrest 3 [U] old-fashioned understanding
ap-po:si-tion / epa'zifan/ n [U] technical in grammar, ap-pre-hen-sive /zprrhenstv</ adj worried or nerv-
an occasion when a simple sentence contains two or ous about something that you are going to do, or about
more noun phrases that describe the same thing or the future: [+about/of] We'd been a little apprehensive
person, appearing one after the other without a word about their visit. |apprehensive that | was apprehensive that
such as ‘and’ or ‘or’ between them. For example, in the something would go wrong. | Some had apprehensive looks
sentence ‘The defendant, a woman of thirty, denies kick- on their faces. worriED —apprehensively adv:
ing the policeman’ the two phrases ‘the defendant’ and ‘a ‘What's wrong?’ | asked apprehensively.
woman of thirty’ are in apposition. ap-pren-tice /a'prentis/ n [C] someone who works for
ap-prais-al /a'preizal/ n 1 [C,U] a statement or opinion an employer for a fixed period of time in order to learn a
judging the worth, value, or condition of something: [+of] particular skill or job: She works in the hairdresser’s as an
It needed a calmer appraisal of her situation. | a critical apprentice. | an apprentice electrician —apprentice v [T
appraisal of the existing facilities 2 [C] a meeting between usually passive]: He was apprenticed to a local architect.
a manager and a worker to discuss the quality of some-
one's work and how well they do their job ap-pren-tice-ship /a'prentis{ip/ n [C,U] the job of
ap-praise /alpreiz/ v [T] 1 formal to officially judge how being an apprentice, or the period of time in which you
are an apprentice: He’s serving an apprenticeship as a
successful, effective, or valuable something is
[SYN] evaluate: Greenpeace has been invited to appraise the
printer. |a five-year apprenticeship
environmental costs of such an operation. 2 literary to look ap-prise /a'praiz/ v [T] formal to tell or give someone
carefully at someone or something to make an opinion information about something [SYN] inform: apprise sb of sth
about them: His eyes appraised her face. The district chairman was fully apprised of all the details.
ap:pre:cia-ble fq /a'priffebal/ adj large enough to be ap-proach’ gy [1 LG /e'praot{ $ a'prout{/ v
noticed or considered important [SYN] significant: There's ITE «([1,T] to move towards or nearer to
no appreciable change in the patient's condition. someone or something: As | approached the house, '|
—appreciably adv: The two plans are not appreciably differ- noticed a light on upstairs. |She heard footsteps approaching.
ent. 2 Gq [T] to ask someone for something, or ask them to
ap-pre-ci-ate Gy [Lg /e'prisiet/ v do something, especially when you are asking them for
1[T not in progressive] to understand how serious or impor- the first time or when you are. not sure if they will do it:
tant a situation or problem is or what someone’s feelings approach sb for sth Students should be able to approach
are |SYN|realize: appreciate the significance/importance/ teachers for advice. |approach sb/sth about (doing) sth The
value of sth He did not fully appreciate the significance of charity approached several stores about giving food aid. | |
signing the contract. | appreciate that We appreciate that have already been approached by several other companies,
caring for children is an important job. | appreciate what/ (=offered a job, work etc). ++» APPROACHABLE
how/why It is difficult to appreciate how bad the situation 3 TSR
GOT Ew [1,7] if an event or a particular time
had become. approaches, or you approach it, it is coming nearer and
2 [7] used to thank someone in a polite way or to say that will happen soon: She was then approaching the end of her’
you are grateful for something they have done: Thanks career. | The time is fast approaching when we will have to
ever so much for your help, | really appreciate it. || appreciate make a decision. | With winter approaching, many animals
your concern, but honestly, I'm fine. | I'd appreciate it if you are storing food.
let me get on with my job. 403.00) [T] to begin to deal with a situation or
3[T] to understand how good or useful someone or problem in a particular way or with a particular attitude:
 7 approximate
approach a problem/task/matter etc /t might be possible to 2 [U] formal when someone likes something or someone
approach the problem in a different way. and thinks that they are good |oPP) disapproval: A murmur
5 fies [!,7] to be almost equal to something: tem- of approval passed through the crowd. |nod/smile/clap etc
peratures approaching 35° C | He's never had anything in approval They clapped their hands in approval. | His ideas
approaching a normal life. have won widespread public approval (=many people agree
approach? gy fa Ean with them and think they are good). |Does the design meet
1({Egrp) [Cc] a method of doing something or dealing with your approval (=do you like it?)? |Children are always
with a problem: [+to] a new approach to teaching seeking approval from their parents. | She looked to Greg for
languages | He decided to adopt a different approach and approval.
teach the Bible through story-telling. | This book takes an 3 on approval if you buy something on approval, you have
unorthodox approach to art criticism. | organizations which the right to return it to the shop if you decide you do not
take a positive approach to creative thinking PEGEULIE> want it
METHOD, WAY ap:prove Gy [a /e'pru:v/ v
2m [C] a request from someone, asking you to do 1[T] to officially accept a plan, proposal etc: The confer-
something for them: They made a direct approach to the ence approved a proposal for a referendum. GEESNTTS>
minister of education. AGREE
3 the approach of sth the approach of a particular time or 2 [1] to think that someone or something is good, right, or
event is the fact that it is getting closer: the approach of suitable [opp] disapprove: [+of] Catherine’s parents now
autumn | It’s a sign of the approach of middle age. approve of her marriage. | | don’t approve of cosmetic sur-
4TEa LU] movement towards or near to gery.
something: Our approach frightened the birds.
5 Paw) (C] a road, path etc that leads to a place,
and is the main way of reaching it: Soldiers were guarding approve to officially accept a plan, proposal etc: The
the approaches to the city. |an approach road Medical Research Council has approved the use of a
6 ayaa [C] the final part of a plane's flight, before it new drug for breast cancer.
lands at an airport: It was clear to land so we made our pass to approve a law or proposal, especially by
approach. voting: Many anti-smoking laws have been passed.
ap-proach-a-ble /s'praut[abal $ a'prout/-/ adj friendly ratify to make a written agreement official by
and easy to talk to [opp] unapproachable: The head teacher signing it: The treaty was ratified by the Senate in 1988.
is very approachable. BETSY > FRIENDLY rubber-stamp to approve something without really
thinking about it = used to show disapproval:
ap-pro-ba-tion /zpra'berfan/ n [U] formal ‘official
praise or approval Parliament merely rubber-stamped the president's
decisions.
ap:pro-pri-ate’ & (a LG /e'preupri-st $ a'lprou-/ adj ae ek Pee eh a
correct or suitable for a particular time, situation, or ap-proved /a'pru:vd/ adj [only before noun] officially
purpose [OPP|inappropriate: [+for] clothes appropriate for recognized as being of a particular level or standard:
a job interview | [+to] an education system which is more Funding is available for approved courses.
appropriate to the needs of the students | it is appropriate
(for sb) to do sth /t would not be appropriate for me to
approved school n [Cc] Bré a special school in Britain
in the past, where children who had done something
discuss that now. | it is appropriate (that) /t seemed some-
illegal were sent if they were under 18
how appropriate that we should begin our journey here. |
appropriate time/place etc | didn’t feel that this was an ap-prov-ing /a'pru:vin/ adj showing support or agree-
appropriate time to mention the subject of money. | highly/ ment for something disapproving: an approving nod/
entirely/wholly appropriate | thought his remark was highly glance/smile etc —approvingly adv: She smiled approvingly
appropriate, given the circumstances. | The timing of the at the child.
announcement was particularly appropriate. |Where appro- approx. (also approx BrE) /a'proks $ a'pra:ks/ the writ-
priate, | delegate as much work as possible. |Mark box 1 or 2, ten abbreviation of approximately
as appropriate. || can assure you that appropriate action will
be taken. SUITABLE —appropriately adv: The ap-prox-i-mate’ Gy [IE] Lg /e'proksimit $ a'prak-/ adj
painters met, appropriately enough, in an art gallery (=used an approximate number, amount, or time is close to the
exact number, amount etc, but could be a little bit more
to emphasize that something is very appropriate). |
or less than it rough [opP| exact: What is the approxi-
appropriately dressed —appropriateness n [U]
mate number of students in each class? | These percentages
ap-pro-pri-ate /a'pravpriett $ a'prou-/ v [T] formal are only approximate.
1 to take something for yourself when you do not have
the right to do this [SYN] steal: He is suspected of appropri- REGISTER
ating government funds. 2 to take something, especially In everyday English, people usually say rough rather
money, to use for a particular purpose: appropriate sth for than approximate: Can you give me a rough idea of how
sth Congress appropriated $5 million for International Wom- much it would cost?
en's Year. ++ misappropriate
ap-pro-pri-a-tion /aprauprietfan $ aprou-/ n [C,U]
formal 1 the process of saving money for a special pur- approximately more or less than a number or
pose, or the money that is saved, especially by a business amount - used especially in technical or scientific
or government: [+of] the appropriation of $2 million for the contexts: The company had total revenues of
new hospital 2 the act of taking control of something approximately $2 million. |The disease affects
without asking permission — misappropriation: [+of] the approximately 10% of the adult population.
appropriation of company property about more or less than a number or amount.
ap-prov-al — (1 /e'pru:val/ n ‘About’ is the usual word to use in everyday English:
1[C,U] when a plan, decision, or person is officially It costs about $30 to get a visa. |There were about SO
accepted: The president has already given his approval to the people at the meeting.
plan. | It is just three months since we received official roughly /'rafli/ about - used when you are trying to
approval to go ahead with the project. | A company cannot be give someone a general idea of the size, amount, or
sold without the approval of the shareholders. |The bill will be number of something: The two countries are roughly
submitted for approval by Congress. | The President would the same size. | Roughly how many miles do you travel a
appoint the Council of Ministers, subject to the approval of year?
the National Assembly. | The IMF has given its seal of around about a number or time - used when you are
approval to the government's economic strategy. | appoint- guessing: /’Il be there around 5 o'clock. | The BBC
ments requiring parliamentary approval broadcasts around 2,000 radio dramas every year.
approximate 72 Gq = words from the Academic Word List

somewhere/something in the region of formal about apse /eps/ n [C] technical the curved inside end of a
- used with very large numbers or amounts: Last year building, especially the east end of a church
he earned something in the region of $60 million. apt /ept/ adj 1 be apt to do sth to have a natural ten-
or so informal about - used after a period of time, a dency to do something [SYN] tend to: Some of the staff are
number, or an amount: The journey takes an hour or so. apt to arrive late on Mondays. 2 exactly right for a particu-
circa /'s3tka $ 's3:r-/ formal about - used with dates a lar situation or purpose [S¥N|appropriate: ‘Love at first
long time ago in the past: The house was built circa sight’ is a very apt description of how he felt when he saw
1530. her. | [+for] The punishment should be apt for the crime.
or more used after a number or amount, when the 3 an apt pupil/student formal a student who is quick to
total may be a lot more: A thirty-second commercial learn and understand [SYN] able —aptness n [U]
can cost £60,000 or more. ap:ti-tude /‘eptitju:d $ -tu:d/ n [C,U] 1 natural ability or
upwards of more than a number or amount: The skill, especially in learning: [+for] He has a natural aptitude
aircraft can carry upwards of 400 passengers. for teaching. 2 aptitude test a test that measures your
natural skills or abilities
—approximately adv: The plane will be landing in approxi-
mately 20 minutes. | How much do you think it will cost,
apt-ly /‘zptli/ adv aptly named/described/called etc
named, described etc in a way that seems very suitable
approximately?
SYN] appropriately: The aptly named Skyline Restaurant pro-
ap:prox-i-mate? [fq /a'proksimert $ a'prazk-/ v [I, link- vides spectacular views of the city below.
ing verb] formal1 to be close to a particular number: [+to]
This figure approximates to a quarter of the UK's annual aq-ua-lung /‘ekwalan/ n [C] trademark BrE a piece of
consumption. 2 to be similar to but not exactly the same
equipment that provides a Diver (=someone who swims
as something: [+to] Your story only approximates to the underwater) with air, and which they wear on their backs
real facts. aq-ua-ma-rine / ekwama'ri:na $ e-, ai-/ n1[CU] a
ap-prox-i-ma:tion [fq /aproks!merjan $ aprazk-/ n
greenish blue jewel, or the type of stone it comes from
[C,U] 1a number, amount etc that is not exact, but is 2 [U] a greenish blue colour —aquamarine adj
almost correct [S¥N|estimate: [tof] an approximation of ag-ua-plane" /‘ekwapletn/ v [|] BrE 1if a car aqua-
the total | a rough/crude approximation (=one that is not planes, it slides over a wet road in an uncontrolled way
very exact) Could you give us a rough approximation of the SYN] hydroplane Ame 2 to be pulled over the water on an
cost? | a good/close/reasonable approximation 2 some- aquaplane
thing that is similar to another thing, but not exactly the aquaplane? n [C] BrE a thin board that you stand on
same: [+of/to] /t was the nearest approximation to a crisis while you are pulled over the water by a fast boat
she'd ever experienced. a-quar:i-m /a'kweariam $ a'kwer-/ n (plural aquariums
ap-pur-te-nance /a'p3:tinans, -tan- $ alp3:rtanans/ n [C or aquaria /-ria/) [C] 1a clear glass or plastic container
usually plural] formal a part of something more important for fish and other water animals 2 a building where
APR /et pi: ‘a: $ -a:r/ n [C usually singular] (annual people go to look at fish and other water animals
percentage rate) the rate of INTEREST that you must pay A-quar-i-us /a'kwearias $ a'kwer-/ n 1 [U] the 1th sign
when you borrow money of the ZODIAC, represented by a person pouring water,
Apr. (also Apr BrE) the written abbreviation of April which some people believe affects the character and life
ap-rés-ski /prer 'skiz< $ ,a:-/ n [U] activities such as of people born between January 21 and February 19
eating and drinking that you do after skling —aprés-ski 2 (also Aquarian) [C] someone who was born between
adj January 21 and February 19 —Aquarian adj
a-pri-cot /‘erprkot $ ‘eprika:t/ n 1[C] a small round aq-:Ua-ro-bics /kwa'raubiks $ -'rou-/ n [U] AEROBICS
fruit that is orange or yellow and has a single large seed (=very active physical exercise done to music, usually in
2 [U] the orange-yellow colour of an apricot — see pic- a class) that you do in a swimming pool
ture at FRUIT' —apricot adj a-quat-ic /a'kwettk, a'kwo- $ a'kwe-, a'kwar-/ adj 1 liv-
A-pril /‘erpral/ n [CU] (written abbreviation Apr.) the ing or growing in water: an aquatic plant 2 involving or
fourth month of the year, between March and May: happening in water: aquatic sports
next/last April /’m going to Cuba next April. | in April Our aq-ua-tint /‘ekwatint/ n [C,U] a method of producing a
new office opened in April 2001. | on April 6th The meeting picture using acid on a sheet of metal, or a picture printed
will be on April 6th. |on 6th April BrE: | arrived on 6th April. | using this method
April 6 AmE: Jim's birthday's April 6. ag-ue-duct /‘kwidakt/ n [C] a structure like a bridge,
April ‘fool n [c] someone who is tricked on April Fools’ that carries water across a river or valley
Day, or the trick that is played on them a-que-ous /‘etkwias, 'ekwias/ adj technical containing
April ‘Fools’ Day (also All Fools’ Day) n April 1st, a water or similar to water i
day when people play tricks on each other aq-ui-line /‘kwélain $ -latn, -lan/ adj aquiline nose a
a pri-o-ri /er prar'>:rar, ar pri'otris/ adj, adv formal using nose with a curved shape like the beak of an EAGLE
previous experiences or facts to decide what the likely =ar /a, a: $ ar, atr/ suffix 1[in adjectives] relating to
result or effect of something will be — a posteriori: a ruling something: stellar (=relating to stars) |polar (=relating to
made on a priori grounds the North or South Pole) 2 [in nouns] someone who does
a-pron /'e1pran/ n [C] 1a piece of clothing that covers something: a liar (=someone who lies)
the front part of your clothes and is tied around your
waist, worn to keep your clothes clean, especially while
Arab /‘erab/ n [C] someone whose language is Arabic
and whose family comes from, or originally came from,
cooking 2 apron strings informal the relationship between
the Middle East or North Africa
a child and its mother, especially if the mother controls
an adult son or daughter too much: You're 25 years old, at-a-besque /zra'besk/ n [C] 1a position in BALLET, in
and you still haven't cut the apron strings. |Jeff is still tied to which you stand on one foot with the other leg stretched
his mother's apron strings. 3. technical the hard surface in out straight behind you 2 a decorative pattern of flowing
an airport on which planes are turned around, loaded, ines :
unloaded etc 4 technical (also apron stage) the part of the A-ra-bi-an /a'retbian/ adj relating to Arabia or its
stage in a theatre that is in front of the curtain people
ap-FO:pOS / epra'pau, 'eprapou $ -pou/ adv formal apro- Ar-a:bic /erabtk/ n [U] the language or writing of the
pos of sth used to introduce a new subject that is related Arabs, which is the main language of North Africa and
to something just mentioned: He had nothing to say apro- the Middle East —Arabic adj
pos of the latest developments. | apropos of nothing (=not Arabic ‘numeral n [Cc] the sign 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9, or 0,
relating to anything previously mentioned) Apropos of or a combination of these signs, used as a number
nothing, he suddenly asked me if | liked cats! —»+ Roman numeral
GX = words from the Academic Word List 3 archive
ar-a-ble /zrabal/ adj relating to growing crops: arable make something form a curved shape: Two rows of trees
farming | arable land (=land that is suitable for growing arched over the driveway. | The dog arched its back.
crops) arch® adj amused because you think you understand
a-rach-nid /a'reknid/ n [C] a small creature such as a something better than other people: ‘] think he’s in for a
SPIDER, that has eight legs and a body with two parts surprise,’ lan said, in a somewhat arch tone. —archly adv
ar-bi-ter /‘a:bita $ ‘a:rb3tar/ n [C] 1 someone who influ- arch= /a:t{, ak $ a:rt{, a:rk/ prefix belonging to the
ences society's opinions about what is STYLISH, socially highest class or rank: an archbishop (=an important
acceptable etc: The designer has received rave reviews from BISHOP) | our archenemy (=our worst enemy) | the compa-
such arbiters of taste as ‘Elle’ magazine. 2 someone or ny’s arch-rivals (=main competitors)
something that settles an argument between two oppos- ar-chae-ol-o-gy (also archeology AmE) /,atki'vladzi $
ing sides [SYN] judge: The European Court of Justice will be a:rki'a:-/ n [U] the study of ancient societies by examin-
the final arbiter (=make the final decision) in the dispute. ing what remains of their buildings, GRAves, tools etc
ar-bi-trage /‘a:bitra:z $ ‘ar-/ n [U] technical the proc- —archaeologist n —archaeological /,arkia'lodzikal< $
ess of buying something such as raw materials or CUR- ,airkia'la:-/ adj: an archaeological site —archaeologically
RENCY in one place and selling them immediately in /-kli/ adv
another place in order to make a profit from the differ- ar-charle /a:'ker-1k $ atr-/ adj 1old and no longer used
ence in prices —arbitrageur /a:b3tra:'33: $ arrbstra:'33:r/ SYN] outdated [opP|]modern: archaic words 2 old-
(also arbitrager BrE /‘a:bstra:za $ ‘a:rbstra:zar/) n [C] fashioned and needing to be replaced: Many smaller radio
ar-bi-tra-ry GQ /‘a:bétrari, -tri $ 'a:rbstreri/ adj decided stations broadcast on archaic equipment. 3 from or relating
or arranged without any reason or plan, often unfairly: an to ancient times [SYN] ancient: archaic civilizations
arbitrary decision |the arbitrary arrests of political opponents ar-cha-is«m /‘a:ker-1zam, a:'ker- $ ‘arki-/ n [C] an old
—arbitrariness n [U] —arbitrarily /‘axbStrersli ¢ word or phrase that is no longer used
arrb3'trersli/ adv: an arbitrarily chosen number arch-an-gel /‘a:keindzal $ ‘a:rk-/ n [C] one of the most
ar-bi-trate /‘a:bitrert $ ‘axr-/ v [1,1] to officially judge important ANGELS in the Jewish, Christian, and Muslim
how an argument between two opposing sides should be religions
settled: [+between] A committee will arbitrate between arch-bish-op / a:t/brfap< $ ast{-/ n [C] a priest of the
management and unions. | [+in] The tribunal arbitrates in highest rank, who is in charge of all the churches in a
disputes. —arbitrator n [C] particular area
ar-bi-tra-tion /,a:bstrerjan $ ,arr-/ n [U] the process of arch-bish-op-ric / a:t{brfaprak $ ,artf-/ n [C] 1 the area
judging officially how an argument should be settled: The governed by an archbishop 2 the rank of archbishop
dispute is going to arbitration (=someone is being asked to arch-dea-con /a:t{dizkan« $ arrt{-/ n [C] a priest of a
arbitrate). |Both sides in the dispute have agreed to binding high rank in the Anglican Church who works under a
arbitration. BISHOP
ar-bo-re-al /a:'bo:rial $ air-/ adj technical or literary arch-di-o-cese / a:t{datasss, -sits $ azrt{-/ n [C] the area
relating to trees, or living in trees that is governed by an archbishop
ar-bo-re-tum /,a:ba'ri:tam $ ,a:r-/ n (plural arboretums arch-duke / a:t{djuzk< $ a:rt{du:k</ n [C] a prince who
or arboreta /-ta/) [C] a place where trees are grown for
belonged to the royal family of Austria
scientific study
arch-en-e-my /,:tfenimi $ arrt{-/ n (plural archen-
ar-bour BrE, arbor AmE /‘a:zba $ ‘a:rbar/ n [C] a shelter
emies) [C] the main enemy
in a garden made by making plants grow together on a
frame shaped like an ARCH ar-che-ol-o-gy /,axki'pledzi $ airki'a:-/ n [U] an Ameri-
can spelling of ARCHAEOLOGY
are /azk $ airk/ n [C] 1 a curved shape or line: the arc ofa
rainbow 2 part of a curved line or a circle: The Sun moves archer /a:t{a $ ‘a:rtfar/ n [C] someone who shoots
across the sky in an arc. 3 a flash of light formed by the ARROWS from a BOW
flow of electricity between two points —are v [I] ar-cher-y /‘a:tfari $ 'air-/ n [U] the sport of shooting
ar-cade /arkerd $ a:r-/n [C] 1 a covered passage at the ARROWS from a BOW
side of a row of buildings with PILLARS and ARCHes sup- ar-che-type /‘a:kttarip $ ‘a:r-/ n [C usually singular] a
porting it on one side 2 a covered passage between two perfect example of something, because it has all the most
streets with shops on each side of it 3 BrE (also shopping important qualities of things that belong to that type:
arcade) a large building or part of a building where there [+of] France is the archetype of the centralized nation-state.
are many shops 4 an AMUSEMENT ARCADE: arcade games —archetypal /,a:kr'tarpal< $ arr-/ adj: Byron was the arche-
ar'cade game n [C] a type of electronic game that typal Romantic hero.
was first popular in AMUSEMENT ARCADES (=a place where ar-chi-pel-a-go /,a:k\pelagau $ a:rksipelagou/ n (plural
you play games by putting coins in machines) in the early archipelagos) [C] a group of small islands — see picture
1980s, but is now usually played on a computer — video at ISLAND
game ar-chi-tect [Iq /arkitekt $ 'ar-/ n [C]
Ar-ca-di:a /a:'kerdia $ a:r-/ literary an area in the coun- 1someone whose job is to design buildings
try where people have a pleasant simple life. Arcadia was 2 the architect of sth the person who originally thought of
first used in ancient Greek and Latin poetry as the name an important and successful idea: Tinoco was one of the
of a beautiful area of countryside in ancient Greece. architects of the government's economic reforms.
ar-Cane /a:'kern $ a:r-/ adj secret and known or under- ar-chi-tec-ture 69 [H /‘a:kitektfa $ ‘a:rkitekt{ar/ n
stood by only a few people: the arcane language of the law 1[U] the style and design of a building or buildings: [+of]
arch? /a:t{ $ a:rt{/ n [CJ the architecture of Venice | modern/classical/medieval etc
1a structure with a curved architecture
top and straight sides that 2[U] the art and practice of planning and designing
supports the weight of a buildings: He studied architecture at university.
bridge or building [3 3 [U] the structure of something: the architecture of DNA
2 a curved structure above § 4[C,U] technical the structure of a computer system and
a door, window — etc the way it works —architectural /,a:k3'tektfaral< $ air-/
3a curved structure of adj: architectural features —architecturally adv: Architec-
bones in the middle of turally, Chengdu is quite different from most of China.
your foot 4 something archive! /‘a:kaw $ ‘air-/ n [C] 1a place where a large
with a curved top and number of historical records are stored, or the records
straight sides that are stored: an archive of the writer's unpublished work
arch? y [i,1] to form or 2 technical copies of a computer's rites that are stored on
 archive 74 a a a-= the mostsieht oases
words diac
in English

a DISK or in the computer's memory in a way that uses (=a part of a town where people live) |an industrial
less space than usual, so that the computer can keep area |a built-up area (=with a lot of buildings close
them for a long time —archive adj: interesting archive together) |a deprived area (=where many poor
material —archival /a:'katval $ a:r-/ adj: archival footage of people live) |an inner-city area (=the central part of
_ the President's visit in 1969 a city, where many poor people live) |
archive? y [T] 1 to put documents, books, information a middle-class/working-class etc area (=where a
etc in an archive 2 to save a computer FILE in a way that particular class of people live) | a metropolitan area
uses less space than usual, because you do not use that (=a very large city) |a conservation area (=for
file often but may need it in the future —archiving n [U]: preserving nature or old buildings) |a geographical
electronic archiving systems area (=one that is shown on a map)
ar-chi-vist /arkivist $ ‘arr-/ n [C] someone who works
in an archive move into/out of an area She had just moved into the
arch-way /‘a:t{wer $ ‘a:rt{-/ n [C] a passage or entrance area and knew very few people.
under an ARCH or arches: He was standing in the archway keep/stay away from an area The police ordered
outside the club. people to stay away from the area.
-archy Jaki, arki $ arki, arrki/ suffix Lin nouns] used to talk be spread out over a wide area The town is spread
about a particular type of government: anarchy (=no out over a wide area.
government) | monarchy (=having a king or queen)
Are-tic, arctic /‘a:kttk $ ‘a:rk-/ adj [only before noun]
1 relating to the most northern part of the world — Ant-
arctic: the Arctic island of Novaya Zemlya — see picture at area a part of a town or country, or of the world:
EARTH' 2 extremely cold: arctic conditions GREENE They live in a very wealthy area. | coastal areas
COLD region a large area of a country or the world: the
northwest region of Russia |desert regions
are ‘welding n [u] a method of joining two pieces of
zone an area that is different from other areas
metal together by heating them with a special tool
around it in some way: a war zone |a no-parking zone
=ard /ad $ ard/ suffix [in nouns] someone who is usually district one of the areas a city or town is officially
or always in a particular state: a drunkard divided into, or an area of a city where a particular
ar-dent /‘a:dant $ ‘air2/ adj [usually before noun] 1 show- group live or an activity happens: the Chelsea district
ing strong positive feelings about an activity and determi- of Manhattan |the business/financial/theatre etc
nation to succeed at it: an ardent supporter of free trade district: the financial district of London
2 literary showing strong feelings of love: an ardent lover neighbourhood BrE£, neighborhood AmE /'netbahud
—ardently adv $ -ar-/ an area of a town where people live: a friendly
ar-dour BrE, ardor AmE /‘a:da $ ‘airdar/ n [U] neighbourhood | There are lots of trees in our
1 very strong admiration or excitement [SYN] passion: with neighborhood.
ardour They sang with real ardour. 2 literary strong feelings suburb an area outside the centre of a city, where
of love [SYN] passion people live: a suburb of Boston
ar-du-ous /‘a:djuas $ 'airdzuas/ adj involving a lot of quarter an area of a town or city where people of a
strength and effort: arduous task/work the arduous task of particular nationality live: the French quarter of New
loading all the boxes into the van | arduous journey/voyage Orleans
an arduous journey through the mountains —arduously adv slum an area of a city that is in very bad condition,
are /a; strong a: $ ar ;strong a:r/ the present tense and where many poor people live: He grew up in the slums
plural of ‘be’ of East London.
ar-e-a G] Ol LG /‘eoria $ 'eria/ n [C] ghetto an area of a city where poor people of a
1a particular part of a country, town etc: Only cheeses
particular race or class live: a black baby born in the
made in this area may be labelled ‘Roquefort.’ | Crime rates \ ghetto
are much higher in urban areas. |[+of] Many areas of Africa ‘area code n [Cc] numbers you use before a phone
have suffered severe drought this year. number when you phone someone in a different area of
2a part of a house, office, garden etc that is used for a the country
particular purpose: a no-smoking area | Their apartment
has a large kitchen area. | Come through into the dining arena /a'riina/ n [C] 1a building with a large flat
area. |the reception area of the hotel |a storage area on the central area surrounded by seats, where sports or enter-
ground floor tainments take place: a sports arena | an indoor arena
3a particular subject, range of activities, or group of 2 the political/international/public etc arena all the activi-
related subjects: The course covers three main subject ties and people connected with politics, public life etc:
areas. |This study has clearly identified a major problem area Women are entering the political arena in larger numbers. |
for the National Health Service. | We're funding research into American economic activity in the international arena
new areas such as law enforcement technology. | [+of] aren't /a:nt $ ‘a:rant/ a) the short form of ‘are not’:
reforms in the key areas of health and education They aren't here. b) the short form of ‘am not’, used in
4 the amount of space that a flat surface or shape covers: questions: I’m in big trouble, aren't |?
[+of] an area of 2,000 square miles |a formula to calculate Ar-gen-tin-i-an™ =/a:dzan'tinione $ ar-/- (also
the area of a circle FEEYNTT> size — grey area at GREY'(7) Ar-gen-tine /'a:dzantain, -tiin $ ‘a:r-/) adj relating to.
COLLOCATIONS Argentina or its people
Argentinian? (also Argentine) n [C] someone from
Argentina
a rural area (=in the countryside) SCHBO!Is inrural
areas are often very small. argon /‘a:gon $ 'arga:n/ n [U] a colourless gas that is
an urban area (=in a town or city) 90% of the found in very small quantities in the air and is sometimes .
English population live in urban areas. used in electric light BuLBs. It is a chemical ELEMENT:
a remote/isolated area (=a long way from towns symbol Ar
and cities) a remote area of northeast Afghanistan argot /‘a:gau $ ‘a:rgat/ n [CU] written expressions |
the local area He quickly made friends in the local used by a vara group of people [SYN] jargon: teenage
area. argot
the surrounding area (=the area around a place) | ar-gu-a-ble /a:gjuabal $ 'a:r-/ adj 1 not certain, or not
outlying areas (=far from the centre of a town, definitely true or correct, and therefore easy to doubt
village etc) | a wooded area |a mountainous area | (S¥N]| debatable: Whether or not Webb is the best person for
a coastal area |a desert area |a residential area the job is arguable. 2 it is arguable that used in order to give
{J (2 De= the most frequent words in written ereiich 15 aria
good reasons why something might be true: /t’s arguable argument (=in order to discuss all the possibilities) /f, for ~
that the legislation has had little effect on young people’s the sake of argument, you aren't offered the job, what will
behaviour. you do?
ar-gu-a‘bly /‘a:gjuabli $ 'a:r-/ adv [sentence adverb] used COLLOCATIONS
when giving your opinion to say that there are good
reasons why something might be true: Senna was argu-
have an argumen could hear my parents having an
ably the greatest racing driver of all time.
argument downstairs.
argue Gy i /‘a:gju: $ ‘ar-/ v get into an argument/become involved in an
1[1] to disagree with someone in words, often in an angry argument She didn’t want to get into another
way: We could hear the neighbours arguing. | [+with] argument about money.
Gallacher continued to argue with the referee throughout the start/cause an argument He was deliberately trying
game. |[+about] They were arguing about how to spend the to start an argument.
money. | [tover] The children were arguing over which TV avoid an argument | was anxious to avoid an
programme to watch. argument.
2[1,T] to state, giving clear reasons, that something is win/lose an argument |an argument breaks out
true, should be done etc: argue that Croft argued that a (=it starts) |an argument erupts (=a big argument
date should be set for the withdrawal of troops. | It could be suddenly starts)
argued that a dam might actually increase the risk of sae

flooding. |argue for/against (doing) sth Baker argued against

cutting the military budget. | She argued the case for chang- a big/huge/massive argument /here was a big
ing the law. | The researchers put forward a well-argued case argument about whether we should move to a new
for banning the drug. |They argued the point (=discussed it) house.
for hours without reaching a conclusion. a heated argument (=involving very strong
3 argue sb into/out of doing sth BrE to persuade someone feelings) | a bitter argument |a furious/fierce
to do or not do something: Joyce argued me into buying a \_argument |a violent argument
a
new jacket.
4[7] formal to show that something clearly exists or is
true: The statement argues a change of attitude by the argument a situation in which people speak angrily
management. to each other because they disagree about
5 argue the toss BrE informal to continue to argue about a something: an argument between two drivers over who
decision that has been made and cannot be changed: had right of way
There was no point arguing the toss after the goal had been row Br, fight especially AmE a loud angry argument
disallowed. with someone, especially your boyfriend, girlfriend,
or someone in your family. Row is also used about a
argue to speak angrily to someone because you serious disagreement between politicians about
disagree with them about something: Those two are important public issues: There were always fights
always arguing. | We rarely argue with each other. between my parents. | the continuing row over tax
have an argument to argue with someone for a increases
period of time about a particular thing: She had a disagreement a situation in which people disagree
long argument with the man who was selling the tickets. with each other, but without shouting or getting
have a row /rav/ BrE, have a fight especially AmE to angry: There were the occasional disagreements about
have an argument with someone, especially with money, but mostly we got on well.
your boyfriend, girlfriend, or a member of your quarrel especially BrE an argument, especially one in
family: She was upset because she'd had a fight with which people get angry and that lasts a long time.
her boyfriend. Quarrel sounds more formal and more serious than
quarrel especially BrE to argue with someone, argument or row: a bitter family quarrel
especially for a long time and about many different feud /fju:d/ a very bitter argument between two
things: The children quarrel all the time. groups, especially families, which lasts for many
squabble /'skwpbal § 'skwa:-/ to argue about years and causes people to hate each other: The feud
unimportant things: The kids were squabbling over between the Hatfields and the McCoys raged for 20
what to watch on TV. years.
fall out with sb Br—E to have a big argument with dispute a public or legal argument about something,
someone that results in you stopping having a especially one which continues for a long time:
friendly relationship with them: I’ve fallen out with my Morris has been involved in a long legal dispute with his
best friend. publisher.
be at each other's throats if two people are at each “AN ARGUMENT THAT ISNOT VERY SERIO! J:
other's throats, they are always arguing in a very squabble /'skwobal § 'skwa:-/ an argument about
angry way: His parents are constantly at each other's something that is not important: There were the usual
throats. squabbles between brothers and sisters.
tiff informal an argument that is not very serious,
ar-gu-ment §] (y /‘a:gjsmant $ ‘arr-/ n between people who are in love: Gary had a bit of a
1[C] a situation in which two or more people disagree, tiff with his girlfriend.
often angrily: [+with] She had a big argument with her misunderstanding a slight argument - a rather
husband. | [+about/over] There have been a lot of argu- formal word which is often used humorously: There
ments about who was responsible for the accident. was a slight misunderstanding over the bill, but
2[C] a set of reasons that show that something is true or everything's been sorted out now.
untrue, right or wrong etc: We need to provide a convincing
argument as to why the system should be changed. | ar-gu-men-ta-tive /,a:gj3'mentativ< $ a:r-/ adj some-
[+for/against] a powerful argument against smoking | A one who is argumentative often argues or likes arguing:
good argument can be made for comparing the IT revolution He quickly becomes argumentative after a few drinks.
with the invention of writing itself. | [+in favour of] the
arguments in favour of banning tobacco advertising |[+that] ar-gy-bar-gy /,a:d3i ‘ba:dzi $ ,a:rd3i 'ba:r-/ n [U] BrE
the familiar argument that the costs outweigh the benefits informal noisy arguments or quarrelling: Jones was sent off
3[U] when you disagree with something or question after a bit of argy-bargy with other players.
~whether it is right: do sth without (further) argument /an asriea /‘arria/ n [C] a song that is sung by only one
accepted the suggestion without argument. |for the sake of person in an OPERA or ORATORIO
-arian 76 [XQ = words from the Academic Word List

=arian /earian $ erian/ suffix 1 [in nouns] someone who by holding their arm) She took him by the arm and pushed
believes in or does a particular thing: a vegetarian him out of the door. | take sb in your arms (=gently hold
(=someone who does not eat meat) |a librarian (=some- someone with your arms) Gerry took Fiona in his arms and
one who works in a library) 2 [in adjectives] for people of kissed her. |cross/fold your arms (=bend your arms so that
this type, or relating to them: a vegetarian restaurant they are resting on top of each other against your body)
arid /‘erid/ adj1 arid land or an arid CLIMATE is very dry He folded his arms and leaned back in his chair. |The old lady
because it has very little rain: Water from the Great Lakes is rushed to greet him, arms outstretched.
pumped to arid regions. 2 not having any new, interesting, 2 {220209 arms [plural] weapons used for fighting wars:
or exciting features or qualities: My mind was arid, all Sales of arms to the Middle East have dramatically
inspiration gone. —aridity /a'ridsti/ n [U] increased. | nuclear arms | the arms trade | an arms dealer |
Aries /‘earizz, 'eari-iz $ ‘eritz/ n 1 [U] the first sign of the The government is cutting arms expenditure. | The United
ZODIAC, represented by a RAM (=male sheep), which some Nations will lift its arms embargo against the country. |take
people believe affects the character and life of people up arms (against sb) (=get weapons and fight) Boys as
born between March 21 and April 20 2 [C] someone who young as 13 are taking up arms to defend the city. | He
was born between March 21 and April 20 appealed for the rebels to lay down their arms (=stop
fighting). |under arms (=with weapons and ready to fight)
aright /a'ratt/ adv BrE old use 1 correctly: | was not
certain | had heard aright. 2 set things aright to deal with
All available forces are under arms. —>+ small arms at
problems or difficulties SMALL"(15)
3 QED the part of a chair, sorA etc that you rest
arise GE) [4 /e'raiz/ v (past tense arose /a'rauz $ your arms on
a'rouz/, past participle arisen /a'rrzan/) [1] 4@yrinrd the part of a piece of clothing that covers
1if a problem or difficult situation arises, it begins to your arm [SYN] sleeve
happen: A crisis has arisen in the Foreign Office. | More 5 be up in arms to be very angry and ready to argue or
problems like those at the nuclear power plant are certain to fight: Residents are up in arms about plans for a new road
arise. RSL HAPPEN along the beach.
( REGISTER 6 with open arms if you do something with open arms, you
In everyday English, people usually say that a show that you are happy to see someone or eager to
problem or difficult situation comes up rather than accept an idea, plan etc: We welcomed Henry's offer with
_ arises: The same problems come up every time. open arms. |My new in-laws accepted me with open arms.
7 sb would give their right arm to do sth used to say that
2 if something arises from or out of a situation, event etc, someone would be willing to do anything to get or do
it is caused or started by that situation etc: Several something because they want it very much: I’d give my
important legal questions arose in the contract negotiations. | right arm to be 21 again.
[+from/out of] Can we begin by discussing matters arising 8 hold sth at arm's length to hold something away from
from the last meeting? your body
3 when/if the need arises also should the need arise formal 9 keep/hold sb at arm's length to avoid developing a rela-
when or if it is necessary: Should the need arise for extra tionship with someone: Petra keeps all men at arm's length
staff, we will contact you. to avoid getting hurt.
4 literary to get out of bed, or stand up 10 as long as your arm informal a list or written document
5 literary if a group of people arise, they fight for or that is as long as your arm is very long: I've got a list of
demand something they want things to do as long as your arm.
6 literary if something arises when you are moving 11s TTITA a part of a large group that is responsi-
towards it, you are gradually able to see it as you move ble for a particular type of activity: the political arm of a
closer terrorist organization | Epson America is the US marketing
ar-is-toc-ra-cy /er!'stokrasi $ -'sta:-/ n (plural aristocra- arm of a Japanese company.
cies) [C usually singular] the people in the highest social 12 Peay a long part of an object or piece of
class, who traditionally have a lot of land, money, and equipment: the arm of a record player | There is a 15-foot
power: dukes, earls, and other members of the aristocracy | arm supporting the antenna. — see picture at MICROSCOPE
the landed aristocracy (=who own a lot of land) — UPPER 13 on sb's arm old-fashioned if a man has a woman on his
CLASS arm, she is walking beside him holding his arm
ar-is-to-crat /‘eristakret, a'ris- $ a'rts-/ n [C] someone 14 Basis) 4arms [plural] a set of pictures or patterns,
who belongs to the highest social class usually painted on a SHIELD, that is used as the special
sign of a family, town, university etc [SYN] coat of arms
aris-to-crat-ic /zrista'krattk<, arts- $ ars-/ adj
belonging to or typical of the aristocracy [SYN] noble: an — arms akimbo at AKIMBO(1), > babe in arms at BABE(1),
—» brothers in arms at BROTHER'(6), > cost an arm and a leg
aristocratic family
at cosT#(1), — fold sb/sth in your arms at FOLD\(7), — twist
a-rith:me:tic' /a'riomatrk/ n [U] the science of num-
sb's arm at TWIST'(9)
bers involving adding, multiplying etc ++ mathematics
arm? v [T] 1 to provide weapons for yourself, an army, a
ar-ith:met-ic? /er10'mettk</ (also ar-ith-met-i-cal country etc in order to prepare for a fight or a war: arm sb
/-ttkal/) adj technical involving or related to arithmetic:
with sth The local farmers have armed themselves with rifles
the arithmetic mean (=average) —arithmetically /-kli/ adv
and pistols. | The rebels armed a group of 2,000 men to
arithmetic pro'gression n [C] a set of numbers in attack the city. ++ ARMED, UNARMED 2 to provide all the
order of value in which a particular number is added to information, skills, or equipment you need to do
each to produce the next (as in 2, 4, 6, 8, ...) + geometric something [SYN] equip: arm sb with sth Arm yourself with all:
progression the facts you need to argue your case. | The guidebook arms
ark /azk $ a:rk/ n[C]1 a large ship 2 the Ark in the Bible, the reader with a mass of useful information.
the large boat built by Noah to save his family and the ar-ma:-da /a:'ma:da $ a:r-/ n [C] a large group of things,
animals from a flood that covered the earth —> sth went especially ships or boats: an armada of US naval vessels
out with the ark at Go OUT(8)
ar-ma-dil-lo /,a:ma'dilau $ azrma'dilou/ n (plural arma- °
arm! GJ /a:m $ airm/ n [C] dillos) [C] a small animal that has a shell made of hard
1£@byy one of the two long parts of your body between material, and lives in parts of North and South America
your shoulders and your hands: Dave has a broken arm. |
left/right arm He had a tattoo on his left arm. |Tim’s mother Ar-ma-ged-don /,a:ma'gedn $ ar-/ n [singular, U] a’
put her arms around him. | Pat was carrying a box under his terrible battle that will destroy the world: a nuclear Arma-
arm, |He had a pile of books in his arms. | They walked along geddon
the beach arm in arm (=with their arms bent around each ar-ma-ment /‘a:mamant $ 'a:r-/ 11 [C usually plural] the
other's). |take sb by the arm (=lead someone somewhere weapons and military equipment used by an army:
 EX3 = words from the Academic Word List 7 around
nuclear armaments 2 [U] the process of preparing an special protection from bullets etc, used especially by
army or country for war by giving it weapons — disarma- important people
ment ar-mour-er BrE, armorer AmE /‘a:mara $ 'a:rmarar/ n
arma:ture /‘a:mat{a $ ‘a:rmatfer/ n [C] technical [C] someone who makes or repairs weapons and ARMOUR
1 the part of a GENERATOR, motor etc that turns around to armour-plated adj something, especially a vehicle,
produce electricity, movement etc 2 a frame that you that is armour-plated has an outer metal layer to protect
cover with clay or other soft material to make a model it —armour plating n [U] —armour plate n [U]
arm-band /‘a:mbend $ ‘airm-/ n [C] 1a band of mat- ar-mour-y BrE, armory AmE /‘a:meri $ ‘a:r-/ n (plural
erial that you wear around your arm to show that you armouries) [C] 1a place where weapons are stored
have an official position, or as a sign of MOURNING 2 all the skills, information etc someone has available to
2 [usually plural] BrE one of two bands of plastic filled with achieve something: Interest rates have become powerful
air that you wear around your arms when you are learn- weapons in the government's armoury.
ing to swim [SYN] waterwings arm:pit /‘a:mprt $ ‘airm-/ n [C] 1the hollow place
arm candy n [U] informal an attractive woman or man under your arm where it joins your body 2 the armpit of
that someone takes with them to a public event so that sth AmE informal the ugliest or worst place in a particular
people will admire them — eye candy: He had just invited city or area: Dale says Butte is the armpit of Montana.
me along as arm candy. ‘arms control n [UJ the attempts by powerful coun-
arm-chair' /a:mtfea, aim't{ea $ ‘armtfer, aurm'tfer/ n tries to limit the number and types of war weapons that
[C] a comfortable chair with sides that you can rest your exist
arms on ‘arms race n [C usually singular] the competition
arm:chair2 /‘a:mtfea $ 'a:rmtfer/ adj armchair traveller/ between different countries to have a larger number of
fan etc someone who talks or reads about being a travel- powerful weapons: the nuclear arms race
ler, or watches sport on television but does not have any ‘arm- twisting n [(U] informal an attempt to persuade
real experience of doing it: Her books about her adventures someone to do something that they do not want to do:
give enjoyment and inspiration to armchair travellers. |Arm- No amount of arm-twisting will get me to reveal who told
chair fans will have to pay extra to watch the best games live. me.
armed § (4 /a:md $ a:rmd/ adj ‘arm-,wrestling n [U] a competition in which two
1carrying weapons, especially a gun [OPP|unarmed: people sit facing each other with one elbow on a tabie,
armed police raided the building | The Minister was kid- and try to force the other person's hand down onto the
napped by armed men on his way to the airport. | The table
prisoners were kept under armed guard. | [+with] The sus- army §) Od /‘a:mi $ 'a:r-/ n (plural armies)
pect is armed with a shotgun. |She got ten years in prison for 1the army [also + plural verb BrE] the part of a country’s
armed robbery (=stealing using a gun). |The President fears military force that is trained to fight on land in a war: The
that armed conflict (=a war) is possible. | There is very little army are helping to clear up after the floods. | an army
support for an armed struggle (=fighting with weapons) officer |Army units launched attacks on bases near Jounieh
against the government. |a heavily armed battleship |Many port. |He joined the army when he was 17. |in the army Both
of the gangs are armed to the teeth (=carrying a lot of my sons are.in the army.
weapons). 2[C] a large organized group of people trained to fight on
2 having the knowledge, skills, or equipment you need to land in a war: Rebel armies have taken control of the radio
do something: [+with] She came to the meeting armed with station. | raise an army (=collect together and organize an
all the facts and figures to prove us wrong. | | went out, army to fight a battle) The Slovenians say they can raise an
armed with my binoculars, to see what | could find in the army of 20,000 men.
fields. 3[C] a large number of people involved in the same
armed ‘forces n the armed forces [plural] a country’s activity: [+of] The village hall is maintained by an army of
military organizations, including the army, navy, and AIR volunteers.
FORCE —> military A-road /'e1 raud $ -roud/ n [C] a type of road in Britain
arm-ful /a:mfol $ ‘a:rm-/ n [C] the amount of some- that is smaller than a MOTORWAY, but larger than a 8-ROAD
thing that you can hold in one or both arms: [+of] an aroma /a'rauma $ a'rou-/ n [C] a strong pleasant
armful of books smell: the aroma of fresh coffee BEESALITS> smett
arm-hole /a:mhau! $ 'a:rrmhoul/ n [C] a hole in a shirt, a-ro-ma-ther-a-py /arauma'Gerapi $ arou-/ n [U] a
dress, jacket etc that you put your arm through treatment that uses MASSAGE (=rubbing the body) with
pleasant smelling natural oils to reduce pain and make
ar-mi-stice /‘a:mistis $ ‘airm-/ n [C] an agreement to
you feel well —aromatherapist n [C]
stop fighting — ceasefire, truce
ar-o-mat-ic /zra'mettk</ adj having a strong pleasant
armvlock /a:mlipk $ ‘a:rmla:k/ n [C] a way in which a smell [SYN] fragrant: aromatic oils |aromatic herbs
WRESTLER holds an opponent's arm so that he or she
“% cannot move a:FOS@ /a'rauz $ a'rouz/ the past tense of ARISE
ar-moire /a:mwa: $ airm'wair/ n[C] AmE a large piece a-round &] (i /o'raund/ adv, prep
of furniture with doors, and sometimes shelves, that you 1surrounding or on all sides of something or someone
hang clothes in [SYN] wardrobe BrE [SYN]round BrE: The whole family was sitting around the
dinner table. | The Romans built a defensive wall around the
ar-mour BrE, armor AmE /'arma $ ‘a:rmar/ n [U] city. |She wore a beautiful silk shawl around her shoulders. |
1 metal or leather clothing that protects your body, worn People crowded around to see what was happening. | We
by soldiers in battles in past times: a knight wearing a suit would hear the birds singing all around us.
of armour 2 a strong metal layer that protects military 2 moving in a circle [SYN] round BrE: A helicopter was cir-
vehicles: armour-clad warships 3 a strong layer or shell cling around, looking for somewhere to land. | They danced
that protects some plants and animals — a chink in sb's around the bonfire.
armour at CHINK'(3), —+ a knight in shining armour at
3 in or to many places or parts of an area [SYN] about BrE:
KNIGHT'(4) He wandered around the streets, looking in shop windows. |
ar-moured Br£, armored AmE /‘a:mad $ ‘a:rmard/ adj There are over 40 radio stations dotted around the country. |
1 armoured vehicles have an outside layer made of metal When | finished college, | travelled around for a while. |Since
to protect them from attack: armored personnel carriers it’s your first day here, would you like me to show you
2an armoured army uses armoured vehicles: an around? | We started looking around for somewhere to live.
armoured division 4a) BrE in an area near a place or person [SYN] round: /s
armoured ‘car n [C] 1a military vehicle with a strong there a bank around here? | When you've been around a
metal cover and usually a powerful gun 2 a car that has person long enough, you start to know how they'll react. | the
 Sd & & = the most frequent words in spoken English

new housing areas in and around Dublin | Catherine was the arrange & ( /s'reindz/ v
most beautiful girl for miles around. b) if someone or some- 1[1,T] to organize or make plans for something such as a
thing is around, they are somewhere in the place where meeting, party, or trip: Contact your local branch to arrange
you are: Why is there never a policeman around when you an appointment. | I'd like to arrange a business loan. |
need one? |Jake went down to the bar, but there was no one arrange to do sth Have you arranged to meet Mark this
around that he knew. | Is your dad around? | The list is weekend? |arrange sth with sb Beth arranged a meeting with
somewhere around. the marketing director. | arrange when/where/how etc We
5 BrE on the other side of something, or to the other side still have to arrange how to get home. |arrange that We had
of it without going through it or over it [SYN] round: /f the arranged that | would go for the weekend. | Matthew arrived
gate’s locked, you'll have to go around the side of the house. | at 2 o'clock as arranged.
There's a door around the back. | She ran around the corner 21,7] to make it possible for someone to have or do
and straight into the arms of John Delaney. something: arrange for sth The company will arrange for a
6 used to say that someone or something turns so that taxi to meet you at the airport. |arrange for sb to do sth Dave
they face in the opposite direction |SYN]round BrE: Rex arranged for someone to drive him home.
spun around and kicked the gun from her hand. | Slowly he 3[T] to put a group of things or people in a particular
turned the boat around towards the open sea. order or position: Ben arranged the flowers in a vase. | The
7 (also around about) used when guessing a number, list is arranged alphabetically. | arrange sth in pairs/groups
amount, time etc, without being exact: There must have etc The children were arranged in lines according to height.
been around 40,000 people in the stadium. | The whole 4[T] to write or change a piece of music so that it is
project will probably cost around $3 million. | Most guests suitable for a particular instrument: arrange sth for sth a
started to make their way home around about ten o'clock. symphony arranged for the piano
ECE Approximate ar ranged ‘marriage n[C,U] a marriage in which your
8 existing [SYN|about BrE: That joke’s been around for parents choose a husband or wife for you
years. | Manson has a reputation as one of the most stylish ar-range-:ment Gq [ /a'reindzmant/ n
designers around. 1{7"NI [C usually plural] plans and preparations that you
9 if something is organized around a particular person or must make so that something can happen: Have you made
thing, it is organized according to their needs, wishes, all your travel arrangements? | [+for] I've agreed to help
ideas etc: Why does everything have to be arranged around with arrangements for the party. | The family made arrange-
what Callum wants to do? | Their whole society was built ments for his body to be flown back.
around their religious beliefs. 2 Qs «[C,U] something that has been organized
10 used to show that someone spends time in a place or agreed on [SYN| agreement: [+between] An arrangement
without doing anything useful [S¥YN]about BrE: I've been between the two couples ensured there was always someone
waiting around all morning. | They could be seen hanging to look after the children. | [+with] The school has an
around street corners, watching the girls go by. arrangement with local businesses. | an arrangement to do
11a way around a difficult situation or problem is a way to sth Maxine cancelled our arrangement to meet.-| come to
solve it or avoid it [SYN)round BrE: We must find a way an/some arrangement (with sb) (=make an agreement that
around these difficulties. | The company is expected to get is acceptable to everyone) It would usually cost $500, but
around this problem by borrowing from the banks. I’m sure we can come to some kind of arrangement. |Pets are
12 to other people or positions [SYN] round BrE: Write your permitted at the resort by prior arrangement.
name on this list and pass it around. | Someone's been 3 [C usually plural] the way in which
moving the furniture around. something is organized: The airport is currently reviewing
13 have been around (a/so have been around the block a few its security arrangements. |domestic arrangements
times) informal a) to have had experience of many differ- 4280 [CU] a group of things that are put in a
ent situations so that you can deal with new situations particular position, or the process of doing this: [+of] the
confidently: You could tell this guy had been around a bit by traditional arrangement of desks in rows | a beautiful flower
the knowing way he talked. b) to have had many sexual arrangement
experiences - used humorously 5 (sm [C] a piece of music that has been written or
14AmE used to show the length of a line surrounding changed for a particular instrument: a piano arrangement
something: Redwood trees can measure 30 or 40 feet of an old folk song
around. —+ ROUND’, —» get around (sth) at GET AROUND(1),
— go around in circles at CIRCLE'(5) (oo) AKoloy-y
alo) fy
around-the-'clock adj [only before noun] ROUND-THE- - VERBS BEE :
CLOCK make arrangements You are advised to make travel
arrangements well in advance.
arousal /a'ravzal/ n [U] excitement, especially sexual
discuss the arrangements We need to discuss the
excitement
wedding arrangements.
arouse /a'rauz/ v [T] 1 arouse interest/expectations etc finalize the arrangements /'m meeting him tomorrow
to make you become interested, expect something etc: to finalize the arrangements.
Matt's behavior was arousing the interest of the neighbors.
2 arouse hostility/suspicion/resentment/anger etc to make
| ADJECTIVES/NOUN + arrangement
someone feel very unfriendly and angry, or suspicious: A alternative arrangements /f the flight is cancelled
great deal of anger was aroused by Campbell's decision. you'll have to make alternative arrangements.
3 to make someone feel sexually excited [SYN] excite: She special arrangements (=particular preparations
felt aroused by the pressure of his body so close to hers. other than those usually made) Please inform us if
4 literary to wake someone: [+from] Anne had to be any guests have disabilities or need any special
aroused from a deep sleep. arrangements.
security arrangements He was in charge of security
ar-peg:gi-o /a:'pedziau $ atr'pedziou/ n (plural arpeg- arrangements for the President's visit.
gios) [C] the notes of a musical CHoRrD played separately financial arrangements |travel arrangements |
but quickly one after the other holiday arrangements BrE |seating/sleeping
arf. (also arr BrE) 1 the written abbreviation of arranged arrangements (=plans for where people will
by: music by Mozart, arr. Britten 2 the written abbreviation sit/sleep)
of arrives or arrival
ar-rang-er /a'reindza $ -ar/ n [C] 1 someone who
ar-raign /a'retn/ v [T] law to make someone come to changes music that has been written by someone else so
court to hear what their crime is: arraign sb on sth Thomp- that it is suitable for a particular instrument or
son was arraigned on a charge of murder. —arraignment n performance 2 someone who arranges things for other
[C,U] people i panty
 {0 (2 OS = the most frequent words in written English 79 arrowroot
ar-rant /‘zrant/ adj formal used to emphasize how bad arrived on the scene, the burglars had fled. “\ Do not say
something is: What arrant nonsense! ‘arrive to’ a place. Say arrive in/at a place: We arrived at
array" /a'ret/ nC] 1 [usually singular] a group of people the station ten minutes early. | The Prime Minister arrives
or things, especially one that is large or impressive: [+of] back in Britain tonight.
a dazzling array of flowers |a bewildering array of options |a 2 PSE if something arrives, it is brought or deliv-
vast/impressive/wide array There was a vast array of col- ered to you [SYN] come: The card arrived on my birthday.
ours to choose from. 2. technical a set of numbers or signs, 3 (aay if an event or particular period of time arrives,
or of computer memory units, arranged in lines across or it happens [SYN] come: When her wedding day arrived, she
down was really nervous.
array” v [T usually passive] 1 literary to wear particular 400) if a new idea, method, product etc arrives, it
clothes, especially clothes of good quality: arrayed in sth begins to exist or starts being used: Since computers
She came in arrayed in all her finery. 2 literary to arrange arrived, my job has become much easier.
something in an attractive way: arrayed on sth make-up 5 arr to be born: Sharon's baby arrived just after
arrayed on the bathroom counter 3 formal to put soldiers in midnight.
position ready to fight 6 arrive at a decision/solution/compromise etc to reach a
ar-¥@ars /a'riez $ a'rirz/ n [plural] 1 be in arrears if some- decision, solution etc after a lot of effort: After much
one is in arrears, or if their payments are in arrears, they consideration, we have arrived at a decision.
are late in paying something that they should pay regu- 7 Sess) sb has arrived used to say that someone has
larly, such as rent: Many people are in arrears with their become successful or famous: When he saw his name
rent. | be four weeks/three months etc in arrears The rent painted on the door he knew he'd arrived!
money is two months in arrears. | fall/get into arrears
(=become late with payments) 2 money that you owe arrive to get to the place you are going to: | arrived
someone because you have not made regular payments at the party at around 7 o'clock. | They were due to
at the correct time: We've got 3 months’ arrears to pay. | arrive home from Spain yesterday.
rent/mortgage/tax arrears He was ordered to pay rent get to arrive somewhere. Get is much more common
arrears of £550. 3 paid in arrears BrE if your salary is paid in in everyday English than arrive: What time do you
arrears, it is paid at the end of the period you have usually get to work? | I'll call you when | get home.
worked: a salary paid monthly in arrears reach to arrive somewhere, especially after a long
ar-rest" [iq /e'rest/ v [7] journey: When we finally reached the port, we were all
Tif the police arrest someone, the person is taken to a very tired.
POLICE STATION because the police think they have done come if someone comes, they arrive at the place
something illegal: He was arrested and charged with where you are: She came home yesterday. | What time
murder. |arrest sb for sth Her father was arrested for fraud. | did the plumber say he'd come?
| got arrested for careless driving. | arrest sb in connection turn up (also show up) jinformal to arrive
with sth Five youths were arrested in connection with the somewhere, especially when someone is waiting for
attack. | arrest sb on charges/suspicion of (doing) sth He you: I‘d arranged to meet Tom, but he never turned up.
was arrested on suspicion of supplying drugs. GRENTTE> roll in informal to arrive somewhere later than you
CATCH should and not seem worried about it: Rebecca
2 formal to stop something happening or to make it hap- usually rolls in around noon.
pen more slowly: drugs used to arrest the spread of the get in to arrive somewhere - used especially about
disease people arriving home, or a plane, train etc arriving at
3 literary if something arrests you or arrests your atten- an airport, station etc: | usually get in at around 6
tion, you notice it because it is interesting or unusual: The o'clock. | What time did your plane get in?
mountains are the most arresting feature of the glen. come in if a plane, train, or ship comes in, it arrives
arrest? n [C,U] when the police take someone away and in the place where you are: We liked to watch the
guard them because they may have done something cruise ships come in.
illegal: The police made several arrests. | A man is under land if a plane or the passengers on it land, they
arrest (=the police are guarding him) following the suspi- arrive on the ground: We finally landed at 2 a.m. |
cious death of his wife. | place/put sb under arrest (=arrest They watched the planes taking off and landing. 22)
someone) | He sued the police for wrongful arrest (=when
someone who is not guilty is arrested). + HOUSE ARREST, ar-ro-gance /‘eragans/ n [U] when someone behaves
in a rude way because they think they are very important:
— cardiac arrest at CARDIAC
| couldn't believe the arrogance of the man!
ar-riv-al i /a'ratval/ n ar-ro-gant /‘eragent/ adj behaving in an unpleasant or
1[C,U] when someone or something arrives somewhere rude way because you think you are more important than
fopp|departure: Only the timely arrival of the police pre- other people: He was unbearably arrogant. | an arrogant
7 _vented the situation from becoming worse. | Traffic problems attitude PROUD —arrogantly adv
ri
account for one third of late arrivals. | [+at/in] Shortly after
ar-ro-gate /‘ragett/ v arrogate (to yourself) sth formal
our arrival in London, Lisa was attacked. |on arrival A deposit
to claim that you have a particular right, position etc,
is payable on arrival (=when you arrive).
without having the legal right to it
2 the arrival of sth a) the time when a new idea, product
etc is first used or discovered: The demand for phone arrow /‘erav $ '‘erou/ n [C] 1a weapon usually made
numbers has increased since the arrival of mobile phones. from a thin straight piece of wood with a sharp point at
b) the time when an event or period of time starts to one end, that you shoot with a BOW 2 a sign in the shape
happen: The arrival of winter can make many people feel of an arrow, used to show direction: Follow the arrows to
depressed. the X-ray department. 4 STRAIGHT ARROW
3[C] someone who has just arrived in a place: New ar-row-head /‘zrevhed $ '‘erov-/ n [C] the sharp
arrivals were greeted with suspicion. |Late arrivals will not be pointed end of an arrow
admitted to the theatre. ar-row-root /‘zraurutt, ‘eraru:t $ 'erou-, 'era-/ n [U] a
Aarrivals the place at an airport where people arrive type of flour made from the root of a tropical American
when they get off a plane: the arrivals lounge plant, used in cooking to make sauces thicker
5 new arrival a baby who has just been born arse” /a:s $ a:rs/ n [C] BrE spoken not polite 1the part of
ar-rive Gy ( /e'rarv/ v [1] your body that you sit on [syN|ass AmE 2 a stupid and
IGG} to get to the place you are going to: annoying person 3 my arse! used to say that you do not
_ Give mea call to let me know you've arrived safely. |[+in/at] believe something 4 get off your arse used to tell someone
What time does the plane arrive in New York? | arrive to stop being lazy and start doing something 5 shift/
late/early He arrived late as usual. | By the time the police move your arse (also get your arse into gear) used to tell
 arsenal 80 GG = words from the Academic Word List

someone to hurry up 6 not know your arse from your elbow ar-te-si-an well /a:ti:zian ‘wel $ arrti:zzan-/ n LC] a WELL
to be stupid and confused about simple things — Ass, from which the water is forced up out of the ground by
—» be a pain in the arse at PAIN'(3), +> SMART ARSE, —> work natural pressure
your arse off at WORK'(30) art form n [Cc] 1a way of expressing ideas, for example
alse? v BrE spoken not polite can't/couldn't be arsed (to do in a painting, dance, piece of writing etc: Music is quite
~ sth) to not do something because you are feeling too lazy unlike any other art form. 2 make/turn sth into an art form to
arse about/around phr v spoken not polite to waste time do something so often that you become very good at it: a
behaving in a silly way instead of doing the things you company that's in danger of turning mismanagement into an
should do art form
arse-hole /‘a:shaul $ ‘a:rshoul/ n [C] BrE spoken not art-ful /a:tfal $ ‘arrt-/ adj 1 clever at deceiving people
polite 1a stupid and annoying person. Do not use this [SYN] cunning: artful tricks 2 designed or done in a clever
word. 2 someone's ANUS and attractive way: artful photographs —artfully adv: art-
‘arse- licker n [Cc] BrE spoken not polite someone who is fully concealed pockets —artfulness n [U]
always very nice to people in authority because he or she Artful 'Dodger, the a young pickpocket (=someone
wants to be liked by them - used to show disapproval who steals things from people's pockets) in the book
—arse-licking n [U] Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens. He protests that he is a
ar-se-nal /‘asanal $ ‘air-/ n [C] 1a large group of ‘victim of society’. People sometimes describe someone
as an ‘artful dodger’ if they refuse to accept responsibility
weapons that someone has: Britain's nuclear arsenal |
[+of] an arsenal of guns 2 a building where weapons are for their actions: The minister was regarded as the artful
stored 3 the equipment, methods etc that someone can dodger of British politics.
use to help them achieve something: a software package ‘art gallery n [Cc] a building where paintings are shown
that’s now part of our arsenal |[+of] He has a whole arsenal to the public
of cameras. ‘art house n [C] a cinema that shows mainly foreign
arsenic /‘a:sanik $ 'a:r-/ n [U] a strong poison. It is a films, or films made by small film companies: art house
chemical ELEMENT: symbol As films
ar-son /'a:san $ ‘a:r-/ n [U] the crime of deliberately ar-thri-tis /a:'rattis $ a:r-/ n [U] a disease that causes
making something burn, especially a building: The school the joints of your body to become swollen and very
was destroyed in an arson attack. FEES crime painful —arthritic /-'Or1ttk/ adj: arthritic fingers
ar-son-ist /‘a:sanist $ 'a:r-/ n [C] someone who com-
ar-ti-choke /a:titfack $
‘arrtst{fouk/ n [C] 1 (also
mits the crime of arson
globe artichoke) a type of
art’ &) Oa /a:t $ a:rt/n round green vegetable,
1[U] the use of painting, drawing, SCULPTURE etc to repre- which has BUDs with leaves
sent things or express ideas: the Museum of Modern Art in that you eat, which are like
New York | an example of early Indian art the PETALS of a flower
2 [plural, U] objects that are produced by art, such as 2 (also Jerusalem arti-
paintings, drawings etc: an art exhibition |an art critic | an choke) a plant that has a
arts and crafts fair | The exhibition features works of art by root like a potato that you
Picasso and Matisse. can eat
3 [U] the skill of drawing or painting: He’s very good at arti-cle Gy fy /attrkol
art. |an art teacher | art college $ 'arr-/ n [C]
4 the arts [plural] art, music, theatre, film, literature etc all
considered together: Government funding for the arts has I]NEWSPAPER/MAGAZINE ME
piece of writing about a
been reduced. particular subject in a
5 arts (also the arts) [plural] subjects you can study that newspaper or magazine:
are not scientific, for example history, languages etc
[+on/about] an article on
—+ humanities
environmental issues | The
6[C,U] the ability or skill involved in doing or making paper's leading article (=the main article) described the
something: Television is ruining the art of conversation. | government as weak. |newspaper articles
Writing advertisements is quite an art (=it is difficult to 2 @2E4aa formal a thing, especially one of a group of
do). |have/get sth down to a fine art (=do something very
things [SYN]item: household articles | She only took a few
well) I’ve got the early morning routine down to a fine art. articles of clothing with her. FEEL THING
art? v old-fashioned or biblical thou art a phrase meaning 3 (2 a part of a law or legal agreement that deals with
‘you are’ a particular point: Article 1 of the constitution guarantees
Art Dec-o / art ‘deka $ ,airt 'dekou/ n [U] a style of art freedom of religion.
and decoration that uses simple shapes and was popular 4 (WIE technical a word used before a noun to show
in Europe and America in the 1920s and 1930s whether the noun refers to a particular example of some-
‘art director n [Cc] someone whose job is to decide on thing or to a general example of something. In English,
how pictures, photographs etc will look in a magazine, ‘the’ is called the definite article and ‘a’ and ‘an’ are called
film, advertisement etc the indefinite article.
5 articles BrE an agreement by which someone finishes
ar-te-fact especially BrE (also artifact especially AmE) their training, especially as a lawyer, by working for a
/'axtsfekt $ 'a:r-/ n [C] an object such as a tool, weapon company
etc that was made in the past and is historically impor- 6 an article of faith something that you feel very strongly
tant: ancient Egyptian artefacts THING about so that it affects how you think or behave
arterial /a:'trarial $. a:r'trr-/ adj 1 involving the arter- arti-cled /a:ttkald $ ‘air-/ adj BrE someone who is
ies: arterial blood 2 [only before noun] an arterial road is articled to a company of lawyers, ACCOUNTANTS etc, is
one of the main roads in a city, country etc employed by that company while they are training to”
ar-ter-i-o-scle-ro-sis /ax,tiariauskl'rausis, $ become a lawyer etc: an articled clerk | [+to] He was
arrttriouskls'rou-/ n [U] a disease in which your arteries articled to a firm of architects.
become hard, which makes it difficult for the blood to ar-tic-u-late’ /a:'trkjglertt $ a:-/ v 1[T] formal to
flow through express your ideas or feelings in words: Many people are
artery /‘a:tari $ ‘a:r-/ n (plural arteries) [C] 1 one of the unable to articulate the unhappiness they feel. 2 [I,T] to
tubes that carries blood from your heart to the rest of pronounce what you are saying in a clear and careful way:
your body —+ veina) — see picture at HUMAN’ 2 a main He was so drunk that he could barely articulate his words.
road, railway line, river etc 3 [1,1] technical if something such as a bone in your body
X49 = words from the Academic Word List 81 aS

is articulated to another thing, it is joined to it in a way art-ist Gy Tp /artist $ ‘a:r-/ n [C]

that allows movement 4 articulate sth with sth formal if 1someone who produces art, especially paintings or
one idea, system etc articulates with another idea, sys- drawings: an exhibition of paintings by local artists
tem etc, the two things are related and exist together: a —+ make-up artist at MAKE-UP(1)
new course that is designed to articulate with the current 2a professional performer, especially a singer, dancer, or
degree course actor: Many of the artists in the show donated their fee to
ar-tic-u-late? /ar'trkjslst $ a:r-/ adj1able to talk easily charity.
and effectively about things, especially difficult subjects 3 informal someone who is extremely good at something:
fopP|inarticulate: bright, articulate 17-year-olds | a highly He’s an artist in the kitchen. ++ CON ARTIST
articulate speaker 2 writing or speech that is articulate is artiste /a:'tist $ a:r-/ n [C] a professional singer,
very clear and easy to understand even if the subject is dancer, actor etc who performs in a show
difficult —articulately adv ar-tis-tic /ar'trsttk $ air-/ adj 1 relating to art or culture:
ar-tic-u-la-ted /a:'ttkjslertid $ a:r-/ adj an articulated artistic work | Opinion about the artistic merit of his paint-
vehicle has two parts joined together to make it easier to ings has been mixed, 2 good at painting, drawing, or pro-
turn ducing beautiful things: John is very artistic. 3 an artistic
ar-tic-u-la-tion /a:ttkj3'lexjan $ a:r-/ n 1 [U] the act of arrangement, design etc looks attractive and has been
making a sound or of speaking words 2 [U] the expres- done with skill and imagination: food presented in an
sion of thoughts or feelings in words: [+of] the articulation artistic way —artistically /-kli/ adv
of ideas 3 [C,U] technical a joint that allows movement artistry /‘a:téstri $ ‘a:r-/ n [U] skill in a particular
ar-ti-fact /a:tifekt $ ‘a:r-/ n [C] especially AmE another artistic activity: the artistry of dance
spelling of ARTEFACT ila. THING art-less /‘attles $ ‘a:rt-/ adj 1 literary natural, honest,
ar-ti-fice /‘a:tis $ 'a:r-/ n formal 1 [U] the use of clever and sincere: artless sincerity 2 formal made or done with-
tricks to deceive someone [SYN] cunning 2 [C] a trick used out any skill: an artless copy of European art —artlessly adv
to deceive someone —=artlessness n [U]
Art Nou-veau /,a:t nur'vau $ airt nu:'vou/ n [U] a style
ar-ti-fi-cial Gy / a:tf1fal<$ a:r-/ adj [usually before noun] of art that used plants and flowers in paintings and in the
Tnot real or not made of natural things but made to be design of objects and buildings, popular in Europe and
like something that is real or natural [SyN] false America at the end of the 19th century
fopp|natural: artificial flowers | artificial light | artificial
fertilizers ‘arts cinema n [C] BrE a cinema that shows mainly
foreign films or films made by small film companies
2 an artificial situation or quality exists because someone
has made it exist, and not because it is really necessary: art-work /a:tw3:k $ ‘airtw3irk/ n 1 [U] drawings and
artificial distinctions |artificial barriers of gender and race photographs that are specially prepared to be in a book,
3 artificial behaviour is not sincere - used to show magazine, or advertisement 2 [C,U] paintings and other
disapproval [opp|genuine: an artificial smile —artificially objects produced by artists
adv: Food prices are being kept artificially low. —artificiality art-y /‘a:ti $ ‘a:rti/ BrE, artsy /'a:tsi $ ‘a:rt-/ AmE adj
/ axtsfrfi'elsti $ arr-/ n [UJ 1 someone who is arty knows a lot about art, film, theatre
etc - often used to show disapproval: He was one of those
arty types. 2 intended for, or used by people who are
artificial not real or natural, but made to look or interested in art, film, theatre etc: an arty film |Paris's arty
work like something real or natural: artificial flowers | Marais district
He was given an artificial heart. art-y-fart-y /,a:ti 'fa:ti« $ arti 'fa:r-/ BrE, art-sy-fart-sy
synthetic made using chemical processes rather / axtsi fastsi $ azrtsi 'fa:r-/ AmE adj informal trying too hard
than by natural processes: synthetic fabrics |a to show that you are interested in art - used to show
synthetic version of the drug disapproval
man-made made by people - used especially about
a-ru-gucla /atru:gjsla $ -gale/ n [U] ROCKET\4)
geographical features and materials: a man-made
lake |man-made fibres Ar-y-an /'earian $ 'er-/ n [C] someone from Northern
fake made to look or seem like something else, Europe, especially someone with BLOND hair and blue
especially in order to deceive people: a fake eyes —Aryan adj
passport |fake fur as" §] (i /ez; strong ez/ prep, adv
imitation made to look like something, but not real - 1used when you are comparing two people, things, situ-
used especially about guns, jewellery, and leather: ations etc: as ... as Tom's not as old as you, is he? | an old
imitation firearms |imitation pearls woman with hair as white as snow |Some of the doctors are
false artificial - used especially about teeth, paid almost twice as much as the nurses. | We work as hard
EYELASHes, and BEARDs: a set of false teeth as any other team in England. | Please let me know your
simulated not real, but made to look, sound, or feel decision as soon as possible (=as soon as you can). |His last
real, especially by means of special computers or album sold half a million copies and we hope this one will be
machines: a simulated space flight just as (=equally) popular.
virtual made, done, seen etc on a computer, rather 2 used to say what job, duty, use, or appearance someone
than in the real world: a virtual tour of the garden or something has: As a parent, ! feel that more should be
done to protect our children. | A flat stone was used as a
artificial insemination n [U] the medical process of table. |Dad dressed up as Santa Claus.
making a woman or female animal PREGNANT by using a 3 used to say what someone thinks or says a person or
piece of equipment, rather than by having sex thing is: The problem is regarded as serious. | The result of
artificial in'telligence n [U] (abbreviation Al) the last week’s election will be seen as a victory for the right-
study of how to make computers do intelligent things wing government. | He’s described as being in his late teens,
that people can do, such as think and make decisions tall, and of slim build.
artificial respi'ration n [(U] a way of making some- Awhen someone was in a particular age group: As a
one breathe again when they have stopped, by blowing young man, Eliot had studied art in Paris. | I'll take you to all
air into their mouth the places | loved as a girl. +>such as at SUCH(2), > as one at
ONE?(16)
ar-til-le-ry /a:'tilari $ ar-/ n 1 [U] large guns, either on
wheels or fixed in one place 2 the artillery the part of the GRAMMAR: as, like, as if/though
army that uses these weapons Use as in comparisons in the expression as ... as, with
ar-ti-san /,a:t3'zen $ ‘a:rtizan/ n [C] someone who does an adjective or adverb in between: Basketball is as
skilled work, making things with their hands popular as football here. |He can't sing as well as his
[SYN] craftsman brother.
 as 82 SJ & & = the most frequent words in spoken English

As is also used after be the same (age/colour etc): He 14 as to sth a) concerning: Frank was very uncertain as to
is the same age as me. whether it was the right job for him. | advice as to which
/\ Do not use as on its own before a noun or suppliers to approach | He kept his rivals guessing as to his
pronoun in comparisons. Use like: A movie is not like real intentions. b) formal used when you are starting to
a book (NOT not as a book). | Like other people (NOT talk about something new that is connected with what
- | as other people), he values his privacy. you were talking about before: As to our future plans, |
Use as if/as though followed by a clause to compare think | need only say that the company intends to expand at a
a real situation to an imaginary situation: He talked to steady rate.
them as if they were children. 15 as it were used when describing someone or something
Z\ Some people use like in this sort of comparison: in a way that is not quite exact: Jim Radcliffe became our
They act like they own the place. However, some idol, as it were, the man we all wanted to be.
people think this is incorrect. 16 as is/was/does etc formal used to add that what you
/\ as if/as though cannot be followed directly by a have said is also true of someone or something else: Eve's
noun: You treat them as if they were your parents (NOT very tall, as was her mother. | | voted Labour, as did my wife.
as if your parents). 17 as you do BrE spoken in the way that people usually do
something or how they normally behave - often used
as? J (i conjunction humorously by people after they have mentioned doing
1used in comparisons: as ... as They want peace as much as something strange or unusual: Wetalked, exchanged email
we do. |Helen comes to visit me as often as she can. | | can’t addresses and phone numbers, as you do on planes. | | was
run as fast as | used to. driving a Ferrari through town yesterday - as you do - when |
2in the way that someone says or that something hap- saw an old school friend outside the cinema. — not as such at
pens, or in the condition something is in: Do as | say! | SUCH(8), —> as well at WELL'(5), —+ as well as at WELL'(6),
We'd better leave things as they are until the police arrive. | —> might (just) as well at MIGHT'(9), + so as to do sth at
The money was repaid, as promised. | He did not need to $07(5)
keep moving house, as his father had. | Roberta was late as
usual (=in the way that she usually was).
ASA, the /e1 es 'er/ (the Advertising Standards Author-
ity) a British organization that controls the advertising
3 used to say that what you are saying is already known
industry in the UK. If people think that an advertisement
or has been stated before: David, as you know, has not been
is offensive or untrue, they can complain to this organiza-
well lately. |As | explained on the phone, your request will be
tion, which can stop the advertisement being used.
considered at the next meeting. | As Napoleon once said,
attack is the best method of defence. asap, ASAP /et es et 'pi:, 'etsep/ the abbreviation of as
4 while or when: | saw Peter as | was getting off the bus. |As soon as possible
time passed, things seemed to get worse. | Just as the two as:bes-tos /es'bestas/ n [U] a grey mineral that does
men were leaving, a message arrived. not burn easily, that was used in the past as a building
5 used to state why a particular situation exists or why material or in protective clothing
someone does something: As it was getting late, | turned ASBO /ezbav $ -bou/ n [C] (anti-social behaviour
around to start for home. | We asked Philip to come with us, order) an official order in Britain which tells someone not
as he knew the road. EER I> BECAUSE to go to particular places or not to see particular people.
6 though: Unlikely as it might seem, I'm tired too. | Try as she The order is given by a court to someone who has been
might, Sue couldn't get the door open. |As popular as he is, found guilty of ANTI-SOCIAL behaviour such aS VANDALISM
the President hasn't always managed to have his own way. (=deliberately damaging things, especially public prop-
7 as for sb/sth used when you are starting to talk about erty) or violence towards other people. If they do not
someone or something new that is connected with what obey the order, they are given a stronger punishment,
you were talking about before: Kitty's got so thin. And as such as being sent to prison.
for Carl, he always seems to be ill. | You can ask the others, as:cend /a'send/ v 1 [1] formal to move up through the
but as for myself, I'll be busy in the office. air descend: The plane ascended rapidly. 2 [T] written
8 as yet [used in negatives] until and including the present to climb something or move to a higher position
time - used to say that something has not happened fopp|descend: Without a word, he began to ascend the
although it may happen in the future: We've had no word stairs.
from Colin as yet.
9 as if .../as though ... a) in a way that makes it seem that REGISTER
something is true or that something is happening: It Ascend is used mostly in literary or technical
sounds as though she’s been really ill. |Gary was behaving as contexts. In everyday English, people usually say
though nothing had happened. | Mrs Crump looked as if she climb or go up: We started to climb the mountain. |She
was going to explode. |Beckworth shook his head as if to say slowly went up the stairs.
‘Don’t trust her’. b) used to emphasize that something is 3 [1] written to lead up to a higher position [opp] descend:
not true or will not happen: She said she’d never speak to The road ascends steeply from the harbour. 4 [1,1] formal to
me again. As if|cared (=| do not care at all). | ‘Don’t try any move to a more important or powerful job: The number of
funny business, now.’ ‘As if|would.’ |As if! spoken informal: women decreases as you ascend the professional hierarchy.
He asked if I'd go out with him. As if (=it is extremely 5 ascend the throne to become king or queen 6 in ascend-
unlikely that | would go out with him)! ing order if a group of things are arranged in ascending
10 it’s not as if used to say that something cannot be the order, each thing is higher, or greater in amount, than the
explanation for a situation or someone's behaviour one before it
because it is not true: Why do they never go on holiday? | as-cen-dan-cy, ascendency /a'sendansi/ n [U] formal a
mean it’s not as if they're poor is it? | |don’t know why you're position of power, influence, or control —+ ascendant:
so frightened of her, it’s not as if she’s got any power over moral ascendancy | [+of] the ascendancy of nationalist
you. forces | [+over] Butler established ascendancy over his
Tlas it is a) because of the situation that actually exists - critics. | He slowly gained ascendancy in the group. | in the
used when that situation is different from what you ascendancy a teaching method that is currently in the-
expected or needed: They hoped to finish the kitchen by ascendancy
Friday, but as it is they'll probably have to come back next
week. b) already: Just keep quiet - you're in enough trouble as:cen-dant', ascendent /a'sendant/ n be in the ascend-
as it is. ant formal to be or become powerful or popular: a political.
12 as from/of sth starting from a particular time or date party that’s in the ascendant
and continuing: As from today, you are in charge of the ascendant?, ascendent adj formal becoming more
office. |As of now, there will be no more paid overtime. powerful or popular: a politically ascendant country
13 as against sth in comparison with something: Profits this as-cen-sion /a'senfan/ n1 the Ascension in the Chris-
year are $2.5 million as against $4 million last year. tian religion, when Jesus Christ left the earth and went to
 () (2 GS = the most frequent words in written English 83 aside
heaven 2 [U] formal when someone moves to a more 2 feeling uncomfortable because someone does some-
important or higher position or job: his ascension to the thing that embarrasses you: [+of] Many children feel
ranks of senior management ashamed of their parents. | ashamed to be/do sth Their
ascent /a'sent/ n1([C usually singular] the act of climb- behaviour makes me ashamed to be British.
ing something or moving upwards [opp] descent: the first
ascent of Everest 2 [C usually singular] a path or way up to
ashamed [not before noun] feeling very sorry and
the top of something, for example a mountain
embarrassed because of something you have done,
descent: a rugged and steep ascent 3 [U] the process
Or someone connected with you has done: You
of becoming more important, powerful, or successful
should be ashamed of yourself. |She felt deeply
than before [SYN] rise [opp] fall: [+to] the President's ascent
ashamed of her son’s behaviour.
to power
humiliated [not before noun] very ashamed and upset,
as-cer-tain /sa'tein $ esar-/ v [1,7] formal to find out because someone has made you look weak or
something [SYN] establish: A postmortem was ordered to try stupid, especially in front of other people: | came out
to ascertain the cause of death. | ascertain whether/what/ of the class feeling humiliated.
how etc Tests were conducted to ascertain whether pollution mortified /'mo:tifard $ 'mo:r-/ extremely ashamed
levels have dropped. | ascertain that Police had ascertained and embarrassed, especially about something you
that the dead man knew his killer. |ascertain sth from sb/sth have done accidentally: She'll be mortified when she
You should ascertain the level of insurance cover from the car realizes her mistake. | a mortified expression
rental company. —ascertainable adj shamefaced showing by the expression on your face
that you are ashamed about something: Paul came
REGISTER
into my office looking shamefaced and apologized for
Ascertain is used mainly in formal or technical
contexts. In everyday English, people usually say find
what he had done.
feel guilty (also feel bad especially spoken) to feel
out: We need to find out exactly what happened before
worried and unhappy because you know that you
we jump to any conclusions.
have done something wrong. Feel bad is more
as:cet-ic /a'settk/ adj living without any physical pleas- informal than feel guilty: He felt guilty about lying to
ures or comforts, especially for religious reasons: an his parents. | | felt bad about letting the team down.
ascetic life —ascetic n [C] —asceticism /-tisizam/ n [U] lose face to lose people's respect for you, especially
ASCII /eski/ n [U] technical (American Standard Code by doing something that makes you look weak or
for Information Interchange) a system used for exchang- stupid in front of other people: He feels he'll lose face
ing information between computers by allowing them to if he admits to his staff that he was wrong.
FG OD OF NEB.) NOOO),
recognize letters, numbers etc in the same way ash-can /‘e{ken/ n[C] Ame old-fashioned a GARBAGE CAN
as:cot /‘eskot $ -kat/ n [C] AmE a wide piece of material ash-en /‘xjan/ adj 1 looking very pale because you are
that a man wears loosely folded around his neck and ill, shocked, or frightened [SYN] white: His face was ashen.
inside his collar [SYN] cravat 2 literary pale grey in colour: ashen hills
as:cribe /a'skratb/ v Ashres, the /‘e{iz/ the name given to the competition
ascribe sth to sb/sth phr v written 1 to claim that some- between the English and Australian cricket teams: Aus-
thing is caused by a particular person, situation etc: The tralia have retained the Ashes for the third year running.
report ascribes the rise-in childhood asthma to the increase in ashore /a'f>: $ a'fo:r/ adv on or towards the shore of a
pollution. 2 to claim that something has been written, lake, river, sea etc [SYN]onshore: come/go ashore Seals
said, made etc by a particular person: a quotation that's come ashore to breed. |Several dead birds had been washed
often been ascribed to Marilyn Monroe 3 to believe that ashore.
something or someone has a particular quality: Local
ash-ram /‘zjram/ n [C] a place where Hindus live
people ascribe healing properties to this fruit. —ascribable
together, away from other people
adj: Most of the accidents were ascribable to the bad
weather. ash-tray /‘e{tret/ n [C] a small dish where you put used
cigarettes — see picture at TRAY
a-sep:tic /er'septrk, a-/ adj technical a wound that is
A-sian" /'eyan, ‘erzan $ ‘erzan, ‘etfan/ n [C]
aseptic is completely clean without any harmful BACTERIA
1 BrE someone from Asia, or whose family originally
[opp] infected
came from Asia, especially India or Pakistan 2 AmE
asexual /ersekjual/ adj 1 technical not having sexual someone from Asia, or whose family originally came
organs or not involving sex: asexual reproduction from Asia, especially from Japan, China, Korea etc
2 a) not having any sexual qualities b) not interested in Asian? adj1 BrE from or relating to Asia, especially India
sex —asexually adv or Pakistan 2 AmE from or relating to Asia, especially
ash /e2{/ n1[C,U] the soft grey powder that remains Japan, China, Korea etc
‘after something has been burned: cigarette ash | The Asian-A'merican n [Cc] an American citizen whose
house burnt to ashes. —+ see picture at VOLCANO family originally came from Asia
2 ashes [plural] a) the ash that remains when a dead
ASIC /erstk/ n [C] technical (application specific inte-
person's body is burned: His ashes were scattered at sea.
grated circuit) a computer CHIP that is specially designed
b) a_ situation in which something is completely
to do one particular job, rather than perform several jobs
destroyed: The organization has risen from the ashes to
as part of a computer's CIRCUIT BOARD
become very successful. | All her hopes and dreams had
turned to ashes. 3 [C,U] a tree that is common in Britain aside" gy [8 /e'sard/ adv
and North America, or the wood from this tree 1kept to be used later: I’ve been setting aside a few pounds
each week. | One of the rooms was set aside for a yoga
Ash ‘Wednesday n [c,U] the first day of Lent class. | Try to set aside a few hours a week for exercise. |
ashamed EE] /efermd/ adj [not before noun] Could you put this cake aside for me?
1feeling very sorry and embarrassed because of some- 2 moved to one side or away from you: He pushed his
thing you have done: [+of/at] | felt ashamed of the things half-eaten salad aside and left. | He stepped aside to let
I'd said to him. |be ashamed to do sth I’m ashamed to admit Katherine go in first. |Mark drew me aside and explained the
_ that I’ve never read any of his books. |ashamed that She felt problem. |She swept her thick hair aside.
ashamed that she had missed her sister's wedding. |deeply/ 3 left to be considered or dealt with later, or not consid-
bitterly/thoroughly ashamed Alan was deeply ashamed ered and dealt with at all: He brushed aside criticisms of his
when he remembered what he’d said. |Everyone cries some- performance. |Leaving aside the heat, we really enjoyed our
times - it’s nothing to be ashamed of. | be/feel ashamed of holiday. | You must put aside your pride and call her.
yourself You should be ashamed of yourself. 4 [only after noun] used to show that something you have
 aside 84 Eq = words from the Academic Word List

» just said is not as important as what you are going to say got hit - he was asking for it.
next: These problems aside, we think the plan should go
ahead. 13 be sb's for the asking informal if something is yours for
5 aside from sb/sth especially AmE a) except for [SYN] apart the asking, you can have it if you want it: The job was hers
from: Aside from Durang’s performance, the actors are ordi- for the asking.
nary. b) in addition to: In the poetry competition, aside from
Hass, are four other entrants.
aside? n [Cc] 1 words spoken by an actor to the people
watching a play, that the other characters in the play do Did you ask about the price? | They asked me a lot of
not hear 2 a remark made in a low voice that you only questions.
intend particular people to hear COMMENT inquire/enquire /1n'kwata §$ -'kwatr/ formal to ask
3 a remark or story that is not part of the main subject of someone for information about something: I’m
a speech: | should add, as an aside, that the younger the writing to inquire about the job that was advertised in
child, the faster they learn. yesterday's ‘Times’.
asinine /'esinain/ adj extremely stupid or silly demand especially written to ask a question in a firm
[syn] ridiculous: What an asinine remark! or angry way: ‘Why didn’t you call me?’, she
demanded.
ask" gy fy /a:sk $ esk/ v interview to ask someone questions, to find out if
160s [!,T] to speak or write to someone in order to they are suitable for a job, or as part of a television
get an answer, information, or a solution: ‘What's your or radio interview: When they interviewed me for the
name?’ she asked. | Don’t ask him - he won't know. | That job, they didn't mention the salary.
kid’s always asking awkward questions, | ask who/what/ poll to officially ask a lot of people in order to find
where etc | asked him where he lived. |ask sb sth We'll have out their opinion on something: Over 1,000 people
to ask someone the way to the station. |ask sb if/whether Go were polled for the report
and ask Tom whether he's coming tonight. | ask (sb) about
sth Visitors usually ask about the history of the castle. | ask
around (=ask in a lot of places or ask a lot of people) /’I/ question/interview to ask someone a lot of
ask around, see if | can find you a place to stay. questions in order to get information about a crime:
2 RITE Zea 1,1] to make a request for help, He was arrested and questioned by the police. |
advice, information etc: Ifyou need anything, you only have Detectives are interviewing the father of the missing
to ask. | ask sb to do sth Ask John to mail those letters girl.
tomorrow. | ask to do sth Karen asked to see the doctor. | interrogate to ask someone a lot of detailed
[+for] Some people find it difficult to ask for help. |ask sb for questions, often in an aggressive way: The men were
sth He repeatedly asked Bailey for the report. | ask (sb) interrogated by the US authorities for over six hours.
if/whether you can do sth Ask your mom if you can come cross-examine to ask someone questions in court
with us. |ask that Was it too much to ask that he be allowed about the statements they made: A second lawyer
some privacy? began to cross-examine the witness.
3G [7] to want a particular amount of money for sb is helping the police with their inquiries formal
something you are selling: How much is he asking? | ask used in news reports when saying that the police are
$50/$1,000 etc for sth He’s asking £2,000 for his car. | asking someone questions about a crime -
They're asking a fortune for that house. especially when they think this person is guilty, but
4 (i (LT usually + adv/prep] to invite someone to your have not yet charged them: He is helping the police
home, to go out with you etc: ask sb to do sth Let’s ask with their inquiries in connection with the murder of
them to have dinner with us some time. | ask sb out (=ask Diane Jones.
someone, especially someone of the opposite sex, to go
to a film, a restaurant etc with you) Jerry's too scared to
ask her out. |ask sb in (=invite someone into your house, ask for to tell someone you want them to give you
office etc) Don’t leave them standing on the doorstep - ask something: I’m going to ask for a pay rise.
them in! |ask sb over/round (=invite someone to come to order to ask for food or drink in a restaurant: We
your home) We must ask our new neighbours over for a ordered some more coffee.
drink. demand to ask for something in a firm way, insisting
5PauE) [T] if you ask something of someone, you that someone gives you what you ask for: They’re
want them to do it for you: It would be better if he demanding immediate payment.
cooperated, but perhaps I’m asking too much. |ask sth of sb request formal to ask for something: The pilot
You have no right to ask anything of me. | Expecting the requested permission to land.
children to do an hour's homework after school is asking a lot beg/plead to ask for something in an urgent way,
of them. because you want it very much and will be very
6 I/you can't/couldn't ask for a better sth (also I/you can't/ unhappy if you do not get it: He begged me for some
couldn't ask for more) used to say that you are very happy money. |I’m not going to plead for forgiveness. \
with what you have or with a situation: | couldn't ask for a nag/pester to keep asking someone for something,
better boss. in an annoying way: She keeps nagging me for a new
7 be asking for trouble to do something that is very likely to \_phone. |People were pestering him for his autograph.
have a bad effect or result: Saying that to a feminist is just
asking for trouble. ask after sb phr v BrE if you ask after someone, you want
8 ask yourself sth to think carefully and honestly about to know whether they are well, what they are doing etc: |
something: You have to ask yourself where your responsibili- spoke to James today. He was asking after you.
ties really lie. ask for sb phr v if you ask for someone, you want to speak
to them: There's someone at the door asking for Dad.
SPOKEN PHRASES ask? na big ask a situation in a sports competition wher
9 if you ask me used to emphasize your own opinion: He’s
someone needs to get a lot of points or do something
Just plain crazy, ifyou ask me.
very difficult in order to win: We need to win the next three
10 don't ask me used to say you do not know the answer
games. It’s a big ask, but I’m confident we can do it.
to something: ‘Where's she gone then?’ ‘Don't ask me!’
11 don't ask used to say that something is too embarrass- askance /a'skens, a'skains $ a'skeens/ adv look askance
ing or strange to explain: ‘What was that woman selling?’ (at sb/sth) if you look askance at someone or something,
‘Don't ask.’ you do not approve of them or think they are good: A
12 be asking for it used to say that someone deserves waiter looked askance at Ellis’s jeans.
something bad that happens to them: It’s his own fault he askew /a'skju:/ adv [not before noun] not quite straight
 Eg = ors from the Academic Word List 85 aspiring
or in the right position: Matilda ran towards us with her hat
askew. deal with an aspect /nternational banks have
‘asking price n [usually singular] the price that someone departments to deal with this aspect of trade.
wants to sell something for — selling price look at/consider/examine an aspect Managers were
a-slant /o'sla:nt $ a'slent/ adj, adv [not before noun] asked to look at every aspect of their work.
formal not straight up or down, but across at an angle discuss an aspect Police are reluctant to discuss any
a-sleep EJ /e'sli:p/ adj [not before noun] aspect of the investigation.
1sleeping [OPP] awake: Quiet! The baby’s asleep. | fast/ concentrate/focus on an aspect |cover all aspects
sound asleep (=sleeping deeply) of sth
2 fall asleep a) to begin to sleep: Grandad fell asleep watch-
ing TV. | One in seven road accidents is caused by drivers the safety/ security aspect the safety aspect of
falling asleep at the wheel (=falling asleep while driving). nuclear power generation
b) literary used to mean that someone dies, when you the health/business/money etc aspect
want to avoid saying this directly
3 half asleep very tired or not completely awake: Still half as-pen /‘espan/ n[C] a type of tree from western North
asleep, Jenny began to make the kids’ breakfast. America with leaves that shake a lot in the wind
4 an arm or leg that is asleep has been in one position for As-per-ger's syn-drome /zsp3:gez sindreum $
too long, so you cannot feel it properly -p3irgerz stndroum/ (also Asperger's) n [U] a mental
5 asleep at the wheel/switch not paying attention to a condition that makes it difficult for a person to form
situation, so that something bad happens: Several publish- relationships, and can make them very interested in one
ers were asleep at the switch, and missed the book's poten- particular thing
tial. + go to sleep at SLEEP?(3)
as:per-i-ty /e'spersti, a-/ n [UJ formal if you speak with
ASLEF /ezlef/ (Associated Society for Locomotive Engi- asperity, you say something in a way that is rough or
neers and Firemen) a TRADE UNION in the UK for workers severe, showing that you are feeling impatient
who drive or operate trains
as-per-sion /a'sp3ifan, -3an $ a'sp3irzan/ n [C] formal an
A/S level /e1'es Jeval/ n [C,U] (Advanced Supplemen- unkind remark or an unfair judgment: No one is casting
tary level) an examination that is taken by students in aspersions on you or your men, Major.
schools in England and Wales the year after they finish
as-phalt /esfalt $ 'esfo:lt/ n [U] a black sticky sub-
their Gcses. Students usually continue with three or four
stance that becomes hard when it dries, used for making
of the same subjects after A/S level, in order to complete
the surface of roads —asphalt v [T]
their A Levels: do/take A/S levels | [+in] I’m taking A/S
levels in French, Spanish, English, and Maths. as:phyx-i-a /es'ftksia, as-/ n [U] formal death caused by
not being able to breathe [SYN] suffocation
asp /esp/ n [C] a small poisonous snake from North
Africa as-phyx-i-ate /es'fiksiert, as-/ v [I,T] formal to prevent
someone from breathing normally, usually so that they
ASP /ex es 'pi:/ n [C] technical (application service die, or stop breathing [SYN|suffocate —asphyxiation
provider) a company that supplies organized sets of com-
/esfiksi'erfan, as-/ n [U]
puter software to other companies so that they can do
business on the Internet as-pic /‘esptk/ n [U] 1a clear brownish Jetty in which
cold meat is sometimes served 2 preserve sth in aspic BrE
as-par-a-gus /a'speragas/ n [U] a long thin green veg- if something has been preserved in aspic, it has not
etable with a point at one end — see picture at VEGETABLE changed for a very long time: a part of town preserved in
ASP bat-on /er es ‘pi: baton, -tn $ -batain/ n [C] a aspic for tourists
type of metal stick that can be made longer, used espe- as-pi-dis-tra /sp!distra/ n [C] an indoor plant with
cially by police broad green pointed leaves
ASPCA, the /er es pi si: 'et/ trademark (the American as-pi-rant /a'spatarant, ‘aspirant $ a'spatr-, 'esp-/ n [C]
Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) a CHARITY formal someone who hopes to get a position of impor-
organization that takes care of animals, especially pets tance or honour
who have been badly treated or are not wanted, and tries
to find new homes for them as:pi-rate’ /‘espirert/ v [T] technical to make the sound
of an ‘h’ when speaking, or to blow out air when pro-
as:pect Gy [a] LG /‘espekt/ n nouncing some CONSONANTS
1[C] one part of a situation, idea, plan ae that has many
as-pi-rate? /‘espirit/ n [C] technical the sound of the
parts: [+of] Dealing with people is the most important
letter ‘h’, or the letter itself
aspect of my work. |Alcoholism affects all aspects of family
life. as:pi-ra-tion /zsp3rerfan/ n 1[C usually plural, UJ a
2{[C] the direction in which a window, room, front of a strong desire to have or achieve something [SYN] ambition:
~ building etc faces: a south-facing aspect a high level of political aspiration | [+of] the aspirations of
3 [singular, U] literary the appearance of someone or the working classes | [+for] their hopes and aspirations for
something: The storm outside gave the room a sinister the future 2 [U] technical the sound of air blowing out that
aspect. happens when some CONSONANTS are pronounced, such
4[C,U] technical the form of a verb in grammar that as the /p/ in ‘pin’
shows whether an action is continuing, or happens as:pi'ra-tion-al /sp!'rerfanal/ adj 1 having a strong
always, again and again, or once: ‘He sings’ differs from ‘He desire to have or achieve something: aspirational young
is singing’ in aspect. women 2 something that is aspirational is wanted by
feo) Kole-ale)hy people because they connect it with wealth or success:
The advertisements had an aspirational look, using silk and
ADJECTIVES pearls.
an important/significant aspect A person's as-pire /a'spare $ a'sparr/ v [1] to desire and work
nationality is an important aspect of their identity.
towards achieving something important: [+to] college
a key aspect (=a very important aspect) There have
graduates aspiring to careers in finance |aspire to do sth At
_ been changes in five key aspects of education. that time, all serious artists aspired to go to Rome.
a positive aspect Describe some of the positive
aspects of technological development. as:pirin /‘esprin/ n (plural aspirin or aspirins) [C,U] a
negative aspect We have to consider tourism's medicine that reduces pain, INFLAMMATION, and fever
negative aspects. as-pir-ing /e'spaterin $ a'spatr-/ adj [only before noun]
_a worrying/disturbing aspect |the hoping to be successful in a particular job, activity, or way
technical/practical/financial etc aspects of life: aspiring young writers | the aspiring middle classes
assail 86 Sd & & = the most frequent words in spoken English

ass /es/ n[C]1 not polite a stupid annoying person ASSEMBLE

[SyN| fool: He’s a pompous ass. | make an ass of yourself
(=do something stupid or embarrassing) 2 AmE not
polite the part of your body that you sit on 3 old use a
DONKEY —> ARSE!, —> get your butt/ass in gear at GEAR'(8),
—» haul ass at HAUL"(5), —+ kick ass at KICK'(8), —> kick sb’s
ass at KICK'(7), > kiss sb's ass at KISS'(6), > be a pain in the
ass at PAIN'(3), + piece of ass at PIECE'(22), + SMART ARSE,
—+ work your ass off at WoRK'(30)
as-Sail /a'serl/ v [1] formal 1 [usually passive] if you are
assailed by unpleasant thoughts or feelings, they worry
or upset you: Carla was suddenly assailed by doubts. 2 if a
strong smell or loud sound assails you, you suddenly
experience it: The smell of rotten meat assailed her nostrils. construct
3 to attack someone or something violently 4 to criticize
someone or something severely: assail sb for sth He was
assailed for gross misconduct.
as-:sar-lant /o'serlant/ n [C] formal someone who
attacks another person [SYN] attacker
as:Sas:sin /a'sesin/ n [C] someone who murders an
important person: Kennedy's assassin is assumed to have
been Lee Harvey Oswald.
as:sas:sin-ate /a'sesinert $ -sanert/ v [T] to murder an
important person: a plot to assassinate the President
> KILL
as:Sas:sin-a-tion /asesinetfan $ asesan'er-/ n [C,U]
the act of murdering an important person: [+of] the COLLECT, MEET 2 [T] to put all the parts of something
assassination of Anwar.Sadat | He narrowly escaped an together: The aircraft will continue to be assembled in
assassination attempt (=when someone tries but fails to France.
kill someone else). —> character assassination at as-sem-bly [fq /a'sembli/ n (plural assemblies) 1 [C] a
CHARACTER(6) group of people who are elected to make decisions or
assault! /a'so:lt $ a'sp:it/ n 1 [C,U] the crime of physi- laws for a particular country, area, or organization: the
cally attacking someone: a case of robbery and assault |for General Assembly of the Church of Scotland | the speaker of
assault He was jailed for assault. | sexual/indecent assault the California state assembly 2 [C,U] the meeting together
victims of indecent assault | [+on/against] sexual assaults of a group of people for a particular purpose: [tof] an
on women | Several soldiers have been charged with assault. assembly of reporters | Police have imposed conditions on
GOLEULT crime 2 [CU] a military attack to take con- public assemblies. |Restrictions on freedom of assembly have
trol of a place controlled by the enemy: [+on] an unsuc- gradually been relaxed. |an assembly point (=a place where
cessful assault on the enemy lines | The refugee camp came people go in a particular situation) 3 [CU] a regular
under assault again last night. | a powerful assault rifle meeting of all the teachers and students of a school
3 [CU] a strong spoken or written criticism of someone 4[U] the process of putting the parts of something
else's ideas, plans etc [Syn] attack: [+on] an assault on the together: instructions for assembly
capitalist system |under assault Traditional family values are as'sembly language n [C,U] technical a computer
increasingly under assault. 4 [C] an attempt to achieve language used in programs that are written to work with
something difficult, especially using physical force: [+on] a specific kind of PROCESSOR
an assault on Mt Everest (=an attempt to climb it)
as'sembly line n [c] a system for making things in a
assault? v [7] 1to attack someone in a violent way: factory in which the products move past a line of workers
Two men assaulted him after he left the bar. | sexually/
who each make or check one part
indecently assault He was found guilty of indecently assault-
ing a student. GIESNTS> attack 2 literary if a feeling, as:sem:bly-mani /o'sembliman/ n (plural assemblymen
sound, smell etc assaults you, it affects you in a way that /-man/) [C] AmE a male member of an assembly
makes you uncomfortable or upset: The noises and smells as-sem-bly-wom-an =/a'sembliwoman/ nn (plural
of the market assaulted her senses. 3 to strongly criticize assemblywomen /-wimin/) [C] AmE a female member of
someone's ideas, plans etc 4 to try to do something very an assembly
difficult: a task force to assault the problems as:sent! /a'sent/ n [U] formal approval or agreement
as,sault and ‘battery n [U] /aw the crime of threat- from someone who has authority: a nod of assent | [+of]
ening to attack someone physically and then attacking the assent of the Board of Governors |[+to] Parliament gave
them its assent to war.
as'sault course n [C] BrE an area of land with special assent? v [1] formal to agree to a suggestion, idea etc
equipment to climb, jump over, run through etc that is after considering it carefully: [+to] They assented to his
used for developing physical strength, especially by request to work from home.
soldiers [SYN] obstacle course AmE as-sert /a'ss:t $ -3:rt/ v [T] 1 to state firmly that some-
as-Say /o'se1/ v [T] to test a substance, especially a thing is true: French cooking, she asserted, is the best in the
metal, to see how pure it is or what it is made of —assay world. | assert that He asserted that nuclear power was a
/a'set, ‘eset $ ‘eset, e'set/ n [C] safe and non-polluting energy source. 2 assert your rights/
as-sem-blage /a'sembl1d3/ n formal 1[C] a group of independence/superiority etc to state very strongly your
things collected together: [+of] a unique assemblage of right to something: Native Americans asserting their rights,
wildlife 2 [U +of] when parts are put together in order to to ancestral land 3 assert yourself to behave in a deter-
make something mined way and say clearly what you think: Women began
as-sem-ble [fq /a'sembal/ v 1[1,7] if you assemble a to assert themselves politically. 4 assert itself if an idea or
large number of people or things, or if they assemble, belief asserts itself, it begins to influence something:
they are gathered together in one place, often for a National pride began to assert itself.
particular purpose: A large crowd had assembled outside as:ser-tion /o's3ifan $ -31r-/ n [C] something that you
the American embassy. |He looked around at the assembled say or write that you strongly believe: assertion that the
company (=all the people who had come there). |She had assertion that house prices are falling |[+of] her assertion of
assembled a collection of her favourite songs. independence | [+about] her assertions about the murder of
(0 (2 TS = the most ae words in written SN 87 assistant professor
her father | She makes very general assertions about mar- 4[C] something such as a place to sit, piece of equip-
riage in the poem. CLAIM ment etc that you are given to use for a particular
as-ser-tive /o's3:ttv $ -3:r-/ adj behaving in a confident purpose: an aeroplane seat assignment
way, so that people notice you CONFIDENT as-sim-i-late /e'stmilert/ v 1 [T] to completely under-
—assertively adv —assertiveness n [U]: assertiveness stand and begin to use new ideas, information etc
training (SYN| absorb: /t will take time to assimilate all these facts.
2 [1,1] if people assimilate, or are assimilated into a
as:sess &] (0) EG /a'ses/ v [7] country or group, they become part of that group and are
1to make a judgment about a person or situation after accepted by the people in that group: [+into] Refugees
thinking carefully about it [SYN| judge: assess the impact/ find it difficult to become assimilated into the community.
extent/effectiveness etc of sth a report to assess the impact
of advertising on children | assess what/how etc The tech-
as:sim:i-la-tion /asim#leyfan/ n1[U + of] the process
of understanding and using new ideas 2 [U + into] the
nique is being tried in classrooms to assess what effects it
process of becoming an accepted part of a country or
may have. | be assessed as sth Many of the adults were
group
assessed as having learning difficulties.
2 to calculate the value or cost of something: be assessed assist" & [8 LG /e'sist/ v formal
at sth The value of the business was assessed at £1.25 million. 1[1,T] to help someone to do something: assist (sb)
with/in sth You will be employed to assist in the development
as-sess-ment § (1 Gq /e'sesmant/ n [C,U] of new equipment. Z\ Do not say ‘assist someone to do
1a process in which you make a judgment about a person something’. Say assist someone with something or assist
or situation, or the judgment you make: [+of] What's someone in doing something: The teacher assists the chil-
Michael's assessment of the situation? | a reading assess- dren with their tasks. | someone who can assist them in
ment test planning their careers GEES A > HELP
2a calculation about the cost or value of something: a tax 2 [T] to make it easier for someone to do something: They
assessment —> continuous assessment at CONTINUOUS(3) had no maps to assist them.
as:Ses:Sor /a'sesa $ -ar/ n [C] 1 someone whose job is
REGISTER )
to calculate the value of something or the amount of tax
In everyday English, people usually say help rather
someone should pay 2 BrE someone who decides how
than assist: We'll help in any way we can. | They have
well someone has done in an examination [SYN] examiner
special software to help them process invoices.
3 someone who knows a lot about a subject or activity
and who advises a judge or an official committee assist? n [Cc] an action that helps another player on
as-set /‘zset/ n [C] 1 [usually plural] the things that a your sports team to make a point
company owns, that can be sold to pay debts: in assets a as:sist-ance fy [4 Lg /e'sistans/ n [U] help or sup-
corporation with $9 billion in assets | the value of a compa- port: We offer financial assistance to students. | Can | be of
ny’s assets 2 [usually singular] something or someone that any assistance (=can | help you)? | with the assistance of
is useful because they help you succeed or deal with sb/sth We've rebuilt the theatre with the assistance of the
problems liability: A sense of humor is a great asset in National Lottery.
this business. |be an asset to sb/sth | think Rachel would be COLLOCATIONS
an asset to the department. — FIXED ASSETS, LIQUID ASSETS
‘asset Stripping n-[U] the practice of buying a com- need assistance Phone this number ifyou need any
pany cheaply and then selling all the things it owns to assistance.
make a quick profit - used to show disapproval get/receive assistance She got no assistance from her
asshole /zshaul $ -houl/ n [C] AmE spoken not polite family.
1someone who you think is stupid and annoying seek assistance /f side-effects are severe, seek medical
[SYN] arsehole BrE 2 the ANUS assistance.
as-sid-u-ous /3' stdjuas $ -dzuas/ adj formal very careful give (sb) assistance Our staff can give assistance with
to make sure that something is done properly or any problems that may arise.
completely [SYN] meticulous: [+in] He was assiduous in his offer assistance | would be grateful for any assistance
attendance at church. —assiduously adv: Even young chil- you can offer.
dren worked assiduously for a reward. —assiduity provide assistance |pledge/promise assistance |
/ essdjussti $ -'du:-/ n [U] ask for/request assistance

as-sign [q /a'sain/ v [1] 1 to give someone a particular ADJECTIVES

job or make them responsible for a particular person or financial assistance The company may also provide
thing: assign sb a task/role I’ve been assigned the task of financial assistance.
looking after the new students. |assign sb to sth Jan’s been economic assistance humanitarian aid and other
assigned to the Asian Affairs Bureau, | assign sb to do sth forms of economic assistance
Madison was assigned to investigate a balloon accident. | technical assistance Most of our time is spent
assign sb sth Assign each student a partner. 2 to give a providing technical assistance to companies.
particular time, value, place etc to something: How much legal/medical assistance |wend tl See
time have you assigned for the meeting? |assign sth to sth A “PHRASES | Hee Mean Ga en eae ee
code was assigned to each batch of work. 3 to give money,
be of Ree vehelp) ne can ie a7 STARE
equipment etc to someone to use: assign sth to sb A
to you?’ she asked.
personal bodyguard had been assigned to her. |assign sb sth
come to sb’s assistance (=help someone) One of
They assigned me. a small room.
her fellow passengers came to her assistance.
as-sig-na-tion /esigineyfan/ n [C] formal a secret turn to sb for assistance (=ask them to help)
meeting, especially with someone you are having a
romantic relationship with - often used humorously as:sis-tant! /o'sistant/ adj assistant manager/director/
cook etc someone whose job is just below the level of
as-sign-ment J Lg /a'sainmant/ n manager etc
1[C,U] a piece of work that is given to someone as part of
their job: on an assignment She’s gone to Italy on a special assistant? 3 n [c]
assignment. |on assignment He was killed while on assign- 1someone who helps someone else in their work, espe-
ment abroad. cially by doing the less important jobs: a clerical assistant
2[C] a piece of work that a student is asked to do: a 2 BrE a SHOP ASSISTANT —> PERSONAL ASSISTANT
history assignment assistant pro'fessor n [C] the lowest rank of pRores-
3 [U] when people are given particular jobs to do sor at an American university
assisted reproduction 88 Ea = words from the Academic Word List

assisted repro duction n[u] medical methods that [+of] a wide assortment of friends | an odd assortment of
are used to help a woman have a baby knives and forks
as sisted ‘suicide n [CU] when a doctor or someone asst. (also asst BrE) the written abbreviation of assistant
else helps a person who is very ill to kill themselves in as:SUage /a'sweidz/ v [T] literary to make an unpleas-
order to end their suffering —+ euthanasia ant feeling less painful or severe [SYN] relieve: Nothing
aS:SizZ-@S /a'sa1ziz/ n [plural] old use a meeting of a court could assuage his guilt.
in which a judge who travelled to different towns in assume &] (a Gg /a'sju:m $ a'surm/ v [7]
Britain dealt with cases 1to think that something is true, although you do not
assn. (also assn BrE) a written abbreviation of associa- have definite proof [SYN] presume: assume (that) | didn’t
tion see your car, so | assumed you'd gone out. | it is/seems
ASSOC. (also assoc BrE) a written abbreviation of associa- reasonable to assume (that) /t seems reasonable to assume
tion that the book was written around 70 AD. | | think we can
safely assume (=it is almost certain) that interest rates will
as:so:ci-ate’ By fa /a'savfiert, a'sausi- $ a'sou-/ v go up again soon. | let us/let's assume (that) (=used when
1[T] to make a connection in your mind between one thinking about a possible event or situation and its possi-
thing or person and another: associate sb/sth with sth / ble results) Let us assume for a moment that we could
don’t associate him with energetic sports. indeed fire her. Should we? | When it got to midnight and
2 be associated (with sb/sth) a) to be related to a particu- Paul was still not back, | began to assume the worst (=think
lar subject, activity etc: problems associated with cancer that the worst possible thing had happened).
treatment b) (also associate yourself with sb/sth) to 2 assume control/responsibility etc formal to start to have
show that you support someone or something: He did not control, responsibility etc or to start in a particular posi-
associate himself with the pro-democracy movement. tion or job: Whoever they appoint will assume responsibility
REGISTER for all financial matters. |He assumed power in a bloody coup
In everyday English, people usually say something in 1990. |Jim Paton will assume the role of managing direc-
comes with or goes with something rather than is tor.
associated with it: There are some problems that go 3 assume a manner/air/expression etc formal to behave ina
with this way of doing things. way that does not show how you really feel, especially in
order to seem more confident, happy etc than you are
3 associate with sb to spend time with someone, espe- SYN] put on: Andy assumed an air of indifference whenever
cially someone that other people disapprove of: | don’t like her name was mentioned.
these layabouts you're associating with. Ato start to have a particular quality or appearance
as-so:ci-ate? /a'saufitt, a'sausi- $ a'sou-/ n [C] someone SYN] take on: These relationships assume great importance in
who you work or do business with [SYN] colleague: one of times of crisis. |The problem is beginning to assume massive
his business associates proportions.
associate* adj associate member/director/head etc 5 to be based on the idea that something else is correct
someone who is a member etc of something, but who is SYN] presuppose: assume (that) The theory assumes that
at a lower level and has fewer rights both labour and capital are mobile. | Coen's economic fore-
as sociated ‘company n [C] a company of which 20 cast assumes a 3.5% growth rate. + ASSUMING
to 50 per cent of the SHARES are owned by another as sumed ‘name n [Cc] if you do something under an
company assumed name, you do it using a name that is not your
Associate of ‘Arts (also as'sociate degree) n [C] real name [SYN] pseudonym: He’s been living in Peru under
Ame a degree given after two years of study at a COMMU- an assumed name.
NITY COLLEGE in the US as-sum-ing [EQ /e'sjurmin $ a'su:-/ (also as'suming that)
conjunction used when talking about an event or situation
as,sociate professor n [C] a proressor at an Ameri-
that might happen, and what you will do if it happens:
can university whose job is above the level of ASSISTANT
Assuming that you get a place at university, how are you
PROFESSOR and below the level of PROFESSOR
going to finance your studies?
as:so-ci-a-tion Ee /asavsi'erfan, asavfi- $ asou-/ n
1[C] an organization that consists of a group of people
as-:sump-tion Gy [@ Gg /e'sampfen/ n
1[C] something that you think is true although you have
who have the same aims, do the same kind of work etc:
no definite proof + assume: [+that] A Jot of people make
the Association of Master Builders > HOUSING ASSOCIATION
the assumption that poverty only exists in the Third World. |
GEES ORGANIZATION
My calculations were based on the assumption that house
2[C,U] a relationship with a particular person, organiza-
prices would remain steady. | [+about] People make a lot of
tion, group etc: [+with] his close association with the Green
assumptions about me.
Party
2[U] formal when someone starts to have control or
3in association with sb/sth made or done with another
power: [+of] the assumption of responsibility
person, organization etc: concerts sponsored by the Arts
Council in association with local businesses ~ COLLOCATIONS
4[C] a connection or relationship between two events,
ideas, situations etc; [+between] the strong association make an assumption Vou re making a lot of
between the disease and middle-aged women assumptions for which you have no proof.
5[C] a feeling or memory that is related to a particular be based on/rest on an assumption Our plans were |
place, event, word etc: Scotland has all kinds of happy based on the assumption that everyone would be willing
associations for me. to help.
association football n (u] Br£ FooTBALL work on an assumption (=act according to
as-so:cia-tive /a'savfativ, a'sausie- $ a'sou-/ adj techni- something that may not be true) The police seemed
cal reminding you of something else: the brain's ability to to be working on be assataRtion age hewas guilty
form associative links between different things
ADJECTIVES —_ iE
asso-nance /‘esanans/ n [U] technical similarity in the
a feazonable/valid assunaption This seeHtae like a
vowel sounds of words that are close together in a poem,
reasonable assumption.
for example between ‘born’ and ‘warm’ a common/general/widespread assumption [here's
as:sort-ed /a'so:tid $ -ow-/ adj of various different a common assumption that science is more difficult
types: paintbrushes in assorted sizes | assorted vegetables than other subjects.
—» ILL-ASSORTED a basic/fundamental/underlying assumption There
as-sort-ment /a'so:tmant $ -o1r-/ n [C] a mixture of is a basic assumption in international law that a state
different things or of various kinds of the same thing: will protect its citizens.
(QQ = words from the Academic Word List astute
a correct assumption Many people acted on the as-ton-ish-ing /a'stonifin $ a'sta:-/ adj so surprising
correct assumption that interest rates would rise. that it is difficult to believe [SYN] amazing: an astonishing
a wrong/false/mistaken assumption | decision | their astonishing success REELUL I> SURPRISING
an underlying assumption (=a belief that is used —astonishingly adv: an astonishingly good voice
as the basis for an idea, but which may not be as-ton-ish-:ment /a'stoni/mant $ a'sta:-/ n [U] com-
correct) |a tacit/unspoken assumption (=one that plete surprise [SYN] amazement: in astonishment She stared
no one says aloud) |a questionable assumption at him in astonishment. |to sb's astonishment To my aston-
(=one that is likely to be wrong) ishment, the car was gone.
as-tound /a'staund/ v [7] to make someone very sur-
as:sur-ance LY /afverans $ a'fur-/ n 1[C] a promise prised or shocked [SYN]astonish: The judge's decision
that something will definitely happen or is definitely true, astounded everyone.
made especially to make someone less worried: Despite as-tound-ed /a'staundid/ adj very surprised or shocked
my repeated assurances, Rob still looked very nervous. | [SYN] astonished: [+by/at] She was astounded by his
give/seek/receive an assurance (that) He gave an assurance arrogance. RTL SURPRISED
that the work would be completed by Wednesday. 2 [U] a
as-tound-ing /a'staondin/ adj so surprising that it is
feeling of calm confidence about your own abilities, or
almost impossible to believe [SYN] astonishing: The concert
that you are right about something: the calm assurance
was an astounding success. fiRIScL5> SURPRISING
with which she handled the horse | ‘Jack will never agree to
—astoundingly adv: astoundingly beautiful scenery
that,’ he said with assurance. 3 [U] BrE technical insurance,
especially to provide money when someone dies as-tra‘khan /stra‘ken< $ 'estrakan/ n [U] curly black
[SYN]insurance AmE — LIFE ASSURANCE or grey fur used for making coats and hats
as-tral /‘estral/ adj1 relating to ideas and experiences
as-sure Gy (8 Lg /efva $ afur/ v [T] connected with the mind and spirit rather than the body:
1to tell someone that something will definitely happen or out-of-body experiences and astral travel 2 relating to the
is definitely true so that they are less worried stars
[SYN] reassure: assure sb that Her doctor has assured us that
astray /a'stret/ adv 1 go astray a) to be lost or stolen:
she'll be fine. | The document is genuine, | can assure you. |
The letter had gone astray in the post. b) if a plan or action
assure sb of sth The dealer had assured me of its quality.
goes astray, it goes wrong: The best-laid plans can go
— rest assured at REST7(5) PROMISE
astray. 2 lead sb astray a) to encourage someone to do
2 to make something certain to happen or to be achieved
bad or illegal things that they would not normally do: The
fSyNjensure: Excellent reviews have assured the film's
older boys led him astray. b) to make someone believe
success. | assure sb (of) sth A win on Saturday will assure
something that is not true: /t’s easy to be led astray by the
them of promotion to Division One.
reports in the papers.
3 assure yourself formal to check that something is cor-
rect or true: assure yourself that Tim waited a moment to a-stride /a'stratd/ adv, prep 1 with one leg on each side
assure himself that he was not being followed. | [+of] | took of something: a photograph of my mother sitting astride a
steps to assure myself of her guilt. horse 2 on both sides of a river, road etc: The ancient town
4 the sum assured formal the amount of insurance money of Bridgwater, astride the River Parrett, is an ideal touring
to be paid out when someone dies centre.
as-trin-gent! /a'strindgant/ adj1an astringent liquid is
assured /aifoad $ aford/ adj 1 confident about your able to make your skin less oily or stop a wound from
own abilities [SyN]self-assured: an assured manner 2. be
bleeding 2 criticizing someone very severely: astringent
assured of sth if you are assured of something, you will
remarks 3 having a sharp acid taste —astringency n [U]
definitely get it or achieve it: His victory means that he is
now assured of a place in the final. 3 certain to happen or to astringent? n [CU] technical a liquid used to make
be achieved: Her political future looks assured. 4 the your skin less oily or to stop a wound from bleeding
assured BrE technical someone whose life has been astro- /estrau, -tra $ -trou, -tra/ prefix relating to the
insured stars, the PLANETS, or space: an astronaut (=someone who
travels in space) | astronomy (=scientific study of the
as-sur-ed-ly /afuaridli $ afor-/ adv formal definitely or stars)
certainly: |!am most assuredly in favour.
as-trol-o-ger /a'stroladza $ a'stra:ladzar/ n [C] some-
as-te-risk /‘estartsk/ n [C] a mark like a star (*), used one who uses astrology to tell people about their charac-
especially to show something interesting or important ter, life, or future
—asterisk v [T]
as:trol-o-gy /a'stroladzi $ a'strar-/ n [U] the study of the
a-stern /a'st3in $ -31rn/ adv in or at the back of a ship positions and movements of the stars and how they
as:te-roid /starstd/ n [C] one of the many small might influence people and events -+ astronomy
PLANETS that move around the Sun, especially between —astrological / estra'lodztkal< $ -la:-/ adj
Mars and Jupiter as:tro-naut /‘estrano:t $ -npo:t, -na:t/ n [C] someone
who travels and works in a spacecraft
asth-ma /‘esme $ 'ezme/ n [U] a medical condition
that causes difficulties in breathing as-tron-o-mer /a'stronama $ a'strarnamar/ n [C] a sci-
entist who studies the stars and PLANETS
asth-mat-ic /esmetik $ ez-/ n [C] someone who
suffers from asthma —asthmatic adj: My son’s asthmatic. |
as-tro-nom-i-cal /zstra'nomikale =$ -!na:-/ adj
1 informal astronomical prices, costs etc are extremely
an asthmatic attack
high EXPENSIVE 2 [only before noun] relating to
as-tig-ma-tis:‘m /a'stigmatizam/ n [U] difficulty in the scientific study of the stars —astronomically /-kli/
seeing clearly that is caused by a change in the inner adv: astronomically high rents
shape of the eye as-tron-o-:my /a'stronami $ a'stra:-/ n [U] the scientific
as-ton-ish /o'stonr{ $ a'sta:-/ v [T] to surprise someone study of the stars and PLANETS — astrology
very much [S¥N] amaze: Her reply astonished me. | It aston- as-tro-:phys:ics /zstrau'fiziks $ jestra-, -trou-/ n [U]
ished him that she had changed so little. |What astonishes the scientific study of the chemical structure of the stars
me most is his complete lack of fear. and the forces that influence them —astrophysicist
as-ton-ished /a'stonyt $ a'sta:-/ adj very surprised /-fizsssst/ n [C]
about something [SYN]amazed: astonished to see/find/ As-tro-Turf /‘estravuta:f $ -troutsirf/ n [U] trademark an
hear/learn etc We were astonished to find the temple still in artificial surface like grass that sports are played on
its original condition. | [+by/at] | was astonished by the as-tute /a'stju:t $ a'stu:t/ adj able to understand situa-
result. | astonished (that) /’m astonished that you should tions or behaviour very well and very quickly, especially
even think such a thing! SURPRISED so that you can get an advantage for yourself [SYN] clever:
asunder 90 Si] & & = the most frequent words in spoken English

an astute politician | astute investments —astutely adv 13 used to say what someone tries to do: the student's first
—astuteness n [U] attempt at a piece of research | They were so beautiful that |
a-sun-der /a'sanda $ -ar/ adv literary be torn/split/rent decided to have a go at growing them.
etc asunder to be torn violently apart or destroyed: a 14 because of what someone has said: Chapman visited
nation torn asunder by internal conflicts Austria at the invitation of his friend, Hugo Meisl. | At my
suggestion, Bernard went to see his former teacher.
a:sy-lum /e'satlam/ n 1[U] protection given to some- 15 while I'm/you're etc at it spoken used to suggest that
one by a government because they have escaped from someone should do something while they are doing
fighting or political trouble in their own country: apply something else: I’m just going for a cup of coffee. Shall |
for/seek/be granted asylum He has been granted asylum in bring you one while I'm at it?
France, — POLITICAL ASYLUM 2 [C] old use a MENTAL HOSPITAL 16 be at it again informal if you say that someone is at it
a'sylum seeker n [C] someone who leaves their own again, you mean that they are doing something you
country because they are in danger, especially for politi- disapprove of, which they have done before: She's at it
cal reasons, and who asks the government of another again, interfering in other people's business.
country to allow them to live there — refugee: The govern- 17 at that a) also or besides: /t’s a new idea, and a good one,
ment halted its policy of returning Zimbabwean asylum seek- at that. b) after something is said: Tess called him a liar and
ers to their homeland. at that he stormed out of the room.
a-sym-met-ri-cal /ets!metrikel/ (also a-sym-met-ric 18 be where it’s at old-fashioned infarmal used to say that a
/-'metrtk</) adj 1 having two sides that are different in place or activity is very popular, exciting, and fashionable
shape [OPP] symmetrical: asymmetrical patterns 2 formal —» at all at ALL'(6)
not equal [opp] symmetrical —asymmetrically /-kli/ adv GRAMMAR: at, in, on )
—asymmetry /er'sim3tri/ n [U] Talking about time
a-symp-to-mat-ic /estmptemetik, e1- $ e1-/ adj medi- Use at
cal if someone or the illness that they have is asympto- - with clock times: at one o'clock | at 6.30
matic, the illness has no physical signs - with points of time in the day: at midnight | at
a-syn-chro-nous /er'sinkranas/ adj technical asynchro- noon | at dawn |at sunset
nous computer processes happen at different times or - with holiday periods, meaning the few days around
rates . the holiday: at Easter | at Diwali
- with weekend, in British English: See you at the
at §] (a /et; strong et/ prep weekend! |At weekends we go out.
1used to say exactly where something or someone is, or Use in
where something happens: They live at 18 Victoria Street. | - with parts of the day: in the morning |in the
Does this train stop at Preston? | | was waiting at the bus evening | | never watch TV in the daytime.
stop. |Liz and her friend sat down at a corner table. |Turn left - with months, seasons, years, and centuries: in
at the church. | We'll meet at Harry's (=at Harry's house). | May | in the summer | in 2004 | in the 21st century
I spent an unpleasant hour at the dentist's. | Dad‘s at work Use on
(=in the place where he works). | at the top/bottom/end - with dates and specific days: on 29th July |on
etc (of sth) At the top of the stairs, she paused. Tuesday afternoons | on the last day of term
2 used to say what event or activity someone is taking - with weekend, in American English: We sometimes
part in: | met my wife at a disco. | The matter was discussed go there on weekends.
at a meeting of the finance committee. | I'm sorry, Pam's at Talking about position and place
lunch just now. Use at
3 used to say that someone is studying somewhere regu- - with particular positions or places: at the end of the
larly: [s Jessica still at school? | Hulme was a student at corridor | at the back of the room |at the corner of the
Oxford in the 1960s. street
4 used to say exactly when something happens: The film - to mean ‘next to’ or ‘beside’: She sat at her desk. |
starts at 8 o'clock, He stopped me at the door.
5 during a particular period of time: My husband often - with words for buildings, for example airport,
works at night. | We go to Midnight Mass at Christmas. university, restaurant, art gallery: at the airport |at the
6 used to say which thing or person an action is directed Lyceum theatre
towards or intended for: He gazed up at the sky. | You don’t - with city or place names, when you are talking
have to shout at me. | The older girls used to throw stones at about stopping during a journey: Does this train stop
me. | The course is aimed at those aged 16 or over. at Watford?
7 used to say what or who causes an action or feeling: /A\ BUT otherwise use in - see below
The children all laughed at his jokes. | I'm surprised at you! | Use in
Dad got really mad at me for scratching the car. |her distress - with a position or place, when something or
at having to leave someone is inside a larger thing such as a room: in
8 used to say which subject or activity you are talking the bath |in the kitchen |in the garden |in the doorway,
about when you say whether someone is skilful, success- - with cities, counties, states, and countries: When
ful etc or not: Barbara's getting on really well at her new will you arrive in Tokyo? | He lives in Germany. |She's
job. |good/bad etc at (doing) sth /’ve always been good at working in California.
maths. | Matt's bad at handling people. | He’s an expert at - with the names of squares, plazas etc: in Times
making things out of junk. Square
9 used to say that someone or something is in a particu- Use on
lar state: two nations at war | Many children are still at risk - with a position or place, when one thing is
from neglect or abuse. attached to or touching another: a spot on the end of
10 used to show a price, rate, level, age, speed etc: old her nose |He hung his jacket on the back of a chair.
books selling at 10 cents each | You should have more sense You can use either in or on with street names in
at your age. | The Renault was travelling at about SO mph. | British English. In American English, use on: in Oxford
Amanda rode off at a gallop. Street |on the High Street |on 42nd Street |on —
11 at your best/worst/most effective etc used to say that, at Broadway
a particular time, someone or something is as good, bad
etc as they can be: The garden is at its best in June. | This at-a-vis-tic /zta'visttk</ adj formal atavistic feelings
was Federer at his most powerful. are very basic human feelings that people have felt since
12 used to say what someone tries to touch, or keeps humans have existed . ;
touching: | clutched at the rope. |George was just picking at
his food. |Sarah took another sip at her wine. ate /et,ert $ ert/ the past tense of EAT
(i (2 GS = the most frequent words in written English 91 attach
-ate /4t, ext/ suffix 1 [in adjectives] full of or showing a atom /'etam/ n [Cc]
particular quality: affectionate (=showing love) 1the smallest part of an
2 [in verbs] to make something have a particular quality: ELEMENT that can exist neutron
activate (=make something start working) | regulate alone or can combine with
(=control something or make it regular) 3 [in nouns] a other substances to form a
group of people with particular duties: the electorate MOLECULE: carbon atoms |
(=voters) 4 [in nouns] the job, rank, or degree of a par- [+of] two atoms of
ticular type of person: She was awarded her doctorate hydrogen 2a very small /
(=PHD). 5 [in nouns] a chemical salt formed from a par- amount of something - || |
ticular acid: phosphate —-ately /3tli/ [in adverbs]: fortu- used for emphasis: [+of] | |
nately There isn't an atom of truth \ \
a-tel-i-er /s'telier $ etal'jet/ n [C] a room or building in it. \ ~
where an artist works studio atomic /stomk $
a-the-is«m /'e10i-1zam/ n [U] the belief that God does a'ta:-/ adj 1 relating to the
not exist —+ agnosticism (agnostic) —atheist n [C] energy produced by split-
—atheistic /,e1@i'tsttk</ adj ting atoms or the weapons
ath-lete /e6li:t/ n [C] 1 someone who competes in that use this energy:
sports competitions, especially running, jumping, and atomic power | an atomic
throwing: a professional athlete 2 someone who is good at submarine 2 relating to the
sports and who often does sports: | was a natural athlete atoms in a substance: atomic weight
as a kid. atomic ‘bomb (aiso ‘atom bomb) n [C] a NUCLEAR
,athlete’s ‘foot n [U] a medical condition in which the bomb that splits atoms to cause an extremely large
skin between your toes cracks explosion
ath-let-ic /zOlettk, 30-/ adj 1 physically strong and atomic ‘energy n (U] NUCLEAR energy
good at sport: a tall athletic man 2 [only before noun] atomic ‘number n [u] technical the number of pro-
relating to athletics: athletic ability TONs in the NUCLEUS (=central part) of an atom
ath-let-i-cis-m /z0lletistzam, 20-/ n [U] the ability to at-omize (also -ise BrE) /‘etamaiz/ v [T] 1 to make a
play sports or do physical activities well substance change into ATOMs 2. especially AmE to divide
ath-let-ics /zo'lettks, 90-/ n [U] 1 BrE sports such as something so that it is no longer whole or united: a society
running and jumping [SYN|track and field) AmE that has become atomized
2 Am physical activities such as sports and exercise at-om-izer (also -iser BrE) /‘etamaiza $ -ar/ n [C] a
-athon /s0en $ a0a:n/ suffix [in nouns] an event in container from which you can make a liquid such as
which a particular thing is done for a very long time, PERFUME Come out in very small drops like mist
especially to collect money: a swimathon a:ton-al /er'taonal, e- $ -'tou-/ adj a piece of music that
ation /erjan/ suffix [in nouns] the act, state, or result of is atonal is not based on a particular Key*(4) —atonality
doing something: an examination of the contents (=exam- / ettau'nelsti, e- $ -tov-/ n [U]
ining them) |the combination of several factors a:tone /a'taun $ a'toun/ v [I] formal to do something to
a-tish-oo /atifui/ (also achoo) BrE a word used to show that you are sorry for having done something
represent the sound you make when you SNEEZE wrong: [+for] Richard was anxious to atone for his thought-
-ative /oti $ atzy, extiv/ suffix Lin adjectives] liking some- lessness.
thing or tending to do something or show a particular a-tone-ment /a'taunmant $ a'toun-/ n [singular, U] for-
quality: talkative (=liking to talk a lot) | argumentative mal something you do to show that you are sorry for
(enjoying arguments) |imaginative (=showing imagina- having done something wrong: [+for] The priest is a
tion) representative of his people, making atonement for their sin.
at-las /‘etlas/ n [C] a book containing maps, especially a-top /a'top $ a'ta:p/ prep literary on top of something
of the whole world —+ ROAD ATLAS ~ator /etta $ -ar/ suffix [in nouns] someone or something
ATM / et ti: 'em/ n [C] (automated teller machine) a that does something: a narrator (=someone who tells a
machine outside a bank that you use to get money from story) | a generator (=a machine that produces electri-
your account [SYN|cashpoint city)
at-mo-sphere Gy [1 /‘etmasfia $ -fir/ n A to Z, A-Z /er ta ‘zed $ -'zi:/ n [C] trademark a book
1[C,U] the feeling that an event or place gives you: The with maps that show every street in a British city
hotel had a lovely relaxed atmosphere. | The atmosphere at jat-'risk adj at-risk children/patients/groups etc people
home was rather tense. | [tof] An atmosphere of optimism who need special care because they are likely to be in
dominated the conference. danger from violent parents, to become ill etc: at-risk
2[U] if a place or event has atmosphere, it is interesting: register (=an official list of people in this situation)
The castle was centuries old and full of atmosphere. | The at-ri-um /‘ertriam/ n [C] 1a large high open space in a
match was lacking in atmosphere.
tall building 2 one of the two spaces in the top of your
3 the atmosphere the mixture of gases that surrounds the
heart that push blood into the VENTRICLES
Earth
4[C] the mixture of gases that surrounds a PLANET a-tro:cious /atravfes $ a'trou-/ adj extremely bad
5 [C usually singular] the air inside a room: a smoky atmos- [SYN] awful: atrocious weather | Her singing was atrocious.
phere - BAD —atrociously adv
at-mo-spher-ic / etmeastfertk</ adj 1 [only before noun] atrocity /atrossti $ a'tra-/ n (plural atrocities) [C
relating to the Earth’s atmosphere: atmospheric pressure usually plural, U] an extremely cruel and violent action,
2 if a place, event, sound etc is atmospheric, it gives you especially during a war
a particular feeling, especially a pleasant or mysterious at-ro-phy /‘etrofi/ v (atrophied, atrophying, atrophies)
one: the atmospheric decor in the restaurant | atmospheric [7] if a part of the body atrophies or is atrophied, it
music becomes weak because of lack of use or lack of blood:
at-mo-spher-ics /tmasfertks/ n [plural] 1 features or therapy to prevent the leg muscles from atrophying
qualities in something, especially a piece of music or a —atrophy n [U]
book, that give you a particular feeling 2 continu- at-ta-boy /‘etabo1/ interjection used to tell a male per-
ous crackling noises that sometimes interrupt radio son or dog that he has done something well, or to
broadcasts encourage him
at-oll /zto! $ '‘eto:l, ‘eta:l/ n [C] a coRAL island in the at-tach & 1 LG /a'tet// v
shape of a ring 1[T] to fasten or connect one object to another [SYN] fix:
 attaché 92 [X34 = words from the Academic Word List

attach sth to sth Attach a recent photograph to your applica- vicious personal attack on the novelist. | be/come under
tion form. | a small battery attached to a little loudspeaker | attack (=be strongly criticized) The company has come
_ the attached form/cheque/leaflet etc Please fill in and return under fierce attack for its decision to close the factory. |go on
the attached reply slip. the attack (=start to criticize someone severely)
2 be attached to sb/sth to like someone or something very 4 (MESS [C] a sudden short period of suffering from an
much, because you have known them or had them for a illness, especially an illness that you have often: [+of] /
long time: It's easy to become attached to the children you had a bad attack of flu at Christmas. |He died after suffering
work with. a severe asthma attack. ++ HEART ATTACK
3 attach importance/significance etc to sth to believe that 5 Glue (C] a short period of time when you suddenly
something is important: People attach too much impor- feel extremely frightened or worried and cannot think
tance to economic forecasts. normally or deal with the situation: panic/anxiety attack
A[7] if blame attaches or is attached to someone, they Her heart began to pound frantically, as if she were having a
are responsible for something bad that happens: No panic attack. | [+of] a sudden attack of nerves
blame can be attached to Roy for the incident. 6 De a ) £C,U] actions that are intended to
5 [1,1] if a quality, feeling, idea etc attaches or is attached get rid of or stop something such as a system, a set of
to a person, thing, or event, it is connected with them: aws etc: [ton] The new measures were seen by many as an
[+to] /t’s easy to let the emotions attached to one situation attack on the Scottish way of life.
spill over into others. 7 Gra) a) [C,U] an attempt by a player or group of
6 be attached to sth a) to work for part of a particular players to score GOALs or win points b) BrE [singular] the
organization, especially for a short period of time; He was players in a team that are responsible for trying to score
attached to the foreign affairs department of a Japanese GOALS or win points [SYN] offense AmE — defence: in attack
newspaper. b) to be part of a bigger organization: The Food Heath will play alongside Smith in attack.
Ministry is attached to the Ministry of Agriculture. 8 DAWWss [C,U] when something such as a disease,
7[T] to connect a document or FILE to an email so that insect, or chemical damages something: Unfortunately,
you can send them together — attachment the carved ceilings have suffered woodworm attack over the
8 attach yourself to sb to join someone and spend a lot of years.
time with them, often without being invited or welcome:
A young man from Canada had:attached himself to Sam. attack? 5 1 v
9 attach a condition (to’sth) to allow something to happen, 1(Sa ors [1,7] to deliberately use violence to hurt a
but only if someone agrees to do a particular thing or person or damage a place: She was attacked while walking
accept a particular idea: When approving a merger, the home late at night. | His shop was attacked by a gang of
commission can attach conditions. youths. |Snakes will only attack if you disturb them. |attack
10 attach a label to sb/sth to think of or describe someone sb/sth with sth He needed 200 stitches after being attacked
or something as being a particular thing, especially in a with a broken bottle.
very general way: You can’t really attach a label to this type 2 DEA [1,7] to start using guns, bombs etc against an
of art. enemy in a war: Army tanks attacked a village near the
capital on Sunday.
at-taché /a'tefer $ etafer/ n [C] someone who works 3 ts «[7] to criticize someone or something very
in an EMBASSY and deals with a particular subject: a
strongly: Last year Dr Travis publicly attacked the idea that
cultural attaché
abortion should be available on demand. | attack sb for
at'taché case / ¢ .'. ./ n [C] a thin case used for (doing) sth Newspapers attacked the government for failing
carrying business documents to cut taxes. | strongly/bitterly/savagely etc attack sb/sth
at-tach-ment Lg /a'tet{mant/ n1[C,U] a feeling that EOL criticize
you like or love someone or something and that you 4 PEWS [7] if something such as a disease, insect, or
would be unhappy without them: [+to/for] a child's chemical attacks something, it damages it: a cruel! disease
attachment to its mother 2 [C] a part that you can put onto that attacks the brain and nervous system
a machine to make it do a particular job: The vacuum 5 Saabs [T] to begin to do something in a deter-
cleaner has various attachments. 3 [U] belief in and loyalty mined and eager way: She immediately set about attacking
towards a particular idea, organization etc: [+to/for] old the problem. | Martin attacked his meal (=started eating)
people’s attachment to traditional customs 4 [C] a docu- with vigour.
ment or FILE that is sent with an email message: I'll send 6 Ga [1,7] to move forward and try to score GOALs or
the spreadsheet as an attachment. 5 [C,U] when you fasten win points — defend: Brazil began to attack more in the
or connect one thing to another, or the thing that you use second half of the match.
to do this: Hooks were fixed to the wall for the attachment of
the ropes. |the attachments that secure your boots firmly to THESAURUS
the skis 6 on attachment working for a particular organiza-
tion, especially for a short period of time: He was sent on attack to use violence against someone and try to
attachment to their offices in Hong Kong. 7 [C,U] law a hurt them: She was attacked by a man with a baseball
situation in which part of the money someone earns or bat. |Police dogs are trained to attack.
money that is owed to them is taken by a court of law and ambush /‘emboj/ if a group of people ambush
used to pay their debts 8 [C] technical a piece of paper someone, they hide and wait for them and then
fastened to a document such as an insurance agreement, attack them: The judge was ambushed by gunmen as
which shows a special condition of the agreement he drove to work at the courthouse.
at-tack’ gy [1 /a'tek/ n mug to attack someone and take money from them
1S Sy) «£C] an act of violence that is in a public place such as a street: He was mugged on
intended to hurt a person or damage a place: [ton] There his way home from school.
have been several attacks on foreigners recently. | a bomb stab to attack someone with a knife: The victim had
attack | a knife attack | an arson attack (=an attempt to been stabbed in the neck.
destroy a building using fire) | victims of racial attacks assault to attack and hurt someone - used
2 (MEMTZT) [C,U] the act of using weapons against an especially when talking about this as a criminal
enemy in a war: The attack began at dawn. | [t+on] the OFFENCE: He assaulted a flight attendant who refused to
attack on Pearl Harbor | be/come under attack Once again serve him more drinks.
we came under attack from enemy fighter planes. | Rebel be set upon by sb/sth written to be attacked by a
forces launched (=started) an attack late Sunday night. | group of people: He died outside his home after being
air/missile/nuclear etc attack the threat of nuclear attack set upon by a gang of youths.
3 as LC,U] a strong and direct criticism of some- turn on to suddenly change your behaviour and
one or something: [+on] The magazine recently published a attack the person you are with, when they do not
EX3 = words from the Academic Word List 93 attendant
expect this: The dog suddenly turned on him, sinking its a brave/bold/gallant/valiant attempt approving
teeth into his arm. (=one that you admire, but that is unsuccessful) |
a blatant attempt disapproving (=when someone
TO ATTACK A PLA openly tries to do something bad) |a final/last
attack to use weapons to try to damage or take attempt | a last-ditch attempt (=a final attempt to
control of a place: The village was attacked by enemy achieve something before it is too late)
warplanes.
invade to enter a country and try to get control of it
using force: The Romans invaded Britain 2,000 years a rescue attempt [wo firefighters were hurt in the
ago. rescue attempt.
storm to suddenly attack a city or building that is an assassination attempt (=an attempt to kill a
well defended by getting inside it and taking control: leader) De Gaulle survived an assassination attempt in
Elite troops stormed the building and rescued the 1961.
hostages. a suicide attempt (=an attempt to kill yourself) |
besiege /br'si:dz/ to surround a city or building with a coup attempt (=an attempt to change the
soldiers in order to stop the people inside from government, usually by force)
getting out or from receiving supplies: In April 655,
Osman’s palace was besieged by rebels. attempt? & 0 v [7]
1to try to do something, especially something difficult:
at-tack-er /a'teka $ -ar/ n [C] 1a person who deliber- attempt to do sth /n this chapter | will attempt to explain
ately uses violence to hurt someone: Her attacker then what led up to the revolution. |Weather conditions prevented
dragged her into the bushes. |a sex attacker 2 a member of them from attempting the jump. FIEREULI> Try
a sports team whose job is to move forward and try to 2 attempted murder/suicide/rape etc an act of trying to kil
score GOALS or Win points — defender or harm someone, kill yourself etc: He pleaded guilty to
attempted murder.
at-ta-girl /‘etag3:| $ -gs:rl/ interjection used to tell a
female person or dog that she has done something well, | Frequencies of attend and go to in spoken and written
or to encourage her | English.
at-tain fq /a'tein/ v [T] formal1 to succeed in achiev- SPOKEN
ing something after trying for a long time: More women attend
are attaining positions of power. 2 to reach a particular
go to
level, age, size etc: Share prices attained a high of $3.27. |
After a year she had attained her ideal weight. —attainable WRITTEN
adj: This target should be attainable. | attend |

at-tain-ment
fq /e'ternmant/ n formal 1[U] success in |
achieving something or reaching a particular level Ta Ti 1 |
100 200 300 per million |
[SYN]achievement: a low level of educational attainment _ Attend is more formal than go to.
2 [C] something that you have succeeded in achieving or
learning, such as a skill [SYN]achievement: a society at-tend § [1 /s'ttend/ v formal
remarkable for its cultural attainments 1[1,T] to go to an event such as a meeting or a class: Only
at-tempt! gf /a'tempt/ n [Cc] 12 people attended the meeting. | Please let us know if you
Tan act of trying to do something, especially something are unable to attend.
difficult: attempt to do sth All attempts to control inflation
REGISTER
have failed. | attempt at (doing) sth her feeble attempts at
humour | at the first/second etc attempt She passed her In everyday English, people usually say go (to) or
come (to) instead of attend: | didn’t go to the parents’
driving test at the first attempt.
2 make no attempt to do sth to not try to do something at meeting. |Please let us know if you can't come.
all: He made no attempt to hide his anger. 2 [1,7] to go regularly to a school, church etc: | am the first
3 an attempt on sb's life an occasion when someone tries child in my family to attend college.
to kill a famous or important person: She has already 3[1] formal to happen or exist at the same time as
survived two attempts on her life. something: the peculiar atmosphere which attends such an
COLLOCATIONS _ event
4[T usually passive] to look after someone, especially
| VERBS because they are ill: On his deathbed the General was
make an attempt She made several attempts attended by several doctors.
escape. - / attend to sb/sth phr v
abandon/give up an attempt They had to abandon 1to deal with business or personal matters: | may be late -
their attempt to climb the mountain. | have got one or two things to attend to.
fail/succeed in your attempt He failed in his attempt 2 to help a customer in a shop or a restaurant serve
to set a new Olympic record. at-tend-:ance /sa'tendens/ n 1[C,U] the number of
an attempt fails/succeeds Al! attempts to find a cure people who attend a game, concert, meeting etc: We have
have failed. an average attendance of 4,000 fans per game. | Last year's
ADJECTIVES fair saw attendance figures of 32,000. 2 [C,U] when some-
on the first/second etc attempt (a/so at the one goes to a meeting, class etc, or an occasion when
first/second etc attempt BrF) The car started at the they go: [tat] Most courses involve an average of eight
second attempt. hours' attendance at college each week. | The doctor will
a vain attempt (=one that does not succeed) They have a record of her attendances. 3 be in attendance (at sth)
worked through the night in a vain attempt to finish on formal to be at a special or important event: Over 2,000
schedule. people were in attendance at yesterday's demonstration.
a desperate attempt (=that involves a lot of effort) 4 be in attendance on sb formal to look after someone or
Doctors made a desperate attempt to save his life. serve them — dance attendance on sb at DANCE*(5)
a deliberate/conscious attempt |a serious/ at-tend-ant! /a'tendant/ n [C] 1 someone whose job is
genuine attempt |an unsuccessful/a successful to look after or help customers in a public place: a car
attempt | an abortive attempt formal park attendant 2 someone who looks after a very impor-
(=unsuccessful) |a futile attempt (= certain to fail tant person, for example a king or queen
- and not worth doing) | a doomed attempt (=certain attendant? adj formal relating to or caused by some-
to fail, and causing something very bad to happen) | thing: attendant problems/difficulties/dangers etc nuclear
 attendee 2 a 94 Sl &) & = the most frequent words in spoken English

power, with all its attendant risks | [ton] Drugs are one of letter when you want a particular person to read it or deal
the issues attendant on running a school. with it: Letters should be marked ‘for the attention of Joe
at-ten-dee /aten'di:, zten-/ n [C] someone who is at Benson’.
an event such as a meeting or a course at'tention-,deficit disorder n [U] medical (abbre-
at-tend-er /a'tenda $ -ar/ n [C] someone who regularly viation ADD) the former name of ATTENTION-DEFICIT HYPER-
~ goes to an event such as a meeting or a class: Danie! was ACTIVITY DISORDER
a regular attender at the Baptist Church.
at-ten-tion Gy (i /e'tenfan/ n at,tention-deficit hyperac'tivity dis order
(also attention-deficit syndrome) n [U] medical (abbrevia-
IDSA eae LU] when you carefully tion ADHD) a medical condition that especially affects
listen to, look at, or think about someone or something:
My attention wasn't really on the game. | She tried to pay children. It causes them to be too active and to be unable
attention to what he was saying. | If you paid more attention to pay attention or be quiet for very long.
in class, you might actually learn something! |Scott sat down at'tention spam n [C usually singular] the period of
at his desk and turned his attention to the file he had in front time during which you continue to be interested in some-
of him. | As a society we need to give more attention to the thing: Children often have a short attention span.
needs of older people. | Now he’s gone, | can give you my
undivided attention. | This game is fun and is sure to keep the at-ten-tive /a'tenttv/ adj 1 listening to or watching
attention of any young student. | They listened to the speech someone carefully because -you are interested
with close attention. | Attention to detail is essential in this [opPlinattentive: an attentive audience 2 making sure
job. | During the lecture Sarah's attention began to wander. someone has everything they need: [+to] Customers want
2a (plural, U] the interest that people show in companies that are attentive to their needs. —attentively
someone or something: She was flattered by all the atten- adv —attentiveness n [U]
tion he was giving her. | attract/receive/enjoy attention a at-ten-u-ate /a'tenjuett/ v [T] formal to make some-
player who quickly attracted the attention of several clubs | thing weaker or less: an attenuated form of the polio virus
The exhibition received little attention in the press. | public/
media/press attention Her case attracted a great deal of at-test /a'test/ v formal 1 [1,7] to show or prove that
media attention. | hold/keep sb’s attention (=make some- something is true [SYN] testify: [+to] Luxurious furnishings
one stay interested and keep reading, listening, watching attested to the wealth of the owner. 2 [T] to officially state
etc) The book holds the’ reader's attention right to the very that you believe something is true, especially in a court of
end. | Rob loves being the centre of attention (=the person law [SYN] testify
who everyone is interested in, listens to etc). |She spent a
lot of time trying to avoid the attentions (=romantic inter-
at-tes-ta-tion /xte'sterfan/ n [C,U] formal a legal state-
ment made by someone in which they say that some-
est) of her boss. | The man then turned his attentions to
thing is definitely true + testimony
(=became romantically interested in) her sister.
3a a) attract/catch/get sb’s attention to make at-tic /‘ttk/ n [C] a space or room just below the roof
someone notice you, especially because you want to of a house, often used for storing things: a small attic room
speak to them or you need their help: She waved to attract
the attention of the waitress. b) get attention to make at-tire /a'tara $ a'tarr/ n [U] formal clothes: business
someone notice you and be interested in what you are attire
doing: Children often misbehave in order to get attention.
at-tired /a'tarrad $ a'tarrd/ adj [not before noun] formal
c) draw/call attention to sth (also focus attention on sth) dressed in a particular way: He arrived suitably attired in a
to make people notice and be concerned or think about dark dinner suit.
something: The purpose of the article was to draw attention
to the problems faced by single parents. | We wanted to focus at-ti-tude Gy ( Lg /‘etitju:d $ -tu:d/ n
public attention on this matter. | He left quietly to avoid 1[C,U] the opinions and feelings that you usually have
drawing attention to himself. d) divert/distract/draw atten- about something, especially when this is shown in your
tion from sth to make people stop being concerned about behaviour: As soon as they found out | was a doctor, their
something such as a social problem: All this talk of war is whole attitude changed. | [+to/towards] The people have a
just an attempt to draw attention away from the serious very positive attitude to life.
economic problems that face our country. e) bring sth to sb’s 2 [U] informal a style of dressing, behaving etc that shows
attention to tell someone, especially someone in author- you have the confidence to do unusual and exciting
ity, about something such as a problem: The matter was things without caring what other people think: with atti-
first brought to my attention earlier this year. f) come to sb's tude a coat with attitude —attitudinal /,et}tju:danel
attention if something such as a problem comes to the $ -'tur-/ adj
attention of someone in authority, they find out about it:
It came to my attention that Jenny was claiming overtime feo) HRoley- vale) i
pay for hours she had not worked. g) escape your attention if | ADJECTIVES Bell
something escaped your attention, you did not notice it: good/bad a lazy student with a bad attitude
This fact had not escaped the attention of the authorities. positive/negative A positive attitude is essential ifyou |
47a ~[U] something you do to repair or want to be successful.
clean something: The bike's in fairly good condition, but the relaxed On Bali, there is a healthier, more relaxed
gears need a bit of attention. attitude to life.
5 aq [U] things that you do to help or to take care of favourable (=having a good opinion of something or
someone or something: Pets need a lot of care and someone) Older people tend to have a favourable
attention. | Anyone who comes into contact with these attitude to the police.
chemicals should seek urgent medical attention. | Your plants critical (=showing you disagree with or disapprove
look like they could do with a bit of attention. of someone or something) People’s attitude towards
6 stand to/at attention if soldiers stand to attention, they US foreign policy has become increasingly critical.
stand up straight in neat lines ambivalent (=not sure if you approve of
7 attention! a) used to ask people to listen to important something) |cavalier (=very careless, especially
information that is being announced, especially on a about something serious or important) |
LOUDSPEAKER (=piece of equipment used to make sounds patronizing/condescending (=showing that you
louder): Attention, please! Could Passenger Marie Thomas think you are more important or intelligent than
please proceed to Gate 25 immediately. b) used when someone) |aggressive/hostile (=showing anger) |
ciel a group of soldiers to stand up straight in neat public attitudes/people's attitudes |political
ines attitudes |mental attitude |sb's whole attitude |
8 for the attention of sb used on the front of an official the general attitude
 ( (2 OS = the most frequent words in written English 95 audience

| VERBS ae: eyes See =e that someone or something has a particular quality: One
have/take/adopt an attitude Not everyone takes a should not attribute human motives to animals.
positive attitude towards modern art. —attribution / etr'bjufan/ n [U]
sb's attitude changes As you get older, your attitude at-tri-bute? fq /etribju:t/ n [C] a quality or feature,
changes. especially one that is considered to be good or useful:
an attitude exists This attitude no longer exists in the What attributes should a good manager possess?
church. at-trib-u-tive /a'tribjstiv/ adj describing and coming
sb's attitude hardens (=they feel less sympathy and before a noun. For example, in the phrase ‘big city’, ‘big’ is
they want to be stricter or firmer) an attributive adjective, and in the phrase ‘school bus’,
‘school’ is a noun in an attributive position. — predicative
—attributively adv
an attitude of mind BrE (=a way of thinking) Being at-tri-tion /a'trjan/ n [U] formal1 the process of gradu-
young is simply an attitude of mind. ally destroying your enemy or making them weak by
sb has an attitude problem (=someone is not attacking them continuously: a war of attrition
helpful or pleasant.to be with) Some of the male 2 especially AmE when people leave a company or course
students have a real attitude problem. » of study and are not replaced: Staff reductions could be
attn. (attention) used to say that a letter or package is achieved through attrition and early retirements.
for a particular person at-tuned /a'tju:nd $ a'tu:nd/ adj be/become attuned to
sth to be or become familiar with the way someone thinks
at-tor-ney &) (Hy /a'ts:ni $ -3:r-/ n [C] AmE a lawyer or behaves so that you can react to them in a suitable
at,torney ‘general n [Cc] the lawyer with the highest way: British companies still aren't really attuned to the needs
rank in some countries or in the US government of the Japanese market.
at-to-sec-ond /‘ztausekand $ -tou-/ n [C] technical a atty. n AmE the written abbreviation of attorney
unit of time that is equal to 10 to the power of MINUS 18 ATV /extiz'vi:/ n [C] (all terrain vehicle) a vehicle which
at-tract § ( /s'trekt/ v [T] is designed to be ridden on rough ground where there are
1to make someone interested in something, or make no roads. ATVs have one seat, no roof, and three or four
them want to take part in something: attract sb to sth large wheels.
What attracted me most to the job was the chance to travel. | a:typ-i-cal /er'tiprkal/ adj not typical or usual
attract attention/interest etc The story has attracted a lot of au-ber-gine /‘aobaziin $ 'ouber-/ n [C,U] BrE a large
interest from the media. dark purple vegetable |SYN|eggplant AmE — see picture
2 be attracted to sb to feel that you like someone and want
at VEGETABLE
to have a sexual relationship with them: I’m not usually
auburn />:ban $ 'p:barn/ adj auburn hair is a reddish
attracted to blondes.
brown colour —auburn n [U]
3to make someone like or admire something or feel
romantically interested in someone: | guess it was his eyes auc:tion" /s:kfan $ ‘p:k-/ n [C,U] a public meeting
that attracted me first. where land, buildings, paintings etc are sold to the person
4 to make someone or something move towards another who offers the most money for them: at auction The house
thing: Leftover food attracts flies. | low rents designed to was sold at quction. | put sth up for auction (=try to sell
attract new businesses to the area something at an auction) This week 14 of his paintings were
put up for auction. | auction house (=a company that
at-trac-tion [ /atrekjan/ n arranges auctions)
1[C,U] a feeling of liking someone, especially in a sexual
way: The attraction between them was almost immediate. auction? (also auction off) v [T] to sell something at an
auction
2 [C] something interesting or enjoyable to see or do: The
beautiful beaches are the island's main attraction (=most auc-tio-neer /:kfa'nta $ o:kfa'nir/ n [C] someone who
popular place, activity etc). | tourist attraction (=a place is in charge of selling the things at an auction and who
that many tourists visit) calls out how much money has already been offered for
3[C,U] a feature or quality that makes something seem something
interesting or enjoyable: [+of] Being your own boss is one au-da-cious />:'derfes $ p:-/ adj showing great courage
of the attractions of owning your own business. or confidence in a way that is impressive or slightly
4[C,U] technical a force which makes things move shocking: the risks involved in such an audacious operation
together or stay together: the gravitational attraction —audaciously adv
between the Earth and the Moon au-dac-i-ty />:'desiti $ p:-/ n [U] the quality of having
at-trac-tive Gy [1 /a'trektr/ adj enough courage to take risks or say impolite things: have
1someone who is attractive is good looking, especially in the audacity to do sth |/ can’t believe he had the audacity to
a way that makes you sexually interested in them: an ask me for more money!
. attractive young woman | Women seem to find him au-di-ble />:d3bal $ 'p:-/ adj a sound that is audible is
attractive. BEAUTIFUL loud enough for you to hear it [OPP]inaudible: His voice
2 pleasant to look at: Kitchen utensils should be attractive was barely audible (=could only just be heard) above the
as well as functional. roar of the crowd. —audibly adv —audibility />:d3'brlsti
3 having qualities that make you want to accept some- $ or-/n[U]
thing or be involved in it: [+to] a political movement that is au-di-ence fy (1 /»:dians $ 'p:-, 'ar-/ n
attractive to young people | attractive offer/proposition/ 1[C also + plural verb] BrE a group of people who come to
package etc / must say, it's a very attractive offer. watch and listen to someone speaking or performing in
Goop —attractively adv —attractiveness n public: The audience began clapping and cheering. |[+of] an
[U] audience of 250 business people |One member of the audi-
at-trib-u-ta-ble fq /a'tribjstabal/ adj [not before noun] ence described the opera as ‘boring’.
likely to have been caused by something: [+to] Death was 2[C also + plural verb] BrE the people who watch or listen
attributable to gunshot wounds. to a particular programme, or who see or hear a particu-
at-tri-bute’ fg /a'tribju:t $ -bjat/ v lar artist's, writer's etc work: The show attracts a regular
attribute sth to sb/sth phr v 1 to believe or say that a audience of about 20 million. |target audience (=the type of
situation or event is caused by something: The fall in the people that a programme, advertisement etc is supposed
number of deaths from heart disease is generally attributed to attract) | Goya was one of the first painters to look for a
to improvements in diet. 2 if people in general attribute a wider audience for his work. | The book is not intended for a
particular statement, painting, piece of music etc to purely academic audience.
someone, they believe that person said it, painted it etc: a 3[C] a formal meeting with a very important person:
saying usually attributed to Confucius 3 to believe or say [+with] He was granted an audience with the Pope.
 audio 96 GG = words from the Academic Word List

» ausdi-o! />:diau $ 'p:diou/ adj [only before noun] relating au-gur /'d:ga $ 'p:gar/ v augur well/badly/ill formal to be
to sound that is recorded or broadcast: audio and video a sign that something will be successful or unsuccessful
equipment [SYN] bode: Today's announcement of 300 redundancies does _.
audio? n [U] the part of a recording that contains not augur well for the local economy.
- sounds and music but not pictures: You can save the audio au-gurry /'d:gjsri $ 'p:/ n (plural auguries) [C] literary a
for editing later. sign of what will happen in the future
audio-= /s:diav $ p:diou/ prefix [in nouns and adjectives] au-gust />:'gast $ 0:-/ adj impressive and respected: an
relating to hearing or sound: an audio-cassette august institution
au-di-o-guide /'s:diaugard $ 'p:diov-/ n [C] a piece of Au-gust />:gast $ 'o:-/ n [C,U] (written abbreviation
electronic equipment that visitors to a MUSEUM or ART Aug.) the eighth month of the year, between July and
GALLERY can use. They carry the audioguide with them September: next/last August / was there last August. | in
and it gives them spoken information about objects or August My birthday’s in August. | on August 6th The new
paintings in the museum or gallery. store opened on August 6th. |on 6th August BrE: He arrived
at Berwick on 6th August 1823. |August 6 AmE: We'll expect
au-di-o-tape /':diauterp $ 'p:diou-/ n [C,U] technical a
long thin band of MAGNETIC material used to record sound you to call August 6.
au-di-o-ty-pist /:disu,tarpist $ 'pidiou-/ n [C] BrE auk /o:k $ o:k/ n [C] a black and white seabird with
short wings |
someone whose job is to type letters that have been
recorded Auld Lang Syne /9:1d len 'zatn, auld-, -'sain $ ould-/
a Scottish song that people sing when they celebrate the
au-di-o-vis-uw-al /d:diau'vizual< $ jp:diou-/ adj [only
beginning of the new year at 12 o'clock MIDNIGHT on
before noun] involving the use of recorded pictures and
December 31st
sound: the use of audiovisual materials in the classroom
au nat-u-rel /av netju'rel $ ov jnetfa'rel/ adv not
au-dit! /'o:d3t $ 'p:-/ n [C,U] 1 an official examination of
wearing any clothes, or not wearing MAKE-UP, hair prod-
a company’s financial records in order to check that they
ucts etc that change the way you would naturally look
are correct: the annual audit | internal audit (=an audit
carried out by a company’s own staff) 2 formal a detailed aunt § (8 /a:nt $ ent/ n [C] the sister of your father
examination of something in order to check if it is good or mother, or the wife of your father’s or mother’s
enough: Start with an audit of existing services within the brother: Aunt Mary + AGONY AUNT
community. i aunt-ie, aunty /‘a:nti $ 'en-/ n [C] informal 1 an aunt:
audit? v [1] 1 to officially examine a company’s financial Auntie Lou 2 used by children to address a woman who is
records in order to check that they are correct 2 AmE to a friend of their parents
attend a course at university without intending to take au pair /au ‘pea $ ou 'per/ n [C] a young person, usually
examinations in it or get a CREDIT for it a woman, who stays with a family in a foreign country to
au-di-tion’ /s:'difan $ p:-/ n [[C] a short performance by learn the language, and looks after their children for a
an actor, singer etc that someone watches to judge if they small wage
are good enough to act in a play, sing in a concert etc: aura /'d:ra/ n [C] a quality or feeling that seems to
[+for] /'ve got an audition for the Bournemouth Symphony surround or come from a person or a place: [+of] The
Orchestra on Friday. building retains an aura of mystery.
audition? v1 [1] to take part in an audition: [+for] She's aural /'s:ral/ adj relating to the sense of hearing, or
auditioning for Ophelia in ‘Hamlet’. 2 [T] to watch and someone's ability to understand sounds: an aural stimulus
judge someone's performance in an audition: We audi- —aurally adv
tioned more than 200 dancers before deciding on Carole au-re-ole /'s:riaul $ -oul/ n [C] literary a bright circle of
Ann. light [SYN] halo
au:di-tor />:dita $ 'pid3tar/ n [C] someone whose job is au revoir /av re'vwa:, ,o- $ ou ra'vwair/ interjection
to officially examine a company’s financial records goodbye
au-di-to-ri-um /p:d3'to:riam $ ,or-/ n (plural auditoriums auw-ro-ra bo-re-a-lis /ayoira bo:ri'erlis, o:- $ -'el-/ n
or auditoria /-ria/) [C] 1the part of a theatre where [singular] the NORTHERN LIGHTS
people sit when watching a play, concert etc 2 AmE a aus:pic-es /'y:sp3siz $ 'p:-/ n [plural] under the auspices
large building used for concerts or public meetings of sb/sth formal with the help and support of a particular
au-di-to-ry />:d3tari $ 'p:dita:ri/ adj [only before noun] organization or person: negotiations held under the aus-
technical relating to the ability to hear pices of the United Nations
‘audit trail n [C] technical 1ACCOUNTING records which aus-pi-cious /5:'sprfas $ p:-/ adj formal showing that
show a series of steps leading to the present financial something is likely to be successful [opp] inauspicious:
situation: The lack of a physical audit trail in electronic auspicious start/beginning Saccani’s excellent recording is
commerce increases the possibilities for tax avoidance. an auspicious start to what promises to be a distinguished
2 an electronic or paper record of how a computer is musical career. —auspiciously adv
used Aus:sie /'vzi $ 'pizi, 'a:zi/ n [C] informal someone from
au fait /au fet $ ov-/ adj be au fait with sth to be familiar Australia —Aussie adj
with a system or way of doing something: /’m not really au aus-tere />:'stta, o- $ p:'stir/ adj 1 plain and simple and
fait with the computer system yet. without any decoration: the church's austere simplicity
Aug. (also Aug Br£) the written abbreviation of August 2 someone who is austere is very strict and serious =
Au-ge-an sta-bles, the />:,dzi:an 'sterbalz/ in ancient used to show disapproval: Her father is a very austere man.
Greek stories, the very dirty buildings where King Augeas 3 an austere way of life is very simple and has few things
kept thousands of cattle, which Hercules was ordered to to make it comfortable or enjoyable: Cuthbert led an
clean. The expression ‘to clean the Augean stables’ is austere life of prayer and solitude. —austerely adv
sometimes used in literature to describe a very difficult aus:ter-i-ty /or'steriti, o- $ o:-/ n (plural austerities)-
and unpleasant job. 1[C usually plural, U] bad economic conditions in which
auger /':ga $ 'p:gar/ n [C] a tool used for making a people do not have much money to spend: a time of great
hole in wood or in the ground austerity after the war | the austerities of post-communist.
Eastern Europe 2 [U] when a government has a deliberate
aught /s:t $ pt, a:t/ pron old use anything policy of trying to reduce the amount of money it spends:
aug:ment /s:g'ment $ o:g-/ v [T] formal to increase the austerity programme/plan/package a tough new austerity
value, amount, effectiveness etc of something: Any sur- programme | IMF-backed austerity measures (=reductions
plus was sold to augment their income. —augmentation in government spending) 3 [U] the quality of being aus-
/ 21gmen'terfan, -man- $ jorg-/ n [C,U] tere: a life of austerity
 [X4= words from the Academic Word List 97 authority
Aus-tra-la-sian /pstra'lerzen<, -fen $ or, ar-/ adj au-thor-i-
ree Ga /rrevrkti, a- $ vr'@ar-, a'@s:-/ n
relating to Australasia (=Australia and the islands that (plural authorities)
are near to it) or its people [email protected] [U] the power you have because of your official —
Aus-tra-li-an’ /o'stretlion $ v:-, a-/ adj relating to position: the authority to do sth Only the president has the —
Australia or its people authority to declare war. | [+over] Several countries claim
Australian? n (c] someone from Australia authority over the islands. | in authority | need to speak to
Australian Rules ‘football n (uj a game played someone in authority (=who has a position of power).
between two teams of 18 players on an oval field with an 2 the authorities [plural] the people or organizations that
oval ball which is passed by kicking or striking with the are in charge of a particular country or area: an agreement
hand, the aim being to get points by putting the ball between the US and Colombian authorities
between a set of four posts at either end of the field. The 3 SETAE «£C] an official organization or a govern-
informal name for the game is Aussie Rules. ment department that has the power to make decisions,
Aus-tri-an' /pstrian $ 'p:-,'a:-/ adj relating to Austria or and has particular responsibilities: the local authority |East
its people Sussex Education Authority | the San Diego Water
Austrian? n (c] someone from Austria Authority | Welsh health authorities face a £13m deficit this
year.
Austro= /pstrau $ p:strou, -tra, as-/ prefix [in nouns and
4 (2G [Cc] someone who knows a lot about a subject
adjectives] Austrian and something else: Austro-Hungarian
and whose knowledge and opinions are greatly
au-tar-chy especially BrE, autarky AmE /':ta:ki ¢$ respected: [ton] Mr Li is a leading authority on Chinese
'p:ta:r-/ n (plural autarchies) [C,U] formal a policy in which food. DRESS ExPert
a country or area does not want or need goods, food etc 5 GETTESE ([C,u] official permission to do something:
from any other country or area, or a country which has under the authority of sb The attack took place under the
this policy authority of the UN Security Council. |without sb’s authority
au-teur /ao'ts: $ ov'ta:r/ n [C] a film DIRECTOR who has a No one may enter without my authority.
strong influence on the style of the films that he or she 6 authority figure someone who has a position of power,
makes especially because of their job: teenage rebellion against
au-then-tic /5:'Gentrk $ p:-/ adj 1done or made in the authority figures
traditional or original way [SYN] genuine: authentic French 7 GST «LU a quality in the way you speak
food HEESNTTS> ceEnuine 2 a painting, document, book or behave which makes people obey you: Jack’s air of quiet
etc that is authentic has been proved to be by a particular authority
person [SYN| genuine: an authentic work by Picasso 8 | have it on good authority used to say that you are sure
REGISTER that something is true because you trust the person who
In everyday English, people usually say that told you about it
something is real or the real thing rather than 9 speak with authority to be sure of what you are saying,
authentic: This is real Indian cooking. | How do you because of your knowledge or experience
know if the picture is the real thing?
E COLLOCATIONS
3 based on facts: an authentic account 4 used to describe
a copy that is the same as, or as good as, the original:
Actors dressed in authentic costumes re-enact the battle. have authority gies Should aes the authority to
—authentically /-kli/ adv discipline their students.
au-then-tic-ate />:oentrkert $ p:-/ v [T] to prove that exercise/exert your authority (a/so wield authority
something is true or real: The painting has been authenti- formal) (=use your authority) In practice it’s very
cated by experts. | passwords which can authenticate elec- difficult for the president to exercise his authority.
tronic documents —authentication />:9ent3'kerjan $ o:-/ n abuse/misuse your authority (=use your authority
[U] in a bad way) The mayor was accused of abusing his
au-then-tic-i-ty /5:0en'tsiti, -Oan- $ jo-/ n [U] the authority and taking bribes.
quality of being real or true: [+of] Archaeological evidence establish/assert/impose/stamp your authority
may help to establish the authenticity of the statue. (=show people that you have authority) The new
manager was anxious to establish her authority.
au-thor’ [LG />:0a $ 'p:0ar/ n [Cc]
1someone who has written a book [SYN] writer: Nothomb lose your authority |undermine/weaken sb's
is a Belgian author. | [+of] He was the author of two books authority (=make someone's authority weaker) |
exceed/overstep your authority (=do more than
on China. | It’s clear that the author is a woman.
2 formal the person who starts a plan or idea you have the power or right to do) |challenge sb's
[SYN]initiator: [+of] the author of the state reforms authority (=try to take the power away from
—authorial />:'@s:rial $ 0:-/ adj [only before noun] someone)
~ author? qq v [7] to be the writer of a book, report etc | ADJECTIVES
au-thor-ess /5:0er!s $ 'p:-/ n [C] old-fashioned a full/complete/total authority The manager has full
woman who writes books [SYN] writer authority to make decisions.
au-thor-ing />:0arn $ 'p:-/ n [U] the activity of writing absolute authority (=complete authority over
and designing wessites: Here are a few tips on authoring everyone - used especially about the leader of a
and site design. country) In those days, the emperor had absolute
au-thor-i-tar-i-an />:Po0rs'teariana $ 0: Oarrs'ter-, 3,09:-/ authority.
adj strictly forcing people to obey a set of rules or laws, parental authority |governmental authority |
especially ones that are wrong or unfair: an authoritarian presidential authority |eee! authority
government | Critics claim his management has become too
authoritarian. stTRICT —authoritarian n [C] | PHRASES
—authoritarianism n [U] be in a position of authority /’ve never been in a
au-thor-i-ta-tive EQ />5:0pritatrv, 2- $ v:'Garratertzy, position of authority before.
a'@0:-/ adj 1an authoritative book, account etc is have an air of authority approving (=look like you
respected because the person who wrote it knows a lot have authority, in a way that makes people obey
about the subject: the most authoritative work on English you) The commander had an unmistakeable air of
surnames 2 behaving or speaking in a confident deter- authority.
mined way that makes people respect and obey you: He a challenge to sb’s authority |an authority figure
has a commanding presence and an authoritative voice. (=someone, such as a parent or teacher, who has
—authoritatively adv the power to tell young people what they can do)
 authorization oe Sl & & = the most frequent words in spoken English

ea au-thor-i-za-tion (also -isation BrE) />:Oarar'zerfan $ au-to-:mat-ic’ gy fg /p:ta'metik< $ pi-/ adj

a 0:@ara-/ n [C,U] official permission to do something, or lan automatic machine is designed to work without
ie the document giving this permission [SYN] authority: You needing someone to operate it for each part of a process
~ need special authorization to park here. | Children may not — + manual: an automatic weapon | an automatic gearbox |
leave the building without the authorization of the principal. My camera is fully automatic.
au-thor-ize (also -ise BrE) /'s:Oaraiz $ 'p:-/ v [T] to give 2 something that is automatic always happens as a result
official permission for something: an authorized of something you have done, especially because of a rule
biography | authorize sb to do sth Napoleon III authorized or law: Littering results in an automatic fine.
Haussmann to rebuild Paris. PE ALIS> ALLOw 3done without thinking, especially because you have
au-thor-ship [fg /'>:aftp $ 'p:ar-/ n [U] 1 the fact that done the same thing many times before: Practise the
you have written a particular book, document etc: There’s breathing techniques until they become automatic.
no evidence to dispute his claim to authorship. | [+of] an automatic? n [Cc] 1a weapon that can fire bullets
investigation into the authorship of the Bible 2. formal the continuously 2 a car with a system of GEARs that operate
profession of writing books themselves without the driver needing to change them
au-tis«em /:t1zam $ ‘p/n [U] a mental DISORDER au-to-mat-i-cally §y (8 GG /aite'metrkli $ 0:-/ adv
(=problem) that makes people unable to communicate las the result of a situation or action, and without you
properly, or to form relationships —autistic /o:'tisttk $ having to do anything more: Join now and you will auto-
p:-/ adj: an autistic child matically receive 50% off your first purchase.
au-to /'s:tau $ 'p:tou/ n (plural autos) [C] a car: imported 2 without thinking about what you are doing: Of course |
autos | the quto industry | auto insurance automatically said yes.
auto- /o:tau, -ta $ p:tou, -ta/ prefix 1 of or by yourself: 3 by the action of a machine, without a person making it
an autobiography 2 working by itself: a camera with an work: The doors opened automatically as we approached.
auto-focus lens automatic ‘pilot n [c.U] 1a machine that flies a plane
au-to-bi-og-ra-:phy /p:tabar'ografi $ jortabar'a:-/ n by itself without the need for a pilot 2 on automatic pilot
(plural autobiographies) [C,U] a book in which someone doing something without thinking about it, especially
writes about their own life, or books of this type because you have done it many times before: Moving on
— biography BLESS 8sook —autobiographical automatic pilot, she tidied the room.
/ ditabata'greftkal $ \o:-/ adj: an autobiographical novel automatic transmission n [CU] a system that
(=one based on the author's own experiences) operates the GEARs of a car without the driver needing to
au:toc-ra-cy />:'tokrasi $ p:'ta:-/ n (plural autocracies) change them
1(U] a system of government in which one person or au-to-mation [gq /p:ta'merfan $ ,o:-/ n [U] the use of
group has unlimited power [SYN|dictatorship 2 [C] a computers and machines instead of people to do a job
country or organization that is completely controlled by —+ automated
one powerful person or group [SYN] dictatorship au-tom:a-ton /s:'tomaten $ p:'ta:-/ n (plural automata
au-to-crat /':takret $ 'p:-/ n [C] 1 someone who makes /-ta/ or automatons) [C] 1a machine, especially one in
decisions and gives orders to people without asking them the shape of a human, that moves without anyone con-
for their opinion 2 a ruler who has complete power over a trolling it [SYN] robot 2 someone who seems unable to feel
country —autocratic / p:ta'kretik< $ ,o:-/ adj: an autocratic emotions or to think about what they are doing
leadership style —autocratically /-kli/ adv au-to-mo-bile />:tamabi:l $ 'p:tamou-/ n [C] AmE a
Au-to-cue /'s:taukju: $ ‘p:tou-/ n [C] trademark a car: the automobile industry
machine that shows the words that someone must say au-to-mo-tive />:talmautiv< $ pita'mou-/ adj [only
while they are speaking in public, especially on television before noun] relating to cars: automotive technology
au-to-dial-ler BrE, autodialer AmE />:taudatole $ au-ton-o-MoOuS />:'tonamas $ p:'ta:-/ adj 1 an autono-
‘p:tou,datalar/ n [C] a machine that DIALS people's tele- mous place or organization is free to govern or control
phone numbers and plays a recorded advertisement itself independent: an autonomous region/state/
(SYN| robodialer AmE republic etc Galicia is an autonomous region of Spain.
au-to-graph’ />:tagra:f $ ‘p:tagraf/ n [C] a famous 2 formal having the ability to work and make decisions by
person's signature that they give to someone who yourself without any help from anyone else
admires them: Can | have your autograph? | a player who [SYN] independent —autonomously adv
would always sign autographs and chat with fans au-ton-o-my /s:'tonami $ o:'ta:-/ n [U] 1 freedom that a
autograph? v [T] if a famous person autographs a place or an organization has to govern or control itself
book, photograph etc, they sign it: a shirt autographed by [SYN]independence: campaigners who want greater
the whole team autonomy for Corsica 2 the ability or opportunity to make
autograph driving n [U] informal the activity of your own decisions without being controlled by anyone
driving OFF-ROAD (=on rough ground rather than on the else [SYN]independence: Teachers are given considerable
road) without a DRIVING LICENCE individual autonomy.
auto-immune dis'ease n [U] a condition in which au-to-pi-lot /':tau,patlat $ 'p:tou-/ n [C,U] AUTOMATIC
substances that normally prevent illness in the body PILOT
attack and harm parts of it instead au-top-sy /'>:topsi $ 'p:ta:p-/ n (plural autopsies) [C]
au-to-ma-gi-cally /9:tau'medazkli $ j:tou-/ adv tech- especially AmE an examination of a dead body to discover
nical by the action of a machine, without a person making the cause of death [SYN|post mortem BrE: an autopsy
it work - used especially when you want to describe what report
a piece of software can do without giving a technical au-tumn [fF] />:tam $ 'p:-/ (also fall AmE) n [C,U] the
explanation automatically season between summer and winter, when leaves change
au-to-mak-er /'s:tau,merka $ 'o:toumerkar/ n [C] AmE colour and the weather becomes cooler: autumn mists
a company that makes cars - used especially in news- au-tum-nal /o:'tamnal $ p:-/ adj relating to or typical of,
papers: US automakers autumn: autumnal colours
au-to-mate [@ />:temert $ 'pi-/ v [T] to start using @UX., (also aux BrE) /a:ks $ p:ks/ the written abbreviation
computers and machines to do a job, rather than people: of auxiliary or auxiliary verb
Cash machines automate two basic functions of a bank - aux-il-ia-ry’ /ag'ziljari, otk- $ ozg'ziljari, -'ztlari/ adj
deposits and withdrawals. 1 auxiliary workers provide additional help for another
au-to-ma-ted Eq /‘s:tamertid $ 'p:-/ adj using comput- group of workers: an auxiliary nurse | auxiliary staff
ers and machines to do a job, rather than people — auto- 2 an auxiliary motor, piece of equipment etc is kept ready
mation: a highly automated factory | The production process to be used if the main one stops working properly: an
is now fully automated. auxiliary power supply |auxiliary equipment
(1 © OS = the most frequent words in written English 99 avian flu
auxiliary? n (plural auxiliaries) [C] 1a worker who especially one leading to a big house: a tree-lined avenue
provides additional help for another group of workers: a a:VeF /a'v3: $ a'v3ir/ v (averred, averring) [T] formalto say —
nursing auxiliary 2 an auxiliary verb: a modal auxiliary something firmly and strongly because you are sure that —
auxiliary ‘verb n [Cc] a verb that is used with another it is true [SYN] declare
verb to show its tense, PERSON, MOOD etc. In English the
auxiliary verbs are ‘be’, ‘do’, and ‘have’ (as in ‘| am
av-e-rage’ By] [ /‘evarid2/ adj
1the average amount is the amount you get when you
running’, ‘| didn’t go’, ‘they have gone’), and all the
add together several quantities and divide this by the
MODALS
total number of quantities: The age of the candidates
AV, AV. /et'vis/ the abbreviation of audiovisual ranged from 29 to 49 with an average age of 37. | The
a-vail" Ja'veil/ n to/of no avail if something you do is to average cost of making a movie has risen by 15%. | Last
no avail or of no avail, you do not succeed in getting what winter was colder than average. | The cars were being sold at
you want: We searched the whole area but all to no avail. an average price of $11,000.
Robbie had disappeared. 2an average amount or quantity is not unusually big or
avail? y avail yourself of sth formal to accept an offer or small: They have an average-size front garden and a large
use an opportunity to do something: How many schools rear garden. | of average height/build/intelligence etc He
avail themselves of this opportunity each year? was in his late twenties and of average height.
a-vail-a-ble &] (i Lg /avetlabal/ adj 3having qualities that are typical of most people or
1something that is available is able to be used or can things: The average American has not even thought about
easily be bought or found: Tickets are available from the next year's election. | [In an average week | drive about 250
box office. |[+to] Not enough data is available to scientists. | miles. EST NORMAL
available to do sth Funds are available to assist teachers who Aneither very good nor very bad
want to attend the conference. | [+for] No figures are avail- average? i] n
able for the number of goods sold. | [tin] There are plenty of 1[C] the amount calculated by adding together several
jobs available in the area. | readily/widely available (=very quantities, and then dividing this amount by the total
easy to obtain) Parking is readily available near the station number of quantities: [+of] The average of 3, 8, and 10 is
entrance. | Meetings were held to update employees as soon 7. | Each person raised an average of £60 to plant an acre of
as new information became available. | Further building can trees. | The December figures brought the annual average for
continue when money is made available. | Every available 2001 up to 10.6 per cent.
space on the wall was covered in pictures. 2on average based on a calculation about how many
times something usually happens, how much money
REGISTER
someone usually gets, how often people usually do
In everyday English, people usually say that a book, something etc: On average, men still earn more than
record etc is out rather than available: His new album women. |Nearly 80% of Swiss citizens on average turn out to
is out now. vote.
2 [not before noun] someone who is available is not busy 3[C,U] the usual level or amount for most people or
and has enough time to talk to you: Collins was not things: Streets in the town centre are wider than the
available for comment on Thursday night. average. |above/below average The school’s eighth-graders
3someone who is available does not have a wife, Boy- are above average in science. |The murder rate in the city has
FRIEND etc, and therefore may want to start a new roman- risen to four times the national average. — law of averages at
tic relationship with someone else —availability LAW(9)
/avetla'brsti/ n [UJ]: the availability of affordable housing | average® V 1 [linking verb] to usually do something or
Rooms are offered subject to availability. usually happen a particular number of times, or to usually
av-a-lanche /evalaint/ $ -lent{/ n [C] 1 a large mass of be a particular size or amount: The water in the lake is not
snow, ice, and rocks that falls down the side of a moun- particularly deep, averaging about 12 metres. | The airport
tain: Two skiers were killed in the avalanche. 2 an avalanche averages about a thousand flights a month. | Inflation aver-
of sth a very large number of things such as letters, aged just under 2.8% per year. 2 [T] to calculate the aver-
messages etc that arrive suddenly at the same time: The age of figures: The rate of growth was averaged over a
school received an avalanche of applications. period of three years.
av-ant-garde /zvon ‘gaid« $ vain ‘gaird</ adj average out phr v 1if something averages out at a par-
1 avant-garde music, literature etc is extremely modern ticular figure, it has that figure aS an average over a
and often seems strange or slightly shocking: an avant- period of time: [+at] Training costs for last year averaged
garde play 2 the avant-garde the group of artists, writers out at £5,100 per trainee. | The government's share of the
etc who produce avant-garde books, paintings etc: a cost was intended to average out at 25%, 2 average sth
member of the avant-garde out to calculate the average of something: | averaged out
the total increase at about 10%.
avarice /evaris/ n [U] formal a desire to have a lot of
money that is considered to be too strong [SYN| greed averse /a'v3:s $ -3:rs/ adj 1 not be averse to sth to quite
—avaricious /,eva'rifes/ adj —avariciously adv enjoy something, especially something that is slightly
av-a-tar /evata: $ -ta:r/ n [C] 1 literary a person or wrong or bad for you: | was not averse to fighting with any
animal who is really a god in human or animal form
boy who challenged me. 2 formal unwilling to do some-
thing or not liking something: be averse to (doing) sth Jim
2 formal a person who represents an idea or quality
is averse to using chemicals in the garden. |Some banks are
3 a picture of a person or animal that represents you on a
risk averse (=do not like taking a risk).
computer screen, for example in some CHAT ROOMS or
when you are playing games over the Internet a-ver-sion Javan $ a'v3irzen/ n [singular, U] a strong
Ave. (also Ave Br£) the written abbreviation of Avenue, dislike of something or someone hatred: [+to]
used in addresses: 36, Rokesly Ave Despite his aversion to publicity, Arnold was persuaded to
talk to the press. |have an aversion to sth | have an aversion
avenge /a'vendz/ v [T] literary to do something to hurt
to housework.
or punish someone because they have harmed or
offended you — revenge: He wanted to avenge his brother's avert /a'va:it $ -3irt/ v [T] 1to prevent something
death. —avenger n [C] unpleasant from happening: The tragedy could have been
av-e-nue /‘evinju: $ -nu:/ n [C] 1 Avenue used in the averted if the crew had followed safety procedures.
names of streets in a town or city: Fifth Avenue |Shaftes- 2 avert your eyes/gaze etc to look away from something
bury Avenue 2 a possible way of achieving something: The so that you do not see it: Henry averted his eyes as she
president wants to explore every avenue towards peace in the undressed.
region. | There are many avenues open to researchers. a-vi-an flu / eivian 'flu:/ (also avian influ'enza) n [U] an
3 BrE a road or broad path between two rows of trees, infectious disease that spreads very quickly among birds
 100 EX = words from the Academic Word List

and can sometimes kill them. People can also catch the as domestic violence | a tax avoidance scheme (=legal way
disease. of not paying tax)
aviary /‘ewiari $ 'ervieri/ n (plural aviaries) [C] a large av-oir-du-pois) /zvwaidju:pwa:, evada'pa1z_—$
CAGE where birds are kept evarda'po1z/ n [U] the system of weighing things that
a-vi-a-tion /e1vi'eran $ er-, -/ n [U] 1 the science or uses the standard measures of the OUNCE, POUND, and TON
practice of flying in aircraft 2 the industry that makes —» METRIC SYSTEM
aircraft a:VOW /a'vav/ v [T] formal to make a public statement
a-Vi-a-tor /ervietta ¢ ‘erviertar, 'e-/ n [C] old-fashioned a about something you believe in swear: He avowed his
pilot commitment to Marxist ideals. —avowal n [C,U]
av-id /'evid/ adj [only before noun] doing something as a-vowed /a'vaud/ adj [only before noun] admitted or said
much as possible [SYN]keen: an avid collector of old jazz publicly [SYN] sworn: an avowed atheist
records |an avid reader a-vun-cu-lar /avankjsla $ -ar/ adj behaving in a kind
@Vi-OMmics /ervi'pntks $ -a:n-/ n [U] technical the elec- and nice way to someone who is younger, rather like an
tronic equipment used in aircraft and the science of uncle: an avuncular pat on the shoulder
developing it a-wait /a'weit/ v [T] 1to wait for something: Several
av-0-ca:do /,xvelkaidau< $ -dou</ (also avocado 'pear) men are awaiting trial for robbery. PIES wair 2 if a
n (plural avocados) [C] a fruit with a thick green or dark situation, event etc awaits you, it is going to happen in
purple skin that is green inside and has a large seed in the the future: A terrible surprise awaited them at Mr Tumnus’
middle — see picture at FRUIT! house.
a-void 4 (i /evoard/ v [7] a-wake’ G8 /e'werk/ adj [not before noun]
1to prevent something bad from happening: Road safety is 1not sleeping: | hope he’s awake now. | She was still only
taught to young children to avoid road accidents. | It is half awake when | brought her a cup of coffee. |How do you
important to take measures to avoid the risk of fire. | avoid stay awake during boring lectures? |Emma lay awake half the
doing sth The refugees left to avoid getting bombed. | Alan night, worrying. | The noise brought him wide awake (=com-
narrowly avoided an accident. pletely awake). | To keep themselves awake (=stop them-
2to stay away from someone or something, or not use selves from going to sleep) they sat on the floor and told
something: Everyone seemed to be avoiding Nick. | She each other stories.
carefully avoided his eyes (=did not look directly at his 2 be awake to sth to understand a situation and its possi-
face). | Pregnant women should avoid certain foods such as ble effects [SYN|be aware of sth: Too few people are awake
raw eggs. | Why did you speak to him? You usually avoid him to the dangers of noise pollution,
like the plague (=try hard to avoid him).
awake? vy (past tense awoke /a'wauk $ a'wouk/, past
3 to deliberately not do something, especially something
participle awoken /a'wavken $ a'wou-/) [I;T] 1 formal to
wrong, dangerous, or harmful: There are ways of legally wake up, or to make someone wake up: It was midday
avoiding taxes. | avoid doing sth You should avoid over-
when she awoke. | We awoke to a day of brilliant sunshine.
spending in the first half of the year.
THESAURUS REGISTER
In everyday English, people usually use wake up
‘©AVOID A PERSON OR PLACE ~ rather than awake: | woke up at 4 o'clock this morning.
avoid to deliberately not go near a person or place:
Why have you been avoiding me? | We avoided Park 2 literary if something awakes an emotion, or if an emo-
Street because of the traffic. tion awakes, you suddenly begin to feel that emotion: The
stay away/keep away to avoid a person or place, gesture awoke an unexpected flood of tenderness towards
especially a dangerous one: She walked along the her.
path, keeping well away from the edge of the cliff. | awake to sth phr v to begin to realize the possible effects
That man is trouble - I’d stay away from him. of a situation [SYN] wake up to: Artists finally awoke to the
steer clear of sb/sth informal to avoid a person or aesthetic possibilities of photography.
place, because there could be problems if you do a-wak-en /a'werkan/ v formal 1 [I,T] to wake up or to
not: / usually steer clear of the kitchen when Alan's make someone wake up: She was awakened by a noise at
cooking. two in the morning. |Bill slept a little until he was awakened
make a detour to avoid a place by travelling around to take his turn on guard.
it instead of through the centre: We had to make a
REGISTER
long detour because of the floods.
In everyday English, people usually use wake up
_TO AVOID DOING SOMETHING | rather than awaken: She was woken up by the phone
avoid to find a way of not doing ornate that you ringing.
should do: Some people will do anything to avoid work.
2 [T] if something awakens an emotion, interest, memory
get out of sth to avoid doing something you should
etc it makes you suddenly begin to feel that emotion etc:
do or something you promised to do. Get out of is
Early involvement in music can awaken an interest that will
more common than avoid in everyday spoken
last a lifetime.
English: We promised we'd go - we can't get out of it
awaken sb to sth phr v to make someone understand a
now.
situation and its possible effects: We must awaken people
wriggle out of sth (also wiggle out of sth AmE) to
to the dangers for the environment.
avoid doing something you should do by making up
excuses. Used to show disapproval: He always seems a-wak-en-ing /a'werkanin/ n [C] 1 an occasion when
to wriggle out of helping with the kids. you suddenly realize that you understand something or
evade formal to avoid doing something that legally feel something: It was during the period of 1943-1945 that
or morally you should do - used especially about his political awakening took place. | Confident that he would
taxes or responsibilities: It is an offence to evade win, he had a rude awakening (=very unpleasant surprise)
taxes. | The US cannot evade its responsibility for the on election day. 2 the act of waking from sleep
war. a-ward" 3 1] /awo:d $ -a:1rd/ n [C]
1something such as a prize or money given to someone.
a-void:a-ble /a'vordabal/ adj something bad that is to reward them for something they have done: The movie
avoidable can be avoided or prevented: an almost entirely has won a number of awards. | an award-winning
avoidable cause of death | Nearly 1,000 children die each restaurant | [+for] the award for best student
year from accidents in the home which are avoidable. 2 something, especially money, that is officially given to
a-void-ance /a'vordens/ n [U] the act of avoiding someone as a payment or after a legal decision: the
someone or something: [+of] the avoidance of issues such teachers’ pay award |an award for unfair dismissal
(XJ = words from the Academic Word List 101 awful

many things or people of a particular kind: [+with] All the

pavements were awash with rubbish.
| VERBS.
win an award Caprio won the award for best actor. |an a-way" G Ml /e\wer/ adv
award-winning novel 1used to say that someone leaves a place or person, or
get/receive an award He js the youngest person ever stays some distance from a place or person: Go away! |
to receive the award. Dinah was crying as she drove slowly away. | [+from] Stay ~
give sb an award Jhe award is given each year to the away from the fire.
best new artist. 2 towards a different direction: She turned away and stared
present sb with an award (=give someone an award out of the window. | Charley blushed and looked away,
at a formal ceremony) She cried when she was embarrassed.
- presented with her award. 3 if someone is away from school, work, or home, they
be nominated for an award (a/so be up for an award are not there [syn] absent: Simon is away with flu. | Kate is
informal) (=to be chosen as one of the people, films away on holiday. | [+from] You must bring a note from your
etc that could receive an award) | pick up/scoop up parents if you've been away from school.
an award (=to get an award - used especially in 4used to say how far it is to a place or thing: five
news reports) |the award goes to sb/sth (=that miles/ten feet etc away Geneva is about 20 miles away. |
person, film etc is chosen to receive it) There's another hotel not far away. | [+from] She was sitting
ten feet away from the microphone. |five minutes/two hours
| ADJECTIVES/NC etc away The beach is only five minutes away (=it only takes
the highest award ain five minutes to get there).
highest military award. 5if an event is two days, three weeks etc away, it will
a top award/a major award Jhe restaurant has won happen after that period of time has passed: Christmas is
several top awards. only a month away.
a special award He received a special award for his 6 used to say how close someone is to achieving some-
work as a movie director. thing or experiencing something: [+from] At one stage,
a prestigious award (=very well-respected) | they were just two points away from victory.
a film/music/ poetry etc award | a literary award 7 into or in a safe or enclosed place: Put your money away,
I'm paying. |Thousands of archaeological treasures are being
| award + NOUR kept hidden away.
an awards ceremony Vy parents wanted to be a 8 used to show that something disappears or is removed:
awards ceremony. The music died away. | Ruben gave all his money away to
an award winner |an award scheme BrE charity. |Support for the Democrats has dropped away. | Cut
away all the dead wood.
award? 7 v [7] 9 used to emphasize that an action continues: Sue was
1to officially give someone something such as a prize or singing away to herself in the bath. | They've been hammer-
money to reward them for something they have done: ing away all day.
Moodie has been awarded a golf scholarship at the University 10 used to say that someone spends the whole of a
of Hawaii. |award sb sth The judge awarded me first prize. | period of time doing something: You can dance the night
award sth to sb A Nobel Prize was awarded to Waksman in away in one of Benidorm’s many discos.
1952. FEET I> Give Tif a team is playing away, it is playing a game at its
2 to officially decide that someone should receive a pay- opponent's field or sports hall at home: Liverpool! are
ment or a formal agreement: award sb sth The government playing away at Everton on Saturday. + far and away at
awarded a German company the contract. | award sth to sb FAR'(12), — right away at RIGHT3(2), — straight away at
£45,000 was awarded to a typist with an injured hand. STRAIGHT
(7)
a-ware Gl (0 GG /ewes $ a'wer/ adj [not before noun] away? adj [only before noun] an away game or match is
1if you are aware that a situation exists, you realize or played at your opponent's field or sports hall home
know that it exists: [+of] The children are aware of the awe! /o: $ o:/ n [U] 1a feeling of great respect and
danger of taking drugs. |Mr Braley has been made aware of liking for someone or something: He felt great awe for the
the need for absolute secrecy. | aware that Were you aware landscape. |with/in awe Kate gazed at the statue with awe.
that Joe had this problem with his knee? |well/fully/acutely 2 be/stand in awe of sb (also hold sb in awe) to admire
aware They were well aware that the company was losing someone and have great respect for them and sometimes
money. |As you are aware, a fee will be charged annually. a slight fear of them: All of the neighbours were a little in
2 if you are aware of something, you notice it, especially awe of my mother. | The villagers hold them in awe and think
because you can see, hear, feel, or smell it: [tof] She was of them as gods.
aware of a tall dark figure watching her. |He was aware of awe? v [T usually passive] formal if you are awed by
_ the wind in his face. |aware that Bil! became aware that he someone or something, you feel great respect and liking
was still holding his glass. for them, and are often slightly afraid of them: The girls
3 understanding a lot about what is happening around were awed by the splendour of the cathedral. —awed adj: an
you and paying attention to it, especially because you awed silence
realize possible dangers and problems: politically/socially/ ‘awe-inspiring adj extremely impressive in a way that
environmentally etc aware the socially aware novels of makes you feel great respect: a truly awe-inspiring achieve-
Dickens | We should promote environmentally aware and ment
responsible science. awe:some /'d:sam $ 'p:-/ adj 1 extremely impressive,
4 so/as far as |am aware spoken used when you are saying serious, or difficult so that you feel great respect, worry,
something that you think is true, although you might be or fear: an awesome responsibility | the awesome sweep of
wrong because you do not know all the facts: As far as | the scenery 2 especially AmE informal very good: Their last
am aware, they are a happily married couple. concert was really awesome. —awesomely adv
a-ware-ness [J Lg /e'weanis $ a'wer-/ n [U] ‘awe- stricken adj awestRUCK
1knowledge or understanding of a particular subject or awe:struck /s:strak $ 'p:-/ adj feeling great respect for
situation: environmental/political/social awareness |Health the importance, difficulty, or seriousness of someone or
officials have tried to raise awareness (=improve people's something: She gazed awestruck at the jewels.
knowledge) about AIDS. aw:ful" gy /'>:fal $ 'b:-/ adj
2 the ability to notice something using your senses: [+of] 1very bad or unpleasant [Syn] terrible: The weather was
an artist's awareness of light and color awful. | He is a pretty awful driver. | That fridge smells
a-wash /a'wof $ a'wo:f, a'wa:f/ adj [not before noun] awful. | The last six months have been awful for her. | I've
1 covered with water or another liquid 2 containing too stopped believing most of what he says. Isn't that awful? |I'm
awful 102 Si &) & = the most frequent words in spoken English

sure Suzy is dead but the awful thing is not knowing how it permission, especially from the army: Two soldiers had
happened. KEATS BAD, HORRIBLE gone AWOL the night before.
2 [only before noun] spoken used to emphasize how much a-wry /e'rat/ adj 1 go awry if something goes awry, it
or how good, bad etc something is: An awful lot of people does not happen in the way that was planned: My care-
(=a large number of people) died in the war. |He made me fully laid plans had already gone awry. 2 not in the correct
feel an awful fool. position: He rushed out, hat awry.
3 look/feel awful to look or feel ill: She's lost a lot of weight aw shucks /p: 'faks $ ,0:-/ interjection AmE used in a
and she looks awful. joking way to show that you feel embarrassed or sad
Aliterary making you feel great respect or fear axe! (also ax AmE) /eks/ n [C] 1a tool with a heavy
—awfulness n [U] metal blade on the end of a long handle, used to cut
awful? adv [+ adj/adv] AmE spoken very: That kid's awful down trees or split pieces of wood — PICKAXE 2 the axe
cute, with her red curls. informal if someone gets the axe, they are dismissed from
aw:ful-ly /:fali $ 'o:-/ adv very: It’s awfully cold in here. their job: 100 workers are facing the axe in a cost-cutting
Is the heater on? exercise. 3 the axe informal if a plan, system, or service
a-while /e'watl/ adv for a short time gets the axe, someone gets rid of it: MPs know there will be
awk-ward gy /2:kwad $ 'p:kward/ adj cuts in public spending but do not know on which department
1making you feel embarrassed so that you are not sure the axe will fall. 4 have an axe to grind to have a strong
what to do or say [Syn] difficult: | hoped he would stop personal opinion about something which is the reason
asking awkward questions. | There was an awkward moment why you do something: | need objective advice from some-
when she didn’t know whether to shake his hand or kiss his one with no axe to grind.
cheek. |an awkward silence |A laugh can help people over an axe? (also ax AmE) v [1] 1 to suddenly dismiss someone
awkward situation. | Philip's remarks put her in an awkward from their job: There are plans to axe 2,600 staff. 2 to get
position (=made it difficult for her to know what to do). rid of a plan, system, or service, especially in order to
GOEL EMBARRASSED save money: TV's longest running show is to be axed.
2 not relaxed or comfortable: She liked to dance but felt ax:Pom /‘eksiam/ n [C] formal a rule or principle that is
awkward ifsomeone was watching her. |Geoff looked uneasy generally considered to be true
and awkward. |Make sure that the baby is not sleeping in an ax:i-o-mateic / zksia'mettk</ adj something that is axi-
awkward position. omatic does not need to be proved because you can
3 difficult to do, use, or deal with: It'll be awkward getting easily see that it is true [Syn] self-evident —axiomatically
cars in and out. | The new financial arrangements were /-kli/ adv
awkward to manage. | A good carpenter can make a cup- ax-is /‘eksis/ n (plural axes /-si1z/) [C] 1 the imaginary
board to fit the most awkward space. |She was afraid he was line around which a large round object, such as the Earth,
going to ask an awkward question. DIFFICULT turns: The Earth rotates on an axis between the north and
4 not convenient: I’m sorry to call at such an awkward time south poles. + see picture at EARTH! 2 a line drawn across
but | won't keep you a minute. the middle of a regular shape that divides it into two
5an awkward person is deliberately unhelpful equal parts 3 either of the two lines of a GRAPH, by which
SYN] difficult: [tabout] The staff wanted to go home and the positions of points are measured: the vertical/
they were getting awkward about a meeting starting so late. | horizontal axis
an awkward customer (=person who is difficult and Axis of ‘Evil, the a phrase used by US President
unhelpful) —awkwardly adv: ‘I’m very sorry about your George W. Bush in a speech in April 2002 to describe
sister,” he said awkwardly. | Vera smiled awkwardly. countries that he claimed supported TERRORISM (=use of
—awkwardness n [UJ]: He tried to smooth over the awk- violence to obtain political demands) and wanted to
wardness of the situation. obtain chemical, BIOLOGICAL, of NUCLEAR weapons
awl /2:| $ o:I/ n [C] a pointed tool for making holes in ax-le /‘eksal/ n [C] the bar connecting two wheels on a
leather car or other vehicle
Ax-min:ster /‘eksminsta $ -ar/ n [U] trademark a type
of high-quality CARPET
a-ya-tol-lahh /,ate'tola $ -'tou-/ n [C] a religious leader of
the Shiite Muslims, especially a very powerful one
aye /ai/ adv1 used to say yes when voting nay: the
ayes have it (=used to say that most people in a meeting
have voted in favour of something) 2 a word meaning
yes, used especially in Scotland
Ay-ur-ve-dic medicine /,rjavetdtk 'medsan $
a) ie i} 1 ia -jarverdik 'medisan/ n [U] a traditional Indian medical
treatment that involves using herbs, eating certain types
! 1 ea 1 oe | of food, and doing YOGA (=exercises that help you relax
by controlling your mind and body) in order to sta
aw-ning /'s:ntn $ 'p:-/ n [C] a sheet of material outside
healthy \
a shop, tent etc to keep off the sun or the rain
a:za:le«a /a'zetlia $ -ja/ n [C] a small bush that has large
a:woke /a'wauk $ a'wouk/ the past tense of AWAKE flowers — see picture at FLOWER!
a-wok-en /a'wavken $ a'wou-/ the past participle of AZT /ex zed 'ti: $ -zi:-/ trademark azidothymidine - a
AWAKE drug used to treat AIDS
AWOL /et dabalju: au ‘el, 'erwnl $ -ov-, ‘erwo:l/ adj az-ure /'e39, '‘ezjva, 'ezjua $ '‘ezar/ adj having a bright
(absent without leave) absent from somewhere without blue colour like the sky —azure n [U]
 S
a baby is born Let me know as soon as the baby is
born.
have a baby/give birth to a baby She had the baby at
home.
be expecting a baby (=be pregnant) My wife's
expecting a baby.
a baby is due (=is expected to be born) When is
B, b /bi:/ n (plural B's, b's) 1 [C,U] the second letter of your baby due?
the English alphabet 2 [C,U] the seventh note in the lose a baby (=have a baby that dies when it is born
musical SCALE of C MAJOR or the musical KEY based on too soon) She was three months pregnant when she
this note 3 [C] a mark given to a student's work to show lost the baby.
that it is good but not excellent: | got a B in history. deliver a baby (=help a woman to give birth to a
4 [U] used to refer in a short way to one of two different baby) |abandon a baby (=leave your baby
things or people. You can call the first one A.: the somewhere because you do not want it)
advantages and disadvantages of choosing product A or B
— plan B at PLAN'(6) 5 B4509/B1049 etc the name of a
road in Britain that is smaller than an A-ROAD 6 [U] a a newborn baby There's plenty of help and advice for
common type of blood — from A to B at A'(6), > B-MOVIE, people with newborn babies.
B-SIDE, B-ROAD an unborn baby (=not yet born) Drinking alcohol is
bad for your unborn baby.
b. (also b BrE) the written abbreviation of born: Andrew a premature baby (=born before the normal time)
Lanham, b. 1885 Lesley's baby was three weeks premature.
BA BrE, B.A. AmE / bi: 'et/ n [C] (Bachelor of Arts) a first an illegitimate baby (=born to an unmarried
university DEGREE in a subject such as history, languages, mother) |an unwanted baby
or English literature + BS, BSc, MA: [tin] He has a BA in
| Dat 10)
French. |Susan Potter, BA a baby boy/girl She's just had a lovely healthy baby
baa /ba:/ v [|] to make a sound like a sheep —baa n [C] girl.
a baby son/daughter/brother/sister |baby
bab-ble’ /bebal/ v1 [1,7] to speak quickly in a way that clothes/food
is difficult to understand or sounds silly: | have no idea
what he was babbling on about. 2 [|] to make a sound like
water moving over stones —babbler n [C] A Do not say 'she is waiting a baby’. Say she is
expecting a baby.
babble? n [singular] 1the confused sound of many
people talking at the same time: the babble of a crowded
party 2 a sound like water moving over stones
baby a very young child who has not yet learned to
babe /betb/ n [C] 1 literary a baby: babe in arms (=one speak or walk: | sat next to a woman holding a baby,
that has to be carried) 2 spoken informal a word for an toddler a baby who has learned how to walk: The
attractive young woman 3. spoken informal a way of playground has a special area for toddlers.
speaking to a young woman, often considered offensive infant formal a baby or a very young child: The
4 spoken a way of speaking to someone you love, espe- disease is mainly found in infants.
cially your wife or husband 5 babe in the woods AmE little one spoken informal a baby, or a small child up
someone who can be easily deceived: He was like a babe to the age of about three: How old is your little one?
in the woods when he first came to New York. young the babies of an animal or bird: Kangaroos
ba-bel /betbal $ 'ber-, 'be-/ n [singular, U] the confusing carry their young in a pouch.
sound of many voices talking together: a babel of French litter a group of baby animals that are born at the
and Italian same time to the same mother: Our cat has just had a
litter of six kittens.
ba-boon /balbu:n $ be-/ n [C] a large monkey that lives
in Africa and South Asia baby? v (babied, babying, babies) [T] to be too kind to
someone and look after them as if they were a baby
ba-by" &] (0 /‘berbi/ n (plural babies) [C] ‘baby blues n [plural] informal an illness in which a
Ieee) 4a very young child who has not yet woman feels unhappy and tired after her baby is born
learned to speak or walk: The baby is crying. | She gave ‘baby boom n [C] an increase in the number of babies
‘birth to a baby on Thursday. | What do you think of your new born during a particular period, compared to other times
baby sister? —> TEST-TUBE BABY - used especially about people born between 1946 and
2 FOUN a very young animal: baby birds 1964: the baby boom generation
3 [Saaz a type of vegetable which is grown to be ‘baby boomer n [c] someone born during a period
much smaller than usual or is eaten before it has grown when a lot of babies were born, especially between 1946
to its normal size: baby carrots | baby sweetcorn and 1964
4 §Gssag a younger child in a family, often the young- ‘baby buggy n [c] 1 BrE succy 2 AmE PRAM
est: Clare is the baby of the family. ‘baby carriage n [C] AmE a thing like a small bed with
5 (MEN spoken a) used to address someone that you four wheels, used for taking a baby from one place to
love: Relax, baby - we're on holiday. b) not polite used to another pram BrE — pushchair
address a young woman that you do not know
6ST someone, especially an older child, who
‘baby-faced adj a baby-faced adult has a face like a
is not behaving in a brave way: Don’t be a baby!
child
7GESL208 ay something special that someone has Ba-by:gro /betbigrau $ -grou/ n (plural Babygros) [C]
developed or is responsible for: Don’t ask me about the BrE trademark a piece of clothing for a baby, that covers
building contract - that's Robert's baby. their whole body
8 Gn informal something, especially a piece of equip- ba-by-hood /‘berbihud/ n [U] the period of time when
ment or a machine, that you care about a lot: This baby you are a baby
can reach speeds of 130 miles per hour. + throw the baby out ba-by-ish /‘berbi-1// adj like a baby, or suitable for a
with the bathwater at THROW'(37) baby: The games were a little babyish for nine-year-olds.
 baby milk 104 GG = words from the Academic Word List

‘baby milk n [U] BrE dried milk that is mixed with water please? | | want all my books back as soon as you've finished
and fed to babies instead of breast milk [Syn] formula with them. | Give me back that letter! It’s none of your
AmE business!
ba-by-sit /'berbistt/ v (past tense and past participle 7 (tsa in or towards a time in the past: a pile of
babysat /-set/, present participle babysitting) [|,T] to take newspapers dating back to the 1970s | A lot of emotional
care of children while their parents are away for a short problems can be traced back to childhood. | Looking back on
time —babysitting n [UJ]: a _ babysitting service it, | should have known he was unhappy. | At times, | think
—babysitter n [C] back to my life in Moscow. | [+in] The house was built back
‘baby talk n [U] sounds or words that babies use when in 1235. | three years/two months etc back (=three years
they are learning to talk ago etc) His wife died a couple of years back. |He called me
a while back.
_ 'baby tooth n (plural baby teeth) [C] a tooth from the
first set of teeth that young children have [syn] milk tooth 8 [aN] once again: Go back over your work to check for
any mistakes. | Liverpool were back level again two minutes
BrE
later with a superb goal.
‘baby walker n [Cc] a small frame on wheels that a 9 sit/lie/lean back to sit or lie in a comfortable relaxed
baby uses to support itself while it is learning to walk way: Sit back, relax, and enjoy the show!
bac-ca-lau-re-ate /bekalla:riat/ n [C] 1 an examina- 10 [X0ENa away from a surface, person, or thing: She
tion in a range of subjects that students do in their final pulled the bandage back very carefully. | Her hair was
school year in France and some other countries, and in brushed back from her face. | The woman nodded and stood
some international schools 2 AmE formal a BACHELOR'S back, allowing Patrick to enter.
DEGREE 11 back and forth going in one direction and then in the
bac-ca-rat /'bekara: $ beka'ra:/ n [U] a card game opposite direction, and repeating this several times: We
bac-cha-na-li-an, Bacchanalian /beka'nerlian</ adj lit- travel back and forth all the time between Canada and
erary a bacchanalian party involves a lot of alcohol, sex, England. |He was pacing back and forth.
and uncontrolled behaviour: a bacchanalian orgy 12 esa) towards the beginning of a book,
bac:cy /'beki/ n [U] BrE informal tobacco tape, document etc: Turn back to the summaries at the end
of section 1.5. | Wind the tape back to the beginning. |
bach-e-lor /'betfala $ -ar/ n [C] 1a man who has never
Clicking on the icon will take you back to the previous web
been married: Gerald was 38, and a confirmed bachelor (=a
man who has decided that he will never marry). | The
page.
Crown Prince was Japan's most eligible bachelor (=a rich back? GI fn [cl
young man who has not yet married). EEE 1 aL bg a) the part of the body between the
MARRIED 2 Bachelor of Arts/Science/Education etc a first neck and legs, on the opposite side to the stomach and
university DEGREE in an ARTS subject, a science subject etc chest: The cat arched its back and hissed. |My feet were sore
—»+ BA, BSc, BEd and my back was aching. | Keep your head up and your back
‘bachelor flat n [C] BrE an apartment where an straight. | To avoid back problems, always bend your knees
unmarried man or woman lives when you lift heavy objects. |He lay on his back and gazed at
‘bachelor party n [Cc] Amé a party for a man and his the ceiling. |Johnny was lying flat on his back in the middle of
male friends before he gets married, especially on the the floor. |Anna stood with her back to the window. |on sb's
night before his wedding [Syn] stag night BrE back (=carried on someone's back) The girl appeared
again, now with a little baby on her back. b) the bones
‘bachelor’s degree n [Cc] a first university DEGREE, between your neck and the top of your legs [Syn] spine: He
such as a BA, B.S., Of BSC —> master's degree
broke his back in a motorbike accident.
ba:cil-lus /be'stlas/ n (plural bacilli /-lat/) [C] technical a 2foweae [usually singular] the part of something
type of BACTERIA. Some types of bacillus cause diseases. that is furthest from the front [opp] front: a T-shirt with a
back’ gy fy /bek/ adv picture of a snake on the back | [+of] He kissed her on the
1S in, into, or to the place or position back of her head. | Her window faced the backs of the
where someone or something was before: I'll be back in a houses. | in the back (of sth) (=used especially about the
minute. | Put that book back where you found it! | back of a vehicle) Two men were sitting in the back of the
[+in/to/into etc] Rory plugged the cable back into the car. | at the back (of sth) a small shop with an office at the
socket. || feel like going back to bed. |go/get/head etc back back | in back (of sth) AmE (=in or at the back of some-
We ought to try and get back before it gets dark. | He was thing) Kids should always wear seat belts, even in back. |out
back home by half past eleven. | It's possible to travel there back AmE (=behind a house or other building) Tom’s
and back in a day. working on the car out back, | round/out the back BrE
2 GSEeg in or into the condition or situation you were (=behind a house or building) Have you looked round the
in before: Gary woke at 4am and couldn't get back to sleep. | back?
It took me a long time to get my confidence back. | If you 3 TSS [usually singular] the less impor-
decide to marry him, there will be no going back (=you will tant side or surface of something such as a piece of paper
not be able to get back to your previous situation). | or card [opp] front: Paul scribbled his address on the back of
go/get back oy(ome) sth There’s no way I’m going back to an envelope. | The credits are listed on the back of the album.
being poor. |It Hee a while for things to get back to normal. 4g the part of a seat that you lean against
3 Bae in or to a place where you lived or when you are sitting: [+of] He rested his arm on the back of
worked before: T+in/at] She was the one who had fired him the sofa.
from his first job back in South Africa. |back home (=in the 5 ea a [usually singular] the last pages ofa
place that you come from and think of as your home) It book or newspaper [opp] front: at the back (of) The sports
reminded me of evenings back home. pages are usually at the back. |in the back (of) The answers
4 XIE in the opposite direction from the way you are in the back of the book.
are facing [opp] forwards: He glanced back at the house. | 6 at/in the back of your mind a thought that is at the back
Kirov stepped back a pace. |She tilted her head back to look of your mind is one you try to ignore because you do not
at him. want it to be true: At the back of her mind was the thought
5 PEO if you do something back, you do it as that he might be with someone else. | put/push sth to the
a reply or reaction to what someone has said or done: back of your mind He tried to push these uncomfortable
Can | call you back later? | I'll pay you back on Friday. | ‘No, thoughts to the back of his mind.
Ve he shouted back. | If he hits you, you just hit him 7 back to back a) with the backs towards each other:
ack. Stand back to back and we'll see who's tallest. b) happening
6 FETUS if you give something, get something immediately one after the other: a couple of back-to-back
etc back, you return it to the person who first had it, or wins for the team —> BACK-TO-BACK'
you have it returned to you: Can we have our ball back, 8 back to front BrE a) in an incorrect position so that what
G4 = words from the Academic Word List 105 back
should be at the back is at the front: You've got your [+into/out of/away. from etc] She backed into a doorway to
sweater on back to front. b) doing something the wrong let the crowds pass by. | back sb into/towards/out of etc sth
way round and starting with the part that should be at He began to back her towards the open door. | back sth
the end: He got the commands back to front and the pro- into/towards/out of etc sth | backed the car into the garage.
gram didn’t work. 3 PSE [T usually passive] to put a material
9 behind sb's back if you do something behind someone's or substance onto the back of something, in order to
back, you do it without them knowing: | don’t like the idea protect it or make it stronger: Back the photo with
of the two of them talking about me behind my back. | | cardboard. |a plastic-backed shower curtain
should have realized that he'd go behind my back (=do 4 GSCI) [7 usually passive] to be at the back of
something without telling me). something or behind it: The Jandia Peninsula is a stretch of
10 when/while sb’s back is turned if something happens white sands backed by a mountain range.
when your back is turned, it happens when you are not 5 (189 [7 usually passive] to play or sing the music that ©
able to see or know what someone is doing: What are supports the main singer or musician: They performed all
your kids up to when your back is turned? their hits, backed by a 40-piece orchestra.
11 get/put sb’s back up BrE informal to annoy someone: 6 GETS [7] to risk money on whether a particular
Simone was the kind of person who was always putting horse, dog, team etc wins something
people’s backs up. 7 back the wrong horse to support someone or something
12 get (sb) off sb's back spoken to stop annoying someone that is not successful
with a lot of questions, criticisms etc, or to make some- back away phr v
one stop annoying you in this way: Maybe the only way to 1to move backwards and away from something, espe-
get him off my back is to tell him the truth. |Do me a favour cially because you are frightened: [+from] She backed
and get off my back! away from the menacing look on his face.
13 be on sb's back spoken to be trying to make someone do 2 to stop supporting a plan or idea, or stop being involved
something they do not want to do: Why are you and Dad in something: [+from] The government has backed away
always on my back? from its nuclear weapons strategy.
14 on the back of sth as. a result of something that already back down phr v to admit that you are wrong or that you
exists or something you have already done: The company have lost an argument: Both sides have refused to back down.
should be able to generate business on the back of existing back off phr v
contracts. 1to move backwards, away from someone or something:
15 on the backs of sb using the work of a particular group She backed off and then turned and ran.
to achieve something that they will not get any advantage 2 to stop telling someone what to do, or stop criticizing
from: Economic prosperity was won on the backs of the them, especially so that they can deal with something
urban poor. themselves: | think you should back off for a while. |Back off,
16873 a defending player in a sports team Marc! Let me run my own life!
[SYN] defender 3to stop supporting something, or decide not to do
17 the back of beyond informal a place that is a long way something you were planning to do: Jerry backed off when
from other places and is difficult to get to: It’s a nice little he realized how much work was involved. | [+from] The
cottage but it really is in the back of beyond. company has backed off from investing new money.
18 be (flat) on your back a) to be lying on your back - used back onto sth phr v if a building backs onto something, its
to emphasize that someone seems unlikely to get up back faces it: The hotel backs onto St Mark's Square.
soon: He was drunk and flat on his back on the street. b) to back out phr v to decide not to do something that you
be so ill that you cannot get out of bed: Their best player had promised to do: It’s too late to back out now. | After
was flat on his back in hospital. ¢) if a business, country, you've signed the contract, it will be impossible to back out. |
ECONOMY etc is on its back, it is not successful: The UK [+of] The government is trying to back out of its commit-
market was flat on its back. ment to reduce pollution.
19 put your back into it informal to work extremely hard at back up phr v
something: If we really put our backs into it, we could finish 1back sb/sth <> up to say or show that what someone is
today. saying is true: Jane would back me up if she were here. |
20 be glad/delighted/pleased etc to see the back of sb/sth There's no evidence to back up his accusations. | These
to be happy that someone is leaving or because you no theories have not been backed up by research.
longer have to deal with something: No, I’m not too upset 2 back sb/sth < up to provide support or help for some-
that he left - in fact, | was glad to see the back of him. || can't one or something: The plan’s success depends on how
wait to see the back of this project, | can tell you (=| will be vigorously the UN will back it up with action. | The police
happy when it ends). officers are backed up by extra teams of people at the
21have your back to/against the wall informal to be in a weekend. —+ BACKUP
difficult situation with no choice about what to do 3to make a copy of information stored on a computer:
22 at your back a) behind you: They had the wind at their Make sure you back up. | back sth <> up These devices can
backs as they set off. b) supporting you: Caesar marched back up the whole system. |back sth <> up onto sth Back all
into Rome with an army at his back. your files up onto floppy disks. + BACKUP
23 on your back informal not polite if someone achieves 4 especially AmE to make a vehicle move backwards: The
something on their back, they achieve it by having sex truck stopped and then backed up. | back sth <> up | backed
with someone the car up a little.
24 high-backed/straight-backed/low-backed etc with a 5 to move backwards: Back up a bit so that everyone can
high, straight, low etc back: a high-backed chair + know see, —> BACKUP
sth like the back of your hand at KNow'(3), — turn your back 6 if traffic backs up, it forms a long line of vehicles that
on sb/sth at TURN'(7) cannot move: The traffic was starting to back up in both
directions.
back? gy 1 v 7 if a toilet, sink etc backs up, it becomes blocked so that
1G ([T usually passive] a) to support someone or
water cannot flow out of it
something, especially by giving them money or using
your influence: The scheme has been backed by several back? gy (8) adj [only before noun]
major companies in the region. | Some suspected that the Jat or in the back of something [OPP]front: You'll be
rebellion was backed and financed by the US. |government- sleeping in the back bedroom. |Turn to the back page. || keep
backed loans b) (also back up) to support an idea by my keys in my back pocket. | There was the sound ofgiggling
providing facts, proof etc: His claims are not backed by any from the back row. | The rabbit had one of its back legs
scientific evidence. SUPPORT caught in a trap. + BACK DOOR
2 [| always + adv/prep, T] to move back- 2 behind something, especially a building [OPP] front: the
wards, or make someone or something move backwards: back garden | We left by the back gate.
backache Sd & & = the mostpial eds words in spoken English

3 from the back: The back view of the hotel was even less plan, especially by providing money: We're still trying to
appealing than the front. find backers for the housing development scheme.
4 back street/lane/road etc a street etc that is away from
back-fire /bek'fata $ 'beekfarr/ v [1] 1 if a plan or action
the main streets: a short cut down a back lane
backfires, it has the opposite effect to the one you
5 back rent/taxes/pay etc money that someone owes from
intended: The company’s new policy backfired when a
an earlier date
number of employees threatened to quit. BEEGNTUS> Fait
6 back issue/copy/number a copy of a magazine or news-
2 if a car backfires, it makes a sudden loud noise because
paper from an earlier date
the engine is not working correctly
7 technical a back vowel sound is made by lifting your
tongue at the back of your mouth ‘back for,mation n [Cc] technical a new word formed
back-ache /‘beketk/ n [C,U] a pain in your back from an older word, for example ‘televise’, which is
back-bench /bek'bent{/</ adj [only before noun] BrE a formed from ‘television’
backbench Member of Parliament is an ordinary British back-gam-mon /'bekgeman/ n [U] a game for two
Member of Parliament who does not have an important players, using flat round pieces and DICE on a special
official position: He has the support of a lot of backbench board — see picture at BOARD GAME
MPs. | a backbench revolt
back-bench-er /bek'bentfa< $ -ar</ n [C] BrE an ordi- BACKGROUND
nary British Member of Parliament who does not have an
. background
important official position
back-benches /bek'bent{sz/ n the backbenches [plural]
BrE the seats in the British parliament where ordinary
Members of Parliament sit
back-bit-ing /bekbattin/ n [U] unpleasant or cruel
talk about someone who is not present: All this backbiting
is destroying company morale.
back-board /'bekbo:d $ -bo:rd/ n [C] the board behind
the basket in the eal of BASKETBALL —> see picture at
BASKETBALL
back-bone /bekbaun $ -boun/ n 1[C] the row of
connected bones that go down the middle of your back
[SYN] Spine 2 the backbone of sth the most important part
of an organization or group of people: Farmers are the
backbone of this community. 3 [U] courage and determina- back-ground § ( /'bekgraund/ n
ion: Stuart doesn’t have the backbone to be a good manager. 1[C] someone's family, education, previous work etc:
back-break-ing /'bekbretktn/ adj backbreaking work Students with a background in chemistry will probably find
is physically difficult and makes you very tired the course easier. |It’s important to understand other people,
people from different backgrounds. | Do you know anything
EEE TRING
back- burner, back-bur-ner /‘bekb3:na $ -b3:rnar/ v about his background?
[T] informal to delay doing something, because it does 2[C,U] the situation or past events that explain why
not need your attention immediately or because it is not something happens in the way that it does: [+to] Without
as important as other things that you need to do imme- knowing the background to the case, | couldn't possibly
diately: Allison back-burnered her prestigious law career comment. |against a background of sth The peace talks are
when she had a baby. | The project has been backburnered. being held against a background of increasing violence. |
background information/details/data etc The author
‘back catalogue n [Cc] music that a performer has included a new chapter of background material for the sec-
recorded in the past
ond edition of the book.
back-chat /‘bektfeet/ n [U] BrE informal a rude reply to 3 [C usually singular] the area that is behind the main thing
someone who is telling you what to do [Syn] backtalk that you are looking at, especially in a picture: The back-
AmE: None of your backchat - do your homework! ground looks out of focus. | in the background In the back-
back-cloth /‘bek-klo@ $ -klo:®/ n [C] especially BrE ground, you can see my college friends.
1 a BACKDROP(3) 2 a BACKDROP(2) 4[C] the pattern or colour on top of which something has
back-comb /bek-kaum $ -koum/ v [T] BrE to comb been drawn, printed etc: red lettering on a white back-
your hair against the way it grows in order to make it look ground
thicker and shape it into a style [Syn] tease AmE 5 in the background someone who keeps or stays in the
‘back country n [U] 1 especially AusE a country area background tries not to be noticed: The president's advi-
where few people live 2 AmE an area, especially in the sors are content to remain in the background.
mountains, away from roads and towns 6 [C,U] the sounds that you can hear apart from the main
back-date /bek'dert $ 'bakdert/ v [T] 1 to make some- thing that you are listening to: in the background /n the
thing have its effect from an earlier date: backdate sth background, | could hear the sound of traffic. | All of the
from/to sth The pay increase will be backdated to January, background noise made it difficult to have a phone conversa-
2 AmE to write an earlier date on a document or cheque tion.
than when it was actually written COLLOCATIONS
back-door /‘bekdo: $ -do:r/ adj [only before noun] secret, ADJECTIVES.
or not publicly stated as your intention: a backdoor tax rise
family background Many kids lack a stableeen
jback ‘door n [c] 1a door at the back or side of a background.
building 2 get in through the back door to achieve some- social background Universities aim to attract students
thing by having an unfair secret advantage: His father
from varied social backgrounds.
works there, so he got in through the back door. cultural background Some of his attitudes were due to
back-drop /'bekdrop $ -dra:p/ n [C] 1 literary the scen- his cultural background.
ERY behind something that you are looking at: [+to] The ethnic background We do not discriminate against
sea made a splendid backdrop to the garden. 2 the condi- people because of their ethnic background or gender.
tions or situation in which something happens: against a socio-economic background Smokers often come
backdrop of sth a love story set against a backdrop of war from poorer socio-economic backgrounds.
and despair 3 a painted cloth hung across the back of a educational/academic background [he interviewer
stage will ask you about your educational background and
back-er /'beka $ -ar/ n [C] someone who supports a work experience.
fd [2 GB = the most frequent words in written English 107 backward

a working-class/middle-class background | politics who tries to control things that they are not really
a deprived/disadvantaged background | responsible for 3 take a back seat to accept a less impor-
a privileged/wealthy background tant position than someone or something else: Finally,
Bryant decided to take a back seat and let his son run the
company.
have backgroun (in sth) We are looking for
back-side /'beksatd/ n [C] informal 1 the part of your
someone who has a background in science.
body that you sit on |SYN|bottom 2 get off your backside to
come from a background ark and | came from very
start doing something or taking action, instead of not
\ similar backgrounds.
Ue
DEORE
GER LY doing anything — be a pain in the backside at PAIN'(3)
back-hand /'bekhend/ n [C usually singular] a way of back-slap-ping /'bekslapin/ n [U] behaviour in which
hitting the ball in tennis and some other games, in which people praise each other's achievements more than they
the back of your hand is turned in the direction of the ball deserve
when you hit it — forehand — see picture at TENNIS back-slash /'beksle{/ n [C] a line (\) used in writing to
—backhand adj separate words, numbers, or letters
back-hand-ed /bekhendid« $ ‘bakhendid/ adj back-slide /bek'slaid $ 'bekslard/ v (past tense and past
1a backhanded remark or COMPLIMENT Seems to express participle backslid /-sltd/) [1] to start doing the bad things
praise or admiration but in fact is insulting 2 a back- that you used to do, after having improved your behav-
handed shot is a backhand shot iour —backslider n [C]
back-hand-er /bekhenda $ -ar/ n [C] 1a hit or shot back-space /‘bekspets/ n [C usually singular] a button
that you do using the back of your hand 2 BrE informal
on a computer KEYBOARD or TYPEWRITER that you press to
money that you pay illegally and secretly to get some-
move backwards towards the beginning of the line
thing done [SYN] bribe: Investigators estimate that £35m had
been spent on bribes and backhanders. back-spin /'bekspin/ n [U] a turning movement in a
back-hoe /bekhau $ -hou/ n [C] AmE a large digging ball that has been hit so that the top of the ball turns
machine used for making roads etc backwards as the ball travels forwards — topspin
back-ing /‘bektn/ n 1[U] support or help, especial back-stab-bing /‘bekstebin/ n [U] the act of secretly
with money: She flew to New York to try to raise som doing bad things to someone else, especially saying bad
financial backing for the project. 2 [C] material that is use things about them, in order to gain an advantage for
to make the back of an object 3 [C] the music that DAV yourself —backstabber n [C]
played at the same time as a singer's voice —backing adj:= back-stage /bek'sterdz</ adj, adv1 behind the stage in
backing singers a theatre, especially in the actors’ dressing rooms
back-lash /'‘deklef/ n [C] a strong negative reaction b 2 in private, especially within the secret parts of an
a number of people against recent events, especial organization: intensive backstage negotiations
against political or social developments: [+against] Th ‘back story n [Cc] the things that happened to a char-
1970s saw the first backlash against the women nDo<< acter in a book or film before the beginning of the story
movement. |[+from] The management fear a backlash from being told in the book or film: The back story of why she
fans over the team’s poor performances. hates her father is a bit too contrived.
back-less /'beklas/ adj a backless dress, swimsuit etc back-street! /bekstri:t/ adj [only before noun] back-
does not cover much or any of a woman's back street activities are done in a secret or illegal way, and are
back-log /'beklog $ -ln:g, -larg/ n [C usually singular] a often done badly: a backstreet abortion
large amount of work that you need to complete, espe- backstreet? ‘back street 1 [C] a small quiet street that
cially work that should already have been completed: is away from the main part of a town
[+of] a backlog of requests | It’s going to take us months to
clear the backlog. back-stroke /'bekstrauk $ -strouk/ n [singular, U] a way
of swimming on your back by moving first one arm then
‘back office n [Cc] the department of a bank or other
the other backwards while kicking your feet — see pic-
financial institution that manages or organizes the work
ture at SWIM
of the institution, but that does not deal with customers
—back-office adj [only before noun]: back-office operations back-talk /bekto:k $ -toxk/ n [U] AmE informal a rude
back-pack /'bekpzk/ n [C] a RUCKSACK — see picture at reply to someone who is telling you what to do
BAG! [SYN] backchat BrE
back-pack-er /'bek'peka $ -ar/ n [C] someone who is iback-to-'back' adj [only before noun] happening one
travelling for pleasure, usually with not very much money, after another: They have had five back-to-back wins.
and who walks or uses public transport and carries a back-to-back? n [c] BrE a house in a row or TERRACE
backpack TOURIST, TRAVEL built with its back touching the back of the next row of
back-pack-ing /'bek,pekin/ n [U] the activity of trav- houses
elling for pleasure, usually without very much money, and back-track /bektrek/ v [I] 1 to change an opinion or
carrying a backpack promise that you gave so that it is not as strong as it was
back-ped-al /bek'pedi $ 'bekpedi/ v (backpedalled, earlier + backpedal: [ton] The President is backtracking on
backpedalling BrE, backpedaled, backpedaling AmE) [1] his promise to increase health care spending. 2 to return by
1 to change your opinion or not do something that you the same way that you came: We had to backtrack about a
had promised to do — backtrack: They are backpedalling on mile.
the commitment to cut taxes. 2 to PEDAL backwards on a back-up /'bekap/ n1 [C] something that you can use to
bicycle 3 to run or walk backwards replace something that does not work or is lost: Always
back-rest /'bekrest/ n [C] the part of a chair or seat have a backup plan. |a backup generator 2 [C] a copy of a
that supports your back computer document, program etc, which is made in case
back-room boy /‘bekrom bor, -ruzm-/ n [C usually the original becomes lost or damaged: Make a backup of
plural] BrE informal someone such as an engineer or scien- any work you do on the computer, 3 [U] people or things
tist whose work is important but who does not get much that can be used to provide support and help if they are
attention or fame needed: Army units can only operate if they have sufficient
'back- scratching n [U] the act of doing nice things for backup. | a backup team 4 [C] AmE someone who will play
someone in order to get something in return in a sports team if one of the other players is injured or ill
back ‘seat n1([C] a seat at the back of a car, behind [SYN|reserve: a backup goalie
where the driver sits 2 back seat driver informal a) a pas- back-ward /bekwad $ -ward/ adj 1 [only before noun]
senger in the back of a car who gives unwanted advice to ooking or facing in the direction that is behind you
the driver about how to drive b) someone in business or [opP|forward: She went without a backward glance.
 backward-looking 108 EG = words from the Academic Word List:

2 developing slowly and less successfully than most oth- bad management. | Your handwriting is so bad | can hardly ,
ers: a backward country |a backward child —backwardness read it. |That was the worst movie I’ve ever seen.
n{(U] 3 (CESSES [usually before noun] not sensible, or not)
backward-'looking adj using the methods and ideas suitable in a particular situation [opp] good: Cutting spend-
of the past rather than modern ones - used to show ing at this time is a bad idea. | Making big changes in your }
disapproval [opp] forward-looking: Darwin transformed a diet all at once is a bad thing to do.
~ backward-looking organisation into a respected art school. 40CLEea i morally wrong or evil [opp] good: He's :
a bad man - keep away from him. + BAD GUY
back-wards Gy /'bekwadz $ -wardz/ (also backward SMe spoken doing something you should |
/-wad $ -ward/ AmE) adv
not do, or behaving in a wrong way - used especially
1in the direction that is behind you [opp] forwards: Han- about children or pets SYN] naughty: Katie was very bad
nah took a step backward. | She pushed me and | fell
today! |bad girl/dog etc Bad cat! Get off the table!
backwards into the chair.
6 Gare serious or severe: He was in a bad accident. |
2 towards the beginning or the past [opp] forwards: Count
The pain in my side is worse than it was yesterday.
backwards from 100.
7a bad time/moment etc a time that is not suitable or
3 with the back part in front: Your T-shirt is on backwards.
causes problems: It’s a bad time to have to borrow money,
4 towards a worse state [opp] forwards: The new measures
with interest rates so high. | You've come at the worst
are seen by some as a major step backwards.
possible moment. | have a meeting in five minutes.
5 backwards and forwards first in one direction and then in
8EErITy damaging or harmful: Pollution is having a bad
the opposite direction, usually many times: Kip stumbled
effect on fish stocks. |[+for] Smoking is bad for your health. |
backwards and forwards before falling down.
Too much salt can be bad for you. |It is bad for kids to be on
6 bend/lean over backwards (to do sth) to try as hard as
their own so much.
possible to help or please someone: City officials bent over
9%) food that is bad is not safe to eat because it has
backwards to help downtown businesses.
decayed: bad fish | This milk has gone bad.
7 know sth backwards BrE, know sth backwards and forwards
10 fry having no skill or ability in a particular activ-
AmE to know something very well or perfectly: She prac-
ity: bad at (doing) sth /’m really bad at chess. |They have got
ticed her part until she knew it backwards and forwards.
to be the worst band on the planet.
back-wash /'bekwof $ -wo:{, -wa:// n [U] 1a backward 11 bad heart/leg/back etc a heart, leg etc that is injured or
flow of water, caused by an OAR, wave etc 2 the bad does not work correctly: | haven't been able to do much
situation that remains after something bad has hap- because of my bad back.
pened: the backwash of the company’s failure 12 bad language is rude or offensive: We were
back-wa-ter /'bekwo:ta $ -wo:tar, -war-/ n [C] 1a very shocked to hear the little boy using bad language in front of
quiet place not influenced by outside events or new ideas his mother. |Jacky said a bad word!
- used to show disapproval: a rural backwater 2 a part of a 13 be in a bad mood (also be in a bad temper Br£) to feel
river away from the main part, where the water does not annoyed or angry: The boss is in a bad mood.
move 14 feel bad a) to feel ashamed or sorry about something:
back-woods /‘bekwudz/ n [plural] a distant and unde- feel bad about (doing) sth / felt bad about not being able to
veloped area away from any towns come last night. | [+for] | fee! bad for Ann - she studied so
back-woods-man /'bekwudzman/ n (plural back- hard for that test and she still didn’t pass. b) to feel ill
woodsmen /-mean/) [C] 1someone who lives in the 15 not bad spoken used to say that something is good, or
backwoods 2 BrE a member of a political party or parlia- better than you expected: ‘How are you?’ ‘Oh, not bad.’ |
ment, especially the House of Lords, who is not very That's not a bad idea.
active politically and only sometimes votes, attends 16 not too/so bad spoken used to say that something is not
meetings etc as bad as expected: The exams weren't so bad.
17 too bad spoken a) used to say that you do not care that
back-yard, back ‘yard /bek'ja:d« $ -ja:rd</ n [C]
something bad happens to someone: ‘I’m going to be late
1 BrE a small area behind a house, covered with a hard
now!’ ‘Too bad - you should have gotten up earlier.’ b) used
surface 2 AmE an area of land behind a house, often
to say that you are sorry that something bad has hap-
covered with grass: The old man grew vegetables in his
pened to someone: It’s too bad that you couldn't come to
backyard. 3 in sb's own backyard informal very near where
the party last night.
someone lives, works etc: Americans would probably react
18 go from bad to worse to become even more unpleasant
differently to the war if it was in their own back yard. 4 not in
or difficult: The schools have gone from bad to worse in this
my backyard used to say that you do not want something
area.
to happen near where you live —backyard adj [only before
noun]: a backyard pool 19 be in a bad way informal to be very ill, unhappy, or
injured, or not in a good condition: She was in a bad way
ba-con Eg] /'betkan/ n [U] after the funeral.
1salted or smoked meat from the back or sides of a pig, 20a bad name if something has a bad name, people do
often served in narrow thin pieces: bacon and eggs |rasher not respect or trust it: have/get a bad name The bar had a
of bacon BrE (=piece of bacon) bad name and was avoided by all the locals. |give sb/sth a
2 bring home the bacon informal to provide enough money bad name These annoying tourists give all Americans a bad
to support your family —> save sb's bacon at SAVE'(11) name.
bac-te-ri-a /bek'traria $ -'tur-/ n [plural] (singular bacte- 21bad lot/sort/type BrE old-fashioned someone who is
rium /-riam/) very small living things, some of which morally bad or cannot be trusted
cause illness or disease — virus —bacterial adj: a bacterial 22 bad penny BrE someone or something that causes
infection trouble and is difficult to avoid: Sure enough, Steve turned
bac-te-ri-ol-o-gy /bektrari'pladzi $ -jtrri'a:l-/ n [U] the up like the proverbial bad penny (=suddenly appeared).
scientific study of bacteria —bacteriologist n [C] 23 be taken bad BrE informal to become ill: He was taken
—hbacteriological /bek,ttaria'lod3ikal $ -;ttrie'la:-/ adj bad in the middle of the night.
bad" §] [i /bed/ adj (comparative worse /w3is $ w3irs/, 24 in bad faith if someone does something in bad faith,
superlative worst /wa:st $ wa:rst/) they are behaving dishonestly and have no intention of
1{iigty) unpleasant or likely to cause problems keeping a promise: /n order to sue, you have to prove that
fopp| good: | have some bad news for you. | | thought things the company was acting in bad faith.
couldn't possibly get any worse. | The plane was delayed for 25 bad news spoken informal someone or something that
several hours by bad weather. | It’s difficult to break bad always causes trouble: I’d avoid her if|were you. She’s bad
habits. | a bad smell news.
2 (RTE low in quality or below an acceptable 26bad form BrE old-fashioned socially unacceptable
standard [opp] good: The failure of the company was due to behaviour: It’s bad form to argue with the umpire.
EX4 = words from the Academic Word List 109 baffle
27 bad blood angry or bitter feelings between people: ‘bad cholesterol (aiso LDL) n [U] a type of cHotes-
[+between] There's too much bad blood between them. TEROL (=chemical substance found in your blood) that
28 not have a bad word to say about/against sb if no one has can gradually turn into a hard substance that can stop
a bad word to say about a particular person, everyone your blood flowing properly and can eventually cause
likes and respects that person heart disease + GOOD CHOLESTEROL
29 it's bad enough ... spoken used to say that you already bad ‘debt n [c] a debt that is unlikely to be paid
have one problem, so that you do not want to worry bad-die, baddy /‘bedi/ n (plural baddies) [C] BrE infor-
about or deal with another one: It’s bad enough having to mal someone who is bad, especially in a book or film |
bring up three kids on your own, without having to worry [SYN] bad guy AmE
about money as well! bade /bed,berd/ the past tense of BID
30 sth can't be bad spoken used to persuade someone that
badge /bedz/ n[C]1 BrE a small piece of metal, cloth,
something is good or worth doing: You only pay £10
or plastic with a picture or words on it, worn to show
deposit and no interest - that can’t be bad, can it?
rank, membership of a group, support for a political idea
31 (comparative badder, superlative baddest) especially
etc [SYN] button, pin AmE: We were each handed a badge
AmE spoken informal a) used when you think something is
with our name on it. ++ see picture at PATCH’ 2 a small
very good: Now that’s a bad car! b) someone who is bad is
piece of metal or plastic that you carry to show people
very determined and does not always obey rules - used
that you work for a particular organization, for example
to show approval —badness n [U]
that you are a police officer 3 a badge of honour/courage
THESAURUS etc something that shows that you have a particular
bad not good: a bad idea |His behaviour is getting quality: He now sees his wartime injuries as a badge of
worse. honor. 4 (also merit badge AmE) a small piece of cloth
poor not as good as it could be or should be: A poor with a picture on it, given to SCOUTS, GUIDEs etc to show
diet can lead to ill health. |his poor performance at what skills they have learned: Steve won a photography
school badge in the Boy Scouts. 5 badge of office BrE an object
not very good not good - often used instead of which shows that you have an official position: Mayors
saying directly that something was ‘bad’, especially wear chains around their necks as badges of office.
when you were disappointed by it: The film wasn’t bad-ger" /bzdza $ -ar/ n [C] an animal that has black
very good. and white fur, lives in holes in the ground, and is active at
disappointing not as good as you hoped or night
expected: Her exam results were disappointing. | a badger? y [7] to try to persuade someone by asking
disappointing start to the campaign them something several times [SYN] pester: She badgered
negative bad - used when talking about the bad me for weeks until | finally gave in. |badger sb to do sth My
result or effect of something: All the publicity had a friends keep badgering me to getia cell phone. | badger sb
negative impact on sales. into doing sth | had to badger the kids into doing their
undesirable forma! bad and not wanted: The policy homework.
had some undesirable consequences. ‘bad guy n [C] AmE informal a man ina film, book etc
unfavourable formal unfavourable conditions are not who is evil or dangerous [SYN] baddie BrE
good for doing something: The boat race was bad ‘hair day n [c] informal a day when you are
cancelled because of unfavourable weather. unhappy and easily upset, especially because your hair
does not look the way you want it to look
awful/terrible/dreadful especially BrE very bad: The bad-i-nage /bedina:z $ bedan'a:z/ n [U] literary con-
movie was awful. |Her house is in a terrible state. versation that involves a lot of jokes or humour
horrible very bad, especially in a way that shocks or bad-ly G4 [2 /bedli/ adv (comparative worse /w3:s
upsets you: He describes prison as ‘a horrible place’. $ wa3irs/, Superlative worst /waist $ wa:rst/)
disgusting smelling or tasting very bad: The food was 1in an unsatisfactory or unsuccessful way [OPP] well: The
disgusting. | The fish smelled disgusting. company has been very badly managed. | The novel was
lousy /‘lauzi/ informal very bad or disappointing: The translated badly into English. |badly made furniture |Rob did
weather has been lousy all week. | I’m fed up with this very badly in the History exam.
lousy job. 2 to a great or serious degree: He's been limping badly ever
ghastly /‘ga:stli $ ‘geestli/ BrE informal very bad: I’ve since the skiing accident. | We badly wanted to help, but
had a ghastly day. |a ghastly mistake there was nothing we could do. |He was beaten so badly that
severe severe problems, injuries, illnesses etc are his brother didn’t recognize him. | The school is badly in need
very bad and serious: The country faces severe of (=very much needs) some new computers. | Things
economic problems. |severe delays started to go badly wrong (=go wrong in a serious way) for
atrocious/appalling/horrendous extremely bad ina Eric after he lost his job.
way that is shocking: Her behaviour has been 3 think badly of sb/sth to have a bad opinion of someone
absolutely atrocious. | The country has an appalling or something: I’m sure they won't think badly of you if you
human rights record. tell them you need some help.
abysmal /a'bizmel/ very bad and of a very low badly ‘off adj (comparative worse-off, superlative worst-
standard: The team’s performance was abysmal. off) [not before noun] especially BrE 1 (also bad-off AmE)
not having much money [SYN]poor [OPP] well-off
bad? n 1 to the bad BrE informal if you are a particular 2 badly off for sth BrE not having enough of something
amount to the bad, you are that much poorer or you owe that you need [OPP] well-off: The school is rather badly off
that much: Thanks to your mistake, I’m £500 to the bad! for equipment.
2 my bad! Ame spoken informal used to say that you have bad-min-ton /bedminten/ n [U] a game that is similar
made a mistake or that something is your fault 3 go to the
to tennis but played with a SHUTTLECOCK (=small feath-
bad BrE old-fashioned to begin living in a wrong or immoral ered object) instead of a ball + see picture at sporT'
way
‘bad-mouth y [1] especially AmE informal to criticize
bad? adv spoken a word used to mean ‘badly’ that many someone or something: Her former colleagues accused her
people think is incorrect: | need that money bad. of bad-mouthing them in public.
‘bad-ass adj [only before noun] AmE informal 1 very good ibad-'tempered adj BrE someone who is bad-tempered
or impressive: bad-ass biker gear 2 a bad-ass person is becomes easily annoyed and talks in an angry way to
very determined and does not always obey rules - used people irritable ULL ANGRY
to show approval: Johnson plays this bad-ass cop named baf-fle’ /befal/ v [1] if something baffles you, you
O'Riley. —bad-ass, badass n [C] s cannot understand or explain it at all: The question baffled
phiineedo tae ie :
me completely. —baffled adj: We were all utterly baffled. 6 ({g bags [plural] dark circles or loose skin under your
—baffling adj: a baffling mystery —bafflement n [U] eyes, usually because of old age or being tired
7 a bag of bones informal a person or animal who is too
baffle? n [Cc] technical a board, sheet of metal etc that
thin
controls the flow of air, water, or sound into or out of
8 in the bag informal certain to be won or achieved: The
something
governor's advisors believe the election is in the bag.
BAFTA /'befta/ n [C] a prize given each year by the 9 (Ess bags [plural] BrE old-fashioned loose-fitting
British Academy of Film and Television Arts for the best trousers: Oxford bags
films, television programmes, actors etc: Her film won two 10 not sb’s bag old-fashioned informal something that
BAFTAs. | the BAFTA award ceremony someone is not very interested in or not very good at:
Thanks, but dancing is not really my bag.
ll bag and baggage BrE with all your possessions: They
threw her out of the house, bag and baggage.
label
12 [kina [usually singular] BrE the number of birds or
animals that someone kills when they go hunting: We had
a good bag that day. —+ SLEEPING BAG, AIRBAG, DUFFEL BAG,
TOTE BAG, BEANBAG, PUNCHBAG, SANDBAG', TEABAG, —> let the
cat out of the bag at CAT(2), — be left holding the bag at
ribbon
HOLD'(26), > a mixed bag at MIXED(6)
bin liner BrE/ gift bag shopping bag/ bag? v (bagged, bagging) [T] 1 to put things into bags: He
garbage bag AmE grocery bag AmE got a job bagging groceries. 2 informal to manage to get
something that a lot of people want: Try to bag a couple of
seats at the front. 3 BrE informal to score a GOAL or a point
in sport: Larsson bagged his thirtieth goal of the season in
Celtic’s win. 4 especially BrE informal to kill or catch an
animal or bird: We bagged a rabbit. 5 be bagged and zip-
money belt satchel tied if prisoners are bagged and zip-tied, bags are put
over their heads and their hands are tied together
strap
bag sth <> up phr v especially BrE to put things into bags:
We bagged up the money before we closed the shop.
handle ba-gel /'bergal/ n [C] a small ring-shaped type of bread
— see picture at BREAD
bag-ful /'begful/ n [Cc] the amount a bag can hold
bag-gage /'begrdz/ n 1 [U] especially AmE the cases,
bags, boxes etc carried by someone who is travelling
holdall BrE/
SYN] luggage: Check your baggage in at the desk.
carryall AmE handbag BrE/
purse AmE GRAMMAR
Baggage is an uncountable noun and has no plural
form. Use a singular verb after it: What happens if my
toilet bag BrE/ baggage is lost? You can refer to one or more
toiletry bag AmE \ pieces/items of baggage.

( REGISTER
In everyday English, people usually say bags rather
backpack/
\ than baggage: Shall | help you take your bags upstairs?
rucksack BrE
sack 2 [U] informal the beliefs, opinions, and experiences that
someone has, which make them think in a particular way,
briefcase
especially in a way that makes it difficult to have good
label relationships: Each employee brings his or her own psycho-
logical baggage to the workplace.
handle ‘baggage car n [C] Ame the part of a train where
boxes, bags etc are carried
‘baggage reclaim especially BrE, ‘baggage claim AmE
n[U] the place at an airport where you collect your cases
and bags after a flight
“ay suitcase
‘baggage room n [C] AmE a place, usually in a station,
laundry bag where you can leave your bags and collect them later
[SYN] left luggage office
bag! &] 1 /beg/ n [Cc] bag-gy /'begi/ adj baggy clothes are big and do not fit
1@iead a) a container made of paper, cloth, or thin tightly on your body [opp] tight: She was wearing jeans and
plastic, that usually opens at the top: a paper bag | a a baggy T-shirt. + see picture at LOOSE’
plastic bag |a garbage bag b) a HANDBAG: Don’t leave your ‘bag lady n [C] informal an impolite word for a home-
bag in the car. c) a large bag that you use to carry your less woman who lives on the streets and carries all her
clothes etc when you are travelling: Just throw your bags in possessions with her
the back of the car. |a garment bag bag:pipes /‘begpatps/ n [plural] a musical instrument °
2 Ee the amount that a bag will hold: [+of] a bag of played especially in Scotland, in which air blown into a
popcorn bag is forced out through pipes to produce a sound > see
3 old/stupid bag spoken an insulting word for an old picture at KILT —bagpipe adj
woman: You silly old bag!
4 (OFS) «bags of sth especially BrE spoken a lot of ba-guette /be'get/ n [C] a long thin Loar of bread,
something plenty: She's got bags of money. | No need made especially in France > see picture at BREAD
to rush - we've got bags of time. bah /ba:/ interjection old-fashioned used to show disap-
5 pack your bags informal to leave a place where you have proval of something: Bah! That's stupid.
been living, usually after an argument: We told her to pack bail® /bel/ n 1[U] money left with a court of law to
her bags at once. make sure that a prisoner will return when their TRIAL
(i (2 HE = the most frequent words in written English im balance
starts: Carpenter is free on bail while he appeals his 2 baker's BrE a shop that makes and sells bread and cakes
-conviction. |She was murdered by a man who was out on bail SYN| bakery
for rape. | The three men were released on bail pending an baker's ‘dozen p [singular] thirteen of something
appeal. |He is not likely to be granted bail. | Carter has been bak-er-y /‘betkari/ (also baker's /'betkaz $ -arz/ BrE) n
refused bail and will remain in custody. | The judge ordered (plural bakeries) [C] a place where bread and cakes are
that Jones be held without bail. | Why can’t you ask your baked, or a shop where they are sold
father to put up bail for you? | Two of the defendants jumped bak-ing" /'betkin/ n [U] the activity of making cakes,
bail and fled to New York. | Bail was set at $30,000. bread etc
2 [C usually plural] one of the two small pieces of wood
baking? adj spoken used to say that a person or place is
laid on top of the stumps in a game of CRICKET
very hot: I'm baking! | a baking hot day
bail? v1 (also bail out AmE, bale out BrE) [1] informal to ‘baking powder n [U] a powder used when baking
escape from a situation that you do not want to be in any cakes to make them lighter
more: After ten years in the business, McArthur is baling out.
2 [T usually passive] BrE if someone is bailed, they are let
‘baking sheet n [c] a baking tray
out of prison to wait for their TRIAL after they have left a ‘baking ,soda pn [U] a powder used when baking cakes
sum of money with the court: Dakers was bailed to appear to make them lighter [SYN] bicarbonate of soda
at Durham Crown Court. ‘baking tray n [Cc] BrE a flat piece of metal that you
bail out phr v1 bail sb/sth <> out (also bale sb/sth <> out bake food on — see picture at TRAY!
BrE) to do something to help someone out of trouble, bak-sheesh / bek’fiz/ n [U] money that people in the
especially financial problems: Some local businesses have Middle East give to poor people, to someone who has
offered to bail out the museum. |Sutton bailed his team out helped them, or as a BRIBE
with a goal in the last minute. 2 bail sb <> out to leave a bal-a-cla-va /belaklave</ (also \balaclava ‘helmet) n
large sum of money with a court so that someone can be [C] a warm hat made of wool, that covers your head and
let out of prison while waiting for their TRIAL: Clarke's most of your face
family paid £500 to bail him out. 3 AmE to escape from a bal-a-lai-ka / bela'latke/ n [C] a musical instrument like
plane, using a PARACHUTE [SYN] bale out BrE4 bail sth <> out a GUITAR, with a body shaped like a TRIANGLE and three
(also bale sth <> out BrE) to remove water that has come strings, played especially in Russia — see picture at
into a boat STRINGED INSTRUMENT
bai-ley /beili/ n [C] an open area inside the outer wall bal-ance’ & [1 /belans/ n
of a castle 1 GuG2Py4 [U] a state in which all your weight is evenly
bai-liff /'berltf/ n [C] 1 BrE someone who looks after a spread so that you do not fall: | lost my balance and fell on
farm or land that belongs to someone else 2 AmE an my face.
official of the legal system who watches prisoners and 2 ETT [singular, U] a state in which opposite
keeps order in a court of law 3 BrE an official of the legal forces or influences exist in equal or the correct amounts,
system who can take people’s goods or property when in a way that is good [OPP|imbalance: [+between] Try to
they owe money keep a balance between work and play. | [+of] Pesticides
‘bail-out nh [Cc] informal financial help given to a person seriously upset the balance of nature.
or a company that is in difficulty 3 on balance if you think something on balance, you think
it after considering all the facts: | think on balance | prefer
bain ma-rie / ben mea'ri:/ n [C] a pan that floats in a
the old system.
larger pan full of water, used for cooking things gently
4 8UcGS35) catch/throw sb off balance to surprise
bain /bean $ bern/ n [C] a baby or child - used in someone and make them confused and no longer calm:
Scotland The question caught him off balance.
bait™ /bert/ n [singular, U] 1 food used to attract fish, 5 G08 [Cc] the amount of money that you have in your
animals, or birds so that you can catch them: We used bank account: My bank balance isn’t good.
worms as bait. | The fish wouldn't take the bait. + see 6 [C] the balance of a debt is the amount of
picture at FISHING 2 something attractive that is offered to money that you still owe after you have paid some of it:
someone to make them do something or buy something, The balance is due at the end of the month.
especially when this is done in a dishonest way that tricks 7 (EWAOIETS the balance the amount of something that
people: Plenty of people took the bait (=accepted what was remains after some has been used, spent, mentioned etc
on offer) and lost their life savings. 3 rise to the bait to SYN|the rest: The firm owns about 96% of the portfolio, with
become angry when someone is deliberately trying to the balance belonging to our family.
make you angry: Senator O'Brien just smiled, refusing to rise 8 be/hang in the balance if the future or success of some-
to the bait. hing hangs in the balance, you cannot yet know whether
bait? y [1] 1 to put bait on a hook to catch fish or in a he result will be bad or good: Meanwhile, the fate of the
trap to catch animals 2 to deliberately try to make some- refugees continues to hang in the balance.
one angry by criticizing them, using rude names etc 9 tip/swing the balance to influence the result of an event:
3 bear-baiting/badger-baiting etc the activity of attacking The dignity and courage shown by the President may tip the
a wild animal with dogs balance in his party's favour.
10 (LRTI [C] an instrument for weighing things,
baize /be1z/ n [U] thick cloth that is usually green, and with two dishes that hang from a bar |SYN| scales
is used to cover tables on which games such as POOL are N [singular] when someone's
played — see picture at POOL’ mind is healthy and their emotional state is normal: The
bake 4 /betk/ v [1,7] death of her friend had disturbed the balance of her mind.
1to cook something using dry heat, in an OVEN: I’m baking 12 the balance of evidence/probability etc the most likely
some bread. | baked potatoes | Bake at 250 degrees for 20 answer or result produced by opposing information, rea-
minutes. cook sons etc — checks and balances at CHECK?(4)
2to make something become hard by heating it: The COLLOCATIONS- MEANING1 _
bricks were baked in the sun. > BAKING!, HALF-BAKED
VERBS — Seine case es
ibaked ‘beans » [plural] small white beans cooked ina
keep your balance (=stay steady) The sea was so
sauce made from tomatoes, usually sold in cans
rough that it was hard to keep your balance.
Ba-ke-lite /‘betkalatt/ n [U] trademark a hard plastic lose your balance (=become unsteady) She nearly
used especially in the 1930s and 1940s to make things lost her balance as the bus suddenly moved forward.
such as telephones and radios regain/recover your balance (=become steady
bak-er /berka $ -ar/ n [C] 1 someone who bakes bread again) He held onto Carrie until he regained his
and cakes, especially in order to sell them in a shop balance.
balance 12 EX = words from the Academic Word List

knock/throw sb off balance The blow was hard government is not spending more money than it has
enough to knock him off balance. available :
balance of ‘payments jn [singular] the difference
between what a country spends in order to buy goods
a sense of balance A good sense of balance is always and services abroad, and the money it earns selling goods
useful when you are sailing. and services abroad
balance of ‘power n [singular] a situation in which
COLLOCATIONS -MEANING 2 political or military strength is shared evenly: The election
of somany Republicans to Congress has changed the balance
strike/achieve/find a balance (=succeed in getting of power in Washington. | A small centre party holds the
the right balance) It is necessary to strike a balance balance of power (=is able to make either side more
between the needs of employers and employees. powerful than the other by supporting them) in the
keep/ maintain a balance Try to keep a balance Assembly.
between your spending and your earnings. balance of ‘trade pn [singular] the difference in value
upset the balance (=make it less equal or correct) between the goods a country buys from abroad and the
The move could upset the delicate balance of power in goods it sells abroad
the Middle East. ‘balance sheet n [Cc] a statement of how much money
change/alter/shift the balance Will this alter the a business has earned and how much money it has paid
balance of power in the EU? for goods and services: a healthy balance sheet
redress the balance (a/so restore the balance BrF) ‘balancing act n [Cc usually singular] when you are trying
(=make it equal or correct again) What can be done to please two or more people or groups who all want
to redress the balance in favour of women? different things, or who have ideas that are completely
different from each other: Gilmore had to perform the
a good/healthy balance You should eat a good difficult balancing act of attracting moderate voters without
balance of carbohydrates and protein. losing his Conservative base.
a delicate balance (=easily damaged) Too much bal-co-ny /‘belkani/ n (plural balconies) [C] 1 a struc-
carbon dioxide in the atmosphere upsets the delicate ture that you can stand on, that is attached to the outside
balance of gases. wall of a building, above ground level: Has your flat got a
the right/proper/correct balance With sport, you balcony? 2 the seats upstairs at a theatre — stalls — see
have to find the right balance between competition and picture at THEATRE
fun. bald /bo:ld $ bo:ld/ adj1 having little or no hair on your
the natural balance Chemicals will upset the natural head: a bald man | his shiny bald head | Dad started going
ee arthe pond. bald when he was in his thirties. |He combed his hair and
tried to hide his bald patch (=part of someone's head
where there is no hair). —» see picture at HAIRSTYLE
the balnfes of power the arcane bal lanceaa DOWER 2 not having enough of what usually covers something:
the balance of nature Nothing can justify permanent The car's tires are completely bald. 3 bald statement/facts/
damage to the balance of nature. truth a statement etc that is correct but gives no addi-
tional information to help you understand or accept what
balance? Gy vy is said: The bald truth was that Lori didn’t love her husband
1[1,T] to be in or get into a steady position, without falling anymore. —baldness n [U]
to one side or the other, or to put something into this ‘bald eagle n [c] a large North American bird with a
position: balance sth on sth She was balancing a plate of white head and neck that is the national bird of the US
food on her knees. | [+on] He turned around, balancing bal-der-dash /'bo:\daday $ 'bo:ldar-/ n [U] talk or writ-
awkwardly on one foot. ing that is silly nonsense
2 [1,T] to be equal in importance, amount, value, or effect
to something that has the opposite effect: Job losses in
\bald-'faced adj making no attempt to hide the fact that
you know you are saying or doing something wrong
manufacturing were balanced by job increases in the service
barefaced: a bald-faced lie
sector. |just enough sugar to balance the acidity of the fruit
3 [T] to consider the importance of one thing in relation bald-ing /bo:\din $ 'bo:l-/ adj a balding man is losing
to something else when you are making a decision: bal- the hair on his head: a balding man in his mid-thirties
ance sth against sth The courts must balance our liberty bald-ly /bo:ldli $ 'bo:ld-/ adv in a way that is true but
against the security of the nation. makes no attempt to be polite [SYN] bluntly: ‘/’m not com-
4 balance the budget if a government balances the budget, ing,’ Rosa said baldly next morning at breakfast.
they make the amount of money that they spend equal to bald-y /'bo:ldi $ 'bp:I-/ n (plural baldies) [C] informal
the amount of money available someone who is BALD - used humorously
5 balance the books to show that the amount of money a bale" /berl/ n [C] a large quantity of something such as
business has received is equal to the amount spent paper or HAY that is tightly tied together especially into 3
balance out phr v if two or more things balance out, the block: a bale of straw
final result is that they are equal in amount, importance, bale? ) [T] to tie something such as paper or HAY into a
or effect: Sometimes | look after the kids and sometimes large block
John does - it all balances out. + BALANCING ACT bale out phr v — BAIL?, BAIL-OUT
‘balance beam n [c] a long narrow wooden board on bale-ful /berlfal/ adj literary expressing anger, hatred,
which a GYMNAST performs or a wish to harm someone: a baleful look —balefully adv
bal-anced /belanst/ adj 1 giving equal attention to all balk (also baulk BrE) /bo:k, balk $ bo:k, bo:lk/ v1 [1] to
sides or opinions [SYN] fair: a balanced view/account a bal- not want to do or try something, because it seems
anced account of what happened | balanced reporting of the difficult, unpleasant, or frightening: [+at] Many people.
election campaign FAIR 2 arranged to include would balk at setting up a new business during a recession. |
things or people of different kinds in the right amounts: a Westerners balk at the prospect of snake on the menu.
balanced programme of events | the importance of a bal- 2 [1] if a horse balks at a fence, it stops in front of it and
anced diet (=one that is healthy because it contains the refuses to jump over it 3 [1] AmE in baseball, to stop in
right foods in the right amounts) | Nature is perfectly the middle of the action of throwing the ball to the player
balanced. | finely/delicately balanced (=very carefully bal- who is trying to hit it 4 [T] formal to stop someone or
anced) soup with a delicately balanced flavor 3 some- something from getting or achieving what they want
one who is balanced is calm and sensible, and has good bal-kan-i-za-tion (also -isation BrE) /,bo:lkenar'zerfan
mental health unbalanced 4 balanced budget when a $ bo:lkena-/ n [U] the practice of dividing a country into
E@ = words from the Academic Word List 113 balloon
separate independent states - used to show disapproval ball-cock /ba:lkok $ 'boilka:k/ n [C] a hollow floating
bal-ky /bo:ki $ 'bp:-/ adj especially AmE informal some- ball on a stick that opens and closes a hole to allow water
one or something that is balky does not do what they are to flow into a container, for example in a toilet
expected to do: a balky air-conditioning system ball-er /bo:la $ 'bo:lar/ n [C] a BASKETBALL player, espe-
ball” §] (1 /bo:l $ bo:l/ n cially a good player in informal games
IGE
E ES [C] a round object that is thrown, kicked, bal-le-ri-na /bela'riina/ n [C] a woman who dances in
or hit in a game or sport: throw/hit/kick/catch etc a ball ballets i
Weiskopf hit the ball 330 yards and a cheer went up. | a bal-let /'beler $ be'ler, 'beler/ n1[C] a performance in —
tennis/golf/cricket etc ball —» see pictures at CROQUET, which dancing and music tell a story without any speak- ~
SPORT! ing: We're going to the ballet tomorrow evening. 2 [U] this —
2EQDPEEGs [C] something formed or rolled into a type of dancing 3 [C] a group of BALLET dancers who work ~
round shape: a ball of string |Shape the dough into balls. together: the Bolshoi ballet ‘
3 GA [LU] any game or sport played with a ball, ‘ballet dancer / $ .". ../n [Cc] someone who dances in
especially baseball or BASKETBALL: D'you want to go out and ballets
play ball? |Dad likes college ball. bal-let-ic /ba'lettk/ adj movements that are balletic are
4 VLEDL) the ball of the foot/hand the rounded part of graceful like the movements in ballet: a balletic leap
the foot at the base of the toes, or the rounded part of the ‘ball game n [C] 1 AmE a game of baseball, football, or
hand at the base of the thumb BASKETBALL 2 BrE any game played with a ball 3 a whole
50n the ball informal able to think or act quickly and new ball game a situation that is very different from the
intelligently: an assistant who's really on the ball one you are used to: | used to be a teacher, so working in an
6 set/start/keep the ball rolling to start something hap- office is a whole new ball game.
pening: To start the ball rolling, the government was asked to
contribute £1 million.
‘ball girl n (c] a girl who picks up the balls for people
playing in important tennis matches — see picture at
7 the ball is in sb's court it is their turn to take action or to
TENNIS
reply: I’ve emailed him - now the ball’s in his court.
8 Res) (C] a large formal occasion at which ball-gown /'bo:lgaun $ 'bo:l-/ n [C] a long dress made
people dance (TEU Party of expensive material, that a woman wears to formal
9 have a ball informal to have a very good time parties [SYN] evening dress
10 balls [plural] informal not polite a) TESTICLES b) courage: | bal-lis-tic /ba'ltsttk/ adj go ballistic spoken to suddenly
didn’t have the balls to ask. ¢) BrE spoken something that is become very angry: | couldn't believe it! She went ballistic
stupid or wrong [S¥N]nonsense: That's a load of balls! just because there were peas in her pasta.
— BALLS! ballistic ‘missile n [Cc] a powerful weapon that can
lla fast/good/long etc ball a ball that is thrown, hit, or travel extremely long distances, and that flies very high
kicked fast etc in a game or sport: He hit a long ball to right up into the sky and then back down to earth, where it
field. explodes
12 (aay “no ball a ball that is thrown too high, low etc bal-lis:tics /ba'ltsttks/ n [U]_ the scientific study of the
towards someone trying to hit it, in the game of CRICKET or movement of objects that are thrown or fired through the
ROUNDERS air, such as bullets shot from a gun
13 PESTA no ball [C] a ball that the hitter does not try
to hit, because it is not within the correct area BALLOON
14 the whole ball of wax AmE informal the whole thing
[SYN] everything
15 a ball of fire informal someone who has a lot of energy
and enthusiasm
16 keep several/too many etc balls in the air to struggle to
deal with more than one problem or job at the same time:
The company just won't be able to keep that many balls in
the air.
17 drop the ball (also take your eye off the ball) to make a
mistake when dealing with something because you stop
thinking carefully or paying attention
18 ball-buster/ball-breaker informal a) a problem that is &B~condola
very difficult to deal with b) an offensive word for a
woman who uses her authority over men —>+ CANNONBALL, hot air balloon- alloo!
CRYSTAL BALL, WRECKING BALL, — play ball at PLAY'(7)
ball? v [1] 1 (also ball up) to make something form a bal-loon! /ba'luin/ n [C] 1 an object made of brightly
small round shape: Ray balled up his fists. 2 AmE informal coloured thin rubber, that is filled with air and used as a
not polite to have sex with a woman toy or decoration for parties: Can you help me blow up
bal-lad /bzlad/ n [C] 1 a slow love song 2 a short story these balloons? |He burst the balloon in my face. 2 (also hot
air balloon) a large bag of strong light cloth filled with gas
in the form of a poem or song
or heated air so that it can float in the air. It has a basket
ball and ‘chain n [singular] 1 something that limits hanging below it for people to stand in: a balloon flight
your freedom and stops you from doing what you want to over the Yorkshire Moors 3 the circle drawn around the
do: The lower-tech side of the business was seen as a ball words spoken by the characters in a CARTOON bubble
and chain. 2a heavy metal ball on a chain, tied to a 4 a balloon payment AmE money borrowed that must be
prisoner's legs, to stop the prisoner from escaping paid back in one large sum after several smaller pay-
bal-last /‘belast/ n [U] 1 heavy material that is carried ments have been made: a $10,000 balloon payment due in
by a ship to make it more steady in the water 2 mat- two years 5 the balloon goes up BrE informal used to refer
erial such as sand that is carried in a BALLOON so that it to the moment when a situation starts to become really
can be thrown out to make it rise 3 a layer of broken bad: We'll have to get out of there before the balloon goes
stones that a road or railway line is built on up. —> go down like a lead balloon at LEAD3(3)
ball ‘bearing n [c] 1 small metal balls that move in a balloon? (also balloon out) v [1] 1 to suddenly becorne
ring, to make a part inside a machine turn more easily larger in amount [SYN]explode: The company’s debt has
2 one of these metal balls ballooned in the past year. 2 if someone balloons, they
‘ball boy n [Cc] a boy who picks up the balls for people suddenly become fat: Paul ballooned after he got married.
playing in important tennis matches — see picture at 3 to get bigger and rounder: The sheet flapped and bal-
TENNIS looned in the wind.
 ballooning 14 Gd &) & = the most frequen words in spoken English

bal-loon-ing /ba'lu:ntn/ n [U] the sport of flying in a bal-sam-ic eras /bo:|seemik 'vinsga $ bo:l-, -gar/
balloon n [U] a type of dark-coloured VINEGAR that has a strong
bal-loon-ist /ba'lu:nist/ n [C] someone who flies a taste
balloon bal-us-trade /bela'strerd $ 'belastrerd/ n [C] a row of
bal-lot' /'belat/ n1[C,U] a system of voting, usually in wooden, stone, or metal posts that stop someone falling
secret, or an occasion when you vote in this way: The from a bridge or BALCONY
party leader is elected by secret ballot. | Workers at the plant bam /bem/ interjection 1 used to show that something
held a ballot and rejected strike action. happens quickly: He made a run for it and, bam, they shot
ELECTION 2[C] a piece of paper on which you make a him in the leg. 2 used to show that something has hit
secret vote [SYN] ballot paper: Only 22% of voters cast their something else 3 used to make the sound of a gun
ballots. 3. the ballot the total number of votes in an bam:boo /bem'bu:</ n [C,U] a tall tropical plant with
election [SYN] the vote: He won 54% of the ballot. hollow stems that is used for making furniture
ballot? v [1,1] 1 to ask someone to vote for something: bam-boo-zle /bem'bu:zal/ v [T] informal to deceive,
[t+on/over] Train drivers are being balloted on industrial trick, or confuse someone
action. 2 to vote for something: [+for] Staff balloted for ban! [Wy /ben/ n [C] an official order that prevents
strike action yesterday. DITA VOTE something from being used or done: [+on] a total ban on
‘ballot box n 1 [Cc] a box that ballot papers are put in cigarette advertising |a call to lift the ban on homosexuals in
after voting 2 the ballot box the system or process of the military > TEST BAN
voting in an election: through the ballot box The people have
expressed their views through the ballot box. (oo) Kotor Wate) hy
‘ballot paper n [Cc] a piece of paper on which you | ADJECTIVES/ NOUN
record your vote: spoiled ballot papers (=ones that have a complete/total ban They are seeking a complete
been marked incorrectly and so cannot be counted) ban on nuclear testing.
‘ballot rigging n [U] the practice of cheating in an an outright ban (=a complete ban) an outright ban
election by not counting the ballot papers correctly on gun ownership
‘ball park n1 [Cc] Ame a field for playing baseball with an international/worldwide/global ban an
seats for watching the game 2in the (right) ball park international ban on trade in endangered species
informal close to the amount, price etc that you want or a blanket ban (=including all possible cases) They
are thinking about: Their estimate is in the right ball park. imposed a blanket ban on beef products from Europe.
3 a ball-park figure/estimate/amount a number or amount a lifetime ban He faces a lifetime ban from athletics.
that is almost but not exactly correct: He said $25,000, an export/import ban The export ban on live cattle
but it’s just a ball-park figure. was brought in some years ago.
an neyertieins ban |averlving ban BrE
ball-play-er /'bo:\plere $ 'bp:|plerar/ n [C] AmE some-
one who plays baseball
ball-point /b>:\potnt/ (also ballpoint 'pen) n [C] a pen SEDGE impose a rea The reper has
with a ball at the end that rolls ink onto the paper imposed an outright ban on fox hunting.
ball-room /'bo:lrum, -ru:m $ 'bo:I-/ n [C] a very large lift a ban They promised to lift the immigration ban.
room used for dancing on formal occasions call for a ban French farmers have called for a ban on
‘ballroom ‘dancing n [U] a type of dancing that is imports.
done with a partner and has different steps for particular enforce a ban (=make sure that it is obeyed)
types of music, such as the WALTZ
ban? v (banned, banning) [T] to say that something must
balls! /ba:lz $ bo:lz/ interjection BrE not polite used to not be done, seen, used etc [SYN]|prohibit [opp] allow:
show strong disapproval or disappointment: Balls to that!
Smoking is banned in the building. | ban sb from doing sth
—> balls at BALL"(10) Charlie's been banned from driving for a year. | a banned
balls? v substance/drug (=a drug that people competing in a sport
balls sth «> up phr v BrE informal not polite to do some- are not allowed to take because it improves their
thing very badly or unsuccessfully [SYN]mess up performance) FORBID —banning n [UJ]: the
‘balls-up n [singular] BrE informal something that has banning of trade unions
been done very badly or not successfully: Nigel made a ba:nal /ba'nail, ba'nel/ adj ordinary and not interesting,
complete balls-up of the arrangements. because of a lack of new or different ideas [SYN] trivial:
ball-sy /'bo:lzi $ 'bo:I-/ adj informal brave and deter- conversations about the most banal subjects —banality
mined, and not afraid of other people's disapproval: a very /ba'nelsti/ n [C,U]
ballsy lady ba-na-na /ba'naina $ -ine-/ n [C] a long curved tropical
bal-ly /'beli/ adj, adv BrE old-fashioned an expression fruit with a yellow skin — see picture at FRUIT’
meaning BLoopyY' - used to avoid offending people ba'nana peel n [c] AmE an embarrassing mistake
bal-ly-hoo /beli'hu: $ ‘belihu:/ n [U] informal when made by someone in a public position, especially a politi-
there is a lot of excitement or anger about something - cian or someone in a government [SYN] banana skin BrE&,
used to show disapproval [Syn] fuss: After all the ballyhoo, ba'nana re,public n [Cc] an insulting word for a small
the film was a flop. —ballyhoo v [T]: a much ballyhooed poor country with weak government that depends on
program to recruit more police officers financial help from abroad
balm /ba:m $ ba:m, ba:lm/ n [C,U] 1 an oily liquid with ba-na-nas /bea'nainaz $ -'ne-/ adj informal 1 go Danianes
a strong pleasant smell that you rub into your skin, often to become very angry or excited: Mum went bananas
to reduce pain: lip balm 2 literary something that gives when | said | was going to leave nursing. 2 crazy or silly
you: comfort: [+for/to] A drive through the countryside is ba'nana skin n [Cc] BrE an embarrassing mistake made
balm for a weary soul. by someone in a public position, especially a politician or
balm-y /ba:mi $ 'ba:mi, 'ba:lmi/ adj balmy air, weather someone in a government [SYN]banana peel AmE: This
etc is warm and pleasant [SYN] mild: a balmy summer night government has an unhappy knack of slipping on banana
ba-lo-ney /ba'launi $ -lov-/ n [U] informal something skins.
that is silly or not true [SYN]nonsense: Don’t give me that ba,nana ‘split [Cc] a dish with bananas and Ice CREAM
baloney. band! § [1 /bend/ n [c]
bal:sa /'bo:lsa $ 'bo:l-/ n [C,U] a tropical American tree 1 [also + plural verb] BrE a group of musicians, especially a
or the wood from this tree, which is very light group that plays popular music: The band was playing old
bal-sam /'bo:lsam $ 'bo:I-/ n [C,U] BALM, or the tree that Beatles songs. | | grew up playing in rock bands. | Smith
produces it joined the band in 1989. | They formed a band when they
(1 [2 GS = the most frequent words in written English 115 bangle

were still at school. | The entertainment includes a disco and seem impressive: Many names have been bandied about in
live band. |interviews with band members — BIG BAND, BRASS the press as the manager's replacement.
BAND, MARCHING BAND, ONE-MAN BAND bane /bein/ n [singular] something that causes trouble
2a group of people formed because of a common belief or makes people unhappy: be the bane of sth/sb Drugs are
or purpose: [+of] a small band of volunteers | bands of the bane of the inner cities. |Her brother is the bane of her
soldiers life.
3 a range of numbers within a system: /nterest rates stayed bane-ful /beinfal/ adj literary evil or bad
within a relatively narrow band. |age/tax/income etc band |
people within the $20,000-$30,000 income band
bang" gy /ben/ n
1[C] a sudden loud noise caused by something such as a
4a flat narrow piece of something with one end joined to
gun or an object hitting a hard surface: There was a loud
the other to form a circle: papers held together with a
bang outside the kitchen door. GREETS sound
rubber band |a slim gold band on her finger
2[C] a painful blow to the body when you hit against
5 a narrow area of light, colour, land etc that is different
something or something hits you [SYN]bump: a bang on
from the areas around it: The birds have a distinctive blue
the head
band round their eyes. |[+of] a thin band of cloud
3bangs [plural] AmE hair cut straight across your
6 technical a range of radio signals [SYN] waveband
forehead [SYN] fringe BrE
band? v [T usually passive] BrE to put people or things 4with a bang in a very successful way: Stock markets
into different groups, usually according to income, value, started the year with a bang.
or price: After valuation, properties will be banded in groups 5 (get) a bigger/better etc bang for your buck informal
of £20,000 or more. something that gives you a good effect or a lot of value
band together phr v if people band together, they unite in for the effort or money you spend on it: Are taxpayers
order to achieve something: Local people have banded getting enough bang for their buck?
together to fight the company’s plans. 6 get a bang out of sth AmE spoken to enjoy something
ban-dage' /‘bendidz/ n [C] a narrow piece of cloth very much — BIG BANG THEORY
that you tie around a wound or around a part of the body
that has been injured — see picture at FIRST AID KIT
bang? gy v
1[1,T] to hit something hard, making a loud noise: [+on]
bandage? (also bandage up) v [T] to tie or cover a part Stop banging on the door! | bang your fist/hand on sth She
of the body with a bandage: The nurse bandaged up his banged her fist on the table. | The baby kept banging the
sprained ankle. table with his spoon. FEET HIT
‘Band-Aid n [c] 1 trademark especially AmE a piece of 2 [T] to put something down or against something with a
thin material that is stuck to the skin to cover cuts and lot of force, making a loud noise: bang sth down She
other small wounds [S¥N|plaster BrE — see picture at banged the phone down. | bang sth on/against sth He
FIRST AID KIT 2 a Band-Aid solution to a problem is tempo- banged a teapot on the table.
rary and will not solve the problem - used to show 3[| always + adv/prep, T] to close something violently,
disapproval: This idea is criticized by some as a Band-Aid making a loud noise, or to be closed in this way [SYN]|slam:
solution. | ran out, banging the door behind me. | The window banged
ban-dan-na, bandana /ben'dena/ n [C] a large brightly shut.
coloured piece of cloth that you wear around your head 4[T] to hit a part of your body, or something you are
or neck carrying, against something by accident [SYN] bump: bang
B and B, B &B /bi: and 'bi:/ the abbreviation of bed and sth on sth | fell and banged my head on the pavement.
breakfast: a small B and B in the Cotswolds 5 [1] to make a loud noise or loud noises: The gate keeps
band-ed /'bendid/ adj if an object or animal is banded, banging in the wind.
it has bands of colour or bands of a material around it: 6[T] not polite to have sex with someone — bang the
banded snakes | [+with/in] a heavy door banded with steel drum for sb/sth at DRUM'(4), + bang sb’s heads together at
ban-dit /bendit/ n [C] someone who robs people, HEAD'(32), — be (like) banging your head against a brick wall
especially one of a group of people who attack travellers: at HEAD!(31)
They travelled 30 miles through bandit country. bang about/around phr v to move around a place, mak-
THIEF — banditry n [U] + ONE-ARMED BANDIT ing a lot of noise: We could hear them banging about
band-lead-er /'bend|i:da $ -ar/ n [C] someone who upstairs.
CONDUCTS a band, especially a dance or JAzz band bang on phr v BrE informal to talk continuously about
something in a boring way [SYN]go on: [+tabout] | wish he
band-mas:ter /‘bendmaista $ -mestar/ n [C] some- wouldn't keep banging on about politics.
one who CONDuCTs a military band, BRAss band etc
bang sth <> out phr v informal
ban-do-lier /bznda'l1a $ -Itr/ n [C] a belt that goes 1to play a tune or song loudly and badly on a piano
over someone's shoulder and is used to carry bullets 2to write something in a hurry, especially using a KEY-
bands-man /'bendzman/ n (plural bandsmen /-man/) BOARD
[C] a musician who plays in a military band, BRAss band bang sb/sth <> up phr v informal
etc 1 BrE to put someone in prison
band-stand /'bendstend/ n [C] a structure in a park 2 AmE to seriously damage something: a banged-up old
that has a roof but no walls and is used by a band playing Buick
music bang? adv1 informal directly or exactly: The train arrived
band-wag-on /'bendwegan/ n [C] 1 an activity that a bang on time. | The technology is bang up to date.
lot of people are doing: The keep-fit bandwagon started EXACTLY2 bang on BrE spoken exactly cor-
rolling in the mid-80s. 2 climb/jump/get on the bandwagon rect: ‘Is that right?’ ‘Bang on!’ 3 bang goes sth BrE spoken
to start doing or saying something that a lot of people are used to show that you are unhappy because something
already doing or saying - used to show disapproval: | you had hoped for will not happen: Bang goes my brilliant
don’t want to look as if I’m jumping on a green bandwagon. plan. 4 spoken in a sudden violent way: | skidded and went
band-width /‘bendw1d0/ n [U] technical the amount of bang into the wall. 5 go bang informal to explode or burst
information that can be carried through a telephone wire, with a loud noise
computer connection etc at one time bang? interjection used to make a sound like a gun or
ban-dy" /bendi/ adj bandy legs curve out at the knees bomb: Bang bang, you're dead!
—bandy-legged / bendi ‘legd<, -‘legid</ adj bang-er /'bena $ -ar/ n [C] BrE informal 1a SAUSAGE:
bandy? (bandied, bandying, bandies) v bandy words (with bangers and mash (=sausages and mashed potato)
sb) old-fashioned to argue 2 an old car in bad condition: an old banger 3 a type of
bandy sth <> about/around phr v to mention an idea, noisy FIREWORK
name, remark etc several times, especially in order to ban-gle /'bengal/ n [C] a solid band of gold, silver etc
bang-up 16 EG = words from the Academic Word List

that you wear loosely around your wrist as jewellery ‘bank card n [Cc] 1AmE a crevit carb provided by your
bracelet — see picture at JEWELLERY bank 2 BrE CHEQUE CARD
‘bang-up adj AmE informal very good: He did a bang-up ‘bank draft (also banker's draft) n [C] a cheque from
job fixing the plumbing. one bank to another, especially a foreign bank, to pay a
banish /'bent// v [T] 1 to not allow someone or some- certain amount of money to a person or organization
thing to stay in a particular place: banish sb/sth from/to bank-er /'benka $ -ar/ n [C] 1 someone who works ina
sth | was banished to a distant corridor. 2 to send someone bank in an important position 2 the player who is in
away permanently from their country or the area where charge of the money in some GAMBLING games
they live, especially as an official punishment [SYN] exile: ‘banker's card n [C] BrE CHEQUE CARD
banish sb from/to Thousands were banished to Siberia. ‘banker's draft n [Cc] BANK DRAFT
3 literary to try to stop thinking about something or ‘banker's order n [C] BrE STANDING ORDER
someone: banish the memory/thought/image etc (of
bank ‘holiday n [Cc] BrE an official holiday when banks
sb/sth) They tried to banish the memory from their minds.
and most businesses are closed public holiday AmE:
—banishment n [U]
Next Monday is a bank holiday. | bank holiday weekend (=a
ban-is-ter /'benista $ -er/ n [C] a row of wooden posts weekend on which there is a bank holiday on Friday or
with a bar along the top, that stops you from falling over Monday)
the edge of stairs + see picture at STAIRCASE
bank-ing /‘benkin/ n [U] the business of a bank: the
ban-jo /'bendzau $ -dzou/ n (plural banjos) [C] a musi- international banking system
cal instrument like a guitar, with a round body and four or
‘bank manager n [C] Br— someone who is in charge of
more strings, played especially in COUNTRY AND WESTERN
a local bank
music — see picture at STRINGED INSTRUMENT
bank-note, 'bank note /'benknavt $ -nout/ n [C] a
bank’ §] (i /benk/ n [Cc] piece of paper money [SYN] note BrE, bill AmE
1G@Va ied a) a business that keeps and lends
money and provides other financial services: in the bank ‘bank rate n [Cc] the rate of INTEREST charged by banks
We have very little money in the bank. | Barclays Bank | a lending money, decided by a country’s main bank
bank loan b) a local office of a bank: | have to go to the bank SYN] interest rate
at lunch time. —+ CLEARING BANK, MERCHANT BANK bank-roll" /benkraul $ -roul/ v [7] informal to provide
2 QE land along the side of-a river or lake: [+of] the money that someone needs for a business, a plan etc
the banks of the River Dee | the river bank [SYN] finance: a software company bankrolled by the Sam-
3 blood/sperm/organ bank a place where human blood etc sung Group
is stored until someone needs it bankroll? n [c] a supply of money
4GQ0D 970s a large mass of clouds, mist etc: a fog bank-rupt! /benkrapt/ adj 1 without enough money to
bank | [+of] banks of mist pay what you owe [SYN] insolvent: The firm went bankrupt
5 (ISLET a large sloping mass of earth, sand, snow before the building work was completed. | In 1977 he was
etc: She was sitting on a grassy bank. | [+of] steep banks of declared bankrupt (=by a court). | Mr Trent lost his house
snow |banks of flowers when he was made bankrupt. | Seventeen years of war left
6 [nis «6a large number of machines, television the country bankrupt. | a bankrupt electrical company
screens etc arranged close together in a row: [+of] banks 2 completely lacking a particular good quality: The oppo-
of TV monitors sition attacked the government as morally bankrupt.
720 a supply of money used to GAMBLE, that people bankrupt? v [T] to make a person, business, or country
can win — break the bank at BREAK'(24) bankrupt or very poor [SYN]ruin: Johns had been nearly
8 be makin’ bank AmE spoken informal to earn a lot of bankrupted through a failed business venture.
money for the work that you do: Check out Omar's new car.
The brother must be makin’ bank. bankrupt? n [Cc] someone who has officially said that
9 ETE) a slope made at a bend in a road or RACETRACK to they cannot pay their debts: certified/uncertified bankrupt
make it safer for cars to go around —> BOTTLE BANK, FOOD BrE (=one a court does or does not allow to start a
BANK, MEMORY BANK business again)
bank? y bank-rupt-cy /benkraptsi/ n (plural bankruptcies)
1{{SY a) [T] to put or keep money in a bank: Did you 1[C,U] the state of being unable to pay your debts
bank that check? b) [| always + adv/prep] to keep your insolvency: /n 1999 it was revealed that he was close to
money in a particular bank: [+with] Who do you bank bankruptcy. | When inflation rises, so do bankruptcies.
with? | [+at] I've always banked at First Interstate. 2 [U] a total lack of a particular good quality: the moral
20 [1] if a plane banks, it slopes to one side when bankruptcy of terrorism
turning: The plane banked, and circled back toward us. ‘bank statement n [Cc] a document sent regularly by a
3 G09 (also bank up) [T] BrE to arrange something bank to a customer that lists the amounts of money taken
into a pile or into rows: Snow was banked up on either side out of and paid into their BANK ACCOUNT
of the road. banned /bend/ adj [only before noun] not officially
4 QOS (also bank up) [T] to form a mass of cloud, allowed to meet, exist, or be used: Leaders of the banned
mist etc: Banked clouds promised rain. party were arrested last night. |He was suspended for using a
5 GEG (also bank up) [T] to cover a fire with wood or coal banned substance (=a drug that people competing in sport
to keep it going for a long time: Josie banked up the fire to are not allowed to take).
last till morning. ban-ner /'bena $ -ar/ n [C] 1a long piece of cloth on
bank on sb/sth phr v to depend on something happening which something is written, often carried between two~
or someone doing something [SYN] count on: bank on (sb) poles: The onlookers were shouting, cheering, and waving
doing sth | was banking on being able to get some coffee on banners. 2 a belief or principle: carry/raise/wave etc the
the train. banner of sth (=publicly support a particular belief etc)
bank-a-ble /benkabal/ adj likely to be profitable or She'd never felt the need to carry the banner of feminism. |
make a lot of money: Hollywood's most bankable stars under the banner of sth They marched under the banner of
‘bank ac,count n [Cc] an arrangement between a bank equal educational opportunity. 3 under the banner of sth as
and a customer that allows the customer to pay in and part of a particular group or organization: The oil-
take out money: I'd like to open a bank account. producing countries joined together under the banner of
‘bank ,balance n [singular] the amount of money some- OPEC. 4 a flag |
one has in their bank account ‘banner ad n [C] an advertisement that appears across
‘bank-book /'benkbuk/ n [C] AmE a book in which a the top of a page on the Internet —'banner advertising n
record is kept of the money you put into and take out of {U]
your bank account passbook banner ‘headline n [Cc] words printed in very large
XQ = words from the Academic Word List 17 barbarian
letters across the top of the first page of a newspaper:
The front-page banner headline read ‘Disgraced police chief
to stand trial’.
‘banner year n [Cc] Ame a year that is good because
something is successful
ban-nis-ter /benista $ -ar/ n [C] BANISTER
banns /benz/ n [plural] a public statement that two
people intend to get married, made in a church in Britain
ban-quet /'benkwit/ n [C] 1a formal dinner for many wrapper
people on an important occasion: a state banquet (=one
attended by heads of government and other important
people) 2 a large and impressive meal
‘banqueting hall, banquet room n [C] a large room in
which banquets take place
ban-shee /benji:/ n [C] a female spirit whose loud cry
is believed to be heard when someone is going to die: She
was screaming like a banshee.
ban-tam /'bentam/ n [C] a type of small chicken
ban-tam-weight /bentamwest/ n [C] a BOXER who
weighs less than 53.52 kilograms, and who is heavier
than a FLYWEIGHT but lighter than a FEATHERWEIGHT
ban-ter /bents ¢ -ar/ n [U] friendly conversation in
which people make a lot of jokes with, and amusing
remarks about, each other: friendly/good-natured/light-
hearted banter [+with/between] easy banter between her
cousins —banter v [1]: | watched the guys as they bantered
with the waitresses. —bantering adj
bap /bep/ n[C] BrE a round soft bread ROLL
bap-tis:-m /beptizam/ n [C,U] 1a Christian religious
ceremony in which someone is touched or covered with
water to welcome them into the Christian faith, and
sometimes to officially name them — christening 2 bap-
11 be called to the bar a) BrE to become a BARRISTER b) AmE
tism of/by fire a difficult or painful first experience of
to become a lawyer
something: The campaign has been a baptism of fire.
12 Yee a long narrow shape along the
—baptismal /bep'ttzmal/ adj [only before noun]: a baptis-
sides or at the top of a computer screen, usually contain-
mal font (=container for holding the water used at bap-
ing signs that you can CLICK on: the main menu bar at the
tism)
top of the screen | the toolbar —+ SCROLL BAR
Bap-tist /beptist/ n [C] a member of a Christian group 13 (27a) the long piece of wood or metal across the
that believes baptism should only be for people old top of the goal in sports such as football: The ball hit the
enough to understand its meaning bar.
baptize (also -ise BrE) /bep'tarz $ ‘beptaiz/ v [T] 14 GIS 4a long pile of sand or stones
1to perform the ceremony of baptism on someone under the water at the entrance to a HARBOUR
— christen 2 to accept someone as a member of a par- 15 CT a narrow band of colour or light
ticular Christian church by a ceremony of baptism: He 16 {TI a narrow band of metal or cloth worn on a
was baptized a Roman Catholic. 3 to give a child a name in military uniform to show rank
a baptism ceremony: She was baptized Jane. 17 {sa Br— the part of an electric heater that provides
bar’ GO /ba: $ ba:r/ n [C] heat and has a red light
IGE TTI) a) a place where alcoholic drinks are bar? y (barred, barring) [T] 1 to officially prevent some-
served — pub: The hotel has a licensed bar. | a cocktail bar one from entering a place or from doing something: bar
b) BrE one of the rooms inside a pub: The public bar was sb from (doing) sth They seized his passport and barred him
crowded. from leaving the country. FORBID 2 to prevent
2GUNGEOET RATIO a COUNTER where alcoholic drinks people from going somewhere by placing something in
are served: They stood at the bar. their way: She ran back, but Francis barred her way. | A
3a wine/coffee/snack etc bar a place where a particular locked gate barred my entrance to the wood. 3 (also bar up)
kind of food or drink is served to shut a door or window using a bar or piece of wood so
4a breakfast bar BrE a place in your kitchen at home that people cannot get in or out
where you eat breakfast or a quick meal bar prep 1 except: We had recorded the whole album, bar
5 Here 40a small block of solid material that is one track. 2 bar none used to emphasize that someone is
longer than it is wide: a chocolate bar |a candy bar |[+of] a the best of a particular group: He's the most talented actor
bar of soap — see picture at PIECE! in the country, bar none. > BARRING
6 Ea Ale) 4a length of metal or wood put
across a door, window etc to keep it shut or to prevent barb /ba:b $ bairb/ n [C] 1 the sharp curved point of a
people going in or out: houses with bars across the windows hook, ARROW etc that prevents it from being easily pulled
out 2 a remark that is clever and amusing, but also cruel
PIECE —+ BARBED
7 behind bars informal in prison: Her killer was finally put
behind bars. bar-bari:-an /barbearian $ ba:r'ber-/ n [C] 1 some-
8 {0S a group of notes and rests, separated from other one from a different tribe or land, who people believe to
groups by vertical lines, into which a line of written music be wild and not civitizeD: The Roman Empire came under
is divided: a few bars of the song severe pressure from the barbarians across the Rhine.
9 bar to (doing) sth written something that prevents you 2 someone who does not behave properly, and does not
from achieving something that you want: | could see no show proper respect for education, art etc: The youths
bar to our happiness. were described as uncivilised barbarians who savagely
10 the bar a) BrE the group of people who are BARRISTERS attacked innocent, victims.:3:someone who behaves in a
b) AmE an organization consisting of lawyers way that-isvertiél’atid wNCIVILIZED
 barbaric 118 Sl & & = the most frequent words in spoken English

bar-bar-i¢ /ba:'bertk $ ba:r-/ adj very cruel and violent bare arms. |bare-headed/bare-chested/bare-legged etc
[SYN] barbarous: The way the whales are killed is nothing 2 @ULVALESS not covered by trees or grass, or not hav-
short of barbaric. PIES CRUEL ing any leaves: The trees soon gave way to bare rock.
bar-barissm /'baibarizam $ ‘bar-/ nn [UI] 3 ES
TE «empty, not covered by anything,
1 extremely violent and cruel behaviour 2 a situation in or not having any decorations: She looked round her tiny
which people have no respect for CIVILIZED things such as bare room. |a bare wood staircase PEELE emery
~» art and culture: cultural barbarism 4 the bare facts a statement that tells someone only what
_ bar-bar-i-ty /ba:'bertti $ ba:r-/ n (plural barbarities) they need to know, with no additional details: The news-
~ {[C,U] a very cruel act: the medieval barbarity of putting paper had simply published the bare facts.
people in prison for debt 5 Lonly before noun] the very
> bar-bar-ous /‘ba:baras $ 'ba:r-/ adj 1extremely cruel in least amount of something that you need to do some-
thing: He got 40% - a bare pass. | The room had the bare
a way that is shocking [SYN] barbaric: The trade in exotic
minimum (=the smallest amount possible) of furniture. |
birds is barbarous. 2 wild and not CIVILIZED: a savage barba-
the bare essentials/necessities Her bag was light, packed
rous people —barbarously adv
barbe-cue™ (also bar-
beque AmE) /'ba:bikju: $
with only the bare essentials. | If you ask her about herself,
she gives only the barest (=the smallest amount possible)
of details.
‘barr-/ n [C] 1. (written
6the bare bones the most important parts or facts of
abbreviation BBQ) a meal or something without any detail: We have outlined only the
party during which food is bare bones of the method.
cooked on a metal frame 7 lay sth bare a) to uncover something that was previously
over a fire and eaten out- hidden: When the river is low, vast stretches of sand are laid
doors: We had a barbecue
bare. b) to make known something that was secret: his-
on the beach. 2a metal
torical writing which seeks to lay bare the true nature of an
frame for cooking food on
event
outdoors 8 with your bare hands without using a weapon or a tool:
barbecue? (also bar- Se
eS He had killed a man with his bare hands.
beque Am) v [T] to cook 9 bare infinitive technical the basic form of a verb, for
food on a metal frame over a fire outdoors: barbecued example ‘go’ or ‘eat’ —bareness n [U]
chicken ELE cook bare’ y [1] 1 to remove something that was covering or
barbed /ba:bd $ ba:rbd/ adj 1a barbed hook or ARROW hiding something: The dog bared its teeth. | He bared his
has one or more sharp curved points on it 2 a barbed back to the hot sun. 2 bare your soul to reveal your most
remark is unkind: a barbed comment on his appearance secret feelings
barbed ‘wire n [U] wire with short sharp points on it: a bare? /bea $ ber/ adv BrE spoken informal very, or a lot of
high barbed wire fence > see picture at FENCE’ - used by young people: Check out this new game - it’s bare
bar-bell /ba:bel $ 'ba:r-/ n [C] AmE a metal bar with hard. | His dad's got bare money.
weights at each end, that you lift to make you stronger bare-assed /pbear 'est< $ 'ber zst/ AmE, bare-arsed
SYN] dumbbell BrE — see picture at GYM /-a:st« $ -arrst/ BrE adj informal having no clothes on
bar-ber /‘ba:ba $ 'ba:rbar/ n [C] 1.a man whose job is to bare-back /beabek $ 'ber-/ adj, adv on a horse without
cut men’s hair and sometimes to SHAVE them a SADDLE: He'd been riding bareback all his life.
2 barber's BrE a shop where men’s hair is cut
bare-faced, bare-faced / bea'ferst« $ 'berferst/ adj [only
SYN| barbershop AmE
before noun] used to describe a remark or action that is
bar-ber-shop /‘ba:bajop $ 'ba:rbarfa:p/ n 1 [U] a style clearly untrue or unpleasant, and that shows that you do
of singing popular songs with parts for four men, usually not care about offending someone [S¥N] blatant: Why are
without music: a barbershop quartet 2 [C] AmE a shop you telling such barefaced lies?
where men’s hair is cut [SYN] barber's BrE
bare-foot /beafut $ 'ber-/ (also bare-'footed / $ '. .../)
bar-bie /ba:bi $ 'ba:r-/ n [C] BrE, AusE informal a adj, adv without shoes on your feet: He walked barefoot
BARBECUE across the sand.
‘Barbie doll n [c) trademark a popular type of DOLL in bare-head-ed /bea'hedid« $ 'berhedid/ adj, adv with-
the shape of an attractive young woman, that can be out a hat or other covering on your head: You can’t go out
dressed in a large variety of fashionable clothes. A bareheaded in this weather.
woman is sometimes compared to a Barbie doll if she is
bare:ly /beali $ 'berli/ adv 1 only with great difficulty or
attractive and always has new clothes, but is not very
effort [SYN] only just: She was very old and barely able to
intelligent.
walk. | Mary had barely enough money to live on. | barely
‘bar billiards n [(U] a type of BituiARDs played in Puss in audible/perceptible/visible/discernible etc His voice was
Britain barely audible. | She could barely understand English.
bar-bi-tu-rate /barbit(rst $ barrbrt{zrit, -rett/n [CU] a 2 almost not [SYN]hardly: She was barely aware of his
powerful drug that makes people calm and helps them to presence. |Joe and his brother are barely on speaking terms.
sleep 3 used to emphasize that something happens immedi-'
Bar-bour /ba:bs" ¢ 'ba:r-/ (also Barbour jacket) n [C] ately after a previous action [SYN] only just BrE: Graham
trademark a type of good-quality expensive coat made in had barely finished his coffee when Henry returned.
the UK, traditionally worn by farmers and country people 4 used before amounts or numbers to emphasize that
to protect them from wind and rain. It has also become they are surprisingly small [SYN] only: Nowadays, the village
fashionable with some people in cities. has barely 100 inhabitants.
‘bar chart (also bar graph) n [C] a picture of boxes of barf /ba:f $ ba:rf/ v [I] AmE informal to vomit —barf n
different heights, in which each box represents a different [U]
amount or quantity — see picture at CHART! bar-fly /ba:flar $ 'bar-/ n (plural barflies) [C] AmE~
‘bar code n [Cc] a group of thin and thick lines printed on informal someone who spends a lot of time in bars
products you buy in a shop, that a computer can read. It bar-gain’ /ba:gin $ 'ba:r-/ n [C] 1 something you buy
contains information such as the price. + see picture at cheaply or for less than its usual price: There are no |
BAR" bargains in the clothes shops at the moment. | It’s an attrac-
bard /ba:d $ ba:rd/ n 1[C] literary a poet 2 the Bard tive little home, and | think it's a bargain. | That second-hand
William Shakespeare table was q real bargain. | Good watches don't come at
bare’ /bea $ ber/ adj bargain prices. | Bargain hunters (=people looking for
1 CET «not covered by clothes [SYN] naked: a things to buy at low prices) queued outside the store for
ragged child with bare feet | She felt the warm sun on her hours. 2 an agreement, made between two people or
 (i (2 GB = the most frequent words in written English 119 barometer
groups to do something in return for something else: powders used to make paints). It is a chemical ELEMENT:
make/strike a bargain Management and unions have struck symbol Ba. 2 a barium meal/enema/swallow a substance
a bargain over wage increases. | I've kept my side of the containing barium that you swallow or that is put in your
bargain and | expect you to keep yours. — drive a hard BOWELS before you have an x-RAY, because it makes the
bargain at HARD'(18) 3 into the bargain (a/so in the bargain organs in your body easier to see
AmE) in addition to everything else: | am now tired, cold, bark? /ba:k $ ba:rk/ v1 [1] when a dog barks, it makes a
and hungry, with a headache into the bargain. short loud sound or series of sounds — growl: [+at] The
bargain? v [1] to discuss the conditions of a sale, dog always barks at strangers. 2 (also bark out) [T] to say
agreement etc, for example to try and get a lower price: something quickly in a loud voice: [+at] ‘Don’t just stand
[+for] workers bargaining for better pay | [+tover] They there, give me a hand,’ she barked at the shop assistant.
bargained over the level of wages. |[+with] women bargain- 3 bark up the wrong tree informal to have a wrong idea, or s
ing with traders —bargainer n [C]: He's the hardest bar- do something in a way that will not give you the informa-
gainer in the business. tion or result you want: The police spent three months
bargain for sth (also bargain on sth) phr v [usually in barking up the wrong tree on the murder investigation.
negatives] to expect that something will happen and make 4 [T] to rub the skin off your knee, elbow etc by falling or
it part of your plans: They hadn't bargained for such a knocking against something [SYN] graze: | barked my shin
dramatic change in the weather. | bargain on doing sth / against the step.
hadn't bargained on being stuck in traffic on the way home. | bark? n1[Cc] the sharp loud sound made by a dog
The thief got more than he bargained for, as Mr Cox tripped 2 [U] the outer covering of a tree — see picture at TREE
him up with his walking stick. 3 [C] aloud sound or voice: Amy’s voice was a hoarse bark.
bargain ‘basement n [Cc] a part of a large shop, 4 sb’s bark is worse than their bite used to say that some-
usually below ground level, where goods are sold at one who seems unpleasant or difficult to deal with is not
reduced prices really too bad
bar-gain-ing /‘ba:gantn $ 'ba:r-/ n [U] 1 discussion in bar-keep-er /barki:pa $ 'ba:rkipar/ (also bar-keep
order to reach an agreement about a sale, contract etc /'batkixp $ 'baz:r-/) n [C] AmE someone who serves drinks
{SYN|negotiation: wage/pay bargaining The government in a bar [SYN] bartender
would not intervene in private-sector wage bargaining. | The bark-er /'ba:ke $ 'bairkar/ n [C] in the past, someone
4% pay raise was the result of some hard bargaining. who stood outside a place where there was a CIRCUS or
2 bargaining position/power the amount of influence FAIR, shouting to people to come in
someone has and their ability to achieve what they want barking ‘mad (also bark-ing /‘bazktn $ 'ba:r-/) adj [not
when starting a discussion or making an agreement: Most before noun] BrE completely crazy or acting very strangely
new artists and bands aren't in a strong bargaining position. | - used humorously
This will increase the bargaining power of management in bar-ley /'ba:li $ 'ba:rli/ n [U] a plant that produces a
wage negotiations. —> COLLECTIVE BARGAINING grain used for making food or alcohol
‘bargaining chip especially AmE, ‘bargaining counter ‘barley sugar n [C,U] BrE a hard sweet made of boiled
BrE n [C] something that one person or group in a sugar
business deal or political agreement has, that can be ‘barley water n [U] BrE a drink made from barley
used to gain an advantage in the deal boiled with water, with the flavour of lemon or orange
barge’ /ba:dz $ ba:rdz/ n [C] a large low boat with a barley ‘wine n [U] BrE a type of very strong beer
flat bottom, used for carrying goods on a CANAL or river bar-maid /ba:merd $ 'ba:r-/ n [C] BrE a woman who
barge? v [I always + adv/prep, T] to move somewhere ina serves drinks in a bar [SYN] bartender
rough careless way, often hitting against things bar-man /'baimen $ ‘ba:r-/ n (plural barmen /-man/)
push: She ran outside, barging past bushes and shrubs. | [Cc] especially BrE a man who serves drinks in a bar
barge your way through/to etc sth She barged her way [SYN] bartender
through the shopping crowds. bar mitz-vah / ba: 'mitsva $ barr-/ n [C] 1 the religious
barge in (also barge into sth) phr v to enter somewhere ceremony held when a Jewish boy reaches the age of 13
rudely, or to rudely interrupt someone: George barged into and is considered an adult — bat mitzvah 2 a boy for
my office without knocking. |[+on] ‘Sorry to barge in on your whom this ceremony is held
evening,’ James said.
barm:y /'ba:mi $ 'ba:rmi/ adj BrE informal slightly crazy:
barg-ee /ba:'dzi: $ ba:r-/ (also barge-man /'ba:dzman That's a barmy idea.
$ 'ba:rdz-/) n [C] AmE someone who drives or works on a
barn /bain $ ba:rn/ n [C] 1 large farm building for
barge
storing crops, or for keeping animals in — see picture at
barge:pole /ba:dzpau! $ ba:rdzpoul/ n [C] a long pole HOME! 2 informal a large plain building: a huge barn of a
used to guide a barge — not touch sb/sth with a bargepole house
~ at TOUCH"«2) bar-na-cle /‘bamakel $ 'ba:r-/ n [C] a small sea animal
‘bar graph n [Cc] a Bar CHART with a hard shell that sticks firmly to rocks and the
bar-hop /ba:hvp $ ‘'ba:rha:p/ v (barhopped, barhop- bottom of boats
ping) [1] AmE informal to visit and drink at several bars, ‘barn dance n [C] BrE a social event at which there is
one after another COUNTRY DANCING —+ square dance
bar-i-at-rics /beri'etriks/ n [U] technical the area of bar-net /'ba:nit $ 'ba:r-/ n [C] BrE informal old-fashioned
medicine that deals with opesity (=the condition of being hair, or a way of wearing your hair
very fat) —bariatric adj bar-ney /‘bazni $ 'bar:rni/ n [C usually singular] BrE infor-
bar-is-ta /ba:ri:sta/ n [C] someone whose job is to mal a noisy argument
prepare coffee in a COFFEE BAR barn:storm /'bainstoim §$ 'ba:rnsto:rm/ v [I] AmE to
bar-i-tone’ /'beritaun $ -toun/ n1[C] a male singing travel from place to place making short stops to give
voice that is lower than a TENOR but higher than a BASS, or political speeches, theatre performances, or aircraft fly-
a man with a voice like this: a famous baritone ing shows —barnstormer n [C]
2 [singular] the part of a musical work that is written for a barn-storm-ing /‘bainsto:min $ 'ba:rmsto:r-/ adj [only
baritone voice or instrument: Can you sing the baritone? before noun] done with a lot of energy and very exciting to
—> ALTO2(2), BASS'(2), SOPRANO\(2), TENOR'(2) watch: a barnstorming speech
baritone? adj [only before noun] a baritone voice or barn-yard /'ba:njad $ 'ba:rnja:rd/ n [C] an area on a
instrument is lower than a TENOR but higher than a BASS farm, surrounded by farm buildings [SYN] farmyard
*ba-ri-um /beariam $ 'ber-/ n [U] 1 soft silver-white ba-rom-e-ter /ba'romita $ -'ra:mitar/ n [C] 1 an instru-
metal that is used to make PIGMENTS (=dry coloured ment that measures changes in the air pressure and the
 baron 120 (4 = words from the Academic Word List

weather, or that calculates height above sea level \barrel-'chested adj a man who is barrel-chested has a
2 something that shows any changes that are happening round chest that sticks out
in a particular situation: The skin is an accurate barometer ‘barrel organ n [Cc] a musical instrument that you play
of emotional and physical health, —barometric by turning a handle, often used on the streets in order to
/bera'metrik</ adj [only before noun] —barometrically get money, especially in the past
/-kli/ adv
bar-ren /bzran/ adj1 land or soil that is barren has no
bar-on /'beran/ n [C] 1 aman who is a member of a low plants growing on it: Thousands of years ago the surface
rank of the British NOBILITY or of a rank of European was barren desert. 2 old-fashioned unable to produce
NOBILITY 2 a businessman with a lot of power or influence: children or baby animals - used of a woman or of female
drug barons | conservative press barons like Beaverbrook animals [SYN] infertile [OPP] fertile 3 a tree or plant that is
—> ROBBER BARON barren does not produce fruit or seeds 4 used to describe
bar-on-ess /'beranis/ n [C] 1a woman who is a mem- something that does not look interesting or attractive:
ber of a low rank of the British NoBILITY 2 the wife of a The sports hall was a rather barren concrete building.
baron 5 used to describe a period of time during which you do
bar-on-et /'beranit, -net/ n [C] a member of the British not achieve anything or get any useful results: | scored five
OBILITY, lower in rank than a baron, whose title passes to in the first seven games, but I've had a bit of a barren patch
his son when he dies since then.
bar-on-et-cy /‘beranitsi/ n (plural baronetcies) [C] the bar-rette /bz'ret/ n [C] AmE a small metal or plastic
rank of a baronet object used to keep a woman's hair in place
ba-ro-ni-al /ba'raunial $ -'rou-/ adj 1 very large and [SYN] hair-slide BrE
ichly decorated: a splendid baronial house 2 belonging to bar-ri-cade" /bertkerd, bar#kerd/ n [C] a temporary
or involving BARONS wall or fence across a road, door etc that prevents people
bar-on-y /'berani/ n (plural baronies) [C] the rank of from going through: The fans were kept back behind barri-
BARON cades.
ba-roque’ /ba'rok, ba'rauk $ ba'rouk, -'razk/ adj relating barricade? v [T] to build a barricade to prevent some-
to the very decorated style of art, music, buildings etc, one or something from getting in: During the riots, some of
that was common in Europe in the 17th and early 18th the prisoners barricaded their cells. | barricade sb/yourself
centuries: furnished in a baroque style | baroque music/ in/into sth Shopkeepers had to barricade themselves in.
architecture/ paintings etc bar-ri-er [A /'beria $ -ar/ n [C]
baroque? n the baroque used to describe baroque art, 1a rule, problem etc that prevents people from doing
music, buildings etc something, or limits what they can do: He advocated the
barque /ba:k $ ba:rk/ n [C] a sailing ship with three, removal of trade barriers. | [+to] Problems with childcare
four, or five MASTS (=poles that the sails are fixed to) remain the biggest barrier to women succeeding at work. |
bar-rack /berak/ v [I,T] 1 BrE to interrupt someone, [+between] barriers between doctors and patients
especially a performer or a player, by shouting criticism 2a type of fence or gate that prevents people from
at them: At the 1965 Newport Folk Festival Bob Dylan was moving in a particular direction: Crowds burst through the
barracked for using electric instruments. 2 AusE to shout to barriers and ran onto the pitch.
show that you support someone or something 3 a physical object that keeps two areas, people etc apart:
bar-racks /'beraks/ n [plural] a building or group of [+between] The mountains form a natural barrier between
buildings in which soldiers live the two countries.
bar-ra-cu-da / bera'kju:de $ -'kurda/ n [C] a large tropi- 4 the 10-second/40% etc barrier a level or amount of 10
cal fish that eats flesh seconds, 40% etc that is seen as a limit which it is
difficult to get beyond: I’m hoping to crash the 20-second
bar-rage’ /'bera:z $ ba'ra:z3/ n 1 [(C usually singular] the
barrier in the final and get a bronze. +> SOUND BARRIER, CRASH
continuous firing of guns, dropping of bombs etc, espe- BARRIER
cially to protect soldiers as they move towards an enemy:
[+of] a barrage of anti-aircraft fire 2 [singular] a lot of COLLOCATIONS
criticism, questions, complaints etc that are said at the
same time, or very quickly one after another: [+of] a trade barriers (=things such as taxes that make
barrage of questions trade between countries difficult) The aim was to
bar-rage* /'bera:z $ ‘barridz/ n [C] a wall of earth, remove trade barriers and open up free markets.
stones etc built across a river to provide water for farm- the language barrier (=the problem of
ing or to prevent flooding —+ dam understanding people who do not speak the same
‘barrage balloon / $ .\.../n [Cl a large bag that floats language.) Living in China was hard for me at first
in the air to prevent enemy planes from flying near the because of the language barrier,
ground cultural/racial/class barriers |technical/legal/
barred /ba:d $ ba:rd/ adj 1a barred window, gate etc political barriers
has bars across it + bar 2 formal having bands of differ-
ent colour — bar: red barred tail feathers
break/tear down barriers Most companies have
bar-rel" /beral/ n [C] 1a large curved container with a broken down the old barriers of status among the
flat top and bottom, made of wood or metal, and used for workers.
storing beer, wine etc: The wine is aged in oak barrels. | cross/transcend barriers (=avoid barriers that
[+of] barrels of beer + see picture at CONTAINER 2 a unit of usually exist) Music has the great advantage of
measurement for oil, equal to 159 litres: [+of] two million crossing cultural barriers.
barrels of oil 3 the part of a gun that the bullets are fired remove/eliminate/lift barriers Will this remove the
through 4 have sb over a barrel to put someone in a barriers to change?
situation in which they are forced to accept or do what overcome barriers There are still many more barriers
you want: The manager has us over a barrel - either we work that need to be overcome.
on a Saturday or we lose our jobs. 5 be a barrel of laughs
[often in negatives] to be very enjoyable: Life is not exactly a ‘barrier method n [c] barrier methods of CoNTRACEP-
barrel of laughs at the moment. + PORK BARREL, —> scrape TION involve the use of CONDOMs etc, which physically
(the bottom of) the barrel at scRaPE'(5), + lock, stock, and prevent the sperm from reaching the egg
barrel at LocK2(3) \barrier ‘reef n (c] a line of coral (=pink stone-like
barrel? v [1] AmE informal to move very fast, especially substance) separated from the shore by water
in an uncontrolled way: A vehicle barreled out of a shopping barring /‘baxrin/ prep unless something happens: Bar-
center and crashed into the side of my car. ring a miracle, he won't walk again.
GB = words from the Academic Word List 121 based
bar-ri-o /beriau $ 'ba:riou/ n (plural barrios) [C] AmE a [+for] They were laying the base for a new economic recov-
part of an American town or city where many poor ery.
Spanish-speaking people live 3 (ea «[C] a place where people in a military organi-
bar-ris-ter /'berista $ -ar/ n [C] a lawyer in Britain who zation live and work: military/naval/air base
can argue cases in the higher law courts — solicitor 4G eee) «=C,U] the main place from
which a person, company, or organization controls their
‘bar-room, ‘bar room n [C] a bar activities: [+for] He used the house as a base for his printing
bar-row /'berav $ -rou/ n [C] 1a small vehicle like a business.
box on wheels, from which fruits, vegetables etc used to 5 Gea OC usually singular] the people, money,
be sold 2 a large pile of earth like a small hill that was put groups etc that form the main part of something: The
over a GRAVE in ancient times 3 a WHEELBARROW company has built up a loyal customer base. | By broadening
bar-row-boy /‘beraubo1 $ -rou-/ n [C] BrE a man or the tax base (=all the people who pay taxes), he could raise
boy who sells fruit, vegetables etc from a barrow more revenues. |an attempt to strengthen the city’s economic
base (=things that produce jobs and money) | The coun-
bar-tend-er /'ba:tenda $ 'ba:rtendar/ n [C] AmE some- try’s manufacturing base (=all the factories, companies etc
one who makes, pours, and serves drinks in a bar or that produce goods in a country) has shrunk by 20%.
restaurant [SYN] barman, barmaid BrE —> POWER BASE
bar-ter™® /'ba:ta $ 'ba:rtar/ v [1,7] to exchange goods, 6H aaeeaa [singular, U] the main part of a
work, or services for other goods or services rather than substance, meal etc to which other things are added:
for money: barter (with sb) for sth | had to barter with the paint with an oil base | [+for] Vodka is the base for many
locals for food. | barter sth for sth They bartered their grain cocktails.
for salt. 78aa7 [C] one of the four places that a player must
barter? n [U] 1a system of exchanging goods and touch in order to get a point in games such as BASEBALL
services for other goods and services rather than using — see picture at BASEBALL
money: Trading was carried out under a barter system. 8 be off base AmE informal to be completely wrong: His
2 goods or services that are exchanged by bartering: We estimate for painting the kitchen seems way off base.
used cigarettes for barter. 9 @Emray [C] technical a chemical substance that com-
bines with an acid to form a SALT
bas:alt /beso:lt, ba'so:It $ 'besnilt, 'ber-/ n [U] a type of 10 (TE «[C usually singular] technical the number in
dark green-black rock relation to which a number system or mathematical table
base’ Sd Ga /bets/ v [T usually passive] to have your is built up, for example 10 in the DECIMAL system
main place of work, business etc in a particular place: The 11 touch base (with sb) to talk to someone to find out what
paper had intended to base itself in London. |be based in sth is happening about something —basal adj — cover (all)
The new organization will be based in Dallas. -+ BASED the bases at COVER'(12)
base sth on/upon sth phr v to use something as the thing base® adj not having good moral principles: base atti-
from which something else is developed — basis: Their tudes and desires + BASE METAL
relationship was based upon mutual respect. | an economy
based on farming base-ball §4 1 /‘beisbo:| $ -bo:l/ n
1[U] an outdoor game between two teams of nine play-
base? 4] [a n ers, in which players try to get points by hitting a ball and
1S «(CC usually singular] a) the lowest part or running around four BASES
surface of something [SYN] bottom: [+of] There is a door at 2 [C] the ball used in baseball
the base of the tower. | the base of a triangle | a frozen ‘baseball cap n [C] a hat that fits closely around your
dessert with a biscuit base |a wine glass with a heavy base | head with a round part that sticks out at the front + see
The leather of his left trainer was coming away from its picture at HAT
rubber base. b) the lowest point on a plant or part of your
body, where it joins another part [SYN] bottom: [+of] a hole baseboard /'betsbo:d $ -baird/ n [C] AmE a narrow
in the base of the tree | He was killed by an axe blow to the board fixed to the bottom of indoor walls where they
base of his skull. BOTTOM meet the floor skirting board BrE
2MOMMTaraaab «2C] the most important part of based /beist/ adj 1 [not before noun] if you are based
something, from which new’ ideas develop somewhere, that is the place where you work or where
[SYN] foundation: India has a good scientific research base. | your main business is: It is a professional service based at
BASEBALL

runner

infield

umpire home plate

p catcher
 BASE jumping 122 Si] & & = the most frequent words in spoken English

our offices in Oxford. | London-based/New York-based etc a everyone needs or should have: basic human rights |poor
London-based firm of accountants 2 oil-based/ carbon- families unable to meet their basic needs
based/computer-based etc used to describe the basic fea-
basically §] /‘berstkli/ adv
ture or part of something: computer-based teaching |
1[sentence adverb] spoken used to emphasize the most
community-based services | carbon-based _fuels
important reason or fact about something, or a simple
3 broadly-based based on many kinds of things or people:
explanation of something: Basically, I'm just lazy. | Well,
a broadly-based government of national reconciliation
basically, it's a matter of filling in a few forms. || used to see
BASE jumping, base jumping /'be1s d3ampin/ n [U] him every night, basically.
(Building, Antenna, Span, Earth) a sport in which people 2 in the main or most important ways, without consider-
jump off tall objects such as buildings, bridges, or cliffs, ing additional details or differences [SYN] fundamentally:
- using a PARACHUTE All cheeses are made in basically the same way. | | believe
base-less /'berslas/ adj not based on acts or good that human beings are basically good. | Basically, he hadn't
reasons - used to show disapproval SYN] unfounded: base- changed at all.
less rumours/charges/accusations ba-sics /berstks/ n [plural] 1 the most important and
base-line /‘berslatn/ n [C usually singular] 1. technical a necessary facts about something, from which other pos-
standard measurement or fact against which other meas- sibilities and ideas may develop: [+of] the basics of French
urements or facts are compared, especially in medicine grammar |Here are some of the basics you will need to know.
or science: The company’s waste emissions were 14% lower 2 things that everyone needs in order to live or to deal
than in 1998, the baseline year. 2 the line at the back of the with a particular situation: basics like food and education
court in games such as tennis or VOLLEYBALL + see picture 3 back to basics used to describe a return to teaching or
at TENNIS 3 the area that a player must run within, on a doing the most important or simplest things: A lot of
BASEBALL field parents want schools to get back to basics.
base-ment /beismant/ n [C] a room or area in a basic ‘training n [u] the period when a new soldier
building that is under the level of the ground — cellar learns military rules and does a lot of exercise
‘base ‘metal n [c,u] a metal that is not very valuable, bas-il /'bezal $ ‘bet-/ n [U] a strong-smelling and
such as iron or lead strong-tasting HERB used in cooking
‘base rate n [C] BrE in Britain, the standard rate of ba-sil-i-ca /ba'stltko, -'z1I-/ n [C] a church in the shape
INTEREST'(4), set by the Bank of England, on which all of along room with a round end: the basilica of St Peter's in
British banks base their charges — prime rate Rome
bas:es /'betsi:z/ the plural of Basis bas-i-lisk /bestitsk, 'bez-/ n [C] an imaginary animal
like a snake in ancient stories, supposed to be able to kill
bash! /be{/ v1 [| always + adv/prep, T] to hit someone or people by looking at them
something hard, in a way that causes pain or damage:
Someone bashed him on the back of his head. |Police bashed ba-sin /'betsan/ n [C] 1 BrE a round container attached
down the door to get in. |bash sth on/against sth He bashed to the wall in a bathroom, where you wash your hands
his head on the back of the seat. | [+into] | accidentally and face [SYN]sink: a wash basin 2 a large bowl-shaped
bashed into a woman pushing a pram. FIESEYS> vit container for liquids or food: Fill the basin with the cake
2 [T] to criticize someone or something very strongly: He mixture. 3 (also basinful /'bersanful/) the amount of
was always bashing the trade unions. —-basher n [C]: liquid that a basin can contain: a basin of hot water
union-bashers 4 an area of land that is lower at the centre than at the
bash on phr v BrE informal to continue working in order to edges, especially one from which water runs down into a
finish something: Well, I'd better bash on. river: the Amazon basin 5 a place where the Earth's sur-
bash sth <> out phr v informal to produce something face is lower than in other areas: the Pacific Basin > pup-
quickly or in great quantities but without much care or DING BASIN
thought: | bashed out replies as fast as | could. ba-sis § (J /'bersis/ n (plural bases /-si:z/) [C]
bash sb <> up phr v to seriously hurt someone by attack- 1the facts, ideas, or things from which something can be
ing them violently developed: Their claim had no basis in fact (=it was not
bash? n [c]1 informal a hard strong hit [SYN] bang: [+on] true). | [+of] Bread forms the basis of their daily diet. |
a bash on the head 2 informal a party or an event to [+for] The video will provide a basis for class discussion.
celebrate something: a birthday bash GEESEULI> party GEESE reason
3 have a bash (at sth) BrE spoken to try to do something, 2 on the basis of sth because of a particular fact or situa-
especially when you are not sure that you will succeed: tion: discrimination on the basis of sex
Why not have a bash at windsurfing? 3 on a regular/daily/weekly etc basis every day, week etc:
I'm saving money on a regular basis.
bash-ful /bejfal/ adj easily embarrassed in social 4 ona voluntary/part-time/temporary etc basis a system or
situations [SYN] shy: a bashful grin | Don’t be bashful about
agreement by which someone or something is VOLUNTARY
telling people how you feel. FIEEWETE> suy —bashfully
etc: Nurses are employed on a full-time basis.
adv —bashfulness n [U]
bash-ing /be{in/ n (singular, U] 1 the action of attack-
ing someone and hitting them: Gay-bashing (=attacks on basis the facts, ideas, things etc from which
gay people) is on the increase. |give sb a bashing They gave something can be developed: His work will be used as
him a real bashing. 2 strong and usually unfair public a basis for future research.
criticism of a particular group or person: union-bashing in foundation the thing on which something is based,
the right-wing press especially something important that continues for a
long time: Their ideas were the foundation for the
ba-sic § Oy /berstk/ adj political system that exists in the UK today.
1 forming the most important or most necessary part of
something — basics: the basic principles of chemistry | The bedrock the most important thing that something
basic idea is simple. | basic research | basic information |
depends on in order to be successful: Honesty is the
bedrock of any healthy relationship.
[+to] medical techniques basic to the control of infection
cornerstone the most important thing that
2at the simplest or least developed level + basics: the
basic skills of programming | Their knowledge is very basic. |
something depends on in order to be successful,
especially in business and politics: Confidence is the
The farm lacks even basic equipment. \_cornerstone of our business.
3 basic salary/pay/pension etc the amount of money that
you are paid before any special payments are added: On bask /ba:sk $ baesk/ v [I] 1 to enjoy sitting or lying in the
top of the basic salary, there are numerous other benefits. heat of the sun or a fire: [+in] Lizards were basking in the
4 [only before noun] basic rights, needs etc are ones that
morning sun. 2 if a place basks in the sun, it is sunny and
(J (2 MS = the most frequent words in written English 123
sa
warm: [+in] Tenerife was basking in afternoon sunshine as bas:set /'besit/ (also 'basset hound) n [C] a dog with
they arrived. 3 to enjoy the approval or attention that you short legs and long ears, used for hunting
are getting from other people: [+in] She basked in the bass gui-tar /bers gr'ta: $ -'ta:r/ (also bass) n [C] an
admiration of the media. — bask/bathe in sb's reflected electric GUITAR with four strings, that plays low notes
glory at GLorY'(4) —» BASSIST
bas-ket By /‘ba:skit $ 'be-/ n [C] bas:sist /'beisist/ n [C] someone who plays a BASS
1a container made of thin pieces of plastic, wire, or wood GUITAR Or a DOUBLE BASS
woven together, used to carry things or put things in: a
bas-soon /ba'su:n/ n [C] a musical instrument like a
shopping basket | a basket full of vegetables | clothes/
very long wooden tube, that produces a low sound. You
laundry basket (=for dirty clothes)
hold it upright and play it by blowing into a thin curved
2a net with a hole at the bottom, attached to a metal
metal pipe. + see picture at WOODWIND —bassoonist n ~
ring, through which the ball is thrown in BASKETBALL:
make/shoot a basket (=to throw the ball through the [Cc]
basket) — see picture at BASKETBALL bas:tard /ba:stad, 'be- $ 'bestard/ n [C] 1 taboo a very
3 technical the average or total value of a number of offensive word for someone, especially a man, who you
different goods or CURRENCIES — put all your eggs in one think is unpleasant. Do not use this word.: You lying
basket at EGG"(6), + WASTEPAPER BASKET bastard! 2. spoken informal not polite a man who you think
is very lucky or very unlucky - often used humorously:
bas:ket-ball /‘barskitba:l $ 'beskitbp:l/ n 1 [U] a game He's gone straight to the top, the lucky bastard. | The poor
played indoors between two teams of five players, in
bastard fell off his horse. 3 BrE spoken informal something
which each team tries to win points by throwing a ball
that causes difficulties or problems: Life's a bastard
through a net 2 [C] the ball used in this game
sometimes. 4 old-fashioned someone who was born to
‘basket case n [C] 1 informal someone who you think is parents who were not married
crazy [SYN|nut case 2 a country with many severe eco-
nomic and social problems that are likely to continue for bas-tard-ize (also -ise BrE) /‘ba:stada1z, 'be- $ 'bestar-/
a long time v [T] to spoil something by changing its good parts: a
bastardized version of the play
bas-ket-ry /‘ba:skitri $ 'bes-/ (also bas-ket-work
/'barskitw3ik $ 'beskstwa:irk/) n [U] 1 baskets or other baste /beist/ v [1,7] 1 to pour liquid or melted fat over
objects made by weaving together thin dried branches food that is cooking: Baste the potatoes occasionally.
2 the skill of making baskets 2 to fasten cloth with long loose stitches, in order to hold
it together so that you can sew it later tack
basque /besk/ n[C] a piece of underwear for a woman
that covers her body from under her arms to the top of bas-ti-on /'bestian $ -tjan/ n [C] 1 something that pro-
her legs tects a way of life, principle etc that seems likely to
change or end completely: [+of] These clubs are the last
bas-relief /,ba: r'li:f, bas-/ n [C,U] technical a style of
art in which stone or wood is cut so that shapes are bastions of male privilege. 2 a place where a country or
raised above the surrounding surface — high relief army has strong military defences: Pearl Harbor was the
principal American bastion in the Pacific. 3 technical a part
bass' /bets/ n 1 [C] a very low male singing voice, or a of a castle wall that sticks out from the rest
man with a voice like this 2 [singular] the part of a musical
work that is written for a singer with a bass voice bat? gy /bet/ n [Cc]
—> ALTO2(2), BARITONE'(2), SOPRANO'(2), TENOR'(2) 3 [U] the 1asmall animal like a mouse with wings that flies around
lower half of the whole range of musical notes — treble at night — FRUIT BAT
4 [C] a BASS GUITAR: The band features Johnson on bass 2a) along wooden stick with a special shape that is used
(=playing the bass guitar). 5 [C] a DOUBLE BASS in some sports and games: a baseball bat | a cricket bat
b) BrE a round flat piece of wood with a handle, used to
bass? adj [only before noun] a bass instrument or voice hit a ball in TABLE TENNIS [SYN] paddle AmE — see picture at
produces low notes: a bass drum
SPORT!
bass? /bes/ n (plural bass) [CJ a fish that can be eaten 3 be at bat to be the person who is trying to hit the ball in
and lives in both rivers and thé sea a game of BASEBALL
bass clef / bets 'klef/ n [C] a sign (9:) at the beginning 4 do sth off your own bat BrE informal to do something
of a line of written music that shows that the top line of without being told to do it: She went to see a solicitor off
the STAVE is the A below MIDDLE C her own bat.
BASKETBALL

backboard

{ dribble
jump shot

centre

forward

- jump ball
 bat 124 GQ = words from the Academic Word List

5 do sth right off the bat AmE informal to do something especially as a medical treatment: She brought a bowl! of
immediately: He said yes right off the bat. water and began to bathe the injured arm. GEEENTTE>
6 like a bat out of hell informal very fast: | drove like a bat out CLEAN 4 be bathed in light/sunshine ete written an area or
of hell to the hospital. building that is bathed in light has light shining onto it in a
7 old bat spoken an unpleasant old woman — as blind as a way that makes it look pleasant or attractive: The top of
bat at BLIND"(1c) Pea Hill was bathed in brilliant sunshine. 5 be bathed in
bat? v (batted, batting) 1 [|,T] to hit the ball with a bat in sweat written to be covered in SWEAT: | was tired and
CRICKET Or BASEBALL 2 not bat an eye/eyelid informal to not bathed in sweat.
seem to be shocked, surprised, or embarrassed: They bathe? na bathe BrE old-fashioned when you swim in the
started talking about sex, but she didn’t bat an eyelid. sea, a river, or a lake [SYN|swim: They went for a bathe.
_ 3 bat your eyes/eyelashes if a woman bats her eyes, she bath-er /be1da $ -ar/ n 1[C] BrE someone who is
opens and closes them several times quickly, in order to swimming in the sea, a river, or a lake 2 bathers [plural]
look attractive to men 4 go to bat for sb AmE informal to AusE a SWIMSUIT
help and support someone 5 be batting a thousand AmE bath-ing /‘berdrn/ n [U] BrE the activity of swimming in
informal to be very successful: She’s been batting a thou- the sea, a river, or a lake [SYN] swimming: Is the beach safe
sand since she got that job. for bathing?
bat sth «> around phr v informal to discuss various ideas bathing cap /'ber6rn kep/ n [C] old-fashioned a special
or suggestions hat that you wear for swimming [SYN] swimming cap
bat-boy /‘betbo1/ n [C] a boy whose job is to look after bathing cos-tume /‘berd1n kostjum $ -karstu:zm/ n
the equipment of a BASEBALL team [C] BrE old-fashioned a SWIMSUIT
batch /bet{/ n [C] 1a group of people or things that bathing suit /berd1n surt, -sjurt $ -su:t/ n [C] old-
arrive or are dealt with together: [+of] Every day another fashioned a SWIMSUIT
batch of papers reaches the manager, demanding his bathing trunks /‘be1O1n tranks/ n [plural] BrE old-
attention. 2 a quantity of food, medicine etc that is pro- fashioned a piece of clothing worn by men for swimming
duced or prepared at the same time: [+of] She was in the SYN] swimming trunks
kitchen taking a batch of bread out of the oven. 3 a set of ‘bath mat n [Cc] 1a piece of thick cloth that you put on
jobs that are dealt with together on a computer: an the floor next to the bath 2 a piece of rubber that you put
overnight batch file |a batch job in the bath to prevent yourself from slipping
batch ‘processing n [U] technical a type of computer ba:thos /'be1@ps $ -@a:s/ n [U] formal in writing, a play
system in which the computer does several jobs one after etc, a sudden change from a subject that is beautiful,
the other, without needing instructions between each job moral, or serious to something that is ordinary, silly, or
bat-ed /'bertid/ adj with bated breath feeling very anx- not important HEELS LANGUAGE
ious or excited: He waited for a reply to his offer with bated bath-robe /ba:@raub $ 'be@roub/ n [C] a long loose
breath. piece of clothing shaped like a coat, that you wear espe-
bath" gy [1H /ba:6 $ be@/ n (plural baths /ba:6z, ba:0s cially before or after having a bath or SHOWER — dressing
$ bedz, beOs/) [C] gown
1if you take a bath, you wash your body in a bath: After a bath-room § (1 /‘ba:erom, -ruim $ 'be@-/ n [C]
week of camping, | really needed a bath. | have a bath BrE 1a room where there is a bath or SHOWER, a BASIN, and
take a bath Ame: |'Il have a bath and go to bed. | How often sometimes a toilet
do you take a bath? | I'll give the children their bath (=wash 2AmE a room where there is a toilet: Where’s the
them in a bath). bathroom? | | really need to go to the bathroom (=use a
2 BrEa large long container that you fill with water and sit toilet).
or lie in to wash yourself [SYN] bathtub AmE
‘bath towel n [Cc] a large Towel (=piece of material for
3 water that you sit or lie in to wash yourself: a hot bath | drying yourself)
She ran a bath (=put water into a bath).
4 a bathroom, used especially in advertising: All our luxury bath-tub /ba:0tnb $ 'beé-/ n [C] especially AmE a long
bedrooms have a private bath. large container that you fill with water and sit or lie in to
5a container full of liquid in which something is placed wash yourself [SYN] bath BrE
for a particular purpose: [+of] Plunge the fabric into a bath ba-tik /ba'tizk, 'bettk/ n 1 [U] a way of printing coloured
of black dye. patterns on cloth that involves putting WAX over some
6 baths [plural] a) BrE old-fashioned a public building in parts of the cloth 2 [C,U] cloth that has been coloured in
which there is a swimming pool b) a public building this way
where people could go in the past to wash themselves: bat-man /‘betman/ n (plural batmen /-man/) [C] an
the Roman baths at Cirencester officer's personal servant in the British army
7 take a bath AmE informal to lose money, especially in a bat mitzvah /ba:t 'mitsve/ n [C] 1a religious cer-
business deal: We took a bath in the market over that stock. emony held when a Jewish girl reaches the age of 13 and
—> BIRDBATH, BUBBLE BATH, —> throw the baby out with the is considered an adult in her religion — bar mitzvah
bath water at THROW'(37) 2 a girl for whom this ceremony is held
bath? v BrE 1 [T] to wash someone in a bath [SYN] bathe bat-on /'beton, -tn $ be'ta:n, ba-/ n [C] 1a short thin
Ame: I'll bath the children. 2 [\] old-fashioned to wash stick used by a CONDUCTOR (=the leader of a group of
yourself in a bath [SYN] bathe AmE musicians) to direct the music 2 a short light stick that is
‘bath chair n [C] BrE a special chair with wheels and a passed from one person to another during a race
cover, used in the past for moving someone old or sick 3 a short thick stick used as a weapon by a police officer
around — wheelchair {SYN]|truncheon 4 a short stick that is carried as a sign of a
bathe! /berd/ v1 [1,7] especially AmE to wash yourself special office or rank 5 a light metal stick that is spun and
or someone else in a bath [SYN] bath BrE: | bathed, washed thrown into the air by a MAJORETTE
my hair, and got dressed. | He bathed the children and put bats:‘man /betsmen/ n (plural batsmen /-man/) [C]°
them to bed. 2 [|] BrE old-fashioned to swim in the sea, a the person who is trying to hit the ball in cricKeT + bowler
river, or a lake: They bathed in the lake in the moonlight. bat-tal-ion /ba'teljan/ n [C] 1a large group of soldiers
consisting of several companies (COMPANY) 2 a large
REGISTER
group of people who are doing something with a particu-
In everyday English, people usually say go for/have a lar purpose: [+of] a battalion of supporters
swim rather than bathe: They went for a swim in the
lake. bat-ten’ /betn/ v1 batten down the hatches a) to pre-
pare yourself for a period of difficulty or trouble
3 [T] to wash or cover part of your body with a liquid, b) to firmly fasten the entrances to the lower part of a
 Ga = words from the Academic Word List

ship 2 batten on sb BrE formal to live well by using some- 7do battle (with sb) to argue with someone or fight
one else's money, possessions etc - used to show disap- against someone: She walked into the room with her eyes
proval blazing, ready to do battle.
batten? n [C] a long narrow piece of wood that is 8 fight your own battles to argue with someone, or com-
attached to other pieces of wood or another building pete in a difficult situation, without having help from
material to strengthen them and keep them in place other people - used to show approval: It’s all right, Mum. |
batter’ /beta $ -ar/ v [I always + adv/prep, T] to hit can fight my own battles.
someone or something many times, in a way that hurts or 9 the battle of the sexes the relationship between men and
damages them: He was battered to death. |As a child, she women when it is considered as a fight for power
was battered by her father. | [+at/on/against etc] People 10 the battle of the bulge the act of trying to lose weight -
were battering at the door. | batter sb with sth He was used humorously
battered on the head with a cricket bat. | [+away] She IONS - MEANING 3
battered away at his chest with her fists. | batter sth down
Armed police battered his door down.
fight a battle (also wage a battle formal) The police
batter? n1 [C,U] a mixture of flour, eggs, milk etc, used are fighting a tough battle against crime.
in cooking and for making bread, cakes etc: Fry the fish in win a battle /t’s essential to win the battle against
batter. | pancake batter 2 [C] the person who is trying to inflation.
hit the ball in BASEBALL —> see picture at BASEBALL lose a battle a brave little girl who lost her battle
bat-tered /'betad $ -ard/ adj1 old and in bad condition: against cancer
a battered old suitcase 2 battered woman/wife/husband/
baby etc someone who has been violently attacked by
their husband, wife, father etc a long/lengthy battle his long battle with alcoholism
bat-tering /betann/ n [CU] 1when someone or an uphill battle (=one that is very difficult) For most
something is severely damaged, defeated, criticized etc: people losing weight is an uphill battle.
Her self-confidence had taken a battering. 2 BrE when a tough/hard battle He faces a tough battle to prove
someone or something is hit many times his innocence.
a constant battle As a student, life was a constant
‘battering ram n[C] along heavy piece of wood, used
battle against debt.
in wars in the past to break through walls or doors
a losing battle (=one that is going to fail) She was
bat-ter-y § /'betari/ n (plural batteries) \ fighting a losing battle to stop herself from crying.
1Garieiag [C] an object that provides a supply of
electricity for something such as a radio, car, or toy: You battle? v 1 [1,7] to try very hard to achieve something
have to take the top off to change the batteries. | When the that is difficult or dangerous: Firefighters battled the
red light comes on, you should recharge the battery. | The flames. | [+against/with] She had battled against cancer. |
car's got a flat battery. |a battery-operated hairdryer [+for] a pressure group battling for better schools |battle to
2 a battery of sth a group of many things of the same type: do sth Doctors battled to save his life. 2 battle it out to keep
a battery of medical tests fighting or opposing each other until one person or team
3 ([C] BrE a row of small cAGeEs in which chickens wins: Sixteen teams will battle it out. 3 [1] literary to take
are kept, so that the farm can produce large numbers of part in a fight or war
eggs: battery hens + FREE-RANGE
bat-tle-axe (also battleax AmE) /‘betl-wks/ n [C]
4fams [Cc] several large guns used together: an anti-
1 informal a very unpleasant woman who tries to control
aircraft battery
other people 2 a large AXE used as a weapon in the past
5 @am =[vu] law the crime of hitting someone: He was
charged with assault and battery. + ASSAULT AND BATTERY ‘battle cruiser n [Cc] a large fast ship used in war
6 recharge your batteries informal to rest or relax in order ‘battle cry n [Cc usually singular] 1a phrase used to
to get back your energy: A week in the mountains should encourage people, especially members of a political
recharge my batteries. organization: ‘Socialism Now!’ was their battle cry. 2 a loud
bat-tle’ [ /betl/ n [Cc] shout used in war to encourage your side and frighten the
1G a fight between opposing armies, groups of enemy
ships, groups of people etc, especially one that is part of bat-tle-dress /'betldres/ n [U] (also ‘battle fatigues
a larger war: the Battle of Trafalgar | in battle Her son was [plural] BrE) clothes worn by soldiers when they are
killed in battle. | into battle a knight riding into battle | fighting
[+between] battles between government forces and the
rebels | a pitched battle (=a long and serious battle) ‘battle fa,tigue n [U] old-fashioned a type of mental
between police and drug gangs ERIZLUL> WAR illness caused by the frightening experiences of war, in
2 Raa a Situation in which opposing which someone feels very anxious and upset
_ Zroups or people compete or argue with each other when bat-tle-field /betlfiid/ (also _—bat-tle-ground
trying to achieve success or control: a long-running legal /betlgraund/) n [C] 1a place where a battle is being
battle | [+for] a battle for custody of their children | fought or has been fought 2 a subject that people disa-
[+between] a fierce ratings battle between rival TV stations | gree or argue a lot about: Education has become a political
[+with] an ongoing battle with my mother about eating battleground. 3 a place where an argument or disagree-
properly ment happens, or where people are competing against
3 CLUS) «an attempt to solve a difficult each other: a battleground state during the election
problem or change an unpleasant situation: [+against] a bat-tle-ments /‘betimants/ n [plural] a low wall
battle against the racism of the school system | [+with] a around the top of a castle, that has spaces to shoot guns
long battle with lung cancer | [+for] Scientology has fought or ARROWs through
long battles for acceptance as a religion.
4 be half the battle to be a difficult or important part of bat-tle-ship /betlfrp/ n [C] the largest type of ship
what you have to do: Just getting an interview is half the used in war, with very big guns and heavy ARMOUR
battle. battleship ‘grey BrE, battleship gray AmE n [U] a
5 a battle of wits a situation in which opposing sides try to medium grey colour —battleship grey adj
win by using their intelligence: A good mystery story is a
battle of wits between author and reader. bat-ty /‘beti/ adj slightly crazy, but not in an unpleasant
6 battle of wills a situation in which opposing sides refuse or frightening way [SYN] nutty
to change what they want, in the hope that the other side bawble /bo:bal $ 'bo:-/ n [C] 1a cheap piece of
will decide to change first: a battle of wills between teacher jewellery 2 BrE a brightly coloured decoration that looks
and student like a ball and is used to decorate a CHRISTMAS TREE
baud rate 126

baud rate /'bo:d rett $ 'bo:d-/ n [C] technical a meas- of British pronunciation can now be heard on the BBC.
urement of how fast information is sent to or from a BB gun /bi: bi: gan/ n [C] AmE a gun that uses air
computer, for example through a telephone line pressure to shoot small round metal balls [SYN] airgun
baullk /bo:k, ba:lk $ bozk, bo:lk/ v [|, T] a British spelling BBQ n [c] the abbreviation of barbecue
of BALK BC BrE, B.C. AmE /\bi: 'si:/ (before Christ) used after a
baux-ite /'bo:ksart $ 'bo:k-/ n [U] a soft substance that date to show that it was before the birth of Christ + AD:
ALUMINIUM is obtained from The Great Pyramid dates from around 2600 BC.
bawd-y /'bo:di $ 'bo:di/ adj bawdy songs, jokes, stories bee (blind carbon copy) used in an EMAIL when you are
etc are about sex and are funny, enjoyable, and often sending a copy of a message to various people, when you
noisy: a bawdy new play —bawdiness n [U] do not give a complete list of all the people you are
‘bawdy house n [C] old use a place where women have sending the message to
sex with men for money BCE BrE, B.C.E. AmE /)bi: si: ‘:/ (before common era)
bawl /bo:| $ bo:l/ v1 [1,7] (also bawl out) to shout in a used after a date to show that it is before the birth of
loud voice [SYN] yell: ‘Tickets, please!’ bawled the conductor. Christ
sHouT 2 [|] to cry loudly [syN]scream: They BCG / bi:si:'dzi:/ n [U] medical a VACCINE used to protect
could hear a baby bawling somewhere. people from getting the disease TUBERCULOSIS: a BCG vac-
bawl sb <> out phr v to speak angrily to someone because cination
they have done something wrong: He was afraid Vic would BDD / pi: di: ‘di:/ n [U] the abbreviation of body dysmor-
bawl him out for being late. phic disorder
bay" /bet/ n [Cc] be? &] fi /bi; strong bi:/ auxiliary verb (past tense was,
1) a part of the sea that is partly enclosed by a curve
were, past participle been, present participle being, first per-
in the land: a house with a view across the bay | Montego son singular am, second person singular and plural are, third
Bay
person singular is)
2 keep/hold sth at bay to prevent something dangerous or
1used with a present participle to form the CONTINUOUS(4)
unpleasant from happening or from coming too close: A tenses of verbs: Don’t disturb me while I'm working. |
thick wall keeps the noise at bay.
Gemma was reading. | They've been asking a lot of
3 GQ an area within a large room or just outside a questions. | That guy’s always causing trouble. | We'll be
building that is used for a particular purpose: a storage
starting in about an hour. | He isn’t leaving, is he?
bay | loading bay : 2 used with past participles to form the PASSIVE: Smoking is
4 Byars the part of a ship or plane where things are
not permitted. | | was told about it yesterday. | The house is
stored: the cargo bay
being painted. | She's been invited to a party. | The flames
5 fg (also bay tree) a tree that has leaves that smell could be seen several miles away. | The police should have
sweet and are often used in cooking
been informed about this.
6 fg a horse that is a reddish brown colour 3 be to do sth formal a) used to talk about arrangements
bay” v [1] 1if a dog bays, it makes a long high noise, for the future: Audrey and Jimmy are to be married in June. |
especially when it is chasing something [Syn] howl: dogs Two men are to appear in court on charges of armed robbery.
baying at the moon 2 to make strong demands to get b) used to give an order or to tell someone about a rule:
answers to questions or force someone to give you some- You are to wait here in this room until | return. |All staff are
thing: [+for] Reporters began baying for the president's to wear uniforms. ¢) used to say or ask what someone
blood (=demanding that he be punished). should do or what should happen: What am | to tell her? |
bay* adj a bay horse is reddish brown in colour He is not to be blamed. d) used to ask how something can
‘bay leaf n [Cc] a sweet-smelling leaf from the bay tree, be done: How are we to get out of the present mess?
used in cooking 4 be to be seen/found/heard etc used to say that some-
‘Bay of ‘Pigs, the an area on the south coast of Cuba thing can be seen, found, or heard somewhere: A large
which is famous for a military attack that took place in range of species are to be seen in the aquarium. | We
1961. A group of Cubans living in the US tried to enter searched everywhere but the ring was nowhere to be found
Cuba with the aim of ending the government of Fidel (=could not be found). |The only sound to be heard was the
Castro. They were trained and supported by the US, but twittering of the birds above us.
the attack failed and they were all put into prison or 5 was/were to do sth used when talking about a time in
killed. ++ CUBAN MISSILE CRISIS the past to say what happened later: This discovery was to
bay-o-net™ /‘beranit, -net/ n [C] a long knife that is have a major effect on the treatment of heart disease.
fixed to the end of a RIFLE (=long gun) 6 a) used in CONDITIONAL'(2) sentences about an imagined
bayonet? v [T] to push the point of a bayonet into situation: were sb to do sth/if sb were to do sth Even if
someone England were to win the next two matches, Germany would
bay-ou /‘batu: $ 'baru:, -ou/ n [C] a large area of water
still be three points ahead. | Were we to offer you the job,
in the southeast US that moves very slowly and has many would you take it? b) used in CONDITIONAL sentences to
water plants introduce an aim when you are saying what must be done
in order to achieve it: if sb/sth is to do sth /f we are to
ibay ‘window n [Cc] a window that sticks out from the succeed in this enterprise, we shall need to plan everything
wall of a house, usually with glass on three sides > see
very carefully.
picture at WINDOW
7 old use used instead of ‘have’ to form the PERFECT? tense
ba-zaar /be'za: $ -'za:r/ n [C] 1a market or area where of some verbs: The hour is come.
there are a lot of small shops, especially in India or the
Middle East 2 an occasion when a lot of people sell be? &] [a v
different things to collect money for a good purpose: a 1 [linking verb] used to say that someone or something is
church bazaar the same as the subject of the sentence: My name is
Susan. | These are my favourite pictures. | He’s my brother. |
ba:zoo-ka /ba'zurka/ n [C] a long light gun that rests on
The problem is finding the time to get things done. |Our aim
your shoulder and is used for shooting at TANKS
was to reduce the number of accidents. ;
BBC, the /bi: bi: 'si:</ (the British Broadcasting Corpo- 2 [I always + adv/prep] used to say where something or
ration) the British radio and television company that is someone is: Jane’s upstairs. |Are my keys in the drawer? |
paid for by the public The principal's in his office. |How long has she been here?
‘BBC ‘English n [U] a standard form of British English 3 [| always + adv/prep] used to say-when something hap-
pronunciation that was traditionally taught to people pens: The concert was last night. |The party is on Saturday.
learning English in many parts of the world. For many 4 [linking verb] used to describe someone or something, or
years, almost everyone speaking on BBC programmes say what group or type they belong to: The sky was grey. |
used this form of pronunciation, but many different types Spiders are not really insects. | Mr Cardew was a tall thin
 {0 (2 GB = the most frequent words in written English 127
eae
man. |She wants to be a doctor when she leaves school. |Her bead-ing /'bi:din/ n [U] 1 long thin pieces of wood or
dress was pure silk. | I’m not ready yet. stone that are used as a decoration on the edges of walls,
5 there is/are used to say that something exists or hap- furniture etc 2 a lot of beads sewn close together on
pens: There's a hole in your trousers. | There was a loud clothes, leather etc as decoration
explosion. | ‘| thought there was going to be a party.’ ‘No, bea-dle /bi:dl/ n [C] an officer in British churches in the
there isn’t.’ | Is there a problem? past, who helped the priest in various ways, especially by
6 [linking verb] to behave in a particular way: He was just keeping order
being rude. | Don't be silly. |You'd better be careful.
7 [linking verb] used to say how old someone is: His mother
bead-y /'bi:di/ adj 1 beady eyes are small, round, and
shiny - used especially about someone who you think
died when he was 20. | Rachel will be three in November.
looks dishonest or strange 2 have/keep your beady eye(s)
8 [linking verb] used to say who something belongs to:
on sb/sth especially BrE to watch someone or something
Whose is this bag? It isn’t mine and it isn’t Sarah’s.
very carefully - used humorously
9 [linking verb] used to talk about the price of something:
‘How much are the melons?’ ‘The big ones are £2 each.’ bea:gle /'bi:gal/ n [C] a dog with short legs and smooth
EELS cost fur, sometimes used in hunting
10 [linking verb] to be equal to a particular number or beak /bitk/ n [C] 1the hard pointed mouth of a bird
amount: 32 divided by 8 is 4. SYN] bill see picture at BIRD OF PREY 2 a large pointed
11 be that as it may formal used to say that even though nose - used humorously 3 the beak BrE old-fashioned
you accept that something is true, it does not change a informal a judge or a male teacher
situation: ‘He was only joking.’ ‘Be that as it may, silly
remarks like that can do a lot of harm.’
bea-ker /'bitka $ -ar/ n [C] 1 BrE a drinking cup with
straight sides and no handle, usually made of plastic
12 [|] formal to exist: What was once a great and powerful
2 aglass cup with straight sides that is used in chemistry
empire has effectively ceased to be.
for measuring and heating liquids — see picture at LAB
13 be yourself to behave in a natural way, rather than
trying to pretend to be different: Don’t try too hard - just be beam! /birm/ n[C]1 a) a line of light shining from the
yourself. sun, a lamp etc: the beam of a powerful flashlight b) a line
14 not be yourself to be behaving in a way that is unusual of light, energy etc that you cannot see: a laser beam
for you, especially because you are ill or upset: Sorry - I’m 2 a long heavy piece of wood or metal used in building
not myself this morning. houses, bridges etc — see picture at rooF' 3 a wide
15the be-all and end-all the most important part of a happy smile: a beam of delight 4 off beam BrE informal
situation or of someone's life: [+of] For Jim, making money incorrect or mistaken: Our guesses were way off beam.
was the be-all and end-all of his job. 5 a BALANCE BEAM 6 technical the widest part of a ship
be= /b1/ prefix1 [in verbs] used to mean that someone or from side to side — broad in the beam at BROAD"(1)
something is treated in a particular way: Don't belittle him beam? v1 [1] to smile very happily: Sherman looked at his
(=say he is unimportant). | He befriended me (=became sons and beamed proudly. | [+with] Connie beamed with
my friend). 2 [in adjectives] literary wearing or covered by pleasure. | [+at] McLeish beamed at her, 2 [T always +
a particular thing: a bespectacled boy (=wearing glasses) adv/prep] to send a radio or television signal through the
air, especially to somewhere very distant: the first sports
beach’ gy (1B /bi:t{/ n [Cc] an area of sand or small
broadcast to be beamed across the Atlantic 3 [1,1] to send
stones at the edge of the sea or a lake: a sandy beach |
out a line of light, heat, energy etc: The sun beamed
surfers on the beach
through the clouds.
beach? v [7] 1 to pull a boat onto the shore away from Bea-mer, Beemer /'bi:ma‘/ n [C] especially AmE informal
the water 2 if a WHALE beaches itself or is beached, it
a name for any car made by BMW: That's his white
swims onto the shore and cannot get back in the water
Beamer convertible over there.
‘beach ball n [c] a large coloured plastic ball that you
blow air into and use for playing games on the beach bean! gy /bi:n/ n [Cc]
1a seed or a POD (=case containing seeds), that comes
‘beach chair n [C] Ame a folding chair with a seat and from a climbing plant and is cooked as food. There are
back made of cloth or plastic that is used outdoors, very many types of beans.: baked beans | Soak the beans
especially at the beach [Syn|deckchair BrE overnight. | kidney beans | green beans — see picture at
beach-comb-er /'bi:t{kauma $ -koumar/ n [C] some- VEGETABLE’
one who searches beaches for interesting or useful things 2 plant that produces beans
beach-head /bi:t{hed/ n [C] an area of shore that has 3a seed used in making some types of food or drinks:
been taken from an enemy by force, and from which the coffee beans |cocoa beans
army can prepare to attack a country 4 be full of beans informal to be very eager and full of
energy: She's full of beans this morning.
beach-wear /'bi:t{jwea $ -wer/ n [U] clothes that you 5 not have a bean BrE informal to have no money at all
_ wear for swimming, lying on the beach etc 6 not know/care beans (about sb/sth) AmE informal to not
bea:-con /'bitkan/ n [C] 14 light that is put somewhere know anything or care at all about someone or something
to warn or guide people, ships, vehicles, or aircraft —» spill the beans at SPILL'(3), + not amount to a hill of beans
2 aradio or RADAR signal used by aircraft or boats to help at HILL(5), —> JELLY BEAN
them find their position and direction 3 especially literary bean? v [7] informal to hit someone on the head with an
a person, idea etc that guides or encourages you: [tof] object
The education program offers a beacon of hope to these
children. 4 a fire on top of a hill used in the past as a signal beambag /'biinbeg/ n [C] 1 (also ‘beanbag chair) a
—> BELISHA BEACON very large cloth bag that is filled with small balls of soft
plastic and used for sitting on 2 a small cloth bag filled
bead /bi:d/ n [C] 1 one of a set of small, usually round, with beans, used for throwing and catching in children’s
pieces of glass, wood, plastic etc, that you can put on a games
string and wear as jewellery: She wore a string of green
glass beads around her neck. — see picture at JEWELLERY ‘bean counter n [C] informal someone whose job is to
2 a small drop of liquid such as water or blood: Beads of examine the cost of doing something, and who is con-
sweat trickled down his face. 3 draw a bead on sb/sth to aim cerned only with making a profit - used to show disap-
carefully before shooting a weapon —> WORRY BEADS proval: Since the bean counters took over the radio station,
it's become a boring place to work.
beaded /bi:did/ adj 1decorated with beads: a beaded
dress 2 beaded with sweat/perspiration having drops of ‘bean curd n [U] a soft white food made from soya
SWEAT (=liquid produced by your body when you are hot) BEANS [SYN] tofu
on your skin ‘bean feast n [C] BrE informal a party or celebration
 beanie 128 GQ = words from the Academic Word List

bea-nie /‘bi:ni/ n [C] AmE a small round hat that fits bears the hallmarks (=it has the qualities) of a family-
close to your head owned business.
bean-pole /bi:npaul $ -poul/ n [C] a very tall thin 7 bear a resemblance/relation to sb/sth to be similar to
person - used humorously someone or something else: The child bore a striking
resemblance to his father. | The things she says bear little
bean-sprout /'birnspravt/ n [C] the small white stem relation to what she actually does.
from a bean seed that is eaten as a vegetable 8 formal to give birth to a baby: She might never be
\ able to bear children. | bear sb a child/son/daughter She
Frequencies of the verbs bear, stand, and endure in bore him three sons.
| spoken and written English, with the meaning ‘accept or 9 bear fruit a) if a plan, decision etc bears fruit, it is
| deal with an unpleasant situation’. successful, especially after a long period of time: Charles’s
SPOKEN diplomacy eventually bore fruit. b) if a tree bears fruit, it
produces fruit
stand 10 FESTINT KA [often in negatives]
to be suitable or good enough to be examined, compared,
endure repeated etc without failing or being wrong: The produc-
WRITTEN tion figures did not bear scrutiny. | We believe our pupils’
bear results will bear comparison with any in Scotland. | The story
is well known, but it certainly bears repeating.
11 sth doesn't bear thinking about used to say that some-
endure thing is so upsetting or shocking that you prefer not to
to in T
5 10 15 20 per million think about it: The long-term consequences of a nuclear leak
| All three verbs are used to mean ‘accept or deal with an don’t bear thinking about.
| unpleasant situation’. The graph shows that in this meaning stand 12 bear interest if a bank account, INVESTMENT etc bears
| and bear are much more common than endure in spoken English. interest, the bank pays you a particular amount of money
| In written English, bear is the most common and endure, aformal | for keeping your money in the account
| word, is fairly common, } 13 (Vay literary to carry someone or something, espe-
cially something important: The wedding guests arrived,
bear’ fy [1 /bea $ ber/ v (past tense bore /bo: $ bo:r/, bearing gifts. | The US Constitution states that the people
past participle borne /bo:n $ bairn/) [T] have a right to bear arms.
123X000 TE) to bravely accept or deal with a painful, 14 bring pressure/influence to bear (on sb/sth) to use your
difficult, or upsetting situation [SYN] stand: She was afraid influence or power to get what you want: Unions can bring
she wouldn't be able to bear the pain. | Overcrowding makes pressure to bear on governments.
prison life even harder to bear. | Make the water as hot as you 15 bear witness/testimony to sth formal to show that
can bear. | The humiliation was more than he could bear. | something is true or exists: The empty workshops bear
Black people continue to bear the brunt of most racial vio- witness to the industrial past.
lence (=have to deal with the most difficult or damaging 16 PW «formal to have a particular feeling,
part). | Passengers could be insulting, and stewardesses just especially a bad feeling: bear (sb) a grudge (=continue to
had to grin and bear it (=accept it without complaining). | feel annoyed after a long time) /t was an accident. | don’t
Experts were worried the financial system would not be able bear any grudges. | bear sb no malice/ill will etc (=not feel
to bear the strain.
angry) He was just doing his job, and | bore him no malice.
REGISTER 17 bear right/left to turn towards the right or left: When
In everyday English, people usually say that they you reach the fork in the trail, bear left.
can't stand something, rather than that they can't 18 bear yourself formal to walk, stand etc in a particular
bear it: | couldn't stand the noise any longer. way, especially when this shows your character: She bore
herself with great dignity.
2 can't bear sth spoken a) to be so upset about something
that you feel unable to accept it or let it happen [Syn] can't 19 [NPAT literary if wind, water, or air bears some-
stand: Please don’t leave me. | couldn't bear it. | can't bear thing, it carries it somewhere: The sound of music was
the thought of (doing) sth | just can't bear the thought of borne along on the wind.
having to start all over. |can't bear to do sth | can’t bear to 20 (ai formal to have a particular name or title:
see her cry. | can't bear doing sth | couldn't bear not seeing He bore the name ‘Magnus’,
him again. b) to dislike something or someone very much, bear down phr v
often so that they make you feel annoyed or impatient 1 bear down on sb/sth a) to move quickly towards a per-
[SYN| can’t stand: Oh, | really can’t bear him. | can't bear sb son or place in a threatening way: a storm bearing down on
doing sth He can’t bear people smoking while he’s eating. | the island b) to behave in a threatening or controlling way
can't bear doing sth | can’t bear being cold. towards a person or group: Federal regulators have been
3 bear (sth) in mind to remember a fact or piece of infor- bearing down on campaign contributors.
mation that is important or could be useful in the future 2to use all your strength and effort to push or press
SYN| keep (sth) in mind: bear in mind (that) Bear in mind down on something
that some children will need help. bear on/upon sth phr v formal to relate to and possibly
4 SES formal to be responsible for influence something: the national policies which bear on
or accept something: bear the costs/burden Each company these problems
will bear half the costs of development. |Fares have gone up, bear sb/sth<> out phr v if facts or information bear out a
perhaps to more than the market will bear. | bear the claim, story, opinion etc, they help to prove that it is true
responsibility/blame etc Developed countries bear much of support: Evidence bears out the idea that students learn
the responsibility for environmental problems. best in small groups.
5QUamay to be under something and support it bear up phr v to show courage or determination during a
[SYN] hold: My leg was painful, and | wasn’t sure it would difficult or unpleasant time: How is he bearing up since the ,
bear my weight. |a tray bearing a bottle and several glasses | accident?
a load-bearing wall bear with sb/sth phr v
6G WATT formal to have or show a sign, mark, or 1bear with me spoken used to ask someone politely to
particular appearance, especially when this shows that wait while you find out information, finish what you are
something has happened or is true have: The /etter doing etc: Bear with me a minute, and I'll check if Mr
bore no signature. | a car bearing diplomatic license plates | Garrard’s in.
The labels bear a yellow and black symbol. | The town still 2to be patient or continue to do something difficult or
bears the scars of the bombings during the war. | The store unpleasant: It’s boring, but please bear with it.
 EQ = words from the Academic Word List beat
someone who is cruel or unpleasant: You beast! Let go!
3 something of a particular type or that has a particular
quality - usually used humorously [SYN] animal: A city at
night is a very different beast. 4 the beast in sb the part of
someone's character that makes them experience hatred,
strong sexual feelings, violence etc
beast:ly /bi:stli/ adj BrE very unpleasant [SYN] nasty:
polar bear beastly weather —beastly adv —beastliness n [U]
beast of ‘burden n [c] old use an animal that does
heavy work
beat" Gy [1 /bitt/ v (past tense beat, past participle
bear? n [C] 14 large strong animal with thick fur, that beaten /'bi:tn/)
eats flesh, fruit, and insects: a mother bear and her cubs 1 {T] to get the most points,
—+ GRIZZLY BEAR, POLAR BEAR, TEDDY BEAR 2 AmE informal votes etc in a game, race, or competition [SYN] defeat:
something that is very difficult to do or to deal with: The Brazil were beaten 2-1. |Labour easily beat the Conservatives
chemistry test was a bear. 3 be like a bear with a sore head in the last election. | beat sb at/in sth / beat him more often
BrE informal to be rude to people because you are feeling at pool than he beats me. |beat sb hollow BrE, beat the pants
bad-tempered 4 technical someone who sells SHARES or off sb AmE (=defeat them easily)
goods when they expect the price to fall — bull 2 [hl [7] to hit someone or something many times with
your hand, a stick etc: photographs of rioters beating a
bear-a-ble /bearabal $ 'ber-/ adj something that is
policeman |He was questioned and beaten. | The woman had
bearable is difficult or unpleasant, but you can deal with it
been beaten to death by her husband. | Two prisoners were
opp] unbearable: His friendship was the one thing that made
beaten unconscious. |beat sb black and blue (=hit someone
life bearable. —bearably adv
until it makes marks on their body) | beat the living
‘bear claw n [C] AmE a pastry filled with fruit, that has a daylights out of sb (=beat someone very hard)
row of long cuts across the top
EET HIT
beard" gq /bted $ brrd/ n [C] 3 GNSS [! always + adv/prep] to hit against some-
thair that grows around a man’s chin and cheeks thing many times or continuously: [+on/against/at etc]
— moustache Waves beat against the cliffs. |rain beating on the windows |
2 something similar to a beard, such as hair growing on Sid beat on the door with his hand.
an animal's chin —bearded adj 4 (yas ~[T] to do something better, faster etc than
beard? v [7] beard sb (in their den) to go and see what was best before: beat a record/score etc The record
someone who has influence or authority, and tell them set by Kierson in '84 has yet to be beaten. | The company’s
what you want, why you disagree with them etc profits are unlikely to beat last year’s £10 million.
bear-er /beara $ 'berar/ n [C] 1 formal someone who 5 Gases ([T not in progressive] especially spoken to be
carries something such as a flag or a STRETCHER (=light much better and more enjoyable than something else:
bed for a sick person) 2 someone who brings you infor- Fresh milk beats powdered milk any time. | beat doing sth
mation, a letter etc: | hate to be the bearer of bad news, but ‘Well,’ said Culley, ‘it beats going to the office.’ | You can't
... 3. formal the bearer of a legal document, for example a beat swimming as a good all-body exercise. | Nothing beats
PASSPORT, is the person that it officially belongs to homemade cake. |you can't beat sth (for sth) For excitement,
4 someone who knows about traditions and customs, you just can’t beat college basketball.
and makes sure that younger people learn about them: 6 [py [1,7] to mix things together quickly with a fork or
They see themselves as the bearers of Jewish tradition. special kitchen machine: Beat the eggs, then add the milk. |
‘bear hug n [Cc] an action in which you put your arms beat sth in Gradually beat in the sugar. | beat sth together
around someone and hold them very tightly because you Beat the butter and sugar together until fluffy. GEESE
like them or are pleased to see them MIX
bear-ing /'beartn $ 'ber-/ n1 have a/some/no etc bearing 7 [T] to successfully deal with a
on sth to have an effect or influence on something, or not problem that you have been struggling with [SYN] conquer:
have any effect or influence: Exercise has a direct bearing advice on how to beat depression | the government's long
on how healthy you are. 2 lose your bearings a) to become fight to beat inflation
confused about where you are: | completely lost my bear- 8 [ad [1] when your heart beats, it moves in a regular
ings in the dark. b) to become confused about what you RHYTHM as it pumps your blood: The average person's heart
should do next: young men who have lost their bearings ina beats 70 times a minute. |Jennifer's heart was beating fast.
changing society 3 get/find your bearings a) to find out 9G [1,7] if you beat drums, or if drums beat, they
exactly where you are: He paused to get his bearings. make a regular continuous sound
- b) to feel confident that you know what you should do 10 (iss [1,7] if a bird beats its wings, or if its wings
next: An introduction session helps new students get their beat, they move up and down quickly and regularly
bearings. 4 [singular, U] the way in which you move, stand, [SYN] flap
or behave, especially when this shows your character 11 take some beating if something or someone will take
5 [C] technical a direction or angle that is shown by a some beating, it will be difficult tor anyone or anything to
COMPASS: learning to take a compass bearing 6 [C] technical be or do better: Raikkonen has 42 points, which will take
a part of a machine that turns on another part, or in some beating. | Florida takes some beating as a vacation
which a turning part is held —> BALL BEARING destination.
12 EXP) [T] to avoid situations in which a lot of people
bear-ish /'beart $ 'ber-/ adj a) a bearish market is one are trying to do something, usually by doing something
where the prices of SHARES are decreasing —- bullish
early: We left at four a.m. to beat the traffic. |Shopping by
b) someone who is bearish expects the price of business
mail order lets you beat the queues. |Shop now and beat the
shares to go down — bullish —bearishly adv
Christmas rush!
—bearishness n [U]
13 PEs (7) informal to get or do something
‘bear market n [c] a situation in which the value of before someone else, especially if you are both trying to
STOCKS is decreasing — bull market do it first: beat sb to sth John had beaten me to the breakfast
bear-skin /'beaskin $ 'ber-/ n 1 [C,U] the skin of a bear table. | | wanted the last piece of pie, but somebody beat me
2 [C] a tall hat made of black fur, worn by some British to it. |They wanted to make it into a film, but another studio
soldiers for special ceremonies beat them to the punch.
beast /bi:st/ n [C] 1 written an animal, especially a large 14 beat about/around the bush to avoid or delay talking
or dangerous one ANIMAL 2. old-fashioned about something embarrassing or unpleasant: Don’t beat
 beat 130 Sd & & = the most frequent words in spoken English

around the bush. Ask for your account to be paid, and paid 5 beat sb <> down to make someone feel defeated, so they
quickly. no longer respect themselves: The women seemed beaten
15 beat the system to find ways of avoiding or breaking the down.
rules of an organization, system etc, in order to achieve beat off phr v
what you want: Accountants know a few ways to beat the 1 beat sb/sth <> off to succeed in defeating someone who
system. is attacking, opposing, or competing with you: McConnell
~ 16 beat a path to sb’s door (also beat down sb's door) if beat off a challenge for his Senate seat.
- people beat a path to your door, they are interested in 2 Ame informal not polite if a man beats off, he MASTUR-
something you are selling, a service you are providing etc: BATES
The new design was supposed to have consumers beating a beat sb/sth < out phr v
path to their door. 1if a drum or something else beats out a RHYTHM, or if you
17 beat a (hasty) retreat to leave somewhere or stop doing beat out a rhythm on a drum, it makes a continuous
something very quickly, in order to avoid a bad situation: regular sound
He beat a hasty retreat when he spotted me. 2 especially AmE to defeat someone in a competition:
18 beat the clock to finish something very quickly, espe- Lockheed beat out a rival company to win the contract. |
cially before a particular time: The company managed to [+for] Roberts beat out Tony Gwynn for the Most Valuable
beat the clock on delivering its new system. Player Award.
SPOKEN PHRASES 3 to put out a fire by hitting it many times with something
19 (it) beats me used to say that you do not know some- such as a cloth
thing, or cannot understand or explain it: Beats me why he beat up phr v
wants such a big car. | ‘What's he saying?’ ‘Beats me.’ 1 beat sb < up to hurt someone badly by hitting them: Her
20 beat it! used to tell someone to leave at once, because boyfriend got drunk and beat her up.
they are annoying you or should not be there 2 beat up on sb AmE to hit someone and harm them,
21can you beat that/it? used to show that you are sur- especially someone younger or weaker than yourself
prised or annoyed by something: They've got eight chil- 3 beat yourself up (also beat up on yourself AmE) informal
dren! Can you beat that? to blame yourself too much for something: If you do your
22 beat your brains out to think about something very hard best and you lose, you can’t beat yourself up about it.
and for a long time: I’ve been beating.my brains out all week beat? By n
trying to finish this essay. 1[C] one of a series of regular movements or hitting
23 if you can't beat 'em, join 'em used when you decide to actions: a heart rate of 80 beats a minute |the steady beat
take part in something even though you disapprove of it, of the drum
because everyone else is doing it and you cannot stop 2 [singular] a regular repeated noise [SYN] rhythm: [+of]
them the beat of marching feet
3 [C] the main RHYTHM that a piece of music or a poem
24 beat the rap Ame informal to avoid being punished for
has: a song with a beat you can dance to
something you have done
4 [singular] a subject or area of a city that someone is
25 beat time to make regular movements or sounds to
responsible for as their job: journalists covering the Wash-
show the speed at which music should be played: a
ington beat | on the beat People like to see police officers on
conductor beating time with his baton
the beat.
26 beat a path/track to make a path by walking over an
area of land 5[C] one of the notes in a piece of music that sounds
stronger than the other notes
27 to beat the band Am informal in large amounts or with
great force: It’s raining to beat the band. beat? adj [not before noun] informal very tired
28 beat the heat AmE informal to make yourself cooler: SYN] exhausted: I’m beat. |Come and sit down - you must be
Fresh lemonade is a great way to beat the heat. dead beat. PREGA TIRED
29 [S518 (also beat out) [T] to hit metal with a hammer beat-box /'bi:tboks $ -batks/ n 1 (also beat-box-er
in order to shape it or make it thinner /-boksa $ -ba:ksar/) [C] someone who provides the
30 (TTT [1,1] to force wild birds and animals out of words or other spoken sounds that go with Hip Hop 2 [U] a
bushes, long grass etc so that they can be shot for sport computer program that is used to mix the sounds of
31 beat your breast /iterary to show clearly that you are popular electronic music with a strong beat, or the type
very upset or sorry about something —> BEATEN, BEATING of music produced by this —beatboxing n [U]
beat-en /bi:tn/ adj [only before noun] 1 off the beaten
beat to get more points, votes etc than someone. track/path a place that is off the beaten track is not well
Beat is used especially in spoken English: We should known and is far away from the places that people
have beaten them easily. | | always beat my brother at usually visit 2 a beaten path, track etc has been made by
tennis. many people walking the same way: a well-beaten path
defeat to beat someone. Defeat is more formal than through the forest 3 a beaten person feels defeated and
beat and is used especially in writing: England were not respected: a beaten man who had lost his job
defeated by 2 goals to 1. | Bush defeated Kerry in the 4 beaten metal has been shaped with a hammer to make
election. it thinner
trounce /trauns/ to defeat someone completely in a
game: They were trounced 20-0 by Kuwait.
beat-er /bi:ta $ -ar/ n [C] 1 an object that is designed
to beat something: an egg beater | a carpet beater
thrash BrE informal, cream AmE informal to beat
2 wife/child beater someone who hits his wife or child,
someone very easily in a game: Of course, they totally
creamed the other team. especially someone who does this often 3 someone who
forces wild birds or animals out of bushes, long grass etc
wipe the floor with sb informal to beat someone
completely in a game or argument: She wiped the
so that they can be shot for sport 4 AmE informal an old
car in bad condition + WoRLD-BEATER
floor with her opponent in the debate.
bea-tif-ic /biza'trftk</ adj a beatific look, smile etc
beat down phr v shows great peace and happiness —beatifically /-kli/ adv
Tif the sun beats down, it shines very brightly and the
weather is hot be-at-i-fy /bi'etifar/ v (beatified, beatifying, beatifies) [T]
2if the rain beats down, it is raining very hard if the Pope beatifies someone, he says officially that they
3 beat the door down to hit a door so hard that it falls down are a holy or special person —beatification
4 beat sb down BrE to persuade someone to reduce a /biet3s'kerfan/ n [U]
Price: [+to] He wanted £4,500 for the car, but | beat him beat-ing /'bittq/ n 1[C] an act of hitting someone
down to £3,850. many times as a punishment or in a fight: a brutal beating
{0 (2 0S = the most frequent words in written English 131 becalmed
2 take a beating to lose very badly in a game or competi- 4 the beauty of sth a particularly good quality
tion: The Dodgers took a real beating on Saturday. + take that makes something especially suitable or useful: The
some beating at BEAT'(11) beauty of e-mail is its speed and ease of use.
beat-nik /bistntk/ n [C] one of a group of young people 5 [C] spoken a very good, large etc example of something:
in the late 1950s and early 1960s, who did not accept the You should have seen the boat - a real beauty.
values of society and showed this by their clothes and the 6 beauty is in the eye of the beholder used to say that
way they lived different people have different opinions about»what is
beat-up adj a beat-up car, bicycle etc is old and in bad beautiful
condition [SYN] battered: a beat-up old Ford Escort 7 beauty is only skin-deep used to say that how someone ~
looks is not as important as a good character he
beau /bav $ bov/ n (plural beaux /bauz $ bouz/ or
beaus) [C] old-fashioned 1a woman's close friend or lover ‘beauty contest n [C] a competition in which women
2 a fashionable well-dressed man are judged on how attractive they look
beaut /bju:t/ n [singular] AmE, AusE spoken used to say ‘beauty mark n [Cc] AmE a small dark mark on a
that something is either very good, attractive, or impres- woman's face - used when you think it is attractive
sive: That last catch was a beaut. [SYN] beauty spot BrE
beau-te-ous /'bjurtias/ adj literary beautiful: the beaute-
‘beauty parlor n [Cc] AmE a beauty salon
ous Helen of Troy —beauteously adv ‘beauty queen n [Cc] the winner of a beauty contest
beau-ti-cian /bju:'tr{an/ n [C] someone whose job is to ‘beauty salon / $'...,./ (also ‘beauty shop AmE) n[C]la
give beauty treatments to your skin, hair etc place where you can receive treatments for your skin,
hair, nails etc to make you look more attractive
beau:-ti-ful &] 0 /‘bjust:fal/ adj
1someone or something that is beautiful is extremely
‘beauty sleep n [U] enough sleep to keep you healthy
and looking good - used humorously
attractive to look at: She was even more beautiful than | had
remembered. |a beautiful bunch of flowers ‘beauty spot n [Cc] BrE£1a place in the countryside that
2 very good or giving you great pleasure [SYN] lovely: beau- is famous because it is very pretty: Guests will be able to
tiful music | What a beautiful shot! | The weather was visit some of the local beauty spots. 2 a small dark mark on
beautiful. GooD —beautifully adv a woman's face - used when you think it is attractive
SYN| beauty mark AmE
beau:-ti-fy /‘bjurtsfat/ v (beautified, beautifying, beauti-
fies) [T] formal to make someone or something beautiful: bea-ver' /'birva $ -ar/ n [C] a North American animal
plants to beautify the garden that has thick fur and a wide flat tail, and cuts down trees
with its teeth — eager beaver at EAGER(2)
beau-ty & (1 /bjutti/ n (plural beauties)
1 LGAs [U] a quality that people, places, or things beaver? ,
have that makes them very attractive to look at: her beaver away phr v informal to work very hard, especially
beauty and grace | an area of outstanding natural beauty | at writing or calculating something: [+at] He’s been bea-
Millions of dollars are spent each year on beauty products. vering away at his homework for hours.
2 (2020) [Cc] a woman who is very beautiful: She was be-bop /bi:bop $ -ba:p/ n [U] a type of JAZZ music
considered a great beauty in her youth. be-calmed /br'kaimd $ -'ka:md, -ka:lmd/ adj formal
3 REVATSOaeir aks [U] a quality that something 1 a Sailing boat that is becalmed cannot move because
such as a poem, song, emotion etc has that gives you there is no wind 2 if something such as a company, the
pleasure or joy: [+of] the beauty of Shakespeare's verse economy, or a discussion about something is becalmed,
THESAURUS: beautiful
| PERSON
beautiful a beautiful womanstich child has perrect 2291 looks: Grace Kelly was a very beautiful woman. |a beautiful
baby
good-looking a good-looking person looks nice. Good-looking is very common in spoken English: He’s a
good-looking guy, but he’s a bit boring.
attractive an attractive person looks nice, especially in a way that makes you feel sexually interested in them:
She's a very attractive woman. |A lot of women find him attractive.
pretty a pretty girl or woman looks nice - used especially about a woman who has a nice face: You look pretty
with your hair down.
handsome a handsome man or boy looks nice - used especially about a man who has a nice face. Handsome is
also sometimes used, especially in literature, to describe a woman who is good-looking and has a strong face: He
was tall, dark, and handsome.
| gorgeous/stunning spoken extremely attractive. Gorgeous is used especially by women: She thinks Brad Pitt is
gorgeous. | You look absolutely stunning in that dress!
cute spoken nice to look at - used about animals, babies, children, and young adults: a cute Jittle puppy |She thinks
you're cute!
lovely especially BrE spoken used when saying that someone looks very nice: You look Bel, fenight
PLACE/THING ETC
beautiful used to describe something that looks, feels, sounds etc so good that it gives you ait lotat lesseea
beautiful tropical beach |a beautiful song | The weather was beautiful.
lovely especially BrE spoken used when saying that something looks, feels, or sounds very nice: What a lovely
day! |a lovely voice
pretty pleasant to look at - often used about things that are not big or impressive: a pretty little pink dress |a
pretty village
attractive pleasant to look at. Attractive sounds more formal than pretty: an attractive white-painted cottage with
gfeen shutters
_ magnificent very big, beautiful, and impressive - used about buildings, objects, and views: The Taj Mahal always
looks magnificent. | a magnificent Persian carpet
picturesque written pleasant to look at - used in written descriptions of towns, buildings, and places: the
picturesque harbour town of Castleton
stunning/breathtaking extremely beautiful and impressive - used especially about views: All around is a Sigeike
view of Cape Town. | The landscape is breathtaking.
exquisite /tk'skwizit, 'ekskw1-/ used to describe things that have very beautiful small details, especially things
~ that have been made with a lot of skill: an exquisite piece of jewellery |an exquisite flower
 became 32 [4 = words from the Academic Word List

no progress is being made: The Stock Market was darkness. | Helen became increasingly anxious about her
becalmed yesterday as dealers waited for company results. husband's strange behaviour. | Pollution from cars has
be-came /bi'kerm/ the past tense of BECOME become a major problem.
be-cause’ §] [i /br'knz, brkez $ br'ko:z, br'kaz/ con- 2 [linking verb] to start to have a job or position: George
junction became king at the age of 54. | When did you first want to
1used when you are giving the reason for something: We become a teacher?
didn't enjoy the day because the weather was so awful. | 3 [T not in progressive] formal to be suitable for someone,
‘Why can’t | go?’ ‘Because you're not old enough.’ | Hubert or to look attractive on them [SYN] suit: Blue really becomes
never experienced any fear, and this was partly because he her. |Don’t try to be clever - it doesn't become you.
was not particularly intelligent. |Many exam candidates lose 4 what became of ...?/whatever will become of ...? used to
marks simply because they do not read the questions ask what has happened to someone or something, espe-
properly. | | decided to go with them, mainly because | had cially when you have not seen them for a long time, or
nothing better to do. what will happen to someone that you are worried about:
2 just because ... spoken used to say that, although one thing What became of those Chinese vases that Mum used to
is true, it does not mean that something else is true: Just have? | Whatever will become of Sam when his wife dies?
because you're my brother doesn’t mean | have to like you!
THESAURUS become to start to have a feeling or quality, or to
because conjunction used when giving the reason for start to develop into something: His parents became
something: | went home because | was tired. | The worried when he was late home from school. | Violent
streets were flooded because of all the rain. crime is becoming a major problem.
due to/owing to prep used to give the reason why get to start to have a feeling or quality. Get’is less
something has happened. Due to and owing to are formal than become and is much more commonly
more formal than because: The delay was due to a used in everyday English: | was getting very tired. |
problem with the ship's engines. | The parade had to be Make sure you're home before it gets dark.
cancelled owing to bad weather. go to become something - used about things
through prep because of something. Through is used becoming a different colour, or things or people
especially when saying why someone succeeded or becoming worse in some way: Her hair was going
failed to do something: They won the game, more grey. |He went blind. | | think I’m going mad.
through luck than skill. |You failed that test through turn to become something - used about things
carelessness. becoming a different colour, or the weather or
thanks to prep used when explaining that something people's behaviour changing: The water had turned
good has happened because of someone's efforts, or bright green. | The weather is expected to turn cold
because something exists: Thanks to modern again. |He suddenly turned nasty.
medicine, the disease can now be cured. grow especially written to gradually become
since/as conjunction used when giving the reason something: People were growing impatient. | The rich
why someone decides to do something or decides grew richer.
that something is true: We decided to go to the beach come undone/loose/apart to become undone,
since it was a nice day. || thought Kevin was out as his loose, or separated into pieces: The screws had come
car wasn’t there. loose.
out of prep because of a particular feeling or quality: change into sth to become something completely
He started reading the book out of curiosity. | | only different: The caterpillar changed into a beautiful
ieasked out of politeness. \_butterfly.
5!
because? GW] prep because of sb/sth used to say who be-com-ing /brkamin/ adj formal1 a piece of clothing,
or what causes something to happen or is the reason for a hairstyle etc that is becoming makes you look attrac-
something: He had to retire because of ill health. |We spent tive: Her short hairstyle is very becoming. 2 words or
three hours waiting in the rain because of you! actions that are becoming are suitable for you or for the
situation you are in: She received the praise with becoming
REGISTER modesty. —becomingly adv
In written English, people often prefer to use the
expressions due to something, owing to something, or bec:que-rel /beka'rel/ n [C] a unit for measuring RADIO-
as a result of something, which sound more formal ACTIVITY
than because of something: Many businesses fail due bed" §] Ml /bed/ n
to cash-flow problems. 18339 [C,U] a piece of furniture that you sleep on: in bed
beck /bek/ n [C] 1 be at sb’s beck and call to always be Simon lay in bed thinking. | You should go to bed early. |She
ready to do what someone wants: | was tired of being at got into bed and turned out the light. | before bed (=before
her beck and call all day long. 2 BrE a small stream going to bed) Dad has a whisky before bed. > CAMP BED,
FOUR-POSTER BED, SOFA BED
beck-on /bekan/ v1 [|,T] to make a signal to someone
2834 [U] informal used to refer to having sex: | came
with your hand, to show that you want them to come
towards you or to follow you: | could see my husband home and found him in bed with (=having sex with) my best’
beckoning me. |beckon (to) sb to do sth She beckoned to the friend. | He wanted me to go to bed with him. | He’s been
waitress to bring more wine. |beckon sb forward/over etc He trying to get his secretary into bed. |She told me he was good
in bed (=a skilful lover).
beckoned us over and introduced us to his wife. 2 [,1] if
something such as a place or opportunity beckons, it 3 DYES NGA [C] the flat ground at the bottom of a
appears so attractive that you want to have it: A career in river, lake, or sea: the sea bed IEC BoTTOM
the film industry beckoned. 3 [1] if something beckons for 4 (@T [C] an area of a garden, park etc that has been
prepared for plants to grow in: rose beds
someone, it will probably happen to them: [+for] Early
retirement beckoned for George. 5 Gay [C] a layer of rock + BEDROCK(2) :
6 POTS [singular] a layer of something that
Becks /beks/ an informal name for the English football
forms a base that other things are put on top of: [+of]
player David Beckham, used especially in newspapers prawns on a bed of lettuce
and magazines — Posh
7 TMEWEYAES [C] an area at the edge of a river or in -
be-come §] (J /br'kam/ v (past tense became /-'ketm/, deeper water where things grow: an oyster bed | The birds
past participle become) build their nests in reed beds along the river bank.
1 [linking verb] to start to have a feeling or quality, or to 8 get out of bed on the wrong side BrE, get up on the wrong
start to develop into something: The weather became side of the bed AmE to feel slightly angry or annoyed for no
warmer. | Slowly my eyes became accustomed to the particular reason
 EX3 = words from the Academic Word List 133 bed linen
BEDS double bed) |a queen-size bed (=a big bed for two
people) |twin beds (=two single beds in a room) |
bunk beds (=two single beds joined together one
above the other) | a spare bed (=a bed for visitors
to your home)

bed) | woke up to find someone standing at the foot of

the bed.
(it's) time for bed She sat and sewed until it was time
for bed. yj

bed? y (bedded, bedding) [T] 1 to fix something firmly

and deeply into something else: bed sth in sth The founda-
tions were bedded in cement. 2 old-fashioned to have sex
with someone
bed down phr v 1 to sleep somewhere which is not your
bed and where you do not usually sleep: Can | bed down
on your sofa? 2 bed sb/sth <> down to make a person or
animal comfortable in a place where they do not usually
sleep 3 if a new system or arrangement beds down,
problems with it are solved and it gradually starts to work
in the way that it should
bed sth <> out phr v to put plants into the ground so that
they can grow
BEd BrE, B.Ed. AmE /bi: 'ed/ n [C] (Bachelor of Educa-
tion) a first university DEGREE in education
bed and ‘board n [uv] Br£ food and a place to sleep
bed and ‘breakfast n (abbreviation B and B) 1 [U] the
providing of a room for a night and breakfast in the
morning, for example in a hotel: /s there anyone who does
bed and breakfast round here? | bed and _ breakfast
accommodation 2 [C] a private house or small hotel
where you can sleep and have breakfast: There’s a bed and
breakfast in the next village.
be-daz-zled /bi'dezald/ adj literary if you are bedazzled
by something, you find it so impressive that it surprises
and confuses you [SYN] dazzled
‘bed bath n [c] a thorough body wash given to some-
one who cannot leave their bed
‘bed- blocking n [U] BrE a situation in which someone
stays in hospital because there is no other suitable place
where they can go to be looked after. This means that
other people cannot go into hospital when they need to,
because there is no bed for them.
bed-bug /‘bedbag/ n [C] an insect that sucks blood and
lives in dirty houses, especially in beds
four-poster
bed-cham:-ber /‘bedtfermba $ -ar/ n [C] old use a
9 not a bed of roses not a happy, comfortable, or easy bedroom
situation: Life isn’t always a bed of roses, you know. bed:clothes /bedklav6z, -klauz $ -kloudz, -klouz/ n
10 you've made your bed and you must lie on it spoken used [plural] the sheets, covers etc that you put on a bed
to say that you must accept the results of your actions, bed-ding /'bedin/ n [U] 1 sheets, covers etc that you
even if they are bad put on a bed 2 something soft for animals to sleep on,
11 put sth to bed technical to complete a newspaper, maga- such as dried grass or STRAW 3 garden plants that will
_ zine, or book, so that it is ready to be printed look good for one season and then be removed
’ COLLOCATIONS é be-deck /b1'dek/ v [7 usually passive] literary to decorate
something such as a building or street by hanging things
VERBS : : all over it [S¥N|deck out: be bedecked with sth a balcony
go to bed What time do you go to bed at night? bedecked with hanging baskets
get into bed/get out of bed / usually read for a bit be-dev:il /br'deval/ v (bedevilled, bedevilling BrE, bedev-
after | get into bed. iled, bedeviling AmE) [T usually passive] to cause a lot of
climb into bed Lucy climbed into bed and lay awake problems and difficulties for someone or something over
thinking. a period of time [SYN] plague: a society bedevilled by racial
crawl into bed (=get into bed feeling very tired) We tensions
finally crawled into bed at three in the morning. bed-fel-low /bedfelau $ -lou/ n strange bedfellows two
jump into/out of bed | jumped out of bed and ran over or more people, ideas etc that are related or working
to the window. together in an unexpected way: Rugby and art seem
make the bed (=tidy the sheets and covers after you strange bedfellows.
get up) |change a bed (=put clean sheets on it) | bed-head /'bedhed/ n [C] BrE the part of a bed that is
put sb to bed (=put a child in their bed) |take to behind your head when you are sleeping [SYN] headboard
your bed written (=go to bed because you feel ill)
bed-lam /'bedlam/ n [U] a situation where there is a lot
ADJECTIVES of noise and confusion [SYN|chaos: When the bomb
_a single bed (=for one person) |a double bed (=a exploded, there was bedlam.
bed for two people) |a king-size bed (=a very big ‘bed linen n [vu] the sheets and pitowcases for a bed
 Bedouin 134 Si] &) & = the most frequent words in spoken English

Bed-ourin /'beduin/ (also Bedu) n (plural Bedouin or someone's promises sound good, but you want to know
Bedouins) [C] 1 someone who belongs to an Arab tribe what they actually plan to do + CORNED BEEF
that traditionally lives in tents in the desert 2. the Bedouin beef? y [1] informal to complain a lot: [+about] They're
the people who belong to this tribe —Bedouin adj always beefing about something.
bed-pan /bedpen/ n [C] a low wide container used as beef sth <> up phr v informal to improve something or
a toilet by someone who is too ill to get out of bed make it more interesting, more important etc: a beefed-up
bed-post /'bedpaust $ -poust/ n [C] one of the four news story | We need to beef the campaign up.
main supports at the corners of an old-fashioned bed beef-bur-ger /‘bixfb3iga $ -b3irgar/ n [C] BrE a HAM-
be-drag-gled /br'dregald/ adj looking untidy, wet, and BURGER
dirty, especially because you have been out in the rain: beef-cake /bi:fketk/ n [U] informal strong attractive
Bedraggled soldiers crawled into camp. men with large muscles
bed-rid-den /'bedytdn/ adj unable to leave your bed, Beef-eat-er /bi:fi:ta $ -ar/ n [C] BrE a traditional guard
especially because you are old or ill at the Tower of London
bed-rock /bedrok $ -rark/ 1 [singular] the basic ideas, beef-steak /bi:fsterk/ n [C,U] sTEAK
features, or facts on which something is based: Marriage
and children are the bedrock of family life. GIEEETT5> Basis ibeef ‘tea n [U] a hot drink made from seer that used to
2 [U] solid rock in the ground below soil or sand be given to people when they were ill
bed-roll /bedraul $ -roul/ n [C] AmE a number of beef-y /bi:fi/ adj (comparative beefier, superlative beefi-
BLANKETS rolled together and used for sleeping outdoors est) someone who is beefy is big, strong, and often quite
fat
bed-room §] {2 /'bedrom, -ru:m/ n [C]
1a room for sleeping in: a hotel with 50 bedrooms |three- bee-hive /bithav/ n [C] 1 structure where Bees are
bedroomed/five-bedroomed ete They've just bought a new kept for producing HONEY 2 a way of arranging a woman's
four-bedroomed house in Edinburgh. hair in a high pile on the top of her head, that was popular
2 bedroom eyes a look in your eyes that shows that you in the 1960s
are sexually attracted to someone bee-keep-er /bi:kizpa $ -ar/ n [C] someone who owns
‘bedroom com,munity (also ‘bedroom suburb) n [C] or takes*care of Bees —beekeeping n [U]
AmE a place where people live but that does not have bee-line /bi:lan/ n make a beeline for sb/sth informal to
many businesses, so that people have to go to another go quickly and directly towards someone or something:
town or city to work [SYN] dormitory town BrE Rob always makes a beeline for beautiful women.
bed-side /'bedsard/ n [C usually singular] the area beside been /bi:n, bin $ bin/ 1the past participle of pe
your bed - used especially when talking about someone 2 a) used to say that someone has gone to a place and
who is ill in bed: at sb's bedside Relatives have been at his come back: [+to] /'ve never been to Japan. |have been to do
bedside all week. |bedside lamp/table/cabinet etc The clock sth Have you been to see the Van Gogh exhibition yet?
on her bedside table said half past four. + see picture at b) BrE used to say that someone has come to a place and
TABLE! left again: The postman hasn't been yet.’3 been there, seen
bedside ‘manner n [singular] the way that a doctor that, done that spoken used to say that you are no longer
talks to the people that he or she is treating interested in doing something, because you already have
bed:sit /bed'stt/ (also bed-sit-ter /-'stta $ -ar/ bedsit- a lot of experience of it
ting room /bed'srtin rum,- ruzm/) n [C] BrE a rented room
used for both living and sleeping in ( GRAMMAR: been in, been to, gone to, went to pa
Use have been in to talk about living or staying in a
bed:sore /'bedss: $ -so:r/ n [C] a sore place on your place: How long have you been in London?
skin caused by lying in bed for a long time
Use have been to to talk about having visited a place
bed-spread /bedspred/ n [C] an attractive cover for a and come back again: She’s been to the hospital for a
bed that goes on top of all the other covers check-up.
bed-stead /‘bedsted/ n [C] the wooden or metal frame Use have gone to to talk about having travelled to a
of a bed place and not come back: He had gone to Australia
bed-time /'bedtarm/ n [C,U] the time when you usually not long before.
go to bed: It’s way past your bedtime! |a bedtime story Use went to to talk about a specific trip that
Bed-u /bedu:/ n (plural Bedu) [C] another word for a someone made in the past: Last May | went to a
BEDOUIN \_conference in Montreal.
Ln?
‘bed-,wetting n [U] the problem that some children beep /bi:p/ v 1 [1] if a machine beeps, it makes a short
have of passing URINE (=liquid from the body) while they high sound [SYN]|bleep: Why does the computer keep
are asleep
beeping? LEEYATTE> sound 2 [1,1] if a car horn beeps,
bee /bi:/ n [C] 1a black and yellow flying insect that or if you beep your car horn, it makes a loud noise —beep
makes HONEY and can sting you: a swarm of bees | a bee n [C]: Leave your message after the beep.
sting —+ BUMBLEBEE, See picture at INSECT 2 have a bee in
your bonnet (about sth) informal to think something is so
beeper /'bi:pa $ -ar/ n [C] a small machine that you
carry with you that makes short high electronic sounds to
important, so necessary etc that you keep mentioning it
tell you that you must telephone someone [SYN] bleeper,
or thinking about it: Dad’s got a bee in his bonnet about pager
saving electricity. 3 sewing/quilting etc bee AmE informal an
occasion when people, usually women, meet in order to beer & (H /bra $ brr/ n
do a particular type of work 4 a busy bee spoken someone 1[U] an alcoholic drink made from MALT and Hops: a pint
who enjoys being busy or active 5 be the bee’s knees of beer | We sell draught beer (=beer served from a large
spoken old-fashioned to be very good: She thought the party container, not a bottle).
was just the bee's knees. —> SPELLING BEE, —> the birds and the 2[C] a glass, bottle, or can of beer: Do you fancy a beer?
bees at BIRD(3) — see picture at GLAss' —beery adj: his beery breath
Beeb, the /bi:b/ informal the BBC —»+ GINGER BEER, ROOT BEER, — small beer at SMALL"(16)
beech /bixt{/ n [C,U] a large tree with smooth grey BARK ‘beer belly (also ‘beer gut) n [C] an unattractive fat
(=outer covering), or the wood from this tree stomach caused by drinking too much beer
beef" § /bi:t/ n beered up /ptad ‘ap $ brrd-/ adj BrE informal it some-
1[U] the meat from a cow: roast beef |We have both dairy one is beered up, they have drunk a lot of beer
and beef cattle on the farm. ‘beer mat n [C] BrE a small piece of carDBoARD that you
2 [C] informal a complaint: OK, so what's the beef this time? put under a glass, especially in a bar
3 where's the beef? AmE spoken used when you think ‘beer money pn [U] BrE informal a little extra money to
 (0 (2 S = the most frequent words in written English 135 beg

buy a drink or have fun with: The job was never going to judged or considered by a person or group of people: The
make me rich, but it kept me in beer money for a while. proposal was put before the planning committee.
bees-wax /‘bi:zweks/ n [U] 1 a substance produced by 5 used to say that one thing or person is considered more
BEES, used especially for making furniture POLISH and important than another: | put my wife and kids before
CANDLES 2 none of your beeswax AmE spoken used to tell anyone else. | In the air transport business, safety must
someone that what they have asked you is private or always come before profit.
personal 6 formal in front of something or someone: The priest
beet /bi:t/ n [CU] 1 (also sugar beet) a vegetable that stood before the altar. |The sea stretched out before them.
sugar is made from 2 Ame a plant with a round dark red 7 if one place is before another place on a road orjourney,
root that you cook and eat as a vegetable [SYN] beetroot the first place is nearer to you than the second, so you
BrE — see picture at VEGETABLE’ 3 red as a beet AmE will reach it first [OPP] after: The pub is 100 m before the
informal having a red face, especially because you are church on the right. | the last station before the Simplon
embarrassed Tunnel
8 formal if there is a job or situation before you, you will
bee-tle! /bi:t!/ n [C] an insect with a round hard back have to do the job or face the situation [SYN] ahead of: The
that is usually black — see picture at INSECT task of emptying the house lay before us.
beetle? y [| always + adv/prep] BrE informal to go some- 9 formal if a period of time is before you, it is about to
where quickly and leaning forward [SYN|scurry: He went start and you can do what you want during it [SYN] in front
beetling off down the corridor. of: We had a glorious summer afternoon before us to do as
beet-root /bi:tru:t/ n [C,U] 1 BrE a plant with a round we pleased. | You have your whole life before you.
dark red root that you cook and eat as a vegetable
[SYN|beet AmE — see picture at VEGETABLE! 2 go beetroot
BrE informal to become red in the face, especially because before earlier than something or someone: She could
you are embarrassed read before she started school. | Do you want to have a
shower before me?
be-fall /br'fo:| $ -fo:|/ v (past tense befell /-fel/, past prior to formal before something happens: Please
participle befallen /-'fo:lan $ -'fo:-/) [T] literary if some- arrive at the airport two hours prior to departure.
thing unpleasant or dangerous befalls you, it happens to by no later than a particular time or date: The
you: We prayed that no harm should befall them. children are usually in bed by 9 o'clock.
be-fit /brfit/ v (befitted, befitting) [T] formal to be earlier before now, or before the time you are talking
proper or suitable for someone or something: As befits a about: | saw her earlier. | | had sent the letter earlier in
castle of such national importance, there are many. stories the week.
connected with its history. previously before now, or before a time in the past:
be:fore’ §] (i /br'f: $ -fo:r/ conjunction He previously worked as an electrician.
Tearlier than a particular event or action [OPP] after: Say in advance before something happens - used
goodbye before you go. || saw her a few days before she died. especially when talking about the arrangements for
2s0 that something does not or cannot happen: Put that something: Let me know in advance if you are going to
money somewhere safe before it gets stolen. | That dog ought be late. |The landlord wants three months’ rent in
to be destroyed before it attacks any more children. |Before | advance.
could say anything more, Holmes had rushed off towards the beforehand (also ahead of time) before something
station. happens, especially so that you are ready: | wish we
3 used to say that something happens after a period of had known about all this beforehand. “a
time: It was several minutes before we realised what was
happening. |It will be a while before we know the results.
before? &] fa adv
Tat an earlier time: Haven't | met you before somewhere? |
4used to say that something must happen in order for
Never before had he seen so many people starving. | She
something else to be possible: You have to pass a test
looked just the same as before.
before you can get a licence.
2 the day/week/month etc before the previous day, week,
5 spoken used to warn someone that something bad will
month etc [OPP|after: She was in Paris last week and in
happen to them if they do not do something: Get out
Rome the week before.
before | call the police!
3 old use ahead of someone or something else: The king's
6 used to emphasize that someone does not want to do
herald walked before.
something: She would die before she would admit she was
wrong. be-fore-hand §] /brfs:hend $ -forr-/ adv before
something else happens or is done: The police need to. be
GRAMMAR briefed beforehand on how to deal with this sort of situation. |
In a clause beginning with before that refers to the When you give a speech, it’s natural to feel nervous
future, use the present tense or present perfect, not beforehand. BREA NTITE> Berore
‘will': / want to get home before it rains (NOT before it be-friend /brfrend/ v [T] to behave in a friendly way
will rain). towards someone, especially someone who is younger or
needs help: They befriended me when | first arrived in
before? &] [7 prep London as a student.
Tearlier than something or someone [oPP|after: The new
road should be completed before the end of the year. | Let’s be-fud-dled /brfadald/ adj completely confused: Even
meet at our house before the show. | Larry arrived home in my befuddled state, | could find my key.
before me. | five minutes/two hours etc before sth Hugh beg /beg/ v (begged, begging)
arrived just five minutes before the ceremony. | before doing 1£8% [1,1] to ask for something in an anxious or urgent
sth | usually take a shower before having my breakfast. | We way, because- you want it very much: She begged and
_ only got back from Scotland the day before yesterday (=two pleaded with them until they finally agreed. |She fought back
days ago). |Other students joined in the protest, and before the sudden urge to run to him and beg his forgiveness. | beg
long (=soon) there was a crowd of 200 or so. to do sth The children begged to come with us. |beg sb to do
2 ahead of someone or something else in a list or order sth | begged Helen to stay, but she wouldn't listen. |beg (sb)
[opp] after: You were before me in the queue. |The files are in for sth She ran to the nearest house and begged for help. |We
alphabetical order, so B1 comes before C1. could hear the prisoners begging for mercy. | | beg of you
3used to say that something happens where it can be formal (=please) Listen, | beg of you. | beg leave to do sth
watched by people [SYN]in front of: Italy will face Brazil this formal (=ask permission to do something) GEEEALTS>
afternoon before a crowd of 100,000 spectators. | an actor ASK
who had performed before the Queen 2 MEW) [1,1] to ask people to give you food,
4 used to say that someone or something comes to be money etc, usually because you are very poor: beg (sth)
 began 136 (XQ = words from the Academic Word List

from sb a ragged child begging from passing shoppers | to feel a sense of panic. | begin doing sth | began teaching in
[+for] The old man went from door to door begging for 1984, DEES start
food. |a begging letter (=a letter asking for money) 2823 EES (1,1) if something begins, or you
3 OIE [1] if a dog begs, it sits up with its front legs off begin something, it starts to happen or exist from a
the ground particular time: /t was the coldest winter since records
41 beg your pardon spoken a) used to ask someone to began. | [tat] The meeting begins at 10.30 am.
repeat what they have just said: ‘The meeting's on 3 DoS [1] if you begin with something or begin by
Wednesday.’ ‘| beg your pardon?’ ‘| said the meeting's on doing something, this is the first thing you do: [+with]
Wednesday,’ b) used to say sorry when you have made a Shall we begin with a prayer? |begin by doing sth /’I begin by
mistake, or said something wrong or embarrassing: Oh, | thanking you all for being here tonight.
beg your pardon. | thought you said 15 pence, not 50. ¢) used 4 TWAT TIS [1] if a book, film, or word begins with
~ to show that you strongly disagree with something that something, it starts with a particular event or letter:
someone has said, or think it is unacceptable: ‘Chicago's [+with] ‘Psychosis’ begins with a P.
an awful place.’ ‘| beg your pardon, that’s where I'm from!’
5 | beg to differ spoken formal used to say firmly that you REGISTER
do not agree with something that has been said: | must In everyday English, people usually say start rather
beg to differ on this point. than begin: The movie starts at 7.45. | Let's start by
6 beg the question a) to make you want to ask a question introducing ourselves. | Not many English names start
that has not yet been answered: [+of] This proposal begs _ with X. :
the question of who is going to pay for the new building. b) to 5 Sau) [1,7] to start speaking: ‘Ladies and gentlemen,’ he
treat an idea as though it were true or had been proved, began. ‘! am delighted to be here.’
when this may not be the case 6 to begin with a) spoken used to introduce the first and
7 be going begging BrE spoken if something is going beg- most important point you want to make: Well, to begin
ging, it is available for anyone who wants it: There's a beer with, he shouldn't even have been driving my car. b) used to
going begging, if anyone's interested. say that something was already in a particular condition
8 beg, borrow, or steal to do whatever you must in order to before something else happened: | didn’t break it! It was
get what you want - often used humorously: She'd beg, like that to begin with. ¢) during the first part of a process
borrow, or steal the money for those shoes. or activity: The kids helped me to begin with, but they soon
be-gan /br'gen/ the past tense of BEGIN got bored.
be-get /br'get/ v (past tense begot /-'got $ -'ga:t/, past 7 can't begin to understand/imagine etc spoken used to
participle begotten /-'gotn $ -'ga:tn/, present participle emphasize how difficult something is to understand etc: /
begetting) [T] 1 o/d use to become the father of a child can’t begin to imagine how awful it was.
2 to cause something or make it happen: Hunger begets begin (sth) as sth phr v to be a particular thing at the
crime. —begetter n [C] start of your existence, working life etc: Roger began his
beg-gar" /'bega $ -ar/ n [C] 1 someone who lives by career as an office boy.
asking people for food and money: the beggars on the be-gin-ner /br'gina $ -ar/ n [C] 1 someone who has
streets 2 lucky/lazy/cheeky etc beggar BrE spoken used just started to do or learn something: an absolute beginner
when speaking to or about someone you like; ‘How’s 2 beginner's luck unusual success that you have when you
Dave?’ ‘The lucky beggar’s in the South of France! 3 beg- start something new
gars can't be choosers used to say that, when you have no
money or no power to choose, you have to accept what-
be-gin-ning GJ (Q /br'ginin/ n [C usually singular]
1the start or first part of an event, story, period of time
ever you are given
etc: [+of] She's been here since the beginning of the year. |
beggar? v [7] 1 beggar description/belief if something There's a short poem at the beginning of every chapter. |From
beggars description or belief, it is impossible to describe the beginning of my career as a journalist, I've been writing
or believe it: They showed a lack of common sense that about gender issues. | | thought he loved me; perhaps he did
beggars belief. 2 literary to make someone very poor: Why in the beginning. | That chance meeting marked the beginning
should he beggar himself for you? ofalong and happy relationship. | This is just the beginning of
beg-gar-ly /‘begali $ -arli/ adj literary poor a new and different life for you. | | said he would cause
beg-gar-y /'begari/ n [U] formal the state of being very trouble, right from the beginning. | | opposed it from the very
poor beginning. | The whole trip was a disaster from beginning to
‘begging ,bowl n [c] 1 used to talk about a request for end. ||feel like Ive been offered a new beginning. |Could we
money made by an organization or country: Arts and start at the beginning? Tell me where you first met him.
theatre groups are constantly thrusting the begging bowl at 2 beginnings [plural] the early signs or stages of some-
the government, 2 a container that a beggar holds out to thing that later develops into something bigger or more
people for money important: [+of] | think | have the beginnings of a cold. |
from humble/small beginnings He rose from humble begin-
This graph shows how common different grammar nings to great wealth.
patterns of the verbs begin are. 3 the beginning of the end the time when something good
starts to end
begin to do sth

beginning the first part of something such as a

begin with sth story, event, or period of time: The beginning of the
begin sth movie is very violent. |Let's go back to the beginning.
begin doing sth
start the beginning of something, or the way
something begins: Tomorrow marks the start of the
begin by doing sth presidential election campaign. |It was not a good start
other to the day.
=a T T Te T commencement formal the beginning of something -
10% 20% 30% 40% 50%
ee oy used especially in official contexts: the
commencement of the academic year
be-gin &] [I /br'gin/ v (past tense began /-'gzen/, past origin the point from which something starts to
participle begun /-'gan/, present participle beginning) exist: He wrote a book about the origins of the
IBLE ITA] [1,7] to start doing something: As eve- universe. | The tradition has its origins in medieval
rybody’s here, let's begin. | In the third year students begin times.
the study of classical Chinese. | The president begins talks the onset of sth the time when something bad
with the prime minister tonight. | begin to do sth She began begins, such as illness, old age, or cold weather: the
 E@ = words from the Academic Word List 137

onset of winter |An active lifestyle can delay the onset antisocial antisocial behaviour such as spitting and
of many diseases common to aging. swearing in public
dawn /iterary the beginning of an important period of acceptable/unacceptable This sort of behavior is
time in history: People have worshipped gods since the completely unacceptable.
dawn of civilization. appropriate/inappropriate formal (=suitable/not
birth the beginning of something important that will suitable for that situation) |human/animal
change many people's lives: the birth of democracy in behaviour |criminal behaviour
South Africa | the birth of the environmental movement
re
be-gone /brgon $ brgo:n/ interjection old use used to behaviour problems She teaches chi Idren with ‘
tell someone to go away behaviour problems.
be-go-ni-a /brgaunia $ -'gou-/ n [C] a plant with yel-
low, pink, red, or white flowers standards of behaviour declining standards of
be-got /brgot $ br'gat/ the past tense of BEGET behaviour among young people
be-got-ten /brgotn $ bi'ga:tn/ the past participle of a pattern of behaviour
BEGET
be-grudge /br'gradz/ v [T usually in negatives] 1 to feel
angry or upset with someone because they have some- change your behaviour (a/so modify your behaviour
thing that you think they do not deserve: begrudge sb sth formal) He has no reason to change his behaviour.
We shouldn't begrudge her this success. 2 to feel annoyed infiuence sb's behaviour The genes we inherit
or unhappy that you have to pay something, give some- influence our behaviour.
one something etc: begrudge sb sth The farmer's wife never
begrudged him a meal at the end of the day. |begrudge doing
sth | begrudge spending so much money on train fares. behaviour BrE, behavior AmE n [U] the way
be-guile /br'gatl/ v [T] 1 to interest and attract some- someone behaves: Chemicals added to food may be
one: She was beguiled by his smooth talk. 2 to persuade or responsible for children’s bad behaviour. | Tatsuya
trick someone into doing something: beguile sb into doing apologized for his behaviour towards me.
sth He was beguiled into buying another copy of her book. conduct n [U] formal the way someone behaves in
3 literary to do something that makes the time pass in an public or in their job - used mainly in official or legal
enjoyable way contexts: Bates was arrested and charged with
be-guil-ing /br'gatlmn/ adj attractive and interesting: a disorderly conduct (=noisy and violent). | The
beguiling smile —beguilingly adv committee found him guilty of unsatisfactory
be-gum /‘bergom, 'bi:-/ n [C] a title of respect, used for professional conduct.
married Muslim women, especially of high rank manner n [singular] the way someone behaves when
be-gun /bt'gan/ the past participle of BEGIN they are talking to or dealing with other people,
be-half & (8 GG /brha:f $ br'hef/ n on behalf of sb which is shown in their expression, their voice etc:
She had a pleasant friendly manner. | Suddenly his
(also in behalf of sb AmE) a) instead of someone, or as
their representative: She asked the doctor to speak to her whole manner changed, and he started shouting.
demeanour BrE, demeanor Ame n [singular, U] formal
parents on her behalf. | On behalf of everyone here, may |
wish you a very happy retirement. b) because of or for the way someone looks and behaves, which shows
you something about their character or feelings: She
someone: Oh, don't go to any trouble on my behalf.
maintained a calm demeanour at all times.
be-have fy] [ /brherv/ v [1] antics n [plural] someone's behaviour - used when
1[always + adv/prep] to do things that are good, bad, you think it is silly, funny, strange, or annoying: The
sensible etc [SYN] act: She behaved in a very responsible drunken antics of some English football fans has brought
way. | [+towards] | think he behaved disgracefully towards shame on the country.
you. | [+like] grown men behaving like schoolboys | behave
as if/though He was a little boy, but he behaved as if he was be-hav-iour-is‘m BrE, behaviorism AmE
an adult. /br'hetvjarizam/ n [U] the belief that the scientific study
2 (also behave yourself) to not do things that annoy or of the mind should be based only on people's behaviour,
offend people [OPP] misbehave: Will you children please not on what they say about their thoughts and feelings
behave! | | hope Nicholas behaved himself at the party. | —behaviourist n [C]
well-behaved/badly-behaved a badly-behaved class be-head /br'hed/ v [T] to cut off someone's head as a
3 [always + adv/prep] if something behaves in a particular punishment: Charles | was beheaded in 1649.
way, it does those things: Quantum mechanics is the study be-held /br'held/ the past tense and past participle of
of the way atoms behave. BEHOLD
-be-hav-iour 3 [J BrE, behavior AmE /brhervja $ -ar/ n be-he-moth /bshi:mp@ $ -ma:0/ n [C] formal some-
{u] thing that is very large: a trade behemoth that shipped
1the things that a person or animal does: It is important to abroad $800 billion worth of goods
reward good behaviour. | [+towards] She complained of her be-hest /pbr'hest/ n at the behest of sb formal because
boss's inappropriate behavior towards her. | the effects of someone has asked for something or ordered something
alcohol on human behaviour
to happen: The committee was set up at the behest of the
2 be on your best behaviour to behave as well and politely president.
as you can in order to please someone: | want you both to
be on your best behaviour at Grandad'’s. be-hind" §] (a /brhaind/ prep, adv
3the things that something in science normally does: Tat or towards the back of a thing or person: | turned to
[+of] the behaviour of human chromosomes —behavioural speak to the person standing behind me. | Someone could
_ adj: behavioural science —behaviourally adv easily creep up behind us. | The car behind was hooting
impatiently. |Jane shut the door behind her. | The manager
feo}BKoleyWalelky was sitting behind a large desk. |close behind/not far behind
ADJECTIVES He set off down the road with the rest of us following close
good/bad The boys were suspended from school for behind. A\ Do not say ‘behind of': He hid behind a chair
bad behaviour. (NOT behind of a chair).
normal/abnormal They thought their son's behaviour 2 not as successful or not having made as much progress
was perfectly normal. as someone or something else: Mark's always behind the
aggressive/violent/threatening His behavior rest of his class in mathematics. | This victory lifts Ferguson's
became increasingly violent. team into fifth place, nine points behind leaders Norwich. |
 i] &) & = the most frequent words in spoken English

Europe was falling behind in the important field of computer acknowledgement that the project had not been a success. |a
technology. belated birthday present HLEGALI> tate —belatedly adv
3used to say that someone is late in doing what they be-lay /br'let/ v [1,1] technical to make someone who is
have to do: This work should have been finished yesterday, climbing a mountain etc safe by attaching a rope to them
I'm getting terribly behind. | Victor had fallen behind with his and to a rock
mortgage payments after losing his job. | an important
» research project that is already two years behind schedule
belch /belt{/ v1 [1] to let air from your stomach come
- (=not ready at the time planned) out loudly through your mouth [SYN|burp 2 (also belch
out) [|,T] to send out a large amount of smoke, flames
_ Aused for talking about the hidden reason for something:
etc, or to come out of something in large amounts: a line
! wonder what's behind this change ofplan. |Perhaps a bitter
experience lay behind her anger. of chimneys belching out smoke | Flames belched from the
wreckage. —belch n [C]
5 supporting a person, idea etc: The workers are very much
behind these proposals. | | suppose I'm lucky because my be-lea-guered /btlizgad $ -ard/ adj [usually before noun]
parents were behind me all the way. formal 1 experiencing a lot of problems or criticism: the
6 responsible for a plan, idea etc or for organizing some- country's beleaguered steel industry 2 surrounded by an
thing: It was alleged that foreign agents were behind the army: Supplies are being brought into the beleaguered city.
recent violence. | The Rotary Club is behind the fund-raising bel-fry /'belfri/ n (plural belfries) [C] a tower for a bell,
for the new hospital. especially on a church
7 if an unpleasant experience or situation is behind you, it Bel-gian’ /beldzan/ adj from or relating to Belgium or
no longer upsets you or affects your life: Now you can put its people
all these worries behind you. |a chance to start a new life and
leave all your troubles behind
Belgian? n [Cc] someone from Belgium
8if you have experience behind you, you have gained belie /brlat/ v (belied, belying, belies) [T] 1to give
valuable skills or important qualities that can be used: someone a false idea about something: Her pleasant man-
Marjorie is one of the top designers in the business, with ner belied her true character. 2 to show that something
years of experience behind her. cannot be true or real: His cheerful smile belied his words.
9 used when the real facts about a situation or someone's be-lief & 1 /bsli:f/ n
character are hidden by the way things seem or by the 1[singular, U] the feeling that something is definitely true
way a person behaves: We were determined to find the or definitely exists: [+in] a strong belief in God |[+that] her
truth behind this mystery. | You could see the burning hatred sincere belief that her brother was not the murderer | in the
behind Graham's calm manner. belief that Thieves broke into the building in the mistaken
10 if a student stays behind after school or after a lesson, belief that there was expensive computer equipment inside.
they stay after it has finished — behind sb’s back at 2 [singular] the feeling that something is good and can be
BACK*(9), > behind bars at BAR\(7), + behind the times at trusted: [+in] If you're selling, you have to have genuine
TIME'(38) belief in the product. | When you get something wrong, it can
behind? n [c] informal the part of your body that you sit shake your belief in yourself.
on |SYN| bottom 3[C] an idea that you believe to be true, especially one
be-hold /brhauld $ -'hould/ v (past tense and past parti- that forms part of a system of ideas: religious beliefs |
ciple beheld) [T] literary to see or to look at something - Several members hold very right-wing beliefs.
sometimes used humorously: be a sight/joy/pleasure etc 4 beyond belief used to emphasize that something is so
to behold The beauty of the garden was a pleasure to behold. extreme that it is difficult to believe: What she did was
—beholder n [C] — lo and behold at Loc) stupid beyond belief. — it beggars belief at BEGGAR2(1), > to
be-hold-en /brhauldn $ -houl-/ adj feel/be beholden to the best of your belief at BEST?(4), > DISBELIEF, UNBELIEF
sb to feel that you have a duty to someone because they (elo)Koley-
Wile) ky
have done something for you
be-hove /brhavv $ brhouv/ BrE, be-hoove /br'hu:v/
AmE v it behoves sb to do sth formal used to say that a firm/strong belief /t is still my firm belief that we
did the right thing.
someone should do something because it is right or
necessary, or it will help them a strongly-held/deeply-held belief (=that you
believe very much) her strongly-held belief that things
beige /berz/ n[U] a pale brown colour —beige adj were much better in the past
be-ing" /'bi:m/ v [linking verb] 1 the present participle of a common/popular/widespread belief (=that a lot
BE 2 used to give the reason for something: Being a quiet of people believe) There is a common belief that
sort of person, | didn’t want to get involved. | You can't expect educational standards are declining.
them to sit still for that long, children being what they are. a mistaken/false belief the mistaken belief that
3 being as BrE spoken because [SYN]as: You might as well cannabis is not an addictive drug
drink it, being as you've paid for it. a sincere belief (=based on what you really feel is
being? §] [En true) | a passionate belief
1come into being/be brought into being to start to exist: a
law that first came into being in 1912 EVERES
2C] a living thing, especially a person: a human being | have a belief You must always have the belief that you ‘ |
intelligent/conscious/rational etc being a story about alien can succeed.
beings who invade Earth hold a belief He held this belief until the day he died,
3[U] literary the most important quality or nature of
something, especially of a person: the core/roots/whole of
CPORASES
it is my belief that /t is my belief that most teachers
sb's being The whole of her being had been taken over by a are doing a good job,
desire to return to her homeland.
contrary to popular belief (=opposite to what most
be-jew-elled BrE, bejeweled AmE /br'dzu:ald/ adj liter- people think) Contrary to popular belief, boys are not
ary wearing jewels, or decorated with jewels: bejewelled usually better at maths than girls.
hands
be-la-bour Br£, belabor AmE /br'letba $ -ar/ v [T] be-liev-a-ble /bsli:vabal/ adj something that is believ-
1 belabour the point formal to keep emphasizing a fact or able can be believed because it seems possible, likely, or
idea in a way that is annoying 2 old-fashioned to hit real: a story with believable characters in it |That scenario is
someone or something hard entirely believable.
be-lat-ed /briertid/ adj happening or arriving late: a be-lieve Gy (i /billi:v/ v
belated attempt to increase support | belated recognition/ 1[T not in progressive] to be sure that something is true or
realization/acknowledgement The statement was a belated that someone is telling the truth: You shouldn't believe
[i (1 GH = the most frequent words in written English 139 belligerent
everything you read, | | believed him, even though his story believe in sb/sth phr v
sounded unlikely. |believe (that) | don’t believe he’s only 25. | 1to be sure that someone or something exists: Do you
| don’t believe a word of it (=| think it is completely untrue). believe in God?
2[T not in progressive] to think that something is true or 2to think that something is effective or right: | don’t
possible, although you are not completely sure: believe believe in these diets, | believe in doing sth The school
(that) Detectives believe that the victim knew his killer. |it is believes in letting children learn at their own pace.
believed (that) /t is believed that the house was built in 3to trust someone and be confident that they will be |
1735. | believe so (=think that something is true) ‘Have successful: The people want a president they can believe in. |
they arrived yet?’ ‘Yes, | believe so.’ |be believed to be sth At Believe in yourself, or you'll never succeed.
115, Mrs Jackson is believed to be the oldest person in the be-liev-er /béli:va $ -ar/ n [C] 1be a (great/firm)
country. | The four men are widely believed (=believed by a believer in sth to believe strongly that something is good — °
lot of people) to have been killed by their captors. | Did you and effective: I’m a great believer in regular exercise.
honestly believe that I'd be stupid enough to do that? | | 2 someone who believes in a particular god, religion, or
firmly believe that the business will be a_ success. system of beliefs unbeliever
THINK
3 it’s difficult/hard to believe (that) used when you are Be-li-sha bea-con /balifa 'bizkan/ n [C] in Britain, one
surprised that something is true: Sometimes, it’s hard to of two posts with a round flashing orange light on the top,
believe we've been married for SO years. marking a place that cars must stop at to allow people to
cross a road
SPOKEN PHRASES
4 can't/don't believe sth used when you are very surprised be lit-tle /br'ltti/ v [1] formal to make someone or
something seem small or unimportant: He tends to belittle
or shocked by something: | can’t believe he’s expecting us
her efforts.
to work on Sunday! | | couldn't believe it when he told me
what had happened. |can hardly/scarcely believe sth | could
scarcely believe my luck.
5 believe it or not used when you are saying something
that is true but surprising: He enjoys school, believe it or
not.
6 would you believe it! (a/so | don’t believe it!) used when
you are surprised or angry about something: And then he
just walked out. Would you believe it!
7 believe (you) me used to emphasize that something is
definitely true: There'll be trouble when they find out about
this, believe you me!
8 you'd better believe it! used to emphasize that some-
thing is true
9 don't you believe it! used to emphasize that something is
definitely not true
10 can't believe your eyes/ears used to say that someone is
very surprised by something they see or hear
11 if you believe that, you'll believe anything used to say that
bell §& [H /bel/ n [c]
1a piece of electrical equipment that makes a ringing
something is definitely not true, and that anyone who
sound, used as a signal or to get someone's attention:
believes it must be stupid
ring/press the bell He rang the bell and waited for someone
12 seeing is believing (also I'll believe it when I see it) used to
to answer the door. | She walked up the path and rang the
say that you will only believe that something happens or
door bell. | a bell rings/goes The bell went and everyone
exists when you actually see it
rushed out of the classroom.
13 [|] to have a religious faith: She says those who believe 2a hollow metal object like a cup with a piece of metal
will go to heaven. —+ make believe at MAKE"(19) hanging inside it, that makes a ringing noise when it
moves or you shake it: church bells
THESAURUS 3 give sb a bell BrE spoken to telephone someone: | must
' TO BELIEVE SOMETHING. Re ae give Vicky a bell later.
4 something that is shaped like a bell: the bell of a flower
believe to be sure that something is true or that — alarm bells ring at ALARM'(5), —> as clear as a bell at
someone is telling the truth: | believed her when she CLEAR"(10), > DIVING BELL, — ring a bell at RING?(4)
said that she loved me. |Don’t believe anything he tells
you, bel-la:don-na /bela'dona $ -'da:na/ n [U] 1a poison-
accept to believe that something is true, especially ous plant deadly nightshade 2 a substance from this
because someone has persuaded you to believe it: plant, used as a drug
His wife accepted his explanation for why he was late. ‘bell- bottoms n [plural] trousers with legs that get
take sb’s word for it especially spoken to believe wider from the knee to the bottom [SYN] flares
what someone says is true, even though you have bell-boy /‘belbs1/ n [C] especially BrE a young man who
no proof or experience of it: | don’t know anything carries bags, takes messages etc in a hotel
about him, so I'll just have to take your word for it.
belle /bel/ n [C] old-fashioned a beautiful girl or woman:
give sb the benefit of the doubt to believe what the belle of the ball (=the most beautiful girl at a dance or
someone says, even though you think it might not party)
be true: Unless you have proof, you should give him the
benefit of the doubt. bell-hop /‘belhop $ -ha:p/ n [C] especially AmE a young
man who carries bags, takes messages etc in a hotel
| TO BELIEVE SOMETHING THAT IS UNTRUE
bel-li-cose /‘beltkaus $ -kous/ adj formal behaving in a
be taken in (also fall for sth informal) to be tricked way that is likely to start an argument or fight
into believing something that is not true: A /ot of [SYN] aggressive: bellicose criticism —bellicosity /,bel1'kpssti
people were taken in by these claims. || can’t believe $ -‘ka:-/ n [U]
she fell for that old excuse!
swallow informal to believe a story or explanation bel-lig-er-ent /b3itdzarant/ adj 1 very unfriendly and
that is not true, especially when this makes you wanting to argue or fight [SYN] aggressive: a belligerent
seem silly: His aunt had swallowed his story attitude 2 [only before noun] formal a belligerent country is
-unquestioningly. fighting a war against another country —belligerence,
belligerency n-[U]
 bellow 140

bel-low’ /belau $ -lou/ v 1[I,T] to shout loudly in a much by someone: He never recovered from the death of his
deep voice [SYNlyell: ‘That's your problem!’ bellowed beloved daughter. | He's always talking about his beloved
Hurley. | Tony was bellowing orders. PIES sHout computer! | [+of/by] a book beloved of children everywhere
2 [I] to make the deep sound that a BULL makes
beloved? n my/her beloved literary someone who is
bellow? n [c] 1a loud deep shout: His voice rose to a oved very much — dearly beloved at DEARLY(3)
bellow. | a bellow of rage/laughter etc Alex gave another
bellow of laughter. 2 the deep sound that a BULL makes be-low & (1 /br'lau $ -lou/ adv, prep
3 bellows [plural] a) an object used for blowing air into a lin a lower place or position, or on a lower level
fire to make it burn better b) part of a musical instrument OpP| above: an animal that lives below ground | Water was
that pushes air through pipes to produce a sound, for dripping onto the floor below. | | could hear voices in the
example in an ORGAN courtyard below my window. | They camped a few hundred
bell pepper n [Cc] AmE a hollow red, green, or yellow feet below the summit. | Down below, people were talking
vegetable [SYN] pepper BrE — see picture at VEGETABLE! and laughing. |Somewhere far below, a door slammed. | The
‘bell- ringer n [C] someone who rings church bells kitchen is directly below her bedroom. | Captain Parker went
— campanology —bell-ringing n [U] below (=to the lower level of the ship), leaving Clooney in
bel-ly* /beli/ n (plural bellies) [C] 1 a) your stomach: a charge. FREE> UNDER
full belly b) BrE the front part of your body between your 2of a lower rank or having a less important job than
chest and your legs [SYN]abdomen: She was lying on her someone else [OPP] above: No one below the level of senior
belly. 2 the middle part of an animal's body, near its manager was present at the meeting. |and/or below officers
stomach — see picture at HoRSE' 3 literary a curved or of the rank of captain and below
rounded part of an object: the belly of a _ plane 3less than a particular number, amount, level etc
4 black-bellied/fat-bellied/big-bellied etc having a black, [OPP|above: Test scores below 50 were classed as
fat, big etc stomach 5 go belly up informal if a business or ‘unsatisfactory’. |In June the rate of inflation fell below 3%. |
company goes belly up, it stops operating because it Tom's spelling is well below average (=much worse than the
cannot pay its debts — BEER BELLY, POTBELLY normal standard). | below freezing/zero (=lower than the
belly? (also belly out) v (bellied, bellying, bellies) [1] temperature at which water freezes) In winter, tempera-
tures dip to 40 degrees below freezing. | and/or below free
literary to fill with air and become rounder in shape
travel for children four years old and below
bel-ly-ache" /'beli-etk/ n [C,U] informal a pain in your 4 lower on the same page, or on a later page [opp] above:
stomach [SYN] stomachache
Details of courses are listed below. | For more information,
bellyache? v [1] informal to complain a lot, especially see below. —> below par at PAR(2), + below the belt at
about something unimportant [SYN] whinge: [+about] She BELT (4)
never stops bellyaching about money.
‘belly button n [Cc] informal the small round mark in belt? 3 (H /belt/ n [c]
the middle of your stomach [SYN]navel _ 1a band of leather, cloth etc that you wear around your
‘belly dance n [c] a dance from the Middle East in waist to hold up your clothes or for decoration: He
unbuckled his leather belt.
which a woman moves her stomach and Hips around
—belly dancer n [C] —belly dancing n [U]
2 a large area of land that has particular features or where
particular people live: America’s farming belt | the green
‘belly flop n [c] a way of jumping into water, in which (=countryside) belt BrE —+ GREEN BELT
the front of your body falls flat against the surface of the 3 circular band of something such as rubber that con-
water —bellyflop v [1]
nects or moves parts of a machine —+ CONVEYOR BELT, FAN
bel-ly-ful /‘beliful/ n have had a bellyful of sb/sth informal BELT
to be annoyed by someone or something because you 4 below the belt informal unfair or cruel: That was a bit
have had to deal with them for too long: I'd had a bellyful below the belt, Paul. | The comments hit below the belt
of his family by the end of the weekend. (=they were unfair or cruel),
‘belly laugh n [c] informal a deep loud laugh 5 have sth under your belt to have achieved something
be-long §4 © /bt'lon $ br'lo:n/ v [I not in progressive] useful or important: a secretary with several years’ experi-
1[always + adv/prep] if something belongs somewhere, ence under her belt
that is the right-place or situation for it: Put the chair back 6 belt and braces BrE informal a belt and braces way of
where it belongs. | [+in] an attitude that doesn’t belong in doing something is one in which you do more than
modern society necessary in order to make sure that it succeeds + BLACK
2 if you feel you belong in a place or situation, you feel BELT, GARTER BELT, SAFETY BELT, SEAT BELT, SUSPENDER BELT,
happy and comfortable in it, because you have the same — tighten your belt at TIGHTEN(6)
interests and ideas as other people: | worked there for five belt? y
years but never really felt | belonged. —belonging n [UI]: It’s 1 fii [T] informal to hit someone or something hard: Dan
important to have a sense of belonging (=a feeling that you belted the ball towards the goal.
are happy and comfortable somewhere). 2 COTY [| always + adv/prep] BrE spoken to go some-
belong to sb/sth phr v where very fast [SYN|charge: [+down/along etc] We were
lif something belongs to someone, they own it: The book belting down the motorway at 95 miles per hour. ’
belongs to Dan. | Who does this scarf belong to? 3 [ZEuEN [T] to fasten something with a belt: Maria
2 to be a member of a group or organization: He belongs belted her raincoat firmly. |a dress belted loosely at the waist
to the golf club. belt sth <> out phr v to sing a song or play an instrument
3 to be related to something or form part of it: cars that loudly: She was belting out old Broadway favourites.
belong to a different era belt up phr v BrE :
4 to be related to or produced by a particular person: She 1 spoken used to tell someone rudely to be quiet
recognized the voice as belonging to the man who had 2 informal to fasten your SEAT BELT in a vehicle
attacked her.
5 if a competition or period of time belongs to someone, belt-ed /‘beltsd/ adj fastened with a belt: a belted jacket
they are the most important or successful person in it: All belt-way /'beltwet/ n [Cc] AmE a fast main road that
the acts were good, but the evening belonged to a dance goes around a city, not through the centre [SYN]ring road
group from Moscow. BrE
be-long:ings /brloninz $ br'lo:n-/ n [plural] the things be-moan /bi'maun $ -'moun/ V [T] formal to complain
you own, especially things that you can carry with you
or say that you are disappointed about something: He
[SYN] possessions: an insurance policy that covers your per-
was bemoaning the fact that lawyers charge so much. |
sonal belongings
bemoan the lack/absence/loss of sth an article bemoaning
be:lov-ed" /brlavid/ adj literary or humorous loved very the lack of sports facilities in the area
EX = words from the Academic Word List 141 beneath
be-mused /bi'mju:zd/ adj looking as if you are
confused [SYN] bewildered: a bemused expression |[+by] He
looked slightly bemused by all the questions.
CONFUSED —bemusedly /br'mju:zidli/ adv —bemusement
n [UJ]: a look of bemusement —bemuse v [T]
eo &
bench" g§ (F /bent// n
IEEE (C] a long seat for two or more people,
especially outdoors: We sat on a park bench.
2 (EVI the bench a) the seat where a judge or
MAGISTRATE sits in a court of law: Would the prisoner please
approach the bench? b) the position of being a judge or
MAGISTRATE in a court of law: He was appointed to the bench
last year. | sit/serve on the bench (=work as a judge or
MAGISTRATE)
3 Ge the bench the seat where members of a sports
team sit when they are not playing in the game: Batts and
Dorigo are on the bench tonight. | Simpson came off the
bench to play in midfield.
4 Qs benches [plural] BrE the seats in the British
parliament where members of a particular party sit: There
was cheering from the Conservative benches. —+> BACKBENCH,
BACKBENCHES, FRONT BENCH
5 £0 [C] a long heavy table used for working on with
tools or equipment: a carpenter's bench
bench? v [1] AmE to not allow a sports player to play in
a game, or to remove them from a game: Anderson has
been benched until his injury has healed.
bench-mark' /bent{ma:k $ -ma:rk/ n [C] something
that is used as a standard by which other things can be
judged or measured: benchmark data | The valuation
becomes a benchmark against which to judge other prices. |
[+for] figures that are a useful benchmark for measuring the
company’s performance | [+of] results that are used as a
benchmark of success
few knee bends to warm up. 3 drive sb round the bend BrE
benchmark? v [T] to use a company's good perform- spoken to annoy someone: His attitude drives me round the
ance as a standard by which to judge the performance of bend. 4 be/go round the bend BrE spoken to be or become
other companies of the same type: benchmark sb/sth crazy: | sometimes feel I’m going round the bend looking
against sth British Steel is benchmarked against the best after young children all day. 5 the bends a painful and
operations anywhere in the world. —benchmarking n [U] serious condition that Divers get if they come up from
bench-warm-er /‘bent{wa:mea $ wor:rmer/ n [C] infor- deep water too quickly
mal a player in a sports team who does not play in many ben-der /'benda $ -ar/ n [C] informal 1a time when
matches, but is usually a SUBSTITUTE people drink a lot of alcohol or take a lot of drugs: The
bend! § [H /bend/ v (past tense and past participle bent whole team went on a bender and were arrested, 2 BrE taboo
/bent/) a very offensive word for a man who is attracted to other
1[I,T] to move part of your body so that it is not straight men. Do not use this word. homosexual
or so that you are not upright: Lee bent and kissed her. |She bend-y /bendi/ adj1 easy to bend [SYN] flexible: a bendy
bent her head. | Bend your knees, but keep your back rubber doll 2 with many curves or angles straight: a
straight. | [tover] Emma bent over to pick up the coins. | bendy road
[+down] | bent down to lift the box off the floor. |
[+towards/across etc] He bent towards me and whispered
‘bendy ,bus n [Cc] BrE a long bus that can bend in the
middle
in my ear.
2 [7] to push or press something so that it is no longer be-neath [ /br'ni:9/ adv, prep formal
flat or straight: You need a special tool to bend the steel. lin or to a lower position than something, or directly
3 [1] to become curved and no longer flat or straight: under something [SYN]underneath: The dolphins disap-
Several branches started bending towards the ground. peared beneath the waves. | Jo enjoyed feeling the warm
4[1] when a road bends, it changes direction to form a sand beneath her feet. | He was standing on the bridge
curve: The road bends sharply to the left. looking at the river beneath. |Some roofs collapsed beneath
5 bend the truth to say something that is not completely the weight of (=unable to support the weight of) so much
true SNOW. Bile UNDER
6 bend over backwards (to do sth) to try very hard to be
helpful: We bent over backwards to finish it on time. REGISTER
7 bend sb's ear spoken to talk to someone, especially for a In everyday English, people usually use underneath
long time, about something that is worrying you (as an adverb or preposition) or under (as a
8 on bended knee a) trying very hard to persuade some- preposition) when talking about position: They hid
one to do something: He begged on bended knee for under the table. |a picture with a caption underneath
another chance. b) in a kneeling position: He went down on 2 covered by something: Shiona shivered beneath the bed-
bended knee and asked her to marry him. clothes.
9 bend your mind/efforts to sth formal to give all your 3 used to say that someone's real character or feelings
energy or attention to one activity, plan etc are not shown because their appearance or behaviour is
10 bend to sb's will formal to do what someone else wants, different [SYN] underneath: Dave sensed that something
especially when you do not want to — bend the rules at more sinister lay beneath the woman's cheerful exterior. |
RULE'(1) Beneath the surface she was angry.
bend? n [c] 1 curved part of something, especially a 4 not good enough or suitable for someone: She acts as if
road or river: The car came round the bend at a terrifying even speaking to us is beneath her. | He felt it would be
speed. | [+in] a sharp bend in the road 2 an action in which beneath his dignity to comment. | His mother felt he was
you bend a part of your body: We started the session with a marrying beneath him (=marrying someone who was not
 benedictine 142 Si] & & = the most frequent words in spoken English

good enough). | | consider such behaviour to be beneath enjoy the benefits You'l/ enjoy all the benefits of being
contempt (=so bad that you have no respect for the a member.
person involved). reap the benefits (=enjoy the advantages of
5 in a lower, less important rank or job than someone else something you have worked hard to get) He was
looking forward to reaping the benefits of all his hard
ben-e-dic-tine /ben¥drktiin/ n [C,U] a strong alcoholic work.
drink that is a type of LIQUEUR bring/provide benefits The new bridge has brought
Ben-e-dic-timne /bensdrktin</ n [C] a member of a considerable benefits.
Christian religious order of MONKS —Benedictine adj sth outweighs the benefits (=something is more
ben-e-dic-tion /ben$d1kfan/ n [C,U] a Christian prayer important than the benefits) Make sure that the risks
that asks God to protect and help someone don’t outweigh the benefits.
ben-e-fac-tion / bensfekjan/ n [C,U] formal something,
especially money, that someone gives a person or organi- a great/major/substantial benefit The new system
zation in order to help them do something good, or when will be a great benefit to the company.
someone gives money in this way [SYN] donation a real benefit Jo get some real benefit from the
ben-e-fac-tor /'ben3fekta $ -ar/ n [C] someone who exercise, you should continue for at least half an hour.
gives money for a good purpose: An anonymous benefac- the full benefit of sth They will have the full benefit of
tor donated $2 million. | [+of/to] a generous benefactor of our facilities, :
the university economic/social/environmental etc benefits
ben-e-fice /'ben:fs/ n [C] the pay and position of a Tourism has brought considerable economic benefits to
Christian priest who is in charge of a PARISH the island.
be-nef-i-cent /br'nefisant/ adj formal helping people, or health benefits |mutual benefit (=something good
resulting in something good: the beneficent properties of \ for both people, companies etc involved) ie
natural remedies —beneficence n [U] —beneficently adv
benefit? & (1 GG v (benefited, benefiting) [1,T] if you
ben-e-fi-cial Eg /ben:fifal</ adj having a good effect benefit from something, or it benefits you, it gives you an
opp| detrimental: a drug that has a beneficial effect on the advantage, improves your life, or helps you in some way:
immune system | [+to/for] Cycling is highly beneficial to They are working together to benefit the whole community, |
health and the environment. | an arrangement that is mutu- [+from/by] Many thousands have benefited from the new
ally beneficial (=it has advantages for everyone who is treatment. | They would benefit by reducing their labour
involved) —beneficially adv
costs. |benefit greatly/enormously/considerably etc |’m sure
ben-e-fi-cia-ry Eg /bensffari $ -ffieri/ n (plural benefi- you'll benefit greatly from the visit.
ciaries) [C] 1someone who gets advantages from an Ben:e-lux /'benslaks/ n [singular] the countries of Bel-
action or change: [+of] The rich were the main beneficiaries gium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg considered as a
of the tax cuts. 2 someone who receives money or prop- group
erty from someone else who has died: [+of] He was the
chief beneficiary of his father’s will.
be-nev-o-lent /bsnevalant/ adj kind and generous: A
benevolent uncle paid for her to have music lessons. | a
ben-e-fit™ & Oy Og /‘benifit/ n benevolent smile FIERA Kinp —benevolence n [U]
1 LESS [CU] an advantage, improvement, or help —benevolently adv
that you get from something — beneficial: [+of] the BEng BrE, B.Eng. AmE / bi: 'en/ n [C] (Bachelor of Engi-
benefits of contact lenses | | never had the benefit of a neering) a first university DEGREE in ENGINEERING
university education. | The new credit cards will be of great Ben-garli /ben'go:li $ -'go:li/ n 1 [U] the language used
benefit to our customers. | | hope that the decision taken in Bangladesh and West Bengal 2 [C] someone from
today will be to the benefit of the whole nation. | for sb’s Bengal —Bengali adj
benefit Could you just explain again for Mark's benefit? |
without the benefit of sth Most motorists manage without be-night-ed /br'nartid/ adj literary having no know-
the benefit of four-wheel drive. FETESEULEUG> ADVANTAGE ledge or understanding —benightedly adv
2 [CU] BrE money provided by be-nign /br'namn/ adj 1kind and gentle: He shook his
the government to people who are sick, unemployed, or head in benign amusement. 2 a benign TUMOUR (=unnatu-
have little money [SYN]welfare AmE: unemployment/ ral growth in the body) is not caused by CANCER
housing/child etc benefit You might be entitled to housing [OPP] malignant
benefit. |on benefit families on benefit |those people eligible bent" /bent/ the past tense and past participle of BEND
to claim benefit bent? adj 1 no longer straight: a bent nail | Stand with
3 BSEEWTIOT CC usually plural] extra money or other your knees slightly bent. |He breathed in deeply, bent double
advantages that you get as part of your job or from in pain (=with the top part of your body leaning forward
insurance that you have — perk: We offer an excellent towards your legs). | a bent old man (=not standing
benefits package. |medical benefits + FRINGE BENEFIT straight) — see picture at CURVED 2 bent on sth com-
4 give sb the benefit of the doubt to accept what someone pletely determined to do something, especially some-
tells you, even though you think they may be wrong or thing bad: a crowd of hooligans bent on violence |be bent on
lying but you cannot be sure: The referee gave him the doing sth They seemed bent on destroying his career.
benefit of the doybt. —> HELL-BENT 3 BrE informal financially dishonest and
5 with the benefit of hindsight/experience used to say it is willing to use your official position unfairly [OPP] honest: a
easier to know the right thing to do after something has bent policeman 4 BrE informal not polite an insulting word
happened or if you have a lot of experience: He admitted meaning HOMOSEXUAL 5 bent out of shape AmE spoken very
that with the benefit of hindsight the original launch had not angry or upset
been large enough.
bent? n [singular] formal special natural skill or interest in
6 benefit concert/performance/match a concert, perform-
a particular area: musical/artistic/literary etc bent readers
ance etc arranged to make money for CHARITY2a benefit of a more literary bent ;
concert for famine relief
ben-zene /'benzi:n, ben'ziin/ n [U] a liquid obtained
COLLOCATIONS from coal, used for making plastics
ben-zine /‘benzi:n, ben'ziin/ n [U] a liquid obtained.
have the benefit of sth A// the hotel rooms have the from PETROLEUM, used to clean clothes
benefit of a balcony. be-queath /br'kwi:d, brkwit@/ v [T] 1to officially
get a benefit (also gain/derive a benefit formal) In arrange for someone to have something that you own
this way, students will gain maximum benefit from their after your death [SYN]leave: bequeath sth to sb She
classes. bequeathed her collection of paintings to the National
( (2 GS = the most frequent words in written English 143 best

Gallery. | bequeath sb sth His father bequeathed him a

fortune. 2 to pass knowledge, customs etc to people who REGISTER
come after you or live after you In written English, people do not usually use besides
as a sentence adverb. They start a sentence with the
be-quest /brkwest/ n [C] formal money or property more formal moreover instead: Moreover, smoking is
that you arrange to give to someone after your death: a
linked with heart disease and strokes.
bequest of $5,000 OF
ae
rat

berate /br're1t/ v [T + for] formal to speak angrily to 2 in addition to someone or something else that you are
someone because they have done something wrong mentioning: The area has stunning scenery, beautiful
beaches, and much more besides. | People choose jobs for
be-reaved /b3'i:vd/ adj 1 having lost a close friend or
relative because they have recently died: a bereaved other reasons besides money. | Besides myself, the only
mother 2 the bereaved the person or people whose close English people there were Keith and Doreen. | besides doing
friend or relative has just died: Our sympathies go to the sth Besides being heartbroken, she felt foolish.
bereaved. be-siege /br'si:dz/ v [T] 1 to surround a city or castle
be-reave:ment /b$ri:vmant/ n [C,U] formal when with military force until the people inside let you take
someone loses a close friend or relative because they control —+ siege: In April 655, Osman’s palace was besieged
have died: depression caused by bereavement or divorce by rebels. ATTACK 2 [usually passive] if people,
worries, thoughts etc besiege you, you are surrounded by
be-reft /b:'reft/ adj 1 bereft of hope/meaning/life etc them: Miller was besieged by press photographers.
completely without any hope etc: The team now seems
3 be besieged with letters/demands/requests etc to receive
bereft of inspiration. 2 feelingvery sad and lonely: His
a very large number of letters, requests etc [SYN]be inun-
death in 1990 left her completelybereft.
dated
be-ret /'berer $ ba'rer/ n [C] a round cap with a tight
band around the head and a soft loose top part + see
be-smirch /br'smait{ $ -3:rt{/ v [T] literary besmirch sb's
honour/reputation to spoil the good opinion that people
picture at HAT
have of someone
ber-i-ber-i /beri'beri/ n [U] a disease of the nerves
caused by lack of VITAMIN 8 be:sot-ted /br'sptid $ bi'sa:-/ adj be besotted (with
sb/sth) to love or want someone or something so much
berk /b3:k $ bairk/ n [C] BrE informal a stupid person that you cannot think or behave sensibly: He’s completely
Ber-mu-da shorts /ba,mju:da 'fo:ts $ barmju:da o:rts/ besotted with her.
(also Bermudas) n [plural] short trousers that end at the be-sought /br'so:t $ -'so:t/ the past tense and past
knee participle of BESEECH
ber-ry /'beri/ n (plural berries) [C] a small soft fruit with
be:speak /br'spitk/ v (past tense bespoke /-'spauk
small seeds $ -'spouk/, past participle bespoken /-'spaukan §$ -'spou-/)
berserk /b3:'s3tk, ba- $ bs:r'ssirk, 'b3irs3irk/ adj go ber- [T] literary to be a sign of something
serk informal to become very angry and violent: Dad went
berserk when he found out.
be-spec:ta-cled /br'spektakald/ adj formal wearing
glasses
berth’ /b3:0 $ b3:r@/ n [C] 1a place where a ship can
stop and be tied up 2 a place for someone to sleep on a be-spoke /br'spauk $ -'spouk/ adj BrE a bespoke prod-
ship or on a train [SYN] bunk —» give sb/sth a wide berth at uct, especially computer software or a piece of clothing,
WIDE(7) has been specially made for a particular customer: the
cost of development of a bespoke system
berth? v [1,7] to bring a ship into a berth, or arrive at a
berth best! §] (i /best/ adj [superlative of good]
ber-yl /'bersl/ n [C] a valuable stone that is usually 1better than anything else or anyone else in quality, skill,
green or yellow how effective it is etc: He won the best actor award. |
What's the best way to cook this fish? |The best thing to do is
be-seech /br'si:t{/ v (past tense and past participle to stop worrying. | it's best to do sth It’s best to go later in the
besought /-'so:t $ -'so:t/ or beseeched) [T] literary to season. |easily the best/by far the best (=much better than
eagerly and anxiously ask someone for something anything else) John’s idea is by far the best option. | Our
[SYN] beg pilots are given the best possible training. | We use only the
be-set /br'set/ v (past tense and past participle beset, very best ingredients.
present participle besetting) [T] formal 1 [usually passive] to 2 best friend the friend that you know and like better than
make someone experience serious problems or dangers: anyone else: She was my best friend in college.
beset sb with/by sth The business has been beset with 3 best dress/shoes/clothes etc clothing that you keep for
financial problems. | the injuries which have beset the team special occasions: | put on my best suit for the wedding.
all season 2 besetting sin a particular bad feature or habit - 4 the next best thing something that is not exactly what
often used humorously you want but is as similar to it as possible: /f sterile
‘be-side § [B /br'sard/ prep equipment isn’t available, the next best thing is to clean
1next to or very close to the side of someone or some- equipment with disinfectant.
thing: Wendy came up and sat beside me. | the table beside 5 best of all used to introduce the fact about a situation
the bed | |was standing right beside her at the time. /\ Do that is even better than the other good things: It’s clean
not confuse beside (=next to) and besides (=in addition and well-located, but best of all, it’s affordable.
to): He sat down beside Mary. | Who was there besides you? 6 best before BrE written on food packets with the date
2in comparison with something or someone: This year's that the food should be eaten before: Best before 13 July. |
sales figures don't look very good beside last year’s results. | a best-before date -+ be on your best behaviour at
The children seemed tiny beside him. BEHAVIOUR(2), — your best bet at BET?(2), > the best/better
3 be beside yourself to be feeling so angry, excited etc that part of at PART'6)
you find it difficult to control yourself: The poor girl was best? GJ [1 adv [superlative of well]
almost beside herself. | be beside yourself with anger/ 1in a way that is better than any other: /t works best if you
excitement/rage etc Mom and Dad will be beside themselves let it warm up first. | This can best be described as a series of
with worry. steps. |the best-dressed man in Paris
4 be beside the point to not be directly connected with the 2to the greatest degree [SYN]most: You know him best -
main subject or problem that you are talking about: He's you should ask him. | The part | like best is the meal
very charming, but that's beside the point. afterwards. | He's perhaps best known for his role in ‘Mid-
be-sides /br'satdz/ adv, prep informal 1 spoken used night Cowboy’.
when adding another reason: | need the money. And 3 as best you can spoken as well as you can, even if thisiis’
besides, when | agree to do something, | do it. not very good: I'll try and fix it as best | can.
 144 [Xa = words from the Academic Word List

4had best spoken ought to: We'd best be getting back.

— had better at BETTER7(3) Frequencies of the verbs bet in spoken and written English.

best® n 1 the best a) the most helpful, most successful SPOKEN

etc situation or results that you can achieve: We all want
the best for our children. | It’s the best we can do in the WRITTEN
circumstances. b) the person or thing that is better than
any other: She's the best of the new young writers. 2 do your ot a
50 100 per million
best to try as hard as you can to do something: As long as
you do your best, we'll be happy. |do your best to do sth She | This graph shows that the verb bet is much more common in
did her best to make him comfortable. 3 at best used to spoken English than in written English. This is because it is used in
' emphasize that something is not very good, pleasant, some common spoken phrases.
honest etc even if you consider it in the best possible
way: The campaign was at best only partially successful. | bet" §] /bet/ v (past tense and past participle bet, present
The technique is at best ineffective and at worst dangerous. participle betting)
4 to the best of your knowledge/belief/ability etc used to 1[1,T] to risk money on the result of a race, game, compe-
say that something is as much as you know, believe, or tition, or other future event + gamble: How much do you
are able to do: I’m sure he'll do the work to the best of his want to bet? |bet (sb) that He bet me £10 that | wouldn't do
ability. 5 the best of sth used to refer to something very it. | bet (sth) on sth She bet all her money on a horse that
good: We wish him the best of luck with this venture. | He came last. | [+against] | wouldn't bet against him winning
hasn't been in the best of health lately. | They didn’t part on the championship this year.
the best of terms. | They became the best of friends (=very 2 | bet/I'll bet spoken a) used to say that you are fairly sure
close friends). 6 with the best of intentions/for the best of that something is true, something is happening etc,
reasons used to mean that someone does something with although you cannot prove this: Bet you wish you'd arrived
good intentions or for good reasons, even if the result is earlier. | | bet you she won't come. b) used to show that you
not always good: I’m sure he went there with the best of understand or can imagine the situation that someone
intentions. 7 the best of both worlds a situation in which has just told you about: ‘God, | was so angry.’ ‘| bet you
you have the advantages of two different things without were.’ | ‘It makes things much easier.’ ‘Yeah, I'll bet it does.’
any of the disadvantages: They live in a village but it’s only c) used to show that you do not believe what someone
an hour from London, so they have the best of both worlds. has just told you: ‘I’m definitely going to give up smoking
8 at your best performing as well or effectively as you are this time.’ ‘Yeah, | bet!’
able to: At her best, she’s a really stylish player. | He was 3 you bet! spoken used to emphasize that you agree with
never at his best early in the morning. 9 make the best of sth someone or are keen to do what they suggest: ‘Going to
(also make the best of a bad job/situation etc BrE) to accept the party on Saturday?’ ‘You bet!’
a situation that is not very good, and do whatever you can 4 (do you) want to bet?/wanna bet? spoken used to say that
to make it better: We are stuck here, so we might as well you think something that someone has just said is not
make the best of it. 10 all the best used to express good true or not likely to happen: ‘I’m sure Tom'Il be here soon.’
wishes to someone for the future: We’d just like to wish ‘Wanna bet?’
him all the best in his new job. | [+for] All the best for the 5 don't bet on it/I wouldn't bet on it spoken used to say that
New Year! 11 at the best of times if something is not very you do not think something is likely to happen: He said
good, pleasant etc at the best of times, it is usually even he'd finish by tomorrow, but | wouldn't bet on it.
worse than this: /t’s crowded at the best of times, but today 6 you (can) bet your life/your bottom dollar spoken used
it was unbearable. 12 the best of a bad lot/bunch BrE the when you are sure that you know what someone will do
least bad person or thing in a group of not very good or what will happen: You can bet your bottom dollar he
people or things 13 be for the best especially spoken used won't be back,
to say that a particular event may seem bad now, but 7 bet the farm/ranch AmE informal to risk everything that
might have a good result later: | still don’t want him to go, you own: Do we really want to bet the ranch on this deal?
but maybe it's for the best. 14 your Sunday best old- bet? gn [c]
fashioned your best clothes, that you only wear on specia lan agreement to risk money on the result of a race,
occasions game etc or on something happening, or the money that
best? v [T] old-fashioned to defeat someone you risk: a £50 bet | [+on] A few of us had a bet on who'd
get married first. | place/put/lay a bet We placed bets on
bes-ti-al /'bestial $ 'bestjal/ adj literary behaving like an
three horses. | Bookmakers are already taking bets on the
animal, especially in a cruel way: bestial and barbaric acts
—bestially adv outcome. |win/lose a bet If he scores now, I'll win my bet.
2 your best bet spoken used when advising someone what
bes-ti-al-i-ty /esti'zelsti $ bestfi-/ n [U] 1 sexual rela- to do: Your best bet is to put an advert in. the local
tions between a person and an animal 2 formal very cruel newspaper. | The train might be a better bet.
behaviour 3 a good/safe bet an action or situation that is likely to be
bes:ti-ar-y /‘bestiari $ 'bestfieri/ n (plural bestiaries) [C] successful or does not involve much risk: If you're looking
an old book about strange animals, written in the Middle for long-term growth, the government's own saving certifi-
Ages cates are a pretty good bet. > hedge your bets at HEDGE?(2)
it's a safe/sure/fair bet (that) spoken used to say that
best ‘man n [singular] the man who helps the BRIDE- something seems almost certain: | think it’s a pretty safe
GROOM at a wedding ceremony bet that he'll get the job.
bestow /br'stav $ -'stou/ v [T] formal to give someone 5 my bet spoken used when saying what you expect to
something of great value or importance: bestow sth happen in the future: My bet is he'll be back this time next
on/upon sb honours bestowed on him by the Queen week,
best ‘practice n [C,U] a description of the best way of 6 do sth for a bet to do something stupid, dangerous etc to
performing a,particular activity, especially in business, win money from someone or to prove that you can do it:
that can be used by other people or companies as a set of He climbed the tree for a bet. :
rules to follow beta /bitta $ 'berta/ n [singular] the second letter of the
Greek alphabet, B or B
ibest-'sel-ler, best-sell-er / best'sela $ -ar/ n [C] a popu-
ar product, especially a book, that many people buy: His ‘beta- block-er n [Cc] a drug used to help prevent HEART
new book went straight to number one on the best-seller list. | ATTACKS :
The game is already a bestseller in Japan. —best-selling adj ‘beta particle n [Cc] technical an ELECTRON or POSITRON
[only before noun]: a best-selling author | the UK's best- that is sent out by some RADIOACTIVE substances
selling album ‘beta test n [C] technical a test of software in which it is
fq = words from the Academic Word List 145 better

given to customers to use, so that any problems will be 6 nothing better a) used to say that you really like some-
found —» alpha test thing or think that something is very good: like/love/enjoy
‘beta version n [Cc] technical software that is being nothing better (than) She likes nothing better than a nice
tested by people who will use it, to see if it works long walk along the beach. | There's nothing better than
properly — alpha version beating someone who's playing well. b) used to say that a
be-tel /'bi:ti/ n [U] a plant whose leaves have a fresh thing or situation is not very good, but is the only thing
taste, and that some people chew, especially in Asia possible or available: have nothing better to do Have you
got nothing better to do than sit there playing that silly
‘betel nut n [C,U] small pieces of red nut with a bitter game? | | only picked it up because there was nothing better
taste, that are wrapped in a betel leaf and chewed to read.
béte noire /,bet ‘nwa: $ -'nwa:r/ n [singular] sb's béte 7 that's better spoken used to say that something has
noire the person or thing that someone dislikes most improved, that you are happier or more comfortable, or to
be:-tide /br'tard/ v woe betide sb used to say that some- encourage someone: Ah, that’s better. | needed to sit
one will be in trouble if they do something - often down. | ‘Can you turn it down?’ ‘Is that better?’
humorous: Woe betide anyone who wakes the baby! 8 better late than never spoken used to say that even if
be-to-ken /br'taukan $ -'tou-/ v [T] literary to be a sign something happens late or someone arrives late, this is
of something better than it not happening or their not arriving at all
be-tray /brtrer/ v [T] —+ your better half/other half at HALF2(8), + the best/better
1[{@ETEH to be disloyal to someone who trusts you, so part of sth at PART'(9), — against your better judgment at
that they are harmed or upset: He felt that she had JUDGMENT(1), —+ sb's better nature at NATURE(2), —> better
betrayed him. | betray sb to sb What kind of man would luck next time at LUCK'(14), + better the devil you know at
betray his own sister to the police? | She had betrayed her DEVIL(11), + have seen better days at SEE'(30)
parents’ trust. | | would never betray a confidence (=tell a
secret that someone has trusted me with).
better the COMPARATIVE of good: She wants a better
2 Gis” to be disloyal to your country, company etc,
job. | The sales figures were far better than expected.
for example by giving secret information to its enemies:
superior better, especially in quality: German cars are
people who betray their country for money
far superior. |a superior product |He thinks men are
3 EXEL [not in progressive or passive] to show feelings
superior to women.
that you are trying to hide [SYN|give away: His voice
betrayed his nervousness. | His face betrayed nothing preferable formal more suitable or useful - used
(=showed no emotion). when saying which one you prefer: Cash would be
4 i) to show that something is true or exists, espe- preferable.
cially when it is not easily noticed [SYN|give away: The be an improvement on sth to be better than
slightest sound might betray his presence. | The crumpled something that existed before: The engine is a huge
sheets betrayed the fact that someone had been sleeping improvement on previous diesel engines.
there. have the edge to be slightly better than another
5 betray your beliefs/principles/ideals etc to stop support- person or thing - used especially when saying which
ing your old beliefs and principles, especially in order to one will win in a game or competition: Federer is
get power or avoid trouble —betrayer n [C] likely to have the edge in Sunday's game. |For me, this
film has the edge over the others.
be-tray-al /bi'tretal/ n [CU] when you betray your
be miles ahead (of sb/sth) (also be streets ahead
country, friends, or someone who trusts you: [tof] a
(of sb/sth) BrE) informal to be very much better than
ruthless betrayal of their election pledges | She felt a great
someone or something that you are competing
sense of betrayal.
against: The company is streets ahead of its rivals.
be-troth-al /br'travdal $ -'trou-/ n [C] old-fashioned an there's no comparison spoken used to emphasize
agreement that two people will be married that one person or thing is clearly much better than
[SYN] engagement someone or something else: There’s no comparison
be-trothed /br'travéd $ -'trovdd/ adj old-fashioned between the two teams.
1 be betrothed to sb to have promised to marry someone
2 sb's betrothed the person that someone has agreed to better? Sy (i adv [comparative of well]
marry —betroth v [T] 1to a higher standard or quality [oPP| worse: He can speak
bet-ter’ G] Ml beta $ -ar/ adj French a lot better than | can. | Your bike will run better ifyou
1 [comparative of good] more useful, interesting, satisfac- oil it. + fare better at FARE*
tory, effective, suitable etc [oPP|worse: Your stereo is bet- 2 to a higher degree [SYN]more: She knows this town better
ter than mine. | There must be a better way to do this. | a than you do, || think | like the red one better. |Potter is better
better-quality car | much/a lot/far better We now have a known for his TV work.
much better understanding of the disease. | better still/even 3 had better a) used to give advice about what someone
‘better /t was even better than last year. /\ Better is a should do, or to say what you should do or need to do: I'd
comparative form. Do not say ‘more better’. better go and get ready. | | think you'd better ask Jo first. |
2 [comparative of well] a) more healthy or less ill or painful You had better not tell Oliver (=it is not a good idea).
than before [opP|worse: She is a little better today, the b) used to threaten someone: You'd better keep your
doctor says. | I'm feeling much better, thank you. b) com- mouth shut about this. /\|n speech, people usually
pletely well again after an illness: When you're better we shorten had to ‘d, and may not pronounce it at all. But do
can see about planning a trip. | | hope he gets better not leave out had or 'd in writing: You'd better (NOT You
(=recovers from an illness) soon. GEEEAUR> HEALTHY better) come here!
3 it is better/it would be better used to give your opinion or 4 do better to perform better or reach a higher standard:
make a suggestion about what you think should be done We did better than all the other schools. | You can do better
or happen: it is better to do sth /t’s much better to get a than that!
proper written agreement. | [+if] It might be better if you 5 the sooner the better/the bigger the better etc used to
stayed here. emphasize that you would prefer something to happen as
4 get better to improve: Her English isn't really getting any soon as possible, want something to be as big.as possible
better. |Things can only get better. etc: School finishes at the end of the week, and the sooner
5no better a) not better than something else or some- the better as far as I'm concerned. | The younger you start
thing before: The following day the weather was no better. learning a language, the better you'll speak it.
b) used to say that something is the best: there is no 6 go one better (than sb) informal to do something more
better way/example/place etc There's no better way of successfully than someone else: The following year Lewis
exploring the region. went one better by winning the gold medal. |Of course, they
—
 better 146 Si & & = the most frequent words in spoken English

had to go one better and have the whole garden redesigned. the two countries |She had overheard a private conversation
—> BETTER OFF between two MPs, | the link between serious sunburn and
better? n 1 the better the one that is higher in quality, deadly skin cancer
more suitable etc when you are comparing two similar 6used to say which people or things get, have, or are
people or things: It’s hard to decide which one’s the better. involved in something that is shared: Tom divided his
2 get the better of sb a) if your feelings or wishes get the money between his children. |Between the four of them they
better of you, they make you behave in a way you would managed to lift her into the ambulance. | We collected £17
not normally behave: My curiosity finally got the better of between us.
me and | opened the letter. | | think her nerves got the better 7 used to say which two things or people you are compar-
of her. b) to defeat someone or deal successfully with a ing: the contrast between town and country life |In her book
_ problem 3 for the better in a way that improves the situa- she makes a comparison between Russian and British ballet. |
tion: a definite change for the better | The president's for- the difference between good music and really great music
tunes seem, at last, to have taken a turn for the better 8 between you and me (also between ourselves) spoken
(=started to improve). 4 so much the better used to say used before telling someone something that you do not
that something would be even better or bring even more want them to tell anyone else: Between you and me, | think
advantages: If they can do them both at the same time, then Schmidt's about to resign.
so much the better. 5 be all the better for sth to be improved 9come between sb if something comes between two
by a particular action, change etc: | think it’s all the better people, it causes an argument or problems between
for that extra ten minutes’ cooking. 6 for better or (for) worse them: | let my stupid pride come between us,
used to say that something must be accepted, whether it 10 used when it is difficult to give an exact description of
is good or bad, because it cannot be changed: Work is, for something and you therefore have to compare it to two
better or worse, becoming more flexible nowadays. things that are similar to it: He uttered a sound that was
7 your betters old-fashioned people who are more impor- something between a sigh and a groan.
tant than you or deserve more respect —+ worse?,
~ elders and betters at ELDER?(2)
be-twixt /brtwikst/ prep 1 literary between
2 betwixt and between old-fashioned not quite belonging to
better* v [1] 1 to be higher in quality, amount etc than one group or to another
someone or something else: His total of five gold medals is
unlikely to be bettered. 2 better yourself to improve your bev-el /'beval/ n [C] 1 a sloping edge or surface, usually
position in society by getting a better education or earn- along the edge of a piece of wood or glass 2 a tool for
ing more money 3 formal to improve something: bettering making this kind of edge or surface —bevelled adj: bevel-
the lot of the working classes led glass
bet-ter-ment /'betamant $ -tar-/ n [singular] formal bev-er-age /‘bevaridz/ n [C] formal a hot or cold drink:
improvement, especially in someone's social and eco- alcoholic beverages | the Food and Beverage Manager
nomic position: for the betterment of sb/sth social change EEETTTE> drink
for the betterment of society as a whole
bev-vied up /bevid 'np/ adj [not before noun] BrE infor-
I better ‘off adj [no comparative] 1 having more money
mal drunk: We're all going out to get bewvied up.
han someone else or than you had before worse off:
She'll be about £50 a week better off. > WELL-OFF(1) 2 hap- bev-vy /'bevi/ n (plural bewvies) [C] BrE informal a drink,
pier, improved, more successful etc [OPP] worse off: especially an alcoholic drink
[+with/without] | think she’s better off without him. | be
better off doing sth (=used to give advice or an opinion) bev-y /'bevi/ n [singular] a large group of people of the
He'd be better off starting with something simpler. same kind, especially girls or young women: [+of] a bevy
of beauties
bet-ting /'betin/ n 1[U] when people risk money on
the results of games, competitions etc or other future be-wail /br'wetl/ v [T] literary to express deep sadness
events — gambling 2 what's the betting (also the betting is or disappointment about something
BrE) used to say that something seems very likely to
be-ware /bt'wea $ -wer/ v [I,T only in imperative and
happen or to be true: What's the betting Dan’s involved in infinitive] used to warn someone to be careful because
this somewhere?
something is dangerous: [+of] Beware of the dog! |beware
‘betting shop n [Cc] a place in Britain where people go of doing sth They should beware of making hasty decisions. |
to place BeTs on the results of races, competitions etc Police warned drivers to beware.
SYN] bookmaker's
Betty Ford ‘Clinic, the an expensive hospital in the be-wil-der /br'w1lda $ -ar/ V [T usually passive] to con-
fuse someone: He was bewildered by his daughter's reac-
US where rich or famous people go for treatment to help
tion.
them stop drinking too much alcohol or taking illegal
drugs. Its official name is the Betty Ford Center. be-wil-dered /br'w1ldad $ -ard/ adj totally confused: a
be-tween J (i /brtwi:n/ adv, prep bewildered expression on his face (LEAL > CONFUSED
1 (also in between) in or through the space that separates be-wil-dersing /brwildartn/ adj confusing, especially
two things, people, or places: | sat down between Sue and because there are too many choices or things happening
Jane. |a house and stables, with a yard in between | The ball at the same time: a bewildering variety/array/range a
rolled between his feet. bewildering variety of choices —bewilderingly adv: The
2 (also in between) in the time that separates two times details are bewilderingly complex.
or events: Are there any public holidays between Christmas
and Easter? | You shouldn't eat between meals. | The team be-wil-der-ment /brw1ldamant $ -dar-/ n [U] a feeling
have a lot of work to do between now and Sunday. |A lot of of being very confused [SYN] confusion; in bewilderment
students ee a year abroad in between school and She looked at him in bewilderment.
university. | I've had a few jobs, with long periods of unem-
be-witch /bi'witf/ v [T usually passive] 1 to make some-
ployment in between.
one feel so interested or attracted that they cannot think.
3 within a range of amounts, numbers, distances etc: The clearly: Tim's utterly bewitched by her. 2 to get control over
project will cost between eight and ten million dollars. |Most
someone by putting a magic SPELL on them —bewitching
of the victims were young men between the ages of 16 and 21. adj: a bewitching smile
4 used to say which two places are joined or connected
by something: They're building a new road between Man- be-yond" § ( /brijond $ -ja:nd/ prep, adv
chester and Sheffield. 1on or to the further side of something: They crossed the
5used to say which people or things are involved in mountains and headed for the valleys beyond. | Beyond the
something together or are connected: the long-standing river, cattle were grazing. |She drove through Westport, and
friendship between Bob and Bryan | co-operation between stopped a few miles beyond at a wayside inn.
( (2 DS = the most frequent words in written English 147

for its very religious Christian people who follow the

REGISTER teachings of the Bible very strictly
In everyday English, people usually say on the other
bib-li-cal /‘orbitkal/ adj (usually before noun] 1 relating to
side of something rather than use the preposition
or written in the Bible: The disease dates back to biblical
beyond: People waited on the other side of the barrier.
times. | biblical story/text/reference the biblical story of
2 later than a particular time, date etc [SYN] after: What Noah 2 of biblical proportions a bad situation or event that
changes await us in the coming year and beyond? | The ban is of biblical proportions is very great or severe: This could
has been extended beyond 2003. | The disco went on until result in an environmental disaster of biblical proportions.
beyond midnight. bib-li-og-ra-phy / bibli'pgrafi $ -'arg-/ n (plural bibliog-
3 more or greater than a particular amount, level, or limit: raphies) [C] 1 a list of all the books and articles used in
More people are choosing to work beyond retirement age. | preparing a piece of writing 2 a list of books and articles
Inflation has risen beyond the 5% level, that are all about a particular subject —bibliographer n
4 outside the range or limits of something or someone: Me]
Such tasks are far beyond the scope of the average bib-li-o-phile /brbliafarl/ n [C] formal someone who
schoolkid. | expensive luxuries that are beyond the reach of likes books
ordinary people
5 used to say that something is impossible to do: beyond bib-u-lous /'brbj§las/ adj formal liking to drink too much
repair/control/belief etc (=impossible to repair, control, alcohol - sometimes used humorously
believe etc) Scott's equipment was damaged beyond repair. | bi-cam-er-al /barkemarel/ adj [only before noun] techni-
The town centre had changed beyond all recognition. |Due to cal a bicameral LEGISLATURE (=part of the government that
circumstances beyond our control, the performance has had makes laws) consists of two parts, such as the Senate
to be cancelled. and the House of Representatives in the US Congress
6 be beyond sb to be too difficult for someone to under- — unicameral
stand: The whole problem was quite beyond him. | Why Joan bi-car-bon-ate of so-da /barka:banit av ‘sauda,
ever married such an idiot in the first place is beyond me. -banert- $ -karr-, -'souda/ (also bicarbonate, bi-carb infor-
7 used to mean ‘except’ in negative sentences: Fred owns mal /‘batka:b $ -karrb/) n [U] informal a chemical sub-
nothing beyond the clothes on his back. stance used especially in baking, and sometimes taken
beyond? n the beyond literary whatever comes after this with water as a medicine [SYN] baking soda
life bi-cen-te-na-ry / batsen'tiznari $ -'tenari, -'sentaneri/ n
BF /bi: 'ef/ n [C] 1 the abbreviation of best friend - used (plural bicentenaries) [C] especially BrE the day or year
by young people and in magazines 2 the abbreviation of exactly 200 years after an important event — centenary:
boyfriend - used by young people and in magazines [+of] the bicentenary of Mozart's death —bicentenary adj
BFF / bi: ef 'ef/ n [C] informal (best friend forever) some- Lonly before noun]
one's best friend - used especially by young people, in bi-cen-ten-ni-al / barsen'tenial/ n [C] AmE the day or
magazines, and in emails: It's my BFF's birthday tomorrow. year exactly 200 years after an important event: the
bha:ji, bhajee /‘ba:d3i:/ n [C] a hot-tasting Indian veg- bicentennial of the Declaration of Independence
etable cake cooked in BATTER (=a liquid mixture of flour, —bicentennial adj: bicentennial celebrations
egg, and milk or water): onion bhajis bi-cep /‘batsep/ n [C usually plural] the large muscle on
bhan-gra /'bangra/ n [U] a type of music that is a the front of your upper arm: He had an eagle tattoo on one
mixture of Punjabi traditional music and Western popular of his biceps.
music bick-er /'bike $ -ar/ v [I] to argue, especially about
bi- /bat/ prefix two, twice, or double + semi-, di-, tri-: something very unimportant: | wish you two would stop
bilingual (=speaking two languages) | to bisect (=cut in bickering. | [+about/over] They kept bickering over who
two) should answer the phone. —bickering n [U]
bi-an-nural /bat'enjual/ adj happening twice each year: bi-cy-cle" [ /‘batstkal/ n [C] a vehicle with two wheels
a biannual report + annual, biennial that you ride by pushing its PEDALS with your feet
bi-as' Bq /'bates/ n 1 [singular, U] an opinion about SYN] bike: Can James ride a bicycle yet? —> EXERCISE BIKE
whether a person, group, or idea is good or bad that REGISTER
influences how you deal with it — discrimination: political/ In everyday English, people usually say bike rather
gender/racial etc bias political bias in the press | Students than bicycle: They go everywhere by bike.
were evaluated without bias. | [+against/towards/in favour
of] /t’s clear that the company has a bias against women and bicycle? v [I always + adv/prep] formal to go somewhere
minorities. 2 [singular] a natural skill or interest in one type by bicycle [syn] bike, cycle —bicyclist n [C]
of thing: Lydia has a strong artistic bias. 3 on the bias in a ‘bicycle shorts n [plural] especially AME CYCLING SHORTS
DIAGONAL direction
bias? GQ v [7] to unfairly influence attitudes, choices, or bid" ( /b1d/ n [Cc]
lan offer to pay a particular price for something, espe-
decisions: Several factors could have biased the results of the
cially at an AUCTION: [+for] They put in a bid for the house. |
study.
the person who places the highest bid | We've made a bid of
bi-ased WG, biassed /'batast/ adj 1 unfairly preferring nearly £400 million for the company. |A takeover bid for the
one person or group over another: Of course I’m biased, airline was launched today.
but | thought my daughter's paintings were the best. |racially 2an offer to do work or provide services for a specific
biased attitudes | [+against/towards/in favour of] news price: [+for] rival bids for the cleaning contract
reporting that was heavily biased towards the government 3 an attempt to achieve or obtain something: [+for] a bid
2 more interested in a particular thing than in another: for power |a bid to do sth a desperate bid to free herself from
[+towards] The majority of infants are biased towards being a loveless marriage
social rather than being antisocial. 4a statement of how many points you hope to win in a
bi-ath-Ion /bar'e@lan $ -lain, -lan/ n [C] a sports com- card game
petition in which competitors ski across fields and then bid? v (past tense and past participle bid, present participle
shoot a RIFLE — decathlon, pentathlon bidding) 1 [1,T] to offer to pay a particular price for goods,
bib /b1b/ n [C] 1 a piece of cloth or plastic tied under a especially in an AUCTION: bid (sb) sth for sth She bid £100
baby's chin. to protect its clothes when it is eating for a Victorian chair. |What am | bid for lot 227? Shall we
2 the part of an APRON, DUNGAREES, Or OVERALLS that covers start at $500? | [+against] The two men ended up bidding
your chest 3. your best bib and tucker your best clothes - against each other at the auction. 2 [|] to offer to do work
used humorously or provide services for a specific price, in competition
‘Bible Belt, the an area in the south of the US known with other offers: [+for] Three firms bid for the contract on
 EX4 = words from the Academic Word List

the new buildings. 3 [1,7] to say how many points you biff' /b1f/ v 1 [1] old-fashioned informal to hit someone
think you will win in a game of cards hard with your Fist [S¥N|thump: He biffed me on the nose.
bid® v (past tense bade /bed, berd/ or bid, past participle 2 [1] informal to fall or hit something when riding a
bid or bidden /'bidn/, present participle bidding) literary bicycle, SNOWBOARD etc
1bid sb good afternoon/good morning etc to greet biff* n LC] informal an embarrassing mistake
someone 2 [T] to order or tell someone what to do: bid sb
(to) do sth The queen bade us enter. bi-fo-cals /bar'feukalz $ ‘'barfou-/ n [plural] special
glasses with an upper part made for seeing things that
bid-da-ble /'b1dabal/ adj willing to do what you are told are far away, and a lower part made for reading —bifocal
without arguing adj
bid-der /‘bida $ -ar/ n [C] 1 someone who offers to pay
a particular amount of money for something that is being
bi-fur-cate /'barfakert $ -ar-/ v [1] formal if a road, river
sold: The antiques will be sold to the highest bidder (=the etc bifurcates, it divides into two separate parts [SYN] fork
person who offers to pay the most). 2 someone who
— bifurcation /barfa'kerfan $ -far-/ n [C,U]
offers to do work or provide services for a particular big? SJ Gi /b1g/ adj (comparative bigger, superlative
amount of money, in competition with others: one of 13 biggest)
bidders for the contract 184 of more than average size or amount: a big house |
bid-ding /‘bidin/ n [U] 1 when you sip for goods, espe- | need a bigger desk. |She had a big grin on her face. | a big
cially in an AUCTION: The bidding was brisk and sales went increase in crime | Los Angeles iis the biggest city in
well. 2 at sb’s bidding formal because someone has told California. |The garage isn't big enough for two cars. | When
you to 3do sb's bidding formal to obey someone's they lose, they lose in a big way (=to a large degree). |There
requests or orders was this great big (=extremely big) spider in the sink.
bid-dy /brdi/ n (plural biddies) old biddy informal an old [THESAURUS 47g
woman, especially one who is unpleasant or annoying
2 (EET important and serious: a big decision | Buy-
ing your own house is a big commitment. |The big game is on
bide /batd/ v 1 bide your time to wait until the right Friday. | There's a big difference between understanding
moment to do something: They are stronger than us and something and being able to explain it to others. | Everyone
can afford to bide their time. 2 [|] old use to wait or stay was getting ready for the big day (=a day when an impor-
somewhere, often for a long time [S¥M] abide tant event will happen). GRESATI> important
bi-det /bi:der $ brder/ n [C] a small low bath that you 3 assay ~successful or popular, especially
sit on to wash your bottom in business or entertainment: Julia Roberts became a big
star. |She's very big in Australia. |After years as a small-time
bi-en-ni-al /bat'enial/ adj 1a biennial event happens actor, he suddenly made it big (=became very successful)
once every two years — annual 2 a biennial plant stays in Hollywood. |the big boys (=the most powerful people or
alive for two years —> annual, perennial —biennially adv companies) —+ BIG CHEESE, BIG NOISE, — big shot at
bier /b1a $ bir/ n [C] a frame like a table, on which a SHOT'(14), —> BIG TIME
dead body or COFFIN is placed 4 (JPY a) big sister/brother your older sister or brother

saddle handlebar gear lever BrE/

gear shift AmE

brake

mudguard BrE/
fender AmE

tyre BrE/
tire AmE \
valve

fork

spoke
hub

reflector
[4 = words from the Academic Word List 149 bight
b) older or more like an adult - used especially by chil- tremendous having an extremely big effect: There
dren or when you are talking to children: Come on, don’t have been some tremendous changes. | My new job will
cry. You're a big girl now. be a tremendous challenge.
5 @ayssea49 [only before noun] informal a) doing some-
thing to a large degree: a big eater/drinker/spender etc Des big? v (bigged, bigging)
is a big gambler, you know. | be a big fan/admirer of sb/sth big sb/sth <> up phr v BrE spoken informal 1 to say that
b) done to a large degree or with great energy: give sba someone or something is very good, especially in public:
big hug/kiss Mama gave me a big hug. | give sb a big hand He’s always on TV bigging up his new band. 2 big it up to
(=clap loudly) spend a lot of money and enjoy yourself in a social
6 [0) [only before noun] informal used to emphasize how situation, in a way that other people will notice
bad something is: AIDS remains a big problem in many big-a-my /‘bigami/ n [U] the crime of being married to
parts of the world. |Buying that house was a big mistake. | | wo people at the same time — monogamy, polygamy
never said that, you big liar! —bigamist n [C] —bigamous adj
7 have big ideas/plans to have impressive plans for the big band n [Cc] a large musical band, especially popular
future: I've got big plans for this place. in the 1940s and 1950s, that plays JAZZ or dance music
8 be big on sth spoken a) to like something very much: I’m and has a leader who plays soLos: Tommy Dorsey’s big
not big on kids. b) to have a lot of a quality or feature: The band —big-band adj
new BMW is big on safety features. big ‘bang theory n the big bang theory the idea that
9 what's the big idea? spoken used when someone has he universe began with a single large explosion (the ‘big
done something annoying, especially when you want bang’), and that the pieces are still flying apart — steady
them to explain why they did it: Hey, what's the big idea? state theory
Who said you could use my computer?
10 sa it is big of sb to do sth spoken a) used to say \big-'boned adj a big-boned person is large without
that someone is very kind or generous to do something being fat
b) used when you really think that someone is not kind or big ‘bucks n [plural] especially AmE informal a lot of
helpful at all: £5! That was big of her! money: Her parents spent big bucks on her wedding.
11 big mouth spoken someone who has a big mouth cannot big ‘business n [U] 1 very large companies, consid-
be trusted to keep things secret: I’m sorry. | shouldn't have ered as a powerful group with a lot of influence 2 a prod-
opened my big mouth. |me and my big mouth (=said when uct or type of activity that people spend a lot of money
you wish you had not told someone a_ secret) on: Dieting has become big business.
—> BIGMOUTH
big ‘cat n[C] a large animal of the cat family, such as a
12 [3 informal big letters are CAPITALS, for example lion or tiger
G, R, A etc
13 [LL informal big words are long or unusual and are big ‘cheese n [C] informal an important and powerful
difficult to read or understand person in an organization - used humorously
14 be/get too big for your boots informal to be too proud of \big ‘deal n [singular] spoken 1 used to say that you do
yourself not think something is as important as someone else
15 use/wield the big stick informal to threaten to use your thinks it is: It’s just a game. Ifyou lose, big deal. |What's the
power to get what you want big deal? It’s only a birthday, not the end of the world. |It’s no
16a big girl's blouse BrE informal someone, especially a big deal. Everybody forgets things sometimes. 2 an impor-
man, who is not brave tant or exciting event or situation: This audition is a big
17 big up (to/for) sb spoken informal used when you want deal for Joey. 3 make a big deal of/out of/about sth to get
to praise someone: Big up to Kelly Holmes! She ran a superb too excited or upset about something, or make some-
race, — think big at THINK'(39) thing seem more important than it is: | know I’m probably
making a big deal out of nothing, but I’m worried about you.
THESAURUS \big ‘dipper n[c]1 BrE old-fashioned a small railway in
big a big city |a big guy |a big mistake |Lack of a FUNFAIR, with steep slopes and sharp curves to give an
funding is the biggest problem. exciting ride — see picture at AMUSEMENT PARK 2 the Big
large a slightly more formal word than big, used to Dipper AmE a group of seven bright stars seen only from
describe objects and amounts: a large bow! |Large northern parts of the world [syn] the Plough BrE
areas of the forest have been destroyed. | The museum \big ‘game n [U] large wild animals hunted for sport,
attracts a large number of visitors. such as lions and ELEPHANTS: a big game hunter
major [only before noun] big and important: Pollution big-gie /'bigi/ n 1[C] informal something very large,
is a major problem. | There has been a major change in important, or successful: | think their new CD is going to be
government policy. a biggie. 2 no biggie AmE spoken said when something is
considerable/substantial quite big - used especially not important or when you are not upset or angry about
about amounts: They have spent a considerable something: ‘Oh, I’m sorry.’ ‘No biggie.’
amount of money on the project. | A substantial amount ‘big government n [U] AmE government - used when
of heat is lost through the windows. people think it is controlling their lives too much: big
aaa aciic : government welfare policies
huge/massive/enormous extremely big: The table big ‘gum n [C] informal a person or company that has a
was enormous. |a huge explosion | There has been a lot of power and influence: one of the party’s big guns
massive increase in oil prices. big-head-ed / bighedid</ adj informal someone who is
great [only before noun] very big - used especially to big-headed thinks they are very important, clever etc -
describe the level or number of something: He used to show disapproval [opp]modest RESUS
achieved great success in America. | The college offers a PROUD —'big-head n [C]
great number of courses. |a great advantage big-heart-ed /b1g ‘hartid« $ -arr-/ adj very kind and
vast extremely big - used about areas, distances, generous
numbers, or amounts: vast areas of rainforest | A vast
number of tourists visit the island every year. big ‘hitter n [Cc] someone who is very important and
successful and who has a lot of influence: one of the big
gigantic extremely big and much bigger than other
hitters of the Conservative Party
things of the same type: Gigantic waves crashed onto
the beach. ~ big-horn sheep /brgho:n ‘fizp $ -ho:rn-/ n [C] a wild
colossal extremely big - used about amounts or sheep with long curved horns that lives in the mountains
objects: James ran up a colossal phone bill. |a colossal of western North America
-statue of Napoleon bight /bart/ n [C] a slight bend or curve ina coast
Big Man on Campus 150 Sd & & = the most frequent words in spoken English

BIG CATS ‘big shot n [C] informal someone who has a lot of power
or influence in a company or an area of business: His
father’s a big shot and he thinks he is, too.
‘big ticket adj [only before noun] AmE informal expensive:
big ticket items such as cars or jewelry
‘big time! n the big time informal the position of being
very famous or important, for example in the entertain-
ment business or in politics: The 46-year-old author has
finally hit the big time. —big-time adj [only before noun]:
big-time cocaine dealers
big time? adv especially AmE spoken to a very large
degree: Morris messed up big time.
cheetah big ‘toe n [Cc] the largest toe on your foot
big ‘top n [C] the very large tent in which a circus
performance takes place
big ‘wheel n [Cc] BrE a machine used in AMUSEMENT
PARKS, consisting of a very large upright wheel with seats
leopard hanging from it, that turns round slowly [SwN] ferris wheel
— see picture at AMUSEMENT PARK
bigewig /‘b1gwig/ n [C] informal an important person: A
few of the company bigwigs have their own jets.
bi-jou /'‘birzu:/ adj [only before noun] BrE a bijou house or
apartment is small and fashionable - often used humor-
ously: a bijou residence in Mayfair
bike’ gy /batk/ n [C]
1a bicycle: Let's go for a bike ride. |by bike They'll be coming
by bike.
2 informal a MOTORCYCLE
3 on your bike! BrE spoken used to tell someone rudely to
lynx/bobcat AmE go away
bike? v 1 [I always + adv/prep] informal.to ride a bicycle:
She bikes to work every day. 2 [T] to take something to
someone by MOTORCYCLE in order to get it there quickly:
bike sth over/round We're late for our deadline. Can you bike
panther/cougar AmE the photos over to us?
biker /'barka $ -ar/ n [C] 1 someone who rides a MOTOR-
CYCLE, especially as part of a group: Most of the bikers rode
Harley-Davidsons. 2 someone who rides a bicycle: trails for
bikers and hikers
bi-kieni /bs'kini/ n [C] a set of clothes worn by women
for swimming, which consists of a top part covering the
puma/cougar/mountain lion breasts, and a bottom part
bi'kini line n [Cc] the place on a woman's legs where
the hair around her sexual organs stops growing
bi-la:bi-al /bar'letbial/ n [C] technical a CONSONANT
sound such as /p/ or /b/ that is made using both lips
— bilabial
adj — LABIAL
bi-lat-er-al /barletaral/ adj involving two groups or
‘Big Man on 'Campus n [C] AmE informal an impor- nations: bilateral relations/trade/agreements/negotiations
tant and popular male student at a college or university, etc bilateral negotiations between Israel and Syria
especially someone who is good at sports —bilaterally adv + MULTILATERAL, UNILATERAL
big ‘money n [U] informal a large amount of money: bil-ber-ry /‘brlbari $ -beri/ n (plural bilberries) [C] a
Carter won big money in Vegas last year. blue-black fruit that grows in Northern Europe, or the
big-mouth /'brgmav@/ n [C] informal someone who bush it grows on
cannot be trusted to keep secrets [SYN] gossip bile /batl/ n [U] 1a bitter green-brown liquid formed in
big ‘name n [Cc] a famous person or group, especially a the Liver, which helps you to DIGEST fats 2 literary anger
musician, actor etc: Poor attendance at the concert was put and hatred
down to the lack of big names. bilge /b1ldz/ n1 [C usually plural] the broad bottom part
big ‘noise n [C] informal an important and powerful of a ship 2 [U] old-fashioned informal nonsense
person in an organization bi-lin-gual /bar'ltngwal/ adj 1written or spoken in two
big-ot /'bigat/ n [C] someone who is bigoted: racist languages: a bilingual dictionary |The report proposed bilin-
bigots gual education in schools. 2 able to speak two languages
big-ot-ed /'bigatid/ adj having such strong opinions equally well: Their kids are bilingual. |[+in] Louis is virtually
about a group of people that you are unwilling to listen to bilingual in Dutch and German. —bilingual n [C] + mono-
anyone else's opinions [SYN] prejudiced: a bigoted old man lingual
big-ot-y /'brgatri/ n [U] bigoted behaviour or beliefs bil-i-ous /'brlias/ adj 1 feeling as if you might vomit: She.
[SYN] prejudice: sensational news stories that just encourage felt a bilious attack coming on. 2 very unpleasant: bilious
bigotry GFEESLUS> PREJUDICE green walls 3. literary bad-tempered —biliousness n [U]
‘big ‘screen n the big screen the cinema, rather than bilk /b1lk/ v [7] informal to cheat someone, especially by.
television or the theatre: on the big screen She was last taking their money [SYN] swindle: bilk sb out of sth Consum-
seen on the big screen in the comedy ‘Jawbreaker’. ers were bilked out of more than $15,000.
‘big-screen adj [only before noun] 1 relating to the cin- bill" gO /bt/ n [c]
ema, rather than to television or the theatre: his big-screen 1 TES a written list showing how mueh
career 2 a big-screen television is very big you have to pay for services you have received, work that
( (2 OB = the most frequent words in written English 151 bimonthly
has been done etc: [+for] The bill for the repairs came to bill‘-board /'btlba:d $ -ba:rd/ n [C] a large sign used for
$650. |Have you paid the phone bill? advertising [SYN] hoarding BrE ERESNTI> ADVERTISEMENT
2 GEST especially BrE a list showing how much — see picture at SIGN!
you have to pay for food you have eaten in a restaurant
[syn] check AmE: Could we have the bill, please?
bil-let" /'b13t/ n [C] a private house where soldiers are
living temporarily
3 (MJ a written proposal for a new law, that is brought to
a parliament so that it can be discussed: approve/pass/ billet? v [7] to put soldiers in a private house to live ©
veto a bill The House of Representatives passed a new gun- there temporarily
contro! bill. |The senator introduced a bill that would increase
the minimum wage.
bill-fold /bilfauld $ -fould/ n [C] AmE a small flat
leather case, used for carrying paper money, CREDIT CARDS —
4 (ea Ame a piece of paper money SYN|note BrE: a
etc in your pocket [SYN] wallet '
five-dollar bill + coin
5 fit/fill the bill to be exactly what you need: This car fits bill-hook /b1thok/ n [C] a tool that has a curved blade
the bill perfectly. It’s cheap and gets good mileage. with a hooked point, used for cutting off tree branches
6 ews a programme of entertainment at a etc
theatre, concert, cinema etc, with details of who is per-
forming, what is being shown etc: Tricia topped the bill bil-liards /'b1ljadz $ -ardz/ n [U] a game played on a
(=was the most important performer) at the Children’s cloth-covered table in which balls are hit with a CUE (=a
Variety Show. long stick) against each other and into pockets at the
edge of the table — pool, snooker —billiard adj [only before
7 give sb/sth a clean bill of health to officially state that
noun]: a billiard table
someone is in good health or that something is working
correctly: Maddox was given a clean bill of health. bill-ing /'biltn/ n give sb top/star billing to name a
8 Hp) a bird's beak particular performer, actor etc as being the most impor-
9 EVYE SST a printed notice advertising an event tant person in a show, play etc
10 Fae Ame the front part that sticks out on a bil-liom /brljan/ number (plural billion or billions)
hat such as a BASEBALL CAP 1 the number 1,000,000,000: The final cost could be as
11 the (old) bill BrE spoken the police much as one billion dollars. | two/three/four etc billion 3.5
COLLOCATIONS billion years ago | Overseas debt is a staggering £16 billion. |
billions of pounds/dollars etc Airlines have lost billions of
| MERBS dollars. 2 an extremely large number of things or people:
pay a bill Most people pay their bills on time. a billion A billion stars shone in the night sky. | billions of sth
settle a bill (=pay it) She went down to the lobby to There are billions of things | want to say. 3 BrE old use the
settle the bill for their rooms. number 1,000,000,000,000 —billionth adj —billionth n
foot the bill/pick up the bill (=pay for something, [Cc]
especially when you do not want to) Taxpayers will
probably have to foot the bill.
bil-lion-aire /biljainea< $ -'ner</ n [C] someone who
has more than a billion dollars or pounds
run up a bill (=use a lot of something so that you
have a big bill to pay) It’s easy to run up a big bill on bill of ex'change n (plural bills of exchange) [C] tech-
your mobile phone. nical a signed document ordering someone to pay some-
a bill comes to sth (=is for that amount) The bill one else a particular amount of money
came to $60.
bill of ‘fare n (plural bills of fare) [C] old-fashioned a list
| ADJECTIVES/NOUN+bill of the food that is served in a restaurant [SYN] menu
a big/huge bill Turn off the lights or we'll get a huge bill of ‘lading n (plural bills of lading) [C] technical a list
electricity bill. of the goods being carried, especially on a ship
an electricity/gas/phone etc bill |a hotel bill |
a tax bill |an unpaid bill |an outstanding bill bill of ‘rights n (plural bills of rights) [C] a written
(=still unpaid) statement of the most important rights of the citizens of
a country

THESAURUS bill of ‘sale n (plural bills of sale) [C] technical a written

document showing that someone has bought something
bill a piece of paper that tells you how much you
must pay: Many families are struggling to pay their bil:-low' /'bilau $ -lov/ v [1] 1 (also billow out) if some-
bills. |We got a huge phone bill. thing made of cloth billows, it moves in the wind: Her long
check AmE a bill that tells you how much you must skirt billowed in the breeze. 2 if a cloud or smoke billows, it
pay in a restaurant: Can | have the check, please? rises in a round mass: [+out of/up etc] There was smoke
invoice a document that lists the goods that a billowing out of the windows.
company has sent, or the services they have billow? n [c usually plural] 1a moving cloud or mass of
provided, and tells you how much you must pay. It is something such as smoke or cloth 2 literary a wave,
often sent from one company to another company: especially a very large one
Payment is due ten days after receipt of the invoice.
tab informal a bill that is added up at the end of a bil-ly /'pili/ (also billy-can /'biliken/) n (plural billies)
period of time, especially for food or drinks that you [C] BrE a pot for cooking or boiling water when you are
have had in a restaurant or hotel: People staying in camping
the hotel can order food or drinks to be put on their tab. ‘billy goat n [Cc] a male goat - used especially by or to
children — nanny goat — see picture at GOAT
bill? v 1 [7] to send someone a bill: Clients will be billed Billy ‘no-mates n (singular, U] BrE informal someone
monthly. | bill sb for sth | was billed for equipment that | who has no friends: | was left sitting on my own, looking like
didn’t order. 2 be billed to do sth if someone is billed to Billy no-mates.
appear, perform etc somewhere, it has been planned and
bim:bo /bimbau $ -bou/ n (plural bimbos) [C] informal
advertised that they will do this: Johnson was billed to an insulting word for an attractive but unintelligent young
speak at two conferences. 3 bill and coo old-fashioned to kiss
woman: He picked up some bimbo at the club.
and talk softly
bill sth as sth phr v to advertise or describe something in bi-month-ly /bar'mandli/ adj appearing or happening
a particular way: The castle bills itself as the oldest in every two months or twice each month — monthly, quar-
England. terly: a bimonthly magazine —bimonthly adv
 152 (4 = words from the Academic Word List

someone is bound over for TRIAL, they are forced by law to

appear in a court
bind? n [singular] informal an annoying or difficult situa-
pedal bin BrE tion: It’s a real bind having to look after the children. | in a
bind Caroline was really in a bind.
bind-er /'batnda $ -ar/ n 1 [C] a removable cover for
holding loose sheets of paper, magazines etc —+ RING
BINDER 2 [C] a person or machine that fastens the parts of
a book together 3 [C,U] a substance that makes things
stick together 4 [C] AmE an agreement in which you pay
money to show that you intend to buy a property
bind-ing" /'batndin/ adj a binding contract/promise/
agreement etc a promise, agreement etc that must be
obeyed
binding? n1[C] a book cover 2 [U] material sewn or
stuck along the edge of a piece of cloth for strength or
decoration :
dustbin BrE/ bind-weed /'batndwi:d/ n [U] a wild plant that winds
wastepaper basket BrE/ garbage can AmE itself around other plants
wastebasket AmE
binge’ /b1nd3/ n [C] informal a short period when you
do too much of something, such as eating or drinking: a
drinking binge | a week-long binge of shopping | on a binge
Ken’s gone on a binge with his mates.
binge? v [1] informal to do too much of something, such
as eating or drinking, in a short period of time: [ton]
Whenever she’s depressed, she binges on chocolates.
‘binge drinking n [U] the activity of drinking a large
amount of alcohol in a short period of time, usually in
order to become DRUNK: Binge drinking is an increasing
litter bin BrE/
wheelie bin BrE problem among young people. —binge drinker n [C]
trash can AmE
Ly
bin-go' /‘bingav $ -gou/ n [U] a game played for money
or prizes, in which numbers are chosen by chance and
bin’ § /b1n/ n [Cc] called out, and if you have the right numbers on your
1BrE a container for putting waste in — trash can, waste card, you win: Vera won £20 at bingo.
paper basket: Throw it in the bin. —+ DUSTBIN, LITTER BIN bingo? interjection used when you have just done some-
2a large container for storing things, such as goods ina thing successfully and are pleased: Bingo! That's the one
shop or substances in a factory I've been looking for.
bin? v (binned, binning) [T] BrE informal to throw some- ‘bin liner n [Cc] BrE a plastic bag used inside a BIN for
thing away: Just bin that letter. holding waste — see picture at BAG
bi-na-ry /'batnari/ adj 1 the binary system a system of binsman /binmen/ n (plural binmen /-men/) [C] BrE
counting, used in computers, in which only the numbers someone who comes to people's houses to collect their
O and 1 are used 2 consisting of two parts [SYN] double: a waste garbage collector AmE
binary star system bi-noc-u-lars /br'nvkjglez, bar- $ -'nazkjslarz/_n [plural] a
bind" /baind/ v (past tense and past participle bound pair of special glasses, that you hold up to your eyes to
/baund/) look at objects that are a long distance away [SYN] field
1{1227@25050 [7] written a) to tie someone so that they glasses — see picture at OPTICAL
cannot move or escape: They bound my arms and legs with binocular ‘vision n [U] technical the ability to Focus
rope. | bound and gagged (=tied up, and with cloth tied both eyes on one object, which humans, monkeys, and
around your mouth so you cannot speak) b) (also bind some birds and other animals have
up) to tie things firmly together with cloth or string: The bi-no-mi-al /bat'naumial $ -nov-/ n [C] technical a
pile of newspapers was bound with string. mathematical expression that has two parts connected
2 RIE ~[T] to form a strong emotional or by the sign + or the sign —, for example 3x + 4y or x — 7
economic connection between two people, countries etc —binomial adj
SYN] unite: bind sb/sth together Their shared experiences in
bio= /batau, bata $ barou, bata/ prefix relating to or
war helped to bind the two communities together.
3 (EGSSDOSU) [T usually passive] if you are bound by an using living things: bio-genetics | biophysics
agreement, promise etc, you must do what you have bi-o-chem-ist /ba1eu'kemist $ batou-/ n [C] someone
agreed to do or promised to do: The monks are bound by who studies or works in biochemistry
vows of silence. | bind sb to do sth Employees are not bound bi-o-chem-is-try / batav'kemistri $ batou-/ n [U] the
to give their reasons for leaving. scientific study of the chemistry of living things
46ers [1,7] technical to stick together in a —biochemical adj
mass, or to make small pieces of something stick bi-o-de-gra-da-ble /baraudr'greidabal« $ batou-/ adj
together: The flour mixture isn’t wet enough to bind materials, chemicals etc that are biodegradable are
properly. | [+with] The hydrogen molecule binds with the changed naturally by BACTERIA into substances that do not
oxygen molecule. harm the environment non biodegradable, non-:
50 [7] to fasten the pages of a book together and biodegradable: This carton is made of biodegradable plastic.
put them in a cover + BOUND2(9)
6m) [T] to sew cloth over the edge of a piece of bi-o-die-sel /‘pataudi:zal $ 'barou-/ n [U] a liquid made
material, or stitch over it, to strengthen it: The edges of the from vegetable oil or animal fat, which can be used.
blanket were bound with ribbon. instead of DIESEL in engines
bind sb over phr v [usually passive] law a) BrE if someone is bi-o-di-gest-er /baraudar'dzesta, -d3- $ -oudar'dzester,
bound over by a court of law, they are warned that, if they -d3-/ n [C] a large container in which plant material or
cause more trouble, they will be legally punished: The animal waste is changed by bacteria, producing METHANE
demonstrators were bound over to keep the peace. b) AmE if and CARBON DIOXIDE
—XQ = words from the Academic Word List

bi-o-di-ver-si-ty / batavudar'v3isiti, -d3- $ batoudar'v3:r-, process in which large companies try to get PATENTS on
-d3-/ n [U] technical the variety of plants and animals in a (=legal rights to) products that make use of plants,
particular place: the biodiversity of the rainforest animals, GENEs etc that were developed over many years
bi-o-'feed-:back /batau'fi:xdbek $ batov-/ n [U] a by nature or by farmers, especially farmers in poorer
method of helping people to relax by teaching them to countries
control their heart rate, breathing etc, using an instru- bi-o-pro-spec-ting / baraupra'spektin $
ment attached to the body \batou'pra:spek-/ (also biodiversity pro'specting / § .......
bi-o-fu-el /‘batav fjural $ 'batou-/ n [C,U] a substance '.../) n [U] the scientific study of plants and other living
made from plants or animal waste that can be used to things found in nature, such as BACTERIA, in order to
produce heat or power discover new drugs that can be used as medicines
bi-og-ra-pher /bar'pgrafa $ -‘a:grafar/ n [C] someone —bioprospect v [|] —bioprospector n [C]
who writes a biography of someone else bi-op-sy /'baiwpsi $ -a:p-/ n (plural biopsies) [C] the
bi-og-ra-phy /bar'vgrafi $ -'a:g-/ n (plural biographies) removal of cells, TISSUE etc from someone's body in order
1 [C] a book that tells what has happened in someone’s to find out more about a disease they may have: a breast
life, written by someone else: [+of] Boswell’s biography of biopsy
Dr. Johnson FEESNTTE> Book 2 [U] literature that con- bi-o-rhyth-ms /‘batau,r1damz §$ 'batou-/ n [plural] regu-
sists of biographies -» autobiography —biographical lar changes in the speed at which physical processes
/ bata'grefskal</ adj: biographical information happen in your body, which some people believe can
bi-o-haz:ard /‘barauhezod $ 'barauhezed/ n [C] medi- affect the way you feel
cal something biological, such as a type of BACTERIA or a bi-o-se:cu-ri-ty / batausrkjvarsti $ batousr'kjor-/ n [U]
virus, that is dangerous to people's health things that are done to prevent diseases from spreading
bi-o-in-di-ca-tor / batav'tndskerta $ barou'tndskerter/ n between people, animals, or crops: Poultry producers have
[C] technical a small number of animals, plants, insects started to adopt strict biosecurity measures.
etc that are typical of all the animals, plants etc normally bi-o-sphere /‘batasfta $ -sfir/ n [singular] technical the
found in a particular area; which scientists study in order part of the world in which animals, plants etc can live
to get information about the whole area: This insect- bi-o-tech-nol-o-gy / batavtek'noladzi $ baroutek'na:-/
bacteria bioindicator is a reliable tool for assessing environ- (also bi-o-tech /'batautek $ 'batou-/ informal) n [U] the
mental damage to the country’s wetlands. use of living things such as cells, BACTERIA etc to make
bi-o-in-for-mat-ics / batauinfalmetiks $ ,batouinfar-/ n drugs, destroy waste matter etc: the biotech industries
[U] technical the use of mathematics and computer sci- —biotechnological / batavtekna'lodztkal $
ence to solve biological problems, for example when ibatoutekna'la:-/ adj
studying the human GENOME bi-o-weap-on /'batauwepan $ 'batou-/ n [C] BACTERIA or
bi-o-lo-gi-cal /bara'lodztkal< $ -la:-/ adj 1 relating to viruses (=very small living things that cause illness or
the natural processes performed by living things: the disease) used as a weapon to kill a lot of people
biological functions of the body | Depression is both biologi- SYN] biological weapon: He warned that influenza could be
cal and psychological. 2 biological weapons/warfare/attack used as a bioweapon.
etc weapons, attacks etc that involve the use of living bi-par-ti-san /barpa:ts'zen $ bat'pairtizan/ adj involv-
things, including BACTERIA, to harm other living things: a ing two political parties, especially parties with opposing
ban on chemical and biological weapons 3 [only before noun] views: a bipartisan committee
relating to biology: the biological sciences 4 biological par- bi-par-tite /bar'pa:tart $ -'pa:r-/ adj formal involving
ent/father/mother etc a child’s parent through birth, two different parts or groups: a bipartite treaty
rather than through ADOPTION —biologically /-kli/ adv bi-ped /'barped/ n [C] technical an animal with two legs,
biological ‘clock n [singular] 1. technical the system in such as a human
plants and animals that controls when they sleep, eat,
bi-plane /barpletn/ n [C] a type of aircraft with two
produce babies etc [SYN] body clock 2 the idea that when a sets of wings, especially one built in the early 20th
woman reaches a certain age, she will soon be too old to
century
have a baby: career women who hear the biological clock
ticking bi-po-lar /bat'paula $ -poular/ adj [usually before noun]
1 involving two opposing countries, groups etc: the bipolar
bi-ol-o-gist /bar'vladzist $ -a:l-/ n [C] someone who view of the world during the Cold War 2 bipolar disorder
studies or works in biology
technical MANIC DEPRESSION
bi-ol-o-gy /bar'vlad3i $ -'a:l-/ n [U] 1 the scientific study
of living things: a degree in biology 2 the scientific laws bi-ra-cial / bat'retfal</ adj AmE representing or includ-
that control the life of a particular type of animal, plant ing people from two different races [SYN] mixed race BrE:
etc: the biology of bacteria biracial families
bi-o-mass /bataumes $ 'batov-/ n [U] technical plant birch /ba:t{ $ bs:rt{/ n1[C,U] a tree with smooth Bark
»and animal matter used to provide power or energy (=outer covering) and thin branches, or the wood from
this tree 2 the birch BrE the practice of hitting people with
bi-ome /batoum $ -oum/ n [C] technical a type of birch sticks as an official punishment — SILVER BIRCH
environment that is described according to the typical
weather conditions and plants that exist there bird gy [1 /b3:d $ bsird/ n [C]
bi-o-met:ric /barau'metrtk< $ barou-/ adj [usually before 1a creature with wings and feathers that can usually fly.
noun] relating to technology that can be used to measure Many birds sing and build nests, and female birds lay
things such as people's eyes or fingerprints. These meas- eggs: wild birds | The dawn was filled with the sound of
urements can be kept on computer and then used to birds. |a flock of birds (=a group of birds flying together) |
check someone's IDENTITY, for example when they show a a wooden bird cage
passport at an airport: biometric data |biometric identifiers 2 BrE informal a word meaning a young woman, which
such as fingerprints or iris patterns ; some people think is offensive
bi-on-ic /bar'pnik $ -‘a:n-/ adj bionic arms, legs etc are 3 the birds and the bees the facts about sex - used humor-
electronic and therefore stronger or faster than normal ously or to children
4a little bird told me (sth) informal used to say that you
arms etc - often used humorously: | swear Mom has bionic
ears. know something, but you will not say how you found out:
A little bird told me that you've got engaged.
bi-o:phys-ics /batav'fiztks $ barou-/ n [U] the scien- 5 birds of a feather (flock together) informal used to say
tific study of how PHysics relates to biological processes that two or more people have similar attitudes, beliefs etc
bi-o-pic /‘batau,prk $ 'barou-/ n [C] informal a film that 6 give sb the bird a) AmE informal to make a very rude sign
tells the story of someone's life at someone by holding your middle finger up b) BrE to
bi-o-pi-ra-cy /batav'patarasi $ jbarou'parr-/ n [U] the show strong disapproval of someone who is performing
 birdbath © 154 Sl & & = the most frequent words in spoken English

or speaking in public, by shouting, making rude noises etc and tries to recognize different types —bird-watching n
7a bird in the hand (is worth two in the bush) used to say [U]
that it is better to keep what you have than to risk losing bi-vret-ta /bs'reta/ n [C] a square cap worn by Roman
it by trying to get more Catholic priests
8 the bird has flown informal used to say that the person Bir-ken-stocks /'ba:kanstoks $ 'b3irkanstazks/ n [plural]
you are looking for has already left or escaped trademark a type of leather SANDAL (=a shoe that is open
9 be (strictly) for the birds old-fashioned informal to be silly, at the toes and heel) with a wide flat bottom
useless, or not practical
10 wise/wily/funny/weird etc old bird old-fashioned infor- bi-ro /‘batarau $ 'batrou/ n (plural biros) [C] trademark
- mal a person who seems wise, funny etc BrE a pen with a small ball at the end that puts ink onto
_ do bird BrE old-fashioned informal to serve a prison paper [SYN| ball point — PEN’
sentence [SYN|do time — early bird at EARLY'(9), — kill two birth § ( /b3:0 $ b3:r6/ n
birds with one stone at KILL'(13) 1 give birth (to sb) if a woman gives birth, she produces a
bird-bath /'b3:dba:0 $ 'b3:irdbe®/ n [C] a bowl in a baby from her body: Patsy was celebrating last night after
garden that is filled with water for birds to wash in giving birth to twins.
2[C,U] the time when a baby comes out of its mother's
‘bird-brain n [C] AmE informal someone who is silly or
body: Congratulations on the birth of your daughter! | He
stupid —bird-brain (also birdbrained) adj
only weighed 2 kilos at birth. | Henry has been blind from
‘bird dog n [Cc] AmE a dog that is trained to find and birth. |What's your date of birth? |The exact place of birth is
return with birds that have been shot for sport [SYN] gun not recorded. |They believe that the position of the planets at
dog BrE the time of birth determines the fate of the individual. |More
‘bird flu n [U] informal another name for AVIAN FLU and more women are choosing to have home births. |Smok-
bird-ie" /'b3:di $ 'bairdi/ n [C] 1 spoken a word meaning ing in pregnancy has been linked to premature birth. | the
a little bird, used especially by or to children 2 in golf, a association between birth weight and blood pressure | The
score that is one less than pAR 3 AmE a small object with drug was found to cause serious birth defects.
feathers that you hit across the net in a game of 3 [singular] the time when something new starts to exist:
BADMINTON [S¥YN|Shuttlecock BrE — see picture at sporT' [+of] the birth of a nation |The film gave birth to a TV show
of the same name. ELLE > BEGINNING
birdie? v [7] in golf, to get the ball into the hole in one 4[U] the character, language, social position etc that you
hit less than PAR: Woods birdied the last two holes. have because of the family or country you come from: a
bird of ‘paradise n (plural birds of paradise) [C] woman of noble birth |French/German etc by birth
1a brightly coloured bird from New Guinea 2 a tall ‘birth certificate n [Cc] an official document showing
orange flower when and where you were born, and your parents’ names
bird of ‘passage n (plural birds of passage) [C] ‘birth con,trol n [U] the practice of controlling the
1 technical a bird that flies from one area or country to number of children you have [SYN] contraception: a safe
another, according to the seasons 2 literary someone who method of birth control
never stays in the same place for long
birth-day &] (4) /'b3:6der $ 'b3:r-/ n [C]
BIRDS OF PREY 1your birthday is a day that is an exact number of years
after the day you were born: It’s my birthday on Monday. |

3
1 beak —~$e) My aunt called to wish me a happy birthday. | Anne's
wing birthday party
2a day that is an exact number of years since an organi-
zation was established or an event first happened — anni-
versary: The City of Cleveland Orchestra is celebrating its
200th birthday.
talon 3 in your birthday suit informal not wearing any clothes -
falcon used humorously
eagle
. COLLOCATIONS

sb's first /18th/40th etc pth It's ries 5 50th

-birthday tomorrow.
Happy Birthday! (=said to someone on their
ee

vulture have a Oana /eiceate cbirthday Did

£ you have a nice
birthday?
an of ‘prey n (plural birds of prey) [C] a bird that kills get sth for your birthday What did you get for your
other birds or small animals for food birthday?
bird-seed /'ba:dsi:d $ 'b3:rd-/ n [U] a mixture of seeds celebrate sb’s birthday He will celebrate his 90th
for feeding birds birthday on 25th August.
remember sb's birthday (=remember to send a card
bird's-eye ‘view n [singular] 1a view of something or present) |forget sb's birthday (=forget to send a
from high above it: Visitors can enjoy a bird's-eye view of card or present)
the area from the castle turrets. 2a general report or
account of something, without many details: a bird's-eye birthday + NOUN
view of recent research a birthday card |a birthday present lz a birthday
bird-shot /'bs:dfot $ 'ba:rdfa:t/ n [U] a type of very party |abirthday cake |birthday celebrations |the
small bullet that is fired in large numbers: The crowd was birthday girl/boy informal (=the person whose
dispersed by police using tear gas and birdshot. \_birthday it is)
bird-song /'b3:dson $ 'b3:rdso:n/ n [U] the musical ‘birth father n [Cc] a child's natural father, rather than a
noises made by birds man who has become the child’s legal father through
‘bird table n [Cc] BrE a high wooden structure in a ADOPTION
garden that you put food on for birds birth-ing /'b3:6rn $ 'b3:r8-/ n [U] the process of giving
‘bird=-,watcher n [Cc] someone who watches wild birds birth to a baby: a birthing class
( (2 GS = the most frequent words in written English 155 bit
birth-mark /'b3:0mazk $ 'b3:rOmairk/ n [C] a perma- substance or of something that is not a physical object
nent mark on your skin that you have had since you were [SYN] a little: [+of] | may need a bit of help. | He still likes to
born: Paul had a birthmark on his left cheek. do a bit of gardening. || want to spend a bit of time with him
‘birth mother n [c] a child's natural mother, rather before he goes. | With a bit of luck, we should have finished
than a woman who has become the child's legal mother by five o'clock. | Everyone needs a little bit of
through ADOPTION encouragement. | ‘Would you like cream in your coffee?’ ‘Yes
‘birth parent n [Cc] a child's natural mother or father, please, just a bit.’ | a bit more/less Can we have a bit less
rather than someone who has become the child's legal noise, please?
mother or father through ADOPTION 3 CUELTES quite a bit (also a good bit BrE) a fairly large
amount or to a fairly large degree: She’s quite a bit older
birth-place /'b3:Opleis $ 'b3:r8-/ n [C usually singular] than you, isn’t she? | He knows quite a bit about painting. |
1 the place where someone was born, used especially [+of] | expect you do quite a bit of travelling? | quite a bit
when talking about someone famous: Stratford-upon- more/less They're worth quite a bit more than | thought.
Avon was Shakespeare's birthplace. 2 the place where 400 FETT a bit especially BrE a short period of
something first started to happen or exist: New Orleans is time or a short distance [SYN] a while: You'll have to wait a
the birthplace of jazz. bit. | | walked on a bit | in a bit /'// see you in a bit. |for a bit
birth-rate /'b3:0rert $ 'b3:r6-/ n [C] the number of We sat around for a bit, chatting.
births for every 100 or every 1,000 people in a particular 5 a bit of a sth especially BrE used to show that the way
year in a particular place: the rising birthrate you describe something is only true to a limited degree:
birth-right /'p3:Orait $ 'b3:r@-/ n [C usually singular] The news came as a bit of a shock. | | felt a bit of a fool. | It
something such as a right, property, money etc that you looks like they left in a bit of a hurry.
believe you should have because of the family or country 6 not a bit/not one bit especially BrE not at all: You're not a
you belong to: Freedom of speech is every American's birth- bit like your brother. |Am! cross? No, not a bit of it. |I’m not
right. in the least bit interested in whose fault it is. | Well, you
bis-cuit Gy /‘biskit/ n haven't surprised me, not one bit.
1[C] BrE a small thin dry cake that is usually sweet and 7 every bit as important/bad/good etc especially BrE used to
made for one person to eat [SYN] cookie AmE: a packet of emphasize that something is equally important, bad etc
chocolate biscuits |cheese and biscuits as something else: Jodi plays every bit as well as the men.
2[C] AmE a type of soft bread baked in small round 8 bit by bit especially BrE gradually: Bit by bit, | was starting
pieces to change my mind.
3 [U] a light brown colour 9 a/one bit at a time especially BrE in several small parts or
4 take the biscuit BrE informal to be the most surprising, stages: Memorize it a bit at a time.
annoying etc thing you have ever heard: I’ve heard some 10 take a bit of doing/explaining etc BrE to be difficult to
excuses, but this really takes the biscuit! do, explain etc: The new system took a bit of getting used to.
11 be a bit much BrE to be unacceptable, impolite, or
bi-sect /bar'sekt $ 'barsekt/ v [T] formal to divide some-
unfair: It’s a bit much when he criticizes us for doing some-
thing into two equal parts: A long cobbled street bisects the
thing that he does himself.
town from east to west.
12 be a bit of all right BrE informal used to say that someone
bi-sex-t-al /bar'sekfual/ adj 1sexually attracted to both is sexually attractive
men and women 2 technical having features of both 13 bit on the side BrE informal someone's bit on the side is
males and females: a bisexual plant —bisexual n [C] a person they are having a sexual relationship with, even
—bisexuality /batsekfu'elsti/ n [U] though they already have a wife, husband, or partner -
bish-op /‘brfap/ n [C] 1a priest with a high rank in used humorously or to show disapproval: She stayed, in
some Christian religions, who is the head of all the the hope that he’d tire of his bit on the side.
churches and priests in a large area: the Bishop of Durham 14 a bit of stuff/fluff/skirt BrE informal not polite offensive
2 a piece in the game of CHess that can be moved side- expressions meaning a young woman, especially one who
ways over any number of squares of the same colour is sexually attractive
— see picture at CHESS 15a bit of rough BrE informal someone of a lower social
bish-op-ric /byfaprik/ n [C] 1 the area that a bishop is class that someone has a sexual relationship with - used
in charge of [SYN] diocese 2 the position of being a bishop humorously
bis:muth /bizme0/ n [U] a grey-white metal that is GRAMMAR. a bit, a bit of a8
often used in medicines. It is a chemical ELEMENT: symbol
Use a bit before an adjective, not before a noun or an
Bi. adjective and noun: He’s a bit shy (NOTa bit shy
bison /batsan/ n (plural bison or bisons) [C] an animal man).
like a large cow, with hair on its head and shoulders Before a noun or an adjective and noun, use a bit of:
—+ buffalo There was a bit of trouble (NOTa bit trouble). | It was a
‘bisque /bisk/ n [U] a thick creamy soup made from bit of a strange decision (NOT a bit strange decision).
SHELLFISH: lobster bisque You can also use a bit after a verb or its object: |
bis-tro /bi:strav $ -trou/ n (plural bistros) [C] a small cried a bit (NOT a bit cried).
restaurant or bar: a French bistro
bit* SI Oa /brt/ adv, pron Frequencies of the noun bit in spoken and written English.
IDSA sy a bit especially BrE a) slightly or to a
SPOKEN
small degree [SYN] a little: Could you turn the TV up a bit? |
That's a bit odd. | ‘Are you sorry to be leaving?’ ‘Yes, | ama
bit.’ |Aren’t you being a little bit unfair? | | think you're a bit WRITTEN
too young to be watching this. |She looks a bit like my sister. |
a bit better/older/easier etc | fee! a bit better now. b) some- 500 1000 1500 per million
times, but not very ‘often: | used to act a bit when | was This graph shows that the noun bit is much more common in
younger. spoken English than in written English. This is because a bit is more
common than a little in spoken English, and bit is used in a lot of
REGISTER
\_common spoken phrases.
In written English, people usually avoid a (little) bit
and use slightly, rather, or somewhat instead: This
bit? GM n [c]
system is slightly more efficient. | The final cost was
17% a small piece of something: [+of] bits of broken
somewhat higher than expected.
glass | He wedged the door open with a bit of wood. |
2E0ET0 a bit especially BrE informal a small amount of a break/rip/shake etc sth to bits The aircraft was blown to
bit 156 EX = words from the Academic Word List

bits. |He's taken the engine to bits. |fall/come to bits The old new tobacco taxes have begun to bite. | [+into] The reces-
house was falling to bits. BEESATI> Piece sion is biting into the music industry.
2 Qu Br informal a part of something larger: This is the 5 Lau [1] to believe what someone tells you, or to buy
boring bit. |[tof] We did the last bit of the journey on foot. | something they are selling, especially when they have
[tabout] Did you like the bit about the monkey? persuaded you to do this: The new camcorders were with-
PART drawn after consumers failed to bite.
3 to bits BrE informal very much or extremely: Mark's a 6 {7 [1] if a fish bites, it takes food from a hook and so
darling - | love him to bits. |thrilled/chuffed/pleased to bits gets caught: The fish just aren't biting today.
I've always wanted a car, so I'm thrilled to bits. 7 bite your tongue to stop yourself from saying what you
4@aas the smallest unit of information that a com- really think, even though this is difficult: She should have
puter uses: a 32-bit processor bitten her tongue.
5 ay =the sharp part of a tool for cutting or making 8 bite the dust informal to die, fail, or be defeated: Italy's
holes: a drill bit championship hopes eventually bit the dust.
6 [eg the metal bar attached to a horse's BRIDLE that is 9 bite the bullet informal to start dealing with an unpleas-
put into its mouth and used to control it ++ be champing at ant or dangerous situation because you cannot avoid it
the bit at CHAMP"(2) any longer: / finally bit the bullet and left.
7 bits and pieces (also bits and bobs BrE) informal any small 10 bite off more than you can chew to try to do more than
things of various kinds: Let me get all my bits and pieces you are able to do }
together. 11 he/she won't bite spoken used to say that there is no
8 do your bit informal to do a fair share of the work, effort need to be afraid of someone, especially someone in
etc that is needed to achieve something good or impor- authority: Well, go and ask him - he won't bite!
tant: Everyone should do their bit for the environment. 12 what's biting you/her etc? spoken used to ask why
9 get the bit between your teeth BrE, take the bit between someone is annoyed or upset
your teeth AmE to do something or deal with something in 13 sb/sth bites spoken not polite used to say that you
a very determined way, so that you are not likely to stop dislike someone or something very much or think that
until it is done something is very bad
10 [ag a) two bits/four bits AmE informal 25 cents or 14 once bitten, twice shy used to say that if you have failed
50 cents b) BrE old-fashioned a small coin or been hurt once, you will be more careful next time
11 pull sth to bits BrE informal to criticize something 15 bite the hand that feeds you to harm someone who has
strongly: The critics pulled his new play to bits. helped or supported you
12 PLEO aa informal used to mean 16 be bitten by the showbiz/travel/flying etc bug to develop
a kind of behaviour or experience that is typical of some- a very strong interest in something — bite sb's head off at
one or something: the (whole) student/movie star/ HEAD'(33), —> NAIL-BITING
travelling etc bit Then she gave us the concerned mother bit.
13 be in bits BrE spoken informal to be extremely upset
because something unpleasant or disappointing has hap- bite to use your teeth to cut, crush, or chew
pened: She was in bits after the race, and looked totally something: The dog bit me! | | sometimes bite my
gutted. fingernails when I'm nervous. |He bit into the apple.
bit? the past tense of BITE chew to keep biting something that is in your mouth:
Helen was chewing a piece of gum. |He was chewing
bitch’ /brtj/ n [C] 1 especially BrE a female dog
on a Cigar.
2 informal an insulting word for a woman that you dislike
gnaw if an animal gnaws something, it bites it
or think is unpleasant - also used humorously between
repeatedly: The dog was in the yard gnawing ona
friends: The silly bitch went and told the police. |Ooh, you're
bone.
such a bitch! 3 informal something that causes problems
or difficulties: | Jove that silk dress, but it’s a bitch to wash. nip sb/give sb a nip to give someone or something
—+ SON OF A BITCH, — life’s a bitch at LIFE(20) a small sharp bite: When | took the hamster out of his
cage, he nipped me.
bitch? y [1] informal1 to make unpleasant remarks about nibble to take a lot of small bites from something: A
someone: [+about] He never bitches about other members fish nibbled at the bait. |She sat at her desk, nibbling
of the team. 2 AmE to complain continuously: Stop her sandwich.
bitching! | [+at] He's always bitching at me. sink your teeth into sb/sth to bite someone or
bitch-in, bitching /‘bit{an/ adj AmE spoken informal very something with a lot of force, so that your teeth go
good: That guy has one bitchin truck. right into them: The dog sank its teeth into my leg.
bitch-y /‘bit{i/ adj unkind and unpleasant about other chomp on sth informal to bite something and chew it
people [SYN] catty: a bitchy remark |She can be really bitchy in a noisy way: The donkey was chomping on a carrot.
sometimes. —bitchily adv —bitchiness n [U] sting if an insect stings you, it makes a very small
hole in your skin. You use sting about bees, wasps,
bite’ § /bart/ v (past tense bit /brt/, past participle and scorpions, and bite about mosquitoes, ants,
bitten /'brtn/, present participle biting) spiders, and snakes: She stepped on a wasps’ nest and
1G) [1,7] to use your teeth to cut, crush, or chew must have been stung at least 20 times.
something: The dog bit him and made his hand bleed. |
[+into/through/at/down] She bit into a croissant and took bite back phr v
a sip of coffee. |An adult conger eel can easily bite through a 1 bite sth <> back to stop yourself from saying or showing
man’s leg. |Nina pushed her fist into her mouth and bit down what you really think: Tamar bit back the retort that sprang
hard. | bite sth off a man whose arm was bitten off by an to her lips.
alligator | bite your nails (=bite the nails on your fingers, 2 to react strongly and angrily to something: [+at] Deter-
especially because you are nervous) | wish | could stop mined to bite back at car thieves, he wired his car to an
biting my nails. | bite your lip (=because you are upset or electric fence.
not sure what to say) She paused uncertainly, biting her lip.
2 (KESS7ILLG [1,7] to injure someone by making a hole bite? By n
in their skin — sting: | think I’ve been bitten. | The dog’s 1(Sss) ([C] the act of cutting or crushing some-
been badly bitten by fleas. thing with your teeth: Antonio devoured half his burger in
3 LESSEE) «([1] if an object bites into a surface, it one bite. |take/have a bite (of sth/out of sth) She picked up
presses firmly into it and does not move or slip: [+into] the sandwich and took a bite. | Can | have a bite of your
The hooves of the galloping horses had bitten deep into the apple? |give sb a bite Some fish can give you a nasty bite. |
soft earth. |He wore boots that bit into the ice. Her body was covered in bite marks.
4 @amag [!] to start to have an unpleasant effect: The 2({@2DR) [Cc] a small hole made where an animal or
 EX3 = words from the Academic Word List 157 ‘ black

insect has bitten you: snake/ant etc bite | [+of] The infec- bit-ter-sweet: /pita'switt<« $ -tar-/ adj 1 feel-
tion is passed by the bite of a mosquito. ings, memories, or experiences that are bittersweet are
3 a bite (to eat) informal a small meal: We had a bite to eat happy and sad at the same time: bittersweet memories of
and a couple of drinks before the flight. childhood 2 a taste or smell that is bittersweet is both
42509 [VU] a pleasantly sharp taste: Goat's cheese adds sweet and bitter at the same time
extra bite to any pasta dish. bit-ty /'biti/ adj BrE having too many small parts that do
5@am) [singular] a feeling of coldness: There was no not seem to be related or connected to each other: /
_ mistaking the approach of winter; he could feel its bite. thought the film was rather bitty. —bittiness n [U]
6 Guess [U] a special quality in a performance, bi-tu-men /brt{omin $ bstu:-/ n [U] a dark sticky sub-
piece of writing etc that makes its arguments very effec- stance that is used for making the surface of roads ~
tive and likely to persuade people: The film gains incisive —bituminous /b3'tju:minas § -'tu:-/ adj s
bite from Sellers’ performance as the union chief. bi-valve /batvelv/ n [C] technical any sea animal that
7] [C] when a fish takes the food from a hook: has two shells joined together: bivalve molluscs
Sometimes | sit for hours and never get a bite.
biv-ow-ac' /'bivwu-ek/ n [C] a temporary camp built
8 another/a second bite at the cherry BrE a second chance
outside without any tents
to do something
9 EN CC usually singular] technical the way that a person bivouac? v (bivouacked, bivouacking) [1] to spend the
or animal's top and bottom teeth touch when their mouth night outside without tents in a temporary camp: The
is closed: Our dentist said that Emmy should wear a brace to climbers bivouacked halfway up the mountain.
improve her bite. + LOVE BITE, SOUND BITE, —> sb's bark is bi-week-ly /bar'wi:kli</ adj, adv 1appearing or happen-
worse than their bite at BARK7(4) ing every two weeks [SYN] fortnightly: a biweekly magazine
‘bite-sized (also ‘bite-size) adj [only before noun] small 2 appearing or happening twice a week: a biweekly tele-
enough to put into your mouth to eat: sushi served in vision drama
convenient bite-size pieces biz /b1z/ n [singular] informal a particular type of busi-
bit-ing /‘battin/ adj1 a biting wind is unpleasantly cold ness, especially one relating to entertainment: the music
[S¥N]icy: A biting wind blew down from the hills. 2 a biting biz —> SHOWBIZ
criticism, remark etc is cruel or unkind: a biting satire on bi-zarre /b3za: $ -'za:r/ adj very unusual or strange: a
corruption —bitingly adv bizarre coincidence | dancers in rather bizarre costumes
bit-map /‘bttmep/ n [C] technical (abbreviation BMP) a ECL STRANGE —bizarrely adv
computer image that is stored or printed as an arrange- blab /bleb/ v (blabbed, blabbing) [1] informal to tell
ment of sits: bitmap fonts —bitmapped adj: bitmapped someone something that should be kept secret
graphics SYN] gossip: [+to] Don’t go blabbing to your friends about
‘bit part n [Cc] a small and unimportant acting job in a this.
play or film: He’s had bit parts in a couple of soaps. blab-ber /bleba $ -ar/ v [1] informal to talk in a silly or
‘bit ,player n [c] someone who is not important and annoying way for a long time: [+on] | wish she'd stop
who has little influence in a particular situation: Although blabbering on about her boyfriends.
he was NRC chairman, Hervey was strictly a bit player in blab-ber-mouth /blebamave $ -ar-/ n [C] informal
government. someone who tells secrets because they always talk too
bit-ten /'brtn/ the past participle of Bite much
bit-ter™ Gy A ‘bite $ -ar/ adj black’ §] ({ /blek/ adj (comparative blacker, superlative
1feeling angry, jealous, and upset because you think you blackest)
have been treated unfairly — bitterly: [+about] | feel very 1@yeTT] having the darkest colour, like coal or night: a
bitter about it. |a bitter old man black evening dress | jet/inky black (=very dark) jet black
2 [only before noun] making you feel very unhappy and Bas
upset — bitterly: a bitter disappointment/blow /f he failed, it very dark because there is no light: It was still
would be a bitter disappointment to his parents. | His photo aie black (=very dark) out.
stirred up bitter memories. | from bitter experience 32003 (also Black) a) belonging to the race of people
(=because of your own very unpleasant experiences) She who originally came from Africa and who have dark
knew from bitter experience that it would be impossible to brown skin —> white: Over half the students are black.
talk it over with Julian. b) [only before noun] relating to black people: politics from
3a bitter argument, battle etc is one in which people a black perspective | Black and Asian music
oppose or criticize each other with strong feelings of hate 4@0TY [only before noun] black coffee or tea does not
and anger: bitter dispute/battle/struggle etc The couple are have milk in it white: Black coffee, no sugar, please.
locked in a bitter battle for custody of the children. | The 5 Dia informal very dirty: be black with soot/dirt/age etc
government faces bitter opposition to these policies. | The 6 (eee sad and without hope for the future: the
countries are still bitter enemies. blackest period of European history | a mood of black
-Ahaving a strong sharp taste, like black coffee without despair |It’s been another black day for the car industry, with
sugar —> sour, sweet: Enjoy the beer’s bitter taste as you more job losses announced.
slowly drink it. |bitter chocolate TASTE 7G «~Omaking jokes about serious subjects, espe-
5 unpleasantly cold — bitterly: a bitter wind |the bitter cold cially death: a very black joke
of the Midwestern winters 8 EQ" [only before noun] full of feelings of anger or hate
6 to the bitter end continuing until the end, even though —»+ blackly: Denise gave me a black look.
this is difficult: Employees have vowed to fight the closure to 9 a black mark (against sb) if there is a black mark against
the bitter end. you, someone has a bad opinion of you because of
7a bitter pill (to swallow) something very unpleasant that something you have done
you must accept: The knowledge that his friends no longer 10 not be as black as you are painted not to be as bad as
trusted him was a bitter pill to swallow. —bitterness n [U] people say you are
bitter? n1 [CU] BrE a type of dark beer that is popular TIEZQ) literary very bad: black deeds —blackness n
in Britain, or a glass of this: A pint of bitter, please. black? n1 [U] the dark colour of coal or night: You look
TASTE 2 bitters [U] a strong bitter liquid good wearing black. —* COAL-BLACK 2 (also Black) [C]
made from plants that is added to alcoholic drinks someone who belongs to the race of people who origi-
bit-ter-ly /‘brtali $ -ar-/ adv 1 in a way that produces or nally came from Africa and who have dark brown skin
shows feelings of great sadness or anger: He complained —»+ white: laws that discriminated against blacks 3 be in the
bitterly about his exam grades. || was bitterly disappointed. | black to have money in your bank account be in the
The march was bitterly opposed by local residents. red
2 bitterly cold very cold black? v [1] 1 BrE if a TRADE UNION blacks goods or a
 black and blue 158 Si] & & = the most frequent words in spoken English

company, it refuses to work with them: The union has black-head /'blekhed/ n [C] a small dark spot on the
blacked all non-urgent work. 2 old-fashioned to make skin, with a black centre
something black black ‘hole n [c] 1 n area in outer space into which
black out phr v 1 to become UNCONSCIOUS [SYN] faint, pass everything near it, including light, is pulled 2 informal
out: For a few seconds, he thought he was going to black out. something that uses up a lot of money: I’m worried that
2 black sth <> out to put a dark mark over something so the project could become a financial black hole.
» that it cannot be seen: The censors had blacked out several Black Hole of Cal'cutta, the a small, very crowded
words, 3 black sth + out to hide or turn off all the lights in room or dark place is sometimes described as being ‘like
a town or city, especially during war — blackout the Black Hole of Calcutta’. This phrase comes from a
black and ‘blue adj skin that is black and blue has small room used as a prison in Calcutta, India where
BRUISES (=dark marks) on it as a result of being hit: If you many British prisoners died during one night in 1756.
do that again, I'll beat you black and blue. black ‘humour n [U] jokes or funny stories that deal
black and ‘white adj 1 showing pictures or images with the unpleasant parts of human life
only in black, white, and grey — colour: black and white iblack ‘ice n [U] an area of ice that is very difficult to
photos |an old black and white TV 2 black and white consid- see: Driving conditions are dangerous, with black ice in many
ering things in a way that is too simple and as if things are areas.
either completely good or completely bad: There's still a black-jack /'blekdzek/ n 1[U] a card game, usually
tendency to see the issues in black and white. 3 in black and played for money, in which you try to get as close to 21
white in written form, and therefore definite: Once it’s points as possible 2 [C] a weapon like a stick covered
down in black and white, you can't forget it. with leather, used to hit people
black ‘art n [U] (also the black arts [plural]) BLACK MAGIC black-leg /'blekleg/ n [C] BrE someone who continues
black-ball /‘blekbs:1 $ -bo:I/ v [T] to vote against to work when other workers are on STRIKE - used to show
someone, especially so that they cannot join a club or disapproval
social group black-list' /'blekirst/ v [T] to put a person, country,
‘black belt n [c] 1a high rank in sports such as JuDO product etc on a blacklist: Many people in the industry were
and KARATE 2 someone who has this rank: [+in] Sandy's a blacklisted for their communist sympathies.
black belt in judo. blacklist? n [c] a list of people, countries, products etc
black-ber-ry /‘blekbari $ -beri/ n (plural blackberries) that are disapproved of, and should therefore be avoided
[C] a small black or purple BerRY from a bush that has or punished: Friends of the Earth have produced a blacklist of
THORNs (=sharp points) — see picture at FRUIT! environmentally damaging products.
Black-Ber-ry /‘blekberi/ n [C] trademark a piece of black ‘magic n [U] magic that is believed to use the
WIRELESS (=using electronic signals not wires) electronic power of the Devil for evil purposes — white magic
equipment that you can hold in your hand. You can use it black-mail" /‘blekmeil/ n [U] 1 when someone tries to
as a PDA (=small computer that you use to store informa- get money from you or make you do what they want by
tion such as telephone numbers, addresses, and appoint- threatening to tell other people your secrets
ments), aS a MOBILE PHONE, to send and receive emails and 2 when someone tries to make you do what they want by
TEXTMESSAGES, and to look at the Internet. making threats or by making you feel guilty if you do not
black-bird /blekb3:d $ -b3:rd/ n [C] a common Euro- do it: She had already tried emotional blackmail (=tried to
pean and American bird, the male of which is completely make him feel guilty) to stop him leaving.
black blackmail? v [7] to use blackmail against someone: He
black-board /'blekbo:d $ -bo:rd/ n [C] a board with a was jailed for four years for blackmailing gay businessmen. |
dark smooth surface, used in schools for writing on with blackmail sb into (doing) sth / refuse to be blackmailed into
CHALK —+ whiteboard making a quick decision. FEEL Force —blackmailer
black ‘box n [C] informal a piece of equipment on an n {CJ
aircraft that records what happens on a flight and can be black ‘market n [c] the system by which people
used to discover the cause of accidents [SYN] flight illegally buy and sell foreign money, goods that are diffi-
recorder cult to obtain etc: [+in] There was a thriving black market
black ‘comedy n [c,U] a play, story etc that is funny, in foreign currency. |Many foods were only available on the
but also shows the unpleasant side of human life black market. |black market cigarettes + black economy
‘Black Country, the an industrial area in the West black market'eer n [c] someone who sells things on
Midlands of England the black market
lack-cur-rant /blek'karant< $ -'ks:r-/ n [C] a small ‘Black ‘Muslim n [c] a member of a group of black
blue-black BERRY that grows in bunches on a bush > see people who believe in the religion of Islam and want a
picture at FRUIT’ separate black society
Black ‘Death, the the illness that killed large numbers black-out /'blekavt/ n [C] 1a period of darkness
of people in Europe and Asia in the 14th century caused by a failure of the electricity supply power cut
—> BUBONIC PLAGUE, PLAGUE'(2) 2 a situation in which particular pieces of news or infor-
mation are not allowed to be reported: As the crisis
black e'conomy n [singular] business activity that
worsened, the authorities imposed a news blackout.
takes place secretly, especially in order to avoid tax
3 a period during a war when all the lights in a town or
—» black market
city must be turned off 4 if someone has a blackout, they
black-en /blekan/ v1 [1,7] to become black, or to make suddenly become unconscious
something black: The thunder became louder and the sky
black ‘pepper n [U] pepper made from crushed seeds
blackened. 2 blacken sb’s name/character/reputation to say
from which the dark outer covering has not been
unpleasant things about someone in order to make other
removed — white pepper
people have a bad opinion of them
black ‘pudding n [c,U] BrE a kind of thick dark SAUSAGE:
iblack ‘eye n [Cc] if you have a black eye, you have a dark made from animal blood and fat
area around your eye because you have been hit: Jack
looked like someone had given him a black eye. black ‘sheep n [C usually singular] someone who is
regarded by other members of their family or group as a
black-eyed ‘bean (also black-eyed 'pea) n [C] a small failure or embarrassment: Amy’s always been the black
white bean with a black spot on it , sheep of the family. /
black ‘gold n [vu] informal oil black-smith /‘bleksm10/ n [C] someone who makes
black-guard /‘blegard, -ad $ -ard, -a:rd/ n [C] old use a and repairs things made of iron, especially HORSESHOES
man who treats other people very badly [SYN] smith
(0 (2 GS = the most frequent words in written English blanch
black-spot /'blekspot $ -spa:t/ n [C] BrE a place or area
where there are more problems than usual: Arbroath is REGISTER
now the unemployment blackspot of northeast Scotland. | an In everyday English, people usually say something is
accident blackspot (=where there are a lot of road acci- someone's fault ,rather than saying they are to
dents) blame: He was to blame for the accident. + The
accident was his fault.
black-thorn /blekOs:n $ -Os:rn/ n [C] a European bush J

that has small white flowers 31 don't blame you/you can hardly blame him etc spoken
used to say that you think it was right or reasonable for
iblack-'tie adj a black-tie event is one at which people someone to do what they did: ‘She’s left her husband.’ ‘!
wear special formal clothes, such as TUXEDOs for men don’t blame her, after the way he treated her.’ | You can
— white-tie hardly blame him for not waiting.
black-top /blektop $ -tazp/ n AmE 1 [U] a thick black 4don't blame me spoken used when you are advising
sticky substance that becomes hard as it dries, used to someone not to do something but you think that they will
cover roads [SYN] tarmac BrE 2 the blacktop the surface of do it in spite of your advice: Buy it then, but don’t blame me
a road covered by this substance when it breaks down.
5 sb only has himself/herself to blame spoken used to say
iblack-water ‘yafting n [U] the activity of riding in an
that someone's problems are their own fault: If he fails his
INNER TUBE (=large rubber tube filled with air, like those
exams, he'll only have himself to blame.
inside a tyre) along a fast-flowing river that runs under
the ground through CAVEs
black ‘widow n [cla very poisonous type of sPiDER that blame v [T] to say or think that someone or
is black with red marks something is responsible for something bad that has
happened: Democrats have blamed Republicans for the
blad-der /bleda $ -ar/ n [C] 1 the organ in your body failure to reach an agreement. |For many years |
that holds uRINE (=waste liquid) until it is passed out of blamed myself for her death.
your body 2 a bag of skin, leather, or rubber, for example put/place/lay the blame on sb/sth to say who or
inside a football, that can be filled with air or liquid what you think is responsible for something bad that
—> GALL BLADDER has happened, often unfairly or wrongly: Don’t try to
blad-dered /bleded $ -ard/ adj [not before noun] BrE put the blame on me! | Farmers have laid the blame for
informal very drunk their problems entirely on EU policies.
say it's sb’s fault especially spoken to say that
blade By /bleid/ n [c] ' someone is responsible for something bad that has
1the flat cutting part of a tool or weapon — edge: [+of] happened: Are you saying it’s my fault that we lost the
The blade of the knife flashed in the moonlight. | a razor game?
blade hold sb responsible to say that someone is
2 the flat wide part of an object that pushes against air or responsible for something bad that has happened,
water: the blade of an oar because it was their duty to prevent it from
3 blade of grass a single thin flat piece of grass happening: He was held personally responsible for the
4the metal part on the bottom of an ICE-SKATE —> SHOUL- failure of the project.
DER BLADE y

blad-er /bletda ¢ -ar/ n [C] informal someone who blame? n [U] responsibility for a mistake or for some-
SKATES Or ROLLERBLADES thing bad: [+for] Do you accept any blame for what
happened? | | always get the blame (=am blamed) for his
blag /bleg/ v (blagged, blagging) [1,7] BrE informal to mistakes! | She stole the money but she’s trying to put the
obtain something you want by talking in a clever way: He blame on (=blame) me.
blagged his way in by saying he was a friend of the owner.
COLLOCATIONS
blag-ger /'blega $ -ar/ n [C] BrE informal someone who
gets something they want by lying to people in a clever
get the blame (=be blamed) Sam knew that if
way
something went wrong, he‘d get the blame.
blah’ /pbla:/ 11 blah, blah, blah spoken used when you do take/accept/shoulder the blame (=say that
not need to complete what you are saying because it is something is your fault) No one was prepared to take
boring or because the person you are talking to already the blame for the disaster.
knows it: You know how Michelle talks: ‘Tommy did this, and put/pin the blame on sb (a/so lay/place the blame
Jesse did that, blah, blah, blah.’ 2 [U] BrE spoken remarks or on sb written) (=blame someone, especially when it
statements that are boring and do not mean much: the is not their fault) Don’t try to put the blame on me.
usual blah about everyone working harder 3. the blahs [plu- shift the blame (onto sb) (=blame someone else for
ral] AmE informal a feeling of being sad and bored: a case something you did) She always tried to shift the blame
of the winter blahs onto her brother.
blah? adj AmE spoken informal 1 not having an interest- apportion/assign blame formal (=find someone to
ing taste, appearance, character etc: The chili was kind of blame for something) He seemed to want to apportion
blah. 2 slightly ill or unhappy: | feel really blah today. blame for her death.
the blame lies with sb (=used to say that someone
blame’ 2 £8 /bleim/ v [7] is responsible for something bad) In this case, the
1to say or think that someone or something is responsi- blame lay with the police.
ble for something bad: Don’t blame me - it’s not my fault. |
I’PHRASES ch ee a eee
| blame his mother. She does everything for him. | blame
sb/sth for sth Marie still blames herself for Patrick's death. | point the finger of blame at sb (=say that someone
The report blames poor safety standards for the accident. | is responsible for something bad) | couldn't believe it
The decision to increase interest rates was widely blamed when they started pointing the finger of blame at me.
(=blamed by many people) for the crisis. | blame sth on
blameless /blermlas/ adj not guilty of anything bad
sb/sth One of the computers is broken and she's blaming it
[SYN] innocent: The police are not always entirely blameless
on me. | The crash was blamed on pilot error.
(=are guilty of doing something bad) in these matters. |
2 sb/sth is to blame (for sth) used to say that someone or
She had led a blameless life. —blamelessly adv
something is responsible for something bad: Officials
believe that more than one person may be to blame for the blame-worthy /blermw3:di $ -3:r-/ adj deserving
fire. | partly/largely/entirely etc to blame Television is partly blame or disapproval: blameworthy conduct
to blame. blanch /blaintf $ blant{/ v 1 [T] to put vegetables, fruit,
blancmange GG = words from the Academic Word List

or nuts into boiling water for a short time: Blanch the blank ‘verse n [U] poetry that has a fixed RHYTHM but
peaches and remove the skins. 2 [1] literary to become pale does not RHYME — FREE VERSE
because you are frightened or shocked: Patrick visibly blare /blea $ bler/ (also blare out) v [1,7] to make a very
blanched. loud unpleasant noise: Horns blared in the street outside.
blanc-:mange /ble'monz, -'mond3 $ -ma:-/ n [C,U] BrE —blare n [singular]
a cold sweet food made from CoRNFLOUR, milk, and sugar blar-ney /bla:ni $ -a:r-/ n [U] informal pleasant but
[SYN| pudding AmE untrue things that you say to someone in order to trick or
bland /blend/ adj 1 without any excitement, strong persuade them
opinions, or special character [SYN]dull: a few bland ‘Blarney Stone, the a stone in the wall of Blarney
comments 2 food that is bland has very little taste Castle in the Republic of Ireland. People believe that, if
[SYN] tasteless: a bland diet TASTE —blandly you kiss it, it will bring you good luck and the ability to
adv —blandness n [U] persuade people to do what you want.
blan-dish-ments /‘blendijments/ n [plural] formal bla-s@ /bla:zer $ bla:'zer/ adj not worried or excited
pleasant things that you say in order to persuade or about things that most people think are important,
influence someone: How sensible she had been to resist his impressive etc: [+tabout] He’s very blasé about money now
blandishments. that he’s got that job.
blank? gy /blenk/ adj blas:pheme /bles'fizm/ v [1] to speak in a way that
1without any writing, print, or recorded sound: Leave the insults God or people's religious beliefs, or to use the
last page blank. |a blank cassette PRESALE EMPTY names of God and holy things when swearing
2a blank face or look shows no emotion, understanding, —blasphemer n [C]
or interest + blankly: blank face/look/expression/eyes Zoe
looked at me with a blank expression. | She gazed at him in blas-phe-my /'blesfimi/ n (plural blasphemies) [C,U]
blank astonishment. something you say or do that is insulting to God or
3 go blank a) if your mind goes blank, or if you go blank, people's religious beliefs —blasphemous adj: The book
you are suddenly unable to remember something: My has been widely condemned as blasphemous.
heart began to race and my mind went blank. b) to stop —blasphemously adv
showing any images, writing etc: Suddenly the screen went blast! /bla:st $ blest/ n [C]
blank, —blankness n [U] + BLANK VERSE 1f{QANE) a sudden strong movement of wind or air:
blank? n [c] 1an empty space on a piece of paper, [+of] A blast of cold air swept through the hut.
where you are supposed to write a word or letter: When 2 (2Q299 an explosion, or the very strong movement
you've filled in the blanks, hand the form back to me. of air that it causes: in the blast Thirty-six people died in the
2 my mind's a blank spoken used to say that you cannot blast. |bomb/shotgun/nuclear etc blast A bomb blast com-
remember something: I’m trying to think of his name, but pletely destroyed the building.
my mind’s a complete blank. 3 a CARTRIDGE (=container for 3(PhTsa a sudden very loud noise, especially one
a bullet in a gun) that contains an explosive but no bullet: made by a whistle or horn: [ton] The station master gave a
Soldiers fired blanks into the crowd. 4 be shooting/firing blast on his whistle and we were off. |long/short blast a long
blanks informal if a man is shooting blanks or firing blanks, trumpet blast
his SPERM is not able to make a woman PREGNANT — draw a 4 (at) full blast as powerfully or loudly as possible: | had
blank at DRAW'(32) the gas fire going full blast. |The radio was on at full blast.
5 {@y a blast informal an enjoyable and exciting experi-
blank? v1 (also blank out) [1] informal if you blank, or if
ence: The concert was a blast. | We had a blast at the fair.
your mind blanks, you are suddenly unable to remember
6sien) a sudden strong expression of a powerful
something: | just blanked in the oral exam. 2 [T] BrE infor-
emotion: [+of] She was totally unprepared for the blast of
mal to ignore someone who you would usually greet or
criticism she received.
speak to: Last time |saw Mike Adams he completely blanked
7 a blast from the past informal something from the past
me. that you remember, see, or hear again, and that reminds
blank sth <> out phr v 1 to cover something so that it
you of that time in your life: That's a blast from the past. No
cannot be seen: The actual names had been blanked out.
one has called me that for years.
2 to completely forget something, especially deliberately:
| tried to blank out everything he had said. blast? y
1 [T] to damage or destroy something, or to
blank ‘cheque BE, blank ‘check AmE n [C] 1 a cheque
injure or kill someone, using a gun or a bomb: blast sb with
that has been signed, but has not had the amount written
sth She blasted her husband with a shotgun because he was
on it 2 give sb a blank cheque Br, give sb a blank check AmE
having an ane | The first shot missed and blasted a hole in
to give someone permission to do whatever they think is
the far wall. | The plane was blasted out of the sky by a
necessary in a particular situation
terrorist bomb.
blan-ket? /blenkit/ n 1[C] a cover for a bed, usually 2 Geass «([,T] to break something into
made of wool — duvet 2 [singular] a thick covering or area pieces using explosives, especially in order to build
of something: [+of] The hills were covered with a blanket of something such as a road: blast sth through sth A 7.5 km
snow. | blanket of fog/cloud 3 [singular] something that tunnel was blasted through the mountain. | blast sth out of
makes it hard for you to find information or the truth sth The road will have to be blasted out of solid rock. |
about something [SYN] cloak: [+of] The trial was held under [+through] Railway workers had blasted through the moun-
a blanket of secrecy. — electric blanket at ELECTRIC(1), + WET tains 90 years before.
BLANKET, SECURITY BLANKET 3 TPN (also blast out) [1,7] to produce a lot of loud
blanket? y [7 usually passive] to cover something with a noise, especially music: He was woken by the radio alarm
thick layer: be blanketed in/with sth The rooftops were clock blasting out rock music. |[+from] Dance music blasted
blanketed in snow. from the stereo.
blanket? adj [only before noun] blanket statement/rule/
4@iitara4 [T] to criticize someone or something very
ban etc a statement, rule etc that affects everyone or strongly - used especially in news reports: blast sb for’
includes all possible cases: the proposed blanket ban on (doing) sth Union leaders blasted the government for failing
tobacco advertising |a blanket strategy to tackle the jobs crisis.
5 SVL ([T] to hit or kick a ball very hard: With
blank-e-ty-blank /blenksti ‘blenk/ adj [only before six minutes remaining, he blasted the ball through the Col-
noun] AmE spoken used to show annoyance when you eraine defences for his 19th goal of the season.
want to avoid swearing: The blankety-blank key is stuck! 6 La [1,7] if air or water is blasted somewhere, or
blanlely /blankli7 adv in a way that shows no emotion, if it blasts somewhere, it moves there with great force:
understanding, or interest: Anna stared blankly at the wall. The wind ripped through the trees and blasted a curtain of
EX4 = words from the Academic Word List 161 bleep
rain up the meadow. | Icy winds and driving snow blasted a blazing August afternoon 2 full of strong emotions, espe-
through the pine trees. cially anger: He jumped to his feet in a blazing fury. |blazing
782059 [7] Ame informal to beat another team very row (=very angry argument)
easily: The Seahawks were blasted 35-14 by the Broncos. bla:zon /'‘blerzan/ v [T] be blazoned across/on/over sth
blast off phr v if a spacecraft blasts off, it leaves the to be written or shown on something in a very noticeable
ground — BLAST-OFF way
blast? (also blast her/it etc) interjection used when you bleach" /bii:t{/ n [U] a chemical used to make things
are very annoyed about something: Oh blast! I've forgotten pale or white, or to kill GERMs
my key. bleach? v [T] to make something pale or white, espe-
blas-ted /bla:stid $ ‘bles-/ adj Lonly before noun] spoken cially by using chemicals or the sun: She bleached her hair —
informal used to express annoyance: | wish that blasted blonde. | The wood had been bleached by the sun. ‘
baby would stop crying! bleach-ers /bli:t{az $ -arz/ n [plural] especially AmE long
‘blast furnace n [c] a large industrial structure in wooden BENCHes arranged in rows, where you sit to watch
which iron is separated from the rock that surrounds it sport
‘blast-off n [U] the moment when a spacecraft leaves bleak /bli:k/ adj 1 without anything to make you feel
the ground: Ten seconds to blast-off. + blast off at BLAST? happy or hopeful: a bleak future/prospect The company still
bla-tant /blettant/ adj something bad that is blatant is hopes to find a buyer, but the future looks bleak. 2 cold and
very clear and easy to see, but the person responsible for without any pleasant or comfortable features: a bleak
it does not seem embarrassed or ashamed: blatant January afternoon | The landscape was bleak. —bleakly adv
discrimination FLES I> osvious —blatantly adv —bleakness n [U]
blath-er /bledea $ -ar/ v [1] to talk for a long time about blear-y /‘bizari $ 'blari/ (also bleary-'eyed) adj unable to
unimportant things —blather n [C,U] see very clearly, because you are tired or have been
blax-ploi-ta-tion /plzksplorterfan/ n [U] a type of crying: Steve emerged from his room, unshaven and bleary-
American film made in the 1970s, in which the main eyed. —blearily adv —bleariness n [U]
characters are black: blaxploitation films such as Shaft bleat /bli:t/ v [1] 1 to make the sound that a sheep or
blaze! /bleiz/ n goat makes 2 informal to complain in a silly or annoying
1G a) [C usually singular] a big dangerous fire - used way: ‘But I've only just got here,’ bleated Simon. —bleat n
especially in news reports — ablaze: It took almost 100 [C]
firemen to bring the blaze under control. | fight/tackle/ bleed /bliid/ v (past tense and past participle bled
control a blaze Helicopters were used to help fight the blaze. | /bled/)
house/factory/barn etc blaze a huge chemical factory blaze 1—{%%p) a) [i] to lose blood, especially because of an
b) [singular] a fire burning with strong bright flames: | lit injury: Your nose is bleeding. | Tragically, she bled to death. |
the fire and soon had a cheerful blaze going. LIEN bleed profusely/heavily (=bleed a lot) Mrs Burke was found
FIRE unconscious and bleeding profusely. b)[T] to take some
2M [singular] very bright light or colour blood from someone's body, done in the past in order to
—» ablaze: [+of] the blaze of light from the security lamps | treat a disease: When he fell sick several days later, he had a
The garden is a blaze of colour at this time of year. doctor bleed him.
3 blaze of publicity/glory a lot of public attention or suc- 2 {S79 [7] to force someone to pay an unreasonable
cess and praise: As soon as the trial was over, the blaze of amount of money over a period of time: His ex-wife clearly
publicity surrounding him vanished. |She played the Canada intends to bleed him for every last penny. |bleed sb dry/white
tournament, then retired, going out in a blaze of glory (=end- (take all their money, possessions etc) The ten-year war
ing her career with a lot of success and praise). has bled the country dry.
4 [singular] a sudden show of very strong emotion: A blaze 3 QAP) [T] to remove air or liquid from a system in
of anger flashed across his face. order to make it work properly, for example from a
5 what the blazes/who the blazes etc old-fashioned spoken heating system: We need to bleed the radiators.
used to emphasize a question when you are annoyed: 4 GIT [1] to spread from one area of cloth or paper to
What the blazes is going on here? another run: Wash it in cold water so the colours don’t
6 like blazes old-fashioned spoken as fast, as much, or as bleed.
strongly as possible: We had to run like blazes. 5 bleed red ink informal if a company or business bleeds
7[C usually singular] a white mark, especially one down red ink, it loses a lot of money, rather than making
the front of a horse’s face money: Analysts predict the retailer will continue to bleed
blaze? y [1] red ink, with losses topping $180 million. + my heart bleeds
1f™la4 to burn very brightly and strongly — blazing: The (for sb) at HEART(38)
room was warm, with a fire blazing in the hearth. bleed-er /bli:da $ -er/ n [C] BrE spoken not polite a very
EEE Burn offensive word for a person, especially a man that you
2 fai to shine with a very bright light: A huge truck was dislike
advancing towards us, its headlights blazing. |The sun blazed
bleed-ing" /'blizdtn/ n [U] the condition of losing blood
down as we walked along the valley. DREINTI> SHINE
from your body — haemorrhage: Use pressure to control the
3 Gs [usually in progressive] literary if someone's eyes are
bleeding. | The bleeding had almost stopped. | He died of
blazing, their eyes are shining brightly because they are
internal bleeding. |severe/heavy bleeding (=when someone
feeling a very strong emotion, usually anger: [+with]
is losing a lot of blood)
Linda leapt to her feet, her dark eyes blazing with anger.
4{aJ (also blaze away) if guns blaze, they fire bullets bleeding? adj [only before noun] BrE spoken not polite an
quickly and continuously: An enemy plane roared overhead, offensive way of emphasizing something when you are
its guns blazing. angry: Get your bleeding hands off my car!
5 blaze a trail to develop or do something new and impor- bleeding ‘heart (also bleeding heart '‘liberal) n [C]
tant, or to do something important that no one has done informal someone who feels sympathy for poor people or
before: an innovative young company that has blazed a trail criminals, in a way that you think is not practical or
for others to follow helpful
6be blazed across/all over sth if something is blazed bleep!’ /blizp/ n [C] 1a short high sound made by a
across a newspaper etc, it is written in a way that every- piece of electronic equipment 2 a bleeper
one will notice: News of their divorce was blazed across all bleep? v1 [1] to make a high electronic sound: The timer
the tabloids. on the cooker started to bleep. 2 [T] BrE to let someone
blaz-er /‘bletza $ -ar/ n[Cla jacket, sometimes with the know, through their bleeper, that you want them to tele-
special sign of a school, club etc on it phone you [SYN] beep AmE 3 [T] (also bleep out) to pre-
blaz-ing /‘bleizin/ adj [only before noun] 1 extremely hot: vent an offensive word being heard on television or the
 Si] &) & = the most frequent words in spoken English

radio by making a high electronic sound: All the swear help from God, or words spoken to ask for this: The priest
words had been bleeped out. gave the blessing.
bleep-er /'blizpa $ -ar/ n [C] BrE a small machine that bleth-er /'bleda $ -ar/ v [I] to talk about things that are
you carry with you, that makes short high electronic not important - used especially in Scotland —blether n
sounds to tell you that you must telephone someone {C,U]
[SYN|pager, beeper AmE blew /blu:/ the past tense of sLow
~ ) blem-ish" /blemy/ n [c] a small mark, especially a blight" /blait/ 11 [singular, U] an unhealthy condition of
mark on someone's skin or on the surface of an object, plants in which parts of them dry up and die
that spoils its appearance 2 [singular] something that makes people unhappy or that
- blemish? v [7 often passive] to spoil the beauty or spoils their lives or the environment they live in: [ton]
"appearance of something, so that it is not perfect Her guilty secret was a blight on her happiness. |the blight of
— unblemished —blemished adj poverty
blend" /blend/ v1 [I,T] to combine different things in a blight? v [7] to spoil or damage something, especially
way that produces an effective or pleasant result, or to by preventing people from doing what they want to do: a
become combined in this way: a story that blends fact and disease which, though not fatal, can blight the lives of its
legend | [+with/together] Leave the sauce to allow the victims | a country blighted by poverty —blighted adj;
flavours to blend together. 2 [T] to thoroughly mix together blighted hopes
soft or liquid substances to form a single smooth sub-
blight-er /blatta $ -ar/ n [C] Br old-fashioned informal
stance: Blend the sugar, eggs, and flour. PLES mix
1 used to talk about someone that you feel sorry for or
3 [T usually passive] to produce tea, tobacco, WHISKY etc by
JEALOUS of: Poor old blighter. | You lucky blighter! 2 a bad or
mixing several different types together
unpleasant person
blend in phr v if someone or something blends in with
people or objects, they match them or are similar, and Bligh-ty /blatti/ BrE old use a name for Britain which
you do not notice them: [+with] The old house blends in was used especially by British soldiers and other British
perfectly with the countryside. people working abroad for the British Empire during the
blemd? n [c] 1 a product such as tea, tobacco, or WHISKY 19th and early 20th centuries. It is now sometimes used
that is a mixture of several different types 2 a mixture of humorously.
different things that combine together well: an excellent bli-mey /blarmi/ interjection BrE spoken informal used to
team, with a nice bfend of experience and youthful express surprise: Blimey, look at that!
enthusiasm SiGe > MIXTURE blimp /blump/ n [C] 1a small airsHip (=type of aircraft
blended ‘family n [c] a family in which one or both without wings) 2 AmE spoken not polite an offensive word
parents have children from previous marriages living with for a very fat person
the family Blimp (also Colonel 'Blimp) n [C] BrE someone, espe-
blend-er /blenda $ -ar/ n [C] an electric machine that cially an old man, with old-fashioned political ideas -
you use to mix liquids and soft foods together used to show disapproval —Blimpish adj
SYN|liquidizer BrE
blind" 5 (A /blatnd/ adj
bless £¥] /bles/ v [T] 1 a) unable to see — colour-blind, visually
1bless you! spoken a) what you say when someone impaired, handicapped: a schoo! for blind children |the needs
SNEEZES b) used to thank someone for doing something of blind people | totally/completely/almost/partially blind
for you She’s almost blind in her right eye. | He was slowly going
2 bless (him/her etc) spoken used to show that you are blind (=becoming blind). | Beverley was born blind. b) the
fond of someone, amused by them, or pleased by some- blind [plural] people who are unable to see: talking books
thing they have done: He’s always willing to help. Bless for the blind ¢) as blind as a bat unable to see well - used
him! | Jess made this card for me.’ ‘Bless!’ humorously: I’m as blind as a bat without my glasses.
3 be blessed with sth to have a special ability, good quality d) blind with tears/rage/pain etc unable to see because of
etc: We're both blessed with good health. tears, pain, or a strong emotion — blindly: She screamed at
4if God blesses someone or something, he helps and him, her eyes blind with tears.
protects them: May God bless you. 2 be blind to sth to completely fail to notice or realize
5to ask God to protect someone or something: The something — blindly: International companies are all too
couple later had their marriage blessed in their local parish often blind to local needs. |He was totally blind to the faults
church. of his children.
6 to make something holy: Then the priest blesses the bread 3 turna blind eye (to sth) to deliberately ignore something
and wine. that you know should not be happening: Teachers were
7 bless my soul/I'll be blessed! o/d-fashioned spoken used to turning a blind eye to smoking in school.
express surprise 4 not take/pay a blind bit of notice BrE informal to com-
bless-ed /'‘blessd/ adj1 [only before noun] spoken used to pletely ignore what someone does or says, especially in a
express annoyance: Now where have | put that blessed way that is annoying: He never pays a blind bit of notice to
book? 2 [only before noun] very enjoyable or desirable: a what his staff tell him.
few moments of blessed silence 3 holy: the Blessed Virgin 5 not make a blind bit of difference BrE informal used to
—blessedly adv —blessedness n [U] emphasize that whatever someone says or does will not
bless-ing /'blesin/ n 1 [C] something that you have or change the situation at all: Try and talk to her ifyou want,
something that happens which is good because it but | don’t think it'll make a blind bit of difference.
improves your life, helps you in some way, or makes you 6 GAULT) a) blind faith/prejudice/obedience etc strong
happy: The dishwasher has been a real blessing! | it is a feelings that someone has without thinking about why
blessing (that) /t’s a blessing no one was badly hurt. they have them - used to show disapproval: Blind faith
2 [U] someone's approval or encouragement for a plan, sent thousands of people to a pointless war. | a story about
activity, idea etc: with sb's blessing They were determined to blind loyalty b) blind panic/rage strong feelings of fear or
marry, with or without their parents’ blessing. | The Defense anger that you cannot control: ln a moment of blind panic,
Department has given its blessing to the scheme. 3 a mixed she had pulled the trigger and shot the man dead. |Blind rage
blessing a situation that has both good and bad parts: took hold of him.
Having children so early in their marriage was a mixed 7 (20) blind bend/corner a corner in a road that you
blessing. 4 a blessing in disguise something that seems to cannot see beyond when you are driving
be bad or unlucky at first, but which you later realize is 8 the blind leading the blind used to say that people who do
good or lucky 5 count your blessings used to tell someone not know much about what they are doing are guiding or
to remember how lucky they are, especially when they advising others who know nothing at all
are complaining about something 6 [C,U] protection and 9 blind flying is when you use only instruments
{0 (2 OS = the most frequent words in written English 163 blissed-out
to fly an aircraft because you cannot see through cloud, very easy for you to do something because you have
mist etc —blindness n done it so often
blind? v [1] 1 to make it difficult for someone to see for blind-ing /'blaindin/ adj 1 [usually before noun] so bright
a short time: For a moment, | was blinded by the glare of or strong that you cannot see properly: blinding flash/
headlights coming towards me. | The dust choked and light/glare etc the desert with its strange twisted plants and
blinded him. | Blinded by tears, | walked towards the door. its blinding light | blinding rain/snow/heat etc | struggled
2 to make someone lose their good sense or judgment back to the hut through blinding rain. GEESNTT> sricht
and be unable to see the truth about something: He 2 blinding headache a very bad HEADACHE 3 blinding —
should have known better, but he was blinded by his own realization/clarity/revelation etc a sudden realization, clear —
wants. | blind sb to sth Children’s bad behaviour should not understanding, or new idea about something: /t was then —
blind us to their need for love. |His single-minded determina- that she realised, with blinding clarity, that she loved him. | —
tion to win the war is blinding him to other dangers. 3 to per- Suddenly, | had a blinding flash of inspiration. 4 BrE spoken
manently destroy someone's ability to see: He had been informal very good and enjoyable: It’s a blinding album.
blinded in an explosion. 4 blind sb with science to confuse or blind-ing-ly /blaindinli/ adv very or extremely: It was
trick someone by using complicated language — effing blindingly obvious that Max wasn't interested.
and blinding at EFF(1) blind-ly /blatndli/ adv 1 not thinking about something
or trying to understand it: Don’t just blindly accept what
you are told. 2 not seeing or noticing what is around you,
especially because you are upset: ‘| don’t know,’ she
repeated as she stared blindly down into her glass. | | ran
blindly upstairs.
iblind man's ‘buff n [U] a children’s game in which
one player whose eyes are covered tries to catch the
others
blind-side /blatndsard/ v [T] AmE informal 1 to hit the
side of a vehicle with your vehicle in an accident: Their car
was blindsided by a bus at the intersection. 2 to give some-
one an unpleasant surprise: | was blindsided by his sugges-
tion.
‘blind spot n [c] 1 something that you are unable or
unwilling to understand: | have a blind spot where comput-
ers are concerned. 2 the part of the road that you cannot
see when you are driving a car 3 the point in your eye
where the nerve enters, which is not sensitive to light
bling /bl1n/ (also bling bling /bltn 'blin/) n [UJ informal
expensive objects such as JEWELLERY that are worn in a
way that is very easy to notice
blink" /bitnk/ v 1[1,7] to shut and open your eyes
quickly: | blinked as | came out into the sunlight. 2 [I] if
lights blink, they shine unsteadily or go on and off quickly:
The light on your answering machine is blinking. 3 not (even)
blink to not seem at all surprised: When | told her how
blind? n1 (also (window) shade AmE) [C] a covering,
much it would cost, she didn't even blink. 4 before you could
especially one made of cloth, that can be rolled up and blink spoken extremely quickly 5 blink back/away tears to
down to cover a window inside a building: The blinds were shut and open your eyes in order to get rid of tears: Lynn
drawn (=pulled down) to protect the new furniture from the laughed, blinking back unexpected tears.
sun. | open/pull down/draw the blinds —> ROLLER BLIND,
VENETIAN BLIND 2 [C] AmE a small shelter where you can blink? n 1 on the blink spoken not working properly: My
watch birds or animals without being seen by them computer's on the blink again. 2 in the blink of an eye very
[SYN] hide BrE 3 [singular] a trick or excuse to stop some- quickly 3 [C] the action of quickly shutting and opening
one from discovering the truth your eyes
blind* adv blind drunk BrE informal extremely drunk blink-ered /bitnked $ -ard/ adj1having a limited view
—+ rob sb blind at RoB?, > swear blind at SwEAR? of a subject, or refusing to accept or consider different
ideas |SYN| narrow-minded: a blinkered attitude/approach a
blind ‘alley n [(c] 1a small narrow street with no way blinkered attitude to other cultures 2 a horse that is blink-
out at one end 2 a way of doing something that seems as ered is wearing blinkers
if it will have a successful result, but which in fact does
not: False information has led the police up a series of blind
blink-ers /bitnkez $ -arz/ n [plural] 1 BrE pieces of
alleys. leather that are put beside a horse's eyes to stop it from
seeing objects on either side [SYN] blinders AmE 2) AmE
blind ‘date n [Cc] an arranged meeting between a man informal the small lights on a car that you flash on and off
and woman who have not met each other before: Would to show which way you are turning [SYN] indicators
you ever go on a blind date?
blink-ing /'‘blinkin/ adj [only before noun] BrE informal
blind-er /blatnda $ -er/ 1 [singular] BrE informal an used to show that you are annoyed: Turn that blinking
excellent performance, especially in sport: He played an music down!
absolute blinder! 2 blinders [plural] AmE pieces of leather blip /bitp/ n [C] 1a short high electronic sound, or a
that are put beside a horse's eyes to stop it from seeing
flashing light on the screen of a piece of electronic
objects on either side [SYN] blinkers BrE equipment: blips on a radar screen 2 a short pause or
blind-fold" /blatndfauld $ -fould/ n [C] a piece of cloth change in a process or activity, especially when the
that covers someone's eyes to prevent them from seeing situation gets worse for a while before it improves again:
anything A government spokesman described the rise in inflation as a
blindfold? v [1] to cover someone's eyes with a piece temporary blip.
of cloth: Blindfold the prisoner! bliss /bits/ n [U] perfect happiness or enjoyment:
blindfold? BrE (also blind-fold-ed /‘blaindfauldid domestic/wedded/marital bliss six months of wedded bliss |
$ -fould-/) adv 1 with your eyes covered by a piece of | didn’t have to get up till 11 - it was sheer bliss.
cloth 2 can do sth blindfold informal used to say that it is blissed-out /pblist 'avt/ adj BrE informal extremely
 blissful 164 EX = words from the Academic Word List

happy and relaxed, especially as a result of using illegal

drugs: blissed-out partygoers —bliss out v [1]
bliss-ful /'blisfal/ adj 1 extremely happy or enjoyable:
blissful sunny days REESE Happy 2 blissful ignorance a
situation in which you do not yet know about something
unpleasant —blissfully adv: Jean seems blissfully happy. |
blissfully unaware of the impending danger
B-list /’bi: Itst/ adj [only before noun] among the group of
film stars, musicians etc who are fairly famous or popular, breeze-block BrE/ 8

but are not the most popular or famous — A-list: B-list cinder block AmE
building blocks
celebrities
blis-ter? /'bltsta $ -ar/ n [C] 1a swelling on your skin
containing clear liquid, caused, for example, by a burn or
continuous rubbing: New shoes always give me blisters.
2 a swelling on the surface of metal, rubber, painted
wood etc
blister? v [J,T] to develop blisters, or make blisters
form: The paint will blister in the heat. —blistered adj: My
hands were blistered from all the digging. a block of ice
blis-ter-ing /'bistarin/ adj + 1extremely _ hot \
[SYN|blazing: the blistering heat of the desert 2 blister- 44th Street, a few blocks east of Sixth Avenue. |The church is
ing attack/criticism etc very critical remarks expressing down the block. b) the four city streets that form a square
anger and disapproval: a blistering attack on her boss around an area of buildings: Let’s walk round the block. |
3 used to describe actions in sport that are very fast or She grew up playing with the other kids on the block. ¢) AusE
forceful: Hamilton set a blistering pace. —blisteringly adv: a a large piece of land: a ten-acre block near the city
blisteringly hot day 3 MST a large building divided into separate
‘blister pack n [Cc] a package that is made from hard parts: [+of] a block of flats | an office block |an apartment
clear plastic. It fits closely round the object inside it, and block |the school science block
can hang on a hook. Blister packs are used so that 4CULb eas a quantity of things of the same
customers in shops can see the things that are for sale kind, considered as a single unit: [+of] New employees
without being able to touch them. receive a block of shares in the firm. |Set aside blocks of time
blithe /bla16 $ blar6, bla1@/ adj 1seeming not to care or for doing your homework.
worry about the effects of what you do: a blithe disregard 5 block booking/voting an arrangement that is made for a
for the facts 2 literary happy and having no worries whole group to buy something or to vote together
—blithely adv: He seems blithely unaware of how much 6 DEEMAP er [usually singular] the temporary loss
anger he’s caused. of your normal ability to think, learn, write etc: | have a
mental block whenever | try to remember my password. |
blith-er-ing /'bltdarmn/ adj blithering idiot spoken some- After his second novel, Garland had writer's block (=he could
one who has done something very stupid not write anything).
blitz /blitts/ n [C usually singular] 1a sudden military 7 ELAN [usually singular] something that
attack, especially from the air: the Blitz (=the bombing of prevents movement or progress: [+to] a major block to
British cities by German aircraft in 1940 and 1941) progress + ROADBLOCK, STUMBLING BLOCK
2 informal a period of great effort in order to deal with 8 (Sa the block in the past, a solid block of wood
something quickly and completely: [+on] We'll have to on which someone's head was cut off as a punishment
have a blitz on the house before your parents arrive. 3 a big 9 put your head/neck on the block to risk destroying other
effort to make people notice something or buy some- people's opinion of you or losing your job by doing or
thing: a media/marketing/advertising etc blitz The cam- saying something: I’m not prepared to put my head on the
paign was launched with a nationwide publicity blitz. —blitz block for him.
v [T]: News came that Rotterdam had been blitzed. 10 GI a movement in sport that stops an opponent
bliz-zard /‘blizad $ -ard/ n [C] 1a severe snowstorm: going forward or playing the ball forward
We got stuck in a blizzard. STORM 2 a Sudden 118409 go on the block to be sold, especially at an AUC-
large amount of something unpleasant or annoying that TION: $500 million worth of art will go on the block, ++ BLOCK
you must deal with — flood: [+of] a blizzard of emails CAPITALS, TOWER BLOCK, — be a chip off the old block at
bloat-ed /blautd $ 'blou-/ adj1 full of liquid, gas, food CHIP"(7), — I'll knock your block off at KNOCK'(24)
etc, so that you look or feel much larger than normal: a block? gq v [7]
red bloated face || feel really bloated after that meal. 2 if you 1 (also block up) to prevent anything moving through a
describe an organization as bloated, you mean that it is space by being or placing something across it or in it: A
too big and does not work effectively: the bloated state fallen tree is blocking the road. | The sink’s blocked up.
bureaucracy 2 block sb's way/path/exit/escape etc to stand in front of
bloa:ter /blavta $ 'bloutar/ n [C] a smoked fish someone, so that they cannot go past: | tried to get
blob /blob $ blarb/ n[C]1a very small round mass of a through, but there were people blocking my way.
liquid or sticky substance: [+of] a blob of honey 2 some- 3 to stop something happening, developing, or succeed-
thing that cannot be clearly seen, especially because it is ing: The Senate blocked publication of the report. | laws
far away: Without a telescope, the comet will look like a designed to block imports of cheap tobacco
fuzzy blob. 4 block sb’s view to be in front of someone, so that they
cannot see something: The huge building across the street
bloc /blok $ blak/ n [C usually singular] a large group of blocked our view of the sea.
people or countries with the same political aims, working 5 (also block out) to stop light reaching a place: Can you
together: the former Soviet bloc + EN BLOC move? You're blocking my light.
block’ gy [1 /bipk $ bla:k/ n [Cc] 6 to stop a ball, a blow etc from getting to where your
1 SENG a piece of hard material such as wood opponent wants it to: a shot blocked by the goalkeeper
or stone with straight sides —+ BREEZE-BLOCK, BUILDING block sb/sth <> in phr v
BLOCK, CINDER BLOCK: [+of] a block of ice | a wall made of 1to park your car too close to another car, so that the
concrete blocks PIECE — see picture at PIECE’ other one cannot drive away
2 GESZT a) Ame the distance along a city street 2 to paint or draw simple shapes or areas of colour: I'll just
from where one street crosses it to the next: Head for block in the main buildings.
EX = words from the Academic Word List 165 blood-and-thunder
block sth«> off phr v to completely close something such 7 blood is thicker than water used to say that family rela-
as a road or an opening: Police blocked off the city centre tionships are more important than any other kind
streets. | The fireplace had been blocked off. 8 be after sb's blood to be angry enough to want to hurt
block sth<> out someone
1to stop light reaching a place: There was a heavy curtain 9 sb's blood is up BrE someone is extremely angry about
blocking out the light. something and determined to do something about it:
2to stop yourself thinking about something or remem- They tried to stop me, but my blood was up.
bering it: a memory so terrible that she tried to block it out 10 the family to which you belong from the time that you
block-ade' /blo'kerd $ bla:-/ n [C] 1 [usually singular] are born: There's Irish blood on his mother’s side.
the surrounding of an area by soldiers or ships to stop 11 be/run in sb’s blood if an ability or tendency is in, or runs
people or supplies entering or leaving: a naval blockade | in, someone's blood, it is natural to them and others in
They've imposed an economic blockade on the country. | an their family
agreement to lift the blockade (=end it) 2 something that is 12 sweat blood to work extremely hard to achieve some-
used to stop vehicles or people entering or leaving a thing: Beth sweated blood over that article.
place: Angry farmers used tractors as blockades on the 13 blood, sweat, and tears extremely hard work
streets. 14 new/fresh blood new members in a group or organiza-
blockade? vy [7] to put a place under a blockade: The tion who bring new ideas and energy: We need to bring in
ships blockaded the port. some new blood and fresh ideas.
block-age /'blokidz $ 'bla:-/ n 1 [C] something that is 15 blood on the carpet a situation where people have a very
stopping movement in a narrow place: a blockage in the strong disagreement, with the result that something seri-
pipe 2 [U] the state of being blocked or prevented ous happens, such as someone losing his or her job
16 young blood old-fashioned a fashionable young man
block and ‘tackle n [C usually singular] a piece of 17 especially AmE spoken a way of greeting a friend, used
equipment with wheels and ropes, used for lifting heavy
by young men — bad blood at BAD'(27), > BLUE-BLOODED,
things
RED BLOOD CELL, WHITE BLOOD CELL, — your own flesh and
block-bust-er /‘blok,basta $ ‘bla:k,bastar/ n [C] informal blood at FLESH'(6), + shed blood at SHED(5)
a book or film that is very good or successful: the latest
Hollywood blockbuster (IEE E> movie —blockbusting
adj
block ‘capitals n [plural] letters in their large form, lose blood (=from a cut or wound) He had lost a lot
such as A, B, C, rather than a, b, c [SYN] capital letters: of blood and was very weak.
Complete the form in block capitals. give/donate blood (=provide blood from your body
block-head /'blokhed ¢$ 'bla:k-/ n [C] old-fashioned for the medical treatment of other people) The
informal a very stupid person Health Service is asking for more people to donate
block-house /'blokhaus $ ‘bla:k-/ n [C] a small strong blood.
building used as a shelter from enemy guns draw blood (=make someone bleed) He touched me
block ‘letters n [plural] block capitals with the knife and it drew blood.
blood flows A quick walk will get the blood in your legs
‘block party n [Cc] AmE a party held in the street for all flowing again.
the people living in the area blood trickles (=moves slowly) The blood was
blog /blog $ bla:g/ n [C] a web page containing infor- beginning to trickle down his leg.
mation or opinions from a particular person or about a blood oozes (=comes out slowly) Blood was oozing
particular subject, to which new information is added from her forehead.
regularly [SYN] web log —blog v [|] —blogger n [C] be covered in blood His face was covered in blood.
blog-o-sphere /'blogasfta $ -'bla:gasfir/ n [C] informal blood gushes/streams (=moves fast) | be caked
personal websites and weslocs, considered as a group with blood (=covered with dry blood) |be
blog:zine /blogzi:n $ 'bla:g-/ n [C] a magazine on the spattered/splattered with blood (=covered with
Internet that is like a BLOG small spots of blood)
bloke gy /blauk $ blouk/ n [C] BrE informal a man: He's _ blood + NOU
a nice bloke. blood pressure (=the force with which blood moves
blok-ish, blokeish /‘blaukr{ $ 'blou-/ adj BrE informal if through your body) High blood pressure increases the
you do blokish things, you behave in a traditionally male risk of a heart attack.
way: playing football, fixing the car, and other blokish activi- sb's blood type/group (=one of the different types
ties of human blood) What blood type are you?
blond /blond $ bla:nd/ adj1 another spelling of BLONDE a blood cell The red blood cells carry oxygen.
2 aman who is blond has pale or yellow hair a blood vessel (=a tube in your body through which
blood flows) |a blood clot (=a mass formed when
blonde? gy /blond $ bla:nd/ adj blood dries or sticks together) |the blood supply
1blonde hair is pale or yellow in colour
(=the blood that flows to a part of the body) |
2a woman who is blonde has pale or yellow hair
a blood test (=a test done on your blood to see if
blonde? n [C] informal a woman with pale or yellow- you have a disease or another condition) |a blood
coloured hair — brunette: a beautiful blonde sample (=a small amount of blood taken from your
blood" gy fy /biad/ n [u] body to test) |a blood transfusion (=putting more
1the red liquid that your heart pumps around your body: blood in someone's body for medical reasons)
Her body was found in a pool! of blood. | Blood oozed from a
EcPHRASES# 2 ae Pier eugene
cut on his forehead. | Blood tests proved he was not the
father. a drop of blood Police found tiny drops of blood in the
2 (have) sb's blood on your hands to have caused some- apartment.
one’s death: dictators with blood on their hands loss of blood She suffered a massive loss of blood.
3in cold blood in a cruel and deliberate way: Evans had a pool of blood |a trickle of blood
been murdered in cold blood. blood? v [T] BrE to give someone their first experience
4 make sb's blood boil to make someone extremely angry:
of an activity, especially a difficult or unpleasant one
The way they treat people makes my blood boil.
5make sb’s blood run cold to make someone feel iblood-and-'guts adj [only before noun] full of action or
extremely frightened violence: a blood-and-guts struggle between the two teams
6 like getting blood out of a stone almost impossible: Get- \blood-and-'thunder adj [only before noun] BrE full of
ting the truth out of her is like getting blood out of a stone. exciting and violent action or emotion
blood bank 166 Si &) & = the most frequent words in spoken English

‘blood bank n [(C] a store of human blood to be used in blood-thirstey /‘blad@z:sti $ -3:r-/ adj 1 eager to kill
hospital treatment and wound, or enjoying killing and violence: a bloodthirsty
blood-bath /bladba:0 $ -be@/ n [singular] the violent crowd GEA VIOLENT 2 describing or showing
killing of many people at one time [SYN] massacre violence [syn] violent: The film was too bloodthirsty for me.
blood ‘brother n [C] a man who promises loyalty to ‘blood trans fusion n [C,U] the process of putting
‘another, often ina ceremony in which the men’s blood is blood into someone's body as a medical treatment
mixed together ‘blood type n [C] especially AmE one of the classes into
‘blood count n [C] 1a medical examination of some- which human blood can be separated, including A, B, AB,
one's blood to see if it contains the right substances in and O [syn] blood group BrE
the right amounts 2 the number of cells in someone's ‘blood vessel n [C] one of the tubes through which
blood: Her blood count is very low. blood flows in your body — artery, vein
blood-cur-dling /‘bladka:ditn $ -3:r-/ adj extremely blood:y! /bladi/ adj, adv spoken especially BrE 1 used to
frightening: a bloodcurdling scream emphasize what you are saying, in a slightly rude way: It’s
‘blood donor n [C] someone who gives their blood to bloody cold out there! | That’s a bloody good idea. | Bloody
be used in the medical treatment of other people hell! 2. bloody well used to emphasize an angry statement
blood:fest /’bladfest/ n [C] informal something such as or order: It serves you bloody well right.
a film or video game that involves a lot of killing with bloody? adj1 covered in blood, or bleeding 2 with a lot
weapons [SYN] gorefest of killing and injuries: a bloody battle GIEQAT> VIOLENT
‘blood feud n [C] a quarrel between people or families 3 scream/yell bloody murder AmE informal to protest in a
that lasts for many years, in which each side murders or loud very angry way: She was furious, screaming bloody
injures members of the other side murder at the manager! 4 bloody/bloodied but unbowed
‘blood group n [C] especially BrE one of the classes into harmed by events but not defeated by them: He emerged
which human blood can be separated, including A, B, AB, from the discussions bloody but unbowed.
and O [syn] blood type AmE bloody? v (bloodied, bloodying, bloodies) [T] to injure
‘blood heat n [U] the normal temperature of the human someone so that blood comes, or to cover something
body with blood
blood:hound /bladhaund/ n [C] a large dog with a [Bloody ‘Mary
/ bladi 'meari $ -'meri/ n [C] an alcoholic
very good sense of smell, often used for hunting ‘drink made from VODKA, tomato juice, and spices
blood-less /'bladias/ adj 1 without killing or violence: a \bloody-'minded adj deliberately making things diffi-
bloodless coup 2 a bloodless part of your body is very pale: cult for other people —+ awkward: Stop being so bloody-
His lips were thin and bloodless. 3 lacking in human feeling minded! —bloody-mindedness n [U]
—bloodlessly adv bloom! /blu:m/ n 1 [C,U] a flower or flowers: beautiful
bloodletting /bladletin/ n [U] 1killing people red blooms | a mass of bloom on the apple trees 2 in (full)
syN| bloodshed: The movie contains scenes of violence and bloom with the flowers fully open 3 [singular, U] the
bloodletting. 2 a medical treatment used in the past that healthy happy appearance that someone has, especially
involved removing some of a person's blood 3 a reduc- when they are young: The rosy bloom of her cheeks had
ion in the number of people working for an organization, faded.
industry etc: Many jobs have been lost, and the bloodletting
bloom? v [1] 1 if a plant or a flower blooms, its flowers
isn’t over yet. appear or open 2 to become happier, healthier, or more
blood-line /bladiain/ n [C] all the members of a family successful in a way that is very noticeable [Syn] blossom:
of people or animals over a period of time — pedigree: a She was blooming the last time | saw her.
royal bloodline
bloom-er /'bluima $ -ar/ n 1 bloomers [plural] under-
‘blood lust n [U] a strong desire to be violent wear that women wore in the past, like loose trousers
‘blood money n [U] 1 money paid for murdering that end at the knees 2 [C] BrE old-fashioned an embar-
someone 2 money paid to the family of someone who rassing mistake that you make in front of other people -
has been murdered used humorously [syn] blooper AmE
‘blood orange n [C] an orange with red juice bloom-ing /‘blu:m1n, 'blumén/ adj [only before noun], adv
‘blood poisoning n [U] a serious illness in which an BrE spoken old-fashioned used for emphasizing a remark,
infection spreads through your blood especially when you are angry or surprised: It’s blooming
‘blood pressure n [U] the force with which blood ridiculous!
travels through your body: high blood pressure |check/take ‘Bloomsbury Group, the a group of artists and
sb’s blood pressure (=measure it) The nurse will take your writers who lived and met regularly in Bloomsbury, an
blood pressure. area of Central London, in the early 20th century. The
‘blood-red adj dark red, like blood —blood-red n [U] most famous member of the group was Virginia Woolf.
‘blood relation (also ‘blood yelative) n [C] someone bloop-er /'blu:pa $ -ar/ n [C] AmE 1 an embarrassing
related to you by birth rather than by marriage mistake that you make in front of other people
blood-shed /bladfed/ n [U] the killing of people, usu- SYN|bloomer BrE 2 a ball in baseball that is high and
ally in fighting or war: diplomacy aimed at stopping further slow, and easy to catch or hit
bloodshed blos-:som' /blosam §$ 'bla:-/ n 1[C,U] a flower or the
blood:-shot /bladjot $ -fa:t/ adj if your eyes are blood- flowers on a tree or bush: pale pink blossoms | The cherry
shot, the parts that are normally white are red or pink tree was covered in blossom. — see picture at TREE
‘blood sport n [Cc] a sport that involves the killing of 2 in (full) blossom with the flowers fully open
animals: a demonstration against blood sports blossom? v [1] 1 if trees blossom, they produce flowers:
blood:stain /'bladstetn/ n [C] a mark or spot of blood The apple trees are just beginning to blossom. 2 (also
—bloodstained adj: a bloodstained handkerchief blossom out) to become happier, more beautiful, more
blood:stock /'bladstok $ -stark/ n [U] horses that have successful etc: Pete’s blossomed out in his new school. 5|
been bred for racing: a bloodstock auction [t+into] The idea blossomed into a successful mail order
blood:stream /'bladstriim/ n [C usually singular] the business,
blood flowing in your body: The drug is injected directly into blot" /blot $ bla:t/ v (blotted, blotting) [T] 1 to make a
the bloodstream. wet surface become dry by pressing soft paper or cloth
blood:-suck-er /'bladsaka $ -ar/ n [C] 1a creature that on it 2 blot your copybook BrE informal to do something
sucks blood from the bodies of other animals that spoils the idea that people have of you
2 informal someone who always uses other people's blot sth <> out phr v 1 to cover or hide something com-
money or help - used in order to show disapproval pletely: Thick white smoke blotted out the sun. 2 if you blot —
(0 (2 OS = the most frequent words in written English 167 blow

out an unpleasant memory, a thought etc, you deliber- 14 GAs «=[T] to make known something that was
ately try to forget it: She said she took drugs to blot out her meant to be a secret: Your coming here has blown the
problems. whole operation. | blow sb’s cover (=make known what
blot sth <> up phr v to remove liquid from a surface by someone's real job or name is) It would only take one
pressing soft paper or cloth onto it phone call to blow his cover.
blot? n [Cc] 1a mark or dirty spot on something, espe- 15 blow sb’s mind spoken to make you feel very surprised
cially made by ink: ink blots 2 a building, structure etc that and excited by something: Seeing her again really blew my
is ugly and spoils the appearance of a place: The new mind. —+ MIND-BLOWING
power station is a blot on the landscape. 3 something that 16 blow your top/stack/cool (also blow a fuse/gasket) infor-
spoils the good opinion that people have of someone or mal to become extremely angry quickly or suddenly: One me
something: [+on] The increase in juvenile crime is a blot on day, | just blew my top and hit him.
our time. 17 blow the whistle on sb informal to tell someone in «©
blotch /blotf $ bla:t{/ n [C] a pink or red mark on the authority about something wrong that someone is doing:
skin, or a coloured mark on something —blotchy adj He blew the whistle on his colleagues. ++ WHISTLE-BLOWER
—blotched adj 18 blow sth (up) out of (all) proportion to make something
seem much more serious or important than it is
blot-ter /blota $ 'bla:tar/ n 1 [C] a large piece of blot-
19 blow your own trumpet especially BrE, blow your own horn
ting paper kept on top of a desk 2 [C] AmE a book in
Ame informal to talk a lot about your own achievements -
which an official daily record is kept: the police blotter
used to show disapproval: Dave spent the whole evening
3 [U] Ame informal the drug LSD
blowing his own trumpet.
‘blotting paper n [U] soft thick paper used for drying 20 blow sb/sth out of the water to defeat someone or
wet ink on a page after writing something that you are competing with, or to achieve
blot-to /biotau $ ‘bla:tou/ adj BrE informal drunk much more than they do: Motown had blown all the other
blouse /blauz $ blaus/ n [C] a shirt for women: a silk record companies out of the water.
blouse 21blow hot and cold BrE informal to keep changing your
blov-i-ate /blavviert $ 'blouv-/ v [1] informal to speak or attitude towards someone or something
write for too long and to use words that are too long and 22 blow sth sky-high BrE to destroy an idea, plan etc by
formal, especially on a BLOG showing that it cannot be true or effective: This new
information blows his theory sky-high.
blow' & [ /blau $ blow/ v (past tense blew /blu:/, past
blow sb< » away phr v especially AmE informal
participle blown /blaun $ bloun/)
1to make someone feel very surprised, especially about
IDET [1,7] if the wind or a current of air blows,
something they like or admire: /t just blows me away, the
it moves: A cold breeze was blowing hard. | It was blowing way everyone's so friendly round here.
from an easterly direction. | Outside, the weather was blow-
2 to kill someone by shooting them with a gun
ing a gale.
3to defeat someone completely, especially in a game:
2 TEREST) [1,7 usually + adv/prep] to move, or to
Nancy blew away the rest of the skaters.
move something, by the force of the wind or a current of blow down phr v if the wind blows something down, or if
air: Her hair was blowing in the breeze. | The wind blew the something blows down, the wind makes it fall: The garden
rain into our faces. | My ticket blew away. | blow (sth) gate has blown down. |blow sth <> down Several trees were
open/shut A sudden draught blew the door shut. blown down in the night.
3 RETR) [1,7 always + adv/prep] to send air
blow in phr v
out from your mouth: blow (sth) into/onto/out etc She
1 (also blow into sth) informal to arrive in a place, espe-
blew onto her coffee to cool it down. | He blew the smoke cially suddenly: Jim blew in about an hour ago. | Guess
right in my face. who's just blown into town?
4(20G20TSs [1,7] to make a sound by passing air 2 if a storm or bad weather blows in, it arrives and begins
through a whistle, horn etc: The whistle blew for half time. | to affect a particular area: The first snowstorm blew in from
A truck went by and blew its horn at her.
the north.
5 (ees «([T always + adv/prep] to damage or destroy blow sb/sth <> off phr v AmE informal
something violently with an explosion or by shooting: 1to treat someone or something as unimportant, for
blow sth away/out/off sth Part of his leg had been blown example by not meeting someone or not going to an
off. | blow sb/sth to pieces/bits/smithereens A bomb like event: Bud got into trouble for blowing off the meeting.
that could blow you to bits. 2 blow the lid off sth to make known something that was
6 Sid «=[T) informal to lose a good secret, especially something involving important or
opportunity by making a mistake or by being careless:
famous people: Her book blew the lid off the Reagan years.
We've blown our chances of getting that contract. | You've 3 blow sb’s head off to kill someone by shooting them in
got a great future ahead of you. Don't blow it. the head
7 LES [7] informal to spend a lot of money in a 4 blow off steam Ame to get rid of anger or energy by
careless way, especially on one thing: | blew all the money doing something [SYN|let off steam BrE: | went jogging to
| won on a trip to Hawaii. GEEEL> seenp blow off some steam.
8 blow your nose to clean your nose by forcing air through blow out phr v
it into a cloth or a piece of soft paper 1if you blow a flame or a fire out, or if it blows out, it
9 blow sb a kiss to kiss your hand and then pretend to stops burning: The match blew out in the wind. |blow sth >
blow the kiss towards someone: She leant out of the out Blow out all the candles.
window and blew him a kiss. 2 if a tyre blows out, it bursts
10 Baa eed [1,7] if an electrical Fuse blows, or a
3 blow itself out if a storm blows itself out, it ends
piece of electrical equipment blows a fuse, the electricity
4 blow your/sb's brains out to kill yourself, or someone
suddenly stops working because a thin wire has melted:
else, with a shot to the head
The floodlights blew a fuse.
Ne [1,7] if a tyre blows, or if a car blows a tyre, it 5 blow sb < out Ame spoken to easily defeat someone:
bursts We blew them out 28-0.
12 (EGET «[T] to make or shape something by 6 Ame if you blow out your knee or another joint in your
sending air out from your mouth: The kids were blowing body, or if it blows out, you injure it badly
bubbles in the backyard. | blow glass (=shape glass by 7if an oil or gas wWeLt blows out, oil or gas suddenly
blowing into it when it is very hot and soft) escapes from it
13 SO SZ ad ~=blow/blow me/blow it etc BrE 8 blow sb <> out to stop having a friendship or relationship
spoken said to show annoyance or surprise: Blow it! | with someone
forgot to phone Jane. | Blow me down if she didn’t just run blow over phr v
off! | Well, I'm blowed! 1if the wind blows something over, or if something blows
 blow 168 EG = words from the Academic Word List

over, the wind makes it fall: Our fence blew over in the water animals such as SEALS come to breathe 2 a hole in
storm. |blow sth <> over The hurricane blew some palm trees the top of the head of a WHALE, DOLPHIN etc through which
over. they breathe
2if an argument or unpleasant situation blows over, it ‘blow job n [Cc] informal the practice of touching a man’s
ends or is forgotten: They weren't speaking to each other, sexual organs with your lips and tongue to give him
but | think it’s blown over now. sexual pleasure
3 if a storm blows over, it goes away blow-lamp /blavlemp $ ‘blou-/ n [C] BrE a piece of
blow up phr v equipment that produces a very hot flame, used espe-
1to destroy something, or to be destroyed, by an explo- cially for removing paint [Syn] blowtorch AmE
sion: The plane blew up in midair. | blow sth <> up Rebels blown /blaun $ bloun/ the past participle of BLow
_ attempted to blow up the bridge.
blow-out, blow-out /'blavavt $ 'blou-/ n [C] 1a sudden
~ 2 blow sth © up to fill something with air or gas: Can you
bursting of a tyre — puncture: | had a blow-out on the
blow up this balloon? | We'll blow the tyres up.
driver's side, 2 [usually singular] informal a big expensive
3if a situation, argument etc blows up, it suddenly
meal or large social occasion: We went for a real blow-out
becomes important or dangerous: A crisis had blown up
to celebrate. 3 AmE informal an easy victory over some-
over the peace talks.
one in a game 4 a sudden uncontrolled escape of oil or
4 blow sth = up if you blow up a photograph, you make it
gas from a WELL
larger |SYN| enlarge
5 informal to become very angry with someone: Jenny’s blow-pipe /blaupaip $ 'blou-/ n [C] a tube through
father blew up when she didn't come home last night. | [+at] which you can blow a small stone, ARROW etc, used as a
| was surprised at the way he blew up at Hardy. weapon
6 if bad weather blows up, it suddenly arrives: It looks as if blow:sy, blowzy /'blauzi/ adj a blowsy woman is fat and
there's a storm blowing up. looks untidy
7 blow up in sb’s face if something you have done or blow-torch /‘blavts:t{ $ 'blouts:rt{/ n [C] a piece of
planned to do blows up in your face, it suddenly goes equipment that produces a small very hot flame, used
wrong: One of his deals had just blown up in his face. especially for removing paint [SYN] blowlamp BrE
blow? & [4 n [cl ‘blow-up n1[C] a photograph, or part of a photograph,
1P203ssaa an action or event that causes difficulty or that has been made larger 2 [C usually singular] AmE a
sadness for someone: Joe resigned, which was a severe sudden big argument or disagreement — blow up at
blow because we needed him desperately. | His mother's BLOW!
death was a shattering blow. | The election result dealt a blow-y /‘blaui $ 'blovi/ adj windy
further blow to the party. | The factory closures came as a blow:zy /‘blauzi/ adj another spelling of blowsy
blow to the local economy. | The final blow for many firms BLT /pbi: el 'ti:/ n LC] (bacon, lettuce, and tomato) the
was the government's abolition of import duties. name of a sandwich that contains these foods
2 (EET a hard hit with someone's hand, a tool, or a blub-ber? /‘blaba $ -ar/ (also blub /blub/) v [I] to cry
weapon: She died from a heavy blow to the head. |He struck noisily, especially in a way that annoys people
a blow which threw her to the floor. |Martin received a blow
blubber? n [uJ the fat of sea animals, especially WHALES
on the nose. | He had been struck a glancing blow (=a blow
that did not hit him directly) by the car. |[+to] He gave her blud-geon! /bladzan/ v [T] 1 to hit someone several
times with something heavy: He was bludgeoned to death
a violent blow to the head.
with a hammer. 2 to force someone to do something by
REGISTER making threats or arguing with them: [+into] | won't let
In everyday English, people usually say that myself be bludgeoned into marriage. 3 bludgeon your way
someone gets hit or that something hits them, rather through/to/past etc sb/sth to get somewhere, or achieve
than using the noun blow: He received a blow to the something, by pushing past other people or not caring
head. — He got hit on the head. about them
3 ETA an action of blowing: One big blow and the bludgeon? n [C] a heavy stick with a thick end, used as
candles were out. a weapon
4 come to blows (with sb) if two people come to blows, blue’ §] 1 /blu:/ adj
they start arguing or hitting each other because they thaving the colour of the sky or the sea on a fine day
disagree about something: [+over] They almost came to —» navy, navy blue: the blue waters of the lake |dark/light/
blows over the money. pale/bright blue a dark blue raincoat
5 soften/cushion the blow to make something unpleasant 2[not before noun] informal sad and without hope
easier for someone to accept: A reduction in interest rates [SYN] depressed: /'ve been feeling kind of blue.
would soften the blow of tax increases. 3 informal blue jokes, stories etc are about sex, in a way
6 low blow AmE informal something unkind you say to that might offend some people — BLUE MOVIE
deliberately embarrass or upset someone —> strike a blow 4 argue/talk etc till you're blue in the face informal to argue,
for sb/sth at STRIKE'(13) talk etc about something a lot, but without achieving
iblow-by-'blow adj a blow-by-blow account/description what you want: You can tell them till you're blue in the face,
etc an account that includes all the details of an event but they'll still do what they want. :
exactly as they happened 5 blue with cold especially BrE someone who is blue with
‘blow-drry v (blow-dried, blow-drying, blow-dries) [T] to cold looks extremely cold
dry hair and give it shape by using an electric HAIRDRYER 6 go blue BrE if someone goes blue, their skin becomes
—blow-dry n [C]: a cut and blow-dry blue because they are cold or cannot breathe properly -
‘blow-,dryer n [C] a small electric machine that blows 7 talk a blue streak AmE informal to talk very quickly with-
hot air onto your hair in order to dry it [SYN] hair dryer out stopping —blueness n [U] — BLACK AND BLUE, + once
in a blue moon at ONCE'(15), —> scream blue murder at
blow-er /‘blava $ 'blovar/ n [C] 1a machine that blows
SCREAM'(1)
out air, for example inside a car 2 on the blower BrE
old-fashioned on the telephone in order to talk to some- blue? n1[C,U] the colour of the sky or the sea on a fine.
one day: She nearly always dresses in blue. |the rich greens and
blues of the tapestry 2 blues (also the blues) [U] a slow sad
‘blow-fly n [c] a fly that lays its eggs on meat or style of music that came from the southern US: a blues
wounds
singer —+ RHYTHM AND BLUES 3 the blues [plural] informal
blow-hard /blauha:d $ 'blouha:rd/ n [C] AmE informal feelings of sadness: A lot of women get the blues after the
someone who talks too much and has very strong opin- baby is born, 4 out of the blue informal if something hap-
ions pens out of the blue, it is very unexpected — a bolt
‘blow-hole n [c] 1 hole in the surface of ice where from/out of the blue at BoLT'(3) 5 Blue [C] BrE someone
 EJ = words from the Academic Word List 169 blur

who has represented Oxford or Cambridge University at in parties, men etc - sometimes used to show disap-
a sport, or the title given to such a person 6 the blue proval
literary the sea or the sky — boys in blue at Boy'9) blue-sy /'blu:zi/ adj bluesy music is slow and sad, like
‘blue baby n [Cc] a baby whose skin is slightly blue BLUES
when it is born because it has a heart problem Blue-tooth /blu:tu:6/ n [U] trademark a system that
blue-bell /blu:bel/ n [C] a small plant with blue flowers allows you to connect computer equipment, such as a
that grows in woods KEYBOARD OF PRINTER, to a computer that is near it by using
blue-:ber-ry /'blu:bari $ -beri/ n (plural blueberries) radio waves instead of wires. You can also use the system
[C,U] a small blue fruit, or the plant it grows on > see to connect a MOBILE PHONE to a computer without using
picture at FRUIT" wires.
bluff" /blat/ v [1,7] to pretend something, especially in
blue-bird /blu:b3:d $ -b3:ird/ n [C] a small blue bird
order to achieve what you want in a difficult or dangerous
that lives in North America
situation: You wouldn't really tell her. You're bluffing! | bluff
\blue-'blooded adj a blue-blooded person belongs to a your way out of/through/past etc sb/sth (=g0 somewhere
royal or NOBLE family — blue-'blood n [U] or succeed in doing something by deceiving someone) |
‘blue book n [c] AmE 1a book with a list of prices that hope we'll be able to bluff our way past the guard. | ‘| was
you can expect to pay for any used car 2 a book with a with Don,’ she said, deciding to bluff it out (=continue to
blue cover that is used in American colleges for writing pretend something). | bluff sb into (doing) sth (=make
answers to examination questions someone do something by deceiving them)
blue-bot-tle /blu:bot! $ -ba:tl/ n [C] BrE a large blue bluff* n 1[c,U] an attempt to deceive someone by
fly making them think you will do something, when you do
iblue ‘cheese n [C,U] a type of cheese with blue lines in not intend to do it: The threat was only a bluff. | Whatever
it and a strong taste you say, you must do it. This isn’t a game of bluff. + DOUBLE
BLUFF 2 call sb‘s bluffto tell someone to do what they have
‘blue-chip adj blue-chip companies/shares etc companies threatened because you do not believe that they will
or SHARES that make a profit and are considered safe really do it 3 [C] a very steep cliff or slope
—blue chip n [C]
bluff? adj a bluff person, usually a man, is pleasant but
\blue-'collar adj [only before noun] blue-collar workers very direct and does not always consider other people:
do physical work, rather than working in offices —> white- He was a bluff no-nonsense administrator.
collar, pink-collar blu-ish /blusf/ adj slightly blue: Her skin had a bluish
blue-eyed ‘boy n [C usually singular] BrE informal the tinge.
man or boy in a group who is most liked and approved of blun-der" /blanda $ -ar/ n [C] a careless or stupid
by someone in authority mistake: A last-minute blunder cost them the match.
blue-grass /'blu:gra:s $ -gres/ n [U] a type of music ECL MisTAKeE
from the southern and western US, played on instru- blunder? v 1[1 always + adv/prep] to move in an
ments such as the GUITAR and VIOLIN unsteady way, as if you cannot see properly: [+about/
blue-jack-ing /blu:dzzkin/ n [U] the practice of using around] Someone was blundering about in the kitchen. |
a MOBILE PHONE with BLUETOOTH technology to send a TEXT blunder into/past/through etc sth Phil came blundering
MESSAGE to another person near you, without letting them down the stairs. 2 [|] to make a big mistake, especially
know who has sent the message. This is usually done as a because you have been careless or stupid: They blundered
joke to surprise the person who receives the message. badly when they gave him the job. 3 [| always + adv/prep] to
—bluejack v [1,7] —bluejacker n [C] enter a place or become involved in a difficult situation by
bluejay /‘blu;dze1/_n [C] a common large North mistake: [+into] Somehow we blundered into the war. |
American bird with blue feathers [+in] He would have agreed if you hadn't blundered in.
‘blue jeans n [plural] AmE blue trousers made in a heavy blun-der-buss /'blandabas $ -ar-/ n [C] a type of gun
material [SYN] jeans used in the past
blun-der-ing /‘blandertn/ adj [only before noun] careless
‘blue law n [Cc] AmE a law used in the past in the US to
or stupid: You blundering idiot!
control activities that were considered immoral, such as
drinking alcohol and working on Sundays blunt! /blant/ adj 1not sharp or pointed [OPP] sharp:
Sharpen all your blunt knives. | a blunt pencil 2 speaking in
blue ‘movie n [c] a film that shows a lot of sexual an honest way even if this upsets people — bluntly: To be
activity
blunt, many of the candidates cannot read or write. |Julian's
iblue on ‘blue adj used to describe an occasion during a blunt words hurt _ her. HONEST
battle or a war when a soldier, sailor, or pilot is acciden- 3 blunt instrument a) a heavy object that is used to hit
tally killed by their own army: a ‘Blue on Blue’ incident someone: The victim suffered a blow to the head from a
which saw an RAF jet brought down by a Patriot missile blunt instrument. b) a method of doing something that
blue-print /blu:print/ n [C] 1a plan for achieving does not work very well because it has a lot of other
something: [+for] a blueprint for health-care reform effects that you do not want: The exams are a blunt
2 a photographic print of a plan for a building, machine instrument that will reveal little about children’s abilities.
etc on special blue paper: [+for] a blueprint for the new —bluntness n [U]
shopping mall 3 technical a pattern that all living cells blunt? v [T] 1to make a feeling less strong
contain, which decides how a person, animal, or plant [OPP] sharpen: The bad weather blunted their enthusiasm for
develops and what it looks like: By changing the tomato’s camping. 2 to make the point of a pencil or the edge of a
genetic blueprint, scientists can alter the rate at which it knife less sharp [OPP|]sharpen
ripens. blunt-ly /‘blantli/ adv speaking in a direct honest way
blue ‘ribbon (also blue rib-and / blu: 'riband/ BrE) n (C] that sometimes upsets people: ‘You're drunk,’ she said
the first prize in a competition, sometimes consisting of a bluntly. |To put it bluntly, she’s not up to the job.
small piece of blue material —blue ribbon (also blue blur™ /bls: $ bla:r/ n [C usually singular] 1 a shape that you
riband BrE) adj [only before noun]; the club's prized blue cannot see clearly: [+of] | saw the blur of the car as it
riband award passed in front of me. | The island was a blur through misty
‘blue-sky adj concerned with thinking of new and inter- rain. 2 something that you cannot remember clearly: The
esting ideas, without worrying about whether they are days before the accident were a blur.
practical or not: blue-sky thinking blur? v (blurred, blurring) [1,T] 1 to become difficult to
blue-stock-ing /'blu:stokin $ -star-/ n [C] BrE a see, or to make something difficult to see, because the
woman who is more interested in ideas and studying than edges are not clear: The street lights were blurred by the
 Blu-ray 170 Si] & & = the most frequent words in spoken English

fog. | Many of the details in the picture are blurred. 2 to be board! G] [i /bo:d $ baird/ n
unable to see clearly: Tears blurred her eyes. |His vision was Ifa [C] a flat wide piece of wood, plastic etc
blurred. 3 to make the difference between two ideas, that you can use to show information: on a board The plan
subjects etc less clear: His films blur the boundaries of the new building is displayed on a board at the back of the
between fact and fiction. |The design of the conservatory Is room. |I've put q list of names up on the board. |I'll check the
meant to blur the distinction between the house and the departure board for train times. —+ BILLBOARD, BLACKBOARD,
*» garden. —blurry adj: a few blurry photos of their holiday NOTICEBOARD, SCOREBOARD
_ —> BLURRED 2a LC] a flat piece of wood, plastic,
Blu-ray /’blu: ret/ n [U] trademark a way of storing card etc that you use for a particular purpose such as
- HIGH-DEFINITION (=very clear) video images on a DISC cutting things on, or for playing indoor games: Martha
was chopping vegetables on a wooden board. |a chess board
blurb /bls:b $ bl3irb/ n [C] a short description giving
—+ BREADBOARD, CHEESEBOARD, CHOPPING BOARD
information about a book, new product etc
3@laaseat4 (also Board) [C also + plural verb] BrE a
blurred /bls:d $ bla:rrd/ adj 1 unclear in shape, or mak- group of people in a company or other organization who
ing it difficult to see shapes: a blurred photo 2 difficult to make the rules and important decisions: [+of] The Board
remember or understand clearly: blurred memories of Directors met yesterday. | There was disagreement among
blurt /bla:t $ blsirt/ v the agency's board of governors. |sit on a board/have a seat
blurt sth <> out phr v to say something suddenly and on a board (=be a member of a board) He gave up his seat
without thinking, usually because you are nervous or on the board after 40 years. | a board meeting | a board
excited: Peter blurted the news out before we could stop him. member
blush® /blaf{/ v [1] 1 to become red in the face, usually 4[[Ew Board used in the name of some organiza-
because you are embarrassed: Wilson saw she was watch- tions: the New York State Board of Elections | the British
ing him and blushed. | Joan blushed at the unexpected Boxing Board of Control
compliment. | Kate blushed scarlet. 5 (furnra [C] a long thin flat piece of wood used for
making floors, walls, fences etc: We'll have to take the
“REGISTER boards up to check the wiring. + FLOORBOARD
In everyday British English, people often say go red 6 on board a) on a ship, plane, or spacecraft [Syn] aboard:
rather than blush: She went red when he looked at her. There are 12 children on board the ship. b) involved with
2 to feel ashamed or embarrassed about something: something or working for an organization: Supporters of
blush to do sth | blush to admit that | haven't read it. the treaty say that it will be necessary to have the United
3 sth that would make sb blush something so shocking that States on board. | He came on board in the late sixties and
it would shock someone who is not normally easily spent two decades with the agency.
shocked: language that would make a_ sailor blush 7 {ag ~[vU] the meals that are provided for you when
4 the blushing bride a young woman on her wedding day - you pay to stay somewhere: In the nursing home she will
used humorously —blushingly adv have to pay for room and board. |The landlord provides board
and lodging (=meals and a place to stay). —+ FULL BOARD,
blush? n1 [Cc] the red colour on your face that appears
when you are embarrassed: Donald felt a blush warm his HALF BOARD
8 go by the board if an idea, way of behaving, or plan goes
cheeks. | She bent her head to hide her blushes. 2 at first
blush literary when first thought of or considered: At first by the board, it fails to happen, ends, or is no longer
blush, this sounds like good news. — spare sb's blushes at possible: Loyalty has gone by the board.
9 Desa LC] a SURFBOARD or SAILBOARD
SPARE“(10)
10 across the board if something happens or is done
blush-er /'blafa $ -ar/ (also blush AmE) n [U] cream or across the board, it affects everyone in a particular group,
powder used for making your cheeks look red or pink place etc: The changes will affect local authorities across the
— see picture at MAKE-UP board. | We find jobs for people right across the board, from
blus:ter /‘blasta $ -ar/ v1 [1,T] to speak in a loud angry chief executives to cleaners.
way that is not really very impressive: ‘That's hardly the 11 take sth on board to listen to and accept a suggestion,
point,’ he blustered. 2 [|] if the wind blusters, it blows idea etc: The school refused to take any of the parents’
violently —bluster n [U] —blustering adj: blustering wintry criticisms on board.
weather 12 Gaia LC] a CIRCUIT BOARD
blus-ter-y /‘blastari/ adj blustery weather is very windy: 13 (ii «the boards [plural] the stage in a theatre
a cold and blustery day — tread the boards at TREAD'(7)
14 Gay boards [plural] AmE the low wooden wall
Blvd. (also Blvd BrE) the written abbreviation of boul-
evard around the area in which you play ICE HOCKEY
15 college/medical boards AmE examinations that you take
BMA, the / bi: em 'e1/ (the British Medical Association) in the US when you formally ask to be accepted as a
an organization that represents medical doctors in the student at a college or medical school —+ ABOVE BOARD,
UK. There is a similar organization in the US called the DIVING BOARD, DRAWING BOARD, IRONING BOARD, SOUNDING
A.M.A. (American Medical Association). The BMA pro- BOARD, — sweep the board at SWEEP'(11)
duces a well-known medical magazine, The British Medi-
cal Journal. board? v1 [1,7] formal to get on a bus, plane, train etc in
order to travel somewhere: The couple boarded the train for
BMI /bisem 'a1/ medical the abbreviation of BODY MASS New York. |Passengers were standing on the dock, waiting to
INDEX board.
B-movie /'bi: mu:vi/ n [C] a film that is made cheaply
and is of low quality REGISTER
In everyday English, people usually say get on a bus,
BMP /bi: em 'pi:/ n [C,U] technical (bitmap) a type of
computer FILE that contains images
plane etc rather than board: When she heard the
news, she got on the next plane for Chicago.
BMX /pbi: em 'eks/ n [C] a strong bicycle with a frame
that is very low to the ground, used to do special move- 2 be boarding if a plane or ship is boarding, passengers
ments such as jumping high into the air —BMXing n [U] are getting onto it: Olympic Airways Flight 172 to Istanbul is
now boarding at Gate No. 37. 3 [| always + adv/prep] to stay
BO /bi: 'au $ -'ou/ n [U] (body odour) an unpleasant
in a room in someone's house that you pay for: Several
smell from someone's body caused by SWEAT
students boarded with Mrs. Smith. 4 [1] to stay at a school
bo-a /'bava $ 'boua/ n [C] 1 (also 'boa constrictor) a at night as well as during the day: Dickie was sent away to
large snake that is not poisonous, but kills animals by school as soon as he was old enough to board.
crushing them 2 a FEATHER BOA board sth <> out phr v to pay money and arrange for an
boar /bo: $ boir/ n [C] 1a wild pig 2 a male pig animal to stay somewhere
 (0 (2 GS = the most frequent words in written English 71 bobble
board sth <> up phr v to cover a window or door, or all the boat §] (4 /baut $ bout/ n [Cc]
windows and doors of a building, with wooden boards: 1a vehicle that travels across water: a fishing boat | The
The shop was boarded up. boat capsized (=turned over) in heavy seas. | a boat trip
board-er /bo:da $ 'boirdar/ n [C] 1 a student who stays around the islands |by boat Some of the beaches can only be
at a school during the night, as well as during the day reached by boat. |on/in a boat MacKay said he would sleep
+ day pupil 2 someone who pays to live in another on his boat. + LIFEBOAT, MOTORBOAT, POWERBOAT,
person's house, with some or all of their meals provided SPEEDBOAT, STEAMBOAT
lodger 2 informal a ship, especially one that carries passengers:
BOARD GAMES We're taking the night boat to St. Malo.
3 be in the same boat (as sb) to be in the same unpleasant
situation as someone else: Everyone has lost their job.
We're all in the same boat. + GRAVY BOAT, SAUCE BOAT,
—» burn your bridges/boats at BURN'(18), —> miss the boat at
MIss'(14), —> push the boat out at PUSH'(15), > rock the boat
at ROCK2(3)
boat-er /'bavta $ 'boutar/ n [C] a hard stRAW hat with a
flat top
boat hook n [c] a long pole with an iron hook at the
! . °

end, used to pull or push a small boat

boat-house /bauthaus $ ‘'bout-/ n [C] a building
beside a lake or river where boats are kept
meat boat-ing /bavttn $ 'bout-/ n [U] the activity of travel-
Chinese chequers BrE/
ling in a small boat for pleasure: Let’s go boating on the
Chinese checkers AmE lake.
boat-man /‘bavtman $ ‘'bout-/ n (plural boatmen
/-man/) [C] aman who you pay to take you out in a boat
or for the use of a boat
‘boat people n [plural] people who escape from bad
conditions in their country in small boats — refugees
‘Boat Race, the a rowing race on the River Thames,
held every year between teams from Oxford University
snakes and ladders BrE/ and Cambridge University. The Boat Race is a popular
draughts BrE/checkers AmE chutes and ladders AmE national event and is shown on television.
boat-swain /bausen $ 'bou-/ n [C] another spelling of
‘board game pn [c] an indoor game played on a spe- BOSUN
cially designed board made of thick card or wood ‘boat train n [Cc] a train that takes people to or from
board-ing /‘bs:d1 $ 'bo:r-/ n [U] 1 the act of getting on ships in a port
a ship, plane etc in order to travel somewhere: Boarding is boat-yard /bautja:d $ 'boutjaird/ n [C] an area where
now taking place at Gate 38. 2 narrow pieces of wood that boats are built and repaired
are fixed side by side, usually to cover a broken door or bob! /bpob $ ba:b/ v (bobbed, bobbing)
window 1 TYEE [1] to move up and down when floating
‘boarding card n [Cc] a British word for BOARDING PASS on the surface of water: The boat bobbed gently up and
‘boarding house n [C] a private house where you pay down on the water.
to sleep and eat [SYN] guesthouse 2 MES [| always + adv/prep] to move quickly
‘boarding pass (also boarding card Br£) n [C] an offi- in a particular direction: Mrs Foster bobbed about, gather-
cial card that you have to show before you get onto a ing up her things.
plane 3 bob your head to move your head down quickly as a way
‘boarding school n (c} a school where students live as of showing respect, greeting someone, or agreeing with
well as study + DAY SCHOOL them: He spoke to the girl, who bobbed her head.
board-room /‘ba:dru:m, -rum § 'boird-/ n [C] a room 4 @DEAG] [T] to cut someone's, especially a woman's,
where the DiRECTORs of a company have meetings hair in a bob: her neatly bobbed hair
‘board shorts n [plural] trousers that reach the knees, bob? n (c] 1a way of cutting hair so that it hangs to the
worn by men when swimming or SURFING level of your chin and is the same length all the way
board-walk /'b>:dwo:k $ 'bo:rdwo:k/ n [C] AmE a raised round your head —> see picture at HAIRSTYLE 2 a quick up
path made of wood, usually built next to'the sea and down movement of your head or body, to show
respect, agreement, greeting etc: The maid gave a little
‘boast! /boust $ boust/ v1 [1,7] to talk too proudly about
bob and left the room. 3 (plural bob) informal a SHILLING
your abilities, achievements, or possessions: ‘! wouldn't be
(=coin used in the past in Britain): At last I’m making a few
afraid,’ she boasted. | boast that Amy boasted that her son
bob (=a reasonable amount of money). — bits and bobs at
was a genius. | [+about] He’s boasting about how much
BIT2(7)
money he has made. |[+of] The company is inclined to boast
of its success. 2 [T not in progressive] if a place, object, or Bob /bpb $ ba:b/ n Bob's your uncle! BrE spoken used to
organization boasts something, it has something that is say that something will be easy to do: Just copy the disk,
_very good: The city boasts two excellent museums. | The and Bob's your uncle!
Society boasts 3,000 members worldwide. —boaster n [C] bob-bin /bobin $ 'ba:-/ n [C] a small round object that
boast? pn [c] something that you like telling people you wind thread onto, especially for a SEWING MACHINE
because you are proud of it: It is the company’s proud boast —+ spool, reel
that it can deal with all a customer's needs in one phone bob-ble’™ /bpbal $ 'ba:-/ n [C] BrE a small soft ball,
call. |Philip’s boast is that he started out without any outside usually made of wool, that is used especially for decorat-
financial backing. | an empty/idle/vain boast (=a false ing clothes: Her pullover had bobbles on the front. —bobbly
statement that something is good or possible) ‘Making adj
knowledge work’ is the university's phrase, and it is no idle bobble? y 1[1] AmE to drop or hold a ball in an
boast (=not a boast, but true). uncontrolled way [SYN] fumble 2 [|] BrE if a piece of cloth-
boast-ful /baustfal $ 'boust-/ adj talking too proudly ing bobbles, especially a sweater, it forms little balls on
about yourself [OPP]modest —boastfully adv the surface of the cloth after it has been worn or washed
—boastfulness n [U] [SYN] pill AmE
bobble hat ane 72 [4 = words from the Academic Word List

‘bobble hat n [Cc] a Wooten hat with a bobble on the knowledge/evidence/opinion etc There is now a consider-
top — see picture at HAT able body of knowledge of the different stages of childhood. |
There is a growing body of evidence that charges are too
bob:by /‘bobi $ 'ba:bi/ n (plural bobbies) [C] BrE infor-
high. b) the main, central, or most important part of
mal old-fashioned a policeman
something: The arguments are explained in the body of the
‘bobby pin n [Cc] AmE a thin piece of metal bent into a text. |Leave three blank lines between the date and the body
narrow U shape that you use to hold your hair in place
of the letter.
[SYN] hairgrip BrE 5 body of water a large area of water such as a lake: The
‘bobby socks, ‘bobby sox n [plural] AmE girls’ short city was built near a large body of water.
socks that have the tops turned over 6{briaebas [C] the central part of a person or ani-
bob-cat /‘bobkeet $ 'ba:b-/ n [C] a large North American mal's body, not including the head, arms, legs, or wings:
wild cat that has no tail [SYN] lynx — see picture at BIG CAT Nick had bruises on his face and body. | The bird has a small
bobs /bobz $ ba:bz/ n [plural] — bits and bobs at BIT*(7) body and long wings.
bob:sleigh /‘bpbsler $ 'ba:b-/ (also bob-sled /'bobsled $ 7 (a [C] the main structure of a vehicle not includ-
'ba:b-/) n 1 [C] a small vehicle with two long thin metal ing the engine, wheels etc: Workers at the factory are
blades instead of wheels, that is used for racing down a making steel bodies for cars.
special ice track 2 [U] a sports event in which people race 8 Gag [C] technical an object that is separate from
against each other in bobsleighs: Sixteen teams took part other objects: Keep the caps on the bottles to prevent
in the 400 m bobsleigh. —bobsleigh v [1] foreign bodies entering them (=objécts that should not be
there). + heavenly body at HEAVENLY(3)
bob-tail /'bobte1l $ 'ba:b-/ n [C] > ragtag and bobtail at 9 [fg [Ul if your hair has body, it is thick and healthy:
RAGTAG This shampoo will give more body to your hair.
bob-white /‘bobwait $ 'ba:b-/ n [C] a bird from North 10 (4 [U] if food or an alcoholic drink has body, it has
America, often shot for sport [SYN] quail a strong FLAVOUR (taste): A small amount of tomato paste
bod /bod $ ba:d/ n [C] 1 BrE spoken a person: He’s a will give extra colour and body to the sauce.
clever bod. 2 informal someone's body: She’s got a lovely 11 full/medium/light-bodied used to describe how much
bod. 3 odd bod informal a strange person: He's a bit of an taste an alcoholic drink has, with a full bodied drink
odd bod but very pleasant. having the strongest taste: a full bodied wine
bo-da-cious /bau'derfas $ bou=/ adj AmE informal 12 long/thick etc -bodied having a long, thick etc body: a
1 excellent: a bodacious video 2 surprising or extreme: slim bodied orange-gold fish + ABLE-BODIED
Smith's bodacious promise 13 keep body and soul together to continue to exist with
bode /baud $ boud/ v 1the past tense of BIDE only just enough food, money etc: He’s working at the shop
2 bode well/ill (for sb/sth) to be a good or bad sign for the to keep body and soul together.
future [SYN] augur: The opinion polls do not bode well for the 14 body and soul a) completely: She threw herself body and
Democrats. soul into her work. b) the whole of a person: They think they
own the employees, body and soul.
bodge /bpdz $ ba:d3z/ (also bodge up) n [singular]
15 eita [C] the wide part of a musical instrument
spoken a mistake, or something that is not as good as it
such as a VIOLIN or GUITAR, or of a sports RACKET (=bat):
should be — botch: The builders have made a complete
The guitar is 16 inches wide across the body.
bodge of the kitchen. —bodge v [T]
16 iG [C] BrE [SYN] body suit AmE a type of tight-
bod:-ice /bodis $ 'ba:-/ n [C] 1 the part of a woman’s fitting shirt worn by women that fastens between their
dress above her waist 2 a tight-fitting woman's WAISsT- legs —> see picture at UNDERWEAR — over my dead body at
COAT, Worn over a BLOUSE in former times 3 old use a piece DEAD"(11)
of a woman's underwear that covers the upper part of her
‘body ,armour n [U] clothing worn by the police that
body [SYN] corset
protects them against bullets
bod:i-ly’ /‘bodili $ 'ba:-/ adj [only before noun] related to
‘body bag n [c] a large bag in which a dead body is
the human body: bodily sensations
removed
bodily? adv 1 by moving the whole of your or someone ‘body blow n [c] 1a serious loss, disappointment, or
else's body: He lifted the child bodily aboard. 2 by moving a defeat — blow: Hopes of economic recovery were dealt a
large object in one piece: The column was transferred bodily body blow by this latest announcement. 2 a hard hit
to a new site by the bank of the river. between your neck and waist during a fight -
bod-kin /bodkin $ 'ba:d-/ n [C] a long thick needle bod-y-board /‘bodibs:d $ ‘ba:dibo:rd/ n [C] a short
without a point SURFBOARD which you use lying on your front [SYN] boogie
bod-y &] Mi /‘bodi $ 'ba:di/ n (plural bodies) board —bodyboarding n [U]
1GZ0I [C] the physical structure of a person ‘body building n [vu] an activity in which you do hard
or animal: the human body | My fingers were numb and my physical exercise in order to develop big muscles —body
whole body ached. | body weight/temperature/size Your builder n [C]
body temperature is higher in the daytime than at night. |For ‘body clock n [c] the system in your body that controls
their body size, these birds lay very small eggs. |He needs to types of behaviour that happen at regular times, such as
overcome a negative body image (=what you think about sleeping or eating biological clock :
your own body). ‘body count n [C] the number of dead soldiers after a
2b ~4(C] the dead body of a person: A dog period of fighting, or the process of counting their bodies
found the body of a girl in the woods. ‘body double n [c] someone whose body appears
3 ey [C] a group of people who work together to do instead of an actor's or actress's in a film, especially in
a particular job or who are together for a particular scenes where they are not wearing any clothes — double
purpose: The British Medical Association is the doctors’
professional body. |[tof] There were reports of a large body
body dys-:morph-ic dis-or-der /)bodi dis'mozfik
disdida_ $ jbardi drs'mo:rftk drs>:rder/ (also body
of armed men near the border. | Kaplan served on the
dys-mor-phi-a /-'mo:fia $ -'morr-/) n [U] (abbreviation
governing body of the museum (=the group who control the
BDD) a mental condition in which someone wrongly
museum). | The student body (=all the students in a
believes that part of their body is very ugly or not normal
school or college) numbers 5,000. | The research will be
used by government departments and other public bodies bod-y-guard /bndigard $ 'ba:diga:rd/ n [C] 1some-
(=groups whose work is connected to the government). | one whose job is to protect an important person: The
in a body (=as a group, together) The women moved senator arrived, surrounded by personal bodyguards.
towards the building in a body. TRESNTTE> ORGANIZATION 2a group of people who work together to protect an
4 body of sth a) a large amount or mass of something, important person
especially something that has been collected: body of ‘body language n [U] changes in your body position
(3 = words from the Academic Word List 173 boil

and movements that show what you are feeling or think- informal if your mind boggles when you think of some-
ing: It was obvious from Luke's body language that he was thing, it is difficult for you to imagine or accept it: The
nervous. sheer amount of data makes the mind boggle. | [+at] My
‘body mass index n [U] (abbreviation BMI) the rela- mind boggles at the amount of work still to do.
tionship between your height and your weight, used as a bog:gy /'bogi $ 'ba:-/ adj boggy ground is wet and
measure of whether you have too much flesh on your muddy — bog: a boggy patch at the edge of the field
body: Your body mass index is your weight in kilograms bo-gie’ /'baugi $ 'bou-/ n [C] a BOGEY
divided by the square of your height in meters. | Individuals bogie v [T] to use one more than par (=the usual
with a BMI of 25 to 29.9 are considered overweight. number of strokes) to get the ball into the hole in GOLF
‘body odour n [u] the natural smell of someone's BOGOF, bog-of /'bogpf $ 'ba:gn:f, 'bo:g-/ n [C,U] (buy
body, especially when this is unpleasant [syn] BO one get one free) an offer from a shop to sell you two |
‘body piercing n [U] making a hole in a part of the things of the same type for the price of one: Take advan-
body in order to fix a ring or other piece of jewellery to tage of special offers and BOGOFs in supermarkets.
the body ‘bog roll n [C,U] BrE informal ToiLet PAPER
body ‘politic n [singular] formal all the people in a ibog-'standard adj [only before noun] BrE informal not
nation forming a state under the control of a single special or interesting in any way [SYN] average
government
bo-gus /'baugas $ 'bou-/ adj not true or real, although
‘body popping n [U] a type of dancing to popular someone is trying to make you think it is [SYN] false: bogus
music, with movements that make you look like a ROBOT insurance claims | bogus applications for asylum
‘body search n [C] a thorough search for drugs, weap- bo-he-mi-an /bau'hizmian, ba- $ bou-, ba-/ adj living in
ons etc that might be hidden on someone's body: Every- a very informal or relaxed way and not accepting soci-
one entering the building had a body search. —body-search ety’s rules of behaviour: bohemian cafés frequented by
v[T] artists, musicians, and actors —bohemian n [C]
‘body shape n[c,u] the shape of someone's body, used bo:ho /'bauhav $ bouhou/ adj informal bohemian: a
especially when talking about exercise and DieTs: If you're boho lifestyle
not happy with your body shape, you should do more exer- boil" gy /botl/ v
cise. 1[1,7] when a liquid boils, or when you boil it, it becomes
‘body shop n [Cc] a building where the main structure of hot enough to turn into gas: [+at] The solution boiled at
a car is repaired 57.4°C. | Put the spaghetti into plenty of boiling salted
‘body spray n [U] a chemical substance that you put water. | We were advised to boil the water before drinking it.
onto your body to make it smell nice + deodorant 2 [1,1] to cook something in boiling water: a boiled egg |
‘body stocking n [Cc] a close-fitting piece of clothing Boil the rice for 15 minutes. |She fried the chicken and put the
that covers the whole of your body vegetables on to boil. DREGE cook — see picture at
‘body suit n [Cc] AmE a type of tight-fitting shirt worn by EGG!
women that fastens between their legs [Syn] body BrE 317] if something containing liquid boils, the liquid
— see picture at UNDERWEAR inside it is boiling: The kettle’s boiling - shall | turn it off? |
The saucepan boiled dry on the stove.
‘body warmer n [Cc] BrE a piece of warm clothing 4 [7] to wash something, using boiling water: | always boil
without arms that you wear over a SWEATER or a Shirt, the cotton sheets.
especially when you are outside: a fleece body warmer
5 [1] if you are boiling with anger, you are extremely
bod-y-work /‘bodiwa:k $ 'ba:diwairk/ n [U] the metal angry: [+with] Lewis was boiling with rage and misery.
frame of a vehicle, not including the engine, wheels etc: — BOILING POINT(2), + make sb's blood boil at BLooD'(4)
The bodywork’s beginning to rust. boil away phr v if a liquid boils away, it disappears
Boer /bo:, bua $ bo:r, bur/ n [C] a white South African because it has been heated too much: The soup’s almost
whose family is related to the Dutch people who settled boiled away.
in South Africa in the 1600s — Afrikaner boil down phr v
bof-fin /bpfn $ 'ba:-/ n [C] BrE informal 1a scientist 1 boil down to sth informal if a long statement, argument
2 someone who is very clever: He was always a bit of a etc boils down to a single statement, that statement is
boffin, even at school]. |computer boffins the main point or cause: It boils down to a question of
bog! /bpg $ ba:g, boig/ n 1[C,U] an area of low wet priorities.
muddy ground, sometimes containing bushes or grasses 2 boil sth <> down to make a list or piece of writing shorter
— marsh, swamp 2 [C] BrE informal a toilet by not including anything that is not necessary: You can
boil this down so that there are just two main categories.
bog? v (bogged, bogging)
3 if a food or liquid boils down, or if you boil it down, it
bog sb/sth <> down phr v [usually passive] 1 if a process or
becomes less after it is cooked: Spinach tends to boil down
plan becomes bogged down, it is delayed so that no
a lot. | boil sth <> down glue made from boiling down old
progress is made: Talks to settle the pay dispute have sheepskins
become bogged down. | [+in] Don’t let yourself get bogged boil over phr v
down in minor details, 2 if something gets bogged down, it
lif a liquid boils over when it is heated, it rises and flows
becomes stuck in soft ground and is unable to move: The
over the side of the container: The milk was boiling over on
car got bogged down in the mud. the stove behind her.
bog off phr v BrE spoken informal used to tell someone 2if a situation or an emotion boils over, the people
rudely to go away: Just bog off! involved stop being calm: All the bitterness of the last two
bo-gey, bogie /'baugi $ 'bougi/ n [C] 1 technical when years seemed to boil over. | [+tinto] Anger eventually boils
you take one more shot than PAR (=the usual number of over into words that are later regretted.
shots) to get the ball into the hole in GOLF — birdie, eagle boil up phr v
2 a problem or difficult situation that makes you feel 1if a situation or emotion boils up, bad feelings grow until
anxious: [+of] the bogey of recession 3 BrE informal a they reach a dangerous level: She could sense that trouble
piece of mucus from inside your nose 4 a bogeyman was boiling up at work. | He could feel the anger boiling up
bo-gey-man /bavugimen $ 'bou-/ n (plural bogeymen inside him.
/-men/) [C] 1 an evil spirit, especially in children’s imagi- 2 boil sth <> up to heat food or a liquid until it begins to
nation or stories 2 someone who people think is evil or boil: Boil the fruit up with sugar.
unpleasant: Manson was and remains America’s number boil? 11 the boil Br£, a boil AmE the act or state of boiling:
one bogeyman. Add the seasoning and bring the sauce to the boil. | She
bog-gle /'bogal $ 'ba:-/ v the/your mind boggles, (also waited for the water to come to the boil (=begin to boil).
sth makes the/your mind boggle, sth boggles the/your mind) 2 [C] a painful infected swelling under someone's skin:
 boiled sweet 174 Gl & & = the most frequent words in spoken English

The boy's body is covered in boils. 3 go off the boil BrE to an area or to show a JUNCTION more clearly — see picture
become less good at something that you are usually very at CONE’ 2 a thick stone or metal post used for tying ships
good at: He’s gone off the boil after a tournament win in to when they are in port
Dubai. bol-lock /‘bolak $ 'ba:-/ v [T] BrE spoken informal to tell
‘boiled sweet n [C] Br£ a hard sweet that often tastes someone angrily that you do not like what they have
of fruit [Syn] hard candy AmE done: I'll bollock him for sticking his rubbish in my cupboard.
boil-er gy /'botla $ -ar/ n [C] a container for boiling bol-lock-ing /‘bolakrn $ 'ba:-/ n [C] BrE spoken informal
water that is part of a steam engine, or is used to provide when someone tells you that they are very angry with
heating in a house you: | expect I'll get a right bollocking from my boss when she
_ boil-er-plate /'botlaplert $ -ar-/ n [CU] AmE a standard finds out.
~ piece of writing or a design for something that can be bol-locks /‘bolaks $ 'ba:-/ n [plural] BrE spoken informal
easily used each time you need it, for example in busi- 1 used to say rudely that you think something is wrong or
ness or legal documents —+ template: a boilerplate for a fax stupid [Syn] rubbish: Your lyrics are complete bollocks; they
message | lawyers selling boilerplate wills don’t actually mean anything, do they? | She's just talking a
‘boiler room n [C] 1a room in a large building where load of old bollocks. 2 a word used to emphasize that you
he building's boiler is 2 AmE informal a room or office are annoyed or angry: Oh, bollocks! We've missed it. 3 bol-
where people sell SHARES or services on the telephone, locks to you/that/it etc used when you refuse to accept or
using unfair and sometimes dishonest methods obey something: Yeah? Well, bollocks to you too, mate!
boiler suit n [C] BrE a piece of loose clothing like 4the two round male organs that produce SPERM
rousers and a shirt joined together, that you wear over [SYN] testicle
your clothes to protect them — overalls boll ‘weevil n [Cc] an insect that eats and destroys
boil-ing GR /botltn/ adj, adv spoken very hot cotton plants
[opp|freezing: Can | open a window? It’s boiling in here. | It Bol-ly-wood /'boliwud $ 'ba:-/ informal the Indian film
was a boiling hot morning. industry
‘boiling point n [C usually singular] 1 the temperature at bo:lo-gna /ballauri, -nja $ -'lov-/ n [U] a type of cooked
which a liquid boils 2.a point where people can no longer meat often eaten in sandwiches
deal calmly with a problem —- flashpoint: Relations bo-lo-ney /be'launi $ -lov-/ n [U] another spelling of
between the two countries have almost reached boiling point. BALONEY
bois-ter-ous /'boistaras/ adj someone, especially a bo-lo tie /‘baulau tar $ 'boulou-/ n [C] AmE a string
child, who is boisterous makes a lot of noise and has a lot worn around your neck that you fasten with a decoration
of energy: a class of boisterous five-year-olds
Bol-she-vik /‘bolfivik $ 'boul-/ n [C] 1 someone who
bok choy / bok 'tfor $ ba:k-/ n [U] another spelling of supported the COMMUNIST party at the time of the Russian
PAK CHOI Revolution in 1917 2. old-fashioned an insulting way of
bold /bauld $ bould/ adj talking about a Communist or someone who has strong
1Gaeezaen! not afraid of taking risks and making LEFT-WING opinions —bolshevik adj
difficult decisions: In a surprisingly bold move, he is threat-
ening court action against the company. |My aunt Flo was a bol-shie, bolshy /'baulfi $ 'boul-/ adj BrE informal tend-
bold determined woman. | He had the ability to take bold ing to be angry or annoyed and not to obey people:
imaginative decisions. [REAM BRAVE There’s no need to be so bolshie. —bolshiness n [U]
2 MUTE so confident or determined that bol-ster™ /‘baulsta $ 'boulstar/ (also bolster up) v [T]
you sometimes offend people: You should be feeling confi- 1to help someone to feel better and more positive
dent and bold when you meet your bank manager. | She [S¥YN|boost: He is making a bold attempt to bolster the
marched into his office as bold as brass (=very confident territory’s confidence. 2 to improve something [SYN] boost:
and not showing enough respect). his efforts to bolster his career
3 very strong or bright so that you bolster? n [Cc] a long firm PitLow, usually shaped like a
notice them: bold geometric shapes | Stripes are bold, bright, tube
and fun to wear. |bold colours bolt? /bault $ boult/ n [C]
4 written or drawn in a very clear way: an 1[%yqy a metal bar that you slide across a door or
envelope addressed to her in a bold black hand |The graphics window to fasten it + see picture at LOCK?
are bold and colourful. | The print should be bold and easy to 2 Gaaly a screw with a flat head and no point, for
read. fastening things together — see picture at SCREW’
5 Gaba printed in letters that are darker and 3a bolt from/out of the blue news that is sudden and
thicker than ordinary printed letters: All the headings are in unexpected: Was this money a bolt from the blue or did you
bold type. > see picture at FONT
know you were going to get it?
6 make/be so bold (as to do sth) formal to do something 4 bolt of lightning lightning that appears as a white line in
that other people feel is rude or not acceptable: / see you the sky: There’s not much left of his house after it was struck
have been so bold as to ask for food at this hour. by a bolt of lightning. — THUNDERBOLT
7 if | may be so bold BrE spoken formal used when asking 5 make a bolt for it BrE to suddenly try to escape from
someone a question, to show that you are slightly somewhere: They attacked the driver and he straightaway
annoyed with them: Tell me, if | may be so bold as to ask,
made a bolt for it.
precisely what you are talking about. —boldly adv 6 (aa) a short heavy ARROW that is fired from a
—boldness n [U] CROSSBOW }
bold-face /‘bauldfers $ 'bould-/ n [U] technical a way of 7 a large long roll of cloth + have shot your bolt at
printing letters that makes them thicker and darker than SHOOT'(24), —> the nuts and bolts of sth at NUT"6)
normal —boldfaced adj — boldface adj
bolt? v 1[1] to suddenly run somewhere very quickly,
bole /baul $ boul/ n [C] literary the main part of a tree especially in order to escape or because you are fright-
[syn |trunk ened: The horse reared up and bolted. | Kevin had bolted
bo-le-ro" /ba'learau $ -lerou/ n (plural boleros) [C] a through the open window. RUN 2 [T] (also bolt
type of Spanish dance, or the music for this dance down) to eat very quickly [S¥N|gobble: He bolted down his
bol-e-ro? /‘bolarav $ ba'lerou/ n (plural boleros) [C] a breakfast. 3 [T] to fasten two things together using a bolt:
short jacket for a woman bolt sth to sth The cell contained an iron bedframe bolted to
boll /bau! $ boul/ n [C] the part of a cotton plant that the floor. | bolt sth together The boxes were made of heavy
contains the seeds panels of metal bolted together. + see picture at FASTEN
bol-lard /'bolad, -la:d $ 'ba:lard/ n [C] 1 BrE a short 4 [T] to lock a door or window by sliding a bolt across
thick post in the street that is used to stop traffic entering bolt? adv sit/stand bolt upright to sit or stand with your
 [i (2 8 = the most frequent words in written English | 175 bond

back very straight, often because something has fright- bombed out, the building is completely destroyed: My
ened you: She sat bolt upright in the back seat. family were bombed out in 1941.
bolt-hole /bauithau! $ 'boulthoul/ n [C] BrE a place bom-bard /bom'ba:d $ ba:m'ba:rd/ v [T] 1 to attack a
where you can escape to and hide: a bolthole in the place for a long time using large weapons, bombs etc: |
country had been in action, bombarding the Normandy coast.
bolt-on adj especially BrE bolt-on part/component/extra SHOOT 2 to do something too often or too
something that is connected to the outside of a machine much, for example criticizing or questioning someone, or
after it has been made, and is then part of the machine giving too much information: The office was bombarded by
bomb" §) [H /bom ¢$ ba:m/ n [C] telephone calls. |bombard sb with sth They bombarded him
1({022000) a weapon made of material that will explode: with questions. | Today we are bombarded with advice on
The bomb went off at 9.30 in the morning. | Enemy planes what to eat and what to avoid.
dropped over 200 bombs during the raid. |He was killed ina bom-bar-dier /bomba'die< $ ba:mbar'dir/ n [C]
bomb explosion. +>SMOKE BOMB, STINK BOMB 1 the person on a military aircraft who is responsible for
2a «Ame informal a play, film, dropping bombs 2 a low rank in the British army
event etc that is not successful: This is just another one of bom-bard-:ment /bom'ba:dmant $ ba:m'ba:rd-/ n
Hollywood's bland and boring bombs. [C,U] a continuous attack on a place by big guns and
3 be the bomb informal to be very good or exciting: That bombs: The bombardment continued for a terrible nine
new P Diddy CD is the bomb. hours, | aerial/artillery/naval bombardment (=attack from
4 the bomb used to describe NUCLEAR weapons, and espe- the air, land,or sea)
cially the HYDROGEN BOMB: Voices of dissent began to rise bom-bas:tic /bom'bestrk $ ba:m-/ adj bombastic lan-
against the bomb. guage contains long words that sound important but
5 cost a bomb BrE informal to cost a lot of money have no real meaning: He is best known for three rather
6 make a bomb BrE informal to get a lot of money by doing bombastic poems. —bombast /'bombest $ 'ba:m-/ n [U]
something ‘bomb dis,posal p [vu] the job of dealing with bombs
feo] ARoleyvale)hk) that have not exploded, and making them safe: bomb
disposal experts/team/squad/unit The device, which con-
VERBS
tained 400Ibs of explosive, was made safe by army bomb
a bomb explodes/goes off Forty people were injured disposal experts.
when the bomb exploded. bombed /bomd ¢ ba:md/ adj [not before noun] informal
set off a bomb (also detonate a bomb formal) very drunk or affected by illegal drugs [SYN| stoned: | fee!
(=make a bomb explode) The area was cleared and like going out and getting completely bombed.
the police safely detonated the bomb.
drop a bomb (=from a plane) Government forces
bomb-er /'boma $ 'ba:mar/ n [C] 1 a plane that carries
and drops bombs 2 someone who hides a bomb some-
began dropping bombs on rebel positions.
where in order to destroy something
a bomb falls on sth A bomb fell on the cathedral
during the war. ‘bomber jacket ny [c] a short jacket that fits tightly
plant a bomb (=put a bomb somewhere) around your waist
bomb-ing /‘bomin $ 'ba:m-/ n [C,U] the use of bombs
| ADJECTIVES/NOUN + bomb to attack a place: The southwest of the country suffered an
a nuclear/hydrogen bomb The North Koreans were intensive bombing campaign. | They were planning bombing
developing a nuclear bomb. raids in some of America’s major cities. | a terrorist network
an atom/atomic bomb Oppenheimer was the father of responsible for a wave of bombings in Paris | [+of] the
the atomic bomb. bombing of Hiroshima
a neutron bomb (=that kills people but does not bomb scare n [Cc] when people have to be moved out
damage buildings much) |a car bomb (=that makes of a building because there may be a bomb there: a bomb
a car explode) |a letter bomb (also a parcel bomb scare in Central London
BrE) (=sent in a letter or parcel) |a time bomb bomb:shell /‘bomfel $ 'ba:m-/ n [C] 1. an unexpected
(=that is set to explode at a particular time) |a and very shocking piece of news: Then came the bomb-
petrol bomb BrE (=containing petrol) |a nail bomb shell: the factory was to close down. | Finally, she dropped the
(=containing nails) |a cluster bomb (=that sends bombshell. She was pregnant, she said. 2 blonde bombshell
out smaller bombs when it explodes) |a dirty bomb humorous a sexually attractive woman with light-coloured
(=that spreads radioactive material) | a smart bomb hair
(=that is guided to the right place) |a terrorist ‘bomb shelter pn (c] a room or building that is built to
bomb | a suicide bomb (=the person carrying the
protect people from bomb attacks
bomb dies when it explodes) | a homemade bomb |
an unexploded bomb ‘bomb site pn [c] a place where a bomb has destroyed
several buildings in a town: They've pulled down so many
bomb + NOUN buildings around here it looks like a bomb site.
a bomb blast/explosion The restaurant was destroyed bo-na fi-de / baunea ‘fatdi $ 'bauna fatd/ adj real, true,
in a massive bomb blast. and not intended to deceive anyone: Only bona fide mem-
a bomb attack No one has yet claimed responsibility bers are allowed-to use the club pool.
for the bomb attack. bona fi-des /pbauna ‘fardi:z $ boune-, 'bouna fardz/ n
a bomb threat (=when someone leaves a message [plural] BrE if you check someone's bona fides, you check
| saying there is a bomb somewhere) |a bomb scare that they are who they say they are, and that their
(=when people think there might be a bomb intentions are good and honest
somewhere) bo-namza /ba'nenza, bav- $ ba-, bou-/ n [C] a lucky or
successful situation where people can make a lot of
bomb? v1 [1] to attack a place by leaving a bomb there,
money: 2008 was a bonanza year for the oil industry. | an
or by dropping bombs on it from a plane: The town was
amazing cash bonanza
heavily bombed in World War II. |Government aircraft have
been bombing civilian areas. + CARPET-BOMB, DIVE-BOMB bon ap:pe-tit /bon zpa'ti: $ boun eper-/ interjection
2 [| always + adv/prep] BrE informal to move or drive very said to someone before they start eating a meal, to tell
~ quickly: Suddenly a police car came bombing down the high them you hope they enjoy their food
Street, 3 [1,1] AmE informal to fail a test very badly: | bonce /bpns $ ba:ns/ n [C] BrE informal your head
bombed my midterm. 4 [|] Ame if a play, film, event etc bond! £9 /bond $ ba:nd/ n {[C]
bombs, it is not successful: His latest play bombed on 1 (M@QNSY an official document promising that a govern-
Bega: ment or company will pay back money that it has bor-
be bombed out phr v if a building or the people in it are rowed, often with INTEREST: My father put all his money into
 176 (4 = words from the Academic Word List

stock market bonds. | furious trading on the bond market 10 have a bone to pick with sb spoken used to tell someone
—+ see alSo JUNK BOND, PREMIUM BOND, SAVINGS BOND that you are annoyed with them and want to talk about it
2GEUT ~4something that unites two of more 11 close to the bone a remark, statement etc that is close to
people or groups, such as love, or a shared interest or the bone is close to the truth in a way that may offend
idea — tie: [+between] the emotional bond between mother someone: His jokes were a bit close to the bone.
and child | [+with] the United States’ special bond with 12 cut sth to the bone to reduce costs, services etc as much
Britain | [+of] lifelong bonds of friendship as possible: Shops cut prices to the bone in the January
3 bonds [plural] literary something that limits your free- sales.
dom and prevents you from doing what you want: [tof] 13 on the bone meat that is served on the bone is still
the bonds of fear and guilt joined to the bone: a boiled ham on the bone
A4{bokam4 the way in which two surfaces become 14 off the bone meat that is served off the bone has been
attached to each other using glue: Use a glue gun to forma cut away from the bone: roasted duck, off the bone — dry
strong bond on wood or china. as a bone at DRY‘), + work your fingers to the bone at
5(@dusinaa technical the chemical force that holds WORK'(29)
atoms together in a MOLECULE: In each methane molecule bone? y [T] to remove the bones from fish or meat:
there are four CH bonds. boned breast and thigh meat
6 TRE 4a written agreement to do some- bone up on sth phrv to learn as much as you can about a
thing, that makes you legally responsible for doing it subject, because you need the knowledge, for example
— contract for an examination: | have to bone up on criminal law for a
7 my word is my bond formal used to say that you will test next week.
definitely do what you have promised bone ‘china n [U] delicate and expensive cups, plates
8 in/out of bond technical in or out of a BONDED WAREHOUSE etc that are made partly with crushed bone
bond? £@ v1 [1] if two things bond with each other, they bone ‘dry adj completely dry: There had been no rain for
become firmly fixed together, especially after they have months and the land was bone dry.
been joined with glue: /t takes less than ten minutes for the bone: head /baunhed $ 'boun-/ n [C] informal a stupid
two surfaces to bond. 2 [|] to develop a special relationship person
with someone — bonding: [+with] Time must be given for bone ‘idle adj BrE extremely lazy: He’s just bone idle.
the mother to bond with her baby. 3 [T] technical to keep
goods in a bonded warehouse
bone-less /'baunlas $ 'boun-/ adj boneless meat or fish
has had the bones taken out
bond-age /'bondrdz $ 'ba:n-/ n [U] 1 the state of hav-
ing your freedom limited, or being prevented from doing
‘bone marrow n [U] the soft substance in the hollow
what you want: the bondage of early motherhood centre of bones [SYN] marrow: a bone marrow transplant
2 literary the state of being a slave: in bondage Since the bone-meal, bone meal /‘baunmi:l $ 'boun-/ n [U] a
age of 13, he had been in bondage. 3 the practice of being substance used to feed plants that is made of crushed
tied up for sexual pleasure bones
‘bonded ‘warehouse n [c] technical an official place bon-er /'bauna §$ 'bounar/ n [singular] informal not polite
for storing goods that have been brought into a country an ERECTION
before tax has been paid on them bon-fire /bonfate $ 'ba:nfatr/ n [C] a large outdoor fire,
bond-hold-er /bondhavlda $ ‘baindhouldar/ n [C] either for burning waste or for a party
technical someone who owns government or industrial ‘bonfire night, Bonfire Night n [U] November 5th,
BONDS when people in Britain light FiREWORKS and burn a GUY
bond-ing /‘bondtin $ 'ba:n-/ n [U]1 a process in which a (=model of a man) on a large outdoor fire Guy
special relationship develops between two or more Fawkes’ Night
people: [+between] the bonding between mare and foal bong /bon $ ba:n/ n [C] 1a deep sound made by a
2 male/female bonding informal the activity of doing large bell 2 informal an object used for smoking CANNABIS,
things with other people of the same sex, so that you feel in which the smoke goes through water to make it cool
good about being a man or a woman: They’re in the bar bon-gos /‘bongevz $ 'ba:ngouz/ (also 'bongo drums) n
again, doing some male bonding! 3 technical the connec- [plural] a pair of small drums that you play with your
tion of atoms or of two surfaces that are glued together: hands
chemical bonding bon-ho-mie /bonami $ jba:ne'mi:/ n [U] formal a
bone’ & [D /beaun ¢ boun/ n friendly feeling among a group of people: They were
1[C] one of the hard parts that together form the frame relaxed and full of bonhomie.
of a human, animal, or fish body: The X-ray showed that bonk* /bonk $ ba:nk/ v [1,7] 1 BrE informal to have sex
the bone was broken in two places. | hip/leg/cheek etc bone with someone - used humorously 2 informal to hit some-
(=the bone in your hip etc) He broke his collar bone. | one lightly on the head or to hit your head on something:
big-boned/fine-boned/small-boned etc (=with big etc He fell, bonking his head against a tree.
bones) She was tall and big-boned. | Amelia had inherited bonk? n1 [singular] BrE informal the action of having sex
her mother’s good bone structure. - used humorously: a quick bonk 2 [C] informal the action
2[U] a substance made of bones; the bone handle of his of hitting someone lightly on the head, or hitting your
dagger head against something 3 [C] informal a sudden short
3 the bare bones the simplest and most important details deep sound, for example when something hits the ground
of something: | can’t tell you more than the bare bones of bon-kers /bonkaz $ ‘ba:nkarz/ adj [not before noun]
what happened.
1 slightly crazy 2 drive sb bonkers to make someone feel
4 make no bones about (doing) sth to not feel nervous or
crazy or very annoyed: Thinking about the whole problem
ashamed about doing or saying something: Mary made no has driven me nearly bonkers.
bones about enjoying a drink.
5 bone of contention something that causes arguments bon mot /bon 'mau $ ,bp:n 'mov/ n [C] written a clever
between people: The examination system has long been a remark i
serious bone of contention in this country. bon-net /'bonit $ 'ba:-/ n [C] 1 BrE the metal lid over
6 be chilled/frozen to the bone to be extremely cold the front of a car hood Ame: I'll need to check under
7 skin and bone very thin: She was all skin and bone. the bonnet. —» see picture at CAR 2. a) a warm hat that a
8 a bag of bones someone who is much too thin baby wears which ties under its chin b) a type of hat that
9 feel/know sth in your bones to be certain that something women wore in the past which tied under their chin and
is true, even though you have no proof and cannot explain often had a wide BRIM — see picture at HAT + have a bee
why you are certain: She knew that something good was in your bonnet at BEE(2)
sure to happen; she could feel it in her bones. Bon-nie and Clyde /boni an ‘klard $ jbar-/ when a
Eq = words from the Academic Word List 177 book

man and woman work together as criminals, newspapers boo-gie’ /'bu:gi $ 'bugi/ v [1] informal to dance, espe-
sometimes refer to them as being like ‘Bonnie and Clyde’. cially to fast popular music
These names come from two young criminals, Bonnie boogie? (also boogie woo-gie /bu:gi '‘wu:gi $ bugi
Parker (a woman) and Clyde Barrow (a man), who stole '‘wugi/) n [U] 1 a type of music played on the piano with a
from US banks and businesses in the 1930s. A popular strong fast RHYTHM: boogie rock at its finest 2 a boogie
film was made about them in 1967. informal a dance, or an occasion when you dance, espe-
bon-ny /'boni $ 'ba:ni/ adj BrE pretty and healthy: a cially to fast popular music
bonny baby ‘boogie board n [c] a sopysoard
bonsai /'bonsaz, 'baun- $ bo:n'sat, 'ba:nsat/ n [C,U] a boo-hoo /)bur 'hu:/ interjection written used in stories to
tree that is grown so that it always stays very small, or show that someone is crying
the art of growing trees in this way —bonsai adj
bo-nus 1 /'baunas $ 'bou-/ n [C]
book’ g] (i /bok/ n
1 GEREN [C] a set of printed pages that are held
Imoney added to someone's wages, especially as a
together in a cover so that you can read them: I've just
reward for good work: Long-term savers qualify for a cash
started reading a book by Graham Greene. |a cookery book |
bonus. | Further additions to your pay may take the form of
[+about/on] a book about cats
bonus payments. |a Christmas bonus | Each worker receives
2S) [C] a set of sheets of paper held together
an annual bonus. |a £20,000 bonus
in a cover so that you can write on them: a black address
2 something good that you did not expect in a situation:
book | a notebook
[+for] Britain's possession of North Sea oil has proved a
3 Games LC] a set of things such as stamps,
bonus for British technology. |He promised to take me to the
matches, or tickets, held together inside a paper cover: a
match, with the added bonus of an afternoon off school.
cheque book
3 no-claims bonus BrE a reduction in the cost of your car
4books [plural] a) PTS written records of the
insurance when you do not make a CLAIM in a particular
financial accounts of a business: An accountant will exam-
year
ine the company’s books. | a small firm that is having prob-
bon vi-vant / bon vir'vont $ ,bp:n vir'va:nt/ (also bon lems balancing the books (=keeping its profits and
viveur /-vi:'v3: $ -vir'v3ir/) n [C] formal someone who spending equal) |on the books They have £50 billion worth
enjoys good food and wine, and being with people of orders on the books. — cook the books at cooK'(3)
bon voy-age /bon vor'a:z $ ,boin-/ interjection used to b) [J the names of people who use a company’s
wish someone a good journey services, or who are sent by a company to work for other
bon-y /'bauni $ 'bou-/ adj 1 someone or part of their people: on sb's books an agent with a lot of popular actors
body that is bony is very thin: She had a bony intelligent on his books
face. |He was tall and bony. 2 bony meat or fish contains a 5 by the book exactly according to rules or instructions:
lot of small bones 3 a part of an animal that is bony She feels she has to go by the book and can’t use her
consists mostly of bone creativity. |do/play sth by the book The police were careful to
boo! /bu:/ v [1,7] to shout ‘boo’ to show that you do not do everything by the book.
like a person, performance, idea etc: Some of the audience 6a closed book a subject that you do not understand or
started booing. | She was booed off stage (=they shouted know anything about: Chemistry is a closed book to me.
‘boo’ until she left the stage). 7 be in sb’s good/bad books informal used to say that
boo? interjection 1a noise made by people who do not someone is pleased or annoyed with you
like a person, performance, idea etc 2 a word you shout 8 [J be on the books if a law is on the books, it is part of
suddenly to someone as a joke in order to frighten them the set of laws in a country, town, area etc
3 wouldn't say boo to a goose an expression used to 9 PT [C] one of the parts that a very large
describe a shy quiet person book such as the Bible is divided into: [+of] the Book of
Isaiah
boob! /bu:b/ n [C] 1 [usually plural] informal a woman's 10 in my book spoken said when giving your opinion: In my
breast 2 BrE informal a silly mistake 3 AmE old-fashioned book, nothing is more important than football.
a stupid or silly person 11 bring sb to book to punish someone for breaking laws or
boob? v [1] BrE informal to make a stupid mistake rules, especially when you have been trying to punish
[SYN] goof AmE: | think Jean’s boobed again. them for a long time: War criminals must be brought to
‘boo-boo n [C] informal a silly mistake: | made a bit of a book. —+ STATUTE BOOK, —» take a leaf out of sb's book at
boo-boo asking her about David! LEAF'(2), > read sb like a book at READ'(16), — suit sb’s book
‘boob tube n [c] 18BrE a piece of women's clothing at suIT?(5), > a turn-up for the book at TURN-UP(2), > throw
made of material that stretches, that covers her chest the book at sb at THROW'(26)
[SyN|tube top AmE 2 the boob tube AmE informal the (o(o) Bolter Wale) hy
television
PNERES 2
boo-by /‘bu:bi/ n (plural boobies) [C] informal a silly or read a book What book are you reading at the
stupid person moment?
‘booby hatch n [singular] AmE old-fashioned informal a look through a book (=look at the pages quickly) /
mental hospital looked through the book until | found the right section.
‘booby prize n [Cc] informal a prize given as a joke to the write a book He's written several interesting travel
person who is last in a competition books.
‘booby trap, booby-trap n [C] 1a hidden bomb that publish a book The book is published by Penguin.
explodes when you touch something else that is con- a book comes out (=it is published for the first
nected to it: He lost both legs in a booby trap bomb blast. time) Everyone was waiting for the new Harry Potter
2 a HARMLESS trap that you arrange for someone as a joke book to come out.
—booby-trapped adj —booby trap v [T] borrow a book (a/so take out a book BrF) (=froma
boo-ga-loo /‘bu:galu:/ n1 [U] a type of music that was library) |return a book (=to a library) |renew a
popular especially in the US during the 1960s and 70s, book (=arrange to continue borrowing it from a
which is a combination of Latin American dance music library)
and RHYTHM AND BLUES 2 the boogaloo a dance that young | book + NOUN ‘i
people did to this music, which involves moving your feet a book shop (also book store AmE) | got it from that
in a regular pattern of usually 12 steps little book shop in the village.
boog-er /'buga, 'bu:- $ -ar/ n [C] AmE informal a thick a book seller (=a person, shop, or company selling
piece of MUCUS from your nose books) High street book sellers are experiencing a drop
boo-gey-man /'bu:gimen/ n [C] a BOGEYMAN in sales.
book 178 a & = = the most frequentswords in shore English

a book token BrE (=a ticket that you can use to pay sports player can be punished by having his or her name
for a book) She always bought me book tokens for my written into the REFEREE's book
birthday. book-bind:ing /bukbatndin/ n [U] the process of
a book review (=an article giving critical opinions of fastening the pages of books inside a cover —bookbinder
a book) | a book fair n{C]
book-case /'buk-ke1s/ n [C] a piece of furniture with
shelves to hold books
the cover of a book His picture is on the cover of the
‘book clubn [Cc] 1 a club that offers books cheaply to its

J
book.
members 2a group of people who meet regularly to
a chapter of a book The first chapter of the book is
discuss a particular book they have all read
\_about his childhood.
book-cross-ing /‘bokkrostn $ -krozs-/ n [U] the prac-
tice of leaving books in public places or on buses, trains
THESAURUS etc, so that other people will read them and then leave
them for others to read. There is a website where people
novel n [C] a book about imaginary peop can record details of the books and the places where they
events: The film is based on Nick Hornby’s best-selling found or left them. —bookcrosser n [C]
novel. | a historical novel book-end /‘bukend/ n [C usually plural] one of a pair of
fiction n [U] books that describe imaginary people objects that you put at the end-of a row of books to
and events: She reads a lot of romantic fiction. prevent them from falling over
literature n [U] novels and plays that are considered Book-er Prize, the /‘buka praiz $ -ker-/ — MAN
to be important works of art: I’m studying American BOOKER PRIZE
literature at university. ‘book group n [Cc] a group of people who meet regu-
non-fiction n [U] books that describe real people larly to discuss books hat they have all agreed to read
and events: Men tend to prefer non-fiction.
science fiction n [U] books about imaginary events
book-ie /‘boki/ n [C] informal a BOOKMAKER
in the future or space travel book-ing /'bukin/ n [C] 1 an arrangement to travel by
reference book n [C] a book such as a dictionary or train, use a hotel room etc at a particular time in the
encyclopedia, which you lock at to find information future — reservation: bookings on cruise ships | | made a
textbook n [C] a book about a particular subject booking for two double rooms. | I’m calling to confirm my
that you use in a classroom booking (=say definitely that | want to travel etc). | If you
set book BrE/course book BrE n [C] a book that you cancel your booking, there will be a small charge. |Places on
have to study as part of your course the course are limited and advance booking is essential. |
guidebook n [C] a book telling visitors about a city block booking (=a booking for a large number of dates,
or country
seats, rooms etc) 2 an arrangement made by a performer
hardcover/hardback n [C] a book that has a hard to perform at a particular time in the future 3 BrE the act
stiff cover of writing a football player's name in a book as a punish-
paperback n [C] a book that has a paper cover ment for breaking the rules
biography n [C] a book about a real person's life, ‘booking office n [Cc] BrE a place where you can buy
written by another person train or bus tickets [SyN]ticket office + BOX OFFICE
autobiography n [C] a book that someone has bookish /‘buk1/ adj someone who is bookish is more
written about their own life interested in reading and studying than in sports or other
recipe book/cookery book BrE (also cookbook AmE) activities: a shy bookish man
n [C] a book that tells you how to cook different book-keep-ing /‘bukkipmn/ n [U] the job or activity of
meals recording the financial accounts of an organization
— accountancy
book? gv book-let /‘buklst/ n [C] a very short book that usually
1[1,1] to make arrangements to stay in a place, eat in a contains information on one particular subject —> leaflet:
restaurant, go to a theatre etc at a particular time in the a free booklet on drug abuse
future — reserve: Have you booked a holiday this year? |The
book-mak-er /'buk,metka $ -ar/ (also bookie informal) n
flight was already fully booked (=no more seats were
[C] someone whose job is to collect money that people
available). | To get tickets, you have to book in advance. |The
want to risk on the result of a race, competition etc, and
show’s booked solid (=all the tickets have been sold) until
who pays them if they guess correctly
February.
2 [T] to arrange for someone such as a singer to perform book-mark’ /bokma:k $ -mairk/ n [C] 1a piece of
on a particular date: The band was booked for a benefit paper, leather etc that you put in a book to show you the
show in Los Angeles. last page you have read 2 a way of saving the address of
3 be booked up a) if a hotel, restaurant etc is booked up, a page on the Internet so that you can find it again
there are no more rooms, places, seats etc still available: bookmark? v [T] to save the address of a page on the
The courses quickly get booked up. b) if someone is booked Internet so that you can find it again easily
up, they are sl busy and have arranged a lot of book-mo-bile /bukmabi:l/ n [Cc] AmE a vehicle hak
things they must do: I’m all booked up this week - can we contains a library and travels to different places so that
get together next Friday? people can use it [SYN]mobile library BrE
4[T] to a are for someone to go to a hotel, fly on a book-plate /'bukplett/ n [C] a decorated piece of
plane etc: I’ve booked you a flight on Saturday. | book sb paper with your name on it, that you stick in the front of
on/in etc /’I! book you in at the Hilton. your books
5 [1] to put someone's name officially in police records,
book«rest /‘buk-rest/ n [C] a metal or wooden frame
along with the charge made against them: Smith was that holds a book upright so that you can read it without
booked on suspicion of attempted murder. holding it in your hands
6[T] BrE when a REFEREE in a sports game books a player
who has broken the rules, he or she officially writes down book-sell-er /‘buksela $ -ar/ n [C] a person or com-
the player's name in a book as a punishment pany that sells books
book in (also book into sth) phr v BrE to arrive at a hotel book-shelf /‘bokfelf/ n (plural bookshelves /-felvz/) [C]
and say who you are etc [syN|check in: Several tourists a shelf that you keep books on, or a piece of furniture
were booking in. used for holding books + bookcase
book-a-ble /‘bukebal/ adj 1 BrE tickets for a concert, book-shop /‘bokjop $ -fa:p/ n [C] especially BrE a shop
performance etc that are bookable can be ordered before that sells books [S¥N| bookstore AmE —
it happens 2 bookable offence an offence for which a book-stall /‘buksto:! $ -sto:// n [C] BrE asmall shop that
(0 (2 OS = the most frequent words in written English 179 boot

has an open front and sells books and magazines, often boon-dog:-gle /'bu:n dog! $ -dargl/ n [singular] AmE
at a railway station [SYN| newsstand AmE informal an officially organized plan or activity that is very
book-store /'buksto: $ -sto:r/ n [C] AmE a shop that complicated and wastes a lot of time, money, and effort:
sells books [SYN] bookshop a bureaucratic boondoggle
‘book token n [Cc] BrE a card that you can exchange for boo-nies /'bu:niz/ n [plural] AmE informal the boon-
books: She gave me a book token for Christmas. docks
‘book value n[c] 1 how much a car of a particular age, boor /bua $ bur/ n [C] a man who behaves in a very
style etc should be worth if you sold it 2 technical rude way —boorish adj —boorishly adv
a) the value of a business after you sell all of its ASSETS boost! /bu:st/ v [T] 1 to increase or improve something
and pay all of its debts b) the value of something that a and make it more successful: The new resort area has
company owns, which it lists in its accounts boosted tourism. | boost sb's confidence/morale/ego The
book-worm /‘bokw3:m $ -w3irm/ n [C] 1 someone who win boosted the team’s confidence. EERIE INCREASE
likes reading very much 2 an insect that eats books 2 (also boost up) to help someone reach a higher place
Boo:-le-an /bu:lian/ adj [only before noun] technical a by lifting or pushing them: He boosted her up. 3 if a ROCKET
Boolean system is based on things that can be either true or motor boosts a SPACECRAFT, it makes it go up into space
or false, but not both. It links statements with words or go in a particular direction 4 AmE informal to steal
called OPERATORS, such as AND, OR, and NOT. Boolean something
systems are used to write computer programs, especially
boost? n 1 [singular] something that gives someone
Internet search programs: The program searches for infor-
more confidence, or that helps something increase,
mation using Boolean logic.
improve, or become successful: [+to] a major boost to the
boom!" gy /bu:m/ n economy | [+for] a multimillion-pound boost for the British
1 TEESE Sess [singular] a quick increase of busi- film industry | Add a little more vanilla, to give the flavor a
ness activity [opP|slump: The boom has created job boost. |get/receive a boost The community will get a boost
opportunities. |[tin] a sudden boom in the housing market | from a new library and recreation center. |morale/ego boost
consumer/investment/property etc boom the post-war The poll provided a morale boost for the Conservatives.
property boom |boom years/times /n boom times, airlines do 2 give sb a boost (up) to lift someone so that they can
well. |the economic boom of the 1950s | The economy went reach a higher place: If | give you a boost, could you reach
from boom to bust (=from increasing to decreasing) very the window? 3 [U] an increase in the amount of power
quickly. + BOOM TOWN available to a ROCKET, piece of electrical equipment etc
20CE SIs [singular] an increase in how
boost-er /'bu:sta $ -ar/ n [C] 1a small quantity of a
popular or successful something is, or in how often it
drug that increases the effect of one that was given
happens: the disco boom of the 1970s | [+in] the boom in
before, so that someone continues to be protected
youth soccer in the U.S. + BABY BOOM
against a disease: a booster shot 2 something that helps
3 GaP) [Cc] a deep loud sound that you can hear for
someone or something to increase or improve, or to be
several seconds after it begins, especially the sound of an
more successful or confident: a booster pump | a profit
explosion or a large gun — SONIC BOOM [RLUE>
booster for the company | morale/confidence booster Mail
SOUND
from home is a big morale booster for faraway troops.
4 meu9 [C] a long pole on a boat that is attached to the
3a rocket that is used to provide extra power for a
bottom of a sail, and that you move to change the
SPACECRAFT to leave the Earth: a giant booster rocket
position of the sail
4 AmE someone who gives a lot of support to a person,
5 Ma [C] a) a long pole used as part of a piece of
organization, or idea: a dance organized by the school’s
equipment that loads and unloads things b) a long pole
booster club
that has a camera or MICROPHONE on the end
6 ERNE «(C] something that is stretched ‘booster seat (also ‘booster chair, booster cushion
across a river or a BAY to prevent things floating down or BrE) n[C] a special seat for a small child that lets them sit
across It in a higher position in a car or at a table
boom? v1 [I usually in progressive] if business, trade, or a boot" § [ /but/ n [c]
particular area is booming, it is increasing and being very 1a type of shoe that covers your whole foot and the lower
successful: Business was booming, and money wasn’t a part of your leg > Wellington: hiking boots |a pair of boots
problem. | Tourism on the island has boomed. 2 (also boom —+ RUBBER BOOT, see picture at SHOE’
out) [T] to say something in a loud deep voice: ‘Ladies and 2 BrE an enclosed space at the back of a car, used for
gentlemen,’ his voice boomed out. 3 (also boom out) [1] to carrying bags etc [syN]trunk AmE: The new model has a
make a loud deep sound: Guns boomed in the distance. bigger boot.
—booming adj: a booming economy 3 the boot informal when someone is forced to leave their
‘boom box n [C] Ame informal a GHETTO BLASTER job [SYN] the sack BrE — dismiss: The chairman denied that
\boo-me-rang! /‘bu:maren/ n [C] a curved stick that he had been given the boot. | He should have got the boot
flies in a circle and comes back to you when you throw it, years ago.
first used in Australia Ato boot in addition to everything else you have men-
boomerang? v [1] if a plan or action boomerangs on tioned: She was a great sportswoman, and beautiful to boot.
someone, it affects them badly instead of affecting the 5 put the boot in BrE informal a) io criticize or be cruel to
person who it was intended to affect backfire someone who is already in a bad situation b) to attack
someone by kicking them repeatedly, especially when
‘boomerang generation n [singular] young people they are on the ground
who come back to live with their parents after finishing 6 the boot is on the other foot BrE used to say someone
university: The boomerang generation are saving thousands who has caused problems for other people in the past is
in rent by living at home. now ina situation in which people are causing problems
‘boom town n [Cc] a town or city that suddenly for them
becomes very successful because there is a lot of new 7 AmE a metal object that the police attach to one of the
industry wheels of an illegally parked car so that it cannot be
boon /bu:n/ n [C usually singular] something that is very moved [SYN|wheel clamp BrE — be/get too big for your
useful and makes your life a lot easier or better: The bus boots at BIG'(14), — lick sb's boots at LICK'(7), > tough as old
service is a real boon to people in the village. boots at TOUGH'(2)
boon com'panion n [Cc] literary a very close friend boot? v1 (also boot up) [1,7] to start the program that
boon:-docks /‘bu:ndoks $ -dazks/ n [plural] AmE informal makes a computer ready to be used — load 2 [T] informal
the boondocks a place that is a long way from the nearest to kick someone or something hard: boot sth in/round/
town i down etc The goalkeeper booted the ball upfield. 3 [1] AmE
 boot camp 180 [Xa = words from the Academic Word List

to stop someone from moving their illegally parked vehi- bop? n1[U] another word for sesop 2 [C] a gentle hit: a
cle by fixing a piece of equipment to one of the wheels bop on the head 3 [singular] BrE informal a dance
[S¥N|clamp BrE bop-per /‘bopa $ 'ba:par/ n [C] old-fashioned another
boot sb <> out phr v informal to force someone to leave a word for TEENYBOPPER
place, job, or organization, especially because they have bo-raXx /'bo:reks/ n [U] a mineral used for cleaning
done something wrong [SYN] throw out: His fellow students
& booted him out of the class.
bor-del-lo /bs:'delau $ bor'delov/ n (plural bordellos)
[C] especially literary a house where men can pay to have
~ ‘boot camp n [Cc] a training camp for people who have
sex [SYN] brothel
just joined the US army, navy, or Marine Corps
boot-cut /burtkat/ adj [only before noun] BrE bootcut
bor-der' By ([ /'bo:da $ ‘boirdar/ n [C]
_ JEANS and trousers become slightly wider at the end of 1the official line that separates two countries, states, or
areas, or the area close to this line: To cross the border, you
* each leg [SYN] bootleg AmE
will need a valid passport. | [+between] the border between
boot-ee bootie /'bu:ti:, bu:'ti:/ n [C] a short t hick sock the US and Mexico |[+with] regular patrols along the border
that a baby wears instead of a shoe with France | on the border a market town on the border of
booth /bu:6 $ bu:6/ n [C] 1a small partly enclosed England and Wales |across the border He helped them to get
place where one person can do something privately, such across the border. |south/north etc of the border The coach
as use the telephone or vote: a voting booth 2 a small took us south of the border to Tia Juana.
partly enclosed structure where you can buy things, play 2.a band along or around the edge of something such as a
games, or get information, usually at a market or a FAIR: a picture or piece of material: writing paper with a black
crafts booth 3 a partly enclosed place in a restaurant, with border + see picture at EDGE!
a table between two long seats 3 an area of soil where you plant flowers or bushes, along
‘booth bunny n [c] Ame informal an attractive woman the edge of an area of grass: a flower and shrub border
who works in a company's booth at a TRADE FAIR (=an 4 something that separates one situation, state etc from
event when many companies show their goods or serv- another: new scientific discoveries that are stretching the
ices in one place) in order to encourage people to visit borders of knowledge
the booth
boot-lace /buttlets/ n [C usually plural] a long piece of
string that you use to fasten a boot
cross the border The army crossed the border and
boot-leg* /‘bu:tleg/ adj [only before noun] 1 bootleg alco-
advanced on Warsaw.
hol, software, or RECORDINGS are made and sold illegally:
flee/escape across the border Over 100,000 civilians
bootleg tapes 2 AmE bootleg JEANs, trousers etc become
fled across the border.
wider at the end of each leg [SYN] bootcut BrE
form the border The river forms the border between
bootleg? n [Cc] an illegal recording of a music perform- the two countries.
ance close the border (=prevent people from crossing) |
bootleg® v (bootlegged, bootlegging) [1,7] to illegally open the border (=start allowing people to cross)
make or sell alcohol, or to illegally make or sell copies of
software or RECORDINGS —bootlegger n [C] —bootlegging
n{U] the Welsh/Mexican etc border | had reached the
‘boot sale n [C] BrE a cAR BOOT SALE Swiss border.
the southern/eastern etc border They renewed their
boot-straps /‘bu:tstreps/ n [plural] pull/haul yourself up attacks on Ethiopia's northern border.
by your bootstraps to improve your position and get out of a common border (=that countries share)
a difficult situation by your own efforts, without help from
other people + Eee ipieauel

boot-y /‘bu:ti/ n [U] especially literary valuable things a border dispute (=a disagreement about where the
that a group of people, especially an army that has just border should be) a long-running border dispute
won a victory, take away from somewhere [SYN] loot between Iraq and Iran
boo-ty-li-cious / bu:ts'sjas/ adj informal extremely nice, a border town |a border area/region |a border
enjoyable, or attractive: bootylicious babes
crossing (=a place where you cross a border) |
a border guard |border controls (=controls on
booze /bu:z/ n [singular, U] informal alcoholic drink: a who crosses a border)
bottle of booze | on the booze He’s been on the booze
(=drinking too much alcohol) for five days. | off the booze _ PHRASES Ce ee
My husband is now off the booze (=no longer drinking too this/the other side of the border Her friend lives on
much alcohol) and he is a different person. \_the other side of the border.
‘booze cruise n [C] BrE informal an occasion when a
group of people travel together on a FERRY from England
to France in order to buy a lot of wine, beer, or spirits border the official line that separates two countries,
cheaply or the area close to this line: The town lies on the ‘
boozer /'bu:za $ -ar/ n[C] 1 BrE a puB 2 someone who border between Chile and Argentina. |Strasbourg is very
often drinks a lot of alcohol close to the German border.
‘booze-uip n [C] BrE old-fashioned informal a party where frontier especially BrE the border: They crossed the
people drink a lot of alcohol Libyan frontier into Egypt.
booz:-ing /‘bu:z1n/ n [U] informal when someone drinks line the official line that separates states and
alcohol, especially a lot of it: You've been out boozing, counties in the US: His family lived across the state line
haven't you? —booze v [|] in West Virginia.
boundary the line that marks the edge of an area of
boozy /'bu:zi/ adj showing that someone has drunk too land that someone owns, or one of the parts of a
much alcohol: boozy laughter country: The fence marks the boundary between the
bop" /bvp $ ba:p/ v (bopped, bopping) informal1 [7] to two properties. | The Mississippi River forms the
hit someone, especially gently: Tom bopped him on the boundary between Tennessee and Arkansas.
nose. 2 [|] to dance to popular music: kids happily bopping NS
on the dance floor 3 [| always + adv/prep] informal to go border? v 1 [\, T] if one country, state, or area borders
somewhere or to several different places, especially to another, it is next to it and shares a border with it:
enjoy yourself: We spent the afternoon just bopping around countries that border the Mediterranean | [ton] The area
town. , borders on the Yorkshire Dales. 2 [T] to form a border along
 GG = words from the Academic Word List 181 borne

the edge of something: a path bordered by a high brick wall phrase in everyday English, instead of saying directly
border on sth phr v to be very close to being something that something is boring: The story wasn’t very
extreme: His confidence bordered on arrogance. interesting.
bor-der-land /'bo:dalend $ 'boirdar-/ n [C] 1 the land dull especially written boring: The conference was
near the border between two countries 2 the borderland usually a dull affair. | Life was never dull.
between two qualities is an unclear area that contains tedious /'ti:dias/ very boring and continuing for a
features of both of them long time: The process was tedious and slow. |Jake
bor-der-line! /'bo:dalain $ 'bo:rdar-/ adj1 very close to began the tedious task of sorting through his papers.
not being acceptable: In borderline cases, the student's monotonous /me'nptanas $ ma'na:-/ boring and
coursework is considered, as well as exam grades. | The always the same: The work was monotonous and
referee's decision was borderline. 2 [usually before noun] hav- unchallenging. | He was only half listening to the
ing qualities of both one situation, state etc and another monotonous voice of the teacher.
more extreme situation or state: a borderline schizophrenic mundane /man'dein/ rather boring, because it is
(=someone who has some signs of being mentally ill) connected with things you do regularly as part of
borderline? n1 [singular] the point at which one qual- your daily life: He busied himself with the mundane
ity, situation, emotion etc ends and another begins: She task of cleaning the house. |Most arguments are over
slipped over the borderline into sleep. | on the borderline | mundane issues like spending or saving money.
was on the borderline between a first- and a second-class humdrum /‘hamdram/ [usually before noun] boring
degree. 2 [C] a border between two countries because nothing new or interesting ever happens: He
wanted to escape his humdrum life. | a humdrum
bore’ /bo: $ bo:r/ the past tense of BEAR
existence
bore? v1 [71] to make someone feel bored, especially by dry a subject, piece of writing etc that is dry is
talking too much about something they are not interested boring because it is very serious and does not
in: He’s the sort of person who bores you at parties. | a film contain any humour: The students complained that the
that will bore its young audience | bore sb with sth | won't lecture was dry and uninspiring. |a dry academic volume )
bore you with all the technical details. | bore sb to death/ Ne
tears (=make them very bored) 2 [1,1] to make a deep born’ Gf v
round hole in a hard surface: bore sth through/into/in sth 1be born when a person or animal is born, they come out
The machine bores a hole through the cards. | of their mother’s body or out of an egg: Forty lambs were
[+through/into] To build the tunnel they had to bore through born this spring. | [+in] Swift was born in 1667. |[+at] Then,
solid rock. PEEANTTS> vic 3 [| + into] if someone's eyes most babies were born at home. | [+on] | was born on
bore into you, they look at you in a way that makes you December 15th, 1973. |be born into/to/of sth (=be born ina
feel uncomfortable particular situation, type of family etc) One third of all
bore? n1 [singular] something that is not interesting to children are born into single-parent families. | be born with
you or that annoys you: Waiting is a bore. | You'll find it’s a sth (=have a particular disease, type of character etc
terrible bore. 2 [C] someone who is boring, especially since birth) Jenny was born with a small hole in her heart. ||
because they talk too much about themselves or about was born and raised (=was born and grew up) in
things that do not interest you: He turned out to be a Alabama. | be born blind/deaf etc (=be blind, deaf etc
crashing bore (=used to emphasize that someone is very when born) |a newly-born baby |the queen's firstborn son |
boring). 3 [singular] the measurement of the width of the be born lucky/unlucky etc (=always be lucky, unlucky etc) |
inside of a long hollow object such as a pipe or the BARREL Australian/French etc born (=born in or as a citizen of
of a gun: Take a length of piping with a bore of about 15 Australia etc) A\ Do not say ‘| born’, ‘| have been born’, or
mm. | 12-/16-/20- etc bore a 12-bore shotgun | wide-/ ‘Lam born’. Say | was born: | was born in Pakistan.
narrow-/fine- bore a fine-bore tube 4 [singular] a wave of 2 GSS) be born something that is born starts to
water that moves quickly along a river from the sea at exist: the country where the sport of cricket was born |
particular times of the year: the Severn bore 5[C] a [+(out) of] (=as a result of a particular situation) The
BOREHOLE alliance was born of necessity in 1941. | Bill spoke with a
bored G4 /bo:d $ bo:rd/ adj tired and impatient because cynicism born of bitter experience.
you do not think something is interesting, or because you 3 born and bred born and having grown up in a particular
have nothing to do: He was easily bored. | After a while, | place and having the typical qualities of someone from
got bored and left. |[+with] Are you bored with your present that place: | was born and bred in Liverpool.
job? | bored stiff/to tears/to death/out of your mind 4 be born to do/be sth to be very suitable for a particular
(=extremely bored) /A\ Do not confuse bored, which job, activity etc: He was born to be a politician.
describes a feeling, and boring, which describes someone 5 | wasn't born yesterday spoken used to tell someone you
or something that makes you feel bored: bored students |a think is lying to you that you are not stupid enough to
boring job believe them
bore:dom /'bo:dam $ 'bo:r-/ n [U] the feeling you have 6 thére’s one born every minute spoken used to say that
when you are bored, or the quality of being boring: a someone has been very stupid or easily deceived
game to relieve the boredom of a long journey | the sheer 7 be born under a lucky/unlucky star to always have good or
boredom of being in jail | [+with] his boredom with life in a bad luck in your life
small town 8 be born with a silver spoon in your mouth to be born into a
rich family + NATURAL-BORN
bore-fest /'bo:fest $ 'bow-/ n [C] informal something
that is very boring [SYN] snoozefest: The game was turning born? adj [only before noun] 1 born leader/musician/
out to be a borefest. teacher etc someone who has a strong natural ability to
lead, play music etc: the skill of a born actor 2 born loser
bore-hole /‘bs:haul $ 'bo:rrhoul/ n [C] a deep hole made someone who always seems to have bad things happen
using special equipment, especially in order to get water
to them 3 in all your born days old-fashioned used to
or oil out of the ground
express Surprise or annoyance at something that you
bor-ing /‘ba:rin/ adj not interesting in any way: Her have never heard about before
husband is about the most boring person I’ve ever met. | The ‘born-again adj1 born-again Christian someone who has
job was dull and boring. |dead/incredibly/terribly etc boring become an EVANGELICAL Christian 2 born-again non-
(=very boring) smoker/vegetarian etc informal someone who has recently
stopped smoking, eating meat etc, and who is always
boring not interesting in any way: a boring speech | talking about it and suggesting that other people do the
He found school incredibly boring. same
not very interesting [not before noun] very ordinary borne! /bo:n $ bo:rn/ the past participle of BEAR
and therefore rather boring. People often use this borne? adj 1 water-borne/sea-borne/air-borne etc carried
 borough le Sd &) & = the most frequent words in spoken English

by water, the sea, air etc: water-borne diseases 2 be borne sb about Br£, boss sb around AmE: Five-year-old girls love to
in on/upon sb if a fact is borne inon someone, they realize boss people around.
that it is true boss? adj informal very good, attractive, or fashionable: a
bo-rough /'bara $ -rou/ n [C] a town, or part of a large boss car
city, that is responsible for managing its own schools, bos-Sa-No:Va /bosa'nauva $ barsa'nou-/ n [C] a dance
hospitals, roads etc: the borough of Queens in New York that comes from Brazil, or the music for this dance
City |Lambeth Borough Council boss-y /'bpsi $ 'bo:si/ adj (comparative bossier, superla-
borough ‘council n [C] especially BrE the organization tive bossiest) 1 always telling other people what to do, ina
_ that controls a borough way that is annoying: her loud bossy sister 2 bossy-
bor-row 4] () /‘borev $ 'ba:rou, 'bo:-/ v [1,7] boots BrE informal someone who you think tells other
- 1to use something that belongs to someone else and that people what to do too often —bossily adv —bossiness n
you must give back to them later — lend, loan: Can | [U]
borrow your pen for a minute? | borrow sth from sb You are ‘Boston 'Tea Party, the a protest in Boston in 1773
allowed to borrow six books from the library at a time. | They against the British tax on tea, when tea was thrown from
borrowed heavily (=borrowed a lot of money) from the British ships into the water. This is often considered to be
bank to start their new business. A\ Do not confuse borrow the event that started the American Revolution.
and lend (=give someone permission to use something of bo-sun /'bausan $ 'bou-/ n [C] an officer on a ship
yours): | borrowed his bike. |Can you lend me your pen? whose job is to organize the wark and look after the
2to take or copy someone's ideas, words etc and use equipment [SYN] boatswain
them in your own work, language etc: borrow sth from bot /bot $ ba:t/ n [C] technical a computer PROGRAM that
sb/sth | borrowed my ideas from Eliot’s famous poem ‘The performs the same operation many times in a row, for
Waste Land’. | To borrow a phrase (=use what someone example one that searches for information on the Inter-
else has said), if you can’t stand the heat, get out of the net as part of a SEARCH ENGINE
kitchen. | [+from] English has borrowed words from many bo-tan-i-cal /ba'tentkal/ adj [only before noun] relating
languages. to plants or the scientific study of plants —botanically
3 borrow trouble AmE informal to worry about something /-kli/ adv
when it is not necessary — be living on borrowed time at bo,tanical ‘garden n [c] a large public garden where
LIVE'(17), + beg, borrow, or steal at BEG(8) many different types of flowers and plants are grown for
bor-row-er /'borava $ ‘barrovar, 'ba1-/ n [C] someone scientific study
who has borrowed money and has not yet paid it all back bot-a-nist /‘botenist $ 'ba:-/ n [C] someone whose job
—» lender: Most borrowers pay 7% interest. is to make scientific studies of wild plants
bor-row-ing /'borautn §$ 'ba:rou-, 'bo:-/ n 1 [C,U] when bot-a-ny /'botani $ 'ba:-/ n [U] the scientific study of
a person, government, company etc borrows money, or plants
the money that they borrow: Public borrowing has botch’ /bot{ $ ba:t{/ (also botch up) v [T] informal to do
increased. 2 [C] something such as a word, phrase, or something badly, because you have been careless or
idea that has been copied from another language, book because you do not have the skill to do it properly: The
etc: words that are French borrowings | [+from] his musical builders really botched up our patio. | a botched investigation
borrowings from other composers 3 borrowings [plural] the
total amount of money that a company or organization
botch? (also 'botch-up Br£) n [C] especially BrE informal a
piece of work, a job etc that has been badly or carelessly
owes
done: I've just made an awful botch of my translation. | The
‘borrowing powers n [plural] the amount of money whole thing was a botch job.
that a company is allowed to borrow, according to its own
rules both! §] [i /bave $ bou8/ determiner, predeterminer,
pron
bor-stal /'bo:stl $ 'bo:r-/ n [C,U] BrE old-fashioned a 1used to talk about two people, things etc together, and
special prison for criminals who are not old enough to be emphasize that each is included — either: Both Helen's
in an ordinary prison
parents are doctors. | Hold it in both hands. | You can both
bosh /bvf $ baxf/ n [U] especially BrE old-fashioned swim, can’t you? | They both started speaking together. |
something that you think is silly, not good, or not true: He Oxford is not far from Stratford, so you can easily visit both in
thinks modern art is bosh. —bosh interjection a day. | [+of] Both of my grandfathers are farmers.
bos:om /‘buzam/ n1 [C usually singular] written the front 2sb can't have it both ways used to say that someone
part of a woman's chest: She cradled the child to her cannot have the advantages that come from two separate
bosom. 2 [C usually plural] a woman's breast 3 the bosom of situations because they cannot exist together: It’s either
the family/the Church etc the situation where you feel safe me or her. You can't have it both ways.
because you are with people who love and protect you
4 [singular] literary a word meaning someone's feelings ( GRAMMAR
and emotions, used especially when these are bad or Use both (of) before 'the', 'my’, 'these’ etc, or use
unpleasant: Drury harboured bitterness in his bosom. both directly before a plural noun: Both my parents
5 bosom friend/buddy/pal literary a very close friend are dead (NOT My both parents are dead). | Both of her
parents went to college. |Both parents seem to be
bos-om-y /'buzami/ adj having large breasts \
working very hard.
boss’ § [7H /bps $ bo:s/ n [C] When both follows a pronoun or noun referring to
1the person who employs you or who is in charge of you two people or things, it should come after the first
at work — employer, manager, supervisor: /‘l] have to ask auxiliary if there is one: We have both worked in
my boss for a day off. | Since I'm my own boss (=| work for Scotland for some time. It comes after a simple tense
myself, rather than for an employer), my hours are flexible. of ‘be’: a subject in which you are both interested
2 informal someone with an important position in a com- /\ Both is not usually used in a negative clause. Use
pany or other organization: the new boss at Paramount a clause with neither instead: Neither of these methods
Pictures |union bosses is perfect (NOT Both of these methods is not perfect).
3 the person who is the strongest in a relationship, who
controls a situation etc: When you first start training a dog, both? conjunction both ... and ... used to emphasize that
it’s important to let him see that you're the boss. | You've got something is true not just of one person, thing, or situa-
to show the kids who's boss. tion but also of another: He's lived in both Britain and
4a round decoration on the surface of something, for America. |She can both speak and write Japanese. |Both he
example on the ceiling of an old building and his wife enjoy tennis.
boss? v [T] to tell people to do things, give them orders both-er" §] [5 /bode $ 'ba:dar/ v
etc, especially when you have no authority to do it: boss ITT ([,T usually in questions and negatives] to
 [i (2 GS = the most frequent words in written English 183 bottom

make the effort to do something: (not) bother to do sth He bot-tle! g] /botl $ 'ba:tl/ n
didn't bother to answer the question. |not bother about/with 1[C] a container with a narrow top for keeping liquids in,
He didn’t bother with a reply. |(not) bother doing sth Many usually made of plastic or glass: an empty bottle | a
young people didn’t bother voting. | don't/didn't/won't etc wine/milk/beer etc bottle |[+of] a bottle of champagne
bother ‘Do you want me to wait for your’ ‘No, don’t bother.’ | 2[C] (also bottleful) the amount of liquid that a bottle
Why bother to go abroad, when there are so many nice places contains: Between us, we drank three bottles of wine.
here? 3[C] a container for babies to drink from, with a rubber /
2 (ety L!,7] to make someone feel slightly worried, part on top that they suck, or the milk contained in this —
upset, or concerned: Being in a crowd really bothers me. |It bottle: My. first baby just wouldn't take a bottle at all.
was very noisy, but that didn’t bother me. | [+about] espe- 4 the bottle alcoholic drink - used when talking about the
cially BrE: | try not to bother about what other people think. | problems drinking can cause: Peter let the bottle ruin his —
bother sb that /t really bothered me that he'd forgotten my life. | hit the bottle (=regularly drink too much) She was ©
birthday. under a lot of stress, and started hitting the bottle. |be on the
3 GODT [1,1] to annoy someone, especially by interrupt- bottle BrE (=be drinking a lot of alcohol regularly)
ing them when they are trying to do something: Danny, 5[U] BrE informal courage to do something that is dan-
don't bother Ellen while she’s reading. | Would it bother you if gerous or unpleasant [SYN] nerve: | never thought she’d have
| put on some music? | bother sb about/with sth It didn’t the bottle to do it!
seem worth bothering the doctor about. 6 bring a bottle BrE, bring your own bottle AmE used when
4 sb can't/couldn’t be bothered (to do sth) especially BrE you invite someone to an informal party, to tell them that
used to say that you do not want to make the effort to do they should bring their own bottle of alcoholic drink
something, or that you are not interested in doing some- —> HOT-WATER BOTTLE
thing: It was so hot | couldn't be bothered to cook. || should bottle? v [7] 1 to put a liquid, especially wine or beer,
be revising, but | just can’t be bothered. into a bottle after you have made it: The whisky is bottled
5 Gea [7] if a part of your body bothers you, it is here before being sent abroad. 2 BrE to put vegetables or
slightly painful or uncomfortable: My back’s been bother- fruit into special glass containers in order to preserve
ing me. them |syN|can AmE
6 sorry to bother you spoken used as a very polite way of bottle out (also bottle it) phr v BrE informal to suddenly
interrupting someone when you want their attention: decide not to do something because you are frightened
Sorry to bother you, but Mr. Grey is on the line. [SYN] cop out: ‘Did you tell him?’ ‘No, | bottled out at the last
7 Gate [7] to upset or frighten someone by talking minute.’
to them when they do not want to talk to you, trying to bottle sth <> up phr v1 to deliberately not allow yourself
hurt them, touch them sexually etc: Don't worry - my dog to show a strong feeling or emotion: /t is far better to cry
won't bother you. | If he starts bothering you, let me know. than to bottle up your feelings. 2 to cause problems by
8 not bother yourself/not bother your head to not spend delaying something: The bill has been bottled up in Con-
time or effort on something, either because it is not gress.
important or because it is too difficult: [+with/about] Cliff ‘bottle bank n [Cc] BrE a container in the street that you
didn't want to bother himself with details. put empty bottles into, so that the glass can be used
9bother it/them etc BrE spoken old-fashioned used to again
express a sudden feeling of annoyance about something:
bot-tled /botld $ 'ba:-/ adj bottled water/beer etc water,
Oh bother it! The thread's broken again!
beer etc that is sold in a bottle
bother? n 1 [U] especially BrE trouble or difficulty that ‘bottle-feed v (past tense and past participle bottle-fed)
has been caused by small problems and that usually only [T] to feed a baby or young animal with milk from a
continues for a short time [SYN] trouble: /t’s an old car, but bottle rather than from their mother's breast —bottle-
it’s never caused me any bother. |[+with] Joe’s been having feeding n [U] —bottle-fed adj
q bit of bother with his back again. | ‘Thanks for your help.’ ‘It
bottle ‘green n [U] a very dark green colour —bottle
was no bother (=used to emphasize that you were happy
green adj
to help someone) at all.’ | My mother hardly ever went to
the bother of (=the effort of) making cakes. | Are you sure bot-tle-neck /‘botinek $ 'ba:-/ n [C] 1 a place in a road
the station is on your way? | don’t want to give you any extra where the traffic cannot pass easily, so that there are a lot
bother. ||should have phoned the shop first and saved myself of delays 2 a delay in one stage of a process that makes
the bother of going there. |sth is more bother than it's worth the whole process take longer: Understaffing has caused a
(=it is too difficult to be worth doing) 2 a bother especially real bottleneck.
BrE a person or job that slightly annoys you by causing ‘bottle opener n [Cc] a small tool used for removing
trouble or problems: | hate to be a bother, but could you the metal lids from bottles
show me how the copier works? bot-tom! g [H /‘botem $ 'ba:-/ n
bother? interjection BrE informal used when you are 1([)\sa =the bottom the lowest part of something
_ slightly annoyed: Oh bother! | forgot to phone Jean. [opp|the top: [+of] Can you hold the bottom of the ladder
for me? |at the bottom (of sth) Grandma was standing at the
both-er-a-tion /boda'rerjan $ ba:-/ interjection old- bottom of the stairs. | at the bottom of the page | Go
fashioned used when you are slightly annoyed: Bothera- downstairs and wait for me at the bottom. |the bottom of the
tion. | forgot my glasses. page/screen There should be a menu bar at the bottom of
both-ered /boded $ 'ba:derd/ adj [not before noun] your screen.
1 worried or upset? [+about] He doesn’t seem too bothered 2 RATES [C usually singular] the flat surface on the
about the things that are written about him in the papers. | lowest side of an object: the bottom of sth What's that on
bothered that No one else seemed bothered that Grandfather the bottom of your shoe?
wasn't there. WORRIED 2 not bothered espe- 3 ES «(CC usually singular] the lowest inner
cially BrE if you are not bothered about something, it is surface of something such as a container: at/in the bot-
not important to you: ‘What film do you want to see?’ ‘I’m tom of sth / found the keys - they were at the bottom of my
not bothered.’ | [+about] He's not bothered about getting handbag. | The drugs had been hidden in a suitcase with a
the facts right. > hot and bothered at HOT'(12) false bottom.
both-er-some /'bpdeasam $ 'ba:dar-/ adj slightly annoy-
4 USE «the bottom the lowest
position in an organization or company [opp|the top:
ing [+of] The Giants are at the bottom of the league. | the
bot-net /botnet $ 'ba:t-/ n [C] a large number of bottom of the ladder/pile/heap (=the lowest position in
computers that someone has secretly gained control of society, an organization etc) Immigrants were at the bot-
and uses to do things such as send spAm(=unwanted tom of the pile. | Higgins had started at the bottom (=in a
emails) low position in a company) and worked his way up to
bottom 184 EX3 = words from the Academic Word List

become managing director. | second/third etc from bottom again — level off/out: There are signs that the recession has
United currently lie second from bottom of the Premier bottomed out.
League. bottom ‘drawer n [Cc] Bré all the things, especially
5 Maya the bottom the ground under a sea, river things that you use in a house, that a woman collects to
etc, or the flat land in a valley: [+of] The bottom ofthe pool use when she is married [SYN] hope chest AmE
is very slippery. |at/on the bottom (of sth) A body was found bot-tom-less /'botemlas $ ‘ba:-/ adj 1a bottomless
at the bottom of the canal. |the sea/river bottom fish living hole, sea etc is one that is extremely deep: There was a
on the sea bottom rope dangling down into a dark bottomless hole. 2 seem-
6—tsg [C] the part of your body that you sit on ing to have no end or limit: the bottomless well of informa-
backside: | just sat on my bottom and slid down. tion available through the Internet | The government does not
7(@®haa ([C usually plural] the part of a set of clothes have a bottomless pit (=a supply with no limits) of money
that you wear on the lower part of your body: pyjama to spend on public services.
bottoms | a blue bikini bottom bottom ‘line n [singular] 1 the bottom line used to tell
8 ssiaar
GU =the bottom of a road/garden etc espe- someone what the most important part of a situation is,
cially BrE the part of a road, area of land etc that is or what the most important thing to consider is: In radio,
furthest from where you are: There’s a shop at the bottom you have to keep the listener listening. That's the bottom line.
of the street. 2 the profit or the amount of money that a business
9 get to the bottom of sth to find out the cause of a makes or loses 3 the least amount of money that you are
problem or situation: | never got to the bottom of this! willing to accept in a business deal —bottom-line adj
10 be/lie at the bottom of sth to be the basic cause of a
bot-tom-most /botam,maust $ 'ba:tammoust/ adj
problem or situation: Lack of money is at the bottom of
Lonly before noun] in the lowest, furthest, or deepest posi-
many family problems.
tion or place [oPP] topmost
11be at/hit/reach rock bottom a) to be in a very bad
situation that could not be any worse: | was at rock bottom-up adj a bottom-up plan is one in which you
bottom, and knew | had to try and stop drinking. b) to be at a decide on practical details before thinking about general
very low level: We bought the house when prices were at principles [opp] top-down
rock bottom. bot-u-lis-m /'bot/slzzam $ 'ba:-/ n [U] serious food
12 from the bottom of your heart in a very sincere way: poisoning caused by BACTERIA in preserved meat and
Thank you from the bottom of my heart. vegetables
13 the bottom drops/falls out of the market when people bou-doir /bu:dwa: $ -wair/ n [C] old use a woman's
stop buying a particular product, so that the people who bedroom or private sitting room
sell it can no longer make any money bouf-fant /‘bu:fon, -font $ bu:'fa:nt/ adj a bouffant
14 bottoms up! spoken used to tell someone to enjoy or hairstyle is one in which your hair is raised away from
finish their alcoholic drink your head at the top
15 big-bottomed/round-bottomed etc having a bottom or bou-gain-vil-le-a / bu:gan'vilia/ n [CU] a tropical plant
base that is big, round etc that has red or purple flowers and grows up walls
16 at bottom formal the way a person or situation really is, bough /bau/ n [C] literary a main branch on a tree
although they may seem different: She’s a good kind bought /bo:t $ bo:t/ the past tense and past participle
person at bottom. —» top, + you can bet your bottom dollar
of BUY
at BET'(4), + knock the bottom out of at KNOCK'(25), > from
top to bottom at ToP'(21), > the bottom of the list at List"(2), bouil-lom /busjon $ -ja:in/ n [C,U] a clear soup made by
—» scrape the bottom of the barrel at SCRAPE'(5) boiling meat and vegetables in water
‘bouillon cube n [c] AmE a small square made of dried
meat or vegetables, used to give a stronger taste to soups
the bottom the lowest part of something: The house [sYN| stock cube BrE
is at the bottom of that hill. |She scrolled down to the boul-der /'baulda $ 'bouldar/ n [C] a large round piece
bottom of the screen. of rock
the underneath/the underside the bottom surface
on the outside of something: You will find the serial
boule-vard /'bu:lvard $ 'bu:lavaird, 'bu-/ n [C] 1a wide
road in a town or city, often with trees along the sides
number on the underneath of the vacuum cleaner.
2 (written abbreviation Blvd.) used as part of the name of
base the lowest part or the wide bottom part on
a particular road: Sunset Boulevard
which something stands: The lamp has a square
base. | He had broken a bone at the base of his spine. bounce’ §Y /bauns/ v
the foot /iterary the bottom of a tree, a hill, or some 1GSwwsse [1,7] if a ball or other object bounces, or
stairs: There was a small village at the foot of the you bounce it, it immediately moves up or away from a
mountain. surface after hitting it: [+off] The ball bounced off the post
bed the ground at the bottom of a river, a lake, or and into the goal. | bounce sth on/against etc sth The kids
the sea: the sea bed | They found some interesting were bouncing a ball against the wall.
stones on the river bed. 2 MMT [1] to move up and down, especially
the foundations the layer of cement and stones that because you are hitting a surface that is made of rubber,
forms the bottom of a building: The builders have has springs etc: [+on] Lyn was bouncing on the
begun laying the foundations for the house. trampoline. | Stop bouncing up and down on the sofa.
EXESNTTS> Jump — see picture at jump!
bottom? & [adj 3 at LT] if a cheque bounces, or if a bank bounces
T[only before noun] in the lowest place or position a cheque, the bank will not pay any money because there
[opP|top: It’s on the bottom shelf. | The towels are in the is not enough money in the account of the person who
bottom drawer. | You've got some butter on your bottom lip. | wrote it
the bottom right-hand corner of the page 4 (209 LI always + adv/prep] to walk quickly and with a lot
2 [not before noun] the least important, successful etc of energy: Olivia came bouncing into the room.
{OPP] top: | was bottom of the class (=the least successful SEL [1] if something bounces, it
student) in Spanish. | Britain came bottom on efforts to moves quickly up and down as you move: Her hair
tackle pollution and global warming. bounced when she walked.
3 [only before noun] especially BrE in the place furthest 6MrwAThE) [1,7] if light or sound bounces, it hits a
away from where you are: the bottom field surface and then moves quickly away from it: bounce
4 bottom gear the lowest GEAR of a vehicle (sth) off sth The radio signals are bounced off a satellite.
bottom? v 74 (also bounce back) [1,7] if an email that you send
bottom out phr v if a situation, price etc bottoms out, it bounces or is bounced, it is returned to you and the other
stops getting worse or lower, usually before improving person does not receive it because of a technical problem
 EG = words from the Academic Word List 185 boundary
8 bounce ideas off sb to talk about your ideas with some- risk. | be duty bound/honour bound to do sth A son is duty
one in order to get their opinion: When you work in a team bound to look after his mother.
you can bounce your ideas off each other. 4 bound for London/Mexico etc (also
9S ([T) informal to force someone to London-bound/Mexico-bound etc) travelling towards a
leave a place, job, or organization, especially because particular place or in a particular direction: a plane bound
they have done something wrong: bounce sb from sth for Somalia | We tried to get seats on a Rome-bound flight. |
Taylor was bounced from the team for assaulting another homeward-bound (=travelling towards home) commuters |
player. northbound/southbound/eastbound/westbound Al! east-
bounce sth «> around phr v informal to discuss ideas with bound trains have been cancelled due to faulty signals.
other people: | wanted to have a meeting so that we could 5 SEVERE be bound (together) by sth if two people
bounce a few ideas around. or groups are bound together by something, they share a
bounce back phr v particular experience or situation that causes them to
‘1to feel better quickly after being ill, or to become suc- have a relationship — unite: The two nations were bound
cessful again after failing or having been defeated together by a common history.
[S¥N|recover:; The company's had a lot of problems in the 6 be bound up in sth to be very involved in something, so
past, but it’s always managed to bounce back. that you cannot think about anything else: He was too
2 if an email that you send bounces back or is bounced bound up in his own problems to listen to mine.
back, it is returned to you and the other person does not 7 be bound up with sth to be very closely connected with a
receive it because of a technical problem particular problem or situation: Mark's problems are all
bounce sb into sth phr v BrE to force someone to decide bound up with his mother's death when he was ten. | The
to do something, especially without giving them time to people of Transkei began to realize that their future was
consider it carefully: bounce sb into doing sth Party mem- inseparably bound up with that of South Africa.
bers feel that they were bounced into accepting the policy. 8 snow-bound/strike-bound/tradition-bound etc controlled
bounce? n1 [Cc] the action of moving up and down ona or limited by something, so that you cannot do what you
surface: Try to catch the ball on the second bounce. want or what other people want you to: a fog-bound
2 [U] the ability to move up and down on a surface, or airport | people who are wheelchair-bound | a desk-bound
that surface’s ability to make something move up and sergeant (=having to work in an office, instead of doing a
down: The ball had completely lost its bounce. |a basketball more active job)
court with good bounce 3 [singular, U] a lot of energy that 9a bound book is covered on the outside with paper,
someone has: Exercise is great. | feel like there’s a new leather etc — bind: [+in] a Bible bound in leather | a
bounce in my step. 4 [U] hair that has bounce is in very leather-bound volume of Shakespeare's plays
good condition and goes back to its shape if you press it: 10 I'll be bound old-fashioned used when you are very sure
a brand-new styling spray that gives your hair body and that what you have just said is true: He had good reasons
bounce for doing that, I'll be bound.
11 bound and determined AmE very determined to do or
bounc-er /’baunsa $ -ar/ n [C] 1 someone whose job is achieve something, especially something difficult: Klein is
to stand at the door of a club, bar etc and stop unwanted bound and determined to win at least five races this year.
people coming in, or make people leave if they are behav-
bound? y 1[I always + adv/prep] to run with a lot of
ing badly 2 a fast ball in crickeT that passes or hits the
energy, because you are happy, excited, or frightened:
BATSMAN above the chest after it bounces
[t+tup/towards/across etc] Suddenly a huge dog came
bounc-ing /‘baonsin/ adj healthy and full of energy: a bounding towards me. 2 be bounded by sth if a country or
bouncing baby girl area of land is bounded by something such as a wall, river
bounc-y /baunsi/ adj 1a bouncy ball etc quickly moves etc, it has the wall etc at its edge —> boundary: a yard
away from a surface after it has hit it 2 a bouncy surface bounded by a wooden fence | The US is bounded in the north
is made of a substance that makes people move up and by Canada and in the south by Mexico.
down when they are on it: The new bed is nice and bouncy. bound? n 1 bounds [plural] a) the limits of what is
3 someone who is bouncy is always very happy, confi- possible or acceptable: within the bounds of sth We are
dent, and full of energy 4 hair or material that is bouncy here to make sure that the police operate within the bounds
goes back to its shape when you press it —bouncily adv of the law. | be/go beyond the bounds of credibility/reason/
—bounciness n [U] decency etc The humor in the movie sometimes goes beyond
bouncy ‘castle n [Cc] BrE a large object filled with air, the bounds of good taste. | be within/beyond the bounds of
often shaped like a castle, that children jump on for fun possibility (=be possible/not possible) It was not beyond
the bounds of possibility that they could meet again. b) old-
bound!" /baund/ the past tense and past participle of fashioned the edges of a town, city etc 2 out of bounds if a
BIND place is out of bounds, you are not allowed to go there
bound? § [1 adj [no comparative] [SYN] off-limits AmE: [+to/for] The path by the railway line
_ 1[MGN/ be bound to to be very likely to do or feel a is officially out of bounds to both cyclists and walkers.
particular thing: Don’t lie to her. She’s bound to find out. |it 3 by leaps and bounds/in leaps and bounds BrE if someone
is bound to be (=used to say that something should have or something increases, develops etc by leaps and
been expected) ‘It’s hot!’ ‘Well, it was bound to be - | just bounds, they increase etc very quickly: Julie’s reading is
took it out of the oven.’ | When you are dealing with so many improving in leaps and bounds. 4 know no bounds formal if
patients, mistakes are bound to happen. someone's honesty, kindness etc knows no bounds, they
are extremely honest etc 5 in bounds/out of bounds inside
_ REGISTER or outside the legal playing area in a sport such as
Bound to is used mainly in spoken English. In written American football or BASKETBALL 6 [C] a long or high jump
English, people usually use certain to, it is inevitable made with a lot of energy
that instead: Mistakes are bound to happen. — It is bound-a-ry /'baundari/ n (plural boundaries) 1 [C] the
inevitable that mistakes will happen. real or imaginary line that marks the edge of a state,
2 EXWZXTE be bound (by sth) to be forced to do country etc, or the edge of an area of land that belongs to
what a law or agreement says you must do — binding: someone: [+between] The Mississippi River forms a natural
bound (by sth) to do sth The Foundation is bound by the boundary between lowa and Illinois. | National boundaries
treaty to help any nation that requests aid. | You are legally are becoming increasingly meaningless in the global
bound to report the accident. economy. | We would need their agreement to build outside
3 be/feel bound to do sth to feel that you ought to the city boundary. | The stream curves round to mark the
do something, because it is morally right or your duty to boundary of his property. |Anything that crosses the bound-
do it: lan felt bound to tell Joanna the truth. | Well, I’m bound ary of a black hole cannot get back. | We walked through the
-to say (=| feel | ought to say), | think you're taking a huge churchyard towards the boundary wall. | The property's
 bounden 186 SJ & & = the most frequent words in spoken English

boundary line is 25 feet from the back of the house. |bound- bourgeois materialism 3 belonging to or typical of the part
ary disputes between neighbouring countries FREGATS> of society that is rich, educated, owns land etc, according
BORDER 2 [C usually plural] the limit of what is acceptable to Marxism — proletarian —bourgeois n [C] — PETTY
or thought to be possible: [+of] the boundaries of human BOURGEOIS
knowledge | within/beyond the boundaries of sth within the bour-geoi-sie /buazwarzi: $ bur-/ n the bourgeoisie
boundaries of the law | push back the boundaries (of sth) the people in a society who are rich, educated, own land
» (=to make a new discovery, work of art etc that is very etc, according to Marxism — the proletariat
_ different from what people have known before, and that "bout /bavt/ adv, prep spoken informal about: What are
changes the way they think) art that pushes back the you talking ‘bout?
boundaries 3 [C] the point at which one feeling, idea, bout /bavt/ n [C] 1 a bout of depression/flu/sickness etc
quality etc stops and another starts: [+of/between] the a short period of time during which you suffer from an
- boundaries between work and play | the blurring of the illness 2 a short period of time during which you do
boundaries between high and popular culture 4 [C] the something a lot, especially something that is bad for you:
outer limit of the playing area in CRICKET, or a shot that a drinking bout | [+of] a bout of unemployment 3 a BOXING
sends the ball across this limit for extra points Or WRESTLING match
bound-en /'baundan/ adj your bounden duty old use bou-tique /bu:'ti:k/ n [C] a small shop that sells fash-
something that you should do because it is morally cor- ionable clothes or other objects
rect
bou'tique ho,tel n [c] a small expensive hotel, deco-
bound-er /‘baunda $ -ar/ n [C] old-fashioned a man who rated in a fashionable way
has behaved in a way that is morally wrong
bou-ton-ni-ere /bu:toni'ea $ burtn'r/ n [C] AmE a
bound:-less /baundlas/ adj having no limit or end: flower that a man wears fastened to his jacket at a
boundless energy and enthusiasm —boundlessly adv wedding [SYN] buttonhole BrE
—boundlessness n [U]
bou-zou-ki /bou'zurki/ n [C] a Greek musical instrument
boun-te-ous /bauntias/ adj very generous similar to a GUITAR
boun-ti-ful /‘baontsfal/ adj1 if something is bountiful, bo-vine /'bauvain $ 'bou-/ adj 1 technical relating to
there is more than enough of it: bountiful harvests cows: bovine diseases 2 written slow and slightly stupid,
2 generous: bountiful God like a cow - used to show disapproval: a bovine expression
boun-ty /baunti/ n (plural bounties) 1 [C] an amount of of contentment
money that is given to’someone by the government as a bov-ver /'bova $ ‘ba:var/ n [U] BrE informal old-
reward for doing something, especially catching or killing
fashioned violent behaviour, especially by a group of
a criminal: [+on] a notorious cattle rustler with a bounty on
young men: bovver boy (=someone who behaves in a
his head 2 [U] literary food or wealth that is provided in
violent way)
large amounts: People came from all over the world to enjoy
bow" /bau/ v 1[I] to bend the top part of your body
America’s bounty. 3 [U] literary the quality of being gener-
ous forward in order to show respect for someone important,
or as a way of thanking an AUDIENCE: She bowed and left the
‘bounty hunter n [Cc] someone who catches criminals stage. | Corbett entered the room, bowing respectfully. | The
and brings them to the police for a reward servant bowed low and handed his master the sealed note. |
BOUQUET [+before/to] He bowed before the king. + see picture at
BEND! 2 bow your head to bend your neck so that you are
looking at the ground, especially because you want to
show respect for God, or because you are embarrassed
or upset: She bowed her head and prayed. | Phil stood, his
head bowed in shame. 3 [I,T] to bend your body over
something, especially in order to see it more closely:
[+over] Teague sat at his desk, bowed over a book. 4 [1,1] to
te
bend, or to make something bend: The trees bowed in the
ribbon wind. | His back was bowed under the weight of the heavy
bag. 5 bow and scrape to show too much respect to some-
one in authority - used to show disapproval
bow down phr v 1 to bend your body forward, especially
when you are already kneeling, in order to show respect:
[+before/to etc] Maria bowed down before the statue. |
Come, let us bow down in worship. 2 bow down to sb literary
to let someone give you orders or tell you what to do -
used to show disapproval
bow out phr v 1 to stop taking part in an activity, job etc,
we)
especially one that you have been doing for a long time:
[+of] Reeves thinks it is time for him to bow out of politics.
2 to not do something that you have promised or agreed
to do: [+of] You're not trying to bow out of this, are you?
bow to sb/sth phr v to finally agree to do something, even
though you do not want to do it: Congress may bow to
public pressure and lift the arms embargo. | Myers finally
bowed to the inevitable (=accepted something he could
bou-quet /bau'ker, bu:- $ bou-, bu:/ n 1[C] an not change) and withdrew from the campaign.
arrangement of flowers, especially one that you give to
someone 2 [C,U] the smell of a wine bow? /bau/ n 1[C] the act of bending the top part of
your body forward to show respect for someone when
bouquet garni /bu:ker ‘ga:ni $ -garr'ni:/ n (plural you meet them, or as a way of thanking an AUDIENCE:
bouquets garnis) [C] a small bag full of herbs that you put take/give a bow (=bow to the audience at the end of a
into food that you are cooking to give it a special taste performance) The music ended and the girl took a bow. |He
bourbon /'buaban $ 'b3ir-/ n [U] a type of American gave a final bow just as the curtains came down. | This is
WHISKY done with a formal bow to the king or queen. 2. (also bows
bour-geois /‘boazwa: $ bur'zwa:/ adj 1 belonging to [plural]) [C] the front part of a ship — stern, yacht
the MIDDLE CLASS: She came from a bourgeois family. |bour- bow? /bau/n[C]1a weapon used for shooting ARROWS,
geois morality 2 too interested in having a lot of posses- made of a long thin piece of wood held in a curve by a
sions and a high position in society: the backlash against tight string: a bow and arrow 2 a knot of cloth or string, .
 ( {2 OS = the most frequent words in written English 187 box

with a curved part on either side and two loose ends, shaped like bottles): Do you want to go bowling with us
worn in the hair as decoration or for tying SHOELACEs: Ella Friday? 2 the act of throwing a ball at the BATSMAN in
wore a bow in her hair. |ina bow long chestnut hair tied back CRICKET
in a bow 3 a long thin piece of wood with a tight string ‘bowling alley n (Cc) a building where you go bowling
fastened along it, used to play musical instruments such ‘bowling ball n [c] the heavy ball you use in bowling
as the VIOLIN or CELLO + have more than one string to your ‘bowling green n [C] an area of short grass where you
bow at STRING'(8) play the game of BOWLS
bow? /bav/ v [I,T] to play a piece of music on a musical bow-man /‘baumen $ 'bou-/ n (plural bowmen /-man/)
instrument with a Bow? [C] a soldier in the past whose weapon was a BOW
Bow Bells /bau ‘'belz $ bou-/ the bells of St Mary-le- bow tie /bau 'tar $ 'bou tar/ n [C] a short piece of cloth
Bow Church in London. It is said that a person born in a tied in the shape of a bow that men sometimes wear
place where you can hear Bow Bells is a true cockney. around their neck
bowd:-ler-ize (also -ise BrE) /'baudlaratz/ v [T] to bow win-dow /bav windav $ bou windou/ n [C] a
remove all the parts of a book, play etc that you think window that curves out from a wall — see picture at
might offend someone - used to show disapproval: a WINDOW
bowdlerized version of ‘Antony and Cleopatra’
bow-wow /'bav wav/ n [C] a word meaning a dog,
bow:el /’baveal/ n 1 bowels [plural] the system of tubes used by and to small children
inside your body where food is made into solid waste
bow:-wow /bav'wau/ interjection a word used to make
material and through which it passes out of your body
the sound a dog makes, used by and to small children
—» intestine: move/empty/open your bowels (=get rid of
solid waste from your body) 2 [singular] one part of this
system of tubes: cancer of the bowel 3 a bowel movement
formal the act of getting rid of solid waste from your body
4 the bowels of sth /iterary the lowest or deepest part of
something: the bowels of the earth (=deep under the
ground)
bower /'bavo $ -ar/ n [C] literary a pleasant place in the
shade under a tree: a rose-scented bower
bow!" § [1H /boul $ boul/ n
1a (C] a wide round container that is open at
jewellery box BrE/
the top, used to hold liquids, food, flowers etc — dish: Mix
all the ingredients thoroughly in a large bowl. | Fill the bowl jewelry box AmE
with water. | a mixing/serving bowl (=a bowl used for
mixing foods or serving them) Beat the butter in a mixing
bowl until creamy and soft. |a soup/salad/cereal etc bowl
(=a bowl to eat or serve soup, salad etc from)
2G0rera [C] (also bowlful) the amount of something
contained in a bowl: [+of] a bow! of rice |a bow! of fruit
3 (00 a) bowls BrF [plural] an outdoor game played on egg carton
grass, in which you try to roll big balls as near as possible lunchbox
to a small ball [SYN] lawn bowling AmE b) [C usually singu-
lar] a special game in American football played by the
best teams after the normal playing season: the Rose Bowl
4 G03 [C] BrE a ball that you use in the game of bowls
5 &Eg [Cc] the part of an object such as a spoon, pipe,
toilet etc that is shaped like a bowl: the bowl of a pipe | a
toilet/lavatory bowl __FIRSTAID
6GeeIT ([C usually singular] AmE a large STADIUM
sewing kit : er fs
shaped like a bowl, where people go to watch special first aid kit
events such as sports games or music CONCERTS: the
Hollywood Bowl
bowl? v1 [1,7] to roll a ball along a surface when you are
playing the game of bowls 2 a) [I, T] to throw a ball at
the BATSMAN (=the person who hits the ball) in CRICKET
~
—+ bat b) [T] to make a batsman have to leave the field by
throwing a ball so that it hits the wickeT behind him
THROW 3 [I always + adv/prep] to travel along
very quickly and smoothly: [+along/down] We were bowl- trunk/chest toolbox
ing along at about 90 miles per hour.
bowl sb <> out phr v in CRICKET, when a team is bowled
out, each member of the team has had to leave the field
and there is no one left to BAT
bowl sb <> over phr v 1 to accidentally hit someone and
_ knock them down because you are running in a place that
is full of people or things [SYN] knock over 2 to surprise,
_ please, or excite someone very much [SYN] knock out: He
was bowled over by her beauty.
bow legs /bav ‘'legz $ bou-/ n [plural] legs that curve cardboard box crate
outwards at the knees —bow-legged /-'legd<,-‘legid</ adj ot
~- bowler /baule $ 'boular/ n [C] 1 a player in cricket who box" Gy Mi /boks $ barks/ n
throws the ball at a BATSMAN 2. (also bowler hat BrE) a 1k [C] a container for putting things in, espe-
hard round black hat that businessmen sometimes wear cially one with four stiff straight sides: cardboard/
f[Syn] derby AmE — see picture at HAT wooden/plastic etc box a strong cardboard box | toolbox/
bowl-ing /bavlin $ 'bou-/ n [U] 1.an indoor game in shoebox/matchbox etc (=a box used for keeping tools etc
which you roll a large heavy ball along a wooden track in in)
order to knock down a group of PINs (=wooden objects 2QMGII (also boxful) [C] the amount of something
bons fq = words from the Academic Word List

contained in a box: [+of] a box of chocolates people can have their letters etc sent to instead of their
3—G—a [C] a) a small square on a page for people to own address — PO Box
write information in: Put an ‘X’ in the box ifyou would like to ‘box office n 1[C] the place in a theatre, cinema etc
join our mailing list. b) a SQUARE Or RECTANGLE On a page where tickets are sold — ticket office: at the box office
where information is given or where an answer can be Collect your tickets at the box office. 2 [singular] used to
written: The box on the left gives a short history of the battle. describe how successful a film, play, or actor is, by the
4 (DENA wiaaag LC] a small area of a theatre or number of people who pay to see them: a (huge) box
court that is separate from where other people are sit- office hit/success | a (big) box office draw (=a successful
ting: the jury box — see picture at THEATRE actor who many people will pay to see) | box office
5 Sera [C] a small building or structure used receipts/takings etc (=the number of tickets sold or the
for a particular purpose [SYN] booth: a sentry box | tele- money received)
phone box BrE ‘box room n [C] BrE a small room in a house where you
6 Leads box 25/450 etc a box with a number in can store things
a POST OFFICE, where you can have letters etc sent instead
boy’ & MM /b>1/ n [cl
of to your own address [SYN] PO Box 1a male child, or a male person in general — girl: The boys
78a) (C usually singular] a special area of a wanted to play football. | boys and girls aged 11-18 | a
sports field that is marked by lines and used for a particu-
teenage/adolescent boy A group of teenage boys stood talk-
lar purpose: the penalty box
ing in a group outside. |bad/naughty boy ‘You naughty boy!’
8 Giese (C] BrEa piece of plastic that a man wears
she said in a harsh voice. | What a polite little boy (=young
over his sex organs to protect them when he is playing a
male child) you are. | Come on, Timmy, act like a big boy
sport, especially CRICKET
(=an older boy) now. BEESTI> MAN
93 [CU] a small tree that keeps its leaves in winter
2ason: | love my boys, but I’d like to have a girl, too. |How
and is often planted around the edge of a garden or field:
old is your little boy (=young son)?
a box hedge
3 office/paper/delivery etc boy a young man who does a
10 (34750) the box informal the television: What's on
particular job
the box tonight?
4 city/local/country boy informal a man of any age who is
11 be out of your box BrE informal to be very drunk or have
typical of people from a particular place, or who feels a
taken an illegal drug —+ BLACK BOX
strong connection with the place he grew up in: The
box? v1 [1,1] to fight someone as a sport by hitting them classic story of a local boy who's made good (=who has
with your closed hands inside big leather GLoves 2 (also succeeded). |I’m just a country boy.
box up) [T] to put things in boxes: Help me box up the 5 the boys [plural] informal a group of men who are friends
Christmas tree lights. -+ BOXED 3 [T] to draw a box around and often go out together: Friday is his night out with the
something on a page 4 box sb's ears old-fashioned to hit boys. | He considers himself just one of the boys (=not
someone on the side of their head anyone special, but liked by other men).
box sb/sth <> in phr v 1 to surround someone or some- 6 a way of talking to a male horse or dog: Good boy!
thing so that they are unable to move freely: Someone had 7 boys [plural] informal a) a group of men who do the
parked right behind them, boxing them in. 2 feel boxed in same job: Oh no! Wait until the press boys get hold of this
a) to feel that you cannot do what you want to do story. b) men in the army, navy etc, especially those who
because a person or situation is limiting you: Married for are fighting in a war: our boys on the front lines
only a year, Connie already felt boxed in. b) to feel that you 8 boys will be boys used to say that you should not be
cannot move freely, because you are in a small space surprised when boys or men behave badly, are noisy etc
box sth <> off phr v to separate a particular area from a 9 the boys in blue informal the police
larger one by putting walls around it: We're going to box 10 old boy/my dear boy BrE old-fashioned a friendly way for
off that corner to get extra storage space. one man to speak to another man
‘box ,camyon n[C] AmE a deep narrow valley with very 11 Ame not polite an offensive way of talking to a black
straight sides and no way out [SYN] gorge man — BLUE-EYED BOY, — jobs for the boys at JOB(15),
box-car /‘bokska: $ 'barkska:r/ n [C] AmE a railway —> MAMA'S BOY, MUMMY'S BOY, OLD BOY, WIDE BOY
carriage with high sides and a roof, used for carrying boy? interjection AmE informal 1used when you are
goods excited or pleased about something: Boy, that was a great
meal! 2 oh boy! used when you are slightly annoyed or
boxed /bokst $ barkst/ adj [usually before noun] sold in a disappointed about something: Oh boy! Bethany’s sick
box or boxes: a boxed set of CDs again.
box end ‘wrench n [Cc] Ame a type of WRENCH with a ‘boy band n [c] a group of attractive young men who
hollow end that fits over a NUT that is being screwed or perform by singing and dancing, and who are especially
unscrewed ring spanner BrE popular with teenage girls
box-er /'boksa $ 'barksar/ n [C] 1 someone who Boxes, boy:cott! /borkot $ -ka:t/ v [T] to refuse to buy some-
especially as a job 2 a large dog with short light brown thing, use something, or take part in something as a way
hair and a flat nose of protesting: We boycott all products tested on animals.
box-er-cise /‘bpksasaiz $ 'barksar-/ n [U] a type of boycott? n [C] an act of boycotting something, or the
exercise based on AEROBICS (=very active physical exer- period of time when it is boycotted: They are now trying to
cise done to music, usually in a class) that includes some organize a boycott. | [+of/on/against] a boycott on GM
BOXING movements crops |He called for a boycott of the elections. }
‘boxer shorts n [plural] loose cotton underwear for boy-friend — /‘bo:frend/ n [C] a man that you are
men —+ see picture at UNDERWEAR having a romantic relationship with — girlfriend
box-ing /'boksin $ 'ba:k-/ n [U] the sport of fighting boy-hood /'bothud/ n [U] the time of a man’s life when
while wearing big leather GLoves + see picture at SPORT! he is a boy — girlhood: boyhood memories
‘Boxing Day n [CU] Br a national holiday in England boy-ish /‘bs1-1// adj someone who is boyish looks or
and Wales, on the day after Christmas Day behaves like a boy in a way that is attractive — girlish:
boyish good looks |At 45, she still had a trim boyish figure.
‘box junction n [Cc] BrE a place marked with yellow —boyishly adv: boyishly handsome —boyishness n[U] _
painted lines where two roads cross each other
\boy ‘racer n [C] BrE informal a young man who likes
‘box lunch n [Cc] AmE a tuncH (=a meal eaten in the driving cars very fast - used to show disapproval
middle of the day) that you take to school or work with Boy ‘Scout / $'../ n [Cc] a member of the scouts — Girl
you in a LUNCHBOX [SYN] packed lunch BrE Scout, guide
‘box jnumber n [C] an address at the post orice that Boys" ‘Own adj used to describe men doing brave
 4 = words from the Academic Word List 189 brain

exciting things, like a HERO in an adventure story: His life together Women and minors were bracketed together for the
story is like a nonstop Boys' Own adventure. legislation. | bracket sb/sth with sb/sth Arizona has been
‘boy toy n [Cc] an attractive young man who an older, bracketed with lowa in the tournament. 2 to put brackets
usually rich or successful woman has a sexual relation- around a written word, piece of information etc: Debit
ship with amounts are bracketed.
boy ‘wonder n [cla young man who is very success- brack-ish /'breki{/ adj brackish water is not pure
ful: Robson, the boy wonder of the department because it is slightly salty
bo:Z0 /'bauzav $ 'bovzov/ n (plural bozos) [C] informal brad /bred/ n [C] AmE 1a small metal object like a
someone who you think is silly or stupid: Who's the bozo button with two metal sticks that are put through several
in the pyjamas? pieces of paper and folded down to hold the papers
BPO /bi: pi: 'au $ -'ou/ n [U] (business process outsourc- together 2 a small thin wire nail with either a small head —
‘ing) the practice of asking people from outside a com- or a part that sticks out to the side instead of a head
pany to take charge of running a part of its activities brad-awl /‘breedo:| $ -o:1/ n [C] especially BrE a small
bps, BPS /\bi: pi: 'es/ technical (bits per second) a meas- tool with a sharp point for making holes |SYN] awl
urement of how fast a computer or MODEM can send or Brady Bunch, the /‘breidi bant{/ people sometimes
receive information: a 28,800 bps modem describe a large happy family with well-behaved children
Br. (also Br BrE) 1the written abbreviation of brother as being like the Brady Bunch. The Brady Bunch was a US
2 the written abbreviation of British television programme of the 1960s and 1970s about this
bra /bra:/ n [C] a piece of underwear that a woman type of family and their adventures.
wears to support her breasts — see picture at UNDERWEAR brag /breg/ v (bragged, bragging) [1,7] to talk too
brace! /brets/ v 1 [T] to mentally or physically prepare proudly about what you have done, what you own etc =
yourself or someone else for something unpleasant that used to show disapproval [SYN] boast: ‘/ came out top in the
is going to happen: brace yourself (for sth) Nancy braced test,’ he bragged. |[+about] Ben's always bragging about his
herself for the inevitable arguments. | The military needs to success with women. | brag that Julia used to brag that her
brace itself for further spending cuts, says McCoy. | brace family had a villa in Spain.
yourself to do sth Cathy braced herself to see Matthew, who brag-ga-do-ci-o /brega'davfisay $ -dovfiou/ n [U]
she expected to arrive at any minute. |be braced for sth The especially literary proud talk about something that you
base was braced for an attack. 2 [T] to push part of your claim to own, to have done etc
body against something solid in order to make yourself brag-gart /'bregat $ -art/ n [C] old-fashioned someone
more steady: brace sth against sth Gina braced her back who is always talking too proudly about what they own or
against the wall and pushed as hard as she could. | brace have done
yourself (for sth) The pilot told passengers and crew to brace Brah-man /'bra:man/ (also Brahmin /'bra:msn/) n LC]
themselves for a rough landing. 3 [T] to make something someone of the highest rank in the Hindu faith
stronger by supporting it: Wait until we've braced the braid!" /brerd/ 11 [U] a narrow band of material formed
ladder. | Workers used steel beams to brace the roof. by twisting threads together, used to decorate the edges
4 [1,7] to make your body or part of your body stiff in of clothes: a jacket trimmed with red braid 2 [C] a length of
order to prepare to do something difficult hair that has been separated into three parts and then
brace? n 1 [C] something that is used to strengthen or woven together [SYN] plait BrE: in braids Suzy always wears
support something, or to make it stiff: The miners used her hair in braids. + see picture at HAIRSTYLE —braided adj
special braces to keep the walls from collapsing. | neck/ braid? v [7] to weave or twist together three pieces of
back/knee brace (=a brace that supports the neck etc) He hair or cloth to form one length [SYN] plait BrE
was being fitted for a back brace. |She had to wear a brace
after the accident. 2 [C] (also braces [plural]) a system of
braille /bret\/ n [U] a form of printing for blind people,
metal wires that people, usually children, wear on their with raised parts that they can read by touching the
teeth to make them grow straight 3 [C usually plural] AmE
paper with their fingers
a metal support that someone with weak legs wears to brain’ Gy (1 /brein/ n
help them walk [SYN] callipers BrE4 braces [plural] BrE two 19.0] [C] the organ inside your head that controls
long pieces of material that stretch over someone's how you think, feel, and move: Messages from the brain are
shoulders and fasten to their trousers at the front and the carried by the central nervous system. | the chemistry of the
back to stop them falling down [SYN]suspenders AmE brain | the human brain | the right/left hemisphere of the
5 [C] one of a pair of signs { } used to show that brain (=the right or left side of the brain) Emotional
information written between them should be considered responses are a function of the right hemisphere of the
together — bracket 6 a brace of sth especially BrE two brain. |She died of a brain tumour. + see picture at HUMAN":
things of the same type, especially two birds or animals brain tissue/cell
that have been killed for food or sport: a brace of partridge 2 Dessay «[C usually plural, U] the ability to think
brace-let /‘bretslst/ n [C] a band or chain that you wear clearly and learn quickly: /f you had any brains, you'd know
around your wrist or arm as a decoration — bangle: a gold what | meant. | The job requires brains. |Something's addled
bracelet —> see picture at JEWELLERY your brains (=made you confused). | Come on, use your
brain, John.
brac-ing /‘bretstn/ adj bracing air or weather is cold and
3 GESQ0) [C usually plural] informal someone who is intel-
makes you feel very awake and healthy: a bracing sea
ligent, with good ideas and useful skills: Some of our best
breeze
brains are leaving the country to work in the US. — BRAIN
brack-en /breken/ n [U] a plant that often grows in DRAIN
forests and becomes reddish brown in the autumn 4 Gap) [U] (also brains [plural]) the brain of an animal,
brack-et! /brekst/ n [C]1 (also round bracket) [usually used as food
plural] BrE one of the pair of signs ( ) put around words to 5 have sth on the brain informal to be always thinking about
show extra information parenthesis AmE: in brackets something: I’ve got that song on the brain today.
Last year’s sales figures are given in brackets. —+ ANGLE 6 be the brains behind/of sth to be the person who thought
BRACKETS, SQUARE BRACKET, PUNCTUATION MARK 2 income/ of and developed a particular plan, system, or organiza-
tax/age etc bracket a particular income, tax etc range: the tion, especially a successful one: Danny's definitely the
highest tax bracket | families in lower income brackets brains of the project.
3 a piece of metal, wood, or plastic, often in the shape of 7 brain dead a) in a state where your brain has stopped
the letter L, fixed to a wall to support something such as a working properly, even though your heart may still be
shelf beating b) informal in a state in which you seem stupid or
bracket? v [T usually passive] 1 to consider two or more uninteresting, especially because you live a boring life or
_ people or things as being similar or the same: bracket sb are very tired
 190

8 sth is not brain surgery informal used to say that some- that makes a vehicle go more slowly or stop: Test your
thing is not difficult to do —> BIRD-BRAIN, HARE-BRAINED, brakes after driving through water. | | managed to put the
— beat your brains out at BEAT'(22), — pick sb's brains at brakes on just in time. |Moira slammed on the brakes (=used
PICK'(7), > rack your brain(s) at RACK2(2) them suddenly and with a lot of force). |apply the brakes
brain? v [T] informal to hit someone very hard on the formal: He applied the brakes but failed to stop in time. |the
head - used humorously: | wanted to brain him. rear/front brakes | the screech of brakes (=the loud
brain-box /’breinboks $ -ba:ks/ n [C] BrE informal unpleasant noise they can make) — ANTI-LOCK BRAKING
~ someone who is very intelligent SYSTEM, EMERGENCY BRAKE, HANDBRAKE, PARKING BRAKE, See
picture at CAR 2 act as a brake on sth to make something
- brain-child /breintfatid/ n [singular] an idea, plan,
develop more slowly, be more difficult to do, or happen
- organization etc that someone has thought of without
less: Rises in interest rates act as a brake on expenditure.
any help from anyone else: [+of] The festival was the
3 put the brakes on sth to stop something that is happen-
brainchild of Reeves.
ing
‘brain damage n [U] damage to someone's brain
caused by an accident or illness: Potts suffered severe brain
brake? y [i] to make a vehicle or bicycle go more slowly
or stop by using its brake: brake sharply/hard (=brake
damage in the crash. —brain-damaged adj
quickly) He braked sharply to avoid the dog.
‘brain drain n the brain drain a movement of highly
skilled or professional people from their own country to a
‘brake fluid n [U] liquid used in certain kinds of brakes
so that the different parts move smoothly
country where they can earn more money
‘brake light n [c] a light on the back of a vehicle that
‘brain dump n [Cc] informal the process of writing every-
comes on when you use the brake — see picture at CAR
thing you know about something on paper or storing it
electronically on a computer ‘brake shoe n [Cc] one of the two curved parts that
press against the wheel of a vehicle in order to make it go
brain-fart /‘bretnfaxt $ -faxrt/ n [C] informal an occasion more slowly or stop
when you suddenly cannot think of what you should say
when you are in the middle of saying something
bram-ble /'brembal/ n [C] a wild BLACKBERRY bush
‘brain fingerprinting n [U] the process of measuring bran /breen/ n [U] the crushed outer skin of wheat or a
the electrical activity in someone's brain to see if they similar grain that is separated from the rest of the grain
react to a particular object or picture. This process could
when making white flour
be used to check if someone is telling the truth, for branch' gf /ora:ntf$ breent{/ n [C]
example if they are answering questions from the police. 1@@80u4 a part of a tree that grows out from the TRUNK
brain-i-:ac /‘brerniek/ n [C] AmE informal someone who (=main stem) and that has leaves, fruit, or smaller
is very intelligent branches growing from it — limb: After the storm, the
ground was littered with twigs and branches. | The topmost
brain-less /'bretnlas/ adj completely stupid: What a
branches were full of birds. + see picture at TREE
brainless thing to do! —brainlessly adv
brain-pow-er, ‘brain power /'bretnpava $ -paur/ n [U]
2 PENTA «=a local business,
shop etc that is part of a larger business etc: The bank has
1 intelligence, or the ability to think: A lot of brainpower branches all over the country. |a branch office in Boston |She
went into solving the problem. 2 educated intelligent now works in our Denver branch. | Where's their nearest
people who have special skills, especially in science, branch? | They're planning to open a branch in St. Louis next
considered as a group: the country’s shortage of scientific year. |Have you met our branch manager, Mr. Carlson?
brainpower 3 DRED «0a part of a government or other
‘brain scan n [C] a process in which detailed photo- organization that deals with one particular part of its
graphs of the inside of your brain are taken and examined work — department: All branches of government are having
by a doctor to cut costs. |the executive/judicial/legislative branch (=the
brain-storm /‘breinsto:m $ -sto:rm/ 11 [C usually singu- three main parts of the US government)
lar] AmE a sudden clever idea [SYN] brainwave BrE: Kirby 402.52 one part of a large subject of study or
had a sudden brainstorm. 2 [C] BrE informal if you have a knowledge — field: a branch of mathematics/physics/
brainstorm, you are suddenly unable to think clearly or biology etc
sensibly: | must have had a brainstorm that afternoon. 5 Oa” a group of members of a family who all
brain-storm-ing /‘bretnsta:min $ -d:r-/ n [U] when a have the same ANCESTORS — side: the wealthy South Ameri-
group of people meet in order to try to develop ideas and can branch of the family
think of ways of solving problems: a brainstorming session 6 DANIELay a smaller less important part of a
to come up with slogans for new products —brainstorm v river, road, or railway that leads away from the larger
[1,7]: Employees get together and brainstorm ideas. more important part of it: The rail company may have to
‘brain teaser n [Cc] a difficult problem that is fun trying close the branch line to Uckfield.
to solve branch? v [1] to divide into two or more smaller, nar-
brain-wash /'bretnwof $ -woy, -wax// v [T] to make rower, or less important parts — fork: When you reach the
someone believe something that is not true, by using village green, the street branches into two.
force, confusing them, or continuously repeating it over a branch off phr v1 if a road, passage, railway etc branches
long period of time: Young people are being brainwashed by off from another road etc, it separates from it and goesiin
this religious group. | brainwash sb into doing sth Commer- a different direction [SYN] fork off: [+from] a passage
cials brainwash consumers into buying things they don’t branching off from the main tunnel 2 BrE to leave a main
need. —brainwashing n [U] road [SYN] fork off: [+from/into] We branched off from the
main road and turned down a country lane. 3 to start talking
brain-wave /'bretnweiv/ n [C] 1 BrE a sudden clever about something different from what you were talking
idea [SYN] brainstorm AmE: I’ve had a brainwave! Let's go about before: [+into] Then the conversation branched off
this weekend instead. EQN pea 2 an electrical into a discussion about movies.
force that is produced by the brain and that can be branch out phr v to start doing something different from
measured the work or activities that you normally do: Don’t be afraitl
brain-y /'bremni/ adj (comparative brainier, superlative to branch out and try something new. | branch out into
brainiest) able to learn easily and think quickly (doing) sth Profits were falling until the bookstore branched
SYN| clever, smart AmE: He always was the brainy one. out into selling CDs. i
ECSU INTELLIGENT brand" /brend/ n [C] 1 type of product made by a
braise /bre1z/ v [T] to cook meat or vegetables slowly particular company, that has a particular name or design
in a small amount of liquid in a closed container + stew — make: [+of] What brand of detergent do you use? |brand
—braised adj leader/leading brand (=the brand that sells the most) |
brake! /bretk/ n [C] 1 [often plural] a piece of equipment products which lack a strong brand image | brand loyalty
 [ (2 GS = the most frequent words in written English 191 brave
(=the tendency to always buy a particular brand) | own INSTRUMENT, WOODWIND b) the brass (section) the people in
brand BrE, store brand AmE (=a product made and sold by an ORCHESTRA or band who play musical instruments that
a particular store) 2 brand of humour/politics/religion etc a are made of metal
particular type of humour, politics, religion etc: a strange 3 CEST [C usually plural] an object made of brass,
macabre brand of humour 3 a mark made or burned on a usually with a design cut into it, or several brass objects
farm animal's skin that shows who it belongs to 4 get down to brass tacks informal to start talking about the
brand? y [1] 1 to describe someone or something as a most important facts or details of something
very bad type of person or thing, often unfairly: brand sb 5 Ta «the brass Ame informal people
(as) sth You can’t brand all football supporters as hooligans. | who hold the most important positions [SYN] top brass BrE
Stealing that money has branded Jim for life - no one will 6 it's brass monkeys/brass monkey weather BrE spoken
trust him again. 2 to burn a mark onto something, espe- informal used to say that it is very cold
cially a farm animal, in order to show who it belongs to: 7 (sy =U] BrE old-fashioned informal money — as bold
brand sth with sth Each cow was branded with the ranch’s as brass at BOLD(2)
logo. 3 technical to give a name to a product or group of ibrass ‘band n [c] a band consisting mostly of brass
products so that they can be easily recognized by their musical instruments such as TRUMPETS, horns etc
name or design brassed off /braist ‘pf $ brest ‘p:f/ adj BrE informal
brand-ed /brendid/ adj [only before noun] a branded annoyed [SYN] fed up
product is made by a well-known company and has the
bras-se-rie /'bresari $ brasa'ris/ n [C] a cheap informal
company's name on it
restaurant, usually serving French food
brand-ing /‘brendin/ n [U] a practice that involves a
company giving a group of their products the same brand bras-Si-ere /'brezia $ bra'zir/ n [C] formal a BRA
name, helping this name to become well-known ibrass ‘knuckles n [plural] AmE a set of connected
‘branding iron n [c] a piece of metal that is heated metal rings worn over a person's fingers, used as a
and used for burning marks on cattle or sheep, to show weapon knuckle-duster BrE
who they belong to brassy /'braisi $ 'breesi/ adj 1a woman who is brassy is
bran-dish /brendz/ v [T] written to wave something too loud, confident, or brightly dressed: a drunken brassy
around in a dangerous or threatening way, especially a nightclub singer 2 sounding hard and loud like the sound
weapon: A man leapt out, brandishing a kitchen knife. made by a BRASS musical instrument 3 having a bright
‘brand jfame n [C] the name given to a product by the gold-yellow colour like BRASS
company that makes it [SYN] trade name brat /bret/ n [C] informal 1a badly behaved child: a
\brand-'new adj new and not yet used:a brand-new car | spoiled brat 2 army/navy/military etc brat AmE a child
His clothes looked brand-new. whose family moves often, because one or both parents
bran-dy /brendi/ n (plural brandies) [C,U] a strong work for the army, navy etc —bratty adj
alcoholic drink made from wine, or a glass of this drink brat-wurst /bretw3ist $ -wsirst/ n [C,U] a type of
— see picture at GLass! German sausage
‘brandy butter n [U] a mixture of butter, sugar, and bra-:va-do /bra'va:dau $ -dou/ n [U] behaviour that is
brandy, usually eaten with CHRISTMAS PUDDING deliberately intended to make other people believe you
brash /bre{/ adj 1behaving too confidently and speak- are brave and confident: youthful bravado
ing too loudly - used to show disapproval: brash brave! 4] /bretv/ adj (comparative braver, superlative
journalists 2a brash building, place, or object attracts bravest)
attention by being very colourful, large, exciting etc: The 1a) dealing with danger, pain, or difficult situations with
painting was bold, brash, and modern. —brashly adv courage and confidence [SYN] courageous: brave soldiers |
—brashness n [U] her brave fight against cancer | it is brave of sb (to do sth) /t
BRASS INSTRUMENTS was brave of you to speak in front of all those people. b) the
brave [plural] brave people: Today we remember the brave
who died in the last war.
2very good: Despite their captain's brave performance,
Arsenal lost 2-1. | brave effort/attempt the brave efforts of
the medical staff to save his life
3 put on a brave face/front to pretend that you are happy
when you are really very upset
mouthpiece 4 brave new world a situation or a way of doing something
that is new and exciting and meant to improve people's
ives: the brave new world of digital television —bravely adv:
She smiled bravely.

brave showing that you are not afraid to do things

that other people find dangerous or difficult: | think
he was incredibly brave to do a parachute jump. |a
brave attempt to change the system
courageous /ka'retdzas/ especially written very brave
- used especially about someone fighting for what
they believe in, or fighting against a disease: a
courageous speech |her courageous fight against cancer
daring brave and willing to take a lot of risks: a
daring escape from a prison camp |a daring fighter pilot
trombone
bold willing to make difficult decisions or say what
rumpet you think, even though it may involve risks: It was a
bold move to set up his own company. |She was very
_ brass /bra:s $ bres/ n bold in criticizing the leadership.
1{aey [U] a very hard bright yellow metal that is a intrepid written willing to do dangerous things or go
mixture of Copper and ZINC: an old brass bedstead to dangerous places: an intrepid traveller | We sent our
_ 28 a)[vU] musical instruments that are made of intrepid reporter to find out what is happening.
_ metal, such as the TRUMPET and the TROMBONE: brass adventurous used about someone who enjoys going
_ instruments —+ PERCUSSION, STRINGED INSTRUMENT, WIND to new places and doing new, possibly dangerous,
 brave GG = words from the Academic Word List

things: More adventurous visitors can go skiing or [+with] Britain did not want to risk a breach with the US over
snowboarding. sanctions. |[+between] What had caused the sudden breach
fearless not afraid of anything or anyone: a fearless between Henry and his son? | She wanted to help heal the
campaigner for human rights breach between them. 3 breach of confidence/trust an
heroic very brave and admired by many people: action in which someone does something that people
heroic rescuers |Despite heroic efforts to save him, he have trusted them not to do: We regard the publication of
died. this information as a serious breach of trust. 4 breach of
security an action in which someone manages to learn
brave? v [7] 1to deal with a difficult, dangerous, or secret information or manages to get into a place that is
unpleasant situation: | decided to take the train to work guarded: There had been a major breach of security at the
rather than brave the traffic. | brave the elements/weather airbase. 5 breach of the peace Br the crime of making too
etc (=go out in bad weather) More than 100 people braved much noise or fighting in a public place: He was arrested
the elements and attended the rally. 2 brave it out to deal and charged with breach of the peace. 6 [C] a hole made in
bravely with something that is frightening or difficult a wall that is intended to protect a place: [+in] a breach in
brave? n [C] a young fighting man from a Native Ameri- the castle wall 7 step into the breach to help by doing
can tribe someone else's job or work when they are unable to do it
‘Brave New ‘World an advanced society of the future, SYN| step in: Thanks for stepping into the breach last week.
in which many people seem to have easy and pleasant breach? v [T] 1to break a law, rule, or agreement
lives but in fact nobody has any freedom. This type of [SYN|break: The company accused him of breaching his
society is described in the novel Brave New World by contract. 2 to break a hole in a wall that is intended to
Aldous Huxley. The phrase was first used in Shake- protect a place: The storm had breached the sea wall in two
speare’s play The Tempest. places.
brav-e-ry /‘bretvari/ n [U] actions, behaviour, or an
attitude that shows courage and confidence [SYN] courage
[OPP] cowardice: an act of great bravery
bra-Vo /'bra:veu, brava $ -vou/ interjection used to
show your approval when someone, especially a per-
former, has done something very well: Bravo! Encore!
bra-vu-ra /bra'vjuara $ -'vjura/ n [U] great skill shown in
the way you perform, write, paint etc, especially when
you do something very difficult: a bravura performance
bread rolls
brawl" /bro:1 $ bro:l/ n [C] a noisy quarrel or fight
among a group of people, especially in a public place: a
drunken brawl in the street
brawl? y [1] to quarrel or fight in a noisy way, especially
in a public place: Fans brawled outside the stadium.
—brawler n[C]
brawn /broin $ broin/ n [U] 1 physical strength, espe-
sliced bread croissant
cially when compared with intelligence: Mina has the
brains, | have the brawn, 2 BrE meat from a pig's head that
has been boiled and pressed in a container and is often
served in thin flat pieces [SYN] headcheese AmE
brawn-y /‘bro:ni $ 'bro:-/ adj very large and strong: His
brawny arms glistened with sweat.
bray /bret/ v [1] 1if a DONKEY brays, it makes a loud
sound 2 if someone brays, they laugh or talk in a loud,
slightly annoying way —bray n [C] pitta bread BrE/
baguettes
bra-zen" /'bretzan/ adj 1 used to describe a person, or aouey pita bread AmE
the actions of a person, who is not embarrassed about
behaving in a wrong or immoral way: her brazen admission bread & [1 /bred/ n [U]
that she was cheating on him 2 literary having a shiny 1a type of food made from flour and water that is mixed
yellow colour together and then baked: Would you like some bread with
brazen? y your soup? | a loaf of brown bread | a piece of bread and
brazen sth <> out phr v to deal with a situation that is butter
difficult or embarrassing for you by appearing to be 2 your/sb's bread and butter informal the work that pro-
confident rather than ashamed: She knew she could either vides you with most of the money that you need in order
admit the truth or brazen it out. to live: Writing is my bread and butter.
3 know which side your bread is buttered on informal to
bra-zen-ly /‘breizenli/ adv doing something openly, know which people to be nice to in order to get advan-
without showing or feeling any shame: She smiled at him
tages for yourself ‘
brazenly.
4 old-fashioned informal money
bra-zi-er /brezis $ -gar/ n [C] a metal container that
holds a fire and is used to keep people warm outside COLLOCATIONS
brazil /bra'ztl/ (also bra'zil nut) n [C] a type of curved
nut that has a hard shell resh Eat the bread while it’s nice and fresh.
Bra-zil-i-an™ /bre'zilian/ adj relating to Brazil or its stale (=hard and no longer fresh) This bread’s stale -
people shall | throw it away?
crusty (=having a hard crust that is nice to eat)
Brazilian? n [C] 1 someone from Brazil 2. (also Brazil-
Serve the soup with crusty bread.
ian wax) a beauty treatment in which most of a woman's
white/brown bread |wholewheat bread (also
PUBIC HAIR is removed, leaving just a small strip
wholemeal bread BrE) (=bread made with flour that
breach" /bri:t{/ n 1 [CU] an action that breaks a law, contains all of the grain) |home-made/home-baked |
rule, or agreement: [+of] This was a clear breach of the bread
1994 Trade Agreement. | They sued the company for breach
of contract. | a breach of professional duty | be in breach of “PHRASES —__
sth He was clearly in breach of the law. 2 [C] a serious _a slice/piece of bread Can | have another slice of
disagreement between people, groups, or countries: bread?
 XQ = words from the Academic Word List
sos
a loaf of bread He's gone to buy a loaf of bread. window to get into the house. | Don’t lean on the fence like
that - you'll break it! | break sth in half/two He broke the
biscuit in half and handed one piece to me. | Break the
make/bake bread We usually make our own bread. chocolate into small pieces and melt it over a gentle heat.
cut/slice bread Could you cut some bread? b) [1] if something breaks, it separates into two or more
bread-and-'butter adj [only before ~— noun] pieces: He kept pulling at the rope until it broke. | The frames
1 BrE bread-and-butter questions are very important are made of plastic and they tend to break quite easily.
basic ones: bread-and-butter political issues such as jobs 2 NES [T] to damage a bone in your body by making it
and housing 2 bread-and-butter work is work that is not crack or split: She fell downstairs and broke her hip.
very exciting but provides you with most of the money
HURT
that you need in order to live 3 (XSI a) [T] to damage a machine so that it does —
not work properly: Don’t mess about with my camera - ~
bread-bas-ket /bredbaiskit $ -be-/ n 1 [C] a basket in you'll break it. |Someone's broken the TV. b) [1] if a machine
which you keep or serve bread 2 [singular] the part of a breaks, it stops working properly: The washing machine's
country or area that provides most of its food: Zambia broken again.
could be the breadbasket of Africa. 4({02E97200) [7] to disobey a rule or law: They're break-
‘bread bin n [C] Br£ a container that you keep bread in ing the law by employing such young children. | If you break
so that it stays fresh [SYN] breadbox the rules, you will be punished. | The cameras catch motorists
bread-board /bredbo:d $ -ba:ird/ n [C] a wooden who break the speed limit.
board on which you cut bread 5 GIs szN ase [T] to not do something that you
bread-box /'bredbpks $ -ba:ks/ n [C] a BREAD BIN have promised to do or signed an agreement to do: | never
bread-crumbs /bredkramz/ n [plural] very small break my promises. | You betrayed me. You broke your word. |
pieces of bread that are left after cutting bread, or are break an agreement/contract He was worried that he might
used in cooking: Coat the fish in breadcrumbs and fry. be breaking his contract.
6 Gaz [!] to stop for a short time in order to have a
bread-ed /'bredid/ adj covered in breadcrumbs before rest or eat something: [+for] Shall we break for lunch now?
cooking: breaded plaice 7{bSa] [T] to stop something from continuing: We
bread-fruit /bredfru:t/ n [CU] a large tropical fruit need to break the cycle of poverty and crime in the inner
that looks like bread when it is cooked cities. | We took turns driving, in order to try and break the
bread:line /bredlatn/ n the breadline a very low level of monotony. | New talks will begin on Monday in an effort to
income that allows people to eat but not have any extra break the deadlock.
things: a family living on the breadline 8 faa ~4[T] to make someone feel that they have
breadth /bredo, bret@/ n1[C,U] the distance from one been completely defeated and they cannot continue
side of something to the other [SYN] width — broad, depth, working or living: Losing his business nearly broke him. | |
length: [+of] the breadth of the river | 5 metres/3 feet etc in won't give in. |won't be broken by him.
breadth The boat measured 15 feet in length and 4 feet in 9 PSO LT] to damage an organiza-
breadth. 2 [U] the quality of including a lot of different tion so badly that it no longer has any power: The govern-
people, things, or ideas — broad, depth: [+of] The job ment succeeded in breaking the unions.
wasn’t giving him the breadth of experience he wanted. |His 10 PW7P [1] when the day or the DAWN breaks, the
breadth of knowledge was amazing. | a politician known for sky gets light: Dawn was breaking by the time we arrived
his breadth of vision | We need to provide more breadth in the home.
college curriculum. — HAIR'S BREADTH, — the length and 11 GgeLL [1] if a storm breaks, it begins: We were keen to
breadth of at LENGTH(8) get back to the hotel before the storm broke.
bread-win-ner /‘bredwina $ -ar/ n [C] the member of 12 ([!] if the weather breaks, it suddenly
a family who earns the money to support the others changes and becomes cold or wet: The following day the
weather broke and we had ten days of solid rain.
13 {Vs [1] when waves break, they fall onto the land at
the edge of the water: We sat and watched the waves
breaking on the shore
148364 «([1] a) when a boy's voice breaks, it
becomes lower and starts to sound like a man’s voice: He
was fifteen, and his voice was just beginning to break. b) if
your voice breaks, it does not sound smooth because you
are feeling strong emotions: Her voice broke as she told us
what had happened.
15 {04 a) [1] if news about an important event breaks,
it becomes known: News of his resignation broke
yesterday. | The minister has refused to give any interviews
since the scandal broke. b) [T] if you break unpleasant
news to someone, you tell it to them: | didn’t know how |
was going to break the news to my mother. | The doctor
finally broke it to me that there was no cure.
16 break a habit to stop doing something that you do
regularly, especially something that you should not do: a
new drug which helps smokers to break their habit
17 break a record to do something even faster or even
better than the previous best time, amount etc: an
shatter attempt to break the 10,000-metres world record
18 break a journey BrE to stop somewhere for a short time
during a long journey: We decided to break our journey in
Oxford.
19 break sb's heart to make someone very unhappy by
break" &] [i /bretk/ v (past tense broke /brauk ending a relationship with them or doing something that
4 $ brouk/, past participle broken /'braukan $ 'brou-/) upsets them a lot: He broke my heart when he left me. | It'll
1a wae 4a) [T] if you break something, break your father’s heart if you tell him you're giving up
you make it separate into two or more pieces, for exam- college.
ple by hitting it, dropping it, or bending it: | had to break a 20 break a strike to force workers to end a STRIKE: The
 break 194 Si] &) & = the most frequent words in spoken English

government has threatened to bring in the army to break the break away phr v
10-month-old strike. 1to leave a group or political party and form another
21 break a link/tie/connection to end a relationship with a group, usually because of a disagreement: More than 30
person or organization: The US has now broken all diplo- Labour MPs broke away to form a new left-wing party. |
matic links with the regime. | Sometimes it is necessary to [+from] They broke away from the national union and set up
break family ties in order to protect the child. their own local organization. + BREAKAWAY*
22 break the skin to cut the skin on your body: Their teeth 2to leave your home, family, or job and become inde-
are sharp enough to break the skin. pendent: [+from] | felt the need to break away from home.
23 break the back of sth to finish the main or worst part of 3 to move away from someone who is holding you: She
something: | think we've broken the back of the job now. started crying and tried to break away. | [+from] She broke
24 break the bank to cost a lot of money, or more money away from him and ran to the door.
~ than you have: A new hard drive doesn’t have to break the 4to move away from other people in a race or game:
bank. Radcliffe broke away 200 metres before the finish.
25 break sb’s concentration to interrupt someone and stop 5 to become loose and no longer attached to something:
them from being able to continue thinking or talking Part of the plane’s wing had broken away.
about something: The slightest sound would break his con- break down phr v
centration. lif a car or machine breaks down, it stops working: The
26 break the silence to end a period of silence by talking or car broke down just north of Paris. | The printing machines
making a noise: The silence was broken by a loud scream. are always breaking down. —-+ BREAKDOWN
27 break sb’s spirit to destroy someone's feeling of deter- 2 to fail or stop working in a successful way: Negotiations
mination: They could not break her spirit. | The spirit of our broke down after only two days. | | left London when my
soldiers will never be broken. marriage broke down. + BREAKDOWN
28 break sb's power to take away someone's position of
3 break sth < down if you break down a door, you hit it so
power or control: At last the power of the Church was finally
hard that it breaks and falls to the ground: Police had to
broken.
break down the door to get into the flat.
29 break the ice informal to make people feel more friendly
4 break sth <> down to change or remove something that
and willing to talk to each other: Sam’s arrival broke the ice
prevents people from working together and having a
and people began to talk and laugh.
successful relationship with each other: Getting young
30 break a code to succeed in understanding something
people together will help to break down the barriers between
that is written in a secret way: Scientists worked day and
them. |It takes a long time to break down prejudices.
night to break the code.
31 break wind to allow gas to escape from your bottom, Sif a substance breaks down, or something breaks it
making a noise and an unpleasant smell down, it changes as a result of a chemical process: break
32 break (sb’s) serve to win a game in tennis when your sth <> down Food is broken down in the stomach. | Bacteria
opponent is starting the game by hitting the ball first: are added to help break down the sewage.
Hewitt broke serve twice in the second set. 6 to be unable to stop yourself crying, especially in public:
33 break a leg spoken used to wish someone luck, espe- He broke down and cried. |She broke down in tears when she
cially just before they perform on stage heard the news.
7 break sth <> down to separate something into smaller
THESAURUS parts so that it is easier to do or understand: He showed us
the whole dance, then broke it down so that we could learn it
more easily. | The question can be broken down into two
separate into pieces, for example by dropping it or parts, +> BREAKDOWN
hitting it: Careful you don’t break the chair. |He broke break for sth phr v to suddenly run towards something,
his leg. especially in order to escape from someone: He broke for
smash v [T] to break something with a lot of force: the door, but the guards got there before he did.
A policeman smashed his camera. break in phr v
snap v [T] to break something into two pieces, 1to enter a building by using force, in order to steal
making a loud noise - used especially about long something: Thieves broke in and stole £10,000 worth of
thin objects: He snapped the sticks in two. computer equipment. — BREAK-IN
split v [T] to separate something into two pieces 2 to interrupt someone when they are speaking: [ton] |
along a straight line: Using a sharp knife, split the didn’t want to break in on his telephone conversation. |
melon in half. [+with] Dad would occasionally break in with an amusing
fracture v [T] to damage a bone, especially so that a comment.
line appears on the surface: | fell over and fractured 3 break sth + in to make new shoes or boots less stiff and
my wrist. more comfortable by wearing them: | went for a walk to
tear /teo $ ter/ v [T] to damage paper or cloth by break in my new boots.
pulling it so that it separates into pieces: She tore up 4 break sb in to help a person get used to a certain way of
the letter and put it in the bin. || tore my jacket. behaving or working: She's quite new to the job, so we're
still breaking her in.
5 break sth <> in to teach a young horse to carry people on
break v [|] to become damaged and separate into its back: We break the horses in when they're about two
pieces: Plastic breaks quite easily. years old.
smash v [|] to break after being hit with a lot of break into sth phr v
force: The bow! smashed as it hit the floor. 1to enter a building or car by using force, in order to steal
shatter v [|] to break into a lot of small pieces: The something: Someone broke into my car and stole the radio. |
glass shattered all over the pavement. Her house was broken into last week.
crack yv [1] if something cracks, a line appears on the 2to become involved in a new job or business activity:
surface, which means that it could later break into She made an attempt to break into journalism. | It’s a
separate pieces: The ice was starting to crack. profession that is very hard to break into. |Many British firms
burst v [1] if a tyre, balloon, pipe etc bursts, it gets a have failed in their attempts to break into the American
hole and air or liquid suddenly comes out of it: She market.
blew up the balloon until it burst. 3 to start to spend money that you did not want to spend:
split v [|] to break in a straight line: The damp had ! don’t want to break into my savings unless | have to.
caused the wood to split. 4 break into a run/trot etc to suddenly start running: He
crumble v [1] to break into a powder or a lot of small broke into a run as he came round the corner.
\ pieces: The cork just crumbled in my hand. 5 break into a smile/a song/applause etc to suddenly start
 {i © GS = the most frequent words in written English 195 break
smiling, singing etc: Her face broke into a smile. | The break with sb/sth phr v
audience broke into loud applause. 1to leave a group of people or an organization, especially
break sb of sth phr v to make someone stop having a bad because you have had a disagreement with them: She had
habit: Try to break yourself of the habit of eating between broken with her family years ago. | They broke with the
meals, Communist Party and set up a new party.
break off phr v 2 break with tradition/the past to stop following old cus-
1to suddenly stop talking: She started to speak, then broke toms and do something in a completely different way:
off while a waitress served us coffee. | He broke off in Now is the time to break with the past. |His work broke with
mid-sentence to shake hands with the new arrivals. | break tradition in many ways.
sth <> off | broke off the conversation and answered the
phone, break? Gy Tn
2 break sth <> off to end a relationship: She broke off their 1 [C] a period of time when you stop
engagement only a few weeks before they were due to be working in order to rest, eat etc: We'll have a short break
married. |The US has broken off diplomatic relations with the for lunch, then start again at two o'clock. | Let's take a
regime. ten-minute break. | We'd worked for ten hours without a
3 if something breaks off, or if you break it off, it comes break. | I'll go shopping during my lunch break.
loose and is no longer attached to something else: One of
2 SETS «LC] a period of time when you stop
the car's wing mirrors had broken off. | break sth <> off He doing something before you start again: [+from] / wanted
broke off a piece of bread. a break from university life. | She decided to take a career
break out phr v break when she had children. | [+in] a welcome break in my
normal routine
1if something unpleasant such as a fire, fight, or war
3 ee [C] a short holiday: | was beginning to feel that
breaks out, it starts to happen: !| was still living in London
| needed a break. | We flew off for a week’s break in Spain. |
when the war broke out. |Does everyone know what to do if a
They're offering weekend breaks in Paris for only £100. |the
fire breaks out? | Fighting broke out between demonstrators
Easter/Christmas etc break Are you looking forward to the
and the police. + OUTBREAK
summer break?
2 to escape from a prison: [+of] Three men have broken out 4 fees [U] the time during the school day when
of a top-security jail. + BREAKOUT
classes stop and teachers and students can rest, eat, play
3to change the way you live because you feel bored: etc: at break /’// speak to you at break. | They get together
[+of] She felt the need to break out of her daily routine. with their friends at break time.
4 break out in spots/a rash/a sweat etc if you break out in 5 @imayd [C] a pause for advertisements during a tele-
spots etc, they appear on your skin: | broke out in a painful vision or radio programme: Join us again after the break. |
rash. |My whole body broke out in a sweat. We'll be back with more after a short break.
break through phr v 6 [C] a period of time when some-
1 break through (sth) to manage to get past or through thing stops happening before it starts again: [+in] We'll
something that is in your way: Several demonstrators broke go for a walk if there's a break in the rain. |Latecomers will be
through the barriers despite warnings from the police. |After admitted at a suitable break in the performance. |She waited
hours of fierce fighting, rebels broke through and captured the for a break in the conversation. | There was no sign of a break
capital. in the weather (=an improvement in bad weather).
2 break through (sth) if the sun breaks through, you can 7 DOMES [singular] a time when you leave a
see it when you could not see it before because there person or group, or end a relationship with someone: |
were clouds: The sun broke through at around lunch time. | wanted a clean break so that | could restart my life. | It was
The sun soon broke through the mist. years before | plucked up enough courage to make the break
3 to manage to do something successfully when there is a and leave him. |[+with] He was beginning to regret his break
difficulty that is preventing you: He’s a very talented young with the Labour Party.
actor who's just ready to break through. | [+into] It is 8 [C] a space or hole in something: [+in] We
possible that at this election some of the minority parties crawled through a break in the hedge. | The sun shone
might succeed in breaking through into parliament. through a break in the clouds.
—> BREAKTHROUGH 9 Geos [C] informal a sudden or unexpected chance to
break up phr v do something that allows you to become successful in
lif something breaks up, or if you break it up, it breaks your job: There are hundreds of young musicians out there
into a lot of small pieces: It seems that the plane just broke looking for their first break. | He got his first big break in
up in the air. |break sth <> up Use a fork to break up the soil. 1998. |a lucky break
2 break sth <> up to separate something into several 10 Es [C] the place where a bone in your body has
smaller parts: There are plans to break the company up into broken: It's quite a bad break, which will take several months
several smaller independent companies. | You need a few to heal.
trees and bushes to break up the lawn. 11 {QDI [C] a situation in a game of tennis in which you
3 break sth <> up to stop a fight: Three policemen were win a game when your opponent is starting the game by
needed to break up the fight. hitting the ball first: She really needs a break of serve now if
4 break sth <> up to make people leave a place where they she wants to win this match.
have been meeting or protesting: Government soldiers 12 Gea (C] the number of points that a player wins
broke up the demonstration. |Police moved in to break up the when it is their turn to hit the ball in a game such as
meeting. SNOOKER
5 if a marriage, group of people, or relationship breaks up, 13 break with tradition/the past a time when people stop
the people in it separate and do not live or work together following old customs and do something in a completely
any more: He lost his job and his marriage broke up. | The different way: It is time for a complete break with the past.
couple broke up last year. |Many bands break up because of 14 make a break for sth to suddenly start running towards
personality clashes between the musicians. | [+with] Has something in order to escape from a place: As soon as the
Sam really broken up with Lucy? —+ BREAKUP guard's back was turned, they made a break for the door. |
6 if a meeting or party breaks up, people start to leave: Two of the prisoners made a break for it but were soon
The party didn’t break up until after midnight. | The meeting recaptured.
broke up without any agreement. 15 give me/it a break! spoken used when you want some-
7 BrE when a school breaks up, it closes for a holiday: one to stop doing or saying something that is annoying
School breaks up next week. | [+for] When do you break up you
for Easter? 16 give sb a break spoken to stop being strict with someone
8 break sb up Ame informal to make someone laugh by so that a situation becomes easier for them: Give the kid a
saying or doing something funny: He breaks me up! break. It’s only his second day on the job.
breakable 196 [X4 = words from the Academic Word List

17 the break of day literary the time early in the morning ,breaking and ‘entering n [U] law the crime of
when it starts getting light entering a building illegally and by force
break-a-ble /‘bretkabal/ adj made of a material suchas break-neck /'bretknek/ adj at breakneck speed/pace
glass or clay that breaks easily — fragile: Make sure you extremely and often dangerously fast: He drove away at
pack breakable ornaments carefully. breakneck speed.
breakage /'bretkid3/ n [C,U] something that someone break-out /'brerkavt/ n [C] an escape from a prison,
breaks, especially when they must pay for it: All breakages especially one involving a lot of prisoners — break out at
must be paid for. Geek tik sesasthe : ans
break-a-way' /‘bretkawet/ adj breakaway group/party/ Feakethrous /"bret Oru:/ n [C] ul Sin oko =a ee
movement a breakaway group etc is formed by people discovery in something MOM aie studying, especial SAGs
who have left another group because of a disagreement: made after trying for a long time: [+in] Scientists have
a breakaway group ofjournalists |Hundreds of miners joined dies 5 aeets ae aiacs in_the oa oe
the breakaway union. — break away at BREAK’ ee Suen awe! [THESAURUS |
breakaway? n [singular] 1aee situation
f in diwhich some t brealoup /bretkp/'n [CU]
riage or relationship: 1 the act of
the breakup of ending-a mar
her marriage
ae Nien oh Sea vanibatch: CET 2 the separation of a group, organization, or country into
anuestay 4 - [tof] the breakup of the Soviet Union
breakaway from the Communist Party. 2 a change from the stillet parts) Loft1 ere ene
usual or accepted way of doing something: [+from] His baie ala iia ews SRG WA wick
work marks a breakaway from traditional building styles. reak-wa-ter /‘bretkwo:ta $ -worter, -war-/ a
: wall built out into the sea to
protect the shore from the
break-beat /‘bretkbi:t/ n [U] a type of dance music — o:c@ of the waves 4
that uses different patterns of sound based on one, two, b t!
or three beats in every BAR (=group of notes into which reast’ EE] /brest/ n ’
music can be divided), rather than the regular four beats TMM@MZMEEEDY [C] one of the two round raised parts
in every bar on a woman's chest that produce milk when Ali a
° ‘ : baby: These bras are specially designed for women with large
pfri talein aspreneerheal Sadan IBinet breasts. | breast milk | breast cancer | bare-breasted/small-
the fl breasted etc
d rolli
pene wade 2 @esa [C] written the part of your body between your
break-down /'bretkdaun/ n 1[C,U] the failure of a peck and your stomach: Dick cradled her photograph
relationship or system: [+of] He moved away after the — ggainst his breast.
breakdown of his marriage. |A sudden rise in oil prices could 3 FyFPY [C] the front part of a bird's body, below its neck:
lead to a breakdown of the economy. |[+in] There has beena —_q robin with a red breast | red-breasted/white-breasted etc
serious breakdown in relations between the two countries. | —_ed-breasted geese
marriage/marital/family breakdown Family breakdown can a fyrxyy [U] meat that comes from the front part of the
lead to behavioural problems in children. 2 [C] a serious body of a bird such as a chicken: turkey breast
medical condition in which someone becomes mentally 5 ramayyTzy [C usually singular] the part of a jacket, shirt etc
ill and is unable to work or deal with ordinary situations in that covers the top part of your chest > DOUBLE-BREASTED,
life: |was worried he might have a breakdown if he carriedon —_sjNGLE-BREASTED
working so hard. | Two years ago he suffered a mental 6 make a clean breast of it/things to admit that you have
breakdown. | She had already had one nervous breakdown. done something wrong
3 [C] an occasion when a car or a piece of machinery 7 TEFEN [C] literary where your feelings of sadness,
breaks and stops working: Always carry a phone with youin —_|ove, anger, fear etc come from: a troubled breast + beat
case you have a breakdown on the motorway. | [+in] a your breast at BEAT'(31), > CHIMNEY BREAST
breakdown in the cooling system 4 [C] a list of all the breast? v [T] formal1 to reach the top of a hill or slope
separate parts of something: [+of] Can you give us a 2 to push against something with your chest
breakdown of the figures? 5 [singular] the changing of a b tb |
substance into other substances: the breakdown of glucose reast-bone /‘brestbaun $ -boun/ n [C] a long flat
in the body to release energy —> break down at BREAK! bone in the front of your chest that is connected to the
‘breakdown truck (also breakdown lorry) n [C] BrE a Joe Svc bal aisles [SYN sicrnurn ibs
vehicle with special equipment that is used to pull a car breast-feed v (past tense and past participle breast-fed)
that is broken and does not work to a place where it can 11] if a woman breast-feeds, she feeds her baby with
be repaired [syn] tow truck AmE — see picture at TRUCK! milk from her breast rather than from a bottle nurse

break-er
. /'brerka
retka $ -ar, -ar/ n [C] a large wave with a whit e innpichle hollered
;
top that rolls onto the shore —+ CIRCUIT BREAKER breast-plate /brestplert/ n [C] a leather or metal
‘ protective covering worn over the chest by soldiers dur-
break-e-ven, break-even /bretk'i:van</ n [U] the level __jing battles in the past
of pre ey ae 5 Se eee breast-'pocket n [Cc] a pocket on the outside ofa shirt
a profit nor a loss: (the) breakeven point/level The firm or JACKET, above the breast
hould h break int aft . —> break t
eycNeaae icbadtcali a RE acetic ae breast-stroke /brest-strauk $ -strouk/n [lU]/a way of
swimming in which you push your arms out and then
break-fast § [1 /‘brekfast/n [C,U] the meal youhave bring them back in a circle towards you while bending
in the morning: We had bacon and eggs for breakfast.|! your knees towards your body and then kicking out
never eat breakfast. |After a hearty breakfast (=large break- _, see picture at swim
fast), we set out for a hike. | a light breakfast (=small breath 6 1 /bred/ n
breakfast) | a working breakfast (=a breakfast at which 7a) [UTthE air that you Send Sul of VORP TURES aime an
you talk about business) —breakfast v [1] — BED AND : ;
BREAKFAST, CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST, ENGLISH BREAKFAST, ae Hs low smell the wine on her breath. | Let Af
— wedding breakfast at WEDDING(1), > make a dog's break- oe out slowly, b) [U] air that you take into your lungs:
fant obeth ar poeta en he reached the top of the stairs, his heart was pounding
; Ao al! and he was gasping for breath. c) [C] an amount of air that
breakfast ‘television n [U] BrE television pro- you take into your lungs: Shaun took
adeep breath and dived
grammes that are broadcast in the early part of the jn, A\ Do not confuse the noun breath /bre@/ with the
TO GMIAS verb breathe /bri:d/: She took a breath and continued. |
‘break-in n [C] an act of entering a building illegally and |.can’t breathe in here!
by force, especially in order to steal things: Since the 2a breath of fresh air a) something that is new and differ-
break-in we've had all our locks changed. — break in at — ent in a way you think is exciting and.good: Osborne’s play
BREAK! brought a breath of fresh air to the British theatre. b) clean
 EX = words from the Academic Word List 197 breathing
air outside, that you feel you need after being inside for a police to see if a driver of a car has drunk too much
long time: I’m going outside for a breath of fresh air. alcohol
3 don’t hold your breath informal used to say that some-
thing is not going to happen soon: The system’s due for an breathe § [ /bri:0/ v
update, but don’t hold your breath. 1f30) [1,1] to take air into your lungs and send it out
4 catch your breath (a/so get your breath back) to start again: The room filled with smoke, and it was becoming
breathing normally again after running or making a lot of difficult to breathe. | People are concerned about the quality
effort: Slow down, | need to catch my breath. of the air they breathe. | Relax and breathe deeply (=take in
5 don’t waste your breath (a/so save your breath) spoken a lot of air).
used to say that someone will not be able to persuade 203) [1,1] to blow air or smoke out of your mouth:
someone else, so there is no point in trying: Save your [t+on] Roy breathed on his hands and rubbed them together
breath. She’s already made up her mind. | Will he listen to me vigorously. | breathe sth over sb The fat man opposite was
or will |just be wasting my breath? breathing garlic all over me.
6 take sb’s breath away to be extremely beautiful or excit- 3 sb can breathe easy/easily used when saying that some-
ing: The view from the top will take your breath away. one can relax because a worrying or dangerous situation
7 under your breath in a quiet voice so that no one can has ended: With stocks going up, investors can breathe
hear you: ‘Son of a bitch,’ he muttered under his breath. easily.
8 in the same breath a) (also in the next breath) used to 4 breathe a sigh of relief to stop being worried or fright-
say that someone has said two things at once that are so ened about something: Once the deadline passed, everyone
different from each other they cannot both be true: He breathed a sigh of relief.
criticized the film, then predicted in the same breath that it 5 be breathing down sb's neck informal to pay very close
would be a great success. b) if you mention two people or attention to what someone is doing, in a way that makes
things in the same breath, you show that you think they them feel nervous or annoyed: How can | concentrate with
are alike or are related: | became nervous when the doctor you breathing down my neck all the time?
mentioned my mother’s name and ‘cancer’ in the same 6not breathe a word to not tell anyone anything at all
breath. | [+as/with] a young poet mentioned in the same about something, because it is a secret: Don’t breathe a
breath as TS. Eliot word; it’s supposed to be a surprise.
9 with your last/dying breath at the moment when you are 7 breathe life into sth to change a situation so that people
dying: With his last breath, he cursed his captors. feel more excited or interested: Critics are hoping the
10 [singular] written a very small amount or a sign of young director can breathe new life into the French film
something: [tof] They did everything they could to avoid industry.
the slightest breath of scandal. 88) [1] if your skin can breathe, air can reach it
Na breath of air/wind literary a slight movement of air: 9s [1] if cloth or clothing breathes, air can
Scarcely a breath of air disturbed the stillness of the day. pass through it so that your body feels pleasantly cool
~» with bated breath at BATED and dry
10 {7009 [1] if you let wine breathe, you open the bottle to
let the air get to it before you drink it
NSM «([T] written to say something very
quietly, almost in a whisper: ‘Wait,’ he breathed.
then jumped into the pool. 12 breathe your last (breath) literary to die
let your breath out (=breathe out) Let your breath 13 breathe fire to talk and behave in a very angry way
out slowly and relax. — live and breathe sth at LIVE'<@9)
hold your breath (=not breathe out for a few
seconds or minutes) How long can you hold your
breath underwater? breathe [1,1] to take air into your lungs and send it
be out of breath (=have difficulty breathing after out again: Mary knew he was asleep because he was
running, hurrying etc) Andrew hurried in, slightly out breathing deeply. | He breathed the clear spring air.
of breath. sigh to breathe out slowly and make a noise that
be short of breath (=be unable to breathe easily shows you are disappointed, tired, RELIEVED etc: She
because you are ill, old etc) |gasp/fight for breath just sighed and shook her head.
(=have difficulty breathing) |pause for breath | pant to breathe quickly and noisily through your
draw breath written (=breathe) mouth, because you have been using a lot of effort:
They were panting by the time they got to the finish
ADJECTIVES a Ces line.
bad breath (=that smells unpleasant) Smoking gives gasp to breathe very quickly and deeply and with
you bad breath. difficulty: Her eyes were wide, and she was gasping for
a deep/long breath (=in which you breathe a lot of breath.
air in slowly) She took a deep breath and knocked on snore to breathe noisily while you are sleeping: |
‘| the door. couldn't sleep because my husband was snoring.
-a shallow breath (=in which you breathe a small wheeze to breathe with difficulty, making a noise in
amount of air in) your throat and chest, because you are ill: His asthma
was making him wheeze.
PHRASES & a
| shortness of breath (=when you are unable to breathe in phr v to take air into your lungs — inhale: The
breathe easily) Symptoms include dizziness and doctor made me breathe in while he listened to my chest. |
shortness of breath. breathe sth <> in Wyatt breathed in the cool ocean air.
an intake of breath (=when you breathe in very breathe out phr v to send air out from your lungs
quickly and suddenly, especially because you are —+ exhale: Jim breathed out deeply. | breathe sth <> out
surprised) He gave a sharp intake of breath. Lauren lit up a cigarette, then breathed out a puff of smoke.

breath-a-ble /bri:dabal/ adj clothing that is breathable breath-er /'brisda $ -ar/ n have/take a breather informal
llows air to pass through it easily to stop what you are doing for a short time in order to
Oo
breath-a-lyze (also -lyse BrE) /'bre@al-aiz/ v [T] to rest, especially when you are exercising —+ HEAVY
make someone breathe into a special piece of equipment BREATHER
‘in order to see if they have drunk too much alcohol to be breath-ing /‘bri:d1n/ n [U] the process of breathing air
allowed to drive in and out: His breathing was deep and regular. | When |
Breath-a-lyz-er (also Breathalyser Br£) /'bre@al-arza picked up the phone, all | heard was heavy breathing (=loud
$.-ar/ n [C] trademark a piece of equipment used by the breathing).
 breathing space - 198 Si] & & = the most frequent words in spoken English

‘breathing space (also ‘breathing room) n [U] well in a test, a piece of written work etc, with very little
1a short time when you have a rest from doing some- effort: Don’t bother studying for the English exam - you'll:
thing before starting again: This deal should give the com- breeze it.
pany some extra breathing room before its loans are due. breeze through sth phr v to achieve something very
2 enough room to move or breathe easily and comfort- easily [SYN] sail through: He breezed through the exam.
ably in ‘breeze-block n [Cc] BrE a light brick used in building,
’ breath-less /bre@las/ adj1 having difficulty breathing, made of CEMENT and CINDERS [SYN] cinder block AmE> see
especially because you are very tired, excited, or fright- picture at BLOCK"
~ ened: The long climb left Jan feeling breathless. | [+with] breez-y /'bri:zzi/ adj 1a breezy person is happy, confi-
They waited, breathless with anticipation. 2 written excited: dent, and relaxed: a breezy and relaxed air of confidence
j > His first novel drew breathless superlatives from critics. 2 if the weather is breezy, the wind blows quite strongly
3 at (a) breathless pace/speed extremely fast 4 literary —breezily adv
unpleasantly hot, with no fresh air or wind: the breathless breth-ren /bredran/ n [plural] old use used to address
heat of a midsummer night in Rome —breathlessly adv or talk about the members of an organization or group,
—breathlessness n [U] especially a religious group
breath-tak-ing /'bre@terkin/ adj very impressive, breve /briv/ n [C] BrE a musical note that continues for
exciting, or surprising: The view from my bedroom window twice as long as a SEMIBREVE
was absolutely breathtaking. | an act of breathtaking brev-i-ty Eq /‘breviti/ n [U] formal 1the quality of
arrogance RiLIZLULE> BEAUTIFUL —breathtakingly adv expressing something in very few words —+ brief: Letters
‘breath test n [Cc] BrE a test in which the police make a published in the newspaper are edited for brevity and clarity.
car driver breathe into a special bag to see if he or she 2 the quality of continuing for only a short time — brief:
has drunk too much alcohol — breathalyze the brevity of her visit
breath-y /'bre@i/ adj if someone's voice is breathy, you brew! /bru:/ v 1[T] to make beer: Every beer on the
can hear their breath when they speak menu was brewed locally. 2 [|] if a drink of tea or coffee is
bred /bred/ the past tense and past participle of BREED brewing, the taste is getting into the hot water: He read
the paper while the tea brewed. 3 [T] to make a drink of tea
breech /brixt{/ n [C] the part of a gun into which you
or coffee: freshly brewed coffee 4 be brewing a) if some-
put the bullets
thing unpleasant is brewing, it will happen soon: There's
‘breech birth (also“'breech delivery) n [C] a birth in trouble brewing in the office. b) if a storm is brewing, it will
which the lower part of a baby’s body comes out of its happen soon
mother first brew up phr v BrE informal to make a drink of tea
breech-es /‘brit(iz/ n [plural] short trousers that fasten brew? n 1[C] especially BrE a drink that is brewed,
just below the knees: riding breeches especially tea 2 [C,U] AmE beer, or a can or glass of beer:
breed" /bri:d/ v (past tense and past participle bred a cold brew in a frosty glass 3 [C usually singular] a combi-
/bred/) 1 [1] if animals breed, they MATE in order to have nation of different things: [+of] The band played a strange
babies: Eagles breed during the cooler months of the year. brew of rock, jazz, and country music. + HOME BREW
2 [T] to keep animals or plants in order to produce babies brew-er /'brura $ -ar/ n [C] a person or company that
or new plants, especially ones with particular qualities: makes beer
These dogs were originally bred in Scotland to round up brew-er-y /brurari/ n (plural breweries) [C] a place
sheep. —*+ CROSSBREED', PUREBRED, THOROUGHBRED 3 [T] to where beer is made, or a company that makes beer
cause a particular feeling or condition: Poor living condi- bri-ar, brier /‘brata $ -ar/ n 1[C,U] a wild bush with
tions breed violence and despair. 4 [T] if a place, situation, branches that have small sharp points 2 [C] a tobacco
or thing breeds a particular type of person, it produces
pipe made from briar
that type: Society's obsession with sex has bred a generation
of unhappy children. —+ WELL-BRED, — born and bred at bribe" /pratb/ v [T] 1 to illegally give someone, espe-
BORN*(3) cially a public official, money or a gift in order to per-
suade them to do something for you: The only way we
breed? n [Cc] 1 type of animal that is kept as a pet or could get into the country was by bribing the border
on a farm: [+of] Spaniels are my favourite breed of dog. Officials. | bribe sb to do sth He bribed one of the guards to
2 a particular kind of person or type of thing: Real cow- smuggle out a note. 2 to offer someone, especially a child,
boys are a dying breed (=not many exist anymore). |Dodd something special in order to persuade them to do some-
was one of that rare breed (=there are not many of them) thing: bribe sb with sth Sam wouldn't do her homework until
who could make the game of football look simple. | [+of] a | bribed her with ice cream.
new breed of international criminal
bribe? n [c] 1 money or a gift that you illegally give
breed-er /'briida $ -ar/ n [C] someone who breeds someone to persuade them to do something for you: The
animals or plants as a job: a dog breeder officials said that they had been offered bribes before an
breeding /'bri:din/ n [U] 1 when animals produce important game. | accept/take a bribe A Supreme Court
babies: Open-sea fish lay several million eggs each breeding judge was charged with taking bribes. 2 something special
season. 2 the activity of keeping animals or plants in order offered to someone, especially a child, in order to per-
to produce animals or plants that have particular quali- suade them to do something
ties: the breeding of pedigree dogs | Benson took great care brib-er-y /‘bratbari/ n [U] the act of giving bribes: We
in selecting breeding stock (=animals you keep to breed tried everything - persuasion, bribery, threats. |He was found
from). 3 the fact of coming from a family of high rank and guilty of bribery and corruption (=bribery and dishonest
having polite social behaviour: The young lieutenant had an behaviour).
air of wealth and good breeding.
bric-a-brac /‘brik a brek/ n [U] BrE small objects that
‘breeding ground n [c] 1 place or situation where are not worth very much money but are interesting or
something bad or harmful develops: [+for] Overcrowded attractive
slums are breeding grounds for crime. 2a place where
animals go in order to breed
brick’ 4 [A /brtk/ n
1[C,U] a hard block of Hilke clay used for building walls,
breeze? /bri:z/ n [C] 1a gentle wind > breezy: flowers houses etc: a brick wall | a house made of brick | Protesters
waving in the breeze WIND 2 be a breeze infor- attacked the police with stones and bricks.
mal to be very easy: Don’t think that learning Dutch will be 2 bricks and mortar houses - used especially when talkie
a breeze. + shoot the breeze at SHOOT'(3) about them as an INVESTMENT
breeze? v1 [| always + adv/prep] to walk somewhere in a 3[C] BrE a small square block of wood, plastic etc used
calm confident way: [+in/into/out etc] She just breezed as a toy
into my office and said she wanted a job. 2 [T] to do very 4 [C] old-fashioned a good person who you can depend on
[ (2 OS = the most frequent words in written English 199 briefcase
when you are in trouble — be (like) banging/bashing etc 2 @Q0Esiey [C] something that provides a connection
your head against a brick wall at HEAD'(31), + drop a brick at between two things [SYN] link: [+between/to] The training
DROP'(27) programme is seen as a bridge between school and work. |a
brick? v be bricking it BrE informal to feel very nervous or scheme to build bridges (=make a better relationship)
frightened between the police and the community
brick sth <> off phr v to separate an area from a larger 3 Gil) LC usually singular] the raised part of a ship from
area by building a wall of bricks: Some of the rooms had which the officers control it
been bricked off. 4 GTI [U] a card game for four players, who play
brick sth <> up/in phr v to fill or close a space by building in pairs
a wall of bricks in it: The windows were bricked up. 5 the bridge of your nose the upper part of your nose
brick-bat /'brkbet/ n [C] written a criticism of some- between your eyes
thing: The plan has drawn both brickbats and praise. 6 RAFI LC usually singular] the part of a pair of
brick-lay-er /‘brikleta $ -ar/ (also brick-ie /briki/ BrE glasses that rests on your nose
informal) n [C] someone whose job is to build walls, 7 [C usually singular] a small piece of
buildings etc with bricks —bricklaying n [U] wood under the strings of a VIOLIN or GUITAR, used to keep
them in position
(brick ‘red n [U] a brownish red colour —brick red adj
8 (wa) [C] a small piece of metal that keeps false
brick-work /'brtkwa:k $ -wa:rk/ n [U] 1 the bricks that teeth in place by attaching them to your real teeth
have been used to build something: The brickwork was — burn your bridges at BURN'(18), + cross that bridge when
cracked and in need of repair. 2 the work of building some- you come to it at cross'”10), — be (all) water under the
thing with bricks bridge at WATER'(6)
brid-al /'bratdl/ adj [only before noun] relating to a wed- bridge? v [1] 1 to reduce or get rid of the difference
ding or a woman who is getting married — bride: a bridal between two things: The differences between our two cul-
gown tures can be bridged if we continue to communicate. | Alvin
‘bridal party n [Cc] the group of people who arrive at managed to bridge the gap between ballet and modern
the church with the bride dance. 2. written to build or form a bridge over something:
‘bridal suite n (C] a special set of rooms in a hotel for a fallen tree bridging the stream
two people who have just got married bridge-head /bridzhed/ n [C] a strong position far
bride /bratd/ n [C] a woman at the time she gets forward in enemy land from which an army can go
married or just after she is married + groom forward or attack
bride-groom /‘bratdgru:m, -grum/ (also groom) n [C] ‘bridging loan BrE, ‘bridge loan AmE n [C] an amount
a man at the time he gets married, or just after he is of money that a bank lends you for a short period of time
married until you receive money from somewhere else
brides-maid /bratdzmeid/ n [C] a girl or woman, bri-dle! /brardl/ n [C] a set of leather bands put around
usually unmarried, who helps a bride on her wedding day a horse's head and used to control its movements
and is with her at the wedding — BEST MAN bridle? v 1 [1] written to become angry and offended
\bride-to-'be n (plural brides-to-be) [C] a woman who about something: [+at] The senator bridled at the reporter's
is going to be married soon: Jonathan's bride-to-be question. 2 [T] to put a bridle on a horse
BRIDGES ‘bridle path (also bri-dle-way /'brardlwe1/) n [C] a path
that you ride a horse on
Brie /bri:/ n [U] a soft French cheese
brief" § (BG /bri:f/ adj
1continuing for a short time — brevity: We stopped by
Alice's house for a brief visit. | Let's keep this conversation
brief; | have a plane to catch. |a brief period/moment/spell
etc Greene spent a brief time at Cambridge.
SHORT
5 Wo Se 2 using very few words or including few details — brevity:
The president read a brief statement to reporters before
flyover BrE/overpass AmE |. boarding his plane. |a brief description of the film
3be brief to say or write something using only a few
words, especially because there is little time: /’/l be brief; a
lot of changes are going to happen.
4clothes that are brief are short and cover only a small
area of your body: a very brief bikini
brief? En ([C] 1 [usually singular] official instructions
that explain what someone's job is, what their duties are
etc: The architect's brief is to design an extension that is
modern but blends with the rest of the building. 2 law a
suspension bridge short spoken or written statement giving facts about a
uy"
os law case: The ACLU filed a brief (=gave one to the court)
opposing the decision. 3 BrE law a law case that a lawyer
will argue in a court 4 a short report about something
5 in brief a) in as few words as possible: We should, in
brief, invest heavily in digital systems. b) without any
details: Here again are today’s headlines in brief.
6 briefs [plural] men’s or women's underwear worn on the
lower part of the body
brief? fq v [7] to give someone all the information
about a situation that they will need — briefing: brief sb on
Viaduct hump-backed bridge BrE sth The president has been fully briefed on the current
bridge’ gy 1 /brid3/ n situation in Haiti. TELL —> DEBRIEF
IDEN aag [C] a structure built over a river, brief-case /'bri:fkets/ n [C] a flat case used especially
road etc that allows people or vehicles to cross from one by business people for carrying papers or documents
side to the other —+ SUSPENSION BRIDGE, SWING BRIDGE —» see picture at CASE!
briefing 200 EX4= words from the eS Word List

brief-ing —@ /'bri:ftg/ n [CU] information or instruc- dazzling a dazzling light is so bright that it hurts
tions that you get before you have to do something your eyes and you cannot look at it: dazzling
brief-ly By 05) Lg /‘brisfli/ adv headlights
1for a short time: We stopped off briefly in London. blinding a blinding light is very bright and makes
2 in as few words as possible [SYN] in brief: Sonia explained you unable to see for a short time after you have
briefly what we had to do. | [sentence adverb] Briefly, | think looked at it: There was a sudden blinding light, followed
we should accept their offer. by the sound of a huge explosion.
harsh a harsh light is bright and unpleasant: In the
bri-er /'brata $ -ar/ n [U] a BRIAR harsh light of the kitchen, she looked older than she
brig /brig/ n [C] 1 ship with two masts (=poles) and was.
large square sails 2 AmE a military prison, especially ona good if the light is good in a place where you are
ship working, it is bright enough for you to see what you
bri-gade /bm'gerd/ n [C] 1a large group of soldiers are going: theeign weet good enough to read.
forming part of an army 2 an insulting word for a group of
people who have the same beliefs: the anti-nuclear brigade
3 a group of people who are organized to do something: bright fullofsai AREA the room was a bit brighter.
Snowmobile brigades delivered food and medicine. — FIRE light bright because there are big windows: The
BRIGADE dining room was light and airy.
brig-a-dier /brige'dia< $ -dir</ n [C] a high military well-lit bright because there are-plenty of electric
rank in the British army, or the person who has this rank \_lights: Try to park in a well-lit place.
.brigadier-'general n [Cc] a high army rank, or some- bright-en /‘brattn/ v
one holding this rank 1G [7] (also brighten sth < up) to make
brig-and /‘brigand/ n [C] literary a thief, especially one something lighter or brighter: Use blonde highlights to
of a group that attacks people in mountains or forests brighten your hair. |The morning sunshine brightened up the
bright § [1 /brart/ adj (comparative brighter, superla- room.
tive brightest) 2 Gea [T] (also brighten sth <> up) to
1{i shining strongly, or with plenty of light: Her eyes make something more colourful or attractive: She bought
were hurting from the bright lights. |bright sunshine |a large some flowers to brighten the room. | | want to brighten the
bright room place up a bit.
2 ny if the weather is bright, the sun is shining and 3 (Eas ~[7T] (also brighten sth <> up) to
there is a lot of light [oPP) dull: The weather was bright and make something more enjoyable, exciting, or interesting:
sunny. |a bright autumn day His letter brightened my day. | | felt | needed something to
3 wesw intelligent and able to learn things quickly: brighten up my life.
He was an exceptionally bright child. | a bright ambitious AIIM ayechaagy LI] to shine more strongly, or
young man LSAfu INTELLIGENT become brighter in colour: The stage lights brightened to
4a bright idea a very good idea - sometimes used ironi- reveal a street scene.
cally (RONIC): Whose bright idea was this? |He is constantly Shas” [1] (also brighten up) if the weather
coming up with bright ideas for making money. brightens, the sun begins to shine and it becomes lighter:
5@ael bright colours are strong and easy to see: a The sky brightened after lunch. | Let's hope the weather
bright red jumper || never wear bright colours. FEES > brightens up later. |It brightened up a bit in the afternoon.
COLOUR 6 ata [1] (also brighten up) to become happier
6 (aa) happy and full of energy: Her voice was bright or more excited: His eyes brightened when we started
and cheerful. |She gave him a bright smile. |He looked up at talking about money. |She brightened up a bit when she saw
me with bright eyes. US.
7AteesssaTy if the future looks bright, you think that brights /braits/ n [plural] AmE car HEADLIGHTS when
something will be successful [SYN] promising: The school’s they are shining as brightly as possible: driving with your
future now looks very bright. | I’m sure the company has a brights on
bright future now. brill /brtl/ adj BrE informal very good: It sounds really brill!
8 as bright as a button very intelligent and full of energy bril-liamee /brijans/ n [U] 1 a very high level of intelli-
9 look on the bright side to see the good points in a gence or skill: He is also respected for his brilliance as an
situation that seems to be bad: Come on, try to look on the artist. 2 very great brightness: The stars glittered with the
bright side. brilliance of jewels.
10 bright and early very early in the morning: He was up bril-liant § [A /‘briljant/ adj
bright and early, keen to get started. 1g brilliant light or colour is very bright and strong:
11 bright spark informal someone who says or does some- She closed her eyes against the brilliant light. | We sat
thing that they think is intelligent but is really wrong or outside in the brilliant sunshine. |She was dressed in brilliant
stupid: Some bright spark thought the building was on fire white. GRILL BRIGHT, COLOUR
and called the fire brigade. 2(@aya3 extremely clever or skilful: | think that’s a bril-
12 bright and breezy happy and confident liant idea. | a brilliant performance | a brilliant young
13 bright-eyed and bushy-tailed happy and full of energy musician
PGE Le INTELLIGENT
14 the bright lights the interesting exciting life in a big city: 3(@a BrE excellent: The film was absolutely brilliant.
She missed the bright lights of London.
15 bright spot an event or a period of time that is more
LEGS coop
4Qiaesssa04) very successful: He had a long and brilliant
pleasant when everything else is unpleasant: The only career. |The project was a brilliant success. —brilliantly adv:
bright spot of the weekend was our trip to the theatre. The sun was shining brilliantly. | The goalkeeper played
—brightly adv: The sun shone brightly. | brightly coloured brilliantly.
clothes |She smiled brightly. —brightness n [U]
bril-lian-tine /‘oriljanti:n/ n (UJ an oily substance that
was used in the past on men’s hair
Bril-lo pad /brilau ped §$ -lou-/ n [C] trademark a ball
bright shining strongly: The sunshine was very of wire filled with soap, which is used for cleaning pans
bright. |the bright light of the torch brim" /brm/ n[C] 1 the bottom part of a hat that sticks
strong very bright: Photographs fade if they are out to protect you from sun and rain: an old straw hat with
exposed to strong sunlight. a broad brim — see picture at HAT 2 the top edge of a
brilliant extremely bright, especially in a way that container: She filled each glass to the brim. |filled/full to the
seems good: The garden was full of brilliant autumn brim (=completely full) The cup was filled to the brim with
sunshine. coffee.
EG = words from the Academic Word List 201 mes L bring

brim? v (brimmed, brimming) [1] 1 if your eyes brim with 10 bring the total/number/score etc to sth used when say-
tears, or if tears brim from your eyes, you start to cry: ing what the new total etc is: This brings the total to 46.
[+with] Her eyes brimmed with tears. | Her tears brimmed 11 cannot/could not bring yourself to do sth to feel unable
over again as she started to speak. 2 be brimming (over) with to do something because it would upset you or some-
sth to have a lot of a particular thing, quality, or emotion: one else too much: She still can’t bring herself to talk
The flowerbeds were brimming over with flowers. | He about it. A
seemed to be brimming with confidence. | Rob was just 12 spoken used when saying that something is the next
brimming with enthusiasm. thing that you want to talk about: that/this/which brings
me to... This brings me to the main point of today’s
brim-ful /brmful/ adj [not before noun] very full of meeting.
something: [+of] The team is brimful of confidence after
13 if a programme is brought to you by a particular
their win last week. |a glass brimful of red wine
television or radio company, they broadcast it or make
brin-dled /brindid/ (also brin-dle /‘brindl/) adj a brin- it: sth is brought to you by sb This programme is brought to
dled animal is brown and has marks or bands of another you by the BBC.
colour —brindle n [C,U] 14 bring sth to bear (on/upon sth) formal to use some-
thing, for example your power, authority, or your know-
brine /bratn/ n [U] 1 water that contains a lot of salt ledge, in a way that will have a big effect on something
and is used for preserving food: fish pickled in brine or someone: The full force of the law was brought to bear
2 sea water on anyone who criticized the government.
15 bring home the bacon informal to earn the money that
bring Gq [i /brin/ v (past tense and past participle your family needs to live
brought /bro:t $ bro:t/) [T]
1a) to take something or someone with you to the place
where you are now, or to the place you are talking about
—» take: Did you bring an umbrella? | It was the first time bring to take something or someone to the place
Joey had ever brought a girl home. | They brought news of where you are now, or the place where you are
further fighting along the border. |bring sb/sth to sb/sth Is it going: Have you brought your ticket with you? | He
asked his father if he could bring a friend to stay.
OK if | bring some friends to the party? | bring sb/sth with
you For some reason, Jesse had brought a tape recorder with take to move something to another place, or help
him. b) to get something for someone and take it to them: someone go to another place: | took a book with me
bring sb sth Can you bring me another beer? | Robert asked to read on the train. |He was taken to hospital by
the waiter to bring him the check. | While she was in prison, ambulance.
friends used to bring her books. | bring sb/sth to sb/sth He get (also fetch especially BrE) to go to another place
expects me to bring everything to him. FEEELULTE> TAKE and come back with something or someone: | went
2 a) to make a particular situation exist, or cause a upstairs to get my jacket. |Joseph told me to fetch the
particular feeling: efforts to bring peace to the region | The doctor, so | ran to the village.
strikes are expected to bring chaos. | The senator’s speech
brought an angry response from Civil Rights groups. b) to bring sth <*> about phr v to make something happen
cause someone or something to reach a particular state [SYN| cause: How can we bring about a change in attitudes? |
or condition: bring sth to an end/a close/a halt/a conclusion A huge amount of environmental damage has been brought
(=make something stop) The trial was swiftly brought to an about by the destruction of the rain forests.
end. |It was the war that first brought him to power (=made bring sb/sth <> along phr v to take someone or some-
him have power over a country). | So far the US has been thing with you when you go somewhere: You're welcome
unable to bring him to justice (=make him be punished for to bring along a friend. | I’ve brought some pictures along to
his actions). | Bring the sauce to the boil (=heat it until it show you.
boils). |The country had been brought to its knees (=caused bring sb/sth around/round phr v
to be in such a bad condition that it is almost impossible 1 bring the conversation around/round to sth to deliberately
to continue). and gradually introduce a new subject into a conversa-
3 [always + adv/prep] to make something move in a par- tion: I'll try to bring the conversation around to the subject of
ticular direction? bring sth up/down/round etc Bring your money.
arm up slowly until it’s level with your shoulder. | The storm 2 to make someone become conscious again: | slapped his
brought the old oak tree crashing down. face a couple of times to try to bring him round.
4 [always + adv/prep] if something brings people to a 3 to manage to persuade someone to do something or to
place, it makes them go there: The discovery of gold agree with you: She won't listen to me. Let's see if Sue can
brought thousands of people to the Transvaal. | what brings bring her round. |[+to] I’m sure | can bring him around to our
you here? (=used to ask why someone is in a particular point of view.
place) What brings you here on a night like this? 4 to bring someone or something to someone's house: I'l!
5 to make something available for people to use, have, bring the books around tomorrow.
enjoy etc: The expansion of state education brought new and bring back phr v
wider opportunities for working class children. | bring sth to 1bring sth <> back to start to use something again that
sb/sth The government is launching a new initiative to bring was used in the past [SYN] reintroduce: The city council has
jobs to deprived areas. | bring sb sth It’s a good sign - let's decided to bring back the old electric trams. | Bringing back
hope it will bring us some luck. the death penalty has done absolutely nothing to reduce
6 if a period of time brings a particular event or situation, crime.
the event or situation happens during that time: The 2 bring sth <> back to make you remember something: The
1930s brought unemployment and economic recession. | trip brought back a lot of happy memories. | Seeing those
Who knows what the future will bring? pictures on TV brought it all back to me.
7 bring charges/a lawsuit/a court case/a prosecution/a 3 bring sth <> back to take something or someone with
claim (against sb) to begin a court case in order to try to you when you come back from somewhere: bring sth back
prove that someone has done something wrong or is for sb Don’t forget to bring something back for the kids. |
legally responsible for something wrong: Survivors of the bring sb back sth /fyou're going to the store, could you bring
fire later brought a_ billion-dollar lawsuit against the me back a six-pack?
company. | The police say they are planning to bring charges 4 bring sb <> back to return someone to their previous job
against him. or position of authority [SYN] reinstate: Following their lat-
8 bring a smile to sb's lips/face to make someone smile: est defeat, soccer fans are urging the club to bring back the
Her words brought a sudden smile to his lips. former manager.
9 bring tears to sb's eyes to make someone start to cry: The 5 bring sb back to sth if something that is said brings you
pain brought tears to his eyes. 4 back to a particular subject, it is connected with that
 brink | 202 Sd & & = the most frequent words in spoken English

subject, so you will start talking about it again: This brings about it: This brings me onto the question of pay rises.
us back to the question of funding. bring sth <> out phr v
bring sb/sth <> down phr v 1to make something easier to see, taste, notice etc: The
1to reduce something to a lower level: The government spices really bring. out the flavour of the meat. | Fatherhood
hopes these measures will help to bring down inflation. seems to have brought out the caring side of him.
2to fly a plane down to the ground [S¥N|land: The pilot 2to produce something that will be sold to the public:
~ managed to bring the plane down safely. He's bringing out a new album next month.
3 to make a plane, bird, or animal fall to the ground by 3to take something out of a place: Jenny opened the
shooting at it: A bomber had been brought down by anti- cupboard and brought out a couple of bottles.
aircraft fire. 4 bring out the best/worst in sb to make someone behave
_ Ato force a government or ruler to stop ruling a country: in the best or worst way that they can: Alcohol just brings
a crisis that could bring down the government out the worst in her.
5 to make someone fall over: He was brought down by the 5 bring sb out of himself/herself to make someone feel
goalkeeper and awarded a penalty. more confident and able to talk to people: Changing
bring sth <> down on/upon sb phr v to make something schools has really brought her out of herself.
bad happen to someone, especially to yourself or to bring sb out in sth phr v if something brings you out in
people connected with you: His recklessness brought down spots, it makes them appear on your skin: Any foods
disaster on the whole family. containing wheat bring him out in a rash.
bring sth <> forth phr v literary to produce something or bring sb/sth round — BRING AROUND
make it appear: a tragic love affair that brought forth only bring sb through (sth) phr v to help someone to success-
pain fully deal with a very difficult event or period of time: Both
bring sth <> forward phr v my children have brought me through extremely difficult
1to change an arrangement so that something happens times since my husband died.
sooner: [+to] The meeting's been brought forward to Thurs- bring sb «> together phr v
day. 1to arrange for people to meet and do something
2 bring forward legislation/plans/policies etc to officially together: We brought together researchers from three differ-
introduce plans etc for people to discuss: The government ent universities to work on the project.
has brought forward new proposals to tackle the problem of 2 to make people have a better relationship or feel closer
increasing crime. to each other: Any attack by a foreign power will inevitably
3to record the result of a calculation so that it can be bring the people of a country together.
used in a further calculation: The balance brought forward bring sb/sth < up phr v
is £21,765. 1to mention a subject or start to talk about it [SYN] raise:
bring sb/sth <> in phr v Why did you have to bring up the subject of money?
1to introduce a new law: Harsh anti-Trade Union laws were 2to look after and influence a child until he or she is
brought in in the early 1980s. grown up [SYN]raise) He was brought up by his
2 to ask someone to become involved in a discussion or grandparents. |bring sb up to do sth /n my day, children were
situation: I'd like to bring in Doctor Hall here and ask him his brought up to respect the law. | be brought up (as) a
views. | bring sb in to do sth The police were brought in to Catholic/Muslim etc | was brought up a Catholic.
investigate the matter. —> UPBRINGING
3to earn a particular amount or produce a particular 3 to make something appear on a computer screen: Can
amount of profit: The sale of the house only brought in you bring up the list of candidates again?
about £45,000. 4 BrE if you bring food up, it comes back up from your
4 to attract customers to a shop or business: We've got to stomach and out of your mouth: | had a sandwich for lunch
bring in more business if we want the restaurant to survive. and promptly brought it up again.
5 bring in a verdict to say officially in a law court whether 5 to charge someone with a particular crime and make
someone is guilty or not guilty of a crime [SYN]|return a them go to a court to be judged: [+before] He was brought
verdict: The jury brought in a verdict of not guilty. up before a magistrate, charged with dangerous driving.
bring sb/sth into sth phr v 6 bring sb up short/with a start to surprise someone and
1to cause someone or something to be in a particular make them suddenly stop talking or doing something: Her
situation: Most of the land has now been brought into question brought me up short.
cultivation. |The work brought me into contact with a lot of brink /brink/ n1 the brink (of sth) a situation when you
very interesting people. are almost in a new situation, usually a bad one: on the
2to make someone become involved in a discussion or brink of death/disaster/war etc /n October 1962 the world
situation: The government is trying to bring teachers into the seemed on the brink of nuclear war. | The company had huge
debate on education. | There is a danger that this could bring debts and was on the brink of collapse. |to the brink (of sth)
other countries into the war. managers who have taken their companies to the brink of
bring sth <> off phr v to succeed in doing something disaster | back from the brink (of sth) He will go down in
difficult [SvN] pull off: They managed to bring off the most history as the leader who pulled us back from the brink
daring jewellery robbery in history. (=saved us from disaster). 2 push/tip sb over the brink to
bring sth <> on phr v make someone start doing crazy or extreme things
ito make something bad or unpleasant happen 3 the brink of sth /iterary the edge of a very high place such
[SYN| cause: Stress can bring on an asthma attack. | What's as a cliff
brought this on? Have | upset you somehow? brink-man:ship /‘brinkmanfip/ (also brinks-man-ship
2 to help someone to improve or make progress: Teachers /‘brtnksman-/ AmE) n [U] a method of gaining political
have to bring on the bright children and at the same time give advantage by pretending that you are willing to do some-
extra help to those who need it. thing very dangerous ‘
3 to.make plants or crops grow faster: Keeping the young briny" /‘bratni/ adj briny water is water that contains a
plants in a greenhouse will help bring them on. lot of salt
4 bring it on informal used to say that you are prepared briny? n the briny old-fashioned the sea
and willing to deal with something bad that is likely to
happen bri-o /'briaau $ -ov/ n [U] literary energy and confidence
bring sth on/upon sb phr v to make something unpleas- bri-oche /'brizof, bris'auf$ bris‘ovf, -'pxf/ n [C,U] a type of
ant happen to someone: You have brought disaster on the sweet bread made with flour, eggs, and butter
whole village! | bring sth on/upon yourself /’ve got no sym- bri-quette /brrket/ n [C] a block of pressed coal dust,
pathy for him - he’s brought this all on himself! to burn in a fire or BARBECUE
bring sb onto sth phr v if something brings you onto a brisk /brtsk/ adj 1 quick and full of energy: a brisk walk |
particular subject, it is a good time for you to start talking They set off at a brisk pace. FAST
 (i (2 GS = the most frequent words in written English 203
men sesh
2 quick, practical, and showing that you want to get things consensus/agreement etc The members were in broad
done quickly: Her tone of voice is brisk. 3 trade or business agreement. | broad outline/framework /'!/ give you a broad
that is brisk is very busy, with a lot of products being sold: outline of the plan.
The public bar was already doing a_ brisk trade. 4 QTE «covering a large area: a broad expanse of
4 weather that is brisk is cold and clear —briskly adv: They water
walked briskly. —briskness n [U] 5 Tease «a broad AcceNT clearly shows where
bris-ket /‘briskit/ n [U] meat from the chest of an you come from [SYN] strong: a broad Scottish accent
animal, especially a cow 6 broad smile/grin a big smile: Abby came in with a broad
bris-tle’ /orsal/ n 1[C,U] a short stiff hair that feels smile on her face.
rough: His chin was covered with bristles. 2 [C] a short stiff 7 in broad daylight if something, especially a crime, hap- —
hair, wire etc that forms part of a brush pens in broad daylight, it happens in the daytime and in —
bristle? y [1] 1 to behave in a way that shows you are public: The attack happened in broad daylight, in one of the —
very angry or annoyed: bristle with rage/indignation etc busiest parts of town.
John pushed back his chair, bristling with rage. | [+at] He 8 broad hint a HINT (=suggestion) that is very clear and
bristled at her rudeness. 2 if an animal's hair bristles, it easy to understand: In June he gave a broad hint that he
stands up stiffly because the animal is afraid or angry might retire.
bristle with sth phr v to have a lot of something, or be full 9 a broad church BrE an organization that contains a wide
of something: a battleship bristling with guns range of opinions: The Labour Party has to be a broad
church.
bris:tly /brisli/ adj 1bristly hair is short and stiff 10 [tire broad humour is rather rude or concerned
2 a bristly part of your body has short stiff hairs on it: a
with sex
bristly chin
11 broad in the beam informal having large or fat Hips
Brit /brt/ n [C] informal someone from Britain broad? n [Cc] AmE spoken not polite an offensive word for
‘Brit A,wards, the (also the Brits informal) a set of a woman
prizes given every year at a public ceremony to the best
B-road /'bi: raud $ -roud/ n [C] a type of road in Britain
British pop and rock musicians
that is smaller than an A-ROAD
britch-es /‘brit{iz/ n [plural] old-fashioned trousers
broad-band /'bro:dbend $ 'brnid-/ n [U] 1 technical a
Brit-ish’ /‘britif/ adj relating to Britain or its people: the system of sending radio signals, that allows several mes-
British government |a British-born scientist —Britishness n sages to be sent at the same time 2 asystem of connecting
[U] computers to the Internet and moving information, such as
British? n the British [plural] people from Britain messages or pictures, at a very high speed —broadband
Brit-ish-er /‘britrja $ -ar/ n [C] AmE old-fashioned adj [only before noun]: broadband communications
someone from Britain broad ‘bean / $'../n [C] BrE a round pale green bean
‘British ‘Summer Time n [U] (written abbreviation broad-brush /'bro:dbraf$ 'bro:d-/ adj [only before noun]
BST) the time one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time dealing only with the main parts of something, and not
that is used in Britain from late March to late October with the details [SYN] general: a broadbrush strategy
~ daylight saving time broad:cast" /‘bro:dkaist $ 'broidkest/ n [C] a pro-
Brit-on /‘britn/ n [C] formal someone from Britain: the gramme on the radio or on television: a news broadcast |
ancient Britons |the first Briton to win a medal CNN's live broadcast of the trial (=sent out at the same
brit-tle /pritl/ adj 1 hard but easily broken: The branches time as the events are happening)
were dry and brittle. |Joanna was diagnosed as having brittle broadcast? y (past tense and past participle broadcast)
bones. 2 a situation, relationship, or feeling that is brittle 1 [1,1] to send out radio or television programmes: The
is easily damaged or destroyed: He spoke with the brittle interview was broadcast live across Europe. 2 [T] to tell
confidence of someone who, underneath, was very worried. something to a lot of people: Don’t broadcast the fact that
3 showing no warm feelings: a brittle laugh he lost his job.
bro /bravu $ brow/ n (plural bros) [C] spoken broad-cast-er /‘bro:dka:sta $ ‘bro:dkestar/ n [C]
1 your brother 2 AmE a way of greeting a friend 1someone who speaks on radio or television pro-
broach /bravt{ $ brout{/ v [T] 1 broach the subject/ grammes: a well-known broadcaster 2 a company that
question/matter etc to mention a subject that may be sends out television or radio programmes: the British
embarrassing or unpleasant or cause an argument: | broadcaster Channel 4
broached the subject of his past. MENTION broad-cast-ing /'bro:dka:stin $ ‘bro:dkesttn/ n [U] the
2 to open a bottle or BARREL containing wine, beer etc business of making television and radio programmes: a
broad! gy (1 /bro:d $ bro:d/ adj career in broadcasting
1{e a road, river, or part of someone's body etc that is broad-en /'bro:dn $ 'bro:dn/ v 1[T] to increase some-
broad is wide [opp] narrow — breadth: We went along a thing such as your knowledge, experience, or range of
_ broad passage. |He was six feet tall, with broad shoulders. | activities: The course helps school-leavers broaden their
~~
six feet/three metres etc broad The room is three metres knowledge of the world of work. | I'd like to work abroad to
long and two metres broad. broaden my horizons (=learn, experience, or attempt new
things). | Travel broadens the mind (=helps you to under-
REGISTER stand and accept other people's beliefs, customs etc).
In everyday English, people usually say wide rather 2 [1,7] to affect or include more people or things, or to
than broad: a wide river/street/corridor | They sell a make something affect or include more people or things
wide range of bikes. widen, expand: Mr Mates said the party must broaden
Broad, however, is always used when descibing its appeal to younger voters. | Flynn’s appeal broadened as
someone's shoulders or back. the campaign continued into the summer months. || want to
20GUDNEEW including many different kinds of broaden the discussion to other aspects of the problem.
things or people narrow —> breadth: The show aims to 3 [IT] to make something wider, or to become wider
reach the broadest possible audience. | broad range/ widen: Mark’s smile broadened. | The council decided to
spectrum Students here study a broad range of subjects. | broaden the pavement.
broad category/field/area etc Private pension schemes fall broaden out phr v if something, especially a river or road,
into two broad categories. |a party which lacks a broad base broadens out, it becomes wider [SYN] widen out: The river
of political support | The play is a comedy, in the broadest broadens out at this point.
sense of the word. ‘broad jump n Ame the broad jump the LonG Jump
3 Gay concerning the main ideas or parts of some- broad:leaved /'bro:dli:xvd $ 'bro:d-/ adj technical a
thing rather than all the details: The client should under- broadleaved tree or plant has wide leaves rather than
stand, in broad terms, the likely cost of the case. | broad leaves shaped like needles
broadloom 204 GQ = words from the Academic Word List

broad-loom /'bro:dlu:m $ ‘brozd-/ n [U] CARPET that is doesn't get broken (=become broken) in the mail. — see
woven in a single wide piece picture at DAMAGE!
broad-ly /'bra:dli $ ‘broid-/ adv 1in a general way, 3(iy4 cracked because you have had an accident: a
relating to the main facts rather than details: She knows badly broken leg | Gibbs had an X-ray, which revealed no
broadly what to expect. | broadly similar/comparable/ broken bones.
equivalent etc We reached broadly similar conclusions. | 4Ti I interrupted and not continuous: a
Broadly speaking, there are four types of champagne. | Inde- broken white line |a long noisy night of broken sleep
pendent films are, broadly defined, movies that appeal to 5 ee) extremely weak mentally or physically because
sophisticated audiences. 2 smile/grin broadly to have a big you have suffered a lot: He returned from the war a broken
smile on your face that clearly shows that you are happy man.
or amused 3 including a range of different things or 6 broken English/French etc if you speak in broken English,
subjects: a broadly based school curriculum | We invest French etc, you speak slowly and make a lot of mistakes
broadly to lessen the risk. because you know only a little of the language
broad-mind-ed, broad-minded / bra:d'matndid« 7 broken home a family that no longer lives together
$ bro:d-/ adj willing to respect opinions or behaviour that because the parents have Divorced: The majority of offend-
are very different from your own [OPP] narrow-minded: ers do not come from broken homes.
Her parents were broadminded, tolerant, and_ liberal. 8 broken marriage a marriage that has ended because the
—broad-mindedness n [U] — SMALL-MINDED husband and wife do not live together anymore
broad-sheet /'bro:dfixt $ 'broid-/ n [C] a newspaper 9 a broken heart a feeling of extreme sadness, especially
printed on large sheets of paper, especially a serious because someone you love has died or left you: | reckon
newspaper — tabloid E9NTI>
HR NEWSPAPER she died of a broken heart.
broad-side" /bro:dsard $ 'bro:d-/ n [C] 1a strong criti-
cism of someone or something: Can the government sur- broken something that is broken has become
vive this latest broadside from its own supporters? separated into pieces, for example by being hit or
2 an attack in which all the guns on one side of a ship are dropped: The floor was covered in broken glass. | This
fired at the same time suitcase is no good - the handle’s broken.
broadside® adv with the longest side facing something out of order [not before noun] if a machine, especially
[SYN] sideways: [+to] | brought the boat in broadside to the one used by the public, is out of order, it is not
beach. working for a temporary period: Every phone | tried
broadside® y [1] especially AmE to crash into the side was out of order. | The toilets were all out of order.
of another vehicle down [not before noun] if a computer system is down,
broad-sword /br:dso:d $ ‘pro:dso:ird/ n [C] a heavy it is not working: The computer system was down all
sword with a broad flat blade afternoon, so we went home. |go down (=stop
bro-cade /bra'kerd $ brou-/ n [C,U] thick heavy decora- working): The network went down at 11:00 and we lost
tive cloth that has a pattern of gold and silver threads: the whole morning's work.
brocade curtains | deluxe brocades and satins —brocaded there's something wrong with sth used when
adj saying that a car, machine etc does not work
broc:-co-li /‘prokali $ 'bra:-/ n [U] a green vegetable that properly and you do not know why: There’s something
has short branch-like stems — see picture at VEGETABLE’ wrong with my car; | think it might be the battery.
sth has had it informal used when saying that a car,
bro-chure /‘bravfe, {oa $ brou'fur/ n [C] a thin book machine etc is completely broken and cannot be
giving information or advertising something: a holiday
\_repaired: I'm afraid the bike's had it.
brochure
brogue /braug $ broug/ n [C] 1 [usually plural] a thick broken-'down adj not working, or in very bad condi-
strong leather shoe with a pattern in the leather: a new tion: a broken-down truck
pair of brogues 2 [usually singular] an ACCENT, especially an broken-hearted adj extremely sad, especially
Irish or Scottish accent because someone you love has died or left you
broil /bro1l/ v1 [7] AmE to cook something under direct SYN] heartbroken: He was broken-hearted when she left.
heat, or over a flame on a BARBECUE [SYN] grill BrE: broiled bro-ken-ly /bravkanli $ 'brou-/ adv written if you say
chicken 2 [1] AmE to become very hot: We lay broiling in something brokenly, you speak in short phrases with a lot
the sun.
of pauses, because you are feeling a strong emotion
broil-er /brotla $ -ar/ n [C] 1 AmE a special area of a
bro-ker" //brauke $ 'broukar/ n [C] 1 someone who buys
sTOVe, used for cooking food under direct heat [SYN] grill
and sells things such as SHARES in companies or foreign
BrE2 a broiler chicken
money for other people + STOCKBROKER 2 someone who
‘broiler chicken n [c] a chicken that is suitable to be arranges sales or business agreements for other people: a
cooked by broiling real estate broker
broil-ing /'‘broiltn/ adj AmE broiling weather, sun etc broker? y [T] broker a deal/settlement/treaty etc to
makes you feel extremely hot [S¥N] boiling: a broiling day arrange the details of a deal etc so that everyone can
broke’ /brauk $ brouk/ the past tense of BREAK agree to it: a ceasefire agreement brokered by the UN,
broke? adj [not before noun] 1 having no money: I’m fed bro-ker-age /'braukaridz $ 'brou-/ n [U] 1 the business
up with being broke all the time. |flat/stony broke (=com- of being a broker 2 the amount of money a broker
pletely broke) 2 go broke if a company or business goes charges 3 brokerage house/firm a company of brokers, or
broke, it can no longer operate because it has no money: the place where they work
A lot of small businesses went broke in the recession. 3 go for
broke informal to take big risks when you try to achieve
brol-ly /broli $ 'bra:li/ n (plural brollies) [C] BrE informal
an UMBRELLA
something: At 2-0 down with ten minutes left, you have to
go for broke. 4 if it ain't broke, don't fix it informal used to bro-mide /‘braumard $ 'brov-/ n 1 [C,U] a chemical that
say that you should not try to improve a system, situation is sometimes used in medicine to make people feel calm
etc that is satisfactory 2 [C] formal a statement that is intended to make some-
one less angry but which is not effective
bro-ken" /‘brauken $ 'brow/ the past participle of BREAK
broken? adj bronc /bronk $ bra:nk/ n [C] AmE informal a BRONCO
IGE ~not working properly: The cD play- bronm-chi-al /bronkial $ 'brazn-/ adj medical affecting
er's broken again. | Do you know how the phone got broken the bronchial tubes: a bronchial infection :
(=became broken)? ‘bronchial ,tube n [Cc] medical one of the tubes that
2@E9Ea3 in small pieces because it has been hit, take air into your lungs
dropped etc: Mind the broken glass. | Wrap it up well so it bron:chi-tis /bron'kartis $ bra:n-/ n [U] an illness that
 QQ = words from the Academic Word List 205 brownfield site
affects your bronchial tubes and makes you cough broth-el /'bro@al $ 'bra:-, 'bro:-/ n [C] a house where
—bronchitic /-ktttk/ adj men pay to have sex with PROSTITUTES
bron-co /'bronkav $ 'bra:nkou/ n (plural broncos) [C] a broth-er? &] Ma /brada $ -ar/ n [C]
wild horse from the western US: a bucking bronco 1a male who has the same parents as you — sister: | have
bron-to-sau-rus /rontea'ss:ras $ bra:n-/ n [C] a large two brothers, William and Mark. | elder/older/younger etc
DINOSAUR with a small head and a long neck brother My younger brother is a doctor. | little/kid brother
Bronx cheer /bronks 't{ta $ braz:nks 't{1r/ n [C] AmE a (=younger brother) | have to take my little brother to
sound that you make by sticking out your tongue and school. | My big brother (=older brother) has always looked
blowing, often considered rude [SYN] raspberry BrE after me. |my twin brother
2 spoken informal a word meaning a black man, used
bronze’ /bronz $ bra:nz/ n1[U] a hard metal that is a
especially by other black men
mixture of Copper and TIN: a bell cast in bronze 2 [U] the
3a male member of a group with the same interests,
dark reddish brown colour of bronze 3 [C] a work of art
religion, profession etc as you
such as a STATUE (=model of a person), made of bronze:
4 (plural brothers or brethren) a male member of a
three bronzes by Giacometti 4 [C,U] a BRONZE MEDAL: King
religious group, especially a MONK: Brother Justin
won a bronze in the 100-metres.
5 AmE a member of a FRATERNITY (=a club of male univer-
bronze? adj 1 made of bronze: a bronze statuette 2 hav- sity students)
ing the dark reddish brown colour of bronze 6 brothers in arms literary soldiers who have fought
‘Bronze Age n the Bronze Age the time, between about together in a war —> BIG BROTHER, BLOOD BROTHER, HALF
6,000 and 4,000 years ago, when bronze was used for BROTHER, STEPBROTHER
making tools, weapons etc — IRON AGE, STONE AGE brother? interjection especially AmE used to show you
bronzed /bronzd $ bra:nzd/ adj having skin that is are annoyed or surprised: Oh, brother - | really don’t want
attractively brown because you have been in the sun to deal with this now.
[SYN] tanned broth-er-hood /bradahud $ -ar-/ n 1 [U] a feeling of
bronze ‘medal n [c] a mepat made of bronze given to friendship between people: the spirit of brotherhood
the person who comes third in a race or competition: The 2 [C] an organization formed for a particular purpose,
bronze medal went to Noo! of Estonia. —bronze medallist especially a religious one: the Franciscan brotherhood
BrE, bronze medalist AmE n [C]: an Olympic bronze medal- 3 [C] old-fashioned a union of workers in a particular
list ++GOLD MEDAL, SILVER MEDAL trade 4 [U] the relationship between brothers
brooch /braot{ $brout{/ n [C] a piece of jewellery that ‘brother-in-law n (plural brothers-in-law) [C]
you fasten to your clothes, usually worn by women 1 the brother of your husband or wife 2 the husband of
{SYN| pin AmE your sister 3 the husband of your husband or wife's sister
brood! /bru:d/ v [1] 1 to keep thinking about something —» sister-in-law
that you are worried or upset about: Don't sit at home broth-erly /'bradali $ -ar-/ adj showing feelings of
brooding all day. |[+over/about/on] There's no point brood- kindness, loyalty etc that you would expect a brother to
ing over it - she’s gone. CEST THINK2 if a bird show — sisterly: brotherly love | brotherly advice
broods, it sits on its eggs to make the young birds break brough-am /‘bru:am/ n[C] a carriage used in the past,
out that had four wheels and a roof and was pulled by a horse
brood? n [Cc] 1a family of young birds all born at the brought /bro:t $ bro:t/ the past tense and past partici-
same time 2 a family with a lot of children - used humor- ple of BRING
ously: [+of] Mary has a whole brood of grandchildren. brouw-ha:ha /'bruthasha: $ bru:'hartha:/ n [singular, U]
brood-ing /‘oru:din/ adj literary 1mysterious and unnecessary excitement, criticism, or activity - used
threatening: the brooding silence of the forest 2 look- especially in news reports to show disapproval: the pre-
ing thoughtful and sad: brooding eyes —broodingly adv election brouhaha
‘brood mare n [C] a mare (=female horse) that is kept brow /brav/ n[C]1 literary the part of your face above
for breeding your eyes and below your hair [SYN] forehead: mop/wipe
brood-y /bru:di/ adj1 BrE informal wishing that you had your brow (=dry your brow with your hand or a cloth
a baby: | get broody when | see baby clothes. 2 silent because you are hot or nervous) | your brow furrows/
because you are thinking or worrying about something: creases/wrinkles (=lines appear on your brow because
Damian's been broody lately. 3 if a female bird is broody, it you are thinking or are worried) His brow furrowed. ‘I don’t
wants to lay eggs or to sit on them to make the young understand,’ he said. 2 an EYEBROW 3 the brow of a hill the
birds break out —broodiness n [U] top part of a slope or hill
brook! /brok/ n [C] a small stream: a babbling brook brow-beat /braubi:t/ v (past tense browbeat, past parti-
ciple browbeaten /-bi:tn/) [T] to try to make someone do
brook? v not brook sth/brook no sth formal to not allow or something, especially in a threatening way: browbeat sb
accept something: He would brook no criticism, even from into doing sth She was determined to browbeat everyone into
“he his beloved daughter. believing her.
Brooklyn ‘Bridge, the a bridge in New York that brown! gy [1 /bravn/ adj
connects Brooklyn with Manhattan. It is a famous LAND- Thaving the colour of earth, wood, or coffee: dark brown
MARK on the New York skYLINE (=shape made by buildings hair
against the sky). If something is difficult to believe, 2 having skin that has been turned brown by the sun: He’d
people sometimes talk about ‘selling the Brooklyn been on vacation and looked very brown. | He was as brown
Bridge’, because this is something that is very unlikely to as a berry after two weeks in the sun.
~ happen.
brown? n [C,U] the colour of earth, wood, or coffee: This
broom /bru:m, brom/ n1[C] a large brush with a long particular model is available in brown, white, or grey. | the
handle, used for sweeping floors —> see picture at BRUSH! browns and greens of the landscape
2 [U] a large bush with small yellow flowers
brown? v [1,7] 1 to heat food so that it turns brown, or to
broom:stick /‘bru:mstrk, 'brum-/ n [C] a broom with a become brown by being heated: First, brown the meat in a
long handle and thin sticks tied at one end that a WITCH is pan. 2 to become brown because of the sun's heat, or to
supposed to fly on in stories make something brown in this way: The children's faces
Bros. (also Bros BrE) /bros $ brois/ the written abbre- were browned by the sun. 3 browned off BrE informal
_ viation of Brothers, used in the names of companies: annoyed or bored [SYN] fed up: They are getting browned off
Warner Bros. by the situation.
broth /brve $ bro:@/ n [C,U] soup with meat, rice, or brown-field site /'braunfi:ld sart/ n [C] BrE a place,
vegetables: chicken broth ++ SCOTCH BROTH especially in a city, that is used for building homes,
 brown goods 206 SJ & & = the most frequent words in spoken English

offices etc, where in the past there have already been brunt /brant/ n bear/take/suffer etc the brunt of sth to
buildings, industries etc —+ greenfield site receive the worst part of an attack, criticism, bad situa-
‘brown goods n [plural] BrE electrical goods that pro- tion etc: an industry that bore the brunt of the recession |
vide entertainment at home, such as televisions and The car took the full brunt of the explosion.
computers —> WHITE GOODS
BRUSHES
brownie /'brauni/ n [C] a thick flat chocolate cake
‘brownie points n [plural] get/win/score brownie points
informal if you do something in order to get brownie __— toothpaste
points from your teacher, boss etc, you do it in order to
~ make them have a good opinion of you: I’m not doing it
_ just to get brownie points.
‘brown-nose vy [1,7] informal to try to make someone in
authority like you by being very nice to them - used in
order to show disapproval —brown-noser n [C] —brown-
nosing n [U]
brown-out /'braunavt/ n [C] AmE a time when the
amount of electrical power supplied to an area is reduced
brown ‘rice n [U] rice that still has its outer layer
brown-stone /'braunstaun $ -stoun/ n [C] a house in
the US with a front made of reddish-brown stone, com-
mon in New York City
shaving brush
ibrown ‘sugar n [U] a type of sugar that is brown in
colour and contains MOLASSES
browse /bravz/ v 1 [I] to look through the pages of a
book, magazine etc without a particular purpose, just
looking at the most interesting parts: [+through] Jon was
browsing through the photographs. 2 [1,T] to look at the dustpan
goods in a shop without wanting to buy any particular and brush shoe brush
thing: [+around] The trip allows you plenty of time for
browsing around the shops. | tourists browsing the boutiques
and souvenir stalls 3 [1,1] to search for information on a
computer or on the Internet: a feature that allows you to
browse your hard drive and choose the graphic you want to
display 4 [I] if a goat, DEER etc browses, it eats plants scrubbing brush BrE/
—browse n [singular]: We had a quick browse around the scrub brush AmE nailbrush
shops. Awe
brows:er /'brauza $ -ar/n [Cla computer program that brush! By /braf/ n
finds information on the Internet and shows it on your
computer screen: a Web browser
1 CEE =£C] an object that you
use for cleaning, painting, making your hair tidy etc,
Bruce, Rob-ert (the) /robat $ ‘ra:bart/ (1274-1329) made with a lot of hairs, BRISTLEs, or thin pieces of plastic,
the King of Scotland from 1306 till his death. Scotland fastened to a handle —+ broom: a scrubbing brush
was recognized as independent under him in 1328. The —> HAIRBRUSH, NAILBRUSH, PAINTBRUSH, TOOTHBRUSH, See Pic-
story that most people know about Robert the Bruce is ture at MAKE-UP
that he watched a spiper trying to make a wes. Each time 2 (39 [U] a) small bushes and trees that cover an area
the spider failed, it started again. This showed determina- of land b) branches that have broken off bushes and trees
tion, which encouraged Bruce to do the same. 3 TEXTE [singular] a movement in which you brush
bruise! /bru:z/ n [C]1a purple or brown mark on your something to remove dirt, make something smooth, tidy
skin that you get because you have fallen, been hit etc: etc: I'll just give my hair a quick brush.
minor cuts and bruises INJURY 2 a mark ona 4{Ts] [singular] a quick light touch, made by chance
piece of fruit that spoils its appearance when two things or people pass each other: the brush of
her silk dress as she walked past
bruise? v 1 [1,7] if part of your body bruises, or if you 5[C] a time when you only just avoid an unpleasant
bruise part of your body, it gets hit or hurt and a bruise situation or argument: [+with] His first brush with the law
appears: She fell off her bike and bruised her knee. came when he was 16. | A brush with death can make you
HuRT 2 [T] to affect someone badly and appreciate life more.
make them feel less confident: bruise sb's pride/ego The 6 (ZT [C] the tail of a Fox
incident had bruised his pride. 3 [1,1] if a piece of fruit
bruises, or is bruised, it gets a bruise by being hit, brush? gy v
dropped etc —bruised adj: a badly bruised knee |a bruised IGGL «(TY to clean something or make
ego something smooth and tidy using a brush + sweep: Don’t
bruis-er /bru:zo $ -ar/ n [C] informal a big strong man forget to brush your teeth,
who likes fighting or arguing 2 (EEN [T always + adv/prep] to remove something with
a brush or with your hand: brush sth off/from etc sth Ella
bruising! /‘bru:ztn/ n [U] purple or brown marks that brushed the crumbs off her jacket. | He brushed the tears
you get on your skin where you have fallen, been hit etc:
from his eyes. + see picture at CLEAN?
[+to/on] She suffered severe bruising to her arms and legs.
3 GOs [! always + adv/prep, T] to touch someone
bruising? adj difficult and unpleasant, and leaving you or something lightly when passing them: Something
feeling tired or emotionally harmed: a bruising contest brushed her shoulders. | [+against] | felt her hair brush
Brum-mie /‘brami/ n [C] BrE informal someone from against my arm. | [+past] Nell brushed past him in the
the city of Birmingham in England —Brummie adj doorway. .
4 [T always + adv/prep] to put a liquid onto
brunch /brant{/ n [C,U] a meal eaten in the late morn- something using a brush: brush sth with sth Brush the
ing, as a combination of breakfast and LUNCH
pastry with milk. | brush sth over/onto sth Brush a little oil
bru-mette /bru:'net/ n [C] a woman with dark brown over the top of the pizza. -> brush sth under the carpet at
hair — blonde SWEEP'(15)
 [i (2 GS = the most frequent words in written English 207 _ buck

brush sb/sth < aside phr v to refuse to listen to some- the less well-known song on it 2 the song on this side of
one, or refuse to consider something [SYN] dismiss: He the record
simply brushed all my objections aside. BST / bi: es 'ti:/ n [U] the abbreviation of British Summer
brush sb/sth «> down phr v Time
1to clean something using a brush: He was brushing the BTEC /bi:tek/ n [CU] (Business and Technical Education
pony down. Council) a range of examinations that are done by stu-
2 brush yourself down to use your hands to remove dirt dents in England and Wales at different levels in a variety
from your clothes, especially after you have fallen of subjects relating to work. BTEC courses are usually
brush sb/sth <> off phr v to refuse to listen to someone done after the age of 17. + GNVQ: a BTEC Diploma in Art
or their ideas, especially by ignoring them or saying and Design
something rude: Corman brushed off the accusations.
—> BRUSH-OFF B2B /bi: ta 'bi:/ adj (business to business) used to refer € >
brush up (on) sth phr v to practise and improve your to business activities between companies, especially
skills or your knowledge of something that you learned in using the Internet
the past: / must brush up on my French before | go to Paris. BTW, btw the written abbreviation of by the way, often
brushed /brajt/ adj [only before noun] brushed cloth has used in email or TEXT MESSAGES On MOBILE PHONES
been made so it is soft: brushed cotton bub /bab/ n [Cc] AmE old-fashioned used to speak to a
‘brush-off n [singular] rude or unfriendly behaviour that man, especially when you are angry: Hey, what do you
shows you are not interested in someone: She gave him think you're doing, bub?
the brush-off. | | tried to be friendly but | just got the bub-ble" /babal/ n [C] 1 ball of air or gas in liquid:
brush-off. — brush off at BRUSH? When water boils, bubbles rise to the surface. | soap
bubbles | She was blowing bubbles in her milk with a straw.
brush-wood /'brafwod/ n [U] small dead branches
broken from trees or bushes 2a small amount of air trapped in a solid substance:
Examine the glass carefully for bubbles. 3 a bubble of sth
brush-work /'brajwa:k $ -wa:rk/ n [U] the way in which literary a small amount of a feeling: A bubble of anger rose
an artist puts paint on a picture using a brush in Pol’s throat. 4 (also speech bubble) a circle around the
brusque /bruisk, brusk $ brask/ adj using very few words said by someone in a CARTOON 5 the bubble bursts
words, in a way that seems rude [SYN] abrupt: a brusque used for saying that a very successful or happy period of
manner —brusquely adv —brusqueness n [U] time suddenly ends: The bubble has finally burst in the
Brus:sels sprout / brasalz 'spravt/ n [C] a small round mobile phone industry. 6 burst/prick sb's bubble to make
green vegetable that looks like a very small CABBAGE someone suddenly realize that something is not as good
—» see picture at VEGETABLE" as they thought it was
bru-tal /'bru:ti/ adj 1very cruel and violent: brutal bubble? v [1] 1 to produce bubbles: Heat the cheese until
murder/attack/assault a brutal attack on a defenceless old it bubbles. |[+up] The cola bubbled up when | unscrewed the
man |a brutal man FEET crue, VIOLENT 2 not pleas- lid. 2 to make the sound that water makes when it boils:
ant and not sensitive to people's feelings: He replied with [+away] The water was bubbling away on the stove. 3 (also
brutal honesty. —brutally adv: He was brutally murdered. |If bubble over) to be excited: [+with] Mary was bubbling
I'm brutally honest, |don’t like her dress. over with excitement. 4 (also bubble away/up) if a feeling
bru-tal-ist, Brutalist /‘bru:tl-tst/ adj brutalist buildings or activity bubbles, it continues to exist: Resentment was
are large buildings made of CONCRETE, with no decoration still bubbling inside her. | Speculation that he plans to resign
—brutalism n [U] has been bubbling away for months.
bru-tal-i-ty /bru:'telsti/ n (plural brutalities) [C,U] cruel bubble and ‘squeak n [U] a British dish of potatoes
and violent behaviour, or an event involving cruel and and CABBAGE mixed together and cooked in fat
violent treatment: allegations of police brutality | [+of] the ‘bubble bath n1 [uv] a liquid soap that smells pleasant
brutalities of war and makes bubbles in your bath water 2 [C] a bath with
bru-tal-ize (also -ise BrE) /'bru:tal-atz/ v [T usually this in the water
passive] 1 to affect someone so badly that they lose their ‘bubble gum n [U] a type of CHEewinc GuM that you can
normal human feelings: He was brutalized by his experi- blow into a bubble
ences in jail. 2 to treat someone in a cruel or violent way: ‘bubble jet printer n [c] a type of machine for
Demonstrators claimed they had been brutalized by police printing from a computer, that spRAYs ink onto the paper
officers. —brutalization /bru:tl-ar'zerfan $ -tl-a-/ n [U] ‘bubble wrap (also 'bubble pack) n [U] a sheet of
brute! /bru:t/ n [C] a man who is cruel, violent, and not plastic covered with bubbles of air, used for wrapping and
sensitive protecting things
brute? adj 1brute force/strength physical strength, bub-bly" /'babli/ adj1 always happy, friendly, and eager
rather than intelligence and careful thinking: Discussion to do things: She has a very bubbly personality. 2 full of
can be more effective than the use: of brute force. bubbles
2 [only before noun] simple and not involving any other bubbly? n (u] informal cHamPacne: a glass of bubbly
facts or qualities: The brute fact is that the situation will not
improve. | brute stupidity
bu-bon-ic plague /bju:bontk 'pletg $ bu:ba:-/ n [U] a
very serious disease spread by rats, that killed a lot of
brut-ish /bru:ti// adj cruel and not sensitive to people's people in the Middle Ages — Black Death
feelings —brutishness n [U]
buc-ca-neer /baka'nta $ -'nir/ n [C] 1 someone who
Bryl-creem /‘brilkri:m/ n [U] trademark a type of oil attacks ships at sea and steals from them [SYN] pirate
) used on men’s hair to make it shiny and smooth 2 someone who is very successful, especially in business,
B.S. /bi: 'es/ n AmE 1[C] (Bachelor of Science) a first but may not be honest
' university DEGREE in a science subject [SYN] BSc BrE — B.A.:
_ [+in] a B.S. in Biology 2 [U] not polite the abbreviation of buck" gy /bak/ n [Cc]
.
bullshit — 1—Q0"q informal a US, Canadian, or Australian dollar:
He owes me ten bucks. | The movie is about a group of men
BSc, B.Sc. /)bi: es 'si:/ n [C] BrE (Bachelor of Science) a trying to make a buck (=earn some money) as male
first university DEGREE in a science subject [SYN]B.S. AmE: strippers, | big/mega bucks (=a lot of money) Using celeb-
[+in] He's going to Birmingham to do a BSc in Biochemistry. | rities in advertising is guaranteed to pull in big bucks. |make
Catherine McBride, BSc a fast/quick buck (=make some money quickly, often
BSE / bites 'i:/ n [U] (bovine spongiform encephalopathy) dishonestly)
a serious brain disease that affects cows [SYN|mad cow 2 the buck stops here (a/so the buck stops with sb) used to
_ disease say that a particular person is responsible for something:
;_ B-side /'bi: sard/ n [C] 1 the side of a record that has The buck stops firmly with the boss.
buck 208 EG = words from the Academic Word List

3 pass the buck to make someone else responsible for 2(ess2ee5 [1] if your knees or legs buckle, they
something that you should deal with become weak and bend [S¥N|give way: John felt his knees
4 feel/look like a million bucks especially AmE informal to start to buckle.
feel or look very healthy, happy, and beautiful 3 SLE [1] to do something that you
5 ELE (plural buck or bucks) a male rabbit, DEER, and do not want to do because a difficult situation forces you
some other male animals — doe to do it [SYN] give in: He refused to’ buckle. |buckle under the
6 [120 old-fashioned a young man — (get) a bigger/better pressure/strain/weight A weaker person would have buckled
etc bang for your buck at BANG"(5) under the weight of criticism.
buck? v 4 (50 [1,7] to fasten a buckle, or be fastened with a
14 [1] if a horse bucks, it kicks its back feet into the buckle: Amy buckled the belt around her waist. | buckle sth
air, or jumps with all four feet off the ground on/up/together Lou was buckling on his revolver. + see
2 (easy [1] to suddenly move up and down, or picture at FASTEN
backwards and forwards, in an uncontrolled way: The buckle down phr v to start working very hard: [+to] You'd
plane bucked sharply. better buckle down to some revision now.
3 Gass [7] to oppose something in a direct way: He buckle up phr v to fasten your SEAT BELT in a car, aircraft
was a rebel who bucked the system (=opposed rules or Que
authority). |Unemployment in the area has bucked the trend buckle? n [Cc] a piece of metal used for fastening the
by falling over the last month. | [+against] Initially, he had two ends of a belt, for fastening a shoe, bag etc, or for
bucked against her restraints. decoration — see picture at BUTTON’
4 EVGEEEEGay ~«4=[T] to make someone feel more buck-ram /'bakram/ n [U] stiff cloth, used in the past
happy, confident, or healthy: He was bucked by the success for covering books and making the stiff parts of clothes
he'd had. |She gave me a tonic which bucked me a little. Buck's Fizz /baks ‘f1z/ n [C,U] BrE a mixture of CHAM-
buck for sth phr v to try very hard to get something, PAGNE and orange juice, or a glass of this
especially a good position at work: He’s bucking for promo- buck-shot /'bakfot $ -fa:t/ n [U] a lot of small metal
tion. balls that are fired together from a gun
buck up phr v
1to become happier, or to make someone happier: Come
buck-skim /'baksktn/ n [U] strong soft leather made
from the skin of a DEER or goat
on, buck up, things aren't that bad! | buck sb <> up You need
something to buck you up. buck ‘teeth n [plural] teeth that stick forward out of
2 buck up! BrE old-fashioned used to tell someone to hurry your mouth —buck-toothed /,buk 'tu:0t</ adj
up: Buck up, John! We'll be late. buck-wheat /'bakwi:t/ n [U] a type of small grain used
3 informal to improve, or to make something improve: It'll as food for chickens, and for making flour
be a long time before the situation starts to buck up. | buck bu-col-ie /bju:'koltk $ -'ka:-/ adj literary relating to the
sth < up a company that is looking to buck up its networking countryside — pastoral
capabilities bud! /bad/ n [C] 1a young tightly rolled-up flower or
4 buck your ideas up BrE informal used to tell someone to leaf before it opens: rose buds | in bud (=having buds but
improve their behaviour or attitude no flowers yet) | come into bud (=start to produce buds)
buck® adv AmE buck naked not wearing any clothes — see picture at TREE 2 especially AmE spoken BUDDY: Hey,
buck-a-"00 /baka'ru:/ n [C] AmE informal a cowsoy - bud, how's it going? + COTTON BUD, TASTE BUD, — nip sth in
used especially when talking to children the bud at NIP"3)
buck-board /‘bakbs:d $ -baird/ n [C] a light vehicle bud? v (budded, budding) [|] to produce buds
with four wheels that is pulled by a horse, and was used Bud-dhis-m /'budizam $ 'bur-, 'bu-/ n [U] a religion of
in the US in the 19th century east and central Asia, based on the teaching of Gautama
buck-et? By /‘bakst/ n [C] Buddha —Buddhist n [C] —Buddhist adj
Tan open container with a handle, used for carrying and bud-ding /'badtn/ adj 1 budding artist/actor/writer etc
holding things, especially liquids [SYN] pail someone who is just starting to paint, act etc and will
2 (also bucketful) the quantity of liquid that a bucket can probably be successful at it 2 [only before noun] beginning
hold: [+of] a bucket of water to develop: a budding romance
3a part of a machine shaped like a large bucket and used
for moving earth, water etc bud-dy §¥ /badi/ n (plural buddies) [C]
4 informal a large amount of something: They were drink- 1 informal a friend: We're good buddies. GREG UTT> FRIEND
ing beer by the bucket. |[tof] They made buckets of cash on 2 Ame spoken used to talk to a man or boy, especially one
the deal. you do not know: Hey, buddy! This your car?
5 weep buckets informal to cry a lot ‘buddy-buddy adj informal especially AmE be buddy-
6 in buckets informal if rain comes down in buckets, it is buddy (with sb) to be very friendly with someone
raining very hard — kick the bucket at Kick'(20), + a drop in ‘buddy fist n [C] a place on a computer where you keep
the bucket at DROP2(8) a list of the names of people that you regularly send
bucket? v INSTANT MESSAGES to
bucket down phr v BrE informal to rain very hard ‘buddy system n [Cc] AmE a system in which two
[SYN] pour: /t’s been bucketing down all day. people in a group are put together to help each other ‘or
‘bucket seat n [C] a car seat with a high curved back, keep each other safe
for one person budge /bad3/ v [I,T usually in negatives] 1 to move, or to
‘bucket shop n [C] BrE informal a place that sells cheap make someone or something move: She leaned on the
plane tickets door, but it wouldn't budge. |-[+from] Will hasn't budged
Buck-ing-ham Pa-lace /bakinam ‘pels/ (also the from his room all day. | The horse refused to budge an inch.
Palace) the official home of the British royal family in GESTS move 2 to change your opinion, or to make
London. Since 1995, some parts of the building have been someone change their opinion: The government has
open to tourists. The name of the Palace is sometimes refused to budge. | [+on] He won't budge on the issue. ,|
used to mean the officials who are in charge of organizing [+from] Treacy refuses to budge from his principles.
the Queen's public life: Buckingham Palace announced bud-ge-ri-gar /‘badzariga: $ -ga:r/ n [C] BrE formal a
today that Her Majesty will be visiting Japan next year. BUDGIE
buck-le* /‘bakal/ v bud-get" gy ( /badzit/ n [Cc]
1{h) [1,7] to become bent or curved because of heat or 1the money that is available to an organization or person,
pressure, or to make something bend or curve in this way: or a plan of how it will be spent: [+of] a welfare program
The steel pillars began to buckle. |[+under] The rails buckled with a budget of $2 million | [+for] The budget for photo-
under the intense heat of the fire. graphy has been cut. | We had a really tight budget. |
4 = words from the Academic Word List 209
ltd
on/within budget (=not using more money than planned) lot of exercise - used especially by young people: He’s so
The project was completed within budget. | under budget buff!
(=using less money than planned) If you come in under buf-fa-lo /'bafalau $ -lou/ n (plural buffaloes or buffalo)
budget, everyone will be very impressed. | over budget [C] 1. an African animal similar to a large cow with long
(using more money than planned) Feature movies always curved horns —> WATER BUFFALO 2 a BISO
run over budget. buff-er" /'bafa $ -ar/ n [C]
20n a budget if you are on a budget, you do not have 1s someone or something that protects one
much money to spend: Travellers on a budget might prefer thing or person from being harmed by another:
to camp. |a book which offers great ideas for decorating on a [+against] Eastern Europe was important to Russia as a
budget |families on a tight budget buffer against the West. | [+between] She often had to act
3 (also Budget) BrE an official statement that a govern- as a buffer between father and son.
ment makes about how much it intends to spend and 2 (ITEVa one of the two special metal springs on the
what taxes will be necessary front or back of a train or at the end of a railway track, to
feo) BR
otey-W
afe) take the shock if the train hits something
3 buffer zone an area between two armies, that is
_AD. ig intended to separate them so that they do not fight
an annual/monthly/weekly budget The organization
has an annual budget of $24 million. 4 buffer state a smaller country between two larger coun-
the national/federal/state budget He has a plan to tries, that makes war between them less likely
balance the federal budget. 5a @ a place in a computer's memory for storing
the defence/education etc budget We had to make information temporarily
cuts in the defence budget. 6 fase) BrE old-fashioned an old man who is not good
the family/household budget Often the husband and at managing things: He's a nice old buffer.
wife contribute equally to the family budget. 7 GSES something used to polish a surface
a big/large budget The club does not have a large 8 run into/hit the buffers informal an activity or plan that
budget for new players. hits the buffers is stopped and does not succeed
a small/low/limited budget /t was a project with a buffer v [1] 1 to reduce the bad effects of something:
low budget. Consumer spending is buffering the effects of the recession.
a tight budget (=small and limited) |a fixed budget 2 if a computer buffers information, it holds it for a short
while before using it
a sees i sists
buf-fet? /bofer $ ba'fer/ n [C] 1a meal at a party or
ig ospital caterers have a budget of other occasion, in which people serve themselves at a
about £20 per person per week. table and then move away to eat: a cold buffet | buffet
overspend your budget The Metropolitan Police has breakfast/lunch/supper The price includes morning coffee,
overspent its budget by £70 million. buffet lunch, and afternoon tea. 2 a place in a railway
keep within a budget (=spend only the money that station, bus station etc where you can buy and eat food
is available) | balance the budget (=spend only the or drink 3 AmE a piece of furniture in which you keep the
money that is available) things you use to serve and eat a meal [SYN] sideboard BrE
buf-fet? /bafst/ v [7 usually passive] 1 if something,
gove as spent especially wind, rain, or the sea, buffets something, it hits
more money than it has) The country has a budget it with a lot of force: London was buffeted by storms last
deficit of over $4 billion. night. 2 literary to treat someone unkindly: | was weary of
a budget surplus (=when a government has more being buffeted by life. —buffeting n [C,U]
money than it spends ) A huge budget surplus of over buffet sth about phr v to move something in one direc-
£16 billion was recorded. tion and then another, again and again, with force: The
budget cuts (=reductions in the amount of money body was buffeted about in the waves.
that is available) buffet car /‘bufer ka: $ be'fer ka:r/ (also buffet) n [C]
BrE a part of a train where you can buy food and drink
budget? v [1,1] 1to carefully plan and control how
much money you spend and what you will buy with it: buf-foon /ba'furn/ n [C] old-fashioned someone who
We'll have to budget more carefully. | This scheme enables does silly amusing things —buffoonery n [U]
you to budget the cost through fixed monthly payments. | bug" § /bad/ n [Cc]
[+for] We've budgeted for a new car next year. 2 if you Tinformal an illness that people catch very easily from
budget something such as time, you decide how much of each other but is not very serious: catch/pick up/get a bug
it you will need —budgeting n [U] | picked up a bug last weekend. | There's a nasty bug going
budget? adj [only before noun] 1 very low in price - often round (=that a lot of people have caught). | tummy/
used in advertisements cheap: budget flights stomach bug (=illness affecting your stomach) He's off
CHEAP 2 low-budget/big-budget used for say- work with a stomach bug. |a 24-hour flu bug (LEI
ing how much money has been spent on doing some- ILLNESS
thing, especially making a film: low-budget movies 2 especially AmE a small insect
3a fault in the system of instructions that operates a
bud-get-a-ry /‘badzitari $ -teri/ adj relating to the way computer: a bug in the software — DEBUG Raa
money is spent in a budget GRIEGATLINS> FINANCIAL
FAULT
bud-gie /'badzi/ n [C] BrE a small brightly coloured bird 4a small piece of electronic equipment for listening
that people keep as a pet secretly to other people's conversations
buff /baf/ n1 wine/film/opera etc buff someone who is 5 informal a sudden strong interest in doing something:
interested in wine, films etc and knows a lot about them the travel/sailing etc bug She’s got the travel bug. | | had one
ECSU «Expert2 [U] a pale yellow-brown colour flying lesson and immediately caught the bug (=became
[SYN] beige 3 in the buff old-fashioned not wearing any very interested in flying).
clothes naked bug? v (bugged, bugging) [T] 1 informal to annoy some-
buff? (also buff up) v [T] to polish something with a one: It just bugs me that | have to work so many extra hours
cloth: Sandra was buffing her nails. for no extra money. | The baby’s crying is really bugging him.
buff up phr v informal to exercise in order to make your 2 to put a BUG (=small piece of electronic equipment)
muscles bigger: Smith buffed up for his role as Muhammad somewhere secretly in order to listen to conversations:
Ali. Do you think the room is bugged?
buff? adj 1having a pale yellow-brown colour: buff bug:a-boo /'bagabu:/ n [C] AmE something that makes
envelopes 2.informal attractive and looking as if you do a people anxious or afraid
bugbear 210 isips2| = = his most frequent words in spoken English

bug-bear /'bagbea $ -ber/ n [C] something that makes permanent part of a wall, room etc: You could build in a
people feel annoyed or worried: Paperwork is our worst wardrobe with mirrored doors. > BUILT-IN
bugbear. build sth into sth phr v
bug-eyed /bag'aid/ adj having eyes that stick out 1to make something so that it is a permanent part of a
bug:ger' /'baga $ -ar/ n [C] 1 BrE not polite an offensive wall, room etc: There are three cash machines built into the
word for someone who is very annoying or unpleasant wall.
2 not polite someone that you pretend to be annoyed 2to make something a permanent part of a system,
with, although you actually like or love them: The poor agreement etc: Opportunities for reviewing the timings
little bugger got an awful shock. 3 BrE not polite a job or should be built into the plan.
activity that is very difficult: The exam was a bit of a build on phr v
bugger. 4 bugger all BrE not polite nothing: There’s bugger 1 build sth on sth to base something on an idea or thing:
all wrong with this machine. Our relationship is built on trust.
2 build on sth to use your achievements as a base for
bugger? v [T] BrE1 spoken not polite said when you are
further development: The new plan will build on the success
annoyed or angry: Bugger it! | don’t see why | should pay for
of the previous programme.
everything. 2 I'm buggered/bugger me! spoken not polite
3 to add another room to a building in order to have more
said when you are surprised about something: Well I’m
space: build sth «+ on We're planning to build on a conserva-
buggered! | never thought you'd do that. 3 bugger the ...
tory.
spoken not polite used to say that you do not care about build up phr v é
the person or thing you are talking about: Bugger the
IDS «if something builds up some-
expense - I’m going to buy it! 4 taboo or law to have ANAL
where, or if you build it up, it gradually becomes bigger or
sex with someone
greater: the rate at which the pension builds up |build sth <>
bugger about/around phr v spoken not polite 1 to behave
up The museum has built up a fine art collection. ++ BUILD-UP
in a stupid way or waste time [SYN| mess about/around:
2 a2 build sth up to make something develop or
Let’s stop buggering about and go. 2 bugger sb about to
form: [+into] He's built up the family firm into a multi-
cause unnecessary problems for someone [SYN] mess sb
national company.
about/around: Don’t let Peter bugger you about.
3 ain if a feeling builds up, or if you build it up, it
bugger off phr v spoken not polite to go away or leave a
increases gradually over a period of time: If you don’t
place: Tim buggered off to Australia years ago. | ‘Bugger off!’
express your feelings, frustration and anger can build up. |
she screamed.
build up sth You have to build up trust.
bugger sth «> up phr v spoken not polite to ruin something
4a sitg build sb/sth < up to make someone well
or do something very badly [SYN] cock up, mess up: It really
and strong again, especially after an illness: Taking exer-
buggered up our plans when the train was cancelled.
cise will build up your strength.
bug-gered /‘bagad $ -ard/ adj [not before noun] BrE 5 Goze build sb/sth < up to praise someone or some-
spoken not polite 1extremely tired 2 completely ruined or thing so that other people think they are really good, or so
broken: The washing machine's buggered. 3 \'m buggered if that they have more confidence: The coach has been
... used to say that you do not know something, will not building his men up before the match.
do something, or are not able to do something: I’m 6 build up sb’s hopes (a/so build sb's hopes up) to unfairly
buggered if | can remember. encourage someone to think that they will get what they
bug-ger-y /'bagari/ n [U] BrE law ANAL sex hope for: Don’t build your hopes up too much.
bug-gy /'bagi/ n (plural buggies) [C] 1 BrEa light folding build up to sth phr v to prepare for a particular moment
chair on wheels that you push small children in or event: | could tell she was building up to some kind of
SYN] pushchair, stroller AmE 2 a light carriage pulled by a announcement.
horse 3 AmE a small bed on wheels, that a baby lies in build? n [singular U] the shape and size of someone's
SYN] baby carriage, pram BrE body — built: a woman of slim build | You're a surprisingly
burgle /bju:gal/ n [C] a musical instrument like a TRUM- strong swimmer for one of such a slight build. | | wanted a
PET, that is used in the army to call soldiers —bugler n [C] more athletic and muscular build.
build" §] fi /b1ld/ v (past tense and past participle built build-er gy /‘bilda $ -ar/ n [C] especially BrE a person or
/bilt/) a company that builds or repairs buildings
1{Gs) [1,7] to make something, especially a building
build-ing Gy fy /bildin/ n
or something large: The purpose is to build new houses for
1[C] a structure such as a house, church, or factory, that
local people. | The road took many years to build. | They
has a roof and walls: The offices are on the top two floors of
needed $3 million to build the bridge. | It is the female birds
the building. |a farmhouse and other farm buildings
that build the nests. |Developers want to build on the site of
2[U] the process or business of building things —> con-
the old gasworks. | a row of recently built houses | build sb
struction: There is a limited supply of land for building. |
sth He's going to build the children a doll’s house. + see
stone, timber, and other building materials | [+of] The
picture at ASSEMBLE
enquiry recommended the building of a tunnel.
2MGSLEPEE (also build up) [T] to make some-
thing develop or form: She had built a reputation as a COLLOCATIONS
criminal lawyer. |She’s been busy building her career. | Ross
took 20 years to build up his business. |build (up) a picture of up build ng (also erect ab ing rae They
sb/sth (=form a clear idea about someone or something) eae pulling down the old buildings and putting up new
We're trying to build up a picture of what happened. ones.
3 be built of sth to be made using particular materials: The pull down/knock down/tear down a building A// the
church was built of brick. medieval buildings were torn down.
4 (an (also build up) [1,7] if a feeling builds, or if you demolish/destroy a building (=pull it down)
build it, it increases gradually over a period of time: ican Selois needed to demolish listed buildings.”
Tension began to build as they argued more frequently. | In
order to build your self-esteem, set yourself targets you can (OUN + building
reach. a tall building The park was surrounded by tall
5 build bridges to try to establish a better relationship buildings.
between people who do not like each other: Peter needs to a high-rise building (=very tall with many floors)
try and build bridges with Lizzie. a low building That low building is a stable block.
build sth around sth phr v to base something on an idea an office/school/hospital etc building Our office
or thing and develop it from there: Successful businesses building is just ten minutes’ walk from where | live.
are built around good personal relationships. a public building The town has a number of interesting -
build sth <> im phr v to make something so that it is a public buildings, including the old town hall.
 ( (2 OS = the most frequent words in written English mn bulletin board
a beautiful building (a/so a fine/handsome building bulk? adj 1 bulk buying/orders etc the buying etc of
BrE) |an impressive/imposing building | goods in large quantities at one time 2 [only before noun]
a brick/stone/wooden building | a two-storey/ bulk goods are sold or moved in large quantities: bulk flour
three-storey etc building (=with two, three etc for commercial bakeries 3 bulk mail if you send something
floors) |a single-storey/one-storey building (=with bulk mail, you send large amounts of it for a smaller cost
only one floor) |a historic building (=an old than normal
building of historical interest) bulk? v bulk large to be the main or most important part
a listed building BrE (=a historic building that is of something
protected by a government order) The school is bulk sth <> out phr v to make something bigger or thicker
actually a listed building. by adding something else: We can bulk out the report with
a derelict building (=empty and in very bad lots of diagrams.
condition) |a dilapidated building (=in bad bulk up phr v to increase the amount of muscle you have
condition) bulk-head /balkhed/ n [C] a wall that divides the
a ramshackle building (a/so a tumbledown building structure of a ship or aircraft into separate parts
BrE) (=old and almost falling down) The farm was
surrounded by tumbledown buildings. bulk-yBg /‘balki/ adj 1something that is bulky is bigger
iS yy than other things of its type, and is difficult to carry or
‘building block n [c] 1 block of wood or plastic for store: a bulky parcel 2 someone who is bulky is big and
young children to build things with — see picture at heavy: Andrew is a bulky man. —bulkiness n [U]
BLOCK’ 2 building blocks [plural] the pieces or parts that bull? /bul/ n
together make it possible for something big or important 1S) LC] an adult male animal of the cattle family:
to exist: Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. a herd of cows with one bull
‘building con,tractor / $'.. .../n [C] someone whose 2 (EVEECT LC] the male of some other large animals
job is to organize the building of a house, office, factory such as the ELEPHANT Or WHALE
etc 3 take the bull by the horns to bravely or confidently deal
‘building site n{C] a place where a house, factory etc with a difficult, dangerous, or unpleasant problem: Nora
is being built decided to take the bull by the horns and organize things for
‘building so,ciety n [Cc] BrE a type of bank that you herself.
40005254 [U] informal nonsense or something that-is
pay money into in order to save it and earn interest, and
completely untrue rubbish: What a load of bull!
that will lend you money to buy a house or apartment
5 like a bull in a china shop if you are like a bull in a china
savings and loan association AmE
shop, you keep knocking things over, dropping things,
‘build-up n[C usually singular] 1 an increase overa period breaking things etc
of time: [+of] a heavy build-up of traffic on the motorway 6 like a bull at a gate if you move somewhere like a bull at a
2a description of someone or something before an gate, you move there very fast, ignoring everything in
event, in which you say they are very special or impor- your way
tant: The presenter gave her a big build-up. 3 the length of 7 (ENED) [C] an official statement from the Pope
time spent preparing an event: | was running 20 miles a 8 Ga [C] (also bullseye) the centre of a TARGET that
week in my build-up for the race. + build up at BuILD' you are shooting at
built® /bilt/ the past tense and past participle of BUILD 9fsnress [Cc] technical someone who buys SHARES
built? adj used to describe someone's size or shape because they expect prices to rise ++ bear + BULL MARKET,
—+ build: She is built like a dancer. |a heavily built man — cock and bull story at cock'(4), — like a red rag to a bull at
built en'vironment n [singular] especially BrE places RED'(5), > shoot the bull at SHooT'(13)
where there are buildings and roads, and not the country- bull? interjection used to say that you do not believe or
side agree with what someone has said: Bull! Where did you
built-in adj forming a part of something that cannot be get that idea?
separated from it — inbuilt: a built-in microphone ‘bull bars n [plural] BrE a set of metal bars fixed to the
(built-'up adj a built-up area has a lot of buildings and front of a large vehicle such as a Jeep or Land Rover, in
not many open spaces: He was fined for speeding in a order to protect it from damage —bullbarred /'bulba:d $
built-up area. -ba:rd/ adj: bullbarred vehicles
bulb /balb/ n [C] 1 the glass part of an electric light, bull-dog /buldng $ -do:g/ n [C] a powerful dog with a
that the light shines from [syn] light bulb: a 100-watt bulb large head, a short neck, and short thick legs
EOE ict 2 a root shaped like a ball that grows ‘Bulldog clip n [Cc] BrE trademark a small metal object
into a flower or plant: tulip bulbs —+ see picture at TREE that shuts tightly to hold papers together — see picture
bul-bous /balbas/ adj fat, round, and unattractive: a at STATIONERY
bulbous nose bull-doze /'buldeuz $ -douz/ v [T] 1 to destroy build-
_ bulge’ /baldz/ n [C] 1a curved mass on the surface of ings etc with a bulldozer 2 to push objects such as earth
something, usually caused by something under or inside and rocks out of the way with a bulldozer 3 bulldoze sb
it: The gun made a bulge under his jacket. 2 a sudden into (doing) sth to force someone to do something that
temporary increase in the amount or level of something: they do not really want to do
a bulge in the birthrate —bulgy adj bull-doz-er /buldauze $ -douzer/ n [C] a powerful
bulge? (also bulge out) v [1] to stick out in a rounded vehicle with a broad metal blade, used for moving earth
shape, especially because something is very full or too and rocks, destroying buildings etc
tight: [+with] His pockets were bulging with candy. | He fell bul-let /bolt/ n [C] a small piece of metal that you fire
heavily to the floor, his eyes bulging wide with fear. from a gun — shell, shot: He was killed by a single bullet. |a
bu-lim:i-a /bju:'lumia, bu-, -li-/ n [U] an illness in which bullet wound in the shoulder | Several bullet holes could be
a person cannot stop themselves from eating too much, seen beside a window. — PLASTIC BULLET, — bite the bullet at
and then vomits in order to control their weight —bulimic BITE'(9)
adj bul-le-tin /bolatin/ n [C] 1a news report on radio or
bulk? fq /balk/ n1 the bulk (of sth) the main or largest television 2 an official statement that tells people about
part of something: The bulk of consumers are based in something important 3 a letter or printed statement that
towns. 2 [C usually singular] a big mass or shape of some- a group or organization produces to tell people its news
thing: the great bulk of a building GEESXTTS size ‘bulletin board n (c] 1 AmE a board on the wall that
3 [U] the size of something or someone: The dough will you put information or pictures on [SYN] noticeboard BrE
rise until it is double in bulk. 4 in bulk if you buy goods in 2 a place in a computer information system where you
bulk, you buy large amounts each time you buy them can read or leave messages
 bullet point _ 212 oa = words from the picaceeee Word List

‘bullet point n [Cc] a thing in a list that consists of a protects you from an unpleasant situation: [+against] a
word or short phrase, with a small printed symbol in front bulwark against dictatorship 2 bulwarks [plural] the sides of
of it a boat or ship above the DECK 3 a strong structure like a
‘bullet-proof adj something that is bullet-proof is wall, built for defence
designed to stop bullets from going through it: an inch- bum! /bam/ n [C] informal 1 BrE the part of your body
thick wall of bullet-proof glass that you sit on [S¥N] bottom 2 AmE someone, especially a
bull-fight /bolfatt/ n [C] a type of entertainment man, who has no home or job, and who asks people for
popular in Spain, in which a person fights and kills a BULL money 3 beach/ski etc bum someone who spends all their
—bullfighter n [C] —bullfighting n [U] time on the beach, skling etc without having a job
bull-finch /bulfint{/ n [C] a small grey and red Euro- 4 someone who is very lazy 5 get/put bums on seats BrE
BR pean bird informal to make a large number of people go to see a
film, play, sports match etc: She’s the kind of star who will
bull-frog /‘bulfrog $ -fra:g, -fro:g/ n [C] a kind of large
put bums on seats. 6 give sb the bum's rush informal to
FROG that makes a loud noise
make someone leave a place, especially a public place,
bull-‘headed adj determined to get what you want quickly
without really thinking enough about it —bullheadedly
bum? v (bummed, bumming) [1] BrE informal to ask
adv
someone for something such as money, food, of
bull-horn /bolhoin $ -hoirn/ n [C] AmE old-fashioned a cigarettes [SYN] cadge: She bummed a little cash off me.
piece of equipment that you hold up to your mouth to bum around phr v informal 1 (also bum about) to spend
make your voice louder |S¥N| megaphone BrE time lazily doing nothing 2 bum around sth to travel
bullion /‘buljan/ n [U] bars of gold or silver: gold bullion around, living very cheaply, without having any plans: He
bul-lish /‘bolt{/ adj 1 [not before noun] feeling confident spent a year bumming around Australia.
about the future: He’s very bullish about the company’s bum? adj [only before noun] informal 1 bad and useless:
prospects. 2 technical in a business market that is bullish, The orchestra was excellent. No one played a bum note. |Jim
the prices of SHARES are rising or seem likely to rise got a bum deal (=unfair treatment). 2 a bum ankle/leg etc
— bearish —bullishly adv —bullishness n [U] Ame an injured ANKLE, leg etc
‘bull market n [Cc] technical a stock MARKET in which ‘bum bag n [Cc] BrE a small bag that you wear around
the price of SHAREs is going up and people are buying your waist to hold money, keys etc
them — bear market bumble /bambal/ v [1] 1 (also bumble on) to speak in
bull-necked /bol'nekt</ adj having a short and very a confused way, so that no one can understand you:
thick neck What was Karl bumbling on about? 2 (also bumble around)
bul-lock /'bulak/ n [C] a young male cow that cannot to move in an unsteady way
breed bum-ble-bee /‘bambalbi:/ n [C] a large hairy Bee
‘bull pen n [Cc] 1 the area in a baseball field in which bum:bling /‘bamblin/ adj [only before noun] behaving in
PITCHERS practise throwing 2 the PITCHERS of a baseball a careless way and making a lot of mistakes: a kind
team bumbling man with a gentle smile
bull-ring /'bulrtn/ n [C] the place where a BULLFIGHT is bumf, bumph /bamf/ n [U] BrE informal boring written
held information that you have to read: | got loads of bumf
‘bull session n [Cc] Ame informal an occasion when a about the introduction of the euro.
group of people meet to talk in a relaxed and friendly bum-mer /'bama $ -ar/ n a bummer informal a situation
way: an all-night bull session that is disappointing or annoying: It was a real bummer
bulls-eye, bull's-eye /'bulzar/ n [C] 1 the centre of a being ill on holiday.
TARGET that you try to hit when shooting or in games like
DARTS [SYN] bull 2 BrE a large hard round sweet
bump" gy /bamp/ v
1[| always + adv/prep, T] to hit or knock against something:
bull-shit" /bulfst/ n [U] spoken not polite something [+against] | ran after him, bumping against people in my
that is stupid and completely untrue [SYN] rubbish: Forget hurry. | [+into] Tim was a clumsy boy, always bumping into
all that bullshit and listen to me! | What he told me was a the furniture. |bump sth on sth She bumped her arm on the
load of bullshit. table. | The roof was so low he bumped his head (=his head
bullshit? v (bullshitted, bullshitting) [1,7] to say some- hit the roof). ERESNTTS> HIT
thing stupid or completely untrue, especially in order to 2 [| always + adv/prep] to move up and down as you move
deceive someone or make them think you are important forward, especially in a vehicle: A police car bumped down
—bullshitter n [C] the track. | [+along] The plane was bumping along the
bull ‘terrier n [Cc] a strong short-haired dog — pit BULL runway.
TERRIER 3 [7 always + adv/prep] to push or pull something some-
bul-ly* /'buli/ n (plural bullies) [Cc] someone who uses where in an irregular or unsteady way: Flora was bumping
their strength or power to frighten or hurt someone who her bags down the steps.
is weaker: Bullies are often cowards. A[T] informal to move someone or something into a
bully? v (bullied, bullying, bullies) [T] 1 to threaten to different class or group, or to remove them from a class
hurt someone or frighten them, especially someone or group altogether: The flight was overbooked, and Dad
smaller or weaker 2 to put pressure on someone in order was the first one to be bumped. |bump sb up to/out of/from
to make them do what you want: bully sb into (doing) sth etc sth The reforms bumped many families off the state-
Don't let them bully you into working on Saturdays. provided health care list.
—bullying n [U]: an attempt to tackle the problem of bully- 5[T] to move a radio or television programme to a
ing in schools different time: ‘Married with Children’ will be bumped from
bully off phr v BrE to start a game of HOCKEY —bully-off n Sundays to Saturdays.
[C] : bump into sb phr v to meet someone who you know,
when you were not expecting to [SYN] run into: | bumped
bully? adj bully for you/him etc spoken used when you do
into Jean in town. :
not think that someone has done anything special but
bump sb <> off phr v informal to kill someone
they want you to praise them: Yes, | know you've done all
bump sth < up phr v to suddenly increase something by
the dishes. Bully for you!
a aie amount: Prices were bumped up by 10 percent last
‘bully boy n [C] BrE informal someone who behaves in a week.
violent and threatening way bump? nh [C] 1 an area of skin that is raised because you
bul-rush /bulraf/ n [C] a tall plant that looks like grass have hit it on something — lump: She has a bump on the
and grows by water back of her head. | He had a few injuries, mostly bumps and
bul-wark /'bulwak $ -wark/ n [C] 1something that bruises. INJURY 2 a small raised area on a
 EG = words from the Academic Word List 213 bunk

surface: The car hit a bump on the road. —+ SPEED BUMP bundles of data 3 computer software, and sometimes
3 the sound or sudden movement of something hitting a other equipment or services that are included with a new
hard surface: We heard a bump in the next room. | fall/sit computer at no extra cost 4 a bundle informal a lot of
down etc with a bump Rose fell, landing with a bump. money: College evening classes cost a bundle. | A company
4 informal a small accident in which your car hits some- can make a bundle by selling unwanted property. 5 be a
thing but you are not hurt bundle of nerves informal to be very nervous 6 be a bundle
bump-er' /bampa $ -ar/ n [C] 1 BrE a bar fixed on the of laughs/fun BrE informal an expression meaning a per-
front and back of a car to protect it if it hits anything son or situation that is fun or makes you laugh, often
(SYN|fender AmE — see picture at CAR 2 bumper- used jokingly when they are not fun at all: Being a teen-
to-bumper bumper-to-bumper traffic is very close ager isn’t a bundle of laughs. 7 not go a bundle on sth/sb BrE
together and moving slowly informal to not like something or someone very much: Jim
bumper? adj [only before noun] unusually large: bumper never drank, and certainly didn't go a bundle on gambling.
crop/harvest | We hope readers will enjoy this bumper issue bundle? v1 [7 always + adv/prep] to quickly push some-
of ‘Homes and Gardens’. one or something somewhere because you are in a hurry
‘bumper car n [C] a small electric car that you drive in or you want to hide them: bundle sb into/through etc sth
a special area at a FUNFAIR and deliberately try to hit other They bundled Perez into the car and drove off. 2 [| always +
cars + dodgems adv/prep] BrE to move somewhere quickly in a group:
‘bumper Sticker n{C] asmall sign on the bumper of a [+into/through etc] Six of us bundled into a taxi. 3 [T] to
car, with a humorous, political, or religious message include computer software or other services with a new
computer at no extra cost: bundle sth with/into sth Micro-
bumph /bamft/ n [U] BrE another spelling of BUMF soft can bundle Windows Vista at discounted prices with its
bump:-kin /‘bampkin/ n [C] informal someone from the popular desktop application programs. | bundle sth together
countryside who is considered to be stupid The company offered customers a single computer solution,
bump 'n" ‘grind n [U] a dance in which people move bundling together hardware and software.
parts of their body, especially their Hips, together in a bundle sb <> off phr v to send someone somewhere
sexually exciting way quickly without asking them if they want to go
bump:tious /‘bampfeas/ adj too proud of your abilities bundle sb/sth <> up phrv1 (also bundle sth <> together)
in a way that annoys other people [SYN] arrogant to make a bundle by tying things together: Bundle up the
—bumptiously adv —bumptiousness n [U] newspapers and take them to the skip. 2 (also bundle sth <>
bump-y /‘bampi/ adj (comparative bumpier, superlative together) to put different things together so that they are
bumpiest) 1 a bumpy surface is flat but has a lot of raised dealt with at the same time: The lawsuit bundles together
parts, so it is difficult to walk or drive on it [SYN| uneven the claims of many individuals into one big case. 3 to put
{OPP| smooth: a bumpy road |The ground is bumpy in places. warm clothes on someone or yourself because it is cold
ROUGH 2 a bumpy journey by car or plane is |SYN|wrap up: People sat bundled up in scarves, coats, and
uncomfortable, with movements up and down because of boots. | [+against] spectators bundled up against the cold
bad road or weather conditions |oPP|smooth: The plane bund-ler /'bandla $ -ar/ n [C] AmE someone who col-
made a bumpy landing. 3 a bumpy ride/time having a lot of lects money from different people and gives it to a
problems for a long time: Shareholders have had a bumpy political party to help with its CAMPAIGN
ride. bun-fight /'banfait/ n [C] Br informal 1 an argument:
bun /ban/ n [C] 1 BrE a small round sweet cake: a sticky There was a bunfight over who should pay for the damage.
bun 2 a small round type of bread: a hamburger bun 3 if a 2a party with food, arranged by an organization: The
woman has her hair in a bun, she fastens it in a small Rugby Club is planning a bunfight.
round shape at the back of her head — see picture at bung" /ban/ n [C] 1a round piece of rubber, wood etc
HAIRSTYLE 4 buns [plural] AmE informal the two round used to close the top of a container 2 BrE informal money
parts of a person's bottom [SYN] buttocks 5 have a bun in given to someone secretly, and usually illegally, to make
the oven BrE informal to be PREGNANT - used humorously them do something [S¥N) bribe
bunch! § /bant// n bung? v [7 always + adv/prep] BrE informal to put some-
1G «(C] a group of things that are fas- thing somewhere quickly and carelessly: bung sth in/into
tened, held, or growing together: [+of] /’l] send her a bunch etc sth Can you bung these clothes in the washing machine?
of flowers. |He had a bunch of keys on his belt. | a bunch of EEE put
grapes fi. GROUP — see picture at BOUQUET bung sth <> up phr v BrE 1 to block something, especially
2a [singular] informal a group of people: a hole 2 be bunged up to find it difficult to breathe
_ The ancient Egyptians were a clever bunch. | [+of] a friendly because you have a cold
bunch of people bun-ga-low /’bangelau $ -lov/ n [C] 1 BrE a house that
3 the best/pick of the bunch the best among a group of is all on ground level + see picture at House! 2 AmE a
people or things : small house that is often on one level
* 40a [singular] AmE informal a large number
of people or things, or a large amount of something: [+of] bun-gee jump-ing /‘band3i dzamprn/ n [U] a sport in
There's a whole bunch of places | want to visit. which you jump off something very high with a long
5 bunches [plural] BrE if a girl wears her hair in bunches, length of special rope that stretches tied to your legs, so
she ties it together at each side of her head + see picture that you go up again without touching the ground
at HAIRSTYLE —+ thanks a bunch at THANKS(5) —bungee jump n [C] —bungee jumper n [C]
bunch? (also bunch together, bunch up) v 1 [1,7] to stay bun-gle /bangal/ v [7] to fail to do something properly,
close together in a group, or to make people do this: The because you have made stupid mistakes - used espe-
children bunched together in small groups. | John stopped, cially in news reports: The whole police operation was
forcing the rest of the group to bunch up behind him. bungled. —bungled adj: a bungled rescue attempt —bungle
2 [1,1] to make part of your body tight, or to become tight n{C] —bungler n [C]
like this: Sean bunched his fists. 3 [1,1] to pull material bun-ion /‘banjan/ n [C] a painful lump on the first joint
together tightly in folds: She bunched the cloth up and of your big toe
threw it away. 4[T] to hold or tie things together in a bunk? /bank/ n 1 [C] a narrow bed that is attached to
bunch the wall, for example on a train or ship 2 (also bunk bed)
bun-dle" /bandl/ n [C] 1a group of things such as [often plural] one of two beds that are attached together,
papers, clothes, or sticks that are fastened or tied one on top of the other 3 do a bunk BrE informal to
together: [+of] bundles of newspapers | a small bundle suddenly leave a place without telling anyone
containing mostly clothing GEE croup 2 a number 4 [U] informal nonsense [sYN|bunkum: What a load of
of things that belong or are dealt with together: [+of] bunk!
 ih 5d Sd &) & = the most frequent words in spoken English

bunk? (also bunk down) v [1] informal to sleep some- problems because of a particular thing: a company bur-
where, especially in someone else’s house: You can bunk dened with debt + UNBURDEN 2 be burdened with sth to be
down on the sofa for tonight. carrying something heavy
bunk off (sth) phr v BrE informal to stay away from bur-den-some /'b3:dnsam $ ‘b3ir-/ adj formal causing
somewhere such as school or to leave somewhere early problems or additional work: These charges are particularly
without permission [SYN] skive: John and | used to bunk off burdensome for poor parents.
school. bureau /'bjvaran $ 'bjurov/ n (plural bureaus or bureaux
bun-ker™ /banka $ -ar/ n [C] 1a strongly built shelter /-raoz $ -rouz/) [C] 1 an office or organization that col-
for soldiers, usually underground 2 BrE a large hole on a lects or provides information: an employment bureau | the
ae golf course filled with sand [SYN]sand trap AmE — see Citizens Advice Bureau 2 a government department or a
ee picture at GOLF 3 a place where you store coal, especially part of a government department in the US: the Federal
on a ship or outside a house Bureau of Investigation 3 an office of a company or organi-
bunker? v [T] BrE to hit a golf ball into a bunker zation that has its main office somewhere else: the
‘bunker buster n [Cc] a bomb that goes deep into the London bureau of the Washington Post 4 BrE a large desk or
ground before exploding, and that is used to destroy writing table 5 AmE a piece of furniture with several
BUNKERS drawers, used: to keep clothes in [SyN|chest of drawers
bunk-house /‘bankhaus/ n [C] a building where work- BrE
ers Sleep bu-reauc-ra-cy /bjua'rokrasi $ bju'ra-/ n (plural
bun-kum /'bankem/ n [U] BUNK bureaucracies) 1 [U] a complicated official system that is
bun-ny /‘bani/ (also ‘bunny rabbit) n (plural bunnies) annoying or confusing because it has a lot of rules,
[C] a word for a rabbit, used especially by or to children processes etc —+ red tape: the reduction of unnecessary
bureaucracy 2 [C,U] the officials who are employed rather
‘bunny boiler n (C] informal a woman who is always
thinking and worrying about whether her husband or than elected to do the work of a government, business
boyfriend loves her, and is willing to deceive or threaten etc
him so that he will do what she wants him to bu-reau-crat /‘bjvarakret $ 'bjur-/ n [C] someone who
‘bunny slope n [C] Ame the area of a mountain where works in a bureaucracy and uses official rules very strictly
people learn to Sk! [S¥N| nursery slope BrE bu-reau:crat-ic / bjuara'krettk< $ bjur-/ adj involving a
bun:ra:ku /bun'ra:ku/ n [U] the Japanese art of puppet lot of complicated official rules and processes
theatre, which is performed using very large PUPPETS —bureaucratically /-kli/ adv
(=models of a person or animal that you move by pulling bureau de change /bjuerau da fonds $ bjurou do
wires) faind3/ n (plural bureaux de change /-rau- $ -rou-/) [C]
Bun-sen bur-ner /bansan 'b3ina $ -'b3a:rnar/ n [C] a BrE a shop where you can change foreign money
piece of equipment that produces a hot gas flame, for —> exchange
scientific EXPERIMENTS — see picture at LAB bu-rette (also buret AmE) /bju'ret/ n [C] a glass tube
bunt /bant/ v [1] AmE to deliberately hit the ball a short with measurements on it, used in scientific EXPERIMENTS
distance in a game of baseball —bunt n [C] bur-geon /'b3:dzan $ 'b3:r-/ v [1] formal to grow or
bun-ting /‘bantin/ n [U] small flags on strings, used to develop quickly: the burgeoning market for digital cameras
decorate buildings and streets on special occasions burg-er /'b3:ga $ 'bs:rgar/ n [C] a flat round piece of
buoy" /bor $ ‘busi, bot/ n [C] an object that floats on the finely cut BEEF, which is cooked and eaten, or one of these
sea, a lake etc to mark a safe or dangerous area served in a bread BUN [SYN] hamburger —>+ CHEESEBURGER,
VEGEBURGER
buoy? (also buoy up) v [T] 1to make someone feel
happier or more confident: The party is buoyed up by the burgh /'bara $ b3:rg, 'barou/ n [C] a BOROUGH - used in
latest opinion poll results. 2 to keep profits, prices etc ata Scotland
high level: Increased demand for computers buoyed their bur-gher /'b3:ga $ 'bs:rgar/ n [C] old use someone who
profits. 3 to keep something floating lives in a particular town
buoy-an-cy /'botensi $ ‘botansi, ‘busjansi/ n [U] bur-glar /'b3:gla $ 'bs:rglar/ n [C] someone who goes
1 the ability of an object to float 2 the power of a liquid to into houses, shops etc to steal things — robber, thief
make an object float: Salt water has more buoyancy than — cat burglar EES THIEF
fresh water. 3 a feeling of happiness and a belief that you ‘burglar alarm n [Cc] a piece of equipment that makes
can deal with problems easily 4 the ability of prices, a a loud noise when someone tries to get into a building
business etc to quickly get back to a high level after a illegally
difficult period bur-gla-rize /'‘b3:glaraiz $ 'b3:r-/ v [T] AmE to go into a
buoy-ant /'botant $ ‘botant, 'busjant/ adj 1 happy and building and steal things [SYN] burgle BrE
confident: Phil was in a buoyant mood. 2 buoyant prices bur-glar-y /‘b3:glari $ 'b3:r-/ n (plural burglaries) [C,U]
etc tend to rise: a buoyant economy 3 able to float or keep the crime of getting into a building to steal things: Burgla-
things floating: Cork is very buoyant. —buoyantly adv ries have risen by 5%. |He was charged with burglary. |Most
burr /b3: $ b3ir/ n [C] another spelling of BURR) burglaries happen at night. ESNTTS>
FE crime
bur-ble /'b3:bal $ 'ba:r-/ v1 [I,T] to talk about something bur-gle /'b3:gal $ 'bs:r-/ v [T] BrE to go into a building
in a confused way that is difficult to understand: [+on/ and steal things [SYN] burglarize AmE: We've been burgled
away] | had to listen for an hour while she burbled away. three times. GREEUTS> STEAL
2 [!] to make a sound like a stream flowing over stones
—burble n [singular]
bur-gun-dy /'b3:gandi $ 'b3:r-/ n (plural burgundies)
1[C,U] red or white wine from the Burgundy area of
burbs /b3:bz $ bsirbz/ n the burbs [plural] AmE informal France 2 [U] a dark red colour —burgundy adj: a burgundy
the SUBURBS (=areas around a city, where people live) skirt
bur-den* /b3:dn $ 'bairdn/ n1 [C] something difficult or bur-i-al /‘berial/ n [C,U] 1 the act or ceremony of putting
worrying that you are responsible for: His family responsi- a dead body into a GRAVE 2 the act of burying something
bilities had started to become a burden. |[+of] The burden of in the ground: [+of] the burial of solid waste
taxation has risen considerably. | [+on] | don’t like being a
burden on other people. | Reine the burden /f things go bur-ka /'bsrka $ 'bair-/ n [C] another spelling of BURQA
wrong he will bear the burden of guilt. |the tax/financial/ bur-lap /‘bs:lep $ 'bair-/ n [U] AmE a type of thick rough
debt burden 2 the burden of proof /aw the duty to prove cloth [SYN] hessian BrE
that something is true 3 [C] something that is carried bur-lesque /b3r'lesk $ b3r-/ n [C,U] 1 speech, acting, or
[SYN] load —> BEAST OF BURDEN writing in which a serious subject is made to seem silly or
burden? v 1 be burdened with/by sth to have a lot of an unimportant subject is treated in a serious way
 (0 (2 G8= the most Hequentigswords in written Enelen burn
2 AmE a performance involving a mixture of COMEDY and 19 burn the candle at both ends informal to get very tired by
STRIPTEASE, popular in America in the past doing things until very late at night and getting up early in
burly /‘bs:li $ 'bs:rli/ adj a burly man is big and strong: a the mornings
burly policeman 20 burn the midnight oil informal to work or study until late
at night
burn’ § [ /bzin $ barn/ v (past tense and past
21it burns sb that/how etc AmE used to say that some-
participle burnt /b3:nt $ b3:rnt/ or burned)
thing makes someone feel angry or jealous: /t really burns
1S [1] a) if a fire burns, it pro-
me the way they treat us.
duces heat and flames: There was a fire burning in the
22 EES [| always + adv/prep] informal to travel very —
fireplace. | An average household candle will burn for about
fast: [+along/up etc] a sports car burning up the motorway —
six hours. b) if something is burning, it is producing flames
and being damaged or destroyed by fire: Parts of the THESAURUS
building are still burning.
2 DSRS [T] to destroy or damage some- burn to produce heat and flames: The fire was sti
thing with fire: / burnt all his old letters. |Cars were burned burning. |A pile of branches was burning in the yard.
and shops were looted during the rioting. | The Grand Hotel be on fire if a building, car, piece of clothing etc is
had burnt to the ground. |Make sure the iron isn’t too hot or on fire, it is burning and being damaged: Before long,
you'll burn the cloth. | He dropped his cigarette and burnt a the neighbouring houses were on fire too.
hole in the carpet. be alight especially written if something is alight, it is
3 MISTS [7] to hurt yourself or some- burning: By the time the fire engines got there, the
one else with fire or something hot: | burned my hand on whole building was already alight.
the oven door. | She was badly burned in a road accident. | be ablaze especially written if something is ablaze, it
Sixteen passengers were burned to death (=died in a fire). | is burning with a lot of flames, so that it is seriously
A family of five were burned alive in their home last night damaged: Twelve hours after the bombing raid, many
(<died in a fire). |Heretics were burnt at the stake (=burnt parts of the city were still ablaze.
in a fire as a punishment). blaze to burn very brightly with a lot of flames and
48) [17] if the sun burns your skin, or if your skin heat: A big log fire was blazing in the fireplace.
burns, it becomes red and painful from the heat of the smoulder BrE, smolder AmE /'smaulda $ 'smouldar/
sun — sunburn: | burn quite easily. |Don’t forget you can still to burn slowly and continuously, producing smoke
get burnt when you're swimming or when it's cloudy. | Her but no flames: A cigarette smouldered in the ashtray.
face and neck were quite badly burned.
5 GEL) [1,7] to spoil food by cooking it for too long, or to
become spoiled in this way: I’m afraid I've burnt the pizza. | catch fire to start burning accidentally: We were
burn sth to a crisp/cinder The meat was burned to a crisp. worried the house would catch fire.
6 Goes [T] to damage or destroy something by a burst into flames to suddenly start burning and
chemical action: Quite a lot of household chemicals can produce a lot of flames that cause serious damage:
burn your skin. The plane crashed into the side of the mountain and
7 Ges [1,7] if you burn a FuEL, or if it burns, it is used to burst into flames.
produce power, heat, light etc: The boiler burns oil to ignite /1g'natt/ technical if a chemical or gas ignites,
produce heat. | greenhouse gases caused by the burning of it starts burning: The compound ignites at 450 degrees
fossil fuels Celsius.
8 waa (7) if you burn fat or CALORIES, you use
up
energy stored in your body by being physically active:
Taking a brisk walk every morning is a great way to burn burn tocance or destroy something with fire or
calories. |a fat-burning exercise heat: She lit a fire and burned his letters one by one.
9 (sri [1] if a light or lamp burns, it shines or produces set fire to sth (also set sth on fire) to make
light: A lamp was burning in the kitchen window. | The hall something start burning so that it gets damaged:
light was still burning. Vandals set fire to an empty warehouse.
10 Fate deass [1,7] if a part of your body burns, scorch to damage the surface of something by
or if something burns it, it feels unpleasantly hot: The burning it so that a dark mark is left on it: Having the
whisky burned my throat as it went down. | My eyes were iron on a very high heat can scorch the fabric.
burning from the smoke. singe /sindz/ to damage hair, wool, paper etc by
nia (I!) if your face or cheeks are burning, burning it slightly so that the ends or edges are
they feel hot because you are embarrassed or upset: | burnt: The flames were hot enough to singe your
could feel my cheeks burning as | spoke. eyebrows.
12%) [7] if you burn a cD or DvD, you record music, scald to burn your skin with very hot liquid or
images, or other information onto it ak: special compu- steam: The coffee was so hot it nearly scalded his
ter equipment tongue.
—13 be burning with rage/desire etc to feel a particular emo- | TO MAKE SOMETHING STOP BURNING a
tion very strongly: She was burning with curiosity. put out to make something such as a fire, cigarette,
14 be burning to do sth to want to do or find out something or candle stop burning: It took firefighters four hours
very much: / was burning to know how he had got on in New to put out the blaze. | | put out my cigarette and went
York. back into the house.
|15 be/get burned informal a) to be emotionally hurt by extinguish /1k'stingwi{/ formal to make something
someone or something: Take things slowly - don’t get such as a fire, cigarette, or candle stop burning: He
} burned again. b) to lose a lot of money: The company got managed to extinguish the flames with his coat. |
1 badly burned in the dot.com collapse. Customers who smoke will be asked to extinguish their
. 16 burn your fingers/get your fingers burned informal to cigarettes or leave the premises.
suffer the unpleasant results of something that you have blow out to make a flame or fire stop burning by
| done: | tried a dating agency once, but got my fingers badly blowing on it: He blew out the candle and went to
burnt - I'll never do it again. sleep. | The wind blew out the fire.
17 burn a hole in your pocket if money burns a hole in your
pocket, you want to spend it as soon.as you can burn away phr v if something burns away or is burned
18 burn your bridges/boats informal to do something with away, it is destroyed by fire: burn sth <> away All her hair
. the result that you will not be able to return to a previous had been burnt away.
situation again, even if you want to: I’m really tempted to burn down phr v
take up that job offer in Washington, but | don’t want to burn lif a building burns down or is burned down, it is
_ my boats with this company. destroyed by fire: She was worried that the house might
 burn 216 GQ = words from the Academic Word List

burn down while they were away. |burn sth <> down The old burning? adv burning hot very hot
town hall was burnt down in the 1970s. bur-nish /‘baintf $ 'b3:r-/ v [T] formal 1 to polish metal
2if a fire burns down, the flames become weaker and it or another substance until it shines 2 to work hard in
ee less heat order to improve something: He missed no opportunity to
burn s > off phr v burnish his image. —burnished adj
1to remove something by burning it: You can use a blow- burn-out /'b3inaut $ 'bairn-/ n 1[U] the feeling of
» lamp to burn off the old paint. always being tired because you have been working too
- 2to use energy that is stored in your body by doing hard: Many of the teachers are suffering from burnout.
physical exercise: | decided to go for a run to try and burn off 2 [C,U] the time when a ROCKET or JET has finished all of
a few calories. its FUEL and stops operating
burn out phr v burnt! /ba:nt $ ba:rnt/ especially BrE the past tense and
1if a fire burns out or burns itself out, it stops burning past participle of BURN
because there is no coal, wood etc left: He left the fire to burnt? adj 1 damaged or hurt by burning: burnt toast
burn itself out. 2 burnt offering a) something that is offered as a gift to a
2be burnt out if a building or vehicle is burnt out, the god by being burnt on an ALTAR b) BrE humorous food that
inside of it is destroyed by fire: The hotel was completely you accidentally burnt while you were cooking It
burnt out. Only the walls remained. | We passed several
burp /b3p $ bairp/ v1 [I] to pass gas loudly from your
burnt out cars. stomach out through your mouth [SYN] belch 2 [T] to help
3 burn sth <> out to remove something by burning it: The
a baby to do this, especially by rubbing or gently hitting
cancer cells are burnt out using a laser beam.
its back —burp n [C]
Ato work so hard over a period of time that you become
unable to continue working because you are tired, ill, or bur-qa, burka /'b3:ka $ 'b3:r-/ n [C] a long piece of
unable to think of any new ideas: It’s a high-pressure job clothing worn by Muslim women in some countries,
and you could burn out young. | be/get burnt out He was which covers the head, face, and body, with only a small
almost burnt out by the time he was 21. | burn yourself out square to see through —> abaya, chador
She’s in danger of burning herself out. -- BURNOUT(1) burr /b3: $ bair/ n[C]1 (also bur) the seed container of
5 if an engine or electric wire burns out or is burnt out, it some plants, covered with sharp points that make it stick
stops working because it has been damaged by getting to things 2 BrE a way of pronouncing English with a
too hot: The plugs are wired so that if one burns out, the strong ‘r’ sound 3 a fairly quiet regular sound like some-
others will still start the engine. | burn sth <> out | think thing turning quickly [SYN|whirr: the burr of a motor
you've burnt out one of the gaskets. 4a rough spot on a piece of metal
6 if a ROCKET or JET burns out, it stops working because all bur-vi-to /ba'ristau $ -tovu/ n (plural burritos) [C] a
its FUEL has been used + BURNOUT(2) Mexican dish made with a TorTILLA (=flat thin bread)
burn up phr v folded around meat or beans with cheese
1if something burns up or is burnt up, it is completely burro /'burav $ 'b3irou/ n (plural burros) [C] AmE a
destroyed by fire or heat: The satellite will burn up as it small DONKEY
re-enters the Earth’s atmosphere. | burn sth <> up Most of
bur-row' /'bareo $ 'b3:irou/ v1 [| always + adv/prep, T] to
the woodland has now been burnt up.
make a hole or passage in the ground [SYN|dig down:
2 burn sth < up informal to use a lot of something in a
[tinto/under/through etc] Mother turtles burrow into the
careless way: Most household appliances burn up loads of
sand to lay their eggs. GILT dic 2 [1,7 always + adv/
electricity. |He just burns up money!
prep] to press your body close to someone or under
3 be burning up spoken if someone is burning up, they are
something because you want to get warm or feel safe
very hot, usually because they are ill: Feel his forehead -
[SYN|nestle: [+into/under/down etc] The child stirred and
he’s burning up.
burrowed deeper into the bed. | burrow sth into/against etc
4 burn sb up Ame informal to make someone very angry:
sth She burrowed her head into his shoulder. 3 [| always +
The way he treats her really burns me up.
adv/prep] to search for something that is hidden in a
5 burn sth + up to use energy that is stored in your body,
container or under other things [SYN] rummage: [+in/into/
by being physically active: As we get older, our body
through etc] Helen burrowed in her bag for a handkerchief.
becomes less efficient at burning up calories.
burrow? n [C] a passage in the ground made by an
burn? gyn [c] animal such as a rabbit or Fox as a place to live
1an injury caused by fire, heat, the light of the sun, or
acid: His body was covered in cigarette burns. | severe/ bur-sar /'bsisa $ 'b3:rsar/ n [C] someone at a school or
serious burns She was taken to the hospital with serious college who deals with the accounts and office work
burns. |Several of the survivors suffered severe burns. |She is bur-sasry /‘b3isari $ 'b3:r-/ n (plural bursaries) [C] BrE an
being treated for minor burns. amount of money given to someone so that they can
2a mark on something caused by fire or heat: The desk study at a university or college [SYN] grant
was covered with graffiti and burn marks, burst" [1g /ba:st $ ba:rst/ v (past tense and past participle
3a painful mark on the skin caused by it rubbing hard burst)
against something rough 1a [1,7] if something bursts, or if you burst it, it
4 the burn informal a painful hot feeling in your muscles breaks open or apart suddenly and violently so that its
when you exercise a lot: Go for the burn. contents come out: The pipes had burst and the house was
5 BrE a small stream under two feet of water. BREAK, EXPLODE |
burner /‘baina $ 'bairnar/ n [C] 1 BrE the part of an 2 be bursting with sth to have a lot of something or be
OVEN or heater that produces heat or a flame: a gas burner filled with something: John was bursting with ideas and
2 AmE one of the round parts on the top of a COOKER that good humour. | The shops are bursting with food. | be
produce heat 3 put/leave sth on the back burner informal to bursting with pride/energy/excitement etc Your mum’s
delay doing something until a later time: The government bursting with pride for you.
quietly put the scheme on the back burner. ++ BUNSEN BURNER 3 [| always + adv/prep] to move some-
burn-ing™ /'b3:ntin $ '‘b3ir-/ adj [only before noun] where suddenly or quickly, especially into or out of a
10n fire: She was rescued from a burning building. 2 feel- place: [+into/through/in etc] Jo burst into the room.
ing very hot: Claudia put her hands to her burning face. A burst open to open suddenly: The door burst open and
3 burning ambition/desire/need etc a burning AMBITION, Tom ran into the room.
desire, need etc is very strong: My burning ambition is to be 5 be bursting to do sth informal to want to do something
world champion. 4 burning issue/question a burning ISSUE very much: Zach was bursting to tell them something.
or question is very important and urgent: Education has 6 be bursting a) BrE informal to need to go to the toilet
become a burning issue in this election. 5 written burning very soon b) (also be bursting at the seams) to be so full
eyes look at you very hard or show very strong feeling that nothing else can fit inside
 PAW business
7 burst sb’s bubble informal to make someone suddenly There were a lot of people on the bus. | by bus The best way
realize that something is not as good as they thought it to get there is by bus. | | took a bus to San Francisco. | Buses
was: Steve was so happy | couldn't bear to burst his bubble. run at 15 and 30 minutes past the hour.
8 burst its banks if a river bursts its banks, water from it 2a circuit that connects the main parts of a computer so
goes onto the land — full (up) to bursting at FULL'(), that signals can be sent from one part of the computer to
—» burst the bubble at BUBBLE'‘6), — the bubble bursts at another
BUBBLE!(5) COLLOCATIONS
burst in on/upon sb/sth phr v to-interrupt someone or
something by entering a room, in a way that embarrasses
you or other people: I’m sorry to burst in on you like this. go/travel by bus | usually go to work by bus.
burst into sth phr v go on the bus/use the bus (=travel by bus) /t's
1to suddenly begin to make a sound, especially to start easier to go on the bus than to drive.
singing, crying, or laughing: Claire looked as if she were get/take/catch a bus Can we get a bus from here to
about to burst into tears. | Suddenly, the group burst into Reading?
laughter. |Lydia burst into song. ride a bus Ame It was the first time Craig had ridden a
2 burst into flames/flame to suddenly start to burn very bus downtown by himself.
strongly: Their car crashed and burst into flames. get on/off a bus Several more passengers got on the
burst onto/upon/on sth phr v to suddenly appear and bus.
become very successful: The band burst onto the music wait for a bus |miss the bus (=be too late to get on
scene in 1997. a bus) | buses run (=go at regular times)
burst out phr v
1 burst out laughing/crying/singing etc to suddenly start to bus i
a bus ride/journey/trip /t's aq 20-minute bus ride into
laugh, cry etc: Everyone burst out laughing.
town.
2to suddenly say something in a forceful way: ‘I don’t
a bus stop (=a place where a bus stops for
believe it!’ she burst out angrily. + OUTBURST()
passengers) She got off at the next bus stop.
burst? n [C]1 the act of something bursting or the place a bus shelter (=a small covered area where you wait
where it has burst: a burst in the water pipe 2 a) a short for a bus) |a bus service (=a service that provides
sudden effort or increase in activity: [+of] The van gave a regular buses) |a bus route |a bus fare (=the
sudden burst of speed. b) a short sudden and usually loud money you pay for a bus journey) |a bus ticket |
sound: [+of] sharp bursts of machine gun fire c) a sudden a bus pass (=a card that allows you to make several
strong feeling or emotion: burst of anger/enthusiasm/ bus journeys) | a bus station (=a place where buses
temper etc start and finish their journeys) | a bus lane (=a part
bur-then /'b3:dan $ 'bsir-/ n [C] literary a BURDEN of the road where only buses are allowed to drive) |
bur-ton /'b3:tn $ 'ba:irtn/ n gone for a burton BrE old- a bus driver
fashioned informal |ost, broken, or dead
bur-y (1 /‘beri/ v (buried, burying, buries) [T] a school bus |a shuttle bus (=one that makes
162s to put someone who has died in a GRAVE: regular short journeys between two places) |
bury sb in/at etc sth He was buried in the churchyard of St a double-decker bus (=one with two levels for
Mary's. passengers) |an open-topped bus (=one without a
2 @2%ea3 to put something under the ground, often in roof, used for showing tourists a town etc)
order to hide it: Electric cables are buried beneath the
streets. bus? v (bused or bussed, busing or bussing) 1 [T usually
3 ZEST [usually passive] to fall on top of someone or passive] to take a person or a group of people somewhere
something, usually harming or destroying them: be buried in a bus: bus sb to/in/into sth Casey was bussed to the
under/beneath etc sth The skiers were buried under the school. 2 [T] AmE to take away dirty dishes from the
snow. |Fifty-seven miners were buried alive. tables in a restaurant: Shelley had a job bussing tables.
4(ery39 [usually passive] to cover something so that it bus:boy /'basbar/ n [C] AmE a young man whose job is
cannot be found: His glasses were buried under a pile of to take away dirty dishes from the tables in a restaurant
papers. bus:by /‘bazbi/ n [C] a tall fur hat worn by some British
5 (aed to ignore a feeling or memory and soldiers
pretend that it does not exist: a deeply buried memory bush /bof/ n [C] 1a plant with many thin branches
6 bury your face/head etc (in sth) to press your face etc growing up from the ground — tree, shrub: a rose bush |
into something soft: Noel buried his face in the pillow. The child was hiding in the bushes. 2 the bush wild country
7 bury your face/head in your hands to cover your face with that has not been cleared, especially in Australia or Africa
your hands because you are very upset 3 a bush of hair is a lot of thick untidy hair —+ beat about
8 bury your head in the sand to ignore an unpleasant situa- the bush at BEAT'(14)
&
tion and hope it will stop if you do not think about it bushed /bujft/ adj [not before noun] informal very tired
9 bury the hatchet/bury your differences to agree to stop TIRED
arguing about something and become friends bush-el /'bofal/ n hide your light under a bushel to not tell
10 (Kg «to push something, especially something anyone that you are good at something
sharp, into something else with a lot of force: bury sth in
sth The dog buried its teeth in my leg. | The bullet buried
‘bush league adj AmE informal badly done or of such
bad quality that it is not acceptable: bush league reporting
itself in the wall.
Ti bury yourself in your work/studies etc to give all your Bush-man /‘bufman/ n (plural Bushmen /-man/) [C]
attention to something: After the divorce, she buried herself someone who belongs to a southern African tribe who
in her work. live in the BUSH (=wild country)
12 [awe to put information in a document in a bush-whack /'bufwek/ v [I,T] to push or cut your way
place where it is unlikely to be noticed, or to not make it through thick trees or bushes
available to people: The story was buried at the back of the bush:y /'bofi/ adj (comparative bushier, superlative
paper. bushiest) 1 bushy hair or fur grows thickly: a bushy tail
13 (kn Jiterary to have someone you love die: She 2 bushy plants grow thickly, with a lot of branches and
had buried her husband, two sons, and a daughter. > be leaves —bushiness n [U]
dead and buried at DEAD'(14) bus:i-ly /'bizsli/ adv in a busy way: Students were busily
bus! §] (4 /bas/ n (plural buses or busses especially writing notes.
AmE) (C] busi-ness §] ( /‘biznis/ n
Ta large vehicle that people pay to travel on: on a bus 1A
Ss [U] the activity of
 business 218

making money by producing or buying and selling goods, 16 business is business spoken used to say that profit is the
or providing services: Students on the course learn about all most important thing to consider: We can't afford to
aspects of business. | Carl began in the music business by employ someone who isn’t good at the job - business is
running a recording studio. | We do business with a number business.
of Italian companies. | He has a wide range of business 17 business as usual when someone or something is still
interests. working or operating normally when you think they might
2 ~([C] an organization such as a company, not be: Despite last night's scare, it was business as usual in
shop, or factory that produces or sells goods or provides the White House today.
a service: She now has her own $25 million home-shopping 18 have no business doing sth/have no business to do sth to
business. | They don't know how to run a business. | The do something you should not be doing: He was drunk and
company began as a small family business. had no business driving.
~ COMPANY 19 not be in the business of doing sth to not be intending to
3a [U] the amount of do something because you think it is a bad idea: I’m not in
work a company does or the amount of money it makes: the business of selling my best players.
We're now doing twice as much business as we did last year. | 20 and all that business spoken informal and other things of
Exports account for 72% of overall business. | business is the same general kind: She handles the publicity and all that
good/bad/slow etc Business is slow during the summer. | business.
drum up business (=try to get more work for you or your 21 (it's) the business BrE informal used to say that some-
company) Perot was in Europe, drumming up business for his thing is very good or works well: Have you seen David's
new investment company. new car? It’s the business!
4eeey) [LU] work that you do as part of your job: 22 do the business BrE informal a) to do what you are
She's in New York this week on business (=for her work). |Hi expected to do or what people want you to do: Come on,
Maggie! Is this phone call business or pleasure? | business then, and do the business. b) to have sex —> BIG BUSINESS,
trip/meeting etc We discussed the idea over a business —» funny business at FUNNY(3), —> like nobody's business at
lunch. | useful business contacts NOBODY'(2), —> monkey business at MONKEY'(3), > SHOW
STIR
ERE [U] a) if some- BUSINESS
thing is not your business or none of your business, you
(elo) Holey Wale) Ce ulaaa
i Coal
should not be involved in it or ask about it: /t was not her
business, she decided, to ask where the money came from. |
It’s none of your business how much | weigh. | ‘Who's that girl do business A Jot of firms are keen to do business in
you were with?’ ‘Mind your own business (=Don't ask ques- Japan.
tions about something that does not concern you)!” | ‘Are conduct business formal (=do business) It is not a
you going out with Kate tonight?’ ‘That's my business’ (=it sensible way to conduct business.
doesn’t concern you, so don't ask me questions about it). go into business (=start working in business) A lot
b) if it is someone's business to do something, it is their of university graduates want to go into business.
duty or responsibility to do it: it is the business of sb to do set up/start up in business The bank gave me a loan
sth /t is the business of government to listen to the various to help me set up in business.
groups within society. stay in business (=continue operating and not
6 LILLE
Ge ~4(U] things that need to be become bankrupt)
done or discussed: Okay, let’s get down to business (=start go out of business (=stop doing business because
doing or discussing something). | ‘ls there any other busi- of financial problems) In a recession smaller firms
ness?’ the chairman asked. often go out of business.
7 {kaa [singular] a situation or activity, especially one a yi sines arrives ‘
that you have a particular opinion about or attitude the music/entertainment/computer etc business
towards: a serious/strange/funny etc business Leon regards He started out working in the computer business.
keeping fit as a serious business. | Tanya found the whole
business ridiculous.
8 be in business a) to be involved in business activities: a business deal (=an occasion when you buy or sell
The company has been in business for over 30 years. b) spo- something) Negotiation is the most important part of a
ken to have all that you need to start doing something: business deal.
I've just got to buy the paint and then we're in business. business activities His wife refused to get involved in
9 (go) out of business if a company goes out of business, his business activities.
or something puts it out of business, it stops operating, business interests (=business activities, or shares in
especially because of financial problems: Higher interest companies) Both companies have substantial business
rates will drive small firms out of business. interests in Indonesia.
10 be back in business to be working or operating in a the business community (=people who work in
normal way again: The band are back in business after a business) There was pressure on the government from
long break. the business community.
11 sb was (just) minding their own business spoken used to the business world You need to be flexible in today’s
say that someone was not doing anything unusual or highly competitive business world.
-COMMONERRORS
wrong at the time when something unfair or bad hap-
pened to them: ! was driving along, minding my own busi-
. Say do business.
ness, when the police stopped my car. A\ Do not say 'make business’
12 go about your business to do the things that you nor-
mally do: The street was full of ordinary people going about
feo)HKofey-
gle)NS- MEANING 2
their business.
13 make it your business to do sth to make a special effort “VERBS ee.
to do something: Ruth made it her business to get to know have/own a business Nick owned a software business |}
the customers. in Boston.
14 mean business informal to be serious about doing run a business (=manage it) There's plenty of advice
something even if it involves harming someone: The bor- available on how to run your own business.
der is guarded by troops who mean business. start/set up a business When you're starting a
15 unfinished business something you need to discuss fur- ! business, you have to work longer hours.
ther with someone or a situation that has not yet reached take over a business (=buy it or start running it)
a satisfactory solution: The sudden death of a loved one can When my father retired, | took over the business.
often leave the bereaved with an agonising sense of unfin- build (up)/develop a business He spent years trying
ished business. to build a business in Antigua. 16
 ( (2 GS = the most fequenialwords in written English 219 bust-up

a business succeeds |a business collapses/fails ‘bus stop n [Cc] a place at the side of a road, marked
cSstops pperating) with a sign, where buses stop for passengers
bust?! /bast/ v (past tense and past participle bust BrE,
busted especially AmE) [T]
a small business G ys only a few people)
1 EE informal to break something: | bust my watch this
Many small businesses ae bes badly hit by the
morning. | Tony busted the door down.
recession.
2 Ga a) if the police bust someone, they charge them
a software/catering/construction etc business His
with a crime: He was busted by US inspectors at the border. |
girlfriend runs a catering business.
bust sb for sth Davis got busted for drugs. b) informal if the —
a family business (=owned and controlled by one
family) For many years the hotel was a family business. police bust a place, they go into it to look for something
illegal: Federal agents busted several money-exchange busi-
an import/export business |a successful/
nesses.
profitable/thriving business |a viable business
3 bust a gut (also bust your butt/ass AmE spo-
(=one that is likely to be successful)
ken) informal to try extremely hard to do something: | bust
a gut trying to finish that work on time.
a business partner (=someone who shares a 4 (Ts Ame informal to use too much money, so that a
business with you) Margie was his wife and also his business etc must stop operating: The trip to Spain will
business partner. probably bust our budget.
a business manager |a business customer/client 5 crime-busting/union-busting/budget-busting etc informal
used with nouns to show that a situation is being ended
‘business card n [Cc] a card that shows a business or an activity is being stopped: crime-busting laws
person's name, position, company, address etc 6... or bust! informal used to say that you will try very hard
‘business class n [U] travelling conditions on an air- to go somewhere or do something: Idaho or bust!
craft that are more expensive than TOURIST CLASS, but not 7 especially AmE to give someone a lower mili-
as expensive as FIRST CLASS > ECONOMY CLASS tary rank as a punishment [SYN]|demote
‘business end n the business end (of sth) informal the bust out phr v informal to escape from a place, especially
end of a tool or weapon that does the work or causes the prison
damage: the business end of a gun bust up phr v informal
1 BrE if people bust up, they end their relationship or
‘business jhours n [plural] the normal hours that friendship {SYN|break up: They bust up after six years of
shops and offices are open
marriage. + BUST-UP(1)
busi-ness:like /biznis-laik/ adj effective and practical 2 bust sth < up to prevent an illegal activity or bad
in the way that you do things: a businesslike manner situation from continuing [SYN] break up: A couple of teach-
busi-ness:man /'biznisman/ n (plural businessmen ers stepped in to bust up the fight.
/-man/) [C] aman who works in business 3 bust sth <> up AmE to damage or break something: A
‘business park n [Cc] an area where many companies bunch of bikers busted up the bar.
and businesses have buildings and offices 4AmeE to start laughing a lot [SYN|crack up: Elaine busted
‘business {person n (plural business people) [C] a up laughing at the sight of him.
person who works in business bust? n [c] 1a model of someone's head, shoulders,
‘business ,plan n [c] a document that explains what a and upper chest, usually made of stone or metal: [+of] a
company wants to do in the future, and how it plans to do bust of Beethoven 2 a woman's breasts, or the part of her
it clothes that covers her breasts 3 a measurement around
a woman's breast and back: a 36-inch bust 4 informal a
‘business school n [c,U] a college or part of a college
situation in which the police go into a place in order to
where students can study economic and financial sub-
catch people doing something illegal: a drug bust + boom
jects and learn about managing a business
to bust at BOOM'(1)
‘business studies n [U] a course of study on eco-
bust? adj [not before noun] 1 go bust informal a business
nomic and financial subjects and managing a business
that goes bust cannot continue operating 2. BrE informal
‘business ‘suit n [C] AmE a suit that someone wears broken: The television’s bust again.
during the day at work
bust-ed /'bastid/ adj AmE spoken informal 1 broken: a
busi-ness:wom-an /‘bizniswomen/ n (plural busi- busted arm 2 [not before noun] caught doing something
nesswomen /-wimin/) [C] a woman who works in busi-
wrong and likely to be punished: You guys are so busted!
ness
bus-ter /‘pasta $ -ar/ n1 AmE spoken used to speak to a
bus-ing /'bastn/ n [U] a system in the US in which
man who is annoying you or who you do not respect:
students ride buses to schools that are far from where
You're under arrest, buster! 2 crime-buster/ budget-buster/
they live, so that a school has students of different races
sanctions-buster etc informal used with nouns to mean
* busk /bask/ v [1] BrE to play music in a public place in someone or something that ends a situation or stops an
order to earn money —busker n [C] activity
‘bus lane n[C] a part of a wide road that only buses are bus-ti-er /'bastiet, 'bus- $ burs'tjer, bas-/ n [C] a tight
allowed to use piece of clothing that women wear on the top half of the
bus-load /baslaud ¢ -loud/ n [C] AmE an amount of body, which does not cover their shoulders or arms
people on a bus that is full bus-tle" /'basal/ v [| always + adv/prep] to move around
‘bus-man's hol-i-day /,basmanz ‘holidi $ -'ha:lider/ n quickly, looking very busy: [+about/round etc] Madge
[singular] BrE a holiday spent doing the same work as you bustled round the room, putting things away.
do in your job - often used humorously
bustle? n 1 [singular] busy and usually noisy activity:
‘bus Pass n[C] a special ticket giving cheap or free bus [+of] a continual bustle of people coming and going — hus-
travel tle and bustle at HUSTLE7(1) 2 [C] a frame worn by women
buss /bas/ v [T] AmE old-fashioned to kiss someone in a in the past to hold out the back of their skirts
friendly rather than sexual way: politicians bussing babies bus-tling /'basaltn/ adj a bustling place is very busy:
bus:ses /basiz/ na plural of bus bustling with sb/sth The flower market was bustling with
‘bus shelter n (Cc) especially BrE a small structure with shoppers.
a roof that keeps people dry while they are waiting for a ‘bust-up n [C] informal1 the end of a relationship: [+of]
bus the bust-up of their marriage — bust up at BusT' 2 BrE a
‘bus station (also ‘bus terminal) n [C] a place where very bad quarrel or fight: Cathy and | had a real bust-up
buses start and finish their journeys yesterday.
 220 [XG = words from the Academic Word List

bust-y /'basti/ adj informal a woman who is busty has second one adds something different or seems surprising
large breasts after the first one: It’s an old car, but it’s very reliable. | They
rushed to the hospital, but they were too late. | We've invited
bus-y" §) @ /‘b1zi/ adj (comparative busier, superlative
the boss, but she may decide not to come. |an expensive but
busiest)
extremely useful book | ‘Has he got any experience?” ‘No, but
1 [een if you are busy, you are working hard and have
a lot of things to do: She’s busy now - can you phone later? |
he’s keen to learn.’
2used to introduce a statement that explains why the
a busy mother of four | [+with] Mr Haynes is busy with a
thing you have mentioned did not happen or is not
customer at the moment. | busy doing sth Rachel's busy
possible: I'd like to go but I'm too busy. | They would have
studying for her exams. | There were lots of activities to keep
married sooner, but they had to wait for her divorce.
the kids busy.
3 used after a negative to emphasize that it is the second
2g a busy period of time is full of work or other
part of the sentence that is true: He lied to the court not
activities: December is the busiest time of year for shops. | a
just once, but on several occasions. | The purpose of the
busy day | He took time out of his busy schedule to visit us.
scheme is not to help the employers but to provide work for
3 [Juaa a busy place is very full of people or vehicles and
movement: We live on a very busy road. young people.
4 (LE especially Ame if a telephone you are calling 4 except: What can we do but sit and wait? || had no choice
is busy, it makes a repeated sound to tell you that the
but to accept the challenge. |Not a day goes by but | think of
dear old Larry (=| think of him every day). BEESATTE>
person you are calling is talking on their telephone
[SyN|engaged BrE: | called Sonya, but her line was busy. | | EXCEPT .
5 but for a) used when you are saying that something
keep getting a busy signal.
5 a pattern or design that is busy is too full of would have happened if something or someone else had
not prevented it: But for these interruptions, the meeting
small details - used to show disapproval
would have finished earlier. | The score could have been
_ THESAURUS higher but for some excellent goalkeeping by Simon. || might
never have got to university but for you. b) except for
sy, you have a lot of things you something or someone: All was silent but for the sound of
need to do: Sorry | haven't called you, but I’ve been the wind in the trees.
really busy. | a busy housewife 6 but then (again) spoken a) used when you are adding a
rushed/run off your feet [not before noun] especially statement that says almost the opposite of what you
BrE spoken very busy and in a hurry, because you have just said: John might be ready to help us, but then
have too many things to do: We've been absolutely again, he might not. | You feel really sorry for him. But then
rushed off our feet getting ready for our son's birthday again, it’s hard to like him. b) used when you are adding a
party. statement that makes what you have just said seem less
snowed under [not before noun] especially BrE so busy surprising: Dinah missed the last rehearsal, but then she
that you can hardly deal with all the work you have always was unreliable, wasn’t she?
to do: | can’t stop for lunch today - I’m completely 7 spoken used when you are replying to someone and
snowed under, expressing strong feelings such as anger, surprise etc: But
up to your ears/neck in sth [not before noun] informal that’s marvellous news! | ‘They won't even discuss the prob-
extremely busy because you have a lot of work to lem.’ ‘But how stupid!’
deal with: Teachers say they are up to their ears in 8 sb cannot but do sth formal used to say that someone
paperwork and don’t have enough time for teaching. has to do something or cannot stop themselves from
tied up [not before noun] busy in your job, so that you doing it: | could not but admire her.
cannot do anything else: I’m sorry, but he’s tied up at 9 spoken used when disagreeing with someone: ‘It was a
the moment. Could you call back later? good idea.’ ‘But it didn’t work.’
have a lot to do especially spoken to have to do a lot 10 spoken used to emphasize a word or statement: It'll be
of things, so that you need to hurry or work hard: a great party - everyone, but everyone, is coming. | They're
Let's get started - we have a lot to do. rich, but | mean rich.
have a lot on Br£, have a lot going on Ame especially 11 spoken used to change the subject of a conversation:
spoken to be busy, especially because you have But now to the main question. | But tell me, are you really
arranged to do a lot of things during a particular planning to retire?
period: I've got a lot on this weekend. 12 spoken used after expressions such as ‘Excuse me’ and
‘I'm sorry’: Excuse me, but I'm afraid this is a no-smoking
z area.
busy use this about times when you have a lot of
things you need to do: We have a busy day ahead of
us tomorrow. but conjunction used when linking two words or
hectic a hectic time or situation is extremely busy, phrases that seem opposite or very different in
so that you are always in a hurry and often feel meaning. Don't use but at the beginning of a
excited or worried: It was really hectic at work today. sentence in written English: The plant's leaves are big,
the rush hour the time in the morning and evening but its flowers are quite small. |Her books are
when a lot of people are travelling to or from work: fascinating but often rather disturbing.
The buses are so crowded during the rush hour you although conjunction used when contrasting one
never get a seat. clause with another in the same sentence: Although
you are in the middle of the city, you feel as ifyou are in
busy” v (busied, busying, busies) [T] busy yourself with the countryside. | |enjoyed German although | wasn't
sth to use your time dealing with something: He busied very good at it.
himself with answering letters. however conjunction used when saying something
bus:y-bod+y /‘bizibpdi $ -bardi/ n (plural busybodies) that seems different or surprising after your previous
[C] someone who is too interested in other people's statement. It is usually used in the middle of a
private activities - used to show disapproval sentence, separated from the rest of the sentence by *
commas. It can also come at the beginning: Jack and
busy Liz-zie /brzi '‘zi/ n [C] a small plant with bright his family managed to escape before the soldiers
flowers
arrived. Other families in the village, however, were less,
bus-y-work /'biziw3:k $ -wa:rk/ n [U] AmE work that lucky. | The town is a long way from the nearest big city.
gives someone something to do, but that is not really However, there is a good bus service.
necessary nevertheless/nonetheless conjunction used when
but! & Gy /bet; strong bat/ conjunction saying something that seems different or surprising
1used to connect two statements or phrases when the after your previous statement. It is used at the
 [X43 = words from the Academic Word List 221 button
beginning or end of a sentence: /t was certainly a people often make jokes about: Paul quickly became the
terrible accident. Nevertheless, air travel is still the butt of everyone's jokes.
safest form of transport. | The weather turned bad early Af the thick end of the handle of a gun: a rifle butt
in the day, but the festival was a great success 5 get your butt in/out/over etc AmE spoken used to rudely
nonetheless. tell someone to go somewhere or do something: Kevin,
whereas /weor'ez/ /while conjunction used when get your butt over here!
making comparisons and saying that something is 6 work/play etc your butt off AmE spoken to work, play etc
true of one person, thing, or situation, but it is very hard: | worked my butt off in college.
different for another. They are used when 7M Bre a large round container for collecting or
contrasting one clause with another in the same storing liquids: a rainwater butt
sentence: Some people visit their doctor once every few SHINee es) the act of hitting someone
weeks, while others may not visit a doctor for several with your head
years. | Whereas in most of the world they drive on the butt? y [1,1] 1to hit or push against something or
right, in the UK and Japan they drive on the left. someone with your head 2 if an animal butts someone, it
by contrast formal used when making comparisons hits them with its horns
and saying that a person, thing, or situation is very butt in phr v 1to interrupt a conversation rudely: Stop
different from the one you have just mentioned. It is butting in! 2 to become involved in a private situation that
used when referring back to the previous sentence: does not concern you: [ton] They don’t want outsiders
The surface temperature on Venus is higher than the butting in on their decision-making.
boiling point of water. Mars, by contrast, is very cold. butt out phr v especially AmE spoken used to tell someone
rudely that you do not want them to be involved in a
- but? G3 prep conversation or situation: This has nothing to do with you,
lapart from [SyN]except: | could come any day but so just butt out!
Thursday. | There’s no one here but me. | | could still see butte /bju:t/ n [C] a hill with steep sides and a flat top
nothing but the spirals of desert dust. | He was unable to in the western US
swallow anything but liquids.
2 the last but one/the next but two etc especially BrE the last but-ter’ gy ‘bata $ -ar/ n [U]
or next thing or person except for one, two etc: Pauline 1a solid yellow food made from milk or cream that you
and Derek live in the next house but one (=they live two spread on bread or use in cooking —+ BREAD-AND-BUTTER
houses away from us). 2 butter wouldn't melt in sb’'s mouth used to say that some-
one seems to be very kind and sincere but is not really
but? § (8 adv only: This is but one example of what can —buttery adj
happen when things go badly wrong. | It's going to be
butter? v [T] to spread butter on something: buttered
difficult. Anyway, we can but try. | We have relationships of
toast
many different sorts - with our children, our parents, our boss
butter sb <> up phr v informal to say nice things to
and our friends, to name but a few.
someone so that they will do what you want: Don’t think
but* /bat/ n buts [plural] spoken reasons that someone you can butter me up that easily.
gives for not doing something or agreeing with some- ‘butter bean n [Cc] a large pale yellow bean
thing: ‘! don’t want to hear any buts,’ Jo snapped. |He is the
but-ter-cream /'batakrizm $ -ar-/ n [U] a soft mixture
best player - no ifs, ands, or buts about that.
of butter and sugar used inside or on top of cakes
bu-tane /'bju:temn/ n [U] a gas stored in liquid form, but-ter-cup /‘batakap $ -ar-/ n [C] a small shiny yellow
used for cooking and heating wild flower
butch /but{/ adj informal 1a woman who is butch looks, but-ter-fat /'batefet $ -ar-/ n [U] the natural fat in milk
behaves, or dresses like a man 2 a man who is butch but-ter-fin-gers /\batafingaz $ 'batarfingarz/ n [singu-
seems big and strong, and typically male lar] informal someone who often drops things they are
butch-er" By /butfa $ -ar/ n carrying or trying to catch
1[C] someone who owns or works in a shop that sells but-ter-fly /'bataflar $ -ar-7 n (plural butterflies) [C]
meat 1 a type of insect that has large wings, often with beauti-
2 the butcher's a shop where you can buy meat ful colours — see picture at INSECT 2 have/get butterflies
3 [C] someone who has killed someone else cruelly and (in your stomach) informal to feel very nervous before
unnecessarily, especially someone who has killed a lot of doing something: | always get butterflies before an exam.
people 3 the butterfly a way of swimming by lying on your front
4 have/take a butcher's BrE spoken informal to have a look and moving your arms together over your head while
at something your legs move up and down — see picture at SWIM
butcher? v [1] 1 to kill animals and prepare them to be 4 someone who usually moves on quickly from one activ-
used as meat 2 to kill someone cruelly or unnecessarily, ity or person to the next: Gwen’s a real social butterfly.
_ especially to kill a lot of people 3 informal to spoil some- but-ter-milk /batamilk $ -ar-/ n [U] the liquid that
thing by working carelessly: That hairdresser really butch- remains after butter has been made
ered my hair! but-ter-scotch /bataskot{ $ -arska:t{/ n [U] a type of
butch-ery /butfari/ n [U] 1 cruel and unnecessary sweet or sauce made from butter and sugar boiled
killing: the butchery of battle 2 the preparation of meat for together, or the taste this has: butterscotch pudding
sale butt-hole /'bathaol $ -houl/ n [C] AmE spoken not polite
but-ler /batla $ -er/ n [Cc] the main male servant of a 1 someone's ANUS 2 used to insult someone: You butthole!
house but-tock /'batak/ n [C usually plural] one of the fleshy
But-lins /‘batlinz/ trademark a group of HOLIDAY CAMPS parts of your body that you sit on
in various seaside towns in the UK. They were started by but-ton" gy /batn/ n [Cc]
Sir Billy Butlin (899-1980) with the aim of providing 1a small round flat object on your shirt, coat etc that you
inexpensive holidays for ordinary working people, and pass through a hole to fasten it: small pearl buttons | A
they were especially popular in the 1950s and 1960s. button was missing from his shirt. |She undid (=unfastened)
butt? /bat/ n [c] the buttons of her blouse. | do up a button BrE (=fasten a
IDAs Ame informal the part of your body button)
that you sit on{S¥N] buttocks: a baby’s soft little butt + bea 2a small part or area of a machine that you press to
pain in the butt at PAIN"(3) make it do something: Press the pause button. |Click on the
2@%0G ~the end of a cigarette after most of it has icon with the right mouse button. —+ PUSH-BUTTON
been smoked 3a small area on a computer screen, especially on a
3 be the butt of sth to be the person or thing that other website, that you CLICK on in order to perform an action
button Sl & & = the most frequent words in spoken English

' BUTTON bux-om /'baksam/ adj a woman who is buxom is attrac-

tively large and healthy and has big breasts
ie

| Frequencies of the verbs buy, get and purchase in spoken

and written English.
SPOKEN
buy
get

purchase

| |WRITTEN
buy
get

purchase
aie T T
200 400 600 per million

All three verbs are used to mean ‘get something by paying for it’. The
graph shows that in this meaning get is extremely common in spoken
English. However, get is informal and is not at all common in |
| English. Purchase is used in formal or business contexts. It is not very
common and is used more in written English than in spoken English.

buy" SJ /bat/ v (past tense and past participle bought

/bait $ boxt/)
Ja) [7] to get something by paying money for it
[opp|sell: Where did you buy that dress? | Ricky showed her
the painting he’d bought that morning. | buy sb sth Let me
buy you a drink. | buy sth for sb/sth The money will be used
to buy equipment for the school. | buy (sth) from sb /t’s
cheaper to buy direct from the manufacturer. | buy sth for
$10/£200 ete Dan bought the car for $2,000. | It’s much
cheaper to buy in bulk (=buy large quantities of some-
thing). b) [T] if a sum of money buys something, it is
4AmE a small metal or plastic pin with a message or enough to pay for it: $50 doesn’t buy much these days. |buy
picture on it [SYN] badge BrE: presidential campaign buttons sb sth $75 should buy us a pizza and a drink.
5 button nose/eyes a nose or eyes that are small and 2 buy (sb) time to deliberately make more time for your-
round self to do something, for example by delaying a decision:
6 on the button especially AmE informal exactly right, or at ‘Can we talk about it later?’ he said, trying to buy a little
exactly the right time: She got to our house at two, on the more time.
button. 37] informal to believe something that someone tells
7 press/push (all) the right buttons to get what you want you, especially when it is not likely to be true: ‘Let’s just
by behaving in a clever way: She seemed to push all the say it was an accident.’ ‘He'll never buy that.’
right buttons. 4[T] informal to pay money to someone, especially
8 press/push sb’s buttons to make someone angry by someone in a position of authority, in order to persuade
doing or saying something that annoys them: He really them to do something dishonest [SYN] bribe: People say the
knows how to push Dad's buttons. judge had been bought by the Mafia.
9 at/with the push/touch of a button used to emphasize 5 buy sth at the cost/expense/price of sth to get something
how easy a machine is to use because it is controlled by that you want, but only by losing something else: The
pushing a button: The instrument can gauge a distance with town has been careful not to buy prosperity at the expense of
the push of a button. > as bright as a button at BRIGHT(7) its character.
6 sb bought it old-fashioned informal someone was killed
button? v [1,7]1 (also button up) to fasten clothes with 7 buy off-plan if you buy property off-plan, you buy a
buttons, or to be fastened with buttons: Sam, make sure house, flat etc that is just starting to be built, with an
Nina buttons up her jacket. 2 button it! BrE, button your arrangement to pay part of the cost of the property at
lip/mouth! AmE spoken used to tell someone in a rude way that time and the balance when the property is finished
to stop talking
‘button-down adj [only before noun] 1a button-down
buy to pay money for something so that you can
shirt or collar has the ends of the collar fastened to the
own it: I've just bought a new car. | The painting was
shirt with buttons 2 a button-down company or style is
bought by a museum in New York. \
formal and traditional: He didn’t fit in with the button-down
purchase formal to buy something, especially
culture of his new boss,
something large or expensive, in a business deal or
ibuttoned-'up adj informal someone who is by a legal contract: They purchased 5,000 acres of
buttoned-up is not able to express their feelings, espe- land.
cially sexual feelings acquire formal to become the owner of something
large or expensive such as property, a company, or a
but-ton-hole /batnhaul $ -houl/ n [C] 1a hole for a
button to be put through to fasten a shirt, coat etc 2 BrE valuable object: In 2007 the business was acquired by
a flower you fasten to your clothes [S¥N] boutonniere AmE
a Dutch company.
get especially spoken to buy something, especially
but-tress' /'batras/ n [C] a brick or stone structure ordinary things such as food, clothes, or things for
built to support a wall your house: Did you remember to get some bread? | |
never know what to get Dad for his birthday.
buttress? v [T] formal to support a system, idea, argu-
snap sth up informal to buy something immediately,
ment etc, especially by providing money: The evidence
especially because it is very cheap, or because you
seemed to buttress their argument.
want it very much and you are worried that
but:ty /‘bati/ n (plural butties) [C] BrE informal a saNnb- someone else might buy it first: Real estate in the
WICH area is being snapped up by developers.
[1 G2 GS = the most frequent words in written English 223

pick sth up informal to buy something, especially 7 (SST) informal to fly an aircraft low and fast
something ordinary such as food or a newspaper, or over buildings, people etc: Military jets buzzed the city.
something that you have found by chance and are buzz off phr v spoken
pleased about owning: Could you pick up some milk on 1 buzz off! used to tell someone in a rude way to go away
your way home? | It’s just a little thing | picked up when 2 BrE to go away: I've finished everything, so I'll buzz off
| was in Kathmandu. now.
stock up to buy a lot of something you use regularly, buzz? n1[C] a continuous noise like the sound of a BEE:
because you may not be able to buy it later, or [+of] the buzz of mosquitoes 2 [singular] a lot of activity,
because you are planning to use more of it than noise, and excitement: [+of] the buzz of conversation and
usual: The supermarkets are full of people stocking up laughter 3 [singular] informal a strong feeling of excite-
for the New Year's holiday. ment, pleasure, or success, or a similar feeling from —
drinking alcohol or taking drugs: Playing well gives mea ~
buy sth < in phr v to buy something in large quantities:
buzz. | Neil gets a buzz from drinking one beer. 4 give sb a
Companies are buying in supplies of paper, in case the price
buzz informal to telephone someone: I'll give you a buzz on
goes up. Monday. 5 the buzz informal unofficial news or informa-
buy into sth phr v tion that is spread by people telling each other — gossip,
1informal to accept that an idea is right and allow it to rumour
influence you: | never bought into this idea that you have to
be thin to be attractive. buz-zard /'bazad $ -ard/ n [C] 1 BrE a type of large
2to buy part of a business or organization, especially HAWK (=hunting bird) 2 AmE a type of large bird that eats
because you want to control it: Investors were invited to dead animals
buy into state-owned enterprises. buzz-cut /bazkat/ n [C] AmE a hair style that is very
buy sb <> off phr v to pay someone money to stop them short, usually worn by men
causing trouble or threatening you [SYN] bribe buzz-er /'baza $ -ar/ n [C] a small thing, usually shaped
buy out phr v like a button, that Buzzes when you press it: Press the
1 buy sb/sth <> out to buy someone's share of a business buzzer if you know the answer.
Or property that you previously owned together, so that ‘buzz saW n [C] AmE a saw with a round blade that is
you have complete control —+ BUYOUT spun around by a motor [SYN] circular saw
2 buy sb out of sth to pay money so that someone can buzz-word /'bazw::d $ -wa:rd/ n [C] a word or phrase
leave an organization such as the army before their from one special area of knowledge that people suddenly
contract has ended think is very important: ‘Multimedia’ has been a buzzword
buy sth < up phr v to quickly buy as much of something in the computer industry for years. ESNTT>
DE word
as possible, for example land, tickets, or goods: Much of
the land was bought up by property developers. by" SO /bar/ prep
buy? n [C, usually singular] 1 something that is worth 1DLOACLT ar) used especially with a PASSIVE verb
buying, because it is cheap, good quality, or likely to gain to say who or what does something or makes something
in value: a good/excellent etc buy The wine is a good buy at happen: | was attacked by a dog. | a church designed by the
$6.50. |It’s worth shopping around for the best buy (=what famous architect, Sir Christopher Wren | We are all alarmed
you want at the lowest price). 2 informal an act of buying by the rise in violent crime. | interference by the state in the
something, especially something illegal [SYN] deal affairs of the Church | his appointment by the BBC as a
producer
buy-er Fj (5 bara $ -ar/ n [Cc] 2 MS0PDEEEL) used to say what means or method
1someone who buys something expensive such as a someone uses to do something: You can reserve the tickets
house or car [OPP] seller, vendor: There were several poten- by phone. |Send it by airmail. |Some customers prefer to pay
tial buyers. |discounts for first-time buyers by cheque. | by car/train/bus/taxi etc They travelled to
2 someone whose job is to choose and buy the goods for Chicago by train. |by air/sea/land/road/rail etc All supplies
a shop or company: a buyer for a chain store are transported by air. | by doing sth She earns her living by
(buyer's ‘market n [singular] a situation in which there selling insurance. | He was taken from his home by force.
is plenty of something available, so that buyers have a lot 3 [EDL used to say which road, entrance, door etc
of choice and prices tend to be low seller's market someone uses to get to a place: They came in by the back
buy-out /baraut/ n [C] a situation in which someone door. | It’s quicker to go by the country route.
gains control of a company by buying all or most of its 4 QTL) used to say which part of an object or of a
SHARES: a management buyout — buy out at Buy! person's body someone takes hold of: He took Elaine by
buzz" /baz/ v the arm and led her across the road. | She grabbed the
1{EEEITD) [1] to make a continuous sound, like the hammer by the handle.
sound of a Bee; a loud buzzing noise 5 used to give the name of some-
2 TTT) [! always + adv/prep] a) to move around one who wrote a book, produced a film, wrote a piece of
in the air making a continuous sound like a BEE: Bees were music etc: the ‘New World Symphony’ by Dvorak | a short
buzzing around the picnic tables. b) to move quickly around story by Charles Dickens | Who's it by?
a place: Pamela buzzed around checking that everything was 6 aan beside or near something: She stood by the
ready, | There were all sorts of rumours buzzing through the window. |Jane went and sat by Patrick.
office. 7 GEG past someone or something without stopping: He
3 Eco «([!] if a group of people or a place is walked right by me without even saying hello. | | pass by the
buzzing, there is a lot of activity or excitement: [+with] a farm every day on my way to work.
classroom buzzing with activity 8 EGR before or not later than a particular time: The
49 [1,7] a) to call someone by pressing a BUZZER: documents need to be ready by next Friday. || reckon the film
Kramer buzzed at the security door, and | let him in. | [+for] should be over by 9.30. | By the end of the day we had sold
Tina buzzed for her secretary. b) to make something hap- over 2,000 tickets. |By the time we got home we were tired
pen, for example make a door or gate open or close, by and hungry. BEFORE
pressing a buzzer: buzz sb in/out She buzzed them in and 9 STI) according to a particular rule, method,
greeted them warmly. | buzz sb through sth The guard or way of doing things: You've got to play by the rules. |
buzzed me through the gate. Profits were £6 million, but by our standards this is low.
Siete (1) if your head or mind is buzzing with 10 GENTS «used to say how great a change
thoughts, ideas etc, you cannot stop thinking about them: or difference is: The price of oil fell by a further $2 a barrel. |
[+with] My mind was buzzing with new ideas. | Questions | was overcharged by £3. | Godard'’s first film was better by
started buzzing round in my head. far (=by a large amount or degree).
6 G29) [1] if your ears or head are buzzing, you can hear NLL used to give the measurements of a
a continuous low unpleasant sound room, container etc: a room 15 metres by 23 metres
 224 [Xa = words from the Academic Word List

12 (02£0iiiay used to show what unit of measurement or bye? Er [C] a situation in a sports competition in
quantity is involved in selling, paying for, producing etc which a player or a team does not have an opponent to
something: Eggs are sold by the dozen. | We're paid by the play against and continues to the next part of the compe-
hour, |She wanted to tear his hair out by the handful. tition
13 Gea used to say that something happens bye= /bat/ prefix another spelling of By-
gradually: Day by day, he grew weaker. | Little by little, | was bye-bye interjection informal goodbye - used especially
beginning to discover the truth about Garfield. |One by one, when speaking to children, friends, or members of your
the men stepped forward. family: Say bye-bye to Daddy, Tommy.
14 fw used to say that something or someone 'bye-byes n go (to) bye-byes BrE an expression meaning
is quickly becoming worse, better etc: The financial crisis go to sleep, used by or to children
was growing more serious by the hour. ‘by-election, 'bye-election n [C] especially BrE a special
15 (Mihy used to say that something happens in a par- election to replace a politician who has left parliament or
ticular kind of light: We walked through the palace gardens died — general election
by moonlight.
by-gone /bargpn $ -go:n/ adj bygone age/era/days etc a
16 by day/night during the day or the night: a tour of Paris
period of time in the past: The buildings reflect the elegance
by night
17 (Lag used when you are giving information
ofa bygone era.
about someone's character, job, origin etc: George | and by-gones /'bargonz $ -go:nz/_n let bygones be bygones
George || were Germans by birth. | Cautious by nature, to forget something bad that someone has done to you
Simpkin was reluctant to interfere. |Robert Key was a teacher and forgive them
by profession. by-law /'batls: $ -lo:/ n [C] 1a law made by a local
18] Siglta in order to visit a person or place for a short government that people in that area must obey 2 AmE a
time: On the way, | stopped by the post office. rule made by an organization to control the people who
19 (all) by yourself a) completely alone: Dave spent Christ- belong to it
mas all by himself. b) without help from anyone: You can't ‘by-line n [Cc] a line at the beginning of an article in a
move the furniture all by yourself. newspaper or magazine that gives the writer's name
20 sanaaeta
(Si used between two numbers by-pass’ /'barpa:s $ -pes/ n [C] 1 (heart) bypass
when talking about multiplying or dividing: What's 48 operation/surgery an operation to direct blood through
divided by 4? new VEINs (=blood tubes) outside the heart because the
21{0G0E8 used when expressing strong feelings or veins in the heart are blocked or diseased: a triple heart
making serious promises: By God, I'll kill that boy when | bypass operation 2 a road that goes around a town or
see him! other busy area rather than through it — ring road
22 Ma if a woman has children by a particular man, 3 technical a tube that allows gas or liquid to flow around
that man is the children’s father: She’s got two children by something rather than through it
her previous husband. bypass? v[T]1 to go around a town or other busy place
23 by the by spoken used when mentioning something that rather than through it: [nterstate 8 bypasses the town to the
may be interesting but is not particularly important: By north. 2 to avoid obeying a rule, system, or Someone in an
the by, lan said he might call round tonight. + by the way at official position: Francis bypassed his manager and wrote
WAY straight to the director.
GRAMMAR: by, with mn ‘by- product, by-prod-uct /'baz,prodakt $ -pra:-/ n [C]
By is used, especially after passive verbs, to say who 1 something additional that is produced during a natural
or what does something: The article was written by a or industrial process: [+of] a by-product of oil refining
university professor. |She was hit by a truck. 2 an unplanned additional result of something that you
With is used after verbs that describe a state rather do: [+of] Job losses are an unfortunate byproduct of the
than an action: The books were covered with dust recession, + END PRODUCT
(NOT by dust). | Her house is always filled with music. byre /bata $ bair/ n [C] BrE old-fashioned a farm building
By is used to say what means or method someone in which cattle are kept [SYN] cowshed
uses to do something: He replied by email. by-stand-er /'barstenda $ -ar/ n [C] someone who
With is used to say what tool is used to do watches what is happening without taking part
something: Clean the surface thoroughly with a wire [SYN] onlooker: Several innocent bystanders were killed by the
Kebrush (NOT by a wire brush). ve
blast.
byte /bazt/ n [C] a unit for measuring computer infor-
by? Ga fl adv mation, equal to eight Bits (=the smallest unit on which
1past someone or something: As | was standing on the information is stored on a computer): Each character
platform, the Liverpool train went whizzing by. | James requires one byte of storage space. + GIGABYTE, KILOBYTE,
walked by without even looking in my direction. MEGABYTE, TERABYTE
2 used to say that time passes: As the summer days slipped by-way /'batwer/ n[C]1 a small road or path that is not
by, it was easy to forget about the war. | Ten years had gone used very much 2 byways [plural] the less important parts
by since | had last seen Marilyn. of an activity or subject: a scholar exploring the highways
3 beside or near someone or something: A crowd ofpeople and byways of Russian music (=the important and less
were standing by, waiting for an announcement. important parts)
4 in order to visit a person or place for a short time: Why
by-word /'barws:d $ -ws:rd/ n1 be a byword for sth to be
don’t you stop by for a drink after work?
so well known for a particular quality that your name is
5 by and large used when making a general statement: By
used to represent that quality: His name has become a
and large, the new arrangements have worked well.
byword for honesty in the community. 2 [singular] a word,
6 by and by old use soon: She will be better by and by.
phrase, or saying that is very well known: Caution should
by=, bye- /bat/ prefix less important: a by-product bea byword for investors.
(=something made in addition to the main product) | a By-zan-tine /bar'zentatn, -ti:n, br- $ ‘bizanti:n, -tain/
by-election (=one held between regular elections) adj1 (also byzantine) complicated and difficult to under-
bye? §] /bat/ interjection informal goodbye: Bye, Dave. | stand: the byzantine complexity of our tax laws 2 relating to
bye for now (=used to say that you will see or speak to the Byzantines or the Byzantine Empire: a 5Sth-century
someone again soon) Byzantine church
 ‘cabin ,cruiser n [C] a large motorboat with one or
more cabins for people to sleep in
cab:i-net Gy [ /‘kebinit/ n [C]
1 (also Cabinet) [also + plural verb] BrE the politicians with
important positions in a government who meet to make
decisions or advise the leader of the government: a
cabinet meeting | a member of the Cabinet —+ Shadow
Cabinet at sHADOW?3(2)
2 a piece of furniture with doors and shelves or drawers,
Cl ic /si:/ n (plural C's, c's) [C,U] 1 the third letter of the
used for storing or showing things [S¥N|cupboard: the
English alphabet 2 the first note in the musical SCALE of C
medicine cabinet — FILING CABINET
MAJOR, or the musical KEY based on this note 3 a mark
given to. a student's work to show that it is of average ‘cabinet=- maker n [Cc] someone whose job is to make
quality 4 the number 100 in the system of ROMAN NUMER- good-quality wooden furniture
ALS ‘cabin fever n [U] informal when you feel upset and
C? 1 the written abbreviation of Celsius or Centigrade: impatient because you have not been outside for a long
Water boils at 100°C. 2 written informal a way of writing time
‘see’, used especially in emails and TEXT MESSAGES: CU ca-ble" [A /kerbal/ n
(=See you) in class! 1[C] a plastic or rubber tube containing wires that carry
€ (also c.) 1 (also C) the written abbreviation of century: telephone messages, electronic signals, television pic-
the economic changes of the C20th 2 a written abbrevia- tures etc: cables and switches for computers | overhead/
tion of circa (=about), used especially before dates: c. underground/undersea cable overhead power cables
18303 © the written abbreviation of copyright 4 AmE the 2[C,U] a thick strong metal rope used on ships, to sup-
written abbreviation of cup, used in cooking port bridges etc
Ca. (also ca BrE) a written abbreviation of circa (=about): 3 [U] a system of broadcasting television by using cables,
dating from ca. 1900 paid for by the person watching it: on cable /'l/ wait for the
movie to come out on cable. | cable network/channel/
CAA, the /si: ex 'e1/ (the Civil Aviation Authority) a
programme
British organization that controls the operation of the air
4[C] a TELEGRAM
travel industry, especially by making safety rules and
directing the traffic of planes in the UK cable? y [1,7] to send someone a TELEGRAM: cable sb sth |
cabled Mary the good news.
cab /keb/ n[C]1 a taxi: New York's yellow cabs |take/get
acab / took a cab to the airport. |call (sb) a cab (=telephone ‘cable car n [C] 1a vehicle that hangs from a moving
for a taxi) |Ralph tried to hail a cab (=wave to get a cab to cable, and is used to take people up and down mountains
stop for you). 2 the part of a bus, train, or truck in which 2 a vehicle similar to a train that is pulled along by a
the driver sits 3 a carriage pulled by horses that was used moving cable
like a taxi in the past ca-ble-cast /‘kerbalkaist $ -kest/ n [C] AmE a show,
CAB, the /si: ex ‘'bi:/ (the Citizens Advice Bureau) a sports event etc that is broadcast on a CABLE TELEVISION
British organization supported by the government which station — broadcast: the MTV Video Awards cablecast
gives free advice to ordinary people about legal, financial, —cablecast v [T]
and other problems. Most towns and cities in the UK ‘cable-kmnit adj a cable-knit sweATER has a raised pattern
have a Citizens Advice Bureau, and most of the people of crossing lines on it
who work for it are VOLUNTEERS (=they are not paid for ‘cable modem pn [Cc] a mopem (piece of computer
their work). equipment that allows information from one computer to
ca:bal /ka'bel/ n [C] formal a small group of people who be sent to another) that uses CABLE connections instead
make secret plans, especially in order to have political of telephone wires, and allows you to search the Internet
power very quickly
ca-ba:na /ke'baina $ -'be-/ n[C] a tent or small wooden ‘cable railway n [Cc] a railway on which vehicles are
structure used for changing clothes at a beach or pool pulled up steep slopes by a moving CABLE
cab-a-ret /kebarer $ keeba'rer/ n 1 [C,U] entertainment, ‘cable-,ready adja television that is cable-ready is able
usually with music, songs, and dancing, performed in a to receive cable television signals directly without need-
restaurant or club while the customers eat and drink: a ing any special equipment
cabaret singer 2 [C] a restaurant or club where this is cable ‘television (also cable T'V) a system of broad-
performed: the most famous Parisian cabaret, the Moulin casting television programmes by CABLE —> SATELLITE
Rouge TELEVISION
cab-bage /‘kebid3/ n1[C,U] a large round vegetable ca-bling /‘kerbltn/ n [U] all the wires that are used for
_ with thick green or purple leaves — see picture at electrical equipment or an electrical system
VEGETABLE! 2 [C] BrE informal someone who cannot think, ca:boo-dle /ka'bu:dl/ n the whole (kit and) caboodle
move, speak etc as a result of brain injury [SYN{ vegetable informal everything: | think it’s time to replace the whole
cab-bie, cabby /‘kebi/ n [C] informal a taxi driver caboodle: computer, printer, and monitor.
ca:ber /‘kerba $ -ar/ n [C] a long heavy wooden pole ca-boose /ka'burs/ n [C] AmE a small railway carriage
that is thrown into the air as a test of strength in sports at the back of a train, usually where the person in charge
competitions in Scotland of it travels [SYN] guard's van BrE
cab-in /'‘kebin/ n [C] 1a small house, especially one ‘cab rank n [Cc] BrE a place where: taxis wait for
built of wood in an area of forest or mountains: a log cabin customers cabstand AmE
2a small room on a ship in which you live or sleep cab-ri-o-let /kebrialer $ kebria'let/ n [C] BrE a car with
3 an area inside a plane where the passengers sit or a roof that can be folded back [SYN] convertible
where the pilot works: the First Class cabin cab:stand /‘kebstend/ n [C] AmE a place where taxis
‘cabin boy n [Cc] a young man who works as a servant wait for customers [SYN] taxi rank, cab rank BrE
ona ship ° Cacao /ka'kav/ n [U] the seed from which chocolate
‘cabin class n [U] travelling conditions on a ship that and COCOA are made
are better than TOURIST CLASS but not as good as FIRST CLASS cache" /ke{/ n [C] 1a number of things that have been
‘cabin crew n [U] the group of people whose job is to hidden, especially weapons, or the place where they have
take care of the passengers on a plane — flight attendant, been hidden: [+of] a cache of explosives | a large arms
stewardess cache 2 technical a special part of a computer's memory
cache 226 al is2| B== the mostabivequent words in TOSI English

that helps it work faster by storing information for a short café/cybercafé a public place where you can pay to use
time: cache memory the Internet and buy drinks etc
cache? v [T] 1to hide something in a secret place, caf-e-te-ri-a /kefStraria $ -'tur-/ n [C] a restaurant,
especially weapons 2 technical to store information in a often in a factory, college etc, where you choose from
computer's memory for a short time foods that have already been cooked and carry your own
cach-et /kefer $ keJer/ n [singular, U] formal if some- food to a table [SYN|canteen BrE: the school cafeteria
thing has cachet, people think it is very good or special GEESE RESTAURANT
[syN|kudos: It’s a good college, but lacks the cachet of caf-e-tiére / kefa'tjea $ -'tjer/ n [C] BrE a pot for making
Harvard. coffee, with a metal FILTER that you push down
cack-hand:ed / kek 'hendid</ adj BrE informal careless caff /kef/ n [C] BrE informal a café
and tending to drop things, or badly done [SYN] clumsy
caf-feine /kefiin $ ke'fiin/ n [U] a substance in tea,
cack-le’ /kekal/ v [I] 1to laugh in a loud unpleasant coffee, and some other drinks that makes you feel more
way, making short high sounds FiGSAUETS> LaucH active + decaffeinated: Avoid caffeine (=drinks with caf-
2 when a chicken cackles, it makes a loud high sound feine) before bedtime. | a caffeine-free cola —caffeinated
cackle? n [Cc] 1a loud high sound that a chicken makes /‘kefsnertsd/ adj
— cluck 2 a short high unpleasant laugh
caf-fé lat-te /kefer later $ ka:fer 'la:ter, kef-/ n [C,U] a
ca-coph-o-ny /ka'kofani $ ka'ka:-/ n [singular] a loud drink made with coffee and hot milk
unpleasant mixture of sounds: [+of] a cacophony of car
horns —cacophonous adj caf-tan, kaftan /‘keftan $ keften/ n [C] a long loose
piece of clothing, usually made of silk or cotton, and worn
cactus /‘kektas/ n (plural cacti /-tar/ or cactuses) [C] a
in the Middle East
desert plant with sharp points instead of leaves
cad /ked/ n [C] old-fashioned a man who cannot be cage" /kerd3/ n [C] a structure made of wires or bars in
trusted, especially one who treats women badly which birds or animals can be kept
CAD /ked, si: ex 'di:/ n [U] (computer-aided design) the cage? v [T] to put or keep an animal or bird in a cage:
use of computers to design industrial products caged birds
ca:dav-er /ka'deva, ka'der- $ ke'devar/ n [C] technical a cag-ey /‘kerdzi/ adj unwilling to tell people about your
dead human body, especially one used for study plans, intentions, or opinions [OPP] open: [+about] He was
[SYN] corpse very cagey about the deal. —cagily adv —caginess n
ca-dav-er-ous /ka'devaras/ adj literary looking ca-goule /ka'gu:l/ n [C] BrE a thin coat with a Hoop that
extremely thin, pale, and unhealthy: cadaverous cheeks stops you from getting wet
cad-dy" /‘kedi/ n (plural caddies) [C] 1 (also caddie) ca-hoots /ko'hu:ts/ n be in cahoots (with sb) to be work-
someone who carries the GOLF CLUBS for someone who is ing secretly with another person or group, especially in
playing golf —* see picture at GOLF 2 a small box for order to do something dishonest: The Forest Service and
storing tea the timber industry were in cahoots.
caddy”, caddie v (caddied, caddying, caddies) [| + for] to
carry GOLF CLUBs for someone who is playing golf Cairn /kean $ kern/ n [C] a pile of stones that marks a
particular place, especially at the top of a mountain
ca-dence /‘ketdans/ n [C] 1 the way someone's voice
rises and falls, especially when reading out loud: the Caisson /‘kersan, ka'suzn $ 'kersain, -san/ n [C] 1a large
cadence of my mother's voice 2 a regular repeated pattern box filled with air, that people go into to work under
of sounds or movements: the Brazilian cadences of the water, for example when building bridges 2 a large box
music 3 technical a set of CHORDS for carrying AMMUNITION
cadenza /ka'denza/ n [C] technical a difficult part of a ca-jole /ka'dzaul $ -'dzoul/ v [1,T] to gradually persuade
long piece of music, which a performer plays alone in someone to do something by being nice to them, or
order to show his or her skill making promises to them: cajole sb into doing sth We do
ca:det /ka'det/ n [C] someone who is training to be an our best to cajole rich countries into helping. FEES
officer in the army, navy, AIR FORCE, or police PERSUADE
cadge /kedz/ v [1,1] BrE informal to ask someone you Ca-jun /‘kerdzan/ n1 [C] someone from Louisiana in the
know for something such as food, money, or cigarettes, US who has French-Canadian ANCESTORS 2 [U] a type of
because you do not have any or do not want to pay: cadge music played by Cajun people —Cajun adj: Cajun cooking
sth from/off sb | cadged a lift from Joanna.
cake’ gy [H) /kerk/ n
Cadillac /kedtlek, -dal-/ n [C] 1 trademark a very 1[C,U] a soft sweet food made by baking a mixture of
expensive and comfortable car 2 AmE informal some- flour, butter, sugar, and eggs: We had cake and ice cream. |
thing that is regarded as an example of the highest a chocolate cake
quality of a particular type of product: [+of] the Cadillac of 2 fish/rice/potato etc cake fish, rice etc that has been
stereo systems formed into a flat round shape and then cooked
cad-mi-um /‘kedmiam/ n [U] a soft poisonous metal 3 [C] a small block of something: [+of] a cake of soap
that is used in BATTERIES and in the protective SHIELDs in 4 be a piece of cake spoken to be very easy: ‘How do you ne
NUCLEAR REACTORS. It is a chemical ELEMENT: symbol Cd that?’‘It’s a piece of cake! Watch!”
ca-dre /‘karda, -dra, 'kerda $ 'kedri, 'kardra/ n [C also + 5 take the cake (also take the biscuit BrE) informal to 2
plural verb] BrE a small group of specially trained people in worse than anything else you can imagine: I’ve heard some
a profession, political party, or military force: [+of] a pretty dumb ideas, but that takes the cake!
cadre of highly trained scientists 6 have your cake and eat it BrE, have your cake and eat it too
cae@Sare-an /ss'zearian $ -'zer-/ (also caesarean 'sec- AmE spoken to have all the advantages of something
tion) n [C] an operation in which a woman's body is cut without its disadvantages ;
open to take a baby out: born/delivered etc by caesarean 7 aslice of the cake BrE a share of the profit, help etc that is
Both her children were born by caesarean section. |She had available: Both companies expect to get a big slice of the
to have a caesarean. cake, — sell like hot cakes at HOT CAKE(1)
cae:Si-um BrE, cesium Ame /'si:ziam/ n [U] a soft silver- COLLOCATIONS
white metal that is used in PHOTOELECTRIC CELLs. It is a “VERBS -
chemical ELEMENT: symbol Cs miakay bake a cake Let's make a cake for his birthday.
cae-sura /s1zjuere $ si'zure, stzore/ n [C] technical a decorate a cake We decorated the cake with
pause in the middle of a line of poetry strawberries and cream.
Café /kefer $ ke'fer, ka-/ n [C] 1a small restaurant ice a cake BrE, frost a cake AmE (=cover a cake with
where you can buy drinks and simple meals 2 Internet fine sugar mixed with a liquid)
[i (2 GS = the most frequent words in written English 227 calendar year
- PHRAS i 3 be calculated to do sth to be intended to have a particular
a piece/slice of cake Would you like a slice of cake? effect: a question calculated to embarrass him
a cake recipe |a cake tin Br£, a cake pan Ame (=that calculate on sth phr v if you calculate on something, you
you bake a cake in) | a cake shop |cake mix (=a are depending on it for your plans to succeed: We're
mixture that you buy in a packet and use for making calculating on an early start. | calculate on sb/sth doing sth
a cake) Ken hadn’t calculated on Polson refusing his offer.
cal-cu-lat-ed /kelkjslettid/ adj 1a calculated crime or
dishonest action is deliberately and carefully planned -
used to show disapproval: a calculated attempt to deceive
cake for a birthday etc) Lucy had twelve candles on the American public 2 a calculated risk/gamble something
her birthday cake. risky that you do after thinking carefully about what
a home-made cake Home-made cakes are much nicer might happen: The police took a calculated risk in releasing
‘than bought ones. him. —calculatedly adv
a fruit cake (=one with dried fruit in it) | a sponge
cake (=one made from flour, butter, sugar, and cal-cu-lateing /‘kelkjglertrn/ adj thinking carefully
eggs) | a chocolate/lemon etc cake (=a sponge about how to get exactly what you want, often without
cake with a chocolate etc flavour) | a cream cake caring about anyone else - used to show disapproval: He
(=one with thick cream inside it) gave her a calculating look.
cal-cu-la-tion By /kelkjs'ler{an/ n
| COMMON ERROR: 1[C usually plural, U] when you use numbers in order to
Z\ Do not say 'cook a cake’. Say make a cake or find out an amount, price, or value: Dee looked at the bill
| bake a cake. and made some rapid calculations. | by sb's/some/many
calculations By some calculations, the population will reach
cake? v1 be caked with/in sth to be covered with a layer eight million soon.
of something soft or wet that becomes thick and hard 2[C,U] careful planning in order to get what you want,
when it dries: Our boots were caked with mud. 2 [|] if a especially without caring about the effects on other
substance cakes, it forms a thick hard layer when it dries people — miscalculation: political calculation
cake-hole /‘kerkhaul $ -houl/ n [C] Br£ spoken some- 3[U] when you think carefully about what the probable
one’s mouth results will be if you do something — miscalculation
‘cake pan n [C] AmE a cake TIN'<4) > see picture at PAN’ COLLOCATIONS
‘cake slice n [C] a piece of kitchen equipment with a
handle and a wide flat end that you use for cutting and
serving cakes, TARTS etc do/make a calculation The children should be able to
do that calculation in their heads.
‘cake tin n [C] 1 BrE a metal container in which you
perform a calculation formal (=do one) Computers
bake a cake [SYN|cake pan AmE —> see picture at PAN!
can perform calculations very quickly.
2 a metal container with a lid, that you keep a cake in
cake-walkk /‘ketkwo:k $ -wo:k/ n [singular] AmE informal
a very easy thing to do, or a very easy victory [SYN] piece a simple calculation A simple calculation will show
of cake: The game was a cakewalk. that these figures are incorrect.
cal-a-:mine lo-tion /‘kelamatin lavfan $ -lou-/ n [U] a
a rough calculation (=not very detailed or exact) |
pink liquid that you put on sore, ITCHY or SUNBURNed skin made a few rough calculations of how much it would
to make it less painful cost.
a quick/rapid calculation |a detailed calculation |
ca-lam-i-ty /ka'lemiti/ n (plural calamities) [C] a terri- complex calculations |mathematical calculations |
ble and unexpected event that causes a lot of damage or sb's calculations are right/correct/accurate |sb's
suffering disaster: /t will be a calamity for farmers ifthe (calculations are wrong/inaccurate
crops fail again. —calamitous adj 2
cal-ci-fy /‘kelssfat/ v (calcified, calcifying, calcifies) [1,T] cal-cu-la-tor GY /‘kelkjsletta $ -ar/ n [C] a small elec-
technical to become hard, or make something hard, by tronic machine that can add, multiply etc — see picture
adding LIME at MATHEMATICS
cal-ci-um /kelsiom/ n [U] a silver-white metal that cal-cu-lus /'kelkjslas/ n [U] the part of mathematics
helps to form teeth, bones, and CHALK. It is a chemical that deals with changing quantities, such as the speed of
ELEMENT: symbol Ca a falling stone or the slope of a curved line
cal-cu-la-ble /‘kelkjSlabal/ adj [no comparative] some- cal-drom /ko:ldran $ ‘ko:I-/ n [C] the American spelling
thing that is calculable can be measured by using num- of CAULDRON
bers, or studying the facts available [oPP]incalculable:
‘clear and calculable benefits cal-en-dar y /‘kelinda $ -ar/ n [C]
1a set of pages that show the days, weeks, and months of
cal-cu-late Fy (Fy /‘kelkjslert/ v [7] a particular year, that you usually hang on a wall
1to find out how much something will cost, how long 2 AmE a) a book with separate spaces or pages for each
something will take etc, by using numbers: These instru- day of the year, on which you write down the things you
ments calculate distances precisely. | calculate how much/ have to do [SYN] diary BrE: a desk calendar b) all the things
how many ete /’m trying to calculate how much paint we you plan to do in the next days, months etc: an event that
need. |calculate (that) Sally calculated that she'd have about deserves a place on your calendar
£100 left. | calculate sth on sth Rates are calculated on an 3a system that divides and measures time in a particular
hourly basis. way, usually starting from a particular event: the Roman/
REGISTER Islamic/Gregorian etc calendar
In everyday English, people usually say that they 4 all the events in a year that are important for a particu-
work something out or, in American English, figure lar organization or activity: golfing/sporting/racing etc cal-
something out, rather than calculate it: We still endar The Derby is a major event in the racing calendar.
haven't worked out how much it’s all going to cost. calendar ‘month n [Cc] 1 one of the 12 months of the
year: Salaries will be paid at the end of the calendar month.
2 to guess something using as many facts as you can find:
calculate (that) Researchers calculated that this group was at 2 a period of time from a specific date in one month to
a higher risk of heart disease. |calculate how/what/whether the same date in the next month
etc It’s difficult to calculate what effect all these changes will calendar ‘year n [C] the period of time from January
have on the company. Ist to December 31st of the same year
 SS fX4= words from the Academic Word List

calf /ka:f $ kef/ n (plural calves /ka:vz $ kevz/) [C] that someone can hear you: | heard someone calling in the
1 the part of the back of your leg between your knee and distance. | ‘I'm coming!’ she called down the stairs. | Sheila
your ANKLE 2 the baby of a cow, or of some other large was just sneaking out when her mother called her. |She heard
animals, such as an ELEPHANT 3 be in/with calf if a cow is in him call her name.
or with calf, it is going to have a baby — kill the fatted calf 8 call yourself sth to say that you are a particular type of
at KILL"(15) person, although you do nothing to show this is true: How
calf-skin /‘ka:fsktn $ 'kef-/ n [U] the skin of a calf, used could Julian call himself a friend and then let me down so
for making shoes, bags etc badly?
9 call the shots/tune informal to be in a position of author-
cal:i-ber /keliba $ -ar/ n [C, U] the American spelling of
ity so that you can give orders and make decisions: /t was
CALIBRE a job in which she was able to call the shots.
cal-i-brate /kelbrert/ v [T] technical 1 to check or 10 call it a day informal to decide to stop working, espe-
slightly change an instrument or tool, so that it does cially because he have done enough or you are tired:
es something correctly 2 to mark an instrument or tool so Come on, let's call ita day and go home.
that you can use it for measuring 11 call collect AmE to make a telephone call that is paid for
cal-i-bra-tion /kel'brerjan/ n [U] technical 1the proc- by the person who receives it [SYN|reverse the charges
ess of checking or slightly changing an instrument or tool BrE
so that it does something correctly: the calibration of flight 12 FEEL [T] (also call out) to read names or num-
instruments 2 a set of marks on an instrument or tool bers in a loud voice in order to get someone's attention:
used for measuring, or the act of making these marks When | call your name, go and stand in line.
correct 13 (@l'Gay 4[T usually passive] to tell someone that they
cal-i-bre Br, caliber AmE /‘kelba $ -ar/ n1 [U] the level must come to a law court or official committee: call sb to
of quality or ability that someone or something has do sth They were called to give evidence at the trial.
achieved: of sb’s calibre Where will we find another man of 14 call (sth) into question to make people uncertain about
his calibre? | The school attracts a high calibre of student. |of whether something is right, good, or true: | feel that my
high/the right etc calibre The paintings were of the highest competence is being called into question here.
caliber. |of this/that calibre The city needs q hotel of this 15 be/feel called to do sth to feel strongly that you should
calibre (=of this high standard). 2 [C] a) the width of the do something: He felt called to write to all his fellow inves-
inside of a gun or tube: a .22 caliber rifle b) the width of a tors, warning them of the impending crisis.
bullet 16 call sb/sth to order formal to tell people to obey the
calico /‘keltkou $ -kou/ n [U] 1 BrE heavy cotton cloth rules of a formal meeting
hat is usually white 2 AmE light cotton cloth with a small 17 {Sd [i] (also call round BrE) to stop at a house or
printed pattern 3 calico cat AmE a cat that has black, other place for a short time to see someone or do
white, and brown fur something: She called round for a chat. |call on sb Let’s call
cal-i-pers /‘kelipaz $ -arz/ n [plural] the American spell- on James on the way home. |call (in) at sth / regularly called
ing Of CALLIPERS in at his office for news. | call into sth People often call into
the library while they're out shopping.
caliph /kerlf/ n [C] a Muslim ruler, especially in the 18 call it £10/two hours etc spoken used to suggest a gen-
past
eral figure rather than a more specific one, especially in
ca-li-phate /‘kerlfert/ n [C] the country a caliph rules, order to make things simpler: ‘| owe you £10.20.’ ‘Oh, call it
or the period of time when they rule it £10!"
cal-is-then-ics /kelis\entks/ n [U] the American 19 call it a draw if two opponents in a game call it a draw,
spelling of CALLISTHENICS they agree that neither of them has won — call it quits at
calle /kork $ kork/ v [T] an American spelling of CAULK QUITS(2)
20 call it/things even spoken use this to say that someone
call" §) Ol /ko:! $ ko:!/ v who owes you something does not have to give you
1faGLeh [1,7] to telephone someone: She calls her
anything more than they have already given you
father every couple of days. | I'll call you soon. | What time
21 call (sb’s) attention to a) to ask people to pay attention
did Tony call? | call a doctor/the police/a cab etc (=tele-
to a particular subject or problem: May | call your attention
phone someone and ask them to come to you) | think we
to item seven on the agenda? b) to make someone notice
should call a doctor. |I'm gonna call the cops! A\ Do not say
someone or something: | wanted to shout out to Ken, but |
‘call to someone’. Say call someone. SELECT PHONE
didn't want to call attention to myself.
2 Besse [T] to use a word or name to describe some-
22 call sth to mind a) to remind you of something: Don’t
one or something in a particular way: call sb sth Are you
those two call to mind the days when we were courting?
calling me a liar? | You may call it harmless fun, but | call it
b) to remember something: | couldn't call to mind where I'd
pornography. | call sb names (=use insulting names for
seen him before.
someone) The other kids used to call me names, but | tried
23 call a huddle AmE informal to make people come
to ignore them.
3 FLW [7] to have a particular name or title, or together to talk about something
use a particular name or title for someone or something: 24 call time (on sb/sth) to say that it is time for something
be called sth Our son is called Matthew. | The arrow that to finish or ae)
appears on the screen is called a cursor. | call sb sth My 25 DOA ([1] if a train, ship, bus etc calls at a
name's Virginia, but my friends call me Ginny. |Do you want place, it stops ao for a short time [SYN] stop: This train
to be called Miss or Ms? |call sb by sth | prefer to be called by calls at all stations to Broxbourne.
my middle name. 26(%1g [1,7] to guess which side of a coin will land
4 EEC ECLN [7] especially BrE to give someone upwards when it is thrown in the air, in order to decide
or something the name they will be known by in the who will play first in a game: It’s your turn to call.
future [SYN] name AmE: What are you hes to call the new 27 GTI ([,T] to risk the same amount of money as
puppy? |call sb sth They've decided to call the baby Louise. the player who plays before you in a POKER game
5 DSW) [T] to ask or order someone to —> SO-CALLED, —> call sb's bluff at BLUFF2(2), > too close to
come to you: call sb into/over/across etc Peter called the call at CLOSE?(8)
waitress over and ordered a large brandy. |Marcie was called call back phr v
up to the principal's office. 1call (sb) back to telephone someone again, for example
6 fens [T] to arrange for something to happen at a because they were not at home when you telephoned last
particular time: call a meeting/strike/election etc The Secu- time: I'll call back later. | Can you ask John to call me back
rity Council has called an emergency session to discuss the when he gets in?
crisis. |The prime minister called an election. 2 BrE to return to a place you went to earlier: You could call
787 [1,1] to say or shout something loudly so back to collect her at noon.
EX = words from the Academic Word List 229 call

call by phr v to stop and visit someone when you are near 5 call sth <> up to produce something or make it appear:
the place where they live or work: | thought I'd call by and She can call up the spirits of the dead.
see how you were.
call down sth phr v formal to ask for someone, especially call? GI tan
a god, to make something unpleasant happen to some- 1G [Cc] when you speak to someone on the
one or something: [+on/upon] He called down vengeance telephone: [+for] Were there any phone calls for me while |
on them. was out? | [+from] | received a call from an old friend last
call for sb/sth phr v week, | It's cheaper to make calls after 6 pm. | I'll give you a
1if a group of people call for something, they ask publicly call at the weekend.
for something to be done: Human Rights groups are calling 2 be on call if someone such as a doctor or engineer is on
for the release of political prisoners. call, they are ready to go and help whenever they are
2to need or deserve a particular type of behaviour or needed as part of their job: Don’t worry, there's a doctor on
treatment: Dealing with children who are so damaged calls call 24 hours a day.
for immense tact and sensitivity. | That kind of abuse is really 3 Geez [C] a) a loud sound that a bird or animal © Se
not called for (=it is unnecessary and unwelcome). makes [SYN] cry: [+of] the call of an owl b) ashout that you |
—+ UNCALLED FOR make to get someone's attention
3 BrE to meet someone at their home in order to take 4{isu [C] a visit, especially for a particular reason: |
them somewhere: /'I/ call for you at eight o'clock. Sorry, Doctor Pugh is out on a call at the moment. | pay/ ©
make a call (on sb) (=visit someone)
4 Ame to say that a particular kind of weather is likely to
5 CesT) (C] a request or order for something
happen predict: The forecast calls for more rain.
or for someone to do something: Members obediently
call sth <> forth phr v formal to produce a particular
answered the calls for funds. |call for sb to do sth There have
reaction: Great works of classical music can often call forth a
been calls for the secretary to resign. | a call to arms (=an
mixture of responses from the listener.
order for people to fight against an enemy)
call in phr v
6 PES a) [C] the decision made by a REFEREE in a
1 call sb/sth <> in to ask someone to come and help you
sports game: make a good/bad call There may have been a
with a difficult situation: The government then called in few bad calls, but they’re making them for a reason. b) [sin-
troops to deal with the disturbances.
gular] informal a decision: Don’t just say what you think |
2to telephone somewhere, especially the place where would like. It’s your call. |make a call (=decide something) |
you work, to tell them where you are, what you are doing an easy/hard call (=an easy or difficult decision) |judge-
etc: Rachael called in sick (=telephoned to say she was too ment call (=a decision based on your personal judgement
ill to come to work), of a situation)
3to telephone a radio or television show to give your 7 there isn't much call for sth used for saying that not many
opinion or to ask a question: Over 2,000 viewers called in people want a particular thing: There isn’t much call for
with complaints about the bad language used in the pro- black and white televisions these days.
gramme. 8 there is no call for sth spoken used to tell someone that
4 call in a loan/debt to officially tell someone to pay back their behaviour is wrong and unnecessary: There’s no call
money you lent them: The bank can call in the loan at any for that kind of language!
time. 9 LEU (C] a message announced at an airport
5 BrE to visit a person or place while you are on your way that a particular plane will soon leave: This is the last call
to somewhere else: [+on/at] Could you call in on Mum on for flight BA872 to Moscow.
your way home? 10 have first call on sth a) to have the right to be the first
call sb/sth «> off phr v person to use something b) to be the first person that
1to decide that a planned event will not take place you will help because they are important to you: Her
[S¥N| cancel: The trip to Italy might be called off. children had first call on her time.
2 to officially decide that something should be stopped 11 the call of sth /iterary the power that a place or way of
after it has already started: Rescuers had to call off the life has to attract someone: the call of the sea
search because of worsening weather conditions. 12 the call of nature a need to URINATE (=pass liquid from
3to order an animal or person to stop attacking or your body) - used especially humorously — be at sb’s
threatening someone: Call your dog off. beck and call at BECK(1), > PORT OF CALL, ROLL-CALL, WAKE-UP
call on/upon sb/sth phr v CALL
1to formally ask someone to do something: call on sb to COLLOCATIONS
do sth The UN has called on both sides to observe the
ceasefire. | VERBS_ oe
2 to visit someone for a short time: Why don’t you call on make a call He made a eyecalls and thenwent out.
my sister when you're in Brighton? give sb a call (=phone someone)I'll give him a call
call out phr v later today.
1to say something loudly: call sth <> out ‘Hi there!’ | called get/have a call (also receive a call formal) At 71 in
out. | [+to] The firemen called out to him. the evening we got a call from the police.
2 call sb <> out to ask or order a person or an organization there is/was a call There was a phone call for you.
to help, especially in a difficult or dangerous situation: answer a call We're sorry that we cannot answer your
The army was called out to help fight fires. call right now.
take a call (=answer one) Monica took the call
3 call sb/sth <> out BrE to order workers to go on STRIKE:
upstairs.
The transport workers were called out.
return sb’‘s call (=call someone after they have tried
call up phrv
to call you) |transfer a call (=connect one to
1 especially AmE informal to telephone someone: call sb <>
another person’s phone) | put through a call
up He called me up to tell me about it. | I’m going to call up
(=transfer or make one)
and cancel my subscription.
2 call sth + up if you call up information on a computer, | ADJECTIVES/NOUN + call
you make the computer show it to you: | called up their a phone/telephone call | had a phone callfrom
website, but it didn't have the information | was looking for. Barbara in Australia.
3 call sb < up BrE to officially order someone to join the a quick call This is just a quick call to make sure you're
army, navy, or air force [SYN] draft AmE: | was called up OK.
three months after war broke out. a local call Local calls are free at weekends.
4 call sb <> up to choose someone for a national sports a long-distance call |an international call |a collect
team — call-up: Hurst was called up for the game against call AmE (=one paid for by the person who receives
Mexico. it) |incoming/outgoing calls (=coming into or
 oy|S2} El= the most lab words in spoken English

going out of a place) |an emergency call (=to the elt n [C] BrE 1an order to join the army, navy etc
police, fire service, or ambulance service) | a hoax [SYN|draft AmE: He got his call-up papers in July.
call (=one intended to trick someone) | an 2 an opportunity or invitation to play for a professional
anonymous call (=in which the caller does not give sports team, especially a national one: [+to] Stewart's
their name) recent call-up to the Wales squad
cal-lus /kelas/ n [C] an area of thick hard skin: the
CALL /ko:1 $ koil/ n [U] (computer-assisted language calluses on his hands
learning) the use of computers to help people learn
call ‘waiting n [U] a telephone service that allows you
foreign languages
to receive another call when you are already talking on
‘call box n [C] 1 BrE a PHONE BOX 2 Ame a public tele- the telephone, without ending the first call
phone beside a road or FREEWAY used to telephone for
help calm’ §& 8) /ka:m $ ka:m, ka:lm/ adj (comparative
calmer, superlative calmest)
‘call centre BrE, call center AmE n [C] an office where 1relaxed and quiet, not angry, nervous, or upset: Glen was
people answer customers’ questions, make sales etc by
calm and composed at the funeral. |remain/stay/keep calm /
using the telephone rather than by meeting people
tried to stay calm and just ignore him.
call-er /ko:la $ 'ko:lar/ n [C] 1 someone making a tele- 2if a place, period of time, or situation is calm, there is
phone call: ‘Could you hold for one moment?’ he asked the less activity, trouble etc than there sometimes is, or than
caller. 2 old-fashioned someone who visits your house there has been recently: The financial markets are calm at
caller display BrE, caller 'D AmE n [C,U] a special the moment. | The streets are calm again after last night's
service on your telephone that lets you know who is disturbances.
calling before you answer the telephone 3a sea, lake etc that is calm is smooth or has only gentle
‘call girl n [c] a prostitute who arranges by telephone to waves: The seas were dead calm. —calmly adv —calmness
meet men n [UJ
cal-lig-ra-phy /ka'ltgrafi/ n [U] the art of producing
beautiful writing using special pens or brushes, or the calm not getting angry, nervous, or upset, even in a
writing produced this way —calligrapher n [C]
difficult situation: We'll talk about this later when
‘call-in n [C] Ame a radio or television programme in you're feeling calmer.
which people telephone to give their opinions relaxed not worried about anything, especially so
‘SYN| phone-in BrE: a call-in talk show that people feel comfortable: Looking relaxed and
callsing /'ko:ltn $ 'ko:-/ n [C] 1 a strong desire or feeling confident, the president answered questions from the
of duty to do a particular kind of work, especially religious press. | There was a relaxed atmosphere.
work [SYN] vocation: It wasn’t until Durant was in her 30s chilled-out (also chilled) informal very relaxed and
that she found her calling. 2 formal someone's profession not worried - used especially by young people: I’m
or trade much more chilled-out about the whole thing this year.
‘calling card n [Cc] AmE a small card with a name and laid-back informal someone who is laid-back is
often an address printed on it, that people in the past always relaxed and never seems to get worried or
gave to people they visited [SYN] visiting card BrE annoyed about anything: | like his laid-back attitude to
cal-li-pers BrE, calipers AmE /'kelspaz $ -arz/ n [plural] life. |My parents are pretty laid-back and don’t mind
1a tool used for measuring thickness, or the distance me staying out late.
between two surfaces, or the DIAMETER (=inside width) of mellow informal relaxed, friendly, and happy,
something 2 BrE metal bars that someone wears on their especially after drinking alcohol: After a few drinks,
legs to help them walk [SYN] brace AmE everyone was pretty mellow.
cool informal staying calm and not showing your
cal-lis-then-ics BrE, calisthenics AmE /kelis'entks/ n
emotions, especially when other people are getting
[U] a set of physical exercises that are intended to make
excited or angry: He is the kind of player who always
you strong and healthy
manages to stay cool, even under pressure. |She was as
‘call letters n [plural] especially AmE a CALL SIGN cool as a cucumber (=very cool). -
‘call option n [Cc] technical the right to buy a particular keep your head to manage to stay calm and behave
number of SHARES at a special price within a particular in a sensible way in a difficult or frightening
period of time situation: In this job you need to be good at keeping
cal-lous /‘kelas/ adj not caring that other people are your head in a crisis.
suffering: We were shocked at the callous disregard for
human life. |a callous attitude |the callous slaughter of seals calm? n [singular, U] 1 a situation or time that is quiet and
—callously adv —callousness n [U] peaceful: [+of] They remained on the terrace after dinner,
enjoying the calm of the evening. | morning/afternoon/
cal-‘loused /kelast/ adj calloused skin is rough and
covered in CALLUses: rough calloused hands
evening calm A scream shattered the late afternoon calm. |
Hindu leaders appealed for calm (=asked that the public
‘call-out n [C] BrEa situation in which someone is called stay calm) after a temple was burnt to the ground. | The
to another person's house or place of business to do presence of soldiers helped restore calm. | The last five years
repairs, help them etc: The lifeboat has had ten call-outs in have seen a period of relative calm. 2 the calm before the
the past year. |call-out charges storm a calm peaceful situation that will not continue
cal-low /kelav $ -lov/ adj young and without experi- because a big argument, problem etc is coming
ence - used to show disapproval [SYN] immature: a callow calm? (also calm down) v [1,7] 1 to become quiet and
youth relaxed after you have been angry, excited, nervous, or
‘call screening n [U] 1 special service that you can upset, or to make someone become quiet and relaxed: He
buy from your telephone company which prevents par- tried to calm the frightened children. |Calm down and tell me
ticular people from calling you 2 when you let an answer- what happened. | We tried to calm people's fears. | calm
ing machine answer your telephone calls, and you then yourself (down) She lit a cigarette to calm herself down.
only talk to callers that you want to speak to 2 if a situation calms down, it becomes easier to deal
‘call sign n [C usually singular] (also ealll letters especially with because there are fewer problems and it is not as
AmE) a name made up of letters and numbers, used by busy as it was before: It took months for things to calm
people operating communication radios to prove who down after we had the baby.
they are Cal-or gas /kels gees $ -lar-/ n [U] trademark BrE a ‘type
call-time /o:Itarm $ 'ko:I-/ n [U] the amount of time of gas that is sold in metal containers and used for
that is available for the user of a MOBILE PHONE to make heating and cooking where there is no gas supply ;
calls cal-o-rie /kelari/ n [C] 1a unit for measuring the
(1) [2 (8 = the most frequent words in written English 231 camp

amount of ENERGY that food will produce: A potato has cam-e:ra‘man /‘kemeraman/ n (plural cameramen
about 90 calories. | a _ calorie-controlled diet | /-man/) [C] someone who operates a camera for films or
low-calorie/high-calorie a low-calorie snack | | need to burn television A\ Do not confuse with photographer (=a per-
offa few calories (=lose some weight by exercising). |My son who takes still photographs).
wife convinced me to finally start counting calories (=control cam-e-ra‘phone /‘keemara faun $ -foun/ n [C] a MOBILE
my weight by being careful about what | eat). 2. technical PHONE that you can use to take photographs
the amount of heat that is needed to raise the tempera-
‘camera- shy adj not liking to have your photograph
ture of one gram of water by one degree Celsius. It is
taken
used as a unit for measuring energy. —caloric /ke'lortk,
'kelartk $ ka'loirtk/ adj cam-i-knick-ers /‘keminikez $ -arz/ n [plural] BrE a
cal-o-rif-i¢ /kela'rtfik</ adj1 food that is calorific tends piece of women’s underwear that combines a CAMISOLE
to make you fat 2 technical producing heat and KNICKERS
cal-um-ny /‘kelamni/ n (plural calumnies) 1[£C] an cam-i-sole /‘kemisaul $ -soul/ n [C] a light piece of
untrue and unfair statement about someone that is women’s underwear that covers the chest down to the
intended to give people a bad opinion of them waist and has narrow bands over the shoulders — see
2 [U] when someone says things like this picture at UNDERWEAR
calve /kaw $ kev/ v [1] to give birth to a CALF cam:o-mile, chamomile /‘kemamatl/ n [C,U] a plant
calves /ka:vz $ kevz/ the plural of CALF with small white and yellow flowers that are sometimes
Cal-vin-is-m /‘kelvinizam/ n [U] the Christian religious used to make tea
teachings of John Calvin, based on the idea that events cam-ou-flage’ /kemafla:3/ n 1[U] a way of hiding
on Earth are controlled by God and cannot be changed by something, especially soldiers and military equipment, by
humans using paint, leaves etc to make it look like the things
Cal-vin-ist /kelvinist/ adj 1 following the teachings of around it: soldiers learning camouflage technique |the cam-
Calvinism 2 (also Calvinistic /kelv$'intsttk</) having ouflage netting over the tanks 2 [U] the type of green and
strict moral standards and tending to disapprove of brown clothes, paint etc that soldiers wear to make
pleasure puritanical —Calvinist n [C] themselves more difficult to see: The men were dressed in
ca-lyp-So /kallipsau $ -sou/ n (plural calypsos) [C] a camouflage and carrying automatic weapons. | camouflage
type of Caribbean song based on subjects of interest in trousers 3 [singular, U] the way that the colour or shape of
the news an animal protects it by making it difficult to see in the
area in which it lives: The whiteness of the arctic fox acts as
ca-lyx /'kerltks, ‘ke- $ 'ket-/ n (plural calyxes or calyces
camouflage, hiding it from its enemies. 4 [singular, U] behav-
/-lssi:z/) [C] the green outer part of a flower that protects
jour that is designed to hide something: [+for] Aggression
it before it opens
is often a camouflage for insecurity.
cam /kem/ n [C] a wheel or part of a wheel that is
shaped to change circular movement into backwards and camouflage? y [7] to hide something, especially by
forwards movement making it look the same as the things around it, or by
making it seem like something else: camouflage sth with
CAM /kem/ n [U] (computer-aided manufacturing) the
sth | saw a truck, heavily camouflaged with netting and
use of computers to make industrial products
branches. | The strain she was under was well camouflaged
cam-a-ra-de-rie /kemataidari $ -'re-, -'ra-/ n [U] a by skilful make-up. [ibaa > HIDE
feeling of friendship that a group of people have, espe-
cially when they work together: the camaraderie of the camp" &) [9 /kemp/ n
women’s basketball team 1a «=[C,U] a place where
people stay in tents, shelters etc for a short time, usually
cam-ber /‘kemba $ -ar/ n [C,U] technical a slight curve
in the mountains, a forest etc: Let’s go back to camp - it’s
from the centre of a road or other surface to the side,
getting dark. | a camp near Lake Ellen Wilson | The soldiers
which makes water flow to the side
broke camp (=took down their tents etc) and left before
cam-bri¢ /'kemmbrik/ n [U] thin white cloth made of dawn. |pitch/make camp (=set up a tent or shelter) It was
LINEN or cotton dark by the time we pitched camp. | We set up camp (=made
cam:cor-der /kemko:da $ -koirdar/ n [C] a type of the camping place ready) at nearby Icicle Lake. | The
camera that records pictures and sound on VIDEOTAPE expedition’s base camp (=main camp) was 6,000 feet
Came /ketm/ the past tense of COME below the summit. | mining/logging etc camp (=a camp
cam-el /kemal/ n [C] a large desert animal with a long where people stay when they are doing these kinds of
neck and either one or two HUMPs (=large raised parts) jobs)
on its back 2 prison/labour/detention etc camp a place where people
are kept for a particular reason, when they do not want to
cam-el-hair /‘kemalhea $ -her/ n [U] a thick yellowish be there: a refugee camp just across the border + CONCEN-
_ brown cloth, usually used for making coats
TRATION CAMP
ca-mel-li-a /ke'milis/ n [C] a plant with dark green 3 GLa (C,U] a place where young people go to
leaves and red, pink, or white flowers, or the flowers of take part in activities, and where they usually stay for
this plant several days or weeks: The camp offers hiking, fishing,
Cam-em-bert /kemambes $ -ber/ n [CU] a soft canoeing, and boating. | scout camp | Two years ago, she
French cheese that is white outside and yellow inside started a summer camp for girls aged eight and older. |
cam-e:0 /kemi-av $ -ov/ n (plural cameos) [C] tennis/football etc camp (=a camp where you can do one
1a short appearance in a film or play by a well-known particular activity) +>DAY CAMP, HOLIDAY CAMP
actor: cameo role/appearance 2 a short appearance in a 4 Geos (C] a group of people or organizations
game of sport by a player 3 a small piece of jewellery who have the same ideas or principles, especially in
with a raised shape, usually a person's face, on a flat politics: the extreme right-wing camp of the party |At least
background of a different colour: a cameo brooch — see Lynne is definitely in your camp (=supports you rather than
picture at JEWELLERY 4 a short piece of writing that gives a someone else, and agrees with your ideas). — have a foot
clear idea of a person, place, or event in both camps at FOOT'(21)
cam:e-ra & [8 /‘kemera/ n [Cc] 5 (aetad [C] a permanent place where soldiers live or
1a piece of equipment used to take photographs or make train: Donny is stationed at Camp Pendleton.
films or television programmes — camcorder, video cam- camp? v [1] 1 to set up a tent or shelter and stay there
era: on/off camera (=while a camera is recording or not for a short time: We'll camp by the river for the night, and
recording) The crime was caught on camera by police. move on tomorrow. |camping gear/equipment camping gear
2in camera /aw a law case that is held in camera takes such as a sleeping bag, tent, and backpack 2 go camping to
place secretly or privately visit an area, especially the mountains or a forest, and
 camp 232 EQ = words from the Academic Word List

stay in a tent: We went camping in the San Bernardino cam-pa-nol-o-gy /kempa'noladzi $ -'naz-/ n [U] formal
Mountains. the skill of ringing bells, and the study of bells
camp out phr v 1to sleep outdoors, usually in a tent: camp ‘bed / $° ./ n [C] BrE a light narrow bed that
What he liked best about scouting was camping out. folds flat and is easy to carry [SYN] cot AmE
2 to stay somewhere where you do not have all the usual camp-er /‘kempa $ -ar/ n [C] 1 someone who is staying
things that a house has: We'll just have to camp out until in a tent or shelter 2 (also camper van BrE) a vehicle that
our furniture arrives. has cooking equipment and beds in it 3 AmE a special
camp sth up phr v informal camp it up to deliberately use type of tent on wheels that has cooking equipment and
unnatural body or face movements, in a way that some beds in it 4 AmE a child who is taking part in a camp
people think is typical of a HOMOSEXUAL man 5 happy camper spoken someone who seems to be happy
camp? adj 1a man who is camp moves or speaks in the with their situation
way that people used to think was typical of HOMOSEXUALS camp-fire /‘kempfare $ -fair/ n [C] a fire made out-
2 (also campy AmE) clothes, decorations etc that are doors by people who are camping
camp are very strange, bright, or unusual ‘camp follower n [Cc] especially BrE someone who
cam-paign’ §] ( /kem'pein/ n [C] supports an organization or a political party, but who is
~ 1a series of actions intended to achieve a particular not actually a member of it
result relating to politics or business, or a social improve- camp-ground /kempgraund/ n [C] AmE an area
ment: an advertising campaign | [+for/against] a campaign where people can camp, often with a water supply and
for equal rights | Jones ran a good campaign. | Police have toilets [SYN] campsite BrE
launched a campaign to crack down on drug dealers. cam-phor /‘kemfa $ -ar/ n [U] a white substance with a
2a series of battles, attacks etc intended to achieve a strong smell, used especially to keep insects away
particular result in a war
camp-ing /‘kempin/ n [U] the holiday activity of living
in a tent: camping gear/equipment: The shop sells camping
equipment such as sleeping bags and backpacks.
launch/mount a campaign (=begin a campaign) camp:site /'kempsatt/ n [C] 1BrE an area where
They have launched.a campaign to end world poverty, people can camp, often with a water supply and toilets
run/wage/conduct a campaign (=carry out a SYN|campground AmE 2 AmE a place, usually within a
campaign) He ran an aggressive campaign. campground, where one person or group can camp
lead a campaign The government is leading a ‘walk to [SYN] pitch BrE
school’ campaign. camp:stool /‘kempstu:|/ n [C] BrE a small folding seat
spearhead a campaign (=lead it - used especially in with no back
news reports)
cam-pus /‘kempas/ n [CU] 1 the land and buildings of
| ADJECTIVES/NOUN+campaign a university or college, including the buildings where
a national/nationwide campaign The walk was part students live: a beautiful campus in New England | on/off
of a national campaign to raise £900,000. campus Most first-year students live on campus. 2 the land
a worldwide/global/international campaign a and buildings belonging to a large company: the Microsoft
worldwide campaign for peace campus outside Seattle
an advertising/marketing/sales campaign The campy /‘kempi/ adj AmE clothes, decorations etc that
store ran a television advertising campaign just before are Campy are very strange , bright, or unusual [SYN] camp
Christmas. CAMRA /‘kemre/ n (Campaign For Real Ale) a British
a publicity campaign (=to tell the public about organization that encourages people to drink beer made
something) The interview was the start of a publicity using traditional methods, and supports Puss that sell this
campaign for his new book. type of beer
an election/electoral campaign He was candidate in cam-shaft /‘kemfa:ft $ -feft/ n [C] a metal bar that a
the 2008 election campaign. CAM is fastened to in an engine
a presidential campaign |a political campaign |a
media/press campaign |a fundraising campaign can! &] Oy /ken; strong ken/ modal verb (negative short
(=to get money for something) |an form can't)
anti-smoking /anti-bullying etc campaign |a smear 1£0RY to be able to do something or to know how to
campaign (=in which unpleasant or untrue stories do something: You can swim, can’t you? | Even a small
are spread about an important person) |a long personal computer can store vast amounts of information. |
campaign |an effective/successful campaign |a Gabriella can speak French fluently. | I’m afraid Mr Harding
strong campaign (=forceful and effective) |a can’t see you now ~ he’s busy. | The police are doing all they
deliberate/concerted campaign (=done by people can to find her.
in a determined way) |an orchestrated campaign 2 GEES spoken used to ask someone to do some-
disapproving (=organized secretly to make political thing or give you something: Can | have a cigarette,
events happen in the way you want) please? | Can you help me lift this box?
3 XT) to be allowed to do something or to have the
. Campaign + NOUN right or power to do something: You can’t park here - it's a
campaign funds/money He was found guilty of using no parking zone. | ‘Can we go home now, please?’ ‘No you
campaign funds illegally. can't.’ | Any police officer can insist on seeing a driver's
a campaign manager (=for a political campaign) license. e
She's a campaign manager for Amnesty International. 4(TSCaY used to say that something is possible: /
the campaign trail (=the places someone visits as am confident a solution can be found. |There can be no doubt
part of their election campaign) that he is guilty. | The boxes can be stored flat. | Can he still
be alive after all this time? :
_ COMMON ERRORS
5 Sead used with the verbs ‘see’, ‘hear’,
A\ Do not say ‘make a campaign’. Say launch a ‘feel’, ‘taste’, and ‘smell’, and with verbs connected with
campaign. thinking, to mean that someone sees something, hears
something etc: Here they are - | can see their car. | Can you
campaign? v [1] to lead or take part in a series of smell something burning? | | can’t understand why you're so
actions intended to achieve a particular social or political upset. |He can’t remember where he put the tickets.
result: [+for/against] a group campaigning against the 6 fee [in negatives] used to say that you do not |
destruction of the rain forests —campaigner n [C] believe that something is true: This can’t be the right road. |
cam-parni-le /kampa'ni:li/ n [C] a high bell tower that It can't be easy caring for aman and a child who are not your
is usually separate from any other building own. :
EX3= words from the Academic Word List 233 _canalize
7 SET Lin questions and negatives] used to say that
someone should not or must not do something: You can’t
expect the world to change overnight. | We can’t go on like
this. |Jill's left her husband, but can you blame her after the
way he treated her?
8 AIS zOsay [usually in questions and negatives] spo-
ken used when you are surprised or angry: You can’t be
serious! | They can’t have arrived already, surely! |How can
you be so stupid!
9 BEE used to say what sometimes happens or
how someone sometimes behaves: It can be quite cold
here at night. | Peter can be really annoying.
10 hier spoken used to tell someone in an
angry way to do something: And you can stop that quarrel-
ling, the pair of you. |Ifyou won't keep quiet, you can get out.
Ino can do spoken used to say that it is impossible for
you to do what someone has asked you to do: Sorry, John,
no can do.
can? Fy /ken/ n [Cc]
1a metal container in which food or drink is preserved
without air: a Coke can | [+of] All we've got is a couple of
someone from a job [SYN] sack 3 can it! spoken used to tell
cans of soup. + see picture at CONTAINER
someone to stop talking or making a noise
2a special metal container that keeps the liquid inside it
under pressure. The liquid is released as a sPRAY when Ca-na:di-an' /ka'netdian/ adj relating to Canada or its
you press the button: [+of] a can of hairspray people
3 especially AmE a metal container with a lid that can be Canadian? n [C] someone from Canada
removed, used for holding liquid: Two large cans of paint Canadian ‘bacon n [U] AmE meat from the back or
ought to be enough. sides of a pig, served in thin narrow pieces
4 can of worms a very complicated situation that causes a ca:nal /ka'nel/ n [C] a long passage dug into the ground
lot of problems when you start to deal with it: | just don’t and filled with water, either for boats to travel along, or to
know what to do - every solution | can think of would just take water to a place: We walked along by the side of the
open up a whole new can of worms. canal. | the Panama Canal | by canal The goods were trans-
5 in the can informal a film that is in the can is complete ported by canal to London.
and ready to be shown ca'nal boat n [Cc] a long narrow boat that is used for
6 the can informal a) a prison b) AmE a toilet — carry the travelling on a canal
can at CARRY'(26) cana:lize (also -ise BrE) /‘kenal-a1z/ v [1] 1 technical to
can? v (canned, canning) [T] AmE 1 to preserve food by make a river deeper or straighter, especially in order to
putting it into a metal container from which all the air is prevent flooding 2 formal to direct people's energy or
removed [SYN]tin BrE — canned 2 informal to dismiss feelings towards one particular thing
THESAURUS: can
| TO BE ABLE TO DO STH ©
can do sth to have the ability,poms0 time, or equipment that you need in order to do something. Could is
used as the past form, and is also used to say what is or may be possible: ‘I don’t think Mike can drive.’ ‘Yes, he
can.’ | Can you see the TV, or should | move? |Adrian could read when he was four. |Why didn’t they ask me? | could
have done it for them for half the price. |She could win.
be able to do sth used when talking about ability or success in the past or ability in the future, or when you need
to use an INFINITIVE. It is also used instead of can in more formal English: | was able to get a good job (=| got one). |
| Will you be able to carry those bags on your own? |If you want to join the expedition, you must be able to speak
Spanish. | The young birds are now able to fly.
be capable of sth to have the ability, energy, or qualities needed to do something, especially something very
difficult or unusual - use this about people or machines: She's perfectly capable (=completely capable) of dealing
| with the situation. | The car is capable of a top speed of 200 mph,
have the ability to do sth to be able to do something, especially something that is unusual or that most people
cannot do: She seemed to have the ability to make people do anything she wanted.
be in a position to do sth to be able to do something because you have enough knowledge, power, money, or
equipment to do it: We will have to run more tests before we are in a position to say whether the document is
authentic or not.
manage to do sth to succeed in doing something difficult, especially after trying very hard: He finally managed to
find an apartment near his office.
TO BE UNABLE TO DO STH
can't/cannot do sth to be unable to do something because you do not have the ability, BppOrtUnity ae or
equipment that you need. Couldn't/could not is used as the past form: Louise can’t see anything without her
glasses, | He couldn't remember where he had left the car. || couldn't have done it without your help.
not be able to do sth used when talking about inability in the past or the future, when you need to use an
INFINITIVE, and in more formal English: Unfortunately, | wasn’t able to help them. || don’t think I'll be able to come to
the meeting after all. |The doctor told Tina she wouldn't be able to have children.
be unable to do sth especially written to not be able to do something, especially something important that you
want to do or need to do: He was unable to sleep and lay awake all night. |Many passengers were unable to reach the
lifeboats in time.
not be in a position to do sth (also be in no position to do sth) formal to not be able to do something because
you do not have enough knowledge, power, money, or equipment to do it: I'm afraid I’m not in a position to answer
your questions.
not be capable of sth (also be incapable of sth) to not have the physical strength or mental ability to do
_ something - often used when criticizing someone: My son seems to be incapable of keeping a job. |She’s not
capable of looking after herself any more.
 canapeé SJ & & = the most frequent words in spoken English

Caf-a-pé /‘kenaper $ -pi, -per/ n [C] a small piece of —cancerous adj: a cancerous growth | cancerous cells
bread with cheese, meat etc on top, which is served with Cancer n1[U] the fourth sign of the ZODIAC, repre-
drinks at a party sented by a craB, which some people believe affects the -
ca-nard /ke'na:d $ ka'naird/ n [C] written a piece of character and life of people born between June 22 and
news that is false and is told to people deliberately in July 23 2 (also Can-cer-ican /ken'starian $ -'str-/) [C]
order to harm someone someone who was born between June 22 and July 23
ca-nar-y /ka'neari $ -'neri/ n (plural canaries) [C] a small —Cancerian adj
yellow bird that people often keep as a pet can-de-la-bra /kendalla:bra/ (also can-de-la-brum
ca-nas:ta /ka'nesta/ n [U] a card game /-'\a:bram/) n (plural candelabra) [C] a decorative object
which holds several CANDLES or lamps
can-can /'kenken/ n [C] a fast dance in which a line of
can-did /'kendid/ adj telling the truth, even when the
women kick their legs high into the air
truth may be unpleasant or embarrassing [SYN] frank:
can-cel YY /'kensal/ v (cancelled, cancelling BrE, can- [+about] She was quite candid about the difficulties the
celed, canceling AmE) government is having. | [+with] He was remarkably candid
1[1,T] to decide that something that was officially with me. | It struck me as an unusually candid confession for
planned will not happen: Our flight was cancelled. | I’m a politician. PEGS Honest —candidly adv
afraid I'll have to cancel our meeting tomorrow. | You'll just —+ CANDOUR
have to ring John and cancel. can-di-da /'kendida/ n [U] an-infection in the mouth
2 [1,T] to end an agreement or arrangement that you have and throat of children or in a woman's VAGINA
with someone: | phoned the hotel to cancel my reservation. | can-di-da-cy /‘kendidisi/ n (plural candidacies) (also
The bank agreed to cancel all the company’s debts. can-di-da-ture /'kendidatfa $ -ar/) [C,U] the position of
3[T] to say officially that a document can no longer be being one of the people who are competing in an election
used or no longer has any legal effect: |phoned the bank to — candidate: [+for] The local party supported her candidacy
cancel the cheque. for the post of chairman. |announce/declare your candidacy
He has not yet officially announced his candidacy for the
cancel to decide that something that was officially presidential election. |She later withdrew her candidacy.
planned will not happen: The teacher was ill so classes can-di-date [Wj /‘kendidit $ -dert, -d3t/ n [C]
were cancelled for the day. | | was feeling better so | 1someone who is being considered for a job or is com-
cancelled my doctor's appointment. | They were forced peting in an election: a presidential candidate |[+for] There
to cancel the concert when the conductor became ill. are only three candidates for the job.
call off to cancel a meeting, game, or event that you 2 BrE someone who is taking an examination: Candidates
have organized. Call off is less formal than cancel are not allowed to use a calculator in this exam.
and is very commonly used in everyday English: 3 someone or something that is likely to experience or get
Linda decided to call the wedding off. | The game was something: [+for] The school is an obvious candidate for
called off due to heavy rain. extra funding. | The novel must be a prime candidate for the
be off if an event or activity is off, it has been award.
cancelled because of a sudden problem or change in can-died /'‘kendid/ adj [only before noun] candied fruit
someone's plans: I’m afraid the party's off. Nick won't has been cooked in sugar as a way of preserving it
let us use his apartment. |Myers called me yesterday to
tell me that the deal was off.
can-dle Hy /‘kendl/ n [Cc]
1a stick of WAX with a string through the middle, which
postpone to decide to do something at a later time,
you burn to give light
instead of the time that was officially planned: The
show has been postponed until next Saturday.
2 can't hold a candle to sb/sth informal if something or
someone cannot hold a candle to something or someone
shelve (also put sth on ice) to decide not to continue
with a plan, project etc although it may be else, they are not as good as the other thing or person: No
other singer can hold a candle to her. + burn the candle at
considered again at some time in the future: Plans for
both ends at BURN1(19)
a new stadium have been shelved for now. | The project
had to be put on ice due to lack of funding. can-dle-light /kendl-latt/ n [U] the gentle light pro-
annul formal to officially decide that a marriage, duced when a candle burns: The jewels sparkled in the
result, or agreement has no legal authority and is candlelight. | by candlelight We ate by candlelight.
therefore cancelled: The election results were annulled ‘candle-lit adj lit by the gentle light of candles: a candle-
by the courts. | A marriage can be annulled if there has lit dinner for two
been lack of consent. can-dle-stick /kendlsttk/ n [C] a specially shaped
metal or wooden stick that you put a candle into
cancel sth <> out phr v if two things cancel each other
out, they are equally important and have an opposite can-dle-wick /‘kendlwrk/ n [U] cloth decorated with
patterns of raised threads
effect to each other, so that neither one has any effect
— negate: The losses in our overseas division have cancelled \can='do adj [only before noun] informal willing to try
out the profits made in the home market. anything and expect that it will work: He has a wonderful
can-do attitude towards work.
can-cel-la-tion /kensa'lerfan/ n [C,U] 1a decision that
an event that was planned will not happen: Rail passen- can-dour BrE, candor AmE /‘kenda $ -ar/ n [U] the
gers are fed up with cancellations and delays. | Bad weather quality of being honest and telling the truth, even when
led to the cancellation of the game. 2 a decision to end an the truth may be unpleasant or embarrassing —> candid:
agreement or arrangement that you have with someone: She spoke with candour about her life.
There is a cancellation fee of £20. | The hotel is fully booked, C & W the written abbreviation of country and western
but we will let you know if there are any cancellations. can-dy § /‘kendi/ n (plural candies) [C,U]
can:cer & (7 /‘kensa $ -ar/ n 1 AmE a sweet food made from sugar or chocolate: a box
1[C,U] a very serious disease in which cells in one part of of candies |a candy bar |Do you want a piece of candy? -
the body start to grow in a way that is not normal 2 mind/brain candy informal something that is entertain-
—+ tumour: A lot of cancers can now be treated successfully. | ing or pleasant to look at, but which you do not approve
lung/breast/stomach etc cancer Smoking causes lung of because you think it is not serious: Most video games
cancer. |She was told last year that she had cancer. |He died are just brain candy.
of cancer last month. | [+of] cancer of the womb | a new ‘candy apple n [C] Ame an apple covered with a sweet
treatment which effectively kills cancer cells sticky mixture ;
2[C] an evil influence that affects a lot of people and is ‘candy cane n [C] Amé a stick of hard red and white
difficult to stop: Drug abuse is the cancer of our society. sugar with a curved end 3
( (2 OS = the most frequent words in written English 235

can-dy-floss /kendiflos $ -flars, -flors/ n [U] BrE a type deceived, especially in business or politics: a canny politi-
of sweet food made from sticky threads of pink sugar cal advisor 2 nice, good - used in Scotland: a canny lass
wound around a stick —cannily adv
candy- striped adj candy-striped cloth has narrow ca-noe’ /ka'nu:/ n [C] a long light boat that is pointed at
coloured lines on a white background both ends and which you move along using a PADDLE
cane! /kein/ 11 [U] thin pieces of the stems of plants, —» paddle your own canoe at PADDLE*(5)
used for making furniture and baskets: a cane chair |cane canoe? y [I] to travel by canoe —canoeist n [C]
furniture 2 [C] a long thin stick made from the stem of a can-oe-ing /ka'nusn/ n [U] the sport of travelling in a
plant, used for supporting other plants in a garden 3 [Cla canoe
long thin stick with a curved handle that you can use to canon /‘kenan/ n [C] 1a Christian priest who has
help you walk 4 [C] a stick that was used in the past by special duties in a CATHEDRAL 2 formal a standard, rule, or
teachers to hit children with as a punishment: Children principle, or set of these, that are believed by a group of
knew that if they misbehaved they would get the cane. people to be right and good: [+of] Mapplethorpe’s pictures
cane y [T] 1 to punish someone, especially a child, by offended the canons of American good taste. 3 formal
hitting them with a stick 2 cane it spoken informal espe- a) a list of books or pieces of music that are officially
cially BrE a) to drive along very fast b) to drink a lot of recognized as being the work of a certain writer: the
alcohol Shakespearean canon b) all the books that are recognized
camer /‘ketna $ -ar/ n [C] BrE informal someone who as being the most important pieces of literature: the
drinks a lot of alcohol literary canon 4 a piece of music in which a tune is started
Canine’ /‘kematn, ‘ke- $ ‘ker-/ adj relating to dogs: by one singer or instrument and is copied by each of the
others 5 an established law of the Christian church
canine diseases |her loyal canine friend
ca-noni-cal /ka'nontkal $ ka'na:-/ adj 1 according to
canine? n [C] 1 (also canine tooth) one of the four
CANON LAW 2. technical in the simplest mathematical form
sharp pointed teeth in the front of your mouth 2 formal a
dog can-on-ize (also ~ise BrE) /‘kenenaiz/ v [T] to officially
state that a dead person is a SAINT —canonization
cais-ter /‘kenista $ -ar/ n [C] 1a round metal case / keenanar'zerfan $ -nana-/ n [C,U]
that contains gas and bursts when it is thrown or fired
from a gun: Police fired tear gas canisters into the crowd. canon ‘law n [U] the laws of the Christian Church
2a metal container for keeping something in: a tea ca:noo-dle /ka'nu:dl/ v [1] BrE old-fashioned if two
canister | a petrol canister people canoodle, they kiss and hold each other in a
sexual way
can-ker /‘kenke $ -ar/ n [C,U] 1 an evil influence that
spreads quickly among people and is difficult to destroy: ‘can opener n [C] a tool for opening a can of food
the canker of violence in modern society 2 a disease that cal-o-py /‘kenapi/ n (plural canopies) [C] 1a cover
affects trees or plants made of cloth that is fixed above a bed, seat etc as a
decoration or as a shelter 2 the leaves and branches of
can-na-bis /‘kenabis/ n [U] especially BrE an illegal drug
that is usually smoked [SYN] marijuana AmE trees, that make a kind of roof in a forest: the forest canopy
3 literary something that spreads above you like a roof: a
canned /kend/ adj 1 canned food is preserved in a canopy of twinkling stars —canopied adj
round metal container [SYN] tinned BrE: canned tomatoes |
canst /kanst; strong kenst/ v thou canst old use used to
canned fruit 2 canned music/laughter music or laughter
mean ‘you can’ when talking to one person
that has been recorded and is used on television or in
radio programmes cant! /kent/ n [U] 1 insincere talk about moral or reli-
gious principles by someone who is pretending to be
cannel-lo-ni /ken3laoni $ -‘lou-/ n [U] small tubes of better than they really are 2 formal special words used by
PASTA filled with meat and sometimes cheese, and cov-
a particular group of people, especially in order to keep
ered in a sauce things secret [SYN] slang: thieves’ cant
can-ne-ry /'kenari/ n (plural canneries) [C] a factory cant? v [1,7] to lean, or make something lean
where food is put into cans
can't /ka:nt $ kent/ 1 the short form of ‘cannot’: Sorry, |
can-ni-bal /kensbal/ n [C] 1 a person who eats human can't help you. | You can swim, can’t you? 2 used to say that
flesh 2 an animal that eats the flesh of other animals of something is impossible or unlikely: You can’t miss it - it’s
the same kind —cannibalism n [U] —cannibalistic a huge building.
/ keendsbea'listtk</ adj
Can-tab /‘kenteb/ used after the title of a degree from
can-ni-bal-ize (also -ise Br£) /‘kenibalaiz/ v [T] Cambridge University: Jane Smith MA (Cantab)
1to take parts of one machine to use in another, for
can-ta-loup, cantaloupe /'kentalu:p $ -loup/ n [CU] a
example to repair it: The truck was cannibalized for parts.
type of MELON with a hard green skin and sweet orange
2 technical if one of a company’s products cannibalizes
flesh
another, it takes sales away from it
can-tan-ker-ous /ken'tenkeras/ adj bad-tempered
‘cat-non! /‘kenan/ n [C] a large heavy powerful gun and complaining a lot: a cantankerous old man
that was used in the past to fire heavy metal balls
can-ta-ta /ken'ta:ta, kan- $ ken-/ n [C] a piece of
cannon? v [1 always + adv/prep] to hit someone or some- religious music for singers and instruments
thing while moving fast: [+into] She came hurtling round
the corner and cannoned straight into me. | [+off] The ball can-teen /ken'tiin/ n [C] 1 BrE a place in a factory,
school etc where meals are provided, usually quite
cannoned off the far post.
cheaply 2 a small container in which water or other drink
can-non-ade /kena'nerd/ n [C] a continuous heavy is carried by soldiers, travellers etc 3 a canteen of cutlery
attack by large guns BrE a set of knives, forks, and spoons in a box
can-non:ball /‘kenanbo:! $ -bo:I/ n [C] a heavy iron ball canter /‘kenta $ -ar/ v [I,T] to ride or make a horse run
fired from a cannon quite fast, but not as fast as possible — gallop —canter n
cannon fodder n [U] ordinary soldiers whose lives are {C]: She rode off at a canter.
not considered to be very important, and who are sent to can:ti-cle /kentrkal/ n [C] a short religious song usu-
fight where they are likely to get killed ally using words from the Bible
cannot /‘kenat, -not $ -na:t/ modal verb 1a negative can-ti-le-ver /‘kentliwva $ -tl-i:var/ n [C] a long piece of
form of ‘can’: Mrs Armstrong regrets that she cannot accept metal or wood that sticks out from an upright post or wall
your kind invitation. 2.cannot but formal used to say that and supports a shelf, the end of a bridge etc
you feel you have to do something: One cannot but admire —cantilevered adj: a cantilevered staircase
her determination. can-to /‘kentav $ -tou/ n (plural cantos) [C] one of the
canny /'keni/ adj 1clever, careful, and not easily parts into which a very long poem is divided — stanza
 canton 236 EQ = words from the Academic Word List

can-ton /‘kenton, ken'ton $ ‘kentan, -ta:n/ n [C] one of 3 GEL) to say, do, or be something that is better,
the areas that a country such as Switzerland is divided up worse, or more extreme than something that has just
into, that has limited political powers happened or been said: Well, we went three nights with no
Can-to-nese /kenta'nizz</ n [U] a Chinese language sleep at all. | bet you can't cap that!
spoken in Southern China and Hong Kong 4 be capped by sth to have something very good or very
can-ton-ment /ken'tu:nmant $ -'ta:n-/ n [C] technical a bad at the end of an event: a fabulous weekend, capped by
camp where soldiers live dinner in the Times Square Hotel
can-tor /‘kenta, -to: $ -ar, -21r/ n [C] 1a man who leads 5 Gina! [usually passive] BrE to choose someone for a
the prayers and songs in a Jewish religious service national sports team: He’s been capped three times for
2 the leader of a group of singers in a church England.
6 to cap it all (off) BrE spoken used before a statement to
Ca-nuck /ka'nak/ n [C] AmE informal a Canadian say that something is the last in a series of annoying,
Canvas /‘kenvas/ n 1[U] strong cloth used to make unpleasant, or funny events: To cap it all, the phones didn't
bags, tents, shoes etc: a canvas bag 2 [C] a painting done work, and there was no hot water.
~ with oil paints, or the piece of cloth it is painted on: The 7 snow-capped, white-capped ete with snow on top, with
~ gallery has a canvas by Paul Cézanne. | ‘Four Women on a white on top etc: snow-capped mountains
Bench’, oil on canvas, 19913 a broader/wider/larger canvas 8 {aT to cover a tooth with a special hard white
_ the whole of a situation, and not just a part of it: These substance: He’s had his teeth capped.
questions must be considered on a broader canvas.
4 under canvas Br£ in a tent ca-pa-bil-i-ty
[X¥q / kerpa'buiti/ n (plural capabilities) [C]
Can-Vass /‘kenvas/ v1 [1,1] to try to persuade people to 1 the natural ability, skill, or power that makes a machine,
support a political party, politician, plan etc by going to person, or organization able to do something, especially
see them and talking to them, especially when you want something difficult: the country’s manufacturing capability |
them to vote for you in an election: Candidates from all capability to do sth Does the company have the capability to
three parties were out canvassing in Darlington today. | change to meet market needs? | | can speak French, but
[+for] Chapman spent the rest of May canvassing for votes. | simultaneous translation is beyond my capabilities (=too
The US has been canvassing support from other Asian states. difficult). 2 the ability that a country has to take a par-
2 [1,1] to ask people about something in order to get their ticular kind of military action: military/nuclear etc capabil-
opinion or to get information: Police canvassed the neigh- ity America’s nuclear capability
borhood, but didn’t find any witnesses. 3 [T] to talk about a ca-pa-ble By (EG /‘kerpabal/ adj
problem, suggestion etc in detail: A committee was set up 1capable of (doing) sth having the qualities or ability
to canvass the city’s educational options. —canvasser n [C] needed to do something: | don't think he’s capable of
—canvass n [C] murder. |The company isn’t capable of handling an order that
Can-yon /‘kenjan/ n [C] a deep valley with very steep large. | I'm perfectly capable of looking after myself, thank
sides of rock that usually has a river running through it you!
can-yon-ing /‘kenjanin/ (also. can-yon-eer-ing 2 able to do things well: a strong capable woman
/ kenje'ntartn $ -'nir-/ AmE) n [U] a sport in which you 3 capable hands someone who is able to do something
walk and swim along a fast-moving river at the bottom of well: Helen was put in the capable hands of hair stylist Daniel
a canyon Herson. —capably adv
cap" /kep/ n [C] Ca:pa:cious /ka'perfas/ adj formal able to contain a lot:
1[ZM) a) a type of flat hat that has a curved part sticking a capacious suitcase —capaciousness n [U]
out at the front, and is often worn as part of a uniform: a
baseball cap |old men in flat caps |a chauffeur’s peaked cap Ca-pac-i-tor /ka'pesita $ -er/ n [C] a piece of equip-
b) a covering that fits very closely to your head: a swim- ment that collects and stores electricity
ming cap | a shower cap ¢) a type of simple hat that fits ca-pac-i-ty & (1 BG /ke'pesiti/ n (plural capacities)
very closely to your head, worn especially by women in 1 [singular] the amount of space a container, room etc has
the past: a white lace cap to hold things or people: [+of] The fuel tank has a capacity
2 GET a protective covering that you put on the end of 40 litres. |The room had seating capacity for about 80. |
or top of an object [SYN]top: Make sure you put the cap The orchestra played to a capacity crowd (=the largest
back on the pen. |a bottle cap number of people who can fit into a hall, theatre etc). |All
3 (00a an upper limit that is put on the amount of the hotels were filled to capacity. FEAT size
money that someone can earn, spend, or borrow: a cap on 2[C,U] someone's ability to do something
local council spending [OPP|incapacity: [+for] a child's capacity for learning | an
4 GT BrE a) if a sportsperson wins a cap or is given a infinite capacity for love | capacity to do sth a capacity to
cap, he or she is chosen to play for their country: He won think in an original way
his first England cap against Wales in 1994. b) a sportsper- 3 [singular] formal someone's job, position, or duty
son who has played for his or her country: Mason is one of [SYN]role: in a professional/official etc capacity Rollins will
two new caps in the team. be working in an advisory capacity on this project. |(do sth)
5 SIRS QEST a small paper container with explo- in your capacity as sth / attended the meeting in my capacity
sive inside it, used especially in toy guns as chairman of the safety committee.
6 EY a CONTRACEPTIVE made of a round piece of rubber 4 [singular, U] the amount of something that a factory,
that a woman puts inside her VAGINA [SYN] diaphragm company, machine etc can produce or deal with: The
7 go cap in hand (to sb) BrE, go hat in hand AmE to ask for company has the capacity to build 1,500 trucks a year. | The
money or help in a very respectful way, from someone factory has been working at full capacity (=making the most
who has a lot more power than you: Elderly people should amount of things that it can).
receive a heating allowance every winter, instead of having to 5 [singular, U] the size or power of something such as an
go cap in hand to the government. — FLAT CAP, ICE CAP, engine: The tax on cars is still based on engine capacity.
KNEECAP, MOB CAP, SKULL CAP, TOECAP, —+ a feather in your
cap at FEATHER'(2), —» if the cap fits (, wear it) at FIT\8), \cap-and-'trade n [U] a system in which companies
—» put your thinking cap on at THINKING'(3) are only allowed to produce a limited amount of sub-
- Cap? v (capped, capping) [T] stances that harm the environment. If they produce more
1 (7d be capped with sth to have a particular substance than the amount allowed, they have to buy permission
on top: a graceful tower capped with a golden dome | from other companies that produce less.
magnificent cliffs capped by lovely wild flowers cape /ke1p/ n [C] 1a long loose piece of clothing with- .
2 (1 [often passive] to limit the amount of something, out SLeEVes that fastens around your neck and hangs from
especially money, that can be used, allowed, or spent: the your shoulders 2 a large piece of land surrounded on —
only county to have its spending capped by the government three sides by water: Cape Cod %
EX3 = words from the Academic Word List 237 captain
caper! /‘keipa $ -ar/ v [| always + adv/prep] to jump yourself: Ecuador has capitalized on its natural beauty to
around and play in a happy excited way attract tourism.
caper? n[C]1asmall dark green part of a flower used capital ‘levy n [Cc] technical a tax on private or indus-
in cooking to give a sour taste to food 2 informal a trial wealth that is paid to the government
planned activity, especially an illegal or dangerous one: capital ‘punishment n [U] punishment which
I'm too old for this sort of caper. 3 behaviour or an activity involves killing someone who has committed a crime
that is amusing or silly and not serious: the comic capers of —»+ death penalty
a cartoon cat and mouse 4 a short jumping or dancing cap-i-ta-tion /kepsterjan/ n [C] a tax or payment of
movement the same amount from each person
ca-pil-la-ty /ke'prlari $ ‘kepaleri/ n (plural capillaries) Cap-i-tol Hill /kepstl ‘hil/ n 1the US Congress
[C] the smallest type of BLOOD vesseL (=tube carrying 2 the hill in Washington D.C. where the Capitol building
blood) in the body stands
ca,pillary ‘action / § .....'../ n [U] technical the force ca-pit-u-late /ka'prtfslert/ v [1] 1 formal to accept or
that makes a liquid rise up a narrow tube agree to something that you have been opposing for a
cap:i-tal! gy [a /‘kepitl/ n long time [SYN] give in: Helen finally capitulated and let her —
19 [C] an important city where the main government son have a car. 2 formal to accept defeat by your enemies _
of a country, state etc is: Washington D.C., the capital of in a war [SYN] Surrender —capitulation /kaprtfs'lerfan/ n ©
the United States PEEEAULI> city [C,U]
2 (ee [singular, U] money or property, especially when caplet /keplit/ n [C] a small smooth pitt (=solid piece
it is used to start a business or to produce more wealth: of medicine) with a shape that is slightly longer and
The government is eager to attract foreign capital. + WoRK- narrower than a TABLET (=a small round pill)
ING CAPITAL, VENTURE CAPITAL Cap-0-ei-ta /kepav'eara $ kazpou'era/ n [U] an Afro-
3 GGG) [Cc] a letter of the alphabet written in its large Brazilian mixture of dance, song, and fighting that is
form, used for example at the beginning of someone's similar to the MARTIAL ARTS
name — lower case, upper case Capon /‘ketpan $ -pazn, -pan/ n [C] a male chicken that
4 Gea aiiag [C] a place that is a centre for an has had its sex organs removed to make it grow big and
industry, business, or other activity: Hollywood is the capi- fat
tal of the movie industry.
capped /kept/ adj [only before noun] if you borrow an
5 make capital from/out of sth to use a situation or event to
amount of money at a capped rate of interest, the rate is
help you get an advantage
not allowed to rise, but it is allowed to come down
6 Gens ([C] technical the top part of a COLUMN (=a
—+ fixed-rate: capped rate mortgage deals
long stone post used in some buildings)
cap-puc-ci-no /kep3't{iznav $ -nov/ n (plural cappucci-
capital? 4 (A adj nos) [C,U] Italian coffee made with hot milk and with
1a capital letter is one that is written or printed in its chocolate powder on top
large form —> lower case, upper case: capital ‘B’
2 relating to money that you use to start a business or to
ca-price /ka'pri:s/ n 1 [C,U] a sudden and unreasonable
change of mind or behaviour: the caprices of a spoilt child
make more money: capital investments
3 capital offence/crime an offence that is punished by 2 [U] the tendency to change your mind suddenly or
death behave in an unexpected way
4 trouble with a capital T, fast with a capital F etc informal Ca-pri-cious /ka'prifas/ adj 1 likely to change your mind
used with any word in order to emphasize that you are suddenly or behave in an unexpected way: She was as
talking about an extreme type of something capricious as her mother had been. 2 literary changing
5 old-fashioned excellent quickly and suddenly: a capricious wind —capriciously adv
capital ‘assets n [plural] technical machines, buildings, Cap-ri-corn /‘keprtko:n $ -ko:rn/ n 1 [U] the tenth sign
and other property belonging to a company of the ZODIAC, represented by a goat, which some people
(capital ‘gains n [plural] profits you make by selling believe affects the character and life of people born
your possessions between December 22 and January 20 2 [C] someone
born between December 22 and January 20
capital ‘gains tax n [U] a tax that you pay on profits
that you make when you sell your possessions caps the written abbreviation of capital letters
capital ‘goods n [plural] goods such as machines or cap:si-cum /'kepstkem/ n [C,U] technical a kind of
buildings that are made for the purpose of producing PEPPER (=a green, red, or yellow vegetable)
other goods —+ consumer goods cap-size /kep'saiz $ 'keepsaiz/ v [I,T] if a boat capsizes,
,capital-in'tensive adj a capital-intensive business, or if you capsize it, it turns over in the water
industry etc needs a lot of money in order to operate ‘caps lock n [singular, U] the button that you press ona
properly — labour-intensive computer when you want to use capital letters
‘cap-i-tal-is-m /‘kepstl-tzam/ n [U] an economic and cap-stan /‘kepstan/ n [C] a round machine shaped like
political system in which businesses belong mostly to a drum, used to wind up a rope that pulls or lifts heavy
private owners, not to the government — communism, objects
socialism © capsule /'kepsju:! $ -sal/ n [C] 1a plastic container
cap-i-tal-ist" /kepstl-sst/ n [C] 1 someone who sup- shaped like a very small tube with medicine inside that
ports capitalism — communist, socialist 2 someone who you swallow whole — tablet 2 a small plastic container
owns or controls a lot of money and lends it to busi- with a substance or liquid inside 3 the part of a space-
nesses, banks etc to produce more wealth — venture craft in which people live and work: a space capsule
capitalist at VENTURE CAPITAL orbiting the Earth —+ TIME CAPSULE
capitalist? (also cap-i-ta-lis-tic /kapitl'isttk</) adj using ‘capsule wardrobe n [C usually singular] a small set of
or supporting capitalism — communist, socialist: the capi- clothes which all look good with each other and will not
talist system go out of fashion: Your capsule wardrobe will probably
cap-i-tal-ize (also -ise BrE) /‘kepitl-arz/ v [T] 1 to write include a classic white shirt and a good pair of jeans.
a letter of the alphabet using a capital letter 2 to supply a cap:tain" [y /‘keptin/ n [C]
business with money so that it can operate 3 technical to 1the sailor in charge of a ship, or the pilot in charge of an
calculate the value of a business based on the value of its aircraft: The captain and crew welcome you aboard.
SHARES or on the amount of money it makes 2a military officer with a fairly high rank —+ GROUP CAPTAIN
—capitalization / keprtl-ar'zerfan $ -tl-a-/ n [U] 3 someone who leads a team or other group of people:
capitalize on sth phr v to use a situation or something [+of] Julie's captain of the quiz team. | The Blackhawks’
good that you have, in order to get an advantage for team captain was the first to score.
 captain 238 i] G2) & = the most frequent words in spoken English

4 captain of industry someone who owns or has an impor- that previously belonged to an enemy: [+of] the capture of
tant job in a big company Jerusalem in 1099 3 when you get control of something
captain? v [T] 1 to lead a group or team of people and that previously belonged to one of your competitors .
be their captain: The U.S. team, captained by Arthur Ashe, 4 when you put information into a form a computer can
won the Davis Cup in 1981 and 1982. 2 to be in charge of a use
ship, aircraft etc car &] (i /ka: $ ka:r/ n [C]
cap-tain-cy /'keptinsi/ n (plural captaincies) [C,U] the 1a vehicle with four wheels and an engine, that can carry
position of being captain of a team, or the period during a small number of passengers: Dan got out of the car and
which someone Is captain locked the door. | He isn’t old enough to drive a car. |by car |
cap-tion /‘kepjan/ n [C] words printed above or below always go to work by car. | Coughlan was killed in a car
a picture in a book or newspaper or ona television screen accident.
to explain what the picture is showing — subtitle 2 sleeping/dining/buffet car a train carriage used for
ie —caption v [T usually passive]: a photograph of the couple sleeping, eating etc
captioned ‘rebuilding their romance‘ 3 Ame a train carriage
cap-ti-vate /‘keptivert/ v [T] to attract someone very 4 the part of a lift, BALLOON, or AIRSHIP in which people or
~ much, and hold their attention: be captivated by sb/sth He goods are carried
= was captivated by her beauty. 8 EOLLOCATIONS
cap-ti-vat-ing /‘keptivertin/ adj very attractive and
interesting, in a way that holds your attention: a captivat-
Be/ travel Bye car | try to use public transport instead of
ing smile
going by car.
cap-tive' /keptiv/ adj1 kept in prison or in a place that get in/into a car The man stopped and she got into
you are not allowed to leave: captive soldiers | captive the car.
animals | His son had been taken captive (=became a get out of a car He got out of the car and went into
prisoner) during the raid. | a pilot who was held captive the newsagent's.
(=kept as a prisoner) for six years 2 captive audience drive a car /n England you can learn to drive a car
people who listen or watch someone or something when you are 17.
because they have to, not because they are interested take the car (=use a car to go somewhere) Is if all
3 captive market the people who must buy a particular right if|take the car this evening?
product or service, because they need it and there is only park a car She parked the car by the side of the road.
one company selling it 4 be captive to sth to be unable to back/reverse a car (=make it move backwards)
think or speak freely, because of being influenced too Suzy backed the car into the driveway.
much by something: Our communities should not be captive a car passes/overtakes sb A small black car overtook
to the mistakes of the past. me on my left.
captive* n [C] someone who is kept as a prisoner, a car drives off/away The police car drove off at top
especially in a war speed.
cap:tiv-i-ty /kep'trviti/ n [U] when a person or animal a car pulls out (=moves away from the side of the
is kept in a prison, CAGE etc and not allowed to go where road) | a car slows down | a car pulls up (=stops) |
they want [opp|freedom: The hostages were released from a car pulls over (=stops on the side of aroad) |a
captivity. |in captivity animals bred in captivity car breaks down (=stops working because
cap-tor /‘kepta $ -ar/ n [C] someone who is keeping something is wrong with it) |a car hits sth/crashes
another person prisoner — captive: He managed to escape into s
from his captors.
cap-ture' tq /‘keptfe $ -ar/ v (T]
a carTereh accent Re a car eretk AmE) He was
13:38) to catch a person and keep them as a prisoner:
involved in a car crash.
Government troops have succeeded in capturing the rebel
a car park She couldn't find a space in the car park.
leader. |40 captured French soldiers (IEA CATCH
a car door/engine/key etc |a car dealer
2 GEA to get control of a place or object that
(=someone who buys and sells used cars) |a car
previously belonged to an enemy, during a war: The town
chase |car crime BrE
was captured after a siege lasting ten days. | The Dutch fleet
captured two English ships. | ADJECTIVES
3 EXINUEYY to catch an animal after chasing or following it: a used/second-hand car (=one that is not new) |
The tiger was finally captured two miles outside the village. a sports car (=a low fast car) |an estate car BrE
4 PUWLETTPYLZTaa to succeed in recording, showing, or (=one with a door at the back and folding seats) |
describing a situation or feeling, using words or pictures: a racing car (also a race car AmE) |a police car |
These photographs capture the essence of working-class life a company car (=one that your company gives you
at the turn of the century. | The robbery was captured on to use) |a hire car BrE, a rental car AmE
police video cameras.
5 capture sb's imagination/attention etc to make someone ca-vafe /ka'ref, ka'ra:rf/ n [C] a glass container with a
feel very interested in something: His stories of foreign wide neck, used for serving wine or water at meals > see
adventure captured my imagination. picture at BOTTLE!
6 capture sb’s heart to make someone love you ‘car alarm n [C] equipment in a car that makes a loud
ii to get something that previously noise if anyone tries to steal or damage the car
belonged to one of your competitors: We aim to capture
caramel /'keramal, -mel/ n 1[C,U] a sticky brown
eight percent of the UK wine market. |Republicans captured
sweet made of boiled sugar, butter, and milk 2 [U] burnt
three Senate seats from the Democrats.
sugar used for giving food a special taste and colour
8 capture the headlines to be talked or written about a lot 3 [U] a light yellow-brown colour > CREME CARAMEL
in the newspapers or on television: Irvine Welsh first
captured the headlines with his novel ‘Trainspotting’. cara:melize (also -ise BrE) /‘keramealatz/ v 1 [I] if
9 AY technical to put something in a form that a sugar caramelizes, it becomes brown and hard when it is
computer can use: The data is captured by an optical heated 2 [T] to cook food such as fruit or vegetables with
scanner. sugar —caramelized adj: caramelized onions
10 (4) to remove one of your opponent's pieces from carapace /'kerapers/ n [C] technical a hard shell on
the board in CHESS the outside of some animals such as a CRAB Or TORTOISE
capture? n [U] 1 when you catch someone in order to [SYN] shell |
make them a prisoner: The two soldiers somehow managed car-at /‘kerat/ n [C] BrE1 (also karat AmE) a unit for —
to avoid capture. 2 when soldiers get control of a place measuring how pure gold is: 9/18/22/24 carat gold a 22 ~
 239

wing mirror BrE/

side-view mirror AmE
rear window

spare tyre BrE/

spare tire AmE

door handle :
petrol cap BrE/ brake light
gas cap AmE
ch Psat aerial BrE/
exhaust pipe reversing light / _p antenna AmE
mudfla
‘ roof-rack BrE/
luggage rack AmE
windscreen BrE/ sunroof
windshield AmE

windscreen wiper BrE/

windshield wiper AmE

bonnet BrE/
hood AmE

number plate BrE/ A See MO. 5 ; P| bumper

license plate AmE | : os

headlight
eae wing BrE/
indicator BrE/ fender AmE
turn signal AmE tyre BrE/
fog lamp BrE/ tire AmE
fog light AmE — side light BrE/
parking light AmE

rearview mirror mileometer BrE/

odometer AmE
speedometer
fuel gauge indicator BrE/
dashboard turn signal AmE

ignition

steering wheel
glove im
compartment
accelerator/
headrest gas pedal AmE

Passenger gear stick BrE/ handbrake BrE/ driver's seat

seat stick shift AmE emergency brake AmE clutch brake
 Caravan EX = words from the Academic Word List

carat gold chain | Pure gold is 24 carats. 2a unit for change or make something change into CARBON by burn-
measuring the weight of jewels, equal to 200 MILLIGRAMs: ing it without air —carbonized adj —carbonization
the Orloff diamond, a stone of 194.5 carats / kaxbanar'zerfan $ kairbana-/ n [U]
Car-a-van /‘keraven/ n[C]1 BrE a vehicle that a car can carbon mo'noxide n [U] a poisonous gas produced
pull and in which people can live and sleep when they are when CARBON, especially in petrol, burns in a small
on holiday [SYN] trailer AmE: caravan site/park (=area of amount of air
land where people can park their caravans) 2 BrE a cov- carbon ‘neutral adj if an organization or activity is
ered vehicle that is pulled by a horse, and in which people carbon neutral, it takes the same amount of CARBON
can live [SYN] wagon AmE: a gipsy caravan 3 a group of DIOXIDE out of the air, for example by planting trees, as the
people with animals or vehicles who travel together for amount it produces. This is done in order to avoid harm-
safety, especially through a desert ing the environment: Costa Rica wants to be the first
Car-a-Van-ning /‘keraveenin/ n [U] BrE the activity of developing country to become carbon neutral.
taking holidays in a caravan: a caravanning holiday carbon ‘offsetting n [U] the practice of doing things
| Car-a-Van-se-rai /kera'vensarat/ n [C] a hotel with a that will make your activities carbon neutral —carbon
large open central area, used in the past in Eastern offset n [C usually plural]: There are websites that let you buy
countries by groups of people and animals travelling carbon offsets.
together ‘carbon ,paper n [C,U] thin paper with a blue or black
Car-a-way /'kerawet/ n [C,U] a plant whose seeds are substance on one side, that you put between sheets of
used in cooking paper when TYPING on a typewriter in order to make a
carb /ka:b $ ka:rb/ n [C] informal 1 BrE a CARBURETTOR copy onto the second sheet of paper
2 [usually plural] especially AmE a food such as rice, pota- ‘carbon sink n [C] a large area of forest that is believed
toes, or bread that contains CARBOHYDRATE: Before a race | to help the environment by taking in CARBON from the air
eat plenty of carbs. so that the effects of GLOBAL WARMING are reduced
carbine /‘ka:bain $ ‘karr-/ n [C] a short light RIFLE ‘carbon tax n [C,U] a tax on businesses and industries
car-bo-hy-drate /ka:bau'haidrert, -drt $ |karrbou-/ n that produce substances with a carbon base, that can
1 [C,U] a substance that is in foods such as sugar, bread, damage the environment: carbon taxes on fossil fuels
and potatoes, which provides your body with heat and car ‘boot sale n [Cc] BrE an outdoor sale where people
energy and which consists of oxygen, HYDROGEN, and sell things from the back of their cars
CARBON 2 [C usually plural] foods such as rice, bread, and car-bun-cle /ka:bankal $ 'ka:r-/ n [C] 1a large painful
potatoes that contain carbohydrates lump under someone's skin 2 a red jewel, especially a
car-bol-ic a-cid /kaxbolrk 'esid $ karrba:-/ n [U] a GARNET
liquid that kills BACTERIA, used for preventing the spread of car-bu-ret-tor BrE, carburetor AmE /ka:bj$'reta, -be-
disease or infection $ 'karrbarertar/ n [C] a part of an engine, especially in a
car-bo load-ing /‘ka:bau jJaudin $ 'ka:rbou Jou-/ n [U] car, that mixes the petrol with air so that it burns and
informal when ATHLETES eat food that contains a lot of provides power
CARBOHYDRATES as part of their preparation for a race etc, Carcass /‘ka:kas $ 'karr-/ n [C] 1 the body of a dead
so that their muscles will have extra energy during the animal 2 the decaying outer structure of a building, vehi-
event —carbo load y [1] cle, or other object
‘car bomb n [Cc] a bomb hidden inside a car Car-cin-o-gen /ka:'sinadzen $ ka:r-/ n [C] medical a
car-bon /‘ka:ban $ 'ka:r-/ n 1 [U] a chemical substance substance that can cause CANCER
that exists in a pure form as diamonds, GRAPHITE etc, or in Car-cin-o-gen-ic /ka:sina'dzenik< $ ka:r-/ adj likely to
an impure form as coal, petrol etc. It is a chemical cause CANCER: a carcinogenic substance
ELEMENT: symbol C 2 [C,U] CARBON PAPER 3 [C] a CARBON Car-Ci-no-ma /kais!naumea $ kazrsinov-/ n [C] medical
COPY (1) a CANCER
carbonate /‘ka:banit, -nert $ 'kaxr-/ n [CU] a salt ‘ear club n [c] an organization that owns cars that are
(=chemical substance formed by an acid) that contains shared by its members. People have to arrange in
CARBON and oxygen: calcium carbonate advance when they want to use a car, and pay to use it.
car-bon-at-ed /‘ka:banertid $ 'ka:r-/ adj carbonated The advantage is that members do not have to pay the
drinks contain small bubbles — fizzy: carbonated spring whole cost of owning a car, but are able to use one when
water they need to.
,carbon ‘copy n [C] 1a copy, especially of something \car=crash T'V n [U] informal Reauity TV programmes
that has been Typed using CARBON PAPER —> cc 2 some- which people think are of poor quality, but which they
one or something that is very similar to another person or cannot stop themselves watching
thing: [+of] The robbery is a carbon copy of one that took card" §] 0 /ka:d $ ka:rd/ n
place last year. 1G «C] a small piece of plastic or paper
carbon ‘credit n [c usually plural] permission to pro- containing information about a person or showing, for
duce a particular amount of carbon dioxide, which com- example, that they belong to a particular organization,
panies can buy and sell as a way of reducing harm to the club etc: Employees must show their identity cards at the
environment gate. | |haven't got my membership card yet.
,carbon ‘dating n [U] a method of finding out the age 2 (iy [C] a small piece of plastic, especially one that
of very old objects by measuring the amount of carbon in you get from a bank or shop, which you use to pay for
them goods or to get money: Lost or stolen cards must be
,carbon di’oxide n [U] the gas produced when animals reported immediately. | a £10 phone card |Every time you use
breathe out, when carbon is burned in air, or when animal your store card, you get air miles. -+ CHARGE CARD, CHEQUE
or vegetable substances decay CARD, CREDIT CARD, DEBIT CARD
3 Glas [C] a piece of folded thick stiff paper with a
,carbon ‘footprint n [c] the amount of carbon dioxide picture on the front, that you send to people on special
that a person or organization produces by the things they
occasions: birthday/Christmas/greetings etc card a Moth-
do, used as a way of measuring the amount of harm they er’s Day card
do to the environment: There are lots of ways you can
4 [trysa [C] a card with a photograph or picture on
reduce your carbon footprint.
one side, that you send to someone when you are on
car-bon-if-er-ous /ka:ba'nifaras< $ kazr-/ adj technical holiday postcard: / sent you a card from Madrid.
producing or containing carbon or coal: carboniferous 5 Giga (U) BrE thick stiff paper — cardboard: Cut a -
rocks piece of white card 12 x 10 cm.
car-bon-ize (also ise BrE) /‘ka:banarz $ 'ka:r-/ v [I,T] to 6 RTE ~£C] a small piece of thick
EX4 = words from the Academic Word List 241 care

stiff paper that information can be written or printed on: cardboard ‘city n [Cc] an area in a large town or city
a set of recipe cards |a score card where people who have no home sleep outside using
7 @08 [C] a) a small piece of thick stiff paper with cardboard boxes to try to keep warm
numbers and signs or pictures on one side. There are 52 cardboard ‘cut-out n [Cc] 1.4 picture drawn on card-
cards in a set. [SYN] playing card: pack/deck of cards (=a board so that it can stand up on a surface 2 a person or
complete set of cards) b) a game in which these cards character in a book, film etc who does not seem natural
are used: I’m no good at cards. | We were having a game of or real: the sort of movie in which the characters are just
cards. | Let’s play cards. | a book of card games c) a small cardboard cut-outs
piece of thick stiff paper with numbers or pictures on ‘card-carrying adj [only before noun] 1 card-
them, used to play a particular game: a set of cards for carrying member someone who has paid money to a
playing Snap political organization and is an official and active member
8 football/baseball etc card a small piece of thick stiff of it: a card-carrying member of the Labour Party 2 believ-
paper with a picture on one side, that is part of a set ing very strongly in something - used to show disap-
which people collect proval: One of them is a card-carrying ecology freak.
9 —EPSEESS [C] a small piece of thick stiff paper that
shows your name, job, and the company you work for ‘card catalog n [Cc] AmE a box of cards that contain
[SYN] business card — visiting card: My name’s Adam Carver. information about something and are arranged in order,
Here's my card. especially the cards with book information on them in a
10 {ys [C] the thing inside a computer that the library [SYN] card index BrE
CHIPS are attached to, that allows the computer to do card-hold-er /kaidhaulda $ ‘kairdhouldar/ n [C]
specific things: a graphics card someone who has a CREDIT CARD
11 be on the cards BrE, be in the cards AmE to seem likely to cardi-ac /'ka:di-ek $ 'kar-/ adj [only before noun] medi-
happen: At 3-1 down, another defeat seemed to be on the cal relating to the heart: cardiac surgery | cardiac arrest/
cards. failure (=when the heart stops working)
12 play your cards right to deal with a situation in the right car-die /‘ka:di $ 'kazr-/ n [C] BrE informal a cardigan
way, so that you are successful in getting what you want: car-di-gan /‘ka:digan $ 'ka:r-/ (also ‘cardigan sweater
If he plays his cards right, Tony might get a promotion. AmE) n [C] a SWEATER similar to a short coat, fastened at
13 put/lay your cards on the table to tell people what your the front with buttons or a zip
plans and intentions are in a clear honest way: What I'd
like us to do is put our cards on the table and discuss the car-di-nal" /ka:danal $ 'ka:r-/ n [C] 1a priest of high
situation in a rational manner.
rank in the Roman Catholic Church 2 a North American
14 play/keep your cards close to your chest to keép your bird. The male is a bright red colour. 3 a CARDINAL NUMBER
plans, thoughts, or feelings secret cardinal? adj [only before noun] very important or basic
15 get/be given your cards BrE informal to have your job SYN| fundamental: Having clean hands is one of the cardinal
taken away from you rules when preparing food. |an issue of cardinal importance
16 have another card up your sleeve to have another advan- cardinal ‘number (also cardinal) n [C] a number such
tage that you can use to be successful in a particular as 1, 2, or 3, that shows how many of something there
situation are, but not what order they are in —> ORDINAL NUMBER
17 trump/best/strongest card something that gives you a ,cardinal ‘point n [Cc] Br£ technical one of the four main
big advantage in a particular situation: The promise of tax points (north, south, east, or west) on a COMPASS
cuts proved, as always, to be the Republican Party's trump cardinal ‘sin n [Cc] 1 informal something bad or stupid
card. that you must avoid doing: politicians who commit the
18 sb’s card is marked BrE if someone's card is marked, cardinal sin of ignoring public opinion 2 a serious SIN in the
they have done something that makes people in authority Christian religion
disapprove of them
19 Fae) (C] old-fashioned informal an amusing or unu-
‘card jimdex n [Cc] BrE a box of cards that contain
information about something and are arranged in order,
sual person: Fred's a real card, isn’t he!
especially the cards with book information on them in a
20 Gaiay [C] a small piece of stiff red or yellow paper,
library [SYN] card catalog AmE
shown to a player who has done something wrong in a
game such as football €ar-di-O /'kaidiau $ 'kairdiou/ n [U] informal any type of
21 aaa
0B LC] a list of races or matches at exercise that makes the heart stronger and healthier, for
a sports event, especially a horse race: a full card of 120 example running: a combination of cardio, weight training,
riders for the Veterans race and kung fu
22 GE «[C] a small piece of thick stiff paper with a cardio- /ka:diau, -dia $ kardiou, -die/ prefix medical
special picture on one side, that is put down in a pattern relating to the heart: a cardiograph (=machine that meas-
in order to tell someone what will happen in their future ures movements of the heart)
23 GEE LC] technical a tool that is similar to a comb and car-di-ol-o-gist /ka:di'pladzist $ karrdi'a:-/ n [C] medi-
is used for combing, cleaning, and preparing wool or cal a doctor who studies or treats heart diseases
cotton for spinning — hold all the cards at HOLD'(30), — play car-di-ol-o-gy / ka:di'oladzi $ karrdi'a:-/ n [U] the
the race/nationalist/environmentalist etc card at PLAY'(14), medical study of the heart
— stack the cards at STACK?(4)
car-di-o-vas:cu-lar / kardiav'veeskjsla $
card? y[1]1 especially AmE to ask someone to show a kka:rdiou'veskjslar/ adj [usually before noun] medical relating
card proving that they are old enough to do something, to the heart and BLOOD VeESSELs (=tubes through which
especially to buy alcohol 2 to show a red or yellow card blood flows around your body): cardiovascular disease
to someone playing a sport such as football, to show that card-shark /‘ka:dfa:k $ ‘ka:rdfa:rk/ (also card-sharp
they have done something wrong 3 to comb, clean, and /‘kaidfa:p $ 'karrdfairp/ BrE) n [C] someone who cheats
prepare wool or cotton, before making cloth when playing cards in order to make money
car-da:momi /‘ka:damam $ 'ka:r-/ n [C,U] the seeds of ‘card table n [Cc] a small light table, usually with folding
an Asian fruit, used to give a special taste to Indian and legs, used for playing card games on
Middle Eastern food ‘card vote n [C] BrE a way of voting at a TRADE UNION
card-board" /‘ka:dbo:d $ 'ka:rdbo:rd/ n [U] stiff thick meeting in which your vote represents the votes of all the
brown paper, used especially for making boxes: a sheet of members of your organization
cardboard — see picture at Box? care’ GJ (i /kea $ ker/ n
cardboard? ‘adj 1 made from cardboard: a cardboard 1 [naa] «6[U] the process of looking after
box 2 [only before noun] seeming silly and not real: a someone, especially because they are ill, old, or very
romantic novel full of cardboard characters young: high standards of medical care | They shared the care
 care 242 Sd & & = the most frequent words in een English

of the children. | Care facilities for the elderly are experienced more reorganizations than | care to remember
inadequate. | in sb's care (=being looked after by some- (=a lot of them).
one) The children had been left in the care of a babysitter. | 10 any ... you care to name/mention any thing of a particu- ;
be under sb's care (=be officially looked after or treated by lar kind: Virtually any piece of equipment you care to name
someone) Mentally ill patients will be under the care of a can be hired these days.
psychiatrist. —* DAY CARE, HEALTH CARE, INTENSIVE CARE, 11 would you care to do sth? spoken formal used to ask
—+ tender loving care at TENDER'(5) someone politely whether they want to do something:
2 take care of sb/sth a) to look after someone or some- Would you care to join us for dinner?
thing: Who's taking care of the dog while you're away? |take care for sb/sth phrv
care of yourself The children are old enough to take care of 1to look after someone who is not able to look after
themselves. b) to deal with all the necessary work, themselves [SYN| take care of: He thanked the nurses who
arrangements etc: Her secretary always took care of the had cared for him. | The children are well cared for.
~ details. | Don't worry about your accommodation - it's all 2to do things that keep something in good condition:
taken care of. c) to pay for something - used when you Instructions on caring for your new sofa are included.
_ want to avoid saying this directly: We'll take care of the 3 would you care for sth? spoken formal used to ask some-
| fees. one politely if they would like something: Would you care
© 3take care a) spoken used when saying goodbye to family for another drink?
and friends: Take care! See you next week! b) to be careful: 4 not care for sb/sth formal to not like someone or some-
Take care when driving in icy conditions. |take care to do sth thing: | don’t much care for his parents.
Take care to ensure that the ladder is steady before you climb ca:reen /ka'ri:n/ v [I always + adv/prep] AmE to move
it. | take care (that) Take care that the meat is cooked forwards quickly without control, making sudden side-
properly. ways movements [SYN|career BrE: [+down/over/along
4 TST «=[U] the process of etc] The car careened around the corner.
doing things to keep something in good condition and
working correctly: With proper care, the washing machine
career! By [ /ke'ne $ -'rar/ n [C]
1a job or profession that you have been trained for, and
should last for years. |advice on skin care
which you do for a long period of your life: [+in] a career
5 @eTsy ~LU] when you are careful to avoid dam-
in journalism |a teaching career | He realized that his acting
age, mistakes etc: The note on the box said ‘Fragile - handle
career was over | career development/advancement/
with care’. | The picture had been drawn with great care.
progression etc Career prospects within the company are
6 take care over/with sth to spend a lot of time and effort
making sure that something is perfect: Paul always takes
excellent. | a physiotherapist who wanted to make a dramatic
great care over his appearance. career change by becoming an author | Nurses want an
7 in care BrE a child who is in care is being looked after by improved career structure (=better opportunities to move
the government, not by their parents: When he was sent to upwards in their jobs). FEES Jos
prison, the children were taken into care. 2 career soldier/teacher etc someone who intends to be a
8 OTe ars (C,U] literary something that causes soldier, teacher etc for most of their life, not just for a
problems and makes you anxious or sad: At last | felt free particular period of time: a career diplomat
from my cares. |Alex looked as though he didn't have a care 3 the period of time in your life that you spend doing a
in the world (=had no problems or worries). | a man with particular activity: She had not had a very impressive school
the cares of the world on his shoulders (=with a lot of career up till then. |My career as an English teacher didn’t
problems or worries) last long. | Beating the defending champion has to be the
9 care of sb BrE, in care of sb AmE used when sending highlight of my career.
letters to someone at someone else's address [SYN] C/o: career? y [I always + adv/prep] BrE to move forwards
Send me the letter care of my uncle. quickly without control, making sudden sideways
10 have a care! BrE spoken old-fashioned used to tell some- movements |[SYN|careen AmE: [+down/along/towards
one to be more careful etc] The truck careered down the hill and into a tree.
care? GJ 4 v [1,7] ca'reer break n [Cc] a short period of time when you
do not work in your usual job or profession, for example
1to think that something is important, so that you are
because you want to look after your children
interested in it, worried about it etc: [+about] The only
thing he seems to care about is money. | care what/how/ ca'reer coach n [Cc] someone whose job is to help
whether etc She didn’t care what her father thought. | ‘He people to plan their CAREERS —career coaching n [U]
looked angry.’ ‘I don’t care!’ ca'reer counselor n [C] AmE a CAREERS OFFICER
2to be concerned about what happens to someone, ca-reer-ist /ka'riarist $ -'rtr-/ adj someone who is
because you like or love them — caring: [+about] | care careerist considers their career to be more important to
about him and hate to see him hurt like this. |She felt that them than anything else - often used to show disapproval
nobody cared. —careerism n [U] —careerist n [C]
3 who cares? spoken used to say that something does not ca'reers officer (also careers adviser) n [C] BrE
worry or upset you because it is not important: /t’s rather someone whose job is to give people advice about what
old and scruffy, but who cares? jobs and professional training might be suitable for them
4 see if |care! spoken used when you are angry or upset, to [syn] career counselor AmE
say that you do not care about what someone will do: Go
ca'reer woman n [C] a woman whose career is very
with William, then - see if | care!
important to her, so that she may not want to get married
5 sb couldn't care less spoken used to say that someone
or have children: independent career women
does not care at all about something: | really couldn't care
less what you think! care-free /keofri: $ ‘ker-/ adj having no worries or
6 what does sb care? spoken used to say that someone problems: He thought back to the carefree days of his
doés not care at all about something: What do | care? It’s childhood. |a carefree attitude
your responsibility now! care-ful &y ( /‘keafal $ 'ker-/ adj
7 as if | cared! spoken used to say that something is not 1 (be) careful! spoken used to tell someone to think about
important to you at all: As if|cared whether he comes with what they are doing so that something bad does not
us or not! happen: Be careful - the floor’s slippery.
8 for all sb cares spoken used when you are angry that 2 trying very hard to avoid doing anything wrong or to
someone does not seem concerned about someone or avoid damaging or losing something careless: a care-
something: We could be starving for all they care! ful driver |careful to do sth Be careful to dispose of your litter -
9 not care to do sth old-fashioned to not like doing some- properly. |[+with] He was being very careful with the coffee
thing: She doesn’t care to spend much time with her so as not to spill it. |careful who/what/how etc /'// be more —
relatives. | | wouldn't care to meet him in a dark alley! | I’ve careful what | say in the future. | [+about]} Mara was careful
( (2 GS = the most frequent words in written English 243 » careworn
r
care:less /‘kealas $ 'ker-/ adj 1not paying enough atten-
This graph shows how common different grammar tion to what you are doing, so that you make mistakes,
patterns of the adjective careful are.
damage things etc [OPP] careful: /t was careless of him to
leave the door unlocked. | a careless mistake | careless
be careful driving | [+with] He's careless with his glasses and has lost
careful person/work etc three pairs. | Careless talk can be disastrous for a business.
careful
to do sth 2 [usually before noun] natural and not done with any
deliberate effort or attention: He ran a hand through his
careful with hair with a careless gesture. 3 not concerned about some-
careful who/what/how etc thing: [+of] a man careless of his own safety | She gave a
careful about careless shrug. /\ Do not use ‘careless’ to mean that
someone has no worries. Use carefree: They all felt happy
careful (that) and carefree. —carelessly adv —carelessness n [U]
other
a ae
he al me
10% 20% 30% 40% 50% careless not paying enough attention to what you
are doing, so that you make mistakes, damage things
about what she ate. |careful (that) We were very careful that etc: | made a few careless mistakes. | It was careless of
he didn’t find out. you to leave your purse lying about.
3 paying a lot of attention to details, so that something is clumsy often dropping or breaking things because
done correctly and thoroughly: Any school trip requires you move around in a careless way: I’m so clumsy, |
careful planning. | careful consideration/attention/thought spilt milk all over the floor. | a clumsy child
Careful consideration has been given to all applications. | sloppy careless and lazy in the way you do your
careful analysis/examination/study etc careful analysis of work or in your behaviour generally: As a student, he
the data was brilliant but sloppy. | | will not tolerate sloppy work.
4 careful with money not spending more money than you reckless especially written doing dangerous or stupid
need to things without thinking about your own or other
5 you can't be too careful spoken used to say that you people's safety: The driver of the car was arrested for
should do everything you can to avoid problems or dan- reckless driving. | His actions showed a reckless
ger —carefulness n [U] disregard for human life.
irresponsible careless in a way that might affect
other people, especially when you should be taking
careful trying to avoid mistakes and do everything care of them: It’s irresponsible for parents to let their
correctly by paying a lot of attention to details: Try to children smoke. | his irresponsible attitude to keeping
be more careful with your punctuation. |A careful animals
inspection showed cracks in the foundation of the tactless carelessly saying something that upsets or
building. embarrasses someone, without intending to do this:
methodical always doing things in a careful and He kept making tactless remarks about her appearance.
well-organized way: He is very methodical in his work |a tactless question
and likes to plan everything in advance. | This time the casual not being careful enough about something
researchers used a more methodical approach to the and treating it as though it is not important: He
problem. seems to have a very casual attitude towards his work. |
thorough /'9nra $ ‘Onrou, '@ara/ careful to examine She disliked the casual way in which he made decisions
or deal with every part of something, so that you do affecting other people’s lives.
not miss anything important: There will be a thorough negligent careless about something that you are
investigation into the circumstances of her death. | Our responsible for, so that serious mistakes are made -
mechanics will check everything - they're very thorough. used especially when someone will be officially
meticulous very careful about every small detail in punished for this: The doctor was negligent in using
order to make sure everything is done correctly: She the wrong type of needle. |They found him guilty of
keeps meticulous records of the students’ progress. |He negligent conduct.
was meticulous about keeping the place clean and tidy.
systematic using a fixed plan in a careful and ‘care package n [C] AmE a package of food, sweets
well-organized way in order to do everything that etc that is sent to someone living away from. home,
you should: a systematic review of the scientific especially a student at college
evidence | We need a systematic way to evaluate car-er /‘keara $ 'kerar/ n [C] BrE someone who looks
employees. after an old or ill person at home [SYN] caretaker AmE
painstaking using a lot of time and effort to do caress! /ka'res/ v [T] 1 especially literary to touch
something in a very careful and thorough way: The someone gently in a way that shows you love them
book is the result of ten years of painstaking research. | [SYN|stroke: His hands gently caressed her body.
They began the long and painstaking task of translating TOUCH 2 literary to touch something gently,
his work into English. in a way that seems pleasant or romantic: Waves caressed
the shore. 3
care-ful-ly Gy (1 /‘keafoli $ 'ker-/ adv in a careful way
fopP|carelessly: He folded the sheets up carefully. | look/ caress n [C] especially literary a gentle touch or kiss
listen/think etc carefully You need to think very carefully that shows you love someone
about which course you want to do. | carefully planned/ care:tak-er /‘kea,terka $ 'ker,terkar/ n [C] 1 BrE someone
chosen/controlled etc carefully chosen words whose job is to look after a building, especially a school
[SYN] janitor AmE 2 someone who looks after a house or
Care-giv-er /'keagiva $ 'kergivar/ n [C] AmE someone
land while the person who owns it is not there 3 care-
who takes care of a child or sick person
taker manager/government/boss etc a manager, govern-
‘care jhome n{C] BrE a building where people who are ment etc that is in charge for a short period of time until
old or ill live and are looked after another manager or government is chosen
(Care in the Com'munity n [U] when people with 4 AmE someone who looks after other people, especially
mental illnesses are allowed to live among ordinary a teacher, parent, nurse etc [SYN] carer BrE
people in the COMMUNITY, instead of staying in special ‘care worker n [C] BrE someone whose job is to look
hospitals after people who need care
‘care label n [c] a small piece of cloth in a piece of Care-worn /'keawo:n $ 'kerwo:rn/ adj looking sad, wor-
clothing that tells you how to wash it ried, and tired: a careworn expression
 cargo 244 EG = words from the Academic Word List

Car-g0 /'ka:gav $ 'ka:rgou/ n (plural cargos or cargoes) carol v (carolled, carolling BrE, caroled, caroling AmE)
[C,U] the goods that are being carried in a ship or plane [1] literary to sing or say something in a happy way:
[SYN] freight: [tof] A ship carrying a cargo of oil has run ‘Goodbye,’ carolled Boris happily.
aground. |a cargo plane ca-rot-id ar-te-ry /ka'rotid artari $ -'ratid arr-/ n [C]
Car-ib-be-an /ker!'bi:an«/ adj from or relating to the medical one of the two ARTERIES in your neck that supply
islands in the Caribbean Sea —Caribbean n [C] blood to your head
cari-bou /‘kerbu:/ n (plural caribou) [C] a North Ca-rouse /ka'rauz/ v [|] literary to drink a lot, be noisy,
American REINDEER and have fun —carousal n [C,U]
car-i-ca-ture’ /‘kertkat{ua $ -tfor/ n1 [C] a funny draw- car-ousel (also carrousel AmE) /kera'sel/ n [C]
ing of someone that makes them look silly: [+of] carica- 1 especially AmE a machine with wooden horses on it that
tures of politicians. 2 [C] a description of someone or turns around and around, which people can ride on for
something that is only partly true and makes them seem fun 2 the moving belt that you collect your bags from at
: ~ silly: [+of] The report presents a caricature of the true an airport
situation. 3 [U] the activity of drawing or writing carica- carp" /ka:p $ ka:rp/ v [1] to keep complaining about
3 tures something in a way that is annoying: [+about] He always
2 caricature? v [1] to draw or describe someone or finds something to carp about.
something in a way that makes them seem silly: carica- carp? n (plural carp) [C] a large fish that lives in lakes
ture sb/sth as sth Scientists are often caricatured as absent- and rivers and can be eaten
minded professors. car-pac-cio /‘ka:'petfau $ ka:r'pa:t{ou/ n [U] raw BEEF or
cari-ca-tur-ist /‘kerikat{oersst $ -tfor-/ n [C] someone SALMON that has been cut into very small thin pieces,
who draws or writes caricatures served as part of a meal: carpaccio of beef
car-ies /'keariz $ 'ker-/ n [U] technical decay in some- car-pal tun-nel syn-drome /ka:pal ‘tan! stndraum $
one's teeth ka:r-, -droum/ n [U] a medical condition which causes
pain and weakness in your wrist
car-ill-on /ka'riljan, 'keraljan, $ ‘keeralja:n, -lan/ n [C] a
set of bells in a tower that are controlled from a piano car park n [C] BrE1 an area where people can park their
KEYBOARD, or a tune played on these bells cars [SYN|parking lot AmE 2 an enclosed building in a
public place where people can park their cars
car-ing /‘keartn $ 'ker-/ adj 1 thinking about what other SYN| parking garage AmE
people need or want and trying to help them — care: a
car-pen-ter /‘ka:pinta $ ‘ka:rpintar/ n [C] someone
warm and caring man |a caring attitude | The school aims to
whose job is making and repairing wooden objects
provide a caring environment. KIND,
SYMPATHETIC 2 [only before noun] involving the job of look- car-pen-try /‘ka:psntri $ 'ka:r-/ n [U] the skill or work of
ing after other people: Many of the caring professions are a carpenter
badly paid. |More men are taking on a caring role. carpet’ &] 1 /‘ka:pit $ 'karr-/ n
carjacking /ka:dzzkiy $ 'ka:r-/ n [C,U] the crime of 1[C,U] heavy woven material for covering floors or stairs,
using a weapon to force the driver of a car to drive you or a piece of this material + carpeting, rug: My bedroom
somewhere or give you their car — hijacking —carjacker n carpet is green. |All the rooms had fitted carpets (=carpets
[C] —carjack v [T] cut to fit the shape of the rooms).
2 a carpet of sth literary a thick layer of something on the
car-load /‘ka:laud $ 'ka:rloud/ n [C] the amount of ground: a carpet of flowers
people or things a car can hold: [+of] A carload of tourists 3 be/get called on the carpet Ame informal to be criticized
pulled up and asked for directions. by someone in authority because you have done some-
car-mine /'ka:min, -main $ 'ka:r-/ n [U] literary a dark thing wrong: He was called on the carpet by his boss to
red colour [SYN] crimson —carmine adj explain his excessive spending. ++ MAGIC CARPET, —+ sweep/
car-nage /‘ka:nidz $ 'ka:r-/ n [U] when a lot of people brush sth under the carpet at SWEEP"(15)
are killed and injured, especially in a war: a scene of carpet? v [7] 1 [usually passive] to cover a floor with
terrible carnage carpet: The building has been carpeted throughout.
carnal /‘kanl $ 'ka:ml/ adj formal 1 relating to sex or 2 [usually passive] especially BrE informal to talk in an angry
someone's body: carnal desires 2 carnal knowledge/ way to someone because they have done something
relations sexual activity —carnally adv wrong: carpet sb for sth Top officers were carpeted for
bullying younger officers. 3 literary if leaves, flowers etc
car-na-tion /ka:'neyfan $ ka:r-/ n [C] a flower that
carpet the ground, they cover it in a thick layer: be
smells sweet. Men often wear a carnation on their jacket
carpeted with sth The garden was carpeted with daffodils.
on formal occasions. —> see picture at FLOWER’
car-pet-bag-ger /‘ka:pitbega $ 'ka:rprtbegar/ n [C]
carnet /‘ka:ner $ 'ka:r-/ n [C] 1 BrE a small book of 1 someone from the northern US who went to the south-
tickets that you can use on trains, buses etc 2 an official ern US after the Civil War in order to make money,
document that allows you to go somewhere, especially to especially in a dishonest way 2 someone who moves to a
drive across the border into another country for a limited different place to try to be politically successful - used in
period — pass order to show disapproval 3 BrE someone who opens an
car-ni-val /‘kamnsval $ 'karr-/ n1 [CU] a public event at account at a BUILDING SOCIETY because they think that the
which people play music, wear special clothes, and dance building society will soon become a bank, and then they
in the streets: preparations for this year’s carnival |when it’s will receive money or SHARES in the bank
Carnival in Rio | a carnival atmosphere in the town ‘carpet-bomb y [T] to drop a lot of bombs over a small
2 [C] AmE a noisy outdoor event at which you can ride on area to destroy everything in it —carpet bombing n [U]
special machines and play games for prizes [SYN] funfair carpeting /'ka:pitin $ 'kaxr-/ n 1 [U] carpets in gen-
BrE 3 [C] AmE a school event at which students play eral, or the material used for making them: a spacious
games for prizes 4 carnival of sth literary an exciting mix- room with wall-to-wall carpeting (=covering the whole
ture of things: Shakespeare's carnival of images floor) 2 [C] BrE informal an occasion when you talk to
Carni-vore /‘ka:nivo: $ 'kazrnivair/ n [C] 1.an animal someone in an angry way because they have done some-
that eats flesh > herbivore, omnivore 2. humorous some- thing wrong: He was called to the manager's office for a
one who eats meat — vegetarian —carnivorous carpeting.
/ka:'nivaras $ kazr-/ adj ‘carpet Slipper n [c] BrE old-fashioned a type of soft
car-ob /‘kerab/ n [U] the fruit of a Mediterranean tree, shoe that you wear in your house [SYN] slipper
which tastes similar to chocolate ‘carpet /Sweeper n [C] a simple machine for sweeping ~
carol! /keral/ (also Christmas carol) n [C] a traditional carpets, which does not use electricity |
Christmas song ‘car pool, carpool n [C] 1 a group of people who agree to -
 EX§ = words from the Academic Word List carry
travel together to work, school etc in one car and share one place to another in a vehicle, ship, or plane: The ship
the cost 2 a group of cars that a company or organization was carrying drugs. | There are more airplanes carrying more
owns for its workers or members to use people than ever before.
car-pool, car-pool /‘ka:pu:l $ 'ka:r-/ v [1] especially AmE 3 LBA [7] if a pipe, wire etc carries something
if a group of people carpool, they travel together to work, such as liquid or electricity, the liquid, electricity etc flows
school etc in one car and share the cost —carpooling n or travels along it: A drain carries surplus water to the river. |
[U] The aim is for one wire to carry both television and telephone
carport /ka:po:t $ 'ka:rpo:rt/ n [C] a shelter for a car calls.
which consists of a roof supported by posts or walls 4{ST) [T] to cause something to move along or
car-rel /keral/ n [C] a small enclosed desk for one support something as it moves along: This stretch of water
person to use in a library carries a lot of shipping. | The bridge carries the main road
over the railway. | Pollution was carried inland by the wind.
Car-rage /‘kerd3/ n 5 DEVE TEE RLY [T] to have something with you in your
1a [CC] a vehicle with wheels that
pocket, on your belt, in your bag etc everywhere you go: |
is pulled by a horse, used in the past
don't carry a handbag. | just carry money in my pocket. | All
2 GZ) [C] BrE one of the parts of a train where passen-
the soldiers carried rifles. |He says he’s got to carry a knife to
gers sit [SyN]car AmE
protect himself.
3 TET [UU] BrE formal the act of moving
6 TIGA
LEY EEE [T] to have something as a particular
goods from one place to another or the cost of moving
quality: Degree qualifications carry international
them: Canals were originally built for the carriage of coal. |It
recognition. | Few medical procedures carry no risk of any
costs £45.50 including carriage.
kind. |Older managers carry more authority in a crisis. | The
4 Tee «LC] a moving part of a machine that
plan is not likely to carry much weight with (=have much
supports or moves another part: the carriage of a type-
influence over) the authorities. | If the child believes in what
writer
she is saying, she will carry conviction (=make others
5 Srna yd [UV] formal used when describing the
believe what she says is true).
position of someone's body as they walk, stand, or sit: her
7 RTTTss
TRB [T] if a newspaper, a television or
graceful carriage
radio broadcast, or a website carries a piece of news, an
6 Tae sa [C] something with wheels
advertisement etc, it prints it or broadcasts it: The morn-
that is used to move a heavy object, especially a gun
ing paper carried a story about demonstrations in New York
—> BABY CARRIAGE
and Washington D.C. | The national TV network carries
‘carriage clock n [Cc] a clock inside a glass case with a religious programmes.
handle on top 8 LE [7] if something carries information, the
car-riage-way /‘keridzwe1/ n [C] BrE one of the two information is written on it: All tobacco products must carry
sides of a MOTORWAY or main road, for vehicles travelling a health warning. | goods carrying the label ‘Made in the
in the same direction: the northbound carriageway of the USA’
M1 — DUAL CARRIAGEWAY 9 BSS TSG [T] to be responsible for doing some-
Car-ri-er /‘keria $ -ar/ n [C] 1a company that moves thing: Each team member is expected to carry a fair share of
goods or passengers from one place to another — carry: the workload. | Which minister carries responsibility for the
an international carrier 2 a military vehicle or ship used to police? |Parents carry the burden of ensuring that children go
move soldiers, weapons etc —> AIRCRAFT CARRIER, PEOPLE to school.
CARRIER 3. medical someone who passes a disease or GENE 10 Gi [7] if a shop carries goods, it has a supply of
to other people, especially without being affected by it them for sale: The sports shop carries a full range of equip-
themselves — carry: carriers of the lung disease, TB ment.
4 something used for carrying something — carry: a baby nEweynTs [7] if a wall etc carries something, it sup-
carrier 5 BrE a carrier bag 6 AmE a company that pro- ports the weight of that thing: These two columns carry the
vides a service such as insurance or telephones whole roof.
‘carrier bag n [C] BrE a bag that you are given in a 12 ZUGEIEG) [T] to take something or someone to a
shop, to carry the things you have bought new place, point, or position: carry sb/sth to sth The
‘carrier pigeon n [C] a Piceon (=type of bird) that has President wanted to carry the war to the northern states. |
been trained to carry messages Blair carried his party to victory in 1997. | carry sb/sth into
sth Clinton carried his campaign into Republican areas.
Car-ri-on /‘kerian/ n [U] the decaying flesh of dead
animals, which is eaten by some animals and birds 13 DSA [7] if a person, animal, or insect carries a
disease, they can pass it to other people or animals even
car-rot By /‘kerat/ n if they are not ill themselves — carrier: The disease is
1[C,U] a long pointed orange vegetable that grows under carried by a black fly which lives in the rivers. | Birds and
the ground: grated carrots | carrot juice ++ see picture at monkeys can carry disease.
VEGETABLE" 14 carry insurance/a guarantee etc to have insurance etc:
2[C] informal something that is offered to someone in All our products carry a 12-month guarantee.
order to try and persuade them to do something: They 15 be/get carried away to be so excited, angry, interested
have refused to sign the agreement despite a carrot of £140 etc that you are no longer really in control of what you do
million. or say, or you forget everything else: /t’s easy to get carried
3 carrot and stick informal a way of trying to persuade away when you can do so much with the graphics software.
someone to do something by offering them something
16 be carried along (by sth) to become excited about
good if they do it, and a punishment if they do not: the something or determined to do something: The crowd
government's carrot and stick approach in getting young
were carried along on a tide of enthusiasm. | You can be
people to find jobs carried along by the atmosphere of an auction and spend
car-rot-y /‘kerati/ adj BrE carroty hair is orange more than you planned.
car-rou-sel /kera'sel/ n [C] an American spelling of 17 Gs «([7] if a crime carries a particular punishment,
CAROUSEL that is the usual punishment for the crime: Drink-driving
car-ry" Sd Gl /'keri/ v (carried, carrying, carries) should carry an automatic prison sentence. | Murder still
1a [7] to hold something in your hand or carries the death penalty.
|

i
arms, or support it as you take it somewhere: Gina was 18 HP) [1] if a sound carries, it goes a long way: In the
carrying a small bunch of flowers. |Angela carried the child in winter air, sounds carry clearly. | The songs of the whales
carry through the water over long distances.

|
her arms. | Let me carry that for you. | Jack carried his
grandson up the stairs. | carry sth to sth/sb The waiter 19 EVT9 [1] if a ball carries a particular distance when it is
carried our drinks to the table. TAKE thrown, hit, or kicked, it travels that distance

| 2 TEAL [T] to take people or things from 20 carry sth in your head/mind to remember information
 carry— 246 SJ & &) = the most frequent words in spoken English

that you need, without writing it down: Alice carried a map 4spoken to talk in an annoying way: [+about] | wish
of the London Underground in her head. everyone would stop carrying on about it.
2107 [7] to sing a tune using the correct notes: | sang 5 old-fashioned to have a sexual relationship with some-
solos when | was six because | could carry a tune. | The one, when you should not: Lucy confessed to carrying on
highest voice carries the melody, behind her husband's back. | [+with] She was carrying on
22 (ES [7] to persuade a group of people to sup- with a neighbour.
port you: He had to carry a large majority of his colleagues to carry sth < out phr v
get the leadership. | Her appeal to common sense was what 1to do something that needs to be organized and
finally carried the day (=persuaded people to support her). planned: We need to carry out more research. |A survey is
23 (a0 be carried if a suggestion, proposal etc is carried, now being carried out nationwide. | Turn off the water supply
most of the people at an official meeting vote for it and it before carrying out repairs.
is accepted: The amendment was carried by 292 votes to
- 246. | The resolution was carried unanimously (=everyone REGISTER
agreed). | Those in favour of the motion raise your arm. In written English, people often use conduct when
Those against? The motion is carried (=proposal is writing about research, experiments etc, because
accepted). this sounds more formal than carry out: They
24 Ges [T] Ame if someone carries a state or local conducted experiments to test this theory.
area in a US election, they win in that state or area; Cuban 2 to do something that you have said you will do or that
Americans play an important role in whether he carries someone has asked you to do: Nicholson didn’t carry out
Florida in the fall campaign. his threat to take legal action. | We carried out her instruc-
25 (TTT SY LT always + adv/prep] to stand and move in tions precisely. | Will the government carry out its promise to
a particular way, or to hold part of your body in a reform the law?
particular way: He had a way of carrying his head on one carry sth < over phr v
side. | carry yourself She carried herself straight and with lif something is carried over into a new situation, it
confidence. continues to exist in the new situation: The pain and
26 carry the can (for sb/sth) BrE informal to be the person violence of his childhood were carried over into his marriage.
who has to take the blame for something even if it was 2 to make an official arrangement to do something or use
not their fault, or not their fault alone: He has been left to something at a later time: Up to five days’ holiday can be
carry the can for a decision he didn’t make. carried over from one year to the next.
27 (ene «(T] if a group carries someone carry sb/sth through phr v
who is not doing enough work, they have to manage 1to complete or finish something successfully, in spite of
without the work that person should be doing: The team difficulties: I’m determined to carry this through.
can't afford to carry any weak players. 2 carry sb through (sth) to help someone to manage during
28 I) [1,7] old-fashioned if a woman is carrying a child, an illness or a difficult period: Her confidence carried her
she is PREGNANT through.
29 carry all/everything before you literary to be completely
carry? n [U] technical the distance a ball or bullet travels
successful in a struggle against other people
after it has been thrown, hit, or fired
30 carry sth too far/to extremes/to excess to do or say too
much about something: | don’t mind a joke, but this is car-ry-all /‘keri-o:1 $ -p:I/ n [C] AmE a large soft bag
carrying it too far. SYNjholdall BrE — see picture at BAG’
31 (ati [7] to weigh a particular amount more than car-ry-cot /‘kerikot $ -ka:t/ n [C] BrE a small bed used
you should or than you did: Joe carries only nine pounds for carrying a baby
more than when he was 20, ‘carry-on’ n [C] 1 BrE spoken a situation in which
32 carry a torch for sb to love someone romantically who someone behaves in a silly or annoying way: What a
does not love you: He's been carrying a torch for your sister carry-on! 2 AmE a bag that you are allowed to take onto a
for years. plane with you — carry on at CARRY!
33 carry the torch of sth to support an important belief or carry-on? adj [only before noun] carry-on bags are ones
tradition when other people do not: Leaders in the moun- that you are allowed to take onto a plane with you
tains carried the torch of Greek independence.
‘carry-out n [C] especially AmE food that you can take
34 as fast as his/her legs could carry him/her as fast as
away from a restaurant to eat somewhere else, or a
possible: She ran as fast as her legs could carry her.
restaurant that sells food like this [SYN] takeaway BrE
35 LEP ~«[T] to put a number into the next
row to the left when you are adding numbers together ‘carry-,over n [singular] 1 something you do, or some-
—» CARD-CARRYING, CASH AND CARRY, —+ fetch and carry at thing that happens now, that is the result of a situation
FETCH'(3) that existed in the past: [+from] Some of the problems
carry sth <> forward phr v schools are facing are a carry-over from the previous govern-
1to succeed in making progress with something: The new ment’s policies. 2 an amount of money that has not been
team have to carry the work forward. used and is available to use later: [+from] The budget
2 to include an amount of money in a later set of figures includes a £7 million carry-over from last year. + carry over
or calculations at CARRY!
carry sth <> off phrv ‘car seat n [C] 1a special seat for a baby or young child
1to do something difficult successfully: | was flattered to that can be used in a car 2 a seat in a car
be offered the job but wasn’t sure if | could carry it off. car-sick /kazstk $ 'ka:r-/ adj feeling sick because you
2 to win a prize: a film that carried off three Oscars are travelling in a car —carsickness n [U]
carry on phr v cart" /ka:t $ karrt/ n [C] 1a vehicle with no roof that is
Tespecially BrE to continue doing something: Sorry, | inter- pulled by a horse and used for carrying heavy things
rupted you. Please carry on. | carry on doing sth You'll have —> HANDCART 2 AmE a large wire basket on wheels that
an accident if you carry on driving like that. | [+with] | want you use in a SUPERMARKET [SYN|trolley BrE 3 the place on
to carry on with my course. | carry on as usual/as you an Internet shopping website where you put things that
are/regardless etc you wish to buy 4 AmE a small table with wheels, used
2to continue moving: He stopped and looked back, then for moving and serving food and drinks [SYN]trolley BrE
carried on down the stairs. |Carry straight on until you get to 5 put the cart before the horse to do two things in the
the traffic lights. wrong order —> upset the apple cart at uPSET2(5)
3 carry on sth if you carry on a particular kind of work or cart? v [T always + adv/prep] 1 to take something some-
activity, you do it or take part in it: Mr Dean carried on his where in a cart, truck etc: cart sth away Household waste is
baking business until he retired. |It was so noisy it was hard carted away by the city’s Sanitation Department.
to carry on a conversation. 2 informal to carry something somewhere, especially -
 (0 (2 GB = the most frequent words in written English 247

something that is heavy or difficult to carry: We carted all career in the film industry. |He moved to Boston to carve out
the furniture upstairs. a new life for himself.
cart sb off/away phr v informal to take someone some- 5 (Leos) (7) if a river, the wind etc carves land or
where, especially to prison or hospital: He collapsed and rock, it removes some of it: The river had carved channels in
had to be carted off to hospital. the limestone rock. —+ not be carved in stone at STONE'(9)
‘car tax n [U] money that people in Britain must pay if 6 (Ess) ([T always + adv/prep] to reduce the size of
they want to drive a car on the roads [SYN] road tax something by removing some of it: carve sth from sth The
carte blanche / katt 'bla:nf $ ka:rt-/ n [U] permission company carved $1 million from its budget.
or freedom to do whatever you want: The new manager carve sb/sth <> up phr v
will be given carte blanche as long as she can increase the 1to divide land, a company etc into smaller parts and
company’s profits. |She had carte blanche to produce a film share it between people - used especially to show disap-
suitable for children. proval: The Ottoman Empire was carved up by Britain and
France after World War |. |The two companies are attempt-
cartel /ka:'tel $ ka:r-/ n [C] a group of people or ing to carve up a large slice of America’s publishing industry
companies who agree to sell something at a particular
between them.
price in order to prevent competition and increase profits 2 BrE informal to drive past a car and then suddenly move
—+ monopoly: an illegal drug cartel
in front of it so that you are too close
cart-er /‘ka:ta $ 'ka:rtar/ n [C] someone whose job was carv-er /'kawva $ ‘ka:rvar/ n [C] someone who carves
to drive a CART in the past wood or stone
cart-horse /‘ka:tho:s $ 'ka:rtho:rs/ n [C] a large strong car-ver-y /‘kawvori $ 'ka:r-/ n (plural carveries) [C] BrE a
horse, often used for pulling heavy loads restaurant that serves ROAST meat
car-ti-lage /‘ka:tiitdz $ 'ka:rtaltd3/ n [C,U] a strong ‘ca¥ve-up n [singular] informal an arrangement between
substance that can bend, which is around the joints in two or more people, governments etc by which they
your body and in your outer ear divide something among themselves even though this is
cart-load /ka:tlaud $ 'ka:rtloud/ n [C] the amount that wrong
a CART can hold: [+of] cartloads of hay carv-ing /‘ka:vin $ ‘ka:r-/ n1[C] an object or pattern
car-tog-ra-phy /ka:'tografi $ ka:r'ta:-/ n [U] the activity made by cutting a shape in wood or stone for decoration
of making maps —cartographer n [C] — carve 2 [U] the activity or skill of carving something
car-ton /‘ka:tn $ 'ka:rtn/ n [C] 1a small box made of ‘carving fork n [C] a large fork used to hold cooked
CARDBOARD or plastic that contains food or a drink: [+of] a meat firmly while you are cutting it
carton of fruit juice | a milk carton — see pictures at Box’, ‘carving knife n [C] a large knife used for cutting large
CONTAINER 2 especially AmE a large container with smaller pieces of meat — see picture at KNIFE!
containers of goods inside it: [+of] a carton of cigarettes
‘car wash n [C] a place where there is special equip-
car-toon Gy /ka:'tu:n $ karr-/ n [C] ment for washing cars
1a short film that is made by photographing a series of car-y-at-id /keri'ztid/ n [C] technical a PILLAR in the
drawings: cartoon characters such as Donald Duck shape of a female figure
2a funny drawing in a newspaper or magazine, especially
Cas-a:no-va /kesa'nauve $ -'nouv-/ n [C] a man who
about politicians or events in the news
has had sexual relationships with many women
3 (also cartoon strip) a set of drawings that tell a funny
story, especially in a newspaper or magazine [SYN] comic cas-bah /‘kezba:/ n [C] an ancient Arab city or the
strip market in it
4 technical a drawing that an artist does before starting cas-cade" /ke'sketd/ n [C] 1a small steep WATERFALL
to do a painting that is one of several together 2 something that hangs
car-toon-ist /ka:'tu:nist $ ka:r-/ n [C] someone who down in large quantities: [+of] Her hair fell over her shoul-
draws cartoons ders in a cascade of curls.
car'toon strip n [C] a cArTOON @) cascade? v 1 [I always + adv/prep] to flow, fall, or hang
down in large quantities: Her thick black hair cascaded
cartridge /‘ka:tridz $ 'ka:r-/ n [C] 1a small container
down below her waist. | Gallons of water cascaded over the
or piece of equipment that you put inside something to
side of the bath. 2 [1,1 always + adv/prep] to pass informa-
make it work; computer game cartridges | an ink cartridge
tion or skills to people at a lower level in your organiza-
for a printer 2 a tube containing explosive powder and a
tion, or to be passed down in this way: This information
bullet that you put in a gun [SYN] shell
will be cascaded down to employees through their line man-
‘cartridge paper n [U] Br£ thick strong paper used for agers.
drawing on
‘cart track n [C] a narrow road with a rough surface,
case" §] [i /kets/ n
1 Ge [C] an example of a particular situation or of
usually on a farm
something happening: [+of] There were 16 cases of dam-
- cart-wheel /‘kaxt-wi:l $ 'ka:rt-/ n [C]-1.a movement in age to cars in the area. |in the case of sth The amount of fruit
Which you turn completely over by throwing your body in fruit juices must be 6% in the case of berries and 10% in
sideways onto your hands while bringing your legs over the case of other fruits. | in some/many/most etc cases /n
your head: do/turn cartwheels The children were doing many cases standards have improved. | Tom’s career is a case
_ cartwheels in the park. 2 the wheel of a CART —cartwheel v in point (=a clear example of something that you are
C1] discussing or explaining). | a classic case (=typical exam-
Carve /ka: $ ka:rv/ v ple) of poor design EXAMPLE
1am) LT] to make an object or pat- 2 GL) «LC usually singular] a situation that exists,
tern by cutting a piece of wood or stone — carving: carve especially as it affects a particular person or group: in sb’s
sth out of/from sth a statue carved from a single block of case Like the others, he produced a written explanation, but
marble |carved wooden chairs in Scott’s case this was a 30-page printed booklet. | Chang-
2 Geo eg [T] to cut a pattern or letter on ing men’s and women’s traditional roles is not easy, but in our
the surface of something: carve sth on/in/into sth Some- case it has been helpful. | it is the case (that) /t may be the
one had carved their initials on the tree. case that the scheme will need more money. | We tend to
3 Ge ([!,7] to cut a large piece of cooked meat into think of these people as untrustworthy, but that is not the
smaller pieces using a knife: Carve the meat into slices. | case. | in this case /n this case, several solutions could be
Who's going to carve? CUT “tried. |in which case He won't want to eat it unless he’s really
4a [7] (also carve out) to succeed in hungry, in which case he'll eat almost anything.
getting the job, position, life etc that you want: He carved 3 (just) in case a) as a way of being safe from something
_aniche for himself as a writer. |She carved out a successful that might happen or might be true: Take an umbrella, in
 EG = words from the Academic Word List

12 (WY ~(C,U] technical the way in which the form of

a word changes, showing its relationship to other words
violin case in a sentence: case endings
13 be on sb's case informal to be criticizing someone con-
stantly: Dad's always on my case about something or other.
14 be on the case spoken if someone says they are on the
case, they know about a problem and are going to try to
solve it
15 get off my case spoken used to tell someone to stop
criticizing you or complaining about you: OK, OK, just get
off my case!
16 ETI ~[C] someone who is being dealt with by a
pencil case doctor, a SOCIAL worker, the police etc — BASKET-CASE,
handle
NUTCASE, LOWER CASE, —>+ I rest my case at REST2(9), > UPPER
CASE
COLLOCATIONS - MEANING 7A

a court case Jhere was a lot of publicity surrounding

the court case.
a murder case He had been a witness in a murder
case.
a libel case (=against someone who has written a
bad statement about someone else) damages
awarded by juries in libel cases
crate/packing case BrE suitcase
a criminal case /t was the longest and most expensive
Hy,
criminal case in US history.
case it rains. | He had his camera ready, just in case he saw a civil case (=not a criminal case) |a test case
something that would make a good picture. b) AmE if: In (=one that will establish a principle for the first
case I'm late, start without me. time) |a landmark case (=one that established a
‘ GRAMMAR =i principle for the first time) |a high-profile case
In case is followed by the simple present, the simple (=one that gets a lot of attention)
past, or ‘should’: Write it down in case you forget
(NOT in case you will forget). | They locked themselves bring a case (against sb) There was not enough
in their houses in case there was (NOT would be) more evidence to bring a case against him.
trouble. | Here's a contact number, in case there should hear/try a case (=listen to the evidence before
(NOT will/would) be a problem. making a judgment) The case will be heard by a
4in any case whatever happens or happened: | don’t see federal judge.
why | couldn't do it. In any case, I'm going to try. | He's too win/lose a case (=be successful or unsuccessful in
young to come and in any case | want him to spend the time proving someone guilty or not guilty) Lomax was a
with Mom. brilliant lawyer who had never lost a case.
5 in that case if that is the situation: ‘He didn’t want to talk settle a case (=end it finally) He paid a $15,000 fine
to Sally.’ ‘In that case why did he agree to meet her?’ to settle the case.
6 FEZ Tay «LC usually singular] a set of reasons adjourn a case (=stop it for a short time) The case
why something should happen or be done: Let me was adjourned until next month for further reports.
research the facts before | put forward a case. | [+for] A dismiss/throw out a case (=officially stop it from
group of us met to make our case for more women in the continuing) |drop a case (=not continue with it) |a
cabinet. | There is a strong case (=very good set of reasons) case comes/goes to court |a case comes/goes to
for getting parents more involved in the school's activities. trial | a case comes before a judge/court
7 WX] «[C] a) a question or problem that will be
dealt with by a law court: She is keen to avoid a court case. | case? y [T] 1 be cased in sth to be completely surrounded
The lawyers will only be paid if they win the case. | by a material or substance: The reactor will be cased in
[+against] Marshall has dropped the case against us. b) all metal. —> CASING 2 case the joint informal to look around a
the reasons that one side in a legal argument can give place that you intend to steal from in order to find out
against the other side: The evidence does not support the information
prosecution's case. | The court ruled that we had a case case-book /‘ketsbuk/ n [C] a detailed written record
(=had enough evidence or good arguments). ¢) an event kept by a doctor, SOCIAL WorKER, or police officer of the
or set of events that need to be dealt with by the police in cases they have dealt with
order to find out if a crime has been committed and who ‘case history n [Cc] a detailed record of someone's
committed it: [+of] a case of armed robbery | on the case past illnesses, problems etc that a doctor or SOCIAL
Around 50 police officers are on the case. WORKER studies
8 POWAY ~[C] a) a large box or container in ‘case law n [U] law a type of law that is based on
which things can be stored or moved: a packing case | a decisions judges have made in the past
case of wine b) a special box used as a container for case-load /‘keislaud $ -loud/ n [C] the number of
holding or protecting something: a jewellery case |Jim put people a doctor, SOCIAL WORKER etc has to deal with
his violin back in its case. ¢) BrE a SUITCASE: Polly carried her case-ment /‘ketsmant/ (also 'casement window) n [C]
cases upstairs to the bedroom. —+ BOOKCASE, BRIEFCASE, a window that opens like a door with HINGEs at one side
PILLOWCASE
9 it's a case of sth spoken used before describing a situa-
‘case study n [Cc] a detailed account of the develop-
ment of a particular person, group, or situation that has
tion: Everyone can learn, it’s just a case of practising. | It’s a
been studied over a period of time
case of too many people and not enough jobs.
10 DEF [C] an example of a disease or a person who ‘case work n [U] work that a sociaL worker does which
has a disease: [+of] There are thousands of new cases of is concerned with the problems of a particular person or
AIDS in Africa every year. family who needs help —caseworker n [C]
11 in case of sth used to describe what you should do ina cash’ 3] 1 /kef/ n (u] ;
particular situation, especially on official notices: In case Imoney in the form of coins or notes rather than
of fire, break the glass. cheques, CREDIT CARDs etc: Cash was taken during a burglary
 EX = words from the Academic Word List 249 cast

of the apartment. |in cash The traffic police will accept fines the form of notes and coins so that there is no record of
in cash immediately. | The shop charges less if the customer the payment
pays in cash. —> HARD CASH, PETTY CASH fu
GUL MONEY cash-less /‘keflas/ adj done or working without using
2money: Health and education need cash from the money in the form of coins and notes: a cashless pay
government. | A phone line to help children in trouble has system | the cashless society
been closed due to lack of cash. | Charity workers must ‘cash ma,chine n [Cc] a machine in or outside a bank,
constantly raise more cash (=collect more money) for the SUPERMARKET, or other public building, from which you can
needy. | The company found itself strapped for cash (=with- obtain money with a special plastic card [Syn] ATM
out enough money) to pay taxes.
3 cash down BrE, cash up front AmE if you pay for some- cash-mere /‘ke{mia $ 'kezmur, 'ke{-/ n [U] a type of
thing cash down, you pay before you receive it fine soft wool: | wish | could afford a cashmere sweater.
4 cash on delivery (abbreviation COD) a payment system in Cash-point /'ke{point/ n [C] trademark BrE a CASH
which the customer pays the person who delivers the MACHINE
goods to them ‘cash egister n [C] a machine used in shops to keep
cash? § v [7] cash a cheque/postal order/draft etc to the money in and record the amount of money received
exchange a cheque etc for the amount of money it is from each sale [syNjtill BrE
worth: Traveller’s cheques can be cashed at most hotels for a ‘cash-starved adj not having as much money as is
small charge. | Where can | get this cashed? —cashable adj needed: cash-starved public services
cash in phr v ‘cash-strapped adj not having enough money: cash-
1to make a profit from a situation in a way that other strapped governments | cash-strapped shoppers
people think is wrong or unfair: [ton] The record company cas-ing /‘ketstn/ n [C] an outer layer of metal, rubber
was trying to cash in on her fame by releasing early teenage etc that covers and protects something such as a wire
recordings.
Ca-Si-MO /ka'siinau $ -nov/ n (plural casinos) [C] a place
2 cash sth < in to exchange something such as an insur- where people try to win money by playing card games or
ance POLICY for its value in money ROULETTE: Doesn't that club have a casino upstairs?
3 cash in your chips to die - used humorously
cash up BrE, cash out AmE phr v to add up the amount of cask /kaisk $ kesk/ n [C] a round wooden container
money received in a shop in a day so that it can be used for storing wine or other liquids, or the amount of
checked liquid that it contains [SYN] barrel: a cask of rum
‘cash ad,vance n [Cc] money that you get from a bank, cas:ket /‘kaiskit $ 'kees-/ n[[C] 1 asmall decorated box in
using a CREDIT CARD: It seems so easy to get a $100 cash which you keep jewellery and other valuable objects
advance every few days at a local ATM machine. —» see picture at JEWELLERY 2 AmE a COFFIN
cash and ‘carry n [C] Br£ a shop where customers Cas:san-dra /ke'sendra/ people are sometimes called
representing a business or organization can buy large a ‘Cassandra’ if they warn that something bad will hap-
amounts of goods at cheap prices pen, but nobody believes them. In ancient Greek stories,
Cassandra was the daughter of Priam, King of Troy. She
cash-back /‘kefbek/ n [U] 1 a way of getting money at
had the power to see the future, and warned that the
a shop when you use a DEBIT CARD to pay for the things Greeks could use the Trojan Horse to take control of Troy,
you are buying, in which the shop gives you money which but no one believed her.
it takes from your bank account: | got £40 cashback.
2 a way of reducing the price of a car, piece of furniture cas:Sa:Va /ka'sarva/ n [C,U] a tropical plant with thick
etc where the seller says what the price is and offers to roots that you can eat, or the flour made from these roots
give a certain amount of money back to the person who cas:se:-role’ /kesaraul $ -roul/ n [C] 1 food that is
buys it: Price on the road - £8,750. But on top of that, we'll cooked slowly in liquid in a covered dish in the OVEN:
give you £500 cashback. chicken casserole 2 a deep covered dish used for cooking
‘cash bar n [c] a place at a big party, wedding etc where food in an oven
guests have to pay for their own drinks casserole? y [T] to cook food in a casserole
‘cash box n [C] a small metal box with a lock that you cas-sette /ka'set/ n [C] 1a small flat plastic case con-
keep money in taining MAGNETIC TAPE, that can be used for playing or
‘cash card n [C] a special plastic card used for getting recording sound 2 a closed container with photographic
money from a machine outside a bank, supermarket, or film in it, that can be fitted into a camera
other public building — debit card cas'sette player n [Cc] a piece of electrical equipment
‘cash cow n [C] something that a company sells very used for playing cassettes
successfully and that brings in a lot of money cas'sette re corder n [C] a piece of electrical equip-
‘cash crop n [Cc] a crop grown in order to be sold rather ment used for recording sound or for playing cassettes on
than to be used by the people growing it — subsistence [SYN] tape recorder
. crop at SUBSISTENCE(2) cas-Ssock /‘kesak/ n [C] a long, usually black, piece of
‘cash desk n [Cc] BrE the desk in a shop where you pay clothing worn by priests
cash ‘discount n [Cc] an amount by which a seller cast! [A /kaist $ kest/ v (past tense and past participle
reduces a price if the buyer pays immediately or before a cast)
particular date 1cast light on/onto sth to provide new information about
‘cash dis, penser n [Cc] Br£ a CASH MACHINE something, making it easier to understand: research find-
cashew /‘kefu:, ka'fu:/ n [C] 1a small curved nut ings that cast new light on the origin of our universe | The
—+ see picture at NUT! 2 the tropical American tree that numerous biographies of Baldwin cast little light on the
produces the cashew nut subject.
‘cash flow n [singular, U] the movement of money com- 2 cast doubt(s) on sth to make people feel less certain
ing into.a business as income and going out as wages, about something: Her documentary casts serious doubt on
materials etc: We expect a rise in both our production and Gilligan's conviction.
our cash flow. | The builder is unable to pay due to cash flow 3 MEE [7] literary to make light or a shadow
problems. appear somewhere: cast sth over/on/across sth The flames
cast dancing shadows on the walls. | the shade cast by
cash-ier" /ke'fta $ -fur/ n [C] someone whose job is to low-hanging branches
receive or pay out money in a shop 4 cast a shadow/cloud over sth literary to make people feel
cashier? y [T] to force an officer to leave the army, navy less happy or hopeful about something: The allegations
etc because they have done something wrong cast a cloud over the Mayor's visit. |Her father’s illness cast a
,cash-in-'hand adj a cash-in-hand payment is made in shadow over the wedding celebrations.
 cast 250 &] G2 &] = the most frequent words in spoken English

5 aaa [7] literary to look quickly in a particular direc- 2 cast sb/sth <> off literary to remove or get rid of some-
tion: cast a look/glance at sb/sth She cast an anguished look thing or someone that you no longer want or need: His
at Guy, | cast sb a glance/look The young tramp cast him a family had cast him off without a penny.
wary glance. |She blushed, casting her eyes down. 3 to finish a piece of KNITTING by removing the stitches
6 cast an eye on/over sth to examine or read something from the needle to make an edge that will not come
quickly in order to judge whether it is correct, good etc: undone: cast sth <> off Cast off four stitches.
Mellor cast an eye over the draft for inaccuracies. | cast a cast on phr v to start a piece of KNITTING by making the
critical/expert etc eye Tonight, Tim Goodman casts a cynical first stitches on the needle: cast sth <> on Cast on 132
eye on TV ads. stitches.
7 cast a vote/ballot to vote in an election: Barely one in cast sb/sth <> out phr v literary to force someone or
three will bother to cast a ballot on February 26th. | To something to leave a place: God has cast out the demons
qualify, candidates must get at least 10% of the votes cast. from your soul.
—> CASTING VOTE cast sth <> up phr v literary if the sea casts something up,
8 cast a spell on/over sb a) to attract someone very it carries it onto the shore: A body had been cast up on the
strongly and to keep their attention completely: Hong rocks.
Kong casts a spell over the visitor almost as soon as the cast? n [Cc]
aircraft touches down. b) to use magic words or acts to 1 (X37 all the people who perform in a play, film etc:
change someone or something: She’s a witch, and she'll [+of] Films like ‘Ben Hur’ have a cast of thousands. | the
cast a spell on you if she catches you. entire cast of ‘Les Misérables’ | an all-star cast | a strong
9 cast your mind back literary to try to remember some- supporting cast (=everyone except the main actors) | a
thing that happened in the past: [+to] Cast your mind back member of the cast
to your first day at school, | [+over] He frowned, casting his 2 CETTE (also plaster cast) a hard protective case
mind back over the conversation. that is put over your arm, leg etc because the bone is
10 cast aspersions on sth/sb formal to suggest that some- broken: Murray has his leg in a cast.
one is not as truthful, honest etc as they seem: remarks 3 ETT a Mould (=hollow container) into
that cast aspersions on the integrity of the jury which you pour liquid metal, plastic etc in order to make
11 (FTF [T] to make an object by pouring liquid metal, an object of a particular shape, or the object made in this
plastic etc into a MOULD (=hollow container): cast sth way: [+of] Make a cast of the statue.
in/from sth a statue of a horse cast in bronze 4 sb's cast of mind formal the way that a person thinks and
12 (XG [T] to choose which people will act particular the type of opinions or mental abilities they have: Mary
parts in a play, film etc: cast sb alongside/opposite sb was of a far less intellectual cast of mind.
(=choose people for the two main roles) Pfeiffer was 5 Gea the act of throwing a fishing line into the water
expected to be cast alongside Douglas in ‘Basic Instinct’. | 6 (ETT literary a small amount of a particular colour:
cast sb as sth Coppola cast him as Sodapop in ‘The Sage leaves have a silvery cast.
Outsiders’. | cast sb in a role/a part/the lead The producer 7@@ old-fashioned a problem with your eye which
finally cast Finsh in the male lead. causes It to look sideways
13 Ds ~[T] to regard or describe someone as a 8 G@XN3T) a small pile of earth that a worm produces on
particular type of person: cast sb as sth Clinton had cast the surface of the ground
himself as the candidate of new economic opportunity. | cas-ta-nets /kesta'nets/ n [plural] a musical instrument
Clarke's trying to cast me in the role of villain here. made of two small round pieces of wood or plastic that
14 (EEE) [T always + adv/prep] literary to throw some- you hold in one hand and knock together, used especially
thing somewhere [SYN] toss: Sparks leapt as he cast more by Spanish dancers
wood on the fire. cast-a-way /‘ka:stawer $ ‘kest-/ n [C] someone who is
15 GET [1,7] to throw a fishing line or net into the left on a lonely shore or island after their ship has sunk
water: There's a trick to casting properly. \cast ‘down adj [not before noun] literary sad and disap-
16 SELIM [T always + adv/prep] literary to force some- pointed: She could not bear to see him so miserable and cast
one to go somewhere unpleasant: cast sb into prison/Hell down.
etc Memet should, in her opinion, be cast into prison. caste /ka:st $ kest/ n [C,U] 1 one of the fixed social
17 cast your net (far and) wide to consider or try as many
classes, which cannot be changed, into which people are
things as possible in order to find what you want: We cast born in India: the caste system 2 a group of people who
our net wide to get the right person for the job. have the same position in society
18 Ei) [T] when a snake casts its skin, the top layer of cas-tel-lat-ed /kestslettid/ adj technical built to look
skin falls off slowly [SYN] shed like a castle
19 cast a shoe if a horse casts a shoe, the shoe falls off by
accident cast-er, castor /‘ka:sta $ 'kestar/ n [C] 1a small wheel
fixed to the bottom of a piece of furniture so that it can
20 cast a horoscope to prepare and write a HOROSCOPE for
move in any direction 2 BrE a small container with holes
someone —> the die is cast at DIE*(3), + throw in/cast your in the top, used to spread sugar, salt etc on food
lot with sb/sth at Lot?(8), > cast pearls before swine at [SYN] shaker AmE
PEARL(4)
‘caster sugar, castor sugar n [U] BrE sugar with very
cast about/around for sth phr v to try hard to think of the small grains used for cooking
right thing to do or say: She cast about frantically for an
cast-i-gate /‘kestigert/ v [T] formal to criticize or pun-
excuse. | Telecoms companies are casting around for ways of
ish someone severely —castigation /kest!gerfan/ n [U]
recouping huge losses.
cast sb/sth <> aside phr v literary to remove or get rid of
casting /‘ka:stry $ ‘kestn/ n 1[U] the process of
choosing the actors for a film or play — cast: a casting
someone or something because you no longer want or director 2 [C] an object made by pouring liquid metal,
need them: When Henry became King, he cast aside all his plastic etc into a MouLD (=specially shaped container)
former friends. | cast aside your inhibitions/doubts etc Cast
3 the casting couch a situation in which an actress is
aside your fears. persuaded to have sex in return for a part in a film, play
cast away phr v [usually passive] to be left alone on a etc - used humorously
lonely shore or island because your ship has sunk: If you ‘casting iwote n [C usually singular] BrE the vote of the
were cast away on a desert island, what would you miss person in charge of a meeting, which can be used to
most?
make a decision when there is an equal number of votes
cast off phr v supporting and opposing a proposal
1to untie the rope that fastens your boat to the shore so cast ‘ironn [Ula type of iron that is hard, breaks easily,
that you can sail away and is shaped in a MOULD
 ( (2 GH = the most frequent words in written English catalytic converter
cast-iron adj1 a cast-iron excuse/alibi/guarantee etc an 3 [U] (also Casualty) BrE the part of a hospital that
excuse etc that is very certain and cannot fail 2 made of people are taken to when they are hurt in an accident or
cast iron: a cast-iron frying pan suddenly become ill [SvN] Emergency Room Ame: in casu-
cas-tle [q /‘ka:sal $ 'ke-/ n [C] alty Jean ended up in casualty last night.
1 (also Castle) a very large strong building, built in the cas-u-is-try /'kezuistri/ n [U] formal the use of clever
past as a safe place that could be easily defended against but often false arguments to answer moral or legal ques-
attack: Edinburgh Castle | a ruined castle + see picture at tions
HOUSE!
cat GJ (8 /ket/ n [Cc]
2 one of the pieces used in a game of CHESS. Each player 1 a) asmall animal with four legs that people often keep
has two castles, which start the game in the corner as a pet. — feline: tabby/ginger/tortoiseshell etc cat (=col-
Squares, and can move only forwards or sideways. ours of cats) |a tom cat (=a male cat) b) (also big cat) a
rook — see picture at CHESS large animal such as a lion or TIGER
3 castles in the air plans or hopes that you have that are 2 let the cat out of the bag to tell someone a secret, espe-
unlikely ever to become real cially without intending to
‘cast-off adj [only before noun] cast-off clothes or other 3 put/set the cat among the pigeons to do or say something
goods are not wanted or have been thrown away that causes arguments, trouble etc
‘cast-off n [plural] clothes that you do not wear any 4 play (a game of) cat and mouse (with sb) to pretend to
more and give to someone else: As the youngest of five allow someone to do or have what they want, and then to
kids, | was always dressed in other people's cast-offs. stop them from doing or having it: The police played an
cast-or /‘ka:sta $ 'kestar/ n [C] another spelling of elaborate game of cat and mouse to trap him.
CASTER 5 the cat's whiskers/pyjamas informal something or some-
castor ‘oil n [U] a thick oil made from the seeds of a one that is better than everything else: | really thought |
plant and used in the past as a medicine to make the looked the cat's whiskers in that dress.
BOWELS empty 6 like a cat on hot bricks BrE, like a cat on a hot tin roof AmE
‘castor Sugar n LU] another spelling of CASTER SUGAR sO nervous or anxious that you cannot keep still or keep
cas:trate /ke'strett $ ‘kestrert/ v [T] to remove the your attention on one thing
TESTICLES Of a male animal or a man —castration 7 not stand/have a cat in hell’s chance (of doing sth) informal
/ke'strerfan/ n [U] to not have any chance of succeeding: They don’t have a
cat in hell's chance of being elected.
cas-u-al /'kezual/ adj 8 when the cat's away (the mice will play) used to say that
1{EEve] relaxed and not worried, or seeming not to
people will not behave well when the person who has
care about something: a casual manner | His eyes were
authority over them is not there
angry, though he sounded casual. |Marsha was quite casual
9 like the cat that got the cream BrE, like the cat that ate the
about appearing on TV. |She had a casual attitude to life.
canary AmE informal very proud or pleased because of
2 (ey not formal or not for a formal situation
something you have achieved or got
[opp] formal: Jean felt more comfortable in casual clothes. |a
10 look like sth the cat dragged/brought in BrE informal to
casual jacket
look very dirty or untidy — raining cats and dogs at
3 [ag employed as a temporary worker or working for
RAIN2(1), —> there’s not enough room to swing a cat at
only a short period of time: casual labour |staff employed
ROOM'(5)
on a casual basis | Chris has occasional casual work but
mostly he is unemployed. cat-a-clys-m /‘ketakltzam/ n [C] literary a violent or
4 Geena knowing someone or having sex with sudden event or change, such as a serious flood or
someone without wanting a close relationship with them EARTHQUAKE —cataclysmic / kete'klizmik</ adj
fopp|serious:; She will never be more than a_ casual cat-a:comb /‘ketakuim $ -koum/ n [C usually plural] an
acquaintance. | They had been conducting a casual affair for area underground where dead people are buried
years. |John just wanted casual sex. SYN| tomb
5 (Tiwari) ~=without any serious interest or cat-a-falque /ketafelk/ n [C] formal a decorated
attention: He gave us a casual glance as he walked by, but raised structure on which the dead body of an important
didn’t stop. | To the casual observer (=to someone who is person is placed before their funeral
not looking carefully) Mary seemed quite calm.
EES CARELESS Cat-a-lan /ketalen $ -tl-en, -an/ n [U] a language
6 (Oia) [only before noun] happening by chance spoken in part of Spain around Barcelona
without being planned: a casual conversation | He made cat-a-logue' ( (also catalog AmE) /‘ketalog $ -ln:g,
some casual remark (=one without thinking much about it) -laig/ n [C]
about her holiday. 1a complete list of things that you can look at, buy, or
7 (esa [only before noun] doing something or use, for example in a library or at an art show: a mail order
using something sometimes but not regularly or often catalog |an online catalogue
_ [SYN] occasional: a casual drug user | The museum is of great 2 catalogue of mistakes/crimes/cruelty etc a series of mis-
interest, both to experts and to casual visitors. —casually takes, crimes etc that happen one after the other and
adv: a casually dressed young man | ‘Where do you work?’ never seem to stop: a catalogue of terrorist crimes | an
she asked casually. | He walked down the road, casually appalling catalogue of errors
swinging his bag. —casualness n [U] catalogue? (also catalog AmE) v [T] 1 to make a com-
(casual ‘Friday n (C,U] AmE press-DOWN FRIDAY plete list of all the things in a group: The manuscripts have
cas-u-al-i-za-tion (also -isation BrE) /kezualar'zerjan never been systematically catalogued. 2 to list all the things
$ -la-/ n [U] 1a tendency to make things less formal in that are connected with a particular person, event, plan
places where people work, for example by allowing office etc: The report catalogued numerous dangerous work prac-
workers to wear informal clothes 2 a tendency for com- tices.
panies to use’ temporary workers instead of permanent ca-tal-y-sis /ka'telisis/ n [U] technical the process of
ones making a chemical reaction quicker by adding a catalyst
cas‘wal-ty = /'kezualti/ 1 (plural casualties)
1 [C] someone who is hurt or killed in an accident or war: catalyst /‘ketl-ist/ n [C] 1 technical a substance that
Our aim is to reduce road casualties. | civilian casualties makes a chemical reaction happen more quickly without
(=people who are not soldiers who are injured or killed) | being changed itself 2 something or someone that
cause/inflict casualties The rebels have inflicted heavy causes an important change or event to happen: [+for]
casualties. 2 [singular] someone or something that suffers They hope his election will act as a catalyst for reform.
as a result of a particular event or situation: [+of] The —catalytic / ketl'tttk</ adj
Safer City Project is the latest casualty of financial cutbacks. catalytic con'verter n [C] a piece of equipment fitted
 catamaran EG = words from the Academic Word List

to a car's EXHAUST system that reduces the amount of still ignorant about how HIV is caught. | catch sth from/off
poisonous gases the engine sends out sb/sth Typhoid and cholera are often caught from contami-
cat-a-‘ma-ran /ketama'ren/ n [C] a sailing boat with nated water supplies. | |caught chicken pox off my friend at
two separate HULLs (=the part that goes in the water) school, |catch your death (of cold) BrE spoken (=get a very.
cat-a-pult? /‘ketapalt/ n [C] 1a large weapon used in bad cold) Don’t stand out in the rain. You'll catch your death.
former times to throw heavy stones, iron balls etc 2 BrEa 5 catch sb by surprise, catch sb off guard, catch sb napping/
small stick in the shape of a Y with a thin rubber band unawares (also catch sb on the hop BrE) to do something or
fastened over the two ends, used by children to throw to happen when someone is not expecting it or prepared
stones [SYN|slingshot AmE 3 a piece of equipment used for it: Her question caught him off guard.
to send an aircraft into the air from a ship 6 catch sb with their pants/trousers down to discover that
catapult? y 1[7 always + adv/prep] to push or throw someone is doing something that they should not be
something very hard so that it moves through the air very doing or has not done something that they should have
se quickly: Sam was catapulted into the air by the force of the done: He's not the first politician to be caught with his pants
blast. 2 catapult sb to fame/stardom etc to suddenly make down, and he won't be the last.
someone very famous: A remarkable series of events cata- 7 LOEWE) [T] to trap an animal or fish by using a
__ pulted her into the limelight. trap, net, or hook, or by hunting it: Did you catch any fish?|
cat-a-ract /'ketarekt/ n [C] 1a medical condition that Early settlers caught rabbits and squirrels and even rats in
causes the LENs of your eye to become white, so that you order to survive.
slowly lose your sight 2 literary a large WATERFALL 8 catch a train/plane/bus to get on a train, plane etc in
order to travel on it, or to be in time to get on a train,
ca-tarrh /ka'ta: $ -'ta:r/ n [U] BrE an uncomfortable
plane etc before it leaves: | caught the 7.15 train to
condition in which your body produces a thick liquid that
London. | There's a train in now. If you run, you'll just catch
blocks your nose and throat: After a cold, many patients
it. | | have to hurry - | have a bus to catch.
complain of persistent catarrh.
9 TOTESSIAT [T] to not be too late to do something,
ca-tas-tro-phe /ka'testrafi/ n 1 [C,U] a terrible event in see something, talk to someone etc miss: | managed
which there is a lot of destruction, suffering, or death to catch her just as she was leaving. | | just caught the last
[SYN] disaster: environmental/nuclear/economic etc catas- few minutes of the documentary. | Tumours like these can be
trophe The Black Sea is facing ecological catastrophe as a treated quite easily if they're caught early enough. |catch the
result of pollution. | prevent/avert a catastrophe Sudan post BrE (=post letters in time for them to be collected
requires food immediately to avert a humanitarian that day)
catastrophe. 2 [C] an event which is very bad for the 10 (aes «([1,7] if your hand, finger, clothing etc
people involved [SYN] disaster: [+for] If the contract is can-
catches or is caught in something, it gets stuck in it
celled, it'll be a catastrophe for everyone concerned. accidentally: His overalls caught in the engine. | Her micro-
—catastrophic / keta'stroftk< $ -'stra:-/ adj: a catastrophic phone was forever getting caught on her clothes.
fall in the price of rice | The failure of the talks could have
11 catch sb's attention/interest/imagination etc to make you
catastrophic consequences, —catastrophically /-kli/ adv
notice something and feel interested in it: Lucie whistled
cat-a-ton-i¢ /keta'tontk< $ -'ta:-/ adj not able to move sharply to catch the other girl's attention. |This is a story that
or talk because of an illness, shock etc: catatonic stupor/ will catch the imagination of every child.
trance
12 not catch sth spoken to not hear or understand what
cat-bird seat /ketbsid sist $ -b3rd-/ n be (sitting) in someone says: I'm afraid | didn’t catch your name.
the catbird seat AmE informal to be in a position where you 13 [74] [T] to manage to hear a sound: | caught the
have an advantage muffled thud of a car door slamming in the street.
cat burglar n [c] a thief who enters a building by EEE HEAR
climbing up walls, pipes etc 14 catch you later spoken used to say goodbye: ‘I'll give you
cat-call /*ketko:l $ -ko:l/ n [C] a loud whistle or shout a call in a couple of days.’ ‘Okay. Catch you later.’
expressing disapproval of a speech or performance: jeers 15 DEAS «[T] especially AmE spoken to go some-
and catcalls from the audience —cateall v [1] where in order to do or see something: We could catch a
catch’ §] (i /ket{/ v (past tense and past participle movie (=go to a movie). | M Records caught his act and
caught /ko:t $ kp:t/) signed him immediately.
1 ZEEE) a) [1,7] to get hold of and stop an object 16 catch a ride AmE spoken to go somewhere in someone
such as a ball that is moving through the air — throw: else's car: / caught a ride as far as Columbus.
Stephen leapt up and caught the ball in one hand. | ‘Pass me 17 you won't catch me doing sth (also you won't catch me
that pen, would you?’ ‘Here you are. Catch!’ | The kids were somewhere) spoken used to say that you would never do
throwing and catching a frisbee down on the beach. b) [T] to something: | love dancing but you won't catch me being the
suddenly take hold of someone or something with your first on the dance floor!
hand: He caught her elbow to steady her. |Miss Perry caught 18 catch it informal to be punished by someone such as a
hold of my sleeve and pulled me back. + see picture at parent or teacher because you have done something
BASEBALL wrong: You'll catch it if Dad finds out.
2 GLLYSAT) [T] a) to stop someone after you have 19 catch a glimpse of sb/sth to see someone or something
been chasing them and not let them get away: ‘You can't for a very short time: Fans waited for hours at the airport to
catch me!’ she yelled, running away. b) to find a criminal or catch a glimpse of their idol.
enemy and stop them from escaping [SYN] capture: State 20 catch sight of sb/sth to suddenly see someone or
police have launched a massive operation to catch the something that you have been looking for or have been
murderer. | If you go back to the city, you're bound to get hoping to see: | caught sight of her in the crowd. :
caught. 21 SESS «[T] to show or describe the character
3 EAN) [7] to see someone doing something or quality of something well in a picture, piece of writing
that they did not want you to know they were doing: catch etc capture: a novel that catches the mood of post-war
sb doing sth | caught him reading my private letters. | Britain
Gemma turned around and caught the stranger looking at her 22 GU a) catch fire if something catches fire, it starts to
intently. |catch sb in the act (of doing sth) (=catch someone burn accidentally: Two farm workers died when a barn
while they are doing something illegal) The gang was caught fire. b) [1] if a fire catches, it starts to burn: For
caught in the act of unloading the cigarettes. |He was caught some reason the charcoal wasn't catching. {
red-handed (=as he was doing something wrong) taking 23 catch sb's eye a) to attract someone's attention and
money from the cash register. | catch sb at it We knew he'd make them look at something: Out on the freeway, a
been cheating, but we'd never caught him at it before. billboard caught his eye. b) to look at someone at the same -
4 (Ts9 [7] to get an infectious disease: Anton caught moment that they are looking at you: Every time she
malaria in Mali, and nearly died. |Many young people are caught his eye, she would glance away embarrassed.
EX3 = words from the Academic Word List 253 _ Catch- a
24 catch yourself doing sth to suddenly realize you are catch sb out phr v
doing something: Standing there listening to the song, he 1to make someone make a mistake, especially deliber-
caught himself smiling from ear to ear. ately and in order to prove that they are lying: The
25 [T] to hit someone in or on a particular part of interviewer may try to catch you out.
their body: The punch caught him right in the face. 2 if something unexpected catches you out, it puts you in
26 be/get caught in/without etc sth to be in a situation that a difficult situation because you were not expecting it or
you cannot easily get out of or in which you do not have not fully prepared for it: Even the best whitewater rafters
something you need: We got caught in a rainstorm on the get caught out by the fierce rapids here.
way here. | Here's a useful tip if you're caught without a catch up phr v
mirror. 1to improve and reach the same standard as other
27 catch your breath a) to pause for a moment after a lot people in your class, group etc: If you miss a lot of classes,
of physical effort in order to breathe normally again: Hang it’s very difficult to catch up. | [+with] At the moment our
ona minute - let me catch my breath! b) to stop breathing technology is more advanced, but other countries are catch-
for a moment because something has surprised, fright- ing up with us.
ened, or shocked you c) to take some time to stop and 2 to come from behind and reach someone in front of you
think about what you will do next after having been very by going faster: [+with] Drive faster - they're catching up
busy or active: It was an enforced absence from work, but at with us. |catch sb up BrE: You go on ahead. I'll catch you up
least it gave me a little time to catch my breath before the in a minute.
final push. 3to do what needs to be done because you have not
28 yay [1] if a container catches liquid, it is in a been able to do it until now: [+on] | have some work to
position where the liquid falls into it: Place the baking catch up on. | | need to catch up on some sleep (=after a
sheet under the muffin pan to catch the drips. period without enough sleep),
4to spend time finding out what has been happening
29 Gu [7] if the light catches something or if some-
while you have been away or during the time you have
thing catches the light, the light shines on it: The sunlight
not seen someone: [+on] When | got home | phoned Jo to
caught her hair and turned it to gold.
catch up on all the gossip. |I'll leave you two alone - I'm sure
30 catch the sun informal if you catch the sun, your skin you've got a lot of catching up to do.
becomes red and sometimes sore because of the effects 5 be/get caught up in sth to be or get involved in some-
of sunlight: You’ve caught the sun on the back of your neck. thing, especially something bad: | didn’t want to get caught
31{fp) [T] if something catches the wind or the wind up in endless petty arguments.
catches something, it blows on it: Gary suing the sail catch up with sb phr v
round to catch the light wind. 1to finally find someone who has been doing something
32a) a) [T] to end a player's INNINGS in CRICKET by illegal and punish them: It took six years for the law to catch
catching the ball that is hit off their BAT before it touches up with them.
the ground b) [I] to be the CATCHER in a game of basebal 2 if something bad from the past catches up with you,
you cannot avoid dealing with it any longer: At the end of
THESAURUS - MEANING 2 the movie his murky past catches up with him.
catch to stop someone who is trying to escape, catch? n1[C] an act of catching a ball that has been
especially by running after them and then holding thrown or hit: Hey! Nice catch! 2 [C usually singular] infor-
them: He raced after her, but he couldn't catch her. | mal a hidden problem or difficulty: This deal looks too good
The police caught the bank robbers after a car chase to be true - there must be a catch somewhere. |the catch is
through the city. (that) The catch is that you can’t enter the competition
arrest if the police arrest someone, they take him or unless you've spent $100 in the store. 3 [C] a hook or
her to a police station because they think that something similar for fastening a door or lid and keeping
person has done something illegal: Wayne was it shut 4 [C] a quantity of fish that has been caught at
arrested for dangerous driving. | The police arrested him one time 5 [U] a simple game in which two or more
and charged him with murder. people throw a ball to each other: Let’s go outside and play
apprehend formal if the police apprehend someone catch. 6 a catch in your voice/throat a short pause that you
they think has done something illegal, they catch make when you are speaking, because you feel upset or
him or her: The two men were later apprehended after are beginning to cry: There was a catch in Anne's voice and
they robbed another store. | The killers were never she seemed close to tears. 7 a (good) catch someone who is
apprehended. a good person to have a relationship with or to marry
because they are rich, attractive etc - often used humor-
capture to catch an enemy or a criminal in order to
ously
keep them as a prisoner: The French king was
captured by the English at the battle of Poitiers in ‘catch-all adj intended to include all possibilities: a
1356. | The gunmen were finally captured after a vague catch-all clause in the contract |a catch-all term
shoot-out with the police. catch-all /‘keetja:1 $ -o:I/ n [C] AmE a drawer, cupboard
take sb prisoner to catch someone, especially in a etc where you put any small objects
war, in order to keep them as a prisoner: 350 soldiers catch-er /‘ket/a $ -er/ n [C] in baseball, the player
were killed and another 300 taken prisoner. behind the BATTER, who catches missed balls — pitcher
trap to make someone go to a place from which — see pictures at BASEBALL, SPORT'
they cannot escape, especially by using your skill catch-ing /ket{in/ adj [not before noun] 1 an illness that
and intelligence: Police trapped the man inside a bar on is catching is easily passed to other people [SYN] infectious
the city’s southside. 2 an emotion or feeling that is catching spreads quickly
corner to force someone into a place from which among people: Julia's enthusiasm was catching.
they cannot escape: He was cornered outside the catch-:ment ar-e-a /‘ket/mant eoria $ -eria/ n [C]
school by three gang members. 1 BrE the catchment area of a school, hospital etc is the
area that its students, patients etc come from 2_ technical
catch at sth phr v to try to take hold of something: She the area that a river or lake gets water from
caught at his arm, ‘Hang on. I’m coming with you.’ catch-phrase /‘ket(fretz/ n [C] a short well-known
catch on phr v phrase made popular by an entertainer or politician, so
1to become popular and fashionable: The idea of glasses that people think of that person when they hear it
being a fashion item has been slow to catch on. Catch-22 /ket{ twenti'tu:/ n [U] an impossible situa-
2to begin to understand or realize something: [+to] /t tion that you cannot solve because you need to do one
was a long time before the police caught on to what he was thing in order to do a second thing, but you cannot do the
really doing. second thing until you have done the first: It’s a Catch-22
 catchword 254 Ei) &) & = the most frequent words in spoken English

situation - without experience you can't get a job and with- process of removing strong or violent emotions by
out a job you can't get experience. expressing them through writing, talking, acting etc:
catch-word /‘ket{wa:d $ -wa:rd/ n [C] a word or phrase Music is a means of catharsis for me.
that refers to a feature of a situation, product etc that is ca-thar-tic /ka'a:ttk $ -a:r-/ adj formal helping you to
considered important: Variety is the catchword at our latest remove strong or violent emotions: a cathartic experience
venue, the Beehive Club. ca-the-dral /ka'@i:dral/ n [C] the main church of a
catch-y /‘ket{i/ adj a catchy tune or phrase is easy to particular area under the control of a BISHOP: St Paul's
remember: a catchy song |catchy advertising slogans Cathedral | cathedral city BrE (=one with a cathedral)
cat-e-chis-m /ketkizam/ n [singular] a set of ques- Cath-er-ine wheel /ke@arin wi:l/ BrE, pinwheel AmE
tions and answers about the Christian religion that n[C] a round flat FiReworK that spins around as it burns
people learn in order to become full members of a cath-e-ter /ke@ita $ -ar/ n [C] medical a thin tube that
church: We were taught to recite the catechism. is put into your body to remove liquids —catheterize (also
cat-e-gor-i-cal /ketsgorikal< $ -'go:-, -'ga:-/ adj [usually ise BrE) v [T]
before noun] a categorical statement is a clear statement cath-ode /ke@aud $ -90ud/ n [C] technical the nega-
_ that something is definitely true or false: categorical tive ELECTRODE, marked (-), from which an electric current
_ denial/assurance etc Can you give us a categorical assurance leaves a piece of equipment such as a BATTERY [OPP] anode
that no jobs will be lost?
\cathode ‘ray tube n [Cc] a piece of equipment used in
cat-e-gor-i-cally /katSgorkli $ -'go:-, -'ga:-/ adv in televisions and computer MONITORS, in which ELECTRONS
such a sure and certain way that there is no doubt: from the cathode produce an image on a screen
categorically deny/refuse etc sth He has categorically denied
his guilt all along. |Can you state categorically that her death cath-o-lic /kealtk/ adj including a very wide variety of
was caused by lack of food? things: She has catholic tastes (=likes a lot of different
things). | a catholic collection of records
cat-e-go-rize (also -ise BrE) /‘ketigaraiz/ v [T} to put
people or things into groups according to the type of Catholic adj connected with the Roman Catholic
person or thing they are [SYN] classify: The population is Church —Catholic n [C] —Catholicism /ka'@pkstzam $
ka'6a:-/ n [U]
categorized according to age, sex, and social group. |catego-
rize sth/sb as sth Keene doesn't like to be categorized as a cat-house /‘kethaus/ n [C] AmE informal a place where
socialist. —categorization /ketigarar'zerjan $ -ra-/ n [C,U] men can pay women to have sex with them brothel
cat-e-go-ry & [1 LG /‘ketigari $ -go:ri/ n (plural cat- cat-kin /‘ketkin/ n [C] BrE a long soft flower that hangs
egories) [C] a group of people or things that are all of the in groups from the branches of trees such as the wILLow
same type: [+of] There are five categories of workers. | ‘cat litter (also kitty litter AmE) n [U] a substance like
people in the over-45 age category | Seats are available in small grey stones that people put in boxes for cats that
eight of the ten price categories. |fall into/belong in/fit into a live indoors, and which the cats use as a toilet
category Voters fall into three main categories. | Williams’ cat-nap /‘ketnep/ n [C] informal a very short sleep:
style does not fit easily into the category of jazz. have/take a catnap Nomes slept badly, and had to take
ca-ter /‘kerta $ -ar/ v [I,T] to provide and serve food and catnaps during the day. —catnap v [1]
drinks at a party, meeting etc, usually as a business: cat-o'-nine-tails /ket a 'narn terlz/ n [singular] a whip
[+for] This is the biggest event we've ever catered for. |Joan made of nine knotted strings, used in the past for punish-
has catered functions for up to 200 people. ing people
cater for sb/sth (also cater to sb/sth) phr v to provide a
CAT scan /‘ket sken/ (also CT scan) n [C] a medical
particular group of people with the things they need or
examination in which an image of the inside of some-
want: an LA bank catering to Asian businesses | Vegetarians
are well catered for. | Most perfume ads cater to male one's body is produced on a computer using X-RAYS
—CAT scanner n [C]
fantasies.
ca-ter-er /‘kettara $ -ar/ n [Cla person or company that cat's ‘cradle n1([uJa game you play by winding string
provides and serves food and drinks at a party, meeting around your fingers to make different patterns
etc 2 [singular] a set of lines, threads etc that form a compli-
ca-ter-ing /‘kertarin/ n [U] the activity of providing and cated pattern: The searchlights wove a cat's cradle of light.
serving food and drinks at parties, meetings etc for Cats-eye /‘ketsat/ n [C] trademark BrE one of a line of
money —+ self-catering: Who did the catering? | catering small flat objects fixed in the middle of the road that
business/service etc shine when lit by car lights and guide traffic in the dark
cat-er-pil-lar /ketapria $ -tarprlar/ n [C] a small crea- ‘cat's paw, cats-paw /‘ketsp>: $ -po:/ n [C] old-
ture like a WoRM with many legs that eats leaves and that fashioned someone who is used by someone else to
develops into a BUTTERFLY or other flying insect achieve something bad
Caterpillar (also ‘Caterpillar track) n [C] trademark a ‘cat suit n [Cc] a tight piece of women’s clothing that
metal belt made of short connected pieces that is fas- covers the body and legs in one piece
tened over the wheels of a heavy vehicle to help it to cat-sup /‘ketsap/ n [U] an American spelling of KETeHUP
move over soft ground: a Caterpillar tractor (=a vehicle cat-te-ry /ketari/ n (plural catteries) [C] Br a_place
fitted with this belt) where people can pay to leave their pet cats to be cared
cat-er-waul /‘ketawo:l $ -tarwo:l/ v [I] to make a loud for while they are away from home
high unpleasant noise like the sound a cat makes cat-tle /‘ketl/ n [plural] cows and Butts kept on a farm
—caterwauling n [U]: the sound of drunken caterwauling for their meat or milk: herds of cattle | dairy/beef cattle |
coming from next door 20/100 etc head of cattle (=20, 100 etc cattle) | a cattle
cat-fight /ketfart/ n [C] informal a word for a fight rancher
between women, that some people consider offensive ‘cattle grid BrE, ‘cattle guard AmE n [C] a set of bars
cat-fish /‘ketfy/ n (plural catfish) [C,U] a type of fish placed over a hole in the road, so that animals cannot go
that has WHISKERs (=strong hairs) around its mouth and across but cars can 4
lives in rivers or lakes cat-tle-man /‘ketiman/ n (plural cattlemen /-man/)
cat flap BrE, pet door AmE n[C] a small hole cut into a [C] someone who looks after or owns cattle
door and covered with wood or plastic that moves to ‘cattle market (also ‘cattle auction AmE) n [C]
allow a pet cat to enter or leave a house 1a place where cattle are bought and sold 2 informal a
cat-gut /‘ketgat/ n [U] strong thread made from the beauty competition or a social event where women are
INTESTINES Of animals and used for the strings of musical
judged only by their appearance - used to show disap-
instruments proval
ca-thar-sis /ka'Ga:sis $ -a:r-/ n [U] formal the act or ‘cattle prod n [c] a type of stick that gives cattle an _
 ( (2 OH = the most frequent words in written English cause

electric shock when it touches them, used to make them 5 [C] law a case that is brought to a court of law — lost
move cause at LOST#(12)
‘cattle truck n [Cc] a vehicle or part of a train that is
used for carrying cattle
cat-ty /keti/ adj someone who is catty says unkind a common cause of sth Alcohol is the most common
things about people —cattily adv —cattiness n [U]
cause of road accidents.
‘catty- corner adv kiTTy-corNer the main/primary cause of sth Smoking is the main
cat-walk /ketwo:k $ -wo:k/ n [C] 1 a long raised struc- cause of lung disease.
ture that MODELs walk along in a fashion show a major/leading cause of sth /n this country, debt is a
[SYN] runway AmE2 the catwalk the business of designing major cause of homelessness.
clothes for fashion shows 3 a narrow structure for people a direct/indirect cause Government policies are the
to walk on that is high up inside or outside a building direct cause of the problems facing the economy.
Cau:-ca:sian /ko:'kerzian $ kp:'kerzan/ n [C] a member the root cause (=the most basic cause) People often
of the race of people with white or pale skin —Caucasian deal with the symptoms rather than the root cause of a
adj problem.
Caucus /'korkas §$ 'kp:-/ n [C] 1a meeting of the mem- the fundamental/underlying cause (=the root
bers of a political party to choose people to represent cause) |the probable/likely cause
them in a larger meeting, election etc 2 AmE an organized
group of people who have similar aims or interests, discover/find the cause An investigation has failed to
especially political ones: the chairman of the Congressional discover the cause of the epidemic.
Black Caucus determine/establish/identify the cause (=discover
cau-dal /‘ko:dl $ 'ko:dl/ adj [only before noun] technical definitely what it is) | investigate the cause
relating to an animal's tail
caught /ko:t $ kp:t/ the past tense and past participle
of CATCH the cause of death A snake bite was the cause of
death.
caul-dron, caldron /‘ko:ldran $ ‘ko:I-/ n [C] a large round
die of/from natural causes (=die of illness, old age
metal pot for boiling liquids over a fire: a witch’s cauldron etc, not because of an accident or crime) |cause
cau-li-flow-er /‘koltflaue $ 'ko:liflavar, '‘ka:-/ n [C,U] a and effect (=the idea that one thing directly causes
vegetable with green leaves around a firm white centre \_another)
— see picture at VEGETABLE’
,cauliflower ‘ear n [C] an ear permanently swollen cause? §] (i v [7] to make something happen, espe-
into a strange shape, as a result of an injury cially something bad: Heavy traffic is causing delays on the
caulk (also calk AmE) /ka:k $ ko:k/ v [T] to fill the holes freeway. | The fire caused £15,000 worth of damage. |cause
or cracks in a ship with an oily or sticky substance in sth for sb The oil spill is causing problems for coastal
order to keep water out fisheries. | cause concern/uncertainty/embarrassment etc
caus:al /‘ko:zal $ 'ko:-/ adj1 relating to the connection The policy changes have caused great uncertainty for the
between two things, where one causes the other to workforce. | I'm sorry if | caused any confusion. | cause sb
happen or exist —> cause: causal relationship/link/factor etc trouble/problems etc You've caused us all a lot of unneces-
a causal relationship between unemployment and crime sary worry. | Sorry, | didn’t mean to cause offence (=offend
2 technical a causal CONJUNCTION, such as ‘because’, you). | cause sb/sth to do sth What caused you to change
introduces a statement about the cause of something your mind? /\ Do not say ‘cause that someone does
—causally adv something’. Say cause someone to do something.
cau-sal:-i-ty /ko:'zelsti $ ko:-/ n [U] formal the relation-
ship between a cause and the effect that it has
cause to make something happen, especially
cau-sa-tion /ks:'zerfan $ ko:-/ n [U] formal1 the action something bad: Bad weather has caused a lot of
of causing something to happen or exist 2 causality problems on the roads. | The fault caused the whole
caus:a-tive /'ko:zatw $ 'ko:-/ adj formal acting as the computer system to shut down.
cause of something: Smoking is a causative factor in several make sb/sth do sth to cause someone to do
major diseases. something, or cause something to happen. Make is
cause’ §y fl /ko:z $ koiz/ n less formal than cause, and is the usual word to use
1[C] a person, event, or thing that makes something in everyday English: What made you decide to become
happen — effect: [+of] Breast cancer is the leading cause of qa teacher? | I’m sorry, | didn't mean to make you cry. |
death for American women in their 40s. | It’s our job to Gravity is the force which makes the planets move round
establish the cause of the fire. A\ Do not say ‘the cause for the Sun.
~ something’. Say the cause of something. be responsible for sth if someone or something is
2[U] a fact that makes it right or reasonable for you to responsible for something bad, they caused it to
feel or behave in a particular way [SYN]reason: [+for] happen: The excessive heat was responsible for their
There is no cause for alarm. | The patient's condition is giving deaths. |A small militant group was responsible for the
cause for concern. | The present political climate gives little bombing.
cause for optimism. | have (good) cause to do sth His father bring about sth to make something happen - used
has good cause to be proud of him. | with/without good especially about changes or improvements: The
cause Many people are worried about the economy, and with Internet has brought about enormous changes in
good cause. society. | It’s important that we do everything we can to
3 [C] an aim, belief or organization that a group of people bring about peace.
support or fight for: My father fought for the Nationalist result in sth if an action or event results in
cause. | [+of] her lifelong devotion to the cause of women’s something, it makes that thing happen: The fire
rights |He has championed the cause of independence (=he resulted in the deaths of two children. | The decision is
| has supported it publicly). | You can get fit, and at the same likely to result in a large number of job losses.
|
time raise money for a worthy cause. |Please give generously lead to sth to cause something to happen eventually
|
} - it’s all in a good cause (=done in order to help people).
4Ahave/make common cause (with/against sb) formal to
after a period of time: The information led to several
arrests. |A poor diet in childhood can lead to health
| join with other people or groups in order to oppose an problems later in life.
| enemy: U.S. officials expect other Western governments to trigger if one event triggers another, it suddenly
|

make common cause with them over the arrests. makes the second event happen: The incident
 cause celebre EX4 = words from the Academic Word List

triggered a wave of violence. |An earthquake off Java's cav-a-lier / keve'lta< $ -'ltr«/ adj [usually before noun] not
southern coast triggered a tsunami. caring enough about rules, principles, or people's feel-
precipitate formal to make a very serious event ings: a cavalier attitude to the laws
happen very suddenly, which will affect a lot of cav-al-ry /‘kevalri/ n [plural, U] 1 the part of an army
people: The withdrawal of foreign investment would that fights on horses, especially in the past: The Black
precipitate an economic crisis. | The assassination of Prince led a cavalry charge against them, 2 the part of a
Archduke Franz Ferdinand precipitated World War I. modern army that uses TANKS
cav-al-ry-‘man /‘kevalriman/ n (plural cavalrymen
cause cé-lé-bre /kavuz se'lebra, ko:z- $ ko:z-, kouz-/ n
/-man/) [C] a soldier who fights on a horse
(plural causes célébres (same pronunciation)) [C] an event
or legal case that a lot of people become interested in,
cave! /ke1v/ n [C] a large natural hole in the side of a
because it is an exciting subject to discuss or argue
cliff or hill, or under the ground — caving: the entrance to a
» about: The case became a cause célébre among feminists. cave
- cause-way /‘ko:zwer $ 'ko:z-/ n [C] a raised road or cave? vy
cave in phr v 1if the top or sides of something cave in,
_ path across wet ground or through water
they fall down or inwards: [+on] The roof of the tunnel
. caustic /ko:stik $ 'ko:s-/ adj 1a caustic substance can caved in on them. 2 to finally stop opposing something,
- burn through things by chemical action: caustic soda (=a especially because someone has persuaded or threat-
chemical used for cleaning things) 2 a caustic remark ened you: [+to] The chairman is expected to cave in to
criticizes someone in a way that is unkind but often pressure from shareholders.
cleverly humorous [SYN] acerbic: caustic wit/comments/
cCa-ve-at /‘keviet, 'kerv-/ n [C] formal a warning that
remark etc Eliot appreciated Pound's caustic wit.
something may not be completely true, effective etc:
—caustically /-kli/ adv: ‘I can hardly wait,’ Sir Trevor replied
caveat that She will be offered treatment, with the caveat
caustically.
that it may not work.
cau-ter-ize (also -ise BrE) /‘ko:taraiz $ 'ko:-/ v [T] medi- caveat emp:tor /keviet 'empts:, kerv- $ -torr/ n [U]
cal to treat a wound or a growth on your body by burning
law the principle that the person who buys something is
it with hot metal, a LASER, or a chemical responsible for checking that it is not broken, damaged
cau-tion" /'ko:fan $ 'kp:-/ n 1[U] the quality of being etc
very careful to avoid danger or risks —> cautious: with ‘cave-in n [C] 1 when the roof of something such as a
caution We must proceed with extreme caution. | The mine falls in 2 when someone stops opposing something
physician must exercise caution when prescribing
cave-man /'kevmen/ n (plural cavemen /-men/) [C]
antidepressants. | counsel/urge caution Many parents are
1 someone who lived in a CAve many thousands of years
tempted to intervene, but most experts counsel caution. |
ago 2 informal an insulting word for a man who you think
treat/view sth with caution (=think carefully about some-
is rude, violent etc: Are you going to give me the macho
thing because it might not be true) Evidence given by
caveman act?
convicted criminals should always be treated with the utmost
caution. —+ err on the side of caution at ERR) 2[C] a cav-er /‘kerva $ -ar/ n [C] BrE someone who goes into
warning or piece of advice telling you to be careful: CAvVes deep under the ground as a sport [SYN] spelunker
Although pleased, Henson added a caution that the team still AmE
has a long way to go. |word/note of caution A final word of cav-ern /'kevan $ -arn/ n [C] a large CAVE
caution - never try any of this without backing up your Cav-ern-Ous /'kevanas $ -arnas/ adj literary a cavernous
system. 3 throw/cast caution to the winds literary to stop room, space, or hole is very large and deep: a cavernous
worrying about danger and to take a big risk: Throwing dining hall
caution to the winds, she swung around to face him. CaV-i-ar, caviare /‘kevia: $ -a:r/ n [U] the preserved
4 [C,U] BrE a spoken official warning given to someone eggs of various large fish, eaten as a special very expen-
who has been arrested or who has done something sive food: caviare and champagne
wrong that is not a serious crime: He was let off with a cav-il /‘keval/ v (cavilled, cavilling BrE, caviled, caviling
caution. | under caution The defendant may make a state- AmE) [|] formal to make unnecessary complaints about
ment under caution. someone or something: [+at] They cavilled at our calcula-
caution? v 1[1,T] to warn someone that something tions. —cavil n [C,U]
might be dangerous, difficult etc: caution (sb) against sth cav-ing /'kervin/ n [U] BrE the sport of going into CAVES
Business leaders are cautioning against hasty action that deep under the ground [SYN] spelunking AmE
would hamper flexibility. | caution (sb) that Officials were cav-i-ty /‘kevsti/ n (plural cavities) [C] formal a hole or
quick to caution that these remarks did not mean an end to space inside something: Put herbs inside the body cavity of
the peace process. |caution sb to do sth He cautioned them the fish. | | have no cavities (=no holes in my teeth).
to avoid the forest at night. WARN 2 [T] BrE
a) to warn someone officially that the next time they do ‘cavity wall n [Cc] a wall consisting of two walls with a
something illegal they will be punished: caution sb for space between them to keep out cold and noise: cavity
wall insulation
(doing) sth She was cautioned for speeding. b) to warn
someone officially that what they say to a police officer ca-vort /ka'va:t $ -d:rt/ v [1] to jump or dance around
in
may be used as EVIDENCE in a court of law a playful or sexual way: [+about/around] She cavorted
cau-tion-ar-y /‘koxfanari $ 'kp:faneri/ adj [usually before aboutjin the water. | [+with] The photograph shows him
cavorting with two young women.
noun] giving a warning about what not to do: cautionary
note/comment/words etc Most observers were optimistic, caw /ko: $ ko:/ n [C] the loud sound made by some
yet some sounded a cautionary note. |cautionary tale (=the types of bird, especially crows —caw v [I]
story of an event that is used to warn people) a cautionary Cay /ki:, ket/ n [C] AmE a very small low island formed
tale.about how not to buy a computer of CORAL or sand
cau-tious /‘ko:Jas $ 'ko:-/ adj careful to avoid danger or Cay-enne pep:per /keten 'pepa $ -ar/ n [U] the red
risks —+ caution: a cautious driver | a cautious approach to powder made from a Pepper that has a very hot taste
the crisis | The air-pollution board has reacted with cautious cay-man /‘kerman/ n (plural caymans) [C] a South
optimism to the announcement. |cautious about (doing) sth American animal like an ALLIGATOR
Keller is cautious about making predictions for the success of CB /si: 'bi:</ n [U] (Citizens’ Band) a type of radio
the program. —cautiously adv: The government responded communication which people use to speak to each other
cautiously to the move. —cautiousness n [U] over short distances, especially when driving
cav-al-cade /kevalkerd, ‘kevalkerd/ n [C] a line of CBE /si: bi: 'i:/ n [C] (Commander of the British Empire)
people on horses or in cars or carriages moving along as an honour given to some British people for things they =
part of a ceremony have done for their country :
GX= words from the Academic Word List Dil celebrity
CBI, the /si: bi: 'at/ (the Confederation of British Indus- when you are forced to: cede sth to sb Hong Kong was
try) a British organization that represents employers and ceded to Britain in 1842. — CESSION
managers in British businesses. It provides information ce-dil-la /srdila/ n [C] a mark under the letter ‘c’ in
about the economic situation, and tries to influence the French and some other languages, to show that it is an ‘s’
government to make decisions that will help its members. sound instead of a ’k’ sound. The letter is written ‘c’.
CBT /si: biz 'tix/ n [U] 1 (computer-based testing) a way Cee-fax /'si:feeks/ n [U] trademark a service in which the
of taking standard tests such as the GRE on a computer BBC broadcasts written information on television in Brit-
2 (computer-based training) the use of computers to ain
teach people to do something: CBT software cei-lidh /'kerli/ n [C] an evening entertainment with
CC / ssi: 'si:/1 (carbon copy to) used in a business letter or Scottish or Irish singing and dancing
email to show that you are sending a copy to someone cei-ling & 1 /‘si:itn/ n [Cc]
else: To Neil Fry, cc: Anthea Baker, Matt Fox 2 the abbrevia- 1the inner surface of the top part of a room — roof: rooms
tion of cubic centimetre or cubic centimetres: a 200 cc with high ceilings |a light hanging from the ceiling
engine
2the largest number or amount of something that is
CCTV
/ si: sit ti: 'vis/ n [U] BrE the written abbreviation of officially allowed: [+of] a public spending ceiling of £240
closed circuit television billion | impose/set/put a ceiling (on sth) The government
CD gS) 07 /si: 'di:</ n [C] (compact disc) a small circular imposed a ceiling on imports of foreign cars. |raise/lower the
piece of hard plastic on which high-quality recorded ceiling (on sth)
sound or large quantities of information can be stored 3 technical the greatest height an aircraft can fly at or the
C. dif-fi-cile /si: difr'si:|/ n [(U] (Clostridium difficile) a level of the clouds — GLASS CEILING
type of BACTERIA that causes serious illness, especially in ce:leb /sa'leb/ n [C] informal a ceLesrity: TV celebs
people who have been taking ANTIBIOTIC drugs in hospital cel-e-brant /'sel{brant/ n [C] formal someone who per-
¢c'D iplayer n [Cc] a piece of equipment used to play forms or takes part in a religious ceremony
COMPACT DISCs cel-e-brate (ey /'selsbrert/ v
CDSR /si: di: ‘a: $ -'a:r/ n [C,U] (compact disc - record- 1[1,T] to show that an event or occasion is important by
able) a type of cb that you can record music, images, or doing something special or enjoyable — celebration: /t’s
other information onto, using special equipment on your Dad's birthday and we're going out for a meal to celebrate. |
computer, and that can be recorded onto only once My folks are celebrating their SOth anniversary. | We hope to
CD-ROM /si: di: ‘tom $ -'rarm/ n [C,U] (compact disc
give fans something to celebrate this season. | celebrate
Christmas/Thanksgiving etc How do you usually celebrate
read-only memory) a CD on which large quantities of
New Year?
information can be stored to be used by a computer
2 [T] formal to praise someone or something: poems that
CD-RW / si: dit az ‘dabalju: $ -air-/ n [C,U] (compact disc celebrate the joys of love
- rewritable) a type of cD that you can record music, 3[T] to perform a religious ceremony, especially the
images, or other information onto, using special equip- Christian Mass
ment on your computer, and that can be recorded onto
cel-e-brat-ed /'selsbrettid/ adj famous: a celebrated
several times
actress |a celebrated legal case FAMOUS
CDT /si: di: 'ti:/ n [U] (Craft, Design, and Technology) a
practical subject studied in British schools cel-e-bra-tion Ex /sel'brerfan/ n
1[C] an occasion or party when you celebrate something:
CE BrE, C.E. AmE /six'i:/ (Common Era) used after a date the lively New Year celebrations in the city centre
to show it was after the birth of Christ [syn]AD > BC
EEE party
cease! [5] LG /si:s/ v [1,7] 2 [singular, U] the act of celebrating: in celebration of sth a
1 formal to stop doing something or stop happening: cease reception in celebration of the Fund's 70th Anniversary | The
to do sth He ceased to be a member of the association. | The show is a celebration of new young talent. | | think this is a
things people will do for charity never cease to amaze me (=| cause for celebration (=reason to celebrate),
am always surprised by them). | cease doing sth the feo)HKeley-Walo)
(ky
decision to cease using CFCs in packaging | The rain ceased
and the sky cleared. | cease trading/production/operations é ADJECTIVES/NOUN + celebration — ent
etc (=stop operating a business) The company ceased a big/small celebration We're having a small
production at their Norwich plant last year. | cease fire! celebration for Dad's birthday.
(=used to order soldiers to stop shooting) a family celebration (=for family members)
STOP Everyone's coming here for a family celebration.
a double celebration (=for two good things) It’s a
REGISTER double celebration for our first wedding anniversary and
In everyday English, people usually use stop rather my birthday.
than cease: They have stopped using CFCs in a birthday/anniversary celebration He is planning a
packaging. |The rain stopped just as the fireworks began. very special 40th birthday celebration.
2cease and desist Jaw to stop doing something a victory celebration Some football fans were arrested
during the victory celebrations.
—> CEASEFIRE, > wonders will never cease at WONDER7(5)
Christmas/New Year celebrations |wedding
cease? n without cease formal without stopping celebrations
cease-fire /‘si:sfata $ -fair/ n [C] an agreement to stop
fighting for a period of time, especially so that a more
permanent agreement can be made: a_ ceasefire have a celebration The villagers were panes a
agreement | They have called a temporary ceasefire in the celebration of some kind.
region. —> ARMISTICE, TRUCE hold/host a celebration formal: The company is
holding a celebration for its 7Sth anniversary.
cease:less /‘si:slas/ adj happening for a long time with-
join in the celebrations You're welcome to come and
out stopping: the ceaseless fight against crime join in the celebrations!
—ceaselessly adv: The men worked ceaselessly through the
night. cel-e-bra-to-ry /sel!!brertari< $ 'selabrato:ri/ adj [only
ce-dar /'si:da $ -ar/ n 1([C] a large EVERGREEN tree with before noun] done in order to celebrate a particular event
leaves shaped like needles 2 (also cedarwood) [U] the or occasion: Join us for a celebratory drink in the bar.
hard red wood of the cedar tree, which smells pleasant ce-leb-ri-ty /ss'lebriti/ n (plural celebrities) 1[C] a
cede /si:d/ v [T] formal to give something such as an famous living person [SYN] star: a sporting celebrity |He's a
area of land or a right to a country or person, especially national celebrity. |We invited a number of minor celebrities
 celeriac 258 Sil &) & = the most frequent words in spoken English

(=people who are not very famous). | celebrity chef/ of temperature in which water freezes at O° and boils at
gardener etc STAR, FAMOUS 2 [U] formal the 100° [SYN] Centigrade —+ Fahrenheit: 12° Celsius (=12
state of being famous [SYN] fame degrees on the Celsius scale) —Celsius adj
ce:ler-i-ac /salleriek/ n [U] a large white root vegetable Celt /kelt, selt/ n [C] a member of a race of people who
which is a type of CELERY lived in ancient Britain and Western Europe before the
cel-e-ry /'selari/ n [U] a vegetable with long pale green Romans came, or a person living now whose ANCESTORS
stems that you can eat cooked or uncooked: a stick of were members of this race
celery —+ see picture at VEGETABLE’ Cel-tic /*keltrk, ‘selttk/ adj relating to the Celts or their
ce:les-ti-al /sslestial $ -t{al/ adj [usually before noun] languages
1 relating to the sky or heaven: celestial bodies (=the sun, ce-‘ment! /sr'ment/ n [U] 1a grey powder made from
moon, stars etc) 2 literary very beautiful LIME and clay that becomes hard when it is mixed with
» cel-i-bate /'selibat/ adj not married and not having sex, water and allowed to dry, and that is used in building
especially because of your religious beliefs — virgin: — concrete: a bag of cement 2 a thick sticky substance
_ Catholic priests are required to be celibate. —celibate n [C] that becomes very hard when it dries and is used for
oa —celibacy /-basi/ n [U]: a vow of celibacy filling holes or sticking things together
cell 1 /sel/ n [c] cement? v [1] 1 (also cement over) to cover something
1ffpyy the smallest part of a living thing that can exist with cement 2 to make a relationship between people,
independently: blood/brain/nerve cell red blood cells |can- countries, or organizations firm .and strong: cement a
cer cells | Embryos grow by cell division (=the splitting of relationship/alliance They want to cement a good working
cells). relationship between the government and trade unions.
2 QE a small room ina prison or police station where ce'ment mixer n [C] a machine with a round drum
prisoners are kept: He spent a night in the cells at the local that turns around, into which you put cement, sand, and
police station. | the walls of his prison cell EEE water to make CONCRETE
PRISON cem-e-tery /'semitri $ -teri/ n (plural cemeteries) [C] a
3 GOES Ame a CELLULAR PHONE; a telephone that you can piece of land, usually not belonging to a church, in which
carry around with you, that works by using a network of dead people are buried — graveyard
radio stations to pass on signals [SYN] mobile BrE: Call me cen-o-taph /‘senata:f $ -teef/ n [C] a MONUMENT built to
on my cell if you're running late.
remind people of soldiers, sailors etc who were killed in a
4 Gar a piece of equipment for producing electricity war and are buried somewhere else
from chemicals, heat, or light: a car powered by electric fuel
cells cen-sor" /'sensa $ -ar/ n [C] someone whose job is to
5 SST eE a small group of people who are working examine books, films, letters etc and remove anything
secretly as part of a larger political organization: a terror- considered to be offensive, morally harmful, or politically
ist cell dangerous — censorship
6 GSNsrT a small room in a MONASTERY or CONVENT censor? v [T] to examine books, films, letters etc to
where someone sleeps remove anything that is considered offensive, morally
7 TSSS7E
Ey «4a small space that an insect or harmful, or politically dangerous etc — censorship, ban:
other small creature has made to live in or use: the cells of The information given to the press was carefully censored by
a honeycomb the Ministry of Defence.
cel-lar /'sela $ -ar/ n [C] 1a room under a house or cen-so-ri-ous /sen'so:rias/ adj formal criticizing and
other building, often used for storing things expressing disapproval: His tone was censorious.
SYN] basement: a coa/ cellar 2 a store of wine belonging to —censoriously adv —censoriousness n [U]
a person, restaurant etc —> SALT CELLAR cen-sor-ship /'sensafip $ -ar-/ n [U] the practice or
cel-list /‘tjelist/ n [C] someone who plays the cello system of censoring something: censorship of books
cell-mate /‘selmeit/ n [C] someone who shares a cen-sure’ /'senfa $ -ar/ n [U] formal the act of express-
prison cell with someone else ing strong disapproval and criticism: a vote of censure
cello /tfelas $ -low/ n (plural cellos) [C] a musical censure? y [T] formal to officially criticize someone for
instrument like a large VIOLIN that you hold between your something they have done wrong: He was officially cen-
knees and play by pulling a sow (=special stick) across sured for his handling of the situation.
the strings — see picture at STRINGED INSTRUMENT census /'sensas/ n (plural censuses) [C] 1 an official
Cel-lo-phane /selafein/ n [U] trademark a thin trans- process of counting a country’s population and finding
parent material used for wrapping things out about the people 2 an official process of counting
cell-phone § (2), ‘cell phone /‘selfaun $ -foun/ n [C] something for government planning: a traffic census
especially AmE a cellular telephone mobile phone BrE cent §] Gi /sent/ n [c]
— see picture at TECHNOLOGY 11/100th of the standard unit of money in some coun-
cel-lu-lar /'seljsla $ -ar/ adj 1consisting of or relating to tries. For example, there are 100 cents in one dollar or in
the cells of plants or animals 2 a cellular telephone sys- one EURO: symbol ¢
tem works by using a network of radio stations to pass on 2 put in your two cents’ worth AmE to give your opinion
signals: a cellular network about something, when other people do not want to hear
cellular ‘phone n [c] especially AmE a telephone that it + not one red cent at RED'(7)
you can carry with you and use in any place [SYN] mobile cen-taur /‘sento: $ -to:r/ n [C] a creature in ancient
phone BrE —+ see picture at TECHNOLOGY Greek stories with the head, chest, and arms of a man
cel-lwlite /'seljsiart/ n [U] fat just below someone's and the body and legs of a horse
skin, that makes it look uneven and unattractive cen-te-nar-i-an /sentiinearian $ -'ner-/ n [C] someone
cel-lu-loid /'seljslord/ n [U] 1 on celluloid on cinema film: who is 100 years old or older ;
Chaplin’s comic genius is preserved on celluloid. 2 a plastic cen-te:na-ry /sen'tinari $ -'ten-, 'sentaneri/ n (plural
substance made mainly from CELLULOSE that was used in centenaries) especially BrE (also cen-ten-ni-al /sen'tenial/
the past to make photographic film and other objects especially AmE) [C] the day or year exactly 100 years
cel-lu-lose /‘seljslaus $ -lous/ n [U] 1 the material that after a particular event: [+of] a concert to mark the cente-
the cell walls of plants are made of and that is used to nary of the composer's birth :
make plastics, paper etc 2 (also cellulose acetate) techni- cen-ter /'senta $ -ar/ the American spelling of CENTRE
cal a plastic that is used for many industrial purposes, centi- /sents/ (also cent- /sent/) prefix [in nouns] -
especially making photographic film and explosives Ta hundred: a centipede (=creature with 100 legs)
Cel-si-us /'selsias/ n [U] (written abbreviation C) a scale 2 a 100th part of a unit: a centimetre (=0.01 metres)
(i (2 G5 = the most frequent words in written English 259 centre forward
Cen-ti-grade /'sentigretd/ n [U] (written abbreviation C) cen-tre' §] [ BrE, center AmE /‘senta $ -ar/ n
CELSIUS —Centigrade adj 1{02ETS [C usually singular] the middle of a space, area,
cen:ti-li-tre BE, centiliter AmE /‘sentili:ta $ -ar/ n [C] or object, especially the exact middle: in the centre (of sth)
(written abbreviation cl) a unit for measuring an amount of There was an enormous oak table in the center of the room. |
liquid. There are 100 centilitres in one litre. The hotel is right in the centre of the village. | [+of] Draw a
line through the centre of the circle. |lines radiating out from
cen-time /'sonti:m $ 'sain-/ n [C] 1/100th of a FRANC or the centre |chocolates with soft centres
some other units of money
2 PTs [C] a building which is used for a particular
cen-ti-me-tre Ge [A BrE, centimeter AmE /'sentimitta $ purpose or activity: [+for] the European Centre for Nuclear
-ar/ n [C] (written abbreviation cm) a unit for measuring Research | an exhibition at the Community Arts Centre | a
length. There are 100 centimetres in one metre. conference centre
cen-ti-pede /'sentipi:d/ n [C] a small creature like a 3 Ges iad [C] a place where there is a lot of a
worM with a lot of very small legs particular type of business, activity etc: business/
commercial/financial etc centre a major banking centre | It’s
cen-tral §] [i /‘sentral/ adj not exactly a cultural center like Paris. | [+of/for] The city
1 {EPI [only before noun, no comparative] in the middle of
became a centre for the paper industry. | a center of academic
an area or an object: He lives in central London. | The roof is
excellence (=a very good place for education)
supported by a central column. | Central America/Asia/
[email protected]) (C] BrE the part of a town or city where
Europe etc
most of the shops, restaurants, cinemas, theatres etc are
2 TENET EAWNG [only before noun, no comparative] used
[SYN| downtown AmE: town/city centre shops in the town
about the part of an organization, system etc which
centre | the main route into Leeds city centre
controls the rest of it, or its work: the party’s central office |
5 (Kee eks be at the centre of sth if a person or thing
the system's central contro! unit | central planning
is at the centre of something that is happening, they are
3 (MTZ more important and having more influence
involved in it more than other people or things: He always
than anything else: [+to] values which are central to our
seems to be at the centre of things. | be at the centre of a
society |Owen played a central role in the negotiations. |His
row/dispute/controversy etc the businessman at the centre
ideas were of central importance in the development of the
of the row over political donations
theory. | central idea/theme/concern etc Education has
6 be the centre of attention to be the person that everyone
become a central issue in public debate. EONTTE>
GI
is giving attention to: Betty just loves being the centre of
IMPORTANT, MAIN
attention.
4 GSEs a place that is central is easy to reach
7 be/take centre stage if something or someone is centre
because it is near the middle of a town or area: It’s very
stage, they have an important position and get a lot of
central, just five minutes’ walk from the main square.
attention: After his father’s death, he was able to rise to
—centrally adv: Our office is centrally situated. | All data is
power and take centre stage.
held centrally. —centrality /sen'traelsti/ n [U] 8 GeyGrsy the centre a MODERATE (=middle) position in
-central /sentral/ suffix [in nouns] informal full of a politics in which you do not support extreme ideas: The
particular type of thing or person: It was mosquito-central party's new policies show a swing towards the centre. |
down by the river. |In the 1990s, London's docklands became left/right of centre Her political views are slightly left of
yuppie-central (=full of rich young people). centre. |centre-right/centre-left a centre-left government
central ‘bank n [c] a national bank that does business 9 Gray [C] a player in sports such as American football
with the government, and controls the amount of money and BASKETBALL who plays in or near the middle of the field
available and the general system of banks or playing area: the Sonics’ six-foot-four-inch center |centre
central ‘casting n [U] 1 an organization that supplies forward/half/back etc (=players in different parts of the
actors for small roles in films, plays etc 2 if you say that middle section of the playing area) — see picture at
someone has come from central casting, you mean that BASKETBALL
they look like the perfect example of a particular type of 10 centre of population/urban centre an area where a large
person, as if an actor is playing the part: Wearing black number of people live: Nuclear installations are built well
shoes and a pinstripe suit, he looked like central casting’s idea away from the main centres of population.
of the perfect civil servant. centre? BrE, center AmE v [T] to move something to a
central ‘government n [C,U] especially BrE the level position at the centre of something else: The title isn’t
of government which deals with national rather than local quite centred on the page, is it?
things — local government centre around/round sth (also be centred around/round
sth BrE) phr v if your thoughts, activities etc centre
central ‘heating n [U] a system of heating buildings in
around something or are centred around it, it is the main
which water or air is heated in one place and then sent
thing that you are concerned with or interested in: In the
around the rest of the building through pipes etc: the
16th century, village life centred around religion.
central heating boiler —centrally heated adj
centre on/upon sth (also be centred on/upon sth) phr v if
_cen-tral-is:m /‘sentraltzzam/ n [U] a way of governing a your attention centres on something or someone, or is
country or controlling an organization in which one group centred on them, you pay more attention to them than
has power and tells people in other places what to do anything else: The debate centred on funding for health
cen-tral-ize (also -ise BrE) /‘sentralaiz/ v [T] to organize services. |Much of their work is centred on local development
the control of a country, organization, or system so that projects.
everything is done or decided in one place cen:-tred Br, centered AmE /'sentad $ -ard/ adj 1 (also
fopp|decentralize: plans to centralize the company’s U.S. -centred) [only after noun] having a particular person or
activities —centralized adj: a centralized database group as the most important part or Focus of something:
—centralization / sentralar'zerfan $ -le-/ n [U] a student-centred approach | family-centered care 2 feel-
central ‘locking n [U] BrE a system for locking all the ing calm and in control of your life and feelings: Julia
doors of a car at the same time when you turn the key in seems very centred nowadays.
one lock or use a REMOTE CONTROLIed key
cenmtre-fold Br£, centerfold AmE /‘sentafauld $
central ‘nervous system n [Cc] the main part of -tarfould/ n [C] 1 the two pages that face each other in
your NERVOUS SYSTEM, consisting of your brain and your the middle of a magazine or newspaper 2 a picture of a
SPINAL CORD woman with no clothes on that covers the two pages in
central ‘processing unit n [Cc] a cpu the middle of a magazine
central reser'vation n [Cc] Br— a narrow piece of centre ‘forward Br£, center forward AmE n [C] an
ground that divides the two parts of a MOTORWAY or other attacking player who plays in the centre of the field in
main road soccer
centre of gravity XQ = words from the Academic Word List

centre of ‘gravity n [singular] the point in any object words traditionally used on particular occasions: The
on which it can balance queen was crowned with due ceremony. 3 without ceremony
cen-tre-piece ByE, centerpiece AmE /'sentapirs $ -ar-/ n in a very informal way, without politeness: He wished me
1 [singular] the most important, noticeable, or attractive good luck in the future and left without further ceremony.
part of something: [+of] The centrepiece of Bevan’s policy — not stand on ceremony at STAND'(42) ;
was the National Health Service. 2 [C] a decoration, espe- COLLOCATIONS
cially an arrangement of flowers, in the middle of a table
=centric /sentrk/ suffix [in adjectives] giving most atten-
tion to a particular thing, person, or group: malecentric hold a ceremony A ceremony was held in Berlin to
(=giving males most attention) mark the occasion.
attend a ceremony / attended the ceremony at the
cen-tri-fu-gal force /sentrifju:gal fors sen,trafj¥gal- $ cathedral.
sen,trifjsgal ‘foirs/ n [U] a force which makes things move
be present at a ceremony [he French ambassador
away from the centre of something when they are moving
was present at the ceremony.
around it
perform/conduct a ceremony The Bishop of
cen-tri-fuge /'sentrifjuidz/ n [C] a machine that spins a Louisiana performed the ceremony.
container around very quickly so that the heavier liquids a ceremony takes place The ceremony took place on
and any solids are forced to the outer edge or bottom 13th June at 2:30.
cen-trip-e-tal force /sentripitl ‘fors $ -‘:rs/ n [U] a ceremony marks sth a ceremony marking the
technical a force which makes things move towards the
centre of something when they are moving around it
cen-trist /sentrist/ adj having political beliefs that are emony
not extreme [SYN| moderate [oOpP|extremist —centrist n ou have a religious
ceremony when you got married?
[C]
a wedding/marriage ceremony /t was a beautiful
cen:tu-ri-on /sen'tjuarian $ -'tur-/ n [C] an army officer wedding ceremony.
of ancient Rome, who was in charge of about 100 soldiers a civil ceremony (=a wedding ceremony that is not
cen-tu-ry & (i /‘sentfari/ n (plural centuries) [C] a religious one) They married in a registrar's office, in a
Tone of the 100-year periods measured from before or civil ceremony.
after the year of Christ's birth: the 11th/18th/21st etc a special ceremony The winners will receive their
century The church was built in the 13th century. | the awards at a special ceremony in London.
next/last century by the beginning of the next century | the a simple ceremony |a grand/elaborate ceremony |
story of life on a small farm at the turn of the century (=the a solemn ceremony (=a very serious one) |a
beginning of the century) traditional ceremony |an opening/closing
2a period of 100 years: many centuries ago ceremony (=at the beginning or end of a special
3100 RUNs scored by one CRICKET player in an INNINGS event) | an awards ceremony (=to give people
CEO /si: i: 'au $ -'ov/ n [C] (Chief Executive Officer) the prizes for good achievements) |a graduation
person with the most authority in a large company ceremony (=when you get your university degree) |
ce-ram-ics /ss'reemrks/ n 1 [U] the art of making pots, an inauguration ceremony (=when someone
bowls, TILES etc, by shaping pieces of clay and baking becomes President, Chancellor etc) |an initiation
them until they are hard 2 [plural] things that are made ceremony (=in which someone officially becomes
this way: an exhibition of ceramics —ceramic adj: ceramic an adult, a member of a group etc)
tiles
cetise /sa'riss, -'ri:z/ n [U] a bright pinkish-red colour
ce-re-al Ey /'sterial $ ‘str-/ n —cerise adj
1[C,U] a breakfast food made from grain and usually
eaten with milk: a bowl of breakfast cereal cert /s3:t $ ss:rt/ n be a (dead) cert BrE informal to be
2[C] a plant grown to produce grain, for example wheat, certain to happen or to succeed: Put your money on Thorpe
rice etc: cereal crops to win, he's a dead cert.
cer-e-bel-lum /ser!belam/ n (plural cerebellums or cer- cert. 1 the written abbreviation of certificate 2 the writ-
ebella /-la/) [C] technical the bottom part of your brain ten abbreviation of certified
that controls your muscles certain’ §] Ol /'ss:tn $ 'sair-/ adj
cer-e-bral /seribral $ sa'ri:-, 'ser-/ adj 1 [only before noun] 1 [not before noun] confident and sure, without any doubts
medical relating to or affecting your brain: a cerebral sure: certain (that) /’m absolutely certain that | left the
haemorrhage (=bleeding in the brain) 2 having or involv- keys in the kitchen. | | felt certain that I’d passed the test. |
ing complicated ideas rather than strong emotions: a certain who/what/how etc /’m not certain when it will be
cerebral film ready. |[tabout/of] Now, are you certain about that? | They
cerebral ‘palsy/ $ ..'./ n [U] a disease caused by were watching him. He was certain of it. BEEEE> sure
damage to the brain before or during birth which results REGISTER
in difficulties of movement and speech
In everyday English, people usually say sure rather
cer-e-mo-nial? /sersmaoniale $ -'mou-/ adj than certain: |’m sure | gave him the money.
1 [usually before noun] used in a ceremony or done as part
of a ceremony: the Mayor's ceremonial duties | Native 2if something is certain, it will definitely happen or is:
American ceremonial robes 2 if a position in a country or definitely true: It now seems certain that there will be ‘an
organization is ceremonial, it gives no real power: the election in May. | Many people look certain to lose their
largely ceremonial post of President jobs, | It is wise to apply early to be certain of obtaining a
ceremonial? n [CU] a special ceremony, or special place. | It’s not certain where he lived. | His re-election was
considered virtually certain. | It is by no means certain that
formal actions: an occasion for public ceremonial
the deal will be accepted. |If they stayed in the war zone they
cer-e-mo-ni-ous / ser$maunias< $ -'mou-/ adj done ina would face certain death.
formal serious way, as if you were in a ceremony 3 make certain a) to check that something is correct or
—ceremoniously adv: He ceremoniously burnt the offending true make sure: make certain (that) We need to make
documents. certain that it's going to fit first. b) to do something in order
ceremony /'sersmani $ -mouni/ n (plural ceremonies) to be sure that something will happen [S¥N]make sure:
1[C] an important social or religious event, when a make certain (that) Secure the edges firmly to make certain
traditional set of actions is performed in a formal way that no moisture can get in. ;
— ceremonial: a wedding ceremony |the opening ceremony 4 for certain without doubt [SYN] for sure: know/say (sth
of the Olympic Games 2 [U] the special actions and formal for certain | know for certain it's in here somewhere. | >
 261 cessation
that's/one thing's for certain One thing's for certain, he won't beer, please.’ ‘Certainly, sir.’ | ‘Can | come along?’ ‘Certainly.’
be back. 3 certainly not spoken used to disagree completely or to
5 [only before noun] used to talk about a particular person, refuse to give permission: ‘May | go?’ ‘Certainly not!’
thing, group of things etc without naming them or
describing them exactly: The library's only open at certain REGISTER
times of day. | | promised to be in a certain place by In everyday English, people usually say of course or
lunchtime. | There are certain things | just can’t discuss with sure rather than certainly when agreeing or giving |
my mother. | certain kind/type/sort the expectation of a | permission: ‘Can | sit down?’ ‘Of course.’
certain kind of behaviour |in certain circumstances/cases etc cer-tain-ty /'sztnti $ ‘szr-/ n (plural certainties)
Extra funding may be available in certain circumstances. 1 [U] the state of being completely certain: with certainty
6a certain a) used to say that an amount is not great: You She knew with absolute certainty that he’d say no. | The
may need to do a certain amount of work in the evenings. |to result is impossible to predict with any degree of certainty.
a certain extent/degree (=partly, but not completely) | do 2 [U] the fact that something is certain to happen: cer-
agree with his ideas to a certain extent. b) enough of a tainty of (doing) sth the certainty of being caught |certainty
particular quality to be noticed: There's a certain prestige that There's no certainty that he'll remember.
about going to a private school. ¢) formal used to talk about 3 [C] something that is definitely true or that will defi-
someone you do not know but whose name you have nitely happen: He usually does quite well, but it’s not a
been told: a certain Mr Franks certainty. | The only certainty is that there will need to be
THESAURUS - MEANING 2 major changes.
cer-ti-fi-ab-le /'s3:tifarabal $ sairt3far-/ adj
certain if something is certain, you are completely
1 informal crazy, especially in a way that is dangerous: /f
sure that it will happen or is true: Success seems
you ask me, that man is certifiable. 2 especially AmE defi-
certain. | It is almost certain that there will be a change
nitely a particular thing: The guy's a certifiable megastar.
of government. 3 especially AmE good enough to be officially approved:
definite if something is definite, it is certain because grade A certifiable beef
someone has officially stated that it will happen, is
true etc: | hope you can give me a definite answer cer-tif-i-cate Gy [i /so'trfitkat $ sar-/ n [C]
soon. | The wedding will be next summer but a definite 1an official document that states that a fact or facts are
date has not been arranged yet. true: birth/death/marriage certificate (=giving details of
inevitable if something, especially something bad, is someone's birth, death, or marriage)
inevitable, it is certain to happen and you cannot do 2an official paper stating that you have completed a
anything to prevent it: War now seems inevitable. | It course of study or passed an examination: a degree certifi-
was inevitable that he would find out her secret sooner cate
or later. cer-tif-i-cat-ed /sa'trftkertid $ sar-/ adj BrE having suc-
be bound to if something is bound to happen, it is cessfully completed a course of training for a profession:
very likely to happen, especially because that is what a certificated nurse
usually happens in that kind of situation. Be bound cer-tif-i-ca:tion /sattfkerfan $ sar-/ n 1 [C,U] an offi-
to is less formal than certain and is very common in cial document that says that someone is allowed to do a
everyday spoken English: The kids are bound to be certain job, that something is of good quality etc: We
hungry when they get home - they always are. |My car successfully completed the certification for open water diving.
broke down today. It was bound to happen sooner or 2 [U] the process of giving someone or something an
later. official document that says they are allowed to do a
be assured of sth formal to be certain to get certain job, that something is of good quality etc: [+of]
something good, or to be successful: After the certification of competence
success of its recent single, the band is now assured of a certified ‘mail n [U] AmE a way of sending post in
contract with a major record company. which someone records that you have sent it, and the
sth is a foregone conclusion if something is a person it is sent to must sign their name to prove they
foregone conclusion, its result is certain even though have received it
it has not happened yet: They were winning by such a \certified public ac'countant n [Cc] a cpa
large margin that victory seemed to be a foregone cer-ti-fy /'s3itsfar $ 's3ir-/ v (certified, certifying, certifies)
conclusion. |Party members believe it is a foregone [T] 1 to state that something is correct or true, especially
conclusion that he will resign. after some kind of test: The accounts were certified by an
auditor. | certify (that) We need to certify that the repairs
certain? pron certain of sb/sth formal particular people have been satisfactorily carried out. | certify sb dead BrE
or things in a group: Certain of the payments were made on (=when a doctor says officially that a person is dead) The
Mr Maxwell's authority. driver was certified dead at the scene. 2 to give an official
~ paper to someone which states that they have completed
Frequencies of the adverb certainly in spoken and written a course of training for a profession — certificate: certify
English. sb as sth She was certified as a teacher in 1990. 3 to offi-
SPOKEN cially state that someone is mentally ill
cer-ti-tude /'sa:titju:d $ 'ss:rtstu:d/ n [U] formal the state
of being or feeling certain about something [SYN] certainty
WRITTEN
ce-ru-le-an /s#ru:lian/ (also ce,rulean 'blue) n [U] literary
a deep blue colour like a clear sky —cerulean adj
100 200 300 per million cer-Vvi-cal /'s3:vikal, sa'varkal $ 's3irvtkal/ adj1 related to
This graph shows that the adverb certainly is more common in spoken the neck: cervical vertebrae (=the bones in the back of
English than in written English. This is because it has some your neck) 2 related to the cervix: cervical cancer
special uses in spoken English. (cervical ‘smear n [Cc] Br£ technical a test for CANCER of
a woman's CERVIX pap smear AmE
cer-tain-ly Gd Oa /'sz:tnli $ 's3:r-/ adv [sentence adverb] cer-Vix /'s3iviks $ 's3ir-/ n [C] the narrow passage into a
tTwithout any doubt definitely: | certainly never woman's UTERUS
expected to become a writer. | They're certainly not mine. |it
is certainly true/possible etc /t is certainly true that there are
ce-Safr@:an /s3'zearian $ -'zer-/ n [C] another spelling of
more courses on offer. | The girl was almost certainly CAESAREAN
murdered. |‘Not smoking has made a real difference.’ ‘It most ce-Si-um /'si:ziam/ n [U] the American spelling of CAE-
certainly has.’ SIUM
2 spoken used to agree or give your permission: ‘I’d like a ces:sa-tion /se'serfan/ n [C,U] formal a pause or stop
 cession 262 i] & & = the most frequent words in spoken English

—» cease: [+of] a cessation of hostilities (=when the fight- a human chain (=a line of people who pass things from
ing stops in a war) one person to the next) to move the equipment. | daisy
ces:sion /‘sefan/ n [C,U] the act of giving up land, chains (=flowers tied together)
property, or rights, especially to another country after a 5 Gases [C usually plural] metal chains fastened to
war, or something that is given up in this way — cede: the legs and arms of a prisoner, to prevent them from
Spanish cession of the territory in 1818 escaping: in chains He was led away in chains. | ball and
cess:pit /'sesprt/ n [C] 1 (also cess-pool /'sespuil/) a chain (=a chain attached to someone's ankle at one end
large hole or container under the ground in which waste with a heavy metal ball at the other)
from a building, especially from the toilets, is collected 6 ETT «[C usually singular] BrE a number of
2 a place or situation in which people behave in a bad or people buying houses, where each person must complete
immoral way: For weeks the affair threatened to be a cesspit the sale of their own house before they can buy the next
of scandal. person's house
ce-tac-ean /sr'terjan/ n [C] technical a MAMMAL that chain? v1 [T] to fasten someone or something to some-
_ lives in the sea, such as a WHALE —cetacean adj thing else using a chain, especially in order to prevent
| ce-vi-che, seviche /sa'vittfet/ n [U] a dish originally from them from escaping or being stolen: chain sb/sth to sth a
Latin America, made from pieces of raw fish in LEMON or bicycle chained to the fence | Four activists chained them-
LIME juice, oil, and spices selves to the gates. | chain sb/sth up The elephants were
cf used in writing to introduce something else that chained up by their legs. |chain sb/sth together Their hands
should be compared or considered and feet were chained together. 2 be chained to sth to have
your freedom restricted because of something you must
CFC /si: ef 'si:/ n [C] (chlorofluorocarbon) a gas used in do: She felt chained to the kitchen sink. | | don’t want a job
FRIDGES and AEROSOL cans, believed to be responsible for
where I’m chained to a desk all day.
damaging the OZONE LAYER
CGI /si: dai: 'at/ n [U] (computer-generated imagery)
‘chain gang n [C] a group of prisoners chained together
to work outside their prison
images in films, television programmes etc that are pro-
duced using computers: The movie is an epic fantasy full of ‘chain etter n [c] a letter sent to several people
CG). GEESNTTE> movie asking them to send a copy of the letter to several more
people
cha-cha /'tfa: fa:/ (also cha-cha-'cha) n [C] a dance
from South America with small fast steps chain-link ‘fence n [Cc] a type of fence made of wire
twisted together into a diamond pattern
cha-dor /'tfa:ds:, -da°$ -dozr, -dar/ n [C] a long, usually
black, piece of clothing worn by Muslim women in some ‘chain mail n [U] protective clothing made by joining
countries, which covers the head and body — abaya, many small metal rings together, worn by soldiers in the
past
burga
chafe /tferf/ v 1 [1,1] if a part of your body chafes or if ,chain of com'mand n [c] a system in an organization
by which decisions are made and passed from people at
something chafes it, it becomes sore because of some-
the top of the organization to people lower down:
thing rubbing against it: Wear a T-shirt under your wet suit
Symonds is third in the chain of command.
to stop it chafing. 2 [I] to feel impatient or annoyed:
[+at/against/under] Some hunters are chafing under the chain re'action n [Cc] 1 technical a chemical or NUCLEAR
new restrictions. 3 [T] BrE to rub part of your body to make reaction which produces energy and causes more reac-
it warm tions of the same kind 2 a series of related events, each
of which causes the next: A sudden drop on Wall Street can
chaff /t/a:f $ t{ef/ n [UJ 1 the outer seed covers that are set off a chain reaction in other financial markets.
separated from grain before it is used as food
2 dried grasses and plant stems that are used for food for chain-saw /'fernso: $ -sp:/ n [C] a tool used for cutting
farm animals — separate the wheat from the chaff at wood, consisting of a circular chain with teeth which is
WHEAT(2) driven by a motor — CIRCULAR SAW — see picture at TOOL!
chaf-finch /'tftnt{/ n [C] a common small European ‘chain-smoke y [1,1] to smoke cigarettes one immedi-
bird ately after another —chain-smoker n [C]
chag:rin' /‘Segrin $ fe'grtn/ n [U] annoyance and disap-
‘chain stitch n [c,U] a way of sewing in which each new
stitch is pulled through the last one
pointment because something has not happened the way
you hoped: to sb's chagrin Much to her chagrin, | got the job. ‘chain store, chain-store /'tfernsta: $ -sta:r/ n [C] one of
a group of shops, all of which are owned by one
chagrin? v be chagrined formal to feel annoyed and
organization [SYN] chain
disappointed: Dale was chagrined that she wasn't
impressed, chair’ §] 1 /t/eo $ tfer/ n
chain" § (1 /tfetn/ n 1[C] a piece of furniture for one person to sit on, which
has a back, a seat, and four legs: a kitchen chair | They
1 ERENT [C,U] a series of metal rings which are
bought a new table and chairs. | One of the chair legs was
joined together in a line and used for fastening things,
broken. |on/ina chair She was sitting on a wooden chair. |He
supporting weights, decoration etc — link: She had a gold
sat back in his chair.
chain around her neck. |a length of heavy chain |the Mayor's
2 [singular] the position of being in charge of a meeting or
chain of office (=a decoration worn by some British offi-
committee, or the person who is in charge of it: Address
cials at ceremonies) |pull the chain BrE (=flush the toilet) |
your questions to the chair, please. |be in the chair Who will
a bicycle chain (=that makes the wheels turn) + see
pictures at BICYCLE, JEWELLERY be in the chair at tomorrow's meeting? | [+of] He was
2 Gees [C] a connected series of events or nominated as chair of the board of governors. (
3[C] the position of being a university professor: [tof] a
actions, especially which lead to a final result: the chain of
new Chair of Medicine
events that led to World War | | The salesmen are just one
link in the chain (=part of a process) of distribution. | a 4 the chair AmE informal the ELECTRIC CHAIR
rather complicated chain of reasoning + CHAIN OF COMMAND, chair? v [T] to be the CHAIRPERSON of a meeting or
FOOD CHAIN committee: The inquiry was chaired by a judge.
3 SOSA [C] a number of shops, hotels, cinemas chair-lift, ‘chair lift /‘tfealsft $ 'tfer-/ n [C] a line of chairs
etc owned or managed by the same company or person: hanging from a moving wire, used for carrying people up
[+of] a chain of restaurants | hotel/restaurant/retail etc and down mountains, especially to ski
chain several major UK supermarket chains > CHAIN STORE chair-man § (J /‘tfeaman $ 'tfer-/ n (plural chairmen
4@yresi MT [Cc] people or things which are con- /-man/) [C]
nected or next to each other forming a line: mountain/ 1someone, especially a man, who is in charge of a meet- .
island chain the Andean mountain chain | chain of atoms/ ing or directs the work of a committee or an organization
molecules etc technical: a chain of amino acids |They formed ~» chairwoman: [+of] Potts was appointed chairman of the —
 (0 (2 GS = the most frequent words in written English challenge
CHAIRS snow such as Switzerland 2 BrE a small house, especially
in a HOLIDAY CAMP
chal-ice /'tfelis/ n [C] a gold or silver decorated cup
used, for example, to hold wine in Christian religious
services
chalk" /tfo:k $ tfo:k/ n [U] 1 soft white or grey rock
formed a long time ago from the shells of small sea
animals [SYN] limestone: chalk cliffs 2 (also chalks) [plural]
small sticks of a white or coloured substance like soft rock,
used for writing or drawing: a box of coloured chalks |a piece
of chalk | writing in chalk on the blackboard 3 chalk and
cheese BrE completely different from each other: The two
brothers are as different as chalk and cheese. | They're like
chalk and cheese, those two. — long chalk at LONG"(21)
chalk? v [T + up/on] to write, mark, or draw something
with chalk
office chair chalk sth <> up phr v 1 to succeed in getting something,
especially points in a game: Seattle chalked up another win
last night over Denver. 2 to record what someone has
done, what someone should pay etc: [+to] You can chalk
the drinks up to my account. 3 chalk it up to experience
informal to accept a failure or disappointment calmly and
regard it as an experience that you can learn something
from
swivel chair chalk-board /'tfarkbaid $ ‘tforkboird/ n [C] AmE a
BLACKBOARD: She wrote the day’s menu up on a chalkboard,
chalk-y /'t{>:ki $ 'tfo:-/ adj similar to chalk or containing
chalk: white chalky soil |There were chalky bits in the bottom
of the drink. —chalkiness n [U]
chal-lenge' & [a Lg /tfelinds/ n
18a [C,U] something that tests strength, skill,
or ability, especially in a way that is interesting: [+of] The
company is ready to meet the challenges of the next few
years. | the challenge of doing sth / relish the challenge of
rebuilding the club. | face/take on/accept etc a challenge
(=be ready to deal with one) Martins now faces the biggest
challenge of his career. |meet a challenge/rise to a challenge
(=successfully deal with one) a new and vibrant initiative
sun lounger Bi to meet the challenge of the 21st century | intellectual/
lounge chair Ain physical challenge the intellectual challenge of postgraduate
research
2 (sa) «(C] when someone refuses to accept
that someone or something is right and legal: [+to] a
direct challenge to the Governor's authority | [+from] The
President faces a strong challenge from nationalists. | pose/
represent/present a challenge (to sb) The strike represented
a serious challenge to the government. | mount/launch a
highchair ~ folding chair challenge They decided to mount a legal challenge to the
decision.
education committee. | deputy/vice chairman Barrett serves 3 Ga «CC] when someone tries to win some-
as vice chairman. /\ Many people use chairperson or chair thing or invites someone to try to beat them in a fight,
instead, to avoid suggesting that this person must be a competition etc: [+for] They are ready to mount a chal-
man. lenge for the championship. | They threw down the challenge
2 BrE someone who is in charge of a large company or that he couldn't wash 40 cars in one hour (=invited him to
organization: the chairman of British Aerospace | Williams try to do it). | The Prime Minister narrowly avoided a
has been chairman of the board for five years. leadership challenge last year.
* chair-man:ship /tjeamanjrp $ 'tfer-/ n [C,U] the posi- 4G [Cc] a demand from someone such as a guard to
tion of being a chairman, or the time when someone has stop and give proof of who you are, and an explanation of
this position: under sb's chairmanship A committee was set what you are doing
up under the chairmanship of Edmund Compton. 5 (Xe [C] law a statement made before the start of a
court case that a JuRoR is not acceptable
chair-per-son /‘tfea,p3:san $ 'tferp3ir-/ n (plural chair-
persons) [C] someone who is in charge of a meeting or challenge? § [8 OG v [7]
directs the work of a committee or organization IVES to refuse to accept that something is
chair-wom-an /'tJeawoman/ n (plural chairwomen right, fair, or legal: a boy with a reputation for challenging
/-wtmtin/) [C] a woman who is a chairperson the authority of his teachers | challenge a view/an idea/an
assumption etc Viewpoints such as these are strongly chal-
chaise longue /ferz ‘lon $ -'lo:n/ n (plural chaises lenged by environmentalists. |They went to the High Court to
longues (same pronunciation)) [C] 1a long chair with an
challenge the decision. |challenge sb to do sth / challenge Dr.
arm only at one end, on which you can sit and stretch out
Carver to deny his involvement!
your legs 2 AmE a long chair with a back that can be
2 @eiahae] ~to invite someone to compete or fight
upright for sitting, or can lie flat for lying down against you, or to try to win something — challenger, dare:
chakra /'t{akra/ n [C] in Eastern thought, such as the challenge sb to sth After lunch, Carey challenged me to a
ideas of YOGA, one of the points on the body through game of tennis. |[+for] Liverpool are challenging for the title
which energy is believed to flow in and out (sin a position where they could win).
chal-et /Jeler $ fe'ler/ n [C] 1a house with a steep 3 Ga to test the skills or abilities of someone
sloping roof, common in places with high mountains and or something stimulate: |’m really at my best when I’m
 gsalicia 264 (XG = words from the Academic Word List

challenged. |challenge sb to do sth Every teacher ought to be 2 champion of sth/sb someone who publicly fights for and
challenging kids to think about current issues. defends an aim or principle, such as the rights of a group
4 G25) to stop someone and demand proof of who of people: a champion of women’s rights
they are, and an explanation of what they are doing: We
were challenged by the security guard at the gate.
champion? v [T] written to publicly fight for and defend
an aim or principle, such as the rights of a group of
5( Jaw to state before the start of a court case that
people: She championed the cause of religious freedom.
a JUROR is not acceptable —challenger n [C]: Lewis is his
main challenger for the world title. cham-pi-on-ship [q /‘tfempian{1p/ n
challenged /'tfelindzd/ adj _visually/physically/ 1[C] (also championships [plural]) a competition to find
mentally etc challenged AmE used as a polite expression which player, team etc is the best in a particular sport: the
for describing someone who has difficulty doing things women’s figure skating championships | Greece won the
because they are blind etc European Championship.
chal-leng-ing Bg /'tfelindzin/ adj difficult in an inter- 2[C] the position or period of being a champion
esting or enjoyable way: Teaching young children is a [SYN] title: Warwickshire are the current holders of the cricket
challenging and rewarding job. | a challenging problem championship.
GOES oirricutt —challengingly adv 3[U + of] written the act of championing something or
cham-ber /‘tjetmba $ -ar/ n someone
1G SAS [C] an enclosed space, especially in chance’ §] (i /tfa:ns $ t(ans/n
your body or inside a machine: a combustion chamber | 1EESSETed LC,U] the possibility that something will
The heart has four chambers. happen, especially something you want: There’s always
2 (fe) [C] a room used for a special purpose, especially the chance that something will go wrong. | [tof] What are
an unpleasant one: gas/torture chamber (=used for killing the team’s chances of success? |If we did move to London, I'd
people by gas or for hurting them) stand a much better chance (=have a much better chance)
3 TESTI ([C] a large room in a public building of getting a job. | There is little chance of her being found
used for important meetings: the council chamber alive. |Chances are (=it is likely that) you'll be fine.
4 QT LC] one of the two parts of a parliament or 2 Gea [C] a time or situation which you can use
of the US Congress. For example, in Britain the upper to do something that you want to do [SYN] opportunity:
chamber is the House of Lords and the lower chamber is chance to do sth Ralph was waiting for a chance to introduce
the House of Commons. himself. | [+of] our only chance of escape | I'm sorry, |
5 aT «£C] a word used in the past to mean a haven't had a chance to look at it yet. |Ifsomeone invited me
bedroom or private room: the Queen's private chambers over to Florida, I'd jump at the chance (=use the opportunity
6 chambers [plural] especially BrE an office or offices used eagerly).
by BARRISTERS Or judges 3 EJ take a chance to do something that involves risks:
7 (4) [C] the part of a gun where you put the bullets The rope might break, but that’s a chance we'll have to take. |
cham-ber-lain /tjermbalin $ -bar-/ n [C] an important After losing $20,000 on my last business venture, I’m not
official who managed the house of a king or queen in the taking any chances this time. |[+on] He was taking a chance
past on a relatively new young actor. | He decided to take his
cham-ber-maid /tje1mbameid $ -ar-/ n [C] a female chances in the boat.
worker whose job is to clean and tidy bedrooms, espe- 4(TGyaremTsyt)] sb's chances how likely it is that
cially in a hotel someone will succeed: Ryan will be a candidate in next
‘chamber music n [U] ciassicat music written for a month's elections, but his chances are not good. | sb's
small group of instruments chances of doing sth England's chances of winning the series
have all but disappeared. | not fancy/not rate sb's chances
chamber of ‘commerce n (plural chambers of com- BrE (=think someone is unlikely to succeed) | don’t fancy
merce) [C] a group of business people in a particular
their chances against Brazil. A\ Do not say ‘someone's
town or area, working together to improve trade
chances to do something’. Say someone's chances of
‘chamber orchestra n [Cc] a small group of musicians doing something.
who play CLASSICAL music together 5 sy [U] the way some things happen without being
‘chamber pot n [Cc] a round container for URINE, used in planned or caused by people — fate: by chance / bumped
a bedroom and kept under the bed in the past into her quite by chance in Oxford Street. | leave sth to
cha-me-le-on /ka'mi:lian/ n [C] 1a uzard that can chance (=to not plan something but just hope that every-
change its colour to match the colours around it 2 some- thing will happen as intended) Dave had thought of every
one who changes their ideas, behaviour etc to fit different possibility, he was leaving nothing to chance. | pure/sheer/
situations blind chance (=not at all planned) It was pure chance that
cham-ois /Jemwa: $ 'femi/ n (plural chamois) 1 [C] a they ended up working in the same office in the same town. |
wild animal like a small goat that lives in the mountains of As chance would have it, the one time | wanted to see her, she
Europe and southwest Asia 2 (also ‘chamois leather wasn’t in.
/femi ledar $ -ar/) [C,U] soft leather prepared from the 6 by any chance spoken used to ask politely whether
skin of chamois, sheep, or goats and used for cleaning or something is true: Are you Mrs Grant, by any chance? )
polishing, or a piece of this leather + shammy 7 any chance of ...? spoken used to ask whether you can
cham-o-mile /kemamarl/ n [C, U] another spelling of have something or whether something is possible: Any
chance of a cup of coffee? |Any chance of you coming to the ©
CAMOMILE
party on Saturday? \
champ’ /tfemp/ v [|,T] BrE1 to bite food in a noisy way 8 be in with a chance if a competitor is in with a chance, it
SYN| chomp 2 be champing at the bit to be unable to wait is possible that they will win: | think we're in with a good
for something patiently chance of beating them.
champ? n [C] informal a cHampion: the world champ 9 no chancel/fat chance! spoken used to emphasize that
cham-pagne /fem'petn/ n [U] a French white wine you are sure something could never happen: ‘Maybe your
with a lot of BuBBLEs, drunk on special occasions brother would lend you the money?” ‘Huh, fat chance!"
cham-pers /Jempaz $ -parz/ n [U] BrE informal cham- 10 on the off chance if you do something on the off chance,
pagne you do it hoping for a particular result, although you
know it is not likely: | didn’t really expect her to be at home.
cham-pi-on’ (B /tfempian/ n [C] |just called on the off chance. > OFF-CHANCE
Tsomeone or something that has won a competition, 11 chance would be a fine thing! BrE spoken used to mean
especially in sport: the world heavyweight boxing that the thing you want to happen is very unlikely: ‘Do you
champion | the Olympic champion | reigning/defending think you'll get married?’ ‘Chance would be a fine thing!’
champion (=the champion at the present time) —» game of chance at GAME"(15) ‘
G4 = words from the Academic Word List 265

fofo) RKoler- Wale) ky chance? v1 [T] to do something that you know involves
ESMERBS) iy seee a risk: | wasn’t sure if I'd got quite enough petrol to get me
home, but | decided to chance it. |We decided not to chance
have/stand a chance (of sth) (=it is possible you
our luck in the storm. |She’d never played before, but she was
will do it) | think you have a good chance of getting the
ready to chance her arm (=take a risk by doing something
job.
which may fail). |chance doing sth | decided to stay where |
give sb a chance of doing sth (=say how likely it is
was. | couldn't chance being seen. 2 [1] literary to happen in
that they will do it) He has been given a fifty-fifty
a way which is not expected and not planned: chance to
chance of being fit for Sunday's match.
do sth She chanced to be passing when | came out of the
increase the chance of sth Certain foods increase the
house. |It chanced that we both went to Paris that year.
chance of heart disease.
chance on/upon/across sb/sth phr v formal to find
improve the chance of sth The book shows you how
something or meet someone when you are not expecting
to improve your chance of success.
to: Henry chanced upon some valuable coins in the attic.
reduce/lessen the chance of sth |ruin any chance
of sth (=make it impossible for something to chance? adj [only before noun] not planned or expected
[SYN] accidental: chance meeting/encounter/event etc A
chance meeting with a journalist changed everything. | A
chance remark by one of his colleagues got him thinking. é
ing is likely chan-cel /'tfa:nsal $ 'tfaen-/ n [C] the part of a church
there is a good chance that he will say yes. where the priests and the CHOIR (=singers) sit
every chance (=a good chance) There’s every chance chan-cel-ler-y /‘tja:nsalari $ 'tfaen-/ n (plural chanceller-
that the baby will survive. ies) [C] 1 the building in which a chancellor has his or her
some chance Jhere’s some chance of snow later this office 2 the officials who work in a chancellor's office
week. 3 the offices of an official representative of a foreign
a small/slight/slim chance He only has a very small country [SYN] chancery
chance of being elected.
no/little/not much chance The prisoners knew there chan-cel-lor /'t{a:nsala $ 'tfensalar/ n [C] 1 the Chan-
was little chance of escape. cellor of the Exchequer 2 a) the person who officially
a one in three/four/ten etc chance (=used to say represents a British university on special occasions
how likely something is) People in their 30s have a b) the person in charge of some American universities
one in 3,000 chance of getting the disease. 3 the leader of the government or the main government
a fair chance (=a fairly good chance) | a sporting minister of some countries: Helmut Kohl, the former Ger-
chance (=a fairly good chance) |a fighting chance man Chancellor
(=a small but real chance) |a fifty-fifty chance (Chancellor of the Ex'chequer n (plural Chancellors
(=an equal chance that something will or will not of the Exchequer) [C] the British government minister in
happen) |an outside/a remote chance (=a very charge of taxes and government spending
small chance) |a million-to-one chance/a one ina chan-ce-ry /'tfansari =$ 'tfen-/ on [singular]
million chance (=when something is extremely 1 especially BrE a government office that collects and
unlikely) stores official papers 2 the part of the British system
of law courts which deals with Equity 3 the offices
of an official representative of a foreign country
SYN|chancellery
VERBS a ee ee
get/have a chance to do sth /"d like a job in which | chanc-y /'‘tfainsi $ 'tfeensi/ adj not certain, or involving a
get the chance to travel. ot of risk [SYN] risky: Acting professionally is a chancy busi-
give sb/offer/provide a chance /| was given the ness. —chanciness n [U]
chance to play the main part in the play. chan-de-lier /fenda'ta $ -'ir/ n [C] a large round
take a chance (=accept an opportunity) /f|was frame for holding CANDLEs or lights that hangs from the
offered the chance to be in the team, I'd take it. ceiling and is decorated with small pieces of glass + see
jump at a chance (=use an opportunity eagerly) Ed picture at LAMP
jumped at the chance to earn some extra money. chand-ler /'tfa:ndla $ ‘'tfendiar/ n [C] someone who
grab/seize a chance (=quickly use an opportunity) made or sold CANDLEs in the past —> SHIP'S CHANDLER
As soon as she stopped speaking, | grabbed the chance
to leave.
change’ §] 0 /tfeindz/ v
miss/lose a chance (=not use an opportunity) He 1 EES [1,7] to become
different, or to make something become different: Susan
missed a chance to score just before half time.
has changed a lot since | last saw her. |Changing your eating
throw away/pass up/turn down a chance (=not
habits is the best way to lose weight. | The leaves on trees
accept or use an opportunity) |welcome the chance
change colour in the autumn. | change (from sth) to sth He
to do sth |deserve a chance |blow a chance
changed from being a nice lad to being rude and unhelpful. |
informal (=have a special opportunity and fail to use
[+into] The hissing sound gradually changed into a low
it) hum. |change sb/sth into sth A witch had changed him into
| ADJECTIVES a mouse. | change sth to sth Mueller changed his name to
a second chance/another chance The interview went Miller when he became a U.S. citizen.
badly, so | didn’t think they would give me a second 2 GEESE [1,1] to stop doing or
chance. using one thing, and start doing or using something else
sb’s last chance This is my last chance to try and pass instead [SYN]switch: She changed jobs in May. | change
| the exam. (from sth) to sth The company has recently changed to a
more powerful computer system. | The ship changed course
PHRASES and headed south. | The company has had to change direc-
the chance of a lifetime (=one that you are very tion because of developments in technology. | Piper awk-
unlikely to have again) /f you don’t decide soon, you'll wardly tried to change the subject (=talk about something
_have missed the chance of a lifetime. else).
now's your chance spoken (=you have the 3 LESS] [T] to put or use something new or differ-
opportunity to do something now) You're not working ent in place of something else, especially because it is
so now’s your chance to write a book. old, damaged, or broken: Three boys were changing a tyre
given the chance/given half a chance (=if there is by the side of the road. | When | lost my keys, we had to
an opportunity to do something) Goats will eat change all the locks. |change sth (from sth) to sth The time
anything, given half a chance. of the meeting has been changed from 11 a.m. to 10:30. |How
 alates 266 i] G2 &) = the most frequent words in spoken English

often do you change cars (=buy-a new car and sell the old adjust to make small changes in the position or level
one)? of something in order to improve it or make it more
Achange your mind to change your decision, plan, or suitable: How do you adjust the volume on the
opinion about something: Her father tried to get her to television? | He adjusted his tie in the mirror.
change her mind. | [+about] /f you change your mind about modify especially written to make small changes to
the job, just give me a call. something such as a piece of equipment, a set of
5 change sides to leave one party, group etc and join an ideas, or a way of behaving in order to improve it or
opposing party, group etc: It’s quite rare for politicians to use it in a different way: He’s modified his opinions
change sides. since then. | a modified version of the original program.
6 G39 a) [1,7] to take off your clothes and put on reform to change a law, system, organization etc so
different ones: Francis came in while Jay was changing. | that it is fairer or more effective: plans to reform the
Change your dress - that one looks dirty. | [+into/out of] tax system |Health care needs to be completely
Sara changed into her swimsuit and ran out for a quick reformed.
swim. | You'd better go and get changed. b) [1] to put a revise to change a plan, idea, law etc because of
_ clean NApPY on a baby, or to put clean clothes on a baby new information and ideas: In July, China revised the
or small child: | bathed him and changed his diaper. | Can rules for foreign investment. | The findings could force
I you change the baby? the scientists to revise their ideas about climate change.
7 Gi) [7] to take the dirty SHEETS off a bed and put on reorganize to change the way that a system or
clean ones organization works: We've had to reorganize our
8 BXtINTSsITTY [T] BrE a) to take back to a shop database | During the 1980s, the government
something that you have bought and get something dif- reorganized the civil service.
ferent instead, especially because there is something restructure to make big changes to the way
wrong with it [S¥N|exchange AmE: change sth for sth / something is organized, especially a large political or
bought these gloves for my daughter, but they're too large. economic system or a big company, in order to
Can | change them for a smaller size? b) to give a customer make it more effective: The company has been
something different instead of what they have bought, restructured from top to bottom.
especially because there is something wrong with it
[SYN] exchange Ame: I’m sure the shop will change them for _TO CHANGE SOMETHING COMPLETELY
you. transform to change something completely,
9 EXTENTS [7] a) to get smaller units of money especially so that it is much better: Well, you've
that add up to the same value as a larger unit: Can you certainly transformed this place - it looks great! | Putin
change a £20 note? b) to get money from one country for transformed the Russian economy.
the same value of money from another country: change revolutionize to completely and permanently
sth into/for sth | want to change my dollars into pesos, change the way people do something or think about
please. something, especially because of a new idea or
10 FATS [1,7] to get off one train, bus, invention: Computers have revolutionized the way we
or aircraft and into another in order to continue your work. | This important discovery revolutionized our
journey: [+at] Passengers for Liverpool should change at understanding of the universe.
Crewe. | change trains/buses/planes etc | had to change
planes in Denver. |all change! (=used to tell passengers to change sth <> around phr v to move things into different
get off a train because it does not go any further) positions: When we'd changed the furniture around, the
Ti change hands if property changes hands, it starts to room looked bigger.
belong to someone else: The house has changed hands change over phr v to stop doing or using one thing and
three times in the last two years. start doing or using another —+ changeover: Complete all
12 change places (with sb) a) to give someone your place the exercises on one leg, then change over. | [+to] We hope
and take their place: Would you mind changing places with to change over to the new software by next month.
me so I can sit next to my friend? b) to take someone else's change? G] fn
social position or situation in life instead of yours: She 1a aac [C,U] the process or result
may be rich, but | wouldn't want to change places with her. of something or someone becoming different: | find it hard
13 (ZN [1,1] to put the engine of a vehicle into a higher to cope with change. | scientists worried about climatic
or lower GEAR in order to go faster or slower: change change |[+in] changes in the immigration laws | A change in
(into/out of) gear Change into second gear as you approach personality may mean your teenager has a drug problem. |
the corner. | [tup/down] BrE: Change down before you get [+of] a change of temperature | No major changes were
to the hill. made to the book. |change for the better/worse (=a change
14 change your tune informal to start expressing a different that makes a situation better or worse) There was a
attitude and reacting in a different way, after something change for the better in the patient's condition. | social/
has happened: The question is, will the president change his political/economic etc change the sweeping political changes
tune on taxes? after the fall of communism | She had a change of heart
15 [{70E) [I] if the wind changes, it starts to blow in a (=change in attitude) and decided to stay. | Family life has
different direction undergone dramatic change in recent years. ‘
16 change your spots to change your character completely: 2 [C] the fact of one thing or
US business has changed its spots in recent years. —> chop person being replaced by another: The car needs an oil
and change at cHopP*3) change. | [+of] a change of government | a change of
THESAURUS address | change from sth to sth the gradual change from
grasslands to true desert | The government has made some
TO CHANGE SOMETHING major policy changes.
change to make someone or something different: 3 PEM ETSMED) [singular] a situation or expe-
Unfortunately, there’s nothing we can do to change the rience that is different from what happened before, and is
situation. |Being at college has changed her - she’s usually interesting or enjoyable: [+from] The morning was:
much more confident now. cool; a welcome change from the heat of the day before. |for
alter especially written tochange something so that it a change How about dinner out for a change? |it/that makes
is better or more suitable: You can alter the colour and a change (=used to say that something is better than and
size of the image using a remote control. |Can we alter different from usual) ‘Ron's buying the drinks.’ ‘That makes
the date of the meeting? a change.’ |change of scene/air/pace etc (=when you go to
adapt to change something slightly in order to a different place or do something different) The patients “
improve it or make it more suitable: How much would benefit greatly from a change of scenery. | a change is as
it cost to adapt the existing equipment? | You can adapt good as a rest (=used to say that starting to do something
the recipe to suit your own requirements. different is as good as having a rest)
( (2 GS= the most hteaterntatwords in written
evenelen 267 channel surfing
4 {is ~[U] a) the money that you get back when you she stopped drinking, she’s a changed woman. 2 relating to
have paid for something with more money than it costs: a change in someone's situation: Businesses need to adapt
Here’s your change, sir. b) money in the form of coins, not to changed circumstances.
paper money: in change | have about a dollar in change. | change-less /'tfetndzlas/ adj never seeming to change:
Matt emptied the loose change from his pockets. |A beggar a changeless desert landscape
asked for some spare change (=coins that you do not change-ling /'tfetndzlmn/ n [C] literary a baby that is
need), c) coins or paper money that you give in exchange believed to have been secretly exchanged for another
for the same amount of money in a larger unit: change for baby by FAIRIES
£1/$10 Excuse me, have you got change for a pound? |make change of ‘life n [singular] the MENOPAUSE
change AmE (=give someone change) Can you make
change for $20? EEE > MONEY
change-o-ver /'t(eindz,auva $ -ouvar/ n [C] a change
from one activity, system, or way of working to another:
5 small change a) coins you have that do not have a high
changeover (from sth) to sth a changeover from military to
value: | only had about a pound in small change. b) used to
civilian government
emphasize that something is a small amount of money
when it is compared to a larger amount: The program costs ‘change purse n [C] AmE a small bag in which coins
$20 million a year, small change by Washington standards. are kept SYN] purse BrE
6 change of clothes/underwear etc an additional set of ‘changing reom n [C] Br— a room where people
clothes that you have with you, for example when you are change their clothes when they play sports, go swimming
travelling etc [SYN] locker room AmE
7a [C] a situation in which you get ‘changing table n [Cc] a special piece of furniture that
off one train, bus, or aircraft and get on another in order you put a baby on when you change its NAPPY
to continue your journey: Even with a change of trains, the ena nel” §y 1 BG /tfenl/ n [c]
subway is quicker than a cab at rush hour. a television station and all the programmes
8 get no change out of sb BrE spoken to get no useful Ne it broadcasts: the news on Channel 4 | The kids are
information or help from someone: | wouldn't bother ask- watching cartoons on the Disney Channel. | What channel is
ing Richard - you'll get no change out of him. — ring the ‘ER’ on? |He changed channels to watch the basketball game.
changes at RING2(6) 2 SIT «6a system or
COLLOCATIONS method that you use to send or obtain information,
goods, permission etc: The U.S. is working through diplo-
| ADJECTIVES
matic channels to find a solution. | The new software will be
big/major Going to anewEy isaa big change for sold through existing distribution channels. | [+of] It is
children. important that we open channels of communication with the
slight/small/minor The proposed changes were police.
relatively minor. 3 SZ a) an area of water that connects two larger
gradual There has been a gradual change in the areas of water: St George’s Channel b) the Channel BrE the
weather. area of water between France and England [SYN] the Eng-
dramatic/drastic/radical (=very big, especially in lish Channel c) the deepest part of a river, HARBOUR, Or Sea,
way that is surprising) The Industrial Revolution was a especially where it is deep enough to allow ships to sail in
period of dramatic change. 4 (Zu) a passage that water or other liquids flow
significant The change in blood pressure was not along: an irrigation channel
significant. 5 (20) a particular range of SOUND WAVes which can be
marked (=very noticeable) There was a marked used to send and receive radio messages
change in his behaviour. 6 DEW a long deep line cut into a surface or a
fundamental Reducing waste requires a fundamental long deep space between two edges [SYN] groove: The
change in attitude. sliding doors fit into these plastic channels.
social/political/economic etc change Demands for
political and social change are growing.
7 TINE a way of expressing your
thoughts, feelings, or physical energy [SYN] vehicle: [+for]
sweeping changes (=affecting many things or Art provides a channel for the children’s creativity.
people, especially because of an official decision) channel? [9 v (channelled, channelling BrE, channeled,
There are likely to be sweeping changes in the company.
channeling AmE) [T] 1 to control and direct something
far-reaching changes (=important and having a
such as money or energy towards a particular purpose
great effect that will last a long time) The Internet
[SYN] direct: channel sth into sth Most of his energy was
has brought about far-reaching changes in the way we
channeled into writing and lecturing. | channel sth to sb
Profits are channelled to conservation groups. | channel sth
through sth The famine relief money was channelled through
make a change We've healtto ae some TEND to the UN. 2 to control or direct people or things to a
the design. particular place, work, situation etc: channel sb/sth into
introduce a change A number of changes were sth Women were likely to be channeled into jobs as teachers
introduced to the curriculum. or nurses. | Drugs from government pharmacies were being
bring (about) change (a/so effect a change formal) channeled into illegal drug markets. 3 to cut a long deep
(=cause change) The war brought about radical social line in something: Water had channelled grooves in the rock.
change. . 4 to send water through a passage: An efficient irrigation
see/notice/observe a change | saw a big change in system channels water to the crops. 5 to allow a spirit to
her when | met her again. come into your body and speak through you, or to tell
undergo a change (=be affected by a change) The people a message that you have received in this way: She
body undergoes a number of changes during this time. claims to channel the spirit of a 2,000-year-old hunter.
signal a change (=be a sign of a change) 6 to look or sound like a famous person, especially some-
one who is dead: In her latest video, Kylie is channelling
| PHRASES Marilyn Monroe.
the pace/rate of change People sometimes feel chan-nel-ling Br£, channeling AmE /'‘tfenl-tn/ n [U] a
alarmed by the pace of technological change. practice based on the belief that dead people can com-
municate with living people by making their spirit enter a
change:a:ble /‘tjeindzabal/ adj likely to change, or living person's body and speaking through them
changing often reliable: changeable weather —channeller n [C]
changed /tfemnd3d/ adj 1.a changed man/woman some- ‘channel surfing (also ‘channel hopping) n [U] when
one who has become very different from what they were you change from one television channel to another, only
before, as a result of a very important experience: Since watching a few minutes of any programme
chant | 268 (XQ = words from the Academic Word List

chant! /tfa:nt $ tfent/ v [iT] 1to repeat a word or 6a chapter of accidents BrE a series of unlucky events
phrase again and again: protesters chanting anti- coming one after another
government slogans 2 to sing or say a religious song or chap-ter-house /t/eptahaus $ -ar-/ n [C] a building
prayer in a way that involves using only one note or TONE: where the priests belonging to a CATHEDRAL meet
a priest chanting the liturgy char’ /tfa: $ t{a:r/ v (charred, charring) 1 [1,7] to burn
chant? n [Cc] 1 words or phrases that are repeated again something so that its outside becomes black: Roast the
and again by a group of people: Others in the crowd took up peppers until the skin begins to char and blister. + CHARRED
the chant (=began chanting). | [+of] chants of ‘oh no, we 2 [1] BrE old-fashioned to work as a cleaner in a house,
won't go’ 2 a regularly repeated tune, often with many office, public building etc
words sung on one note, especially used for religious char? n1(C] BrE old-fashioned a CHARWOMAN 2 [U] BrE
prayers —chanter n [C] old-fashioned tea: a cup of char
chan-try /'tfa:ntri $ 'tfen-/ (also ‘chantry chapel) n char-a-bance /Jeraben/ n [C] BrE old-fashioned a large
(plural chantries) [C] a small church or part of a church comfortable bus used for pleasure trips
paid for by someone so that priests can pray for them
there after they die
char-ac-ter ] (i /‘kerikta $ -ar/ n
1ST ES «CC usually singular] the particular
Cha-nu-kah /‘ha:nka $ 'ka:naka, 'ha:-/ n [C,U] HANUKKAH
combination of qualities that makes someone a particular
cha-0s /‘ker-vs $ -ars/ n [U] 1a situation in which type of person — characteristic: He has a cheerful but quiet
everything is happening in a confused way and nothing is character. | Children grow up with’a mixture of character
organized or arranged in order: The country was plunged traits (=character qualities) from both sides of their family. |
into economic chaos. | complete/utter/absolute etc chaos his temper and other character flaws (=bad qualities) | in
There was total chaos on the roads. | in chaos The kitchen character/out of character (=typical or untypical of some-
was in chaos. 2 the state of the universe before there was one's character) He swore, which was out of character for
any order him. | the English/French etc character Openness is at the
cha-ot-ic /ker'vtrk $ -a:ttk/ adj a chaotic situation is one heart of the American character. | character sketch (=a
in which everything is happening in a confused way: a description of someone's character)
chaotic mixture of images 2 QS [C] a) a person in a book, play, film ete: Can-
chap 4 /tfep/ n dida is the most interesting character in the play. | In the
1[C] especially BrE a man, especially a man you know and story, the main character has left his girlfriend and baby. |
like: a decent sort of chap Everyone recognizes Disney's cartoon characters. b) a per-
2 chaps [plural] protective leather covers worn over your son of a particular type, especially a strange or dishonest
trousers when riding a horse + CHAPPED one: a couple of shady characters standing on the corner |I'm
chap-ar-ral /fepa'rel/ n [U] AmE land on which small considered a reformed character these days (=someone who
OAK trees grow close together has stopped doing bad things). ¢) an interesting and
chapbook /tfepbuk/ n [Cc] AmE a small printed book, unusual person: Linda was something of a character.
usually consisting of writings about literature, poetry, or 3 MESS (singular, U] the particular combina-
religion tion of features and qualities that makes a thing or place
chap-el /'tfepal/ n 1 [C] a small church, or a room ina different from all others [SYN] nature: [+tof] The whole
character of the school has changed. | the unspoilt character
hospital, prison, big church etc in which Christians pray
and have religious services 2 [C] a building where Chris- of the coast | in character The southern state became more
tians who are Nonconformists have religious services
nationalist in character.
3 [U] BrE the religious services held in a chapel: Bethan
40st) LU] a combination of qualities such
goes to chapel every Sunday. 4 [C] BrE the members of a as courage, loyalty, and honesty that are admired and
UNION in the newspaper or printing industry regarded as valuable: a woman of great character |Schools
were created to teach reading and mathematics, not moral
chap-e-rone’, chaperon /{zparaon $ -roun/ n [C] character. | It takes strength of character to admit you are
1 an older woman in the past who went out with a young
wrong. | Sport can be character building (=develop good
unmarried woman on social occasions and was responsi-
moral qualities).
ble for her behaviour 2 AmE someone, usually a parent or
5 Dasara [U] a quality that makes some-
teacher, who is responsible for young people on social
one or something special and interesting: a red wine with
occasions: Three parents went on the school ski trip as
a meaty character |suburban houses that lack character
chaperones.
6 (UF LU] formal the opinion that people have
chaperone“, chaperon v [T] to go somewhere with about whether you are a good person and can be trusted:
someone as a chaperone a man of previous good character | The campaign was
chap-lain /tJeplin/ n [C] a priest or other religious accused of character assassination (=an unfair attack on
minister responsible for the religious needs of a club, the someone's character) because of its negative ads. | His
army, a hospital etc: the prison chaplain defence called several people as character witnesses
chap:lain-cy /tfeptinsi/ n (plural chaplaincies) [C] the (=people who think that someone has a _ good
job vabeing a chaplain, or the place where a chaplain character). |Mr Wetherby wrote him a character reference
works (=a statement about his good qualities). i
chapped /tfept/ adj chapped lips or hands are sore, 7 (3aRV8rsy [C] a letter, mark, or sign used in writing,
dry, and cracked, especially as a result of cold weather or printing, or on a computer: the Chinese character for ‘horse’
wind —chap v [T] COLLOCATIONS - MEANING 2A
chap-py /‘tfepi/ n (plural chappies) [C] BrE a CHAP | ADJECTIVES/NOUN + character
chap-ter EH 1 La /'tfepta $ -ar/ n [Cc] the main/central/leading character Alec is the
lone of the parts into which a book is divided: Read central character in the play.
Chapter 11 as your homework. | This chapter discusses power, pines character Two of the minor characters get
and how people use it. (EESL> PART illed,
2a particular period or event in someone's life or in a television/movie/cartoon character Who's your
history —+ era: [+of] a new chapter of peace and favourite television character?
cooperation | [+in] the noblest chapter in our history a comic/tragic character (=a funny or sad one)
3 all the priests belonging to a CATHEDRAL, or a meeting of Homer Simpson is a great comic character.
these priests fictional/fictitious (=not existing in real life) People
Athe local members of a large organization such as a sometimes forget that television characters are fictional.
club: the local chapter of the American Legion convincing (=seeming like a real person) The
5 give/quote sb chapter and verse to give someone exact characters were totally convincing,
details about where to find some information a sympathetic character (=one you like)
 ES = words from the Academic Word List 269 charge

someone or something is in your charge, you are respon-

play a character | wanted to play the character of sible for looking after them: teachers that do their best for
Danny. the children in their charge | The files were left in your charge.
portray a character (=show one in a play, book, film b) [C] formal someone that you are responsible for look-
etc) The main characters are brilliantly portrayed. ing after: Sarah bought some chocolate for her three young
charges.
‘character ,actor n [C] an actor who typically plays 4@am08 [C] an official statement by the police that
unusual characters, rather than the most important char- someone may be guilty of a crime: [+against] He was
acters found guilty of all six charges against him. | [+of] Higgins is
char-ac-ter-ise /‘keriktaratz/ v a British spelling of facing a charge of armed robbery. |on a charge (of sth) The
CHARACTERIZE following morning, he was arrested on a charge of burglary.
5@@m ([C] a written or spoken statement blaming
char-ac-ter-is:tic’ § (1 /kerskta'ristrk</ n [C usually someone for doing something bad or _ illegal
plural] a quality or feature of something or someone that
SYN] allegation: charge that the charge that tobacco com-
is typical of them and easy to recognize: [+of] a baby
panies target young people with their ads | [+of] a charge of
discovering the physical characteristics of objects |defining/
racial discrimination against the company | deny/counter a
distinguishing characteristic (=one that separates some-
charge (=say that a charge is untrue) Wallace denied
one or something from others of the same type) Violent
charges that he had lied to investigators. |lay/leave yourself
images are a defining characteristic of his work.
open to a charge of sth (=be likely to be blamed for
characteristic? adj very typical of a particular thing or something) The speech laid him open to charges of political
of someone's character: the highly characteristic (=very bias.
typical) flint walls of the local houses | [+of] the qualities 6 fare ~=[C] an attack in which soldiers or animals
that were characteristic of the Nixon administration move towards someone or something very quickly
—characteristically /-kli/ adv GREET Tyeicar 7 GGT lead the charge to make a strong effort to do
REGISTER something: It was small businesses that led the charge
In everyday English, people usually say typical rather against health care changes.
than characteristic: The building is typical of those in 8 iesrriay [U] electricity that is put into a piece of
the area. electrical equipment such as a BATTERY: on charge (=tak-
ing in a charge of electricity) Leave the battery on charge
char-ac-ter-i-za-tion (also -isation BrE) all night.
/ kersktarar'zerfan $ -tare-/ n [C,U] 1 the way in which a 9 G@aesrea [Cc] an explosive put into something such as
writer makes a person in a book, film, or play seem like a a bomb or gun
real person: Pilcher’s books have humour, good characteriza- 10 Brita aac [singular] the power of strong
tion, and lively dialogue. 2 the way in which the character feelings: Cases of child abuse have a strong emotional
of a real person or thing is described: characterization of charge.
sb/sth as sth the characterization of the enemy as ‘fanatics’ Ti get a charge out of sth AmE spoken to be excited by
char-ac-ter-ize [JF (also -ise BrE) /'keeriktaratz/ v [7] something and enjoy it very much: | got a real charge out
1to describe the qualities of someone or something in a of seeing my niece take her first steps.
particular way [SYN] portray: characterize sb as (being) sth 12 Se «(C] formal an order to do some-
The group was characterized as being well-educated and thing: charge to do sth The old servant fulfilled his master's
liberal. charge to care for the children. + reverse the charges at
2 to be typical of a person, place, or thing: Bright colours REVERSE '(6)
characterize his paintings. _ COLLOCATIONS - MEANING 1
char-ac-ter-less /keriktalas $ -tar-/ adj not having any
special or interesting qualities: a characterless modern a small charge For a small charge guests can use the
building hotel sauna.
cha-rade /fa'ra:d $ fa'rerd/ n 1 charades [U] a game in an extra/additional charge Breakfast may be served
which one person uses actions and no words to show the in your bedroom at no extra charge.
meaning of a word or phrase, and other people have to free of charge (=with no cost) Delivery is free of
guess what it is 2 [C] a situation in which people behave charge.
as though something is true or serious, when it is not sb's charges are high/low (=you have to pay a
really true: Unless more money is given to schools, all this lot/a little) His charges are too high.
talk of improving education is just a charade. a fixed charge |a nominal charge (=a very small
char-broil /t{a:broil $ 'tfa:r-/ v [T] AmE to cook food amount of money) | a minimum charge (=an
over a very hot charcoal fire —charbroiled adj amount that is the least you can pay) |a service
char:coal /'‘tfarkoul $ 'tfarrkoul/ n 1[U] a black sub- charge (=for service in a hotel, restaurant etc) |an
‘stance made of burned wood that can be used as FUEL: admission charge (=for being allowed to enter a
cooking over a charcoal fire 2 [C,U] a stick of this sub- place) |a call-out charge BrE (=that you must pay a
stance used for drawing: a sketch drawn in charcoal 3 (also workman to come to your home) |bank charges
charcoal 'grey) [U] a dark grey colour —charcoal adj (=fees charged by a le iesome scigieew
chard /tfa:d $ t{a:rd/ n [U] a vegetable with large leaves
charge’ G] [ /tfa:d3 $ tfa:rdz/ n pay a charge There will bea isinall chores to pay.
1G4 [C,U] the amount of money you have to pay for make a charge (=ask you to pay a charge) We make
goods or services: [+of] an admission charge of $5 | [+for] no charge for this service.
_ There is a charge for the use of the swimming pool. | Guided incur a charge formal (=result in you paying a
tours are provided at no charge. | Your order will be sent free charge) All cancellations incur a charge.
of charge (=with no cost). cost introduce/impose a charge |waive a charge
2 @piEy [U] the position of having control or respon- (=allow you not to pay it)
sibility for a group of people or an activity: in charge (of
sth) He asked to speak to the person in charge. |the officer in COLLOCATIONS - MEANING 4
charge of the investigation | Stern put Travis in charge of
(=gave him control of) the research team. | Owens came in | ADJECTIVES/NOUN + charge
and took charge of (=took control of) the situation. | A a murder/burglary/drugs etc charge He aaccara in
commander in each county was to have charge of the local court on fraud charges.
militia. criminal charges The investigation resulted in criminal
3 BALE eal) a) be in/under sb’s charge if charges against three police officers.
 charge
a serious charge Drinking and driving is a very serious ‘charge hand n [c] BrE a worker in charge of other
charge. workers, whose position is below that of a FOREMAN
a felony charge AmE (=for a serious crime) ‘charge nurse n [C] a nurse who is responsible for the '
work done in one part of a hospital
press/bring charges (=make someone be brought Charge of the ‘Light Brigade, the an unsuccess-
to court for a crime) Sometimes the victim of an ful attack made by the British CAVALRY (=soldiers riding
assault does not want to press charges. horses) during the Crimean War. Many British soldiers
face charges (=have been charged with a crime) A were killed because they were ordered to ride into a
farmer is facing charges of cruelty and neglect. valley full of Russian soldiers with heavy guns. Tennyson
deny/admit a charge All three men denied the charge describes this battle in his poem The Charge of the Light
of manslaughter. Brigade,
plead guilty to a charge (=say formally in court that charg:-er /‘tja:dza $ 'tfa:rdzar/ n [C] 1 a piece of equip-
you are guilty) |drop the charges (=decide not to ment used to put electricity into a BATTERY 2 literary a
go on with a court case) |dismiss the charges horse that a soldier or KNIGHT rides in battle
(=say that a court case should not continue) | be ‘charge sheet n [Cc] a record kept in a police station of
released without charge | be convicted of/ona the names of people the police have stated may be guilty
charge (=be judged to be guilty) | be acquitted of a particular crime
of/on a charge (=be judged to be not guilty)
ai char-i-ot /'tferiat/ n [C] a vehicle with two wheels
pulled by a horse, used in ancient times in battles and
charge? &] 1 v races
1 {0039 a) [1,7] to ask someone for a particular amount char-i-o-teer /t/eria'tra $ -'tir/ n [C] the driver of a
of money for something you are selling: The hotel charges chariot
$125 a night. | charge sb £10/$50 etc (for sth) The restau- cha-ris‘ma /ka'nzme/ n [U] a natural ability to attract
rant charged us £40 for the wine. |charge sth at sth Calls will and interest other people and make them admire you: He
be charged at 44p per minute. | [+for] We won't charge for lacks charisma.
delivery if you pay now. | charge rent/a fee/interest etc The
gallery charges an entrance fee. b) charge sth to sb’s
char-is‘mat-ic /keriz'mettk</ adj 1 having charisma:
account/room etc to record the cost of something on Martin Luther King was a very charismatic speaker.
someone's account, so that they can pay for it later: 2 charismatic church/movement groups of Christians who
Wilson charged the drinks to his room. | Use a courier and believe that God can give them special abilities, for exam-
ple the ability to cure illness
charge it to the department. c) [T] AmE to pay for some-
thing with a CREDIT CARD: charge sth on sth / charged the char-it-a-ble /‘t(zritabal/ adj1 relating to giving help to
shoes on Visa. | ‘How would you like to pay?’ ‘I'll charge it.’ the poor — charity: charitable groups |a charitable donation
200 [T] to state officially that someone may be 2 kind and sympathetic in the way you judge people
guilty of a crime: charge sb with sth Gibbons has been [OPP|uncharitable: a charitable view of his actions
charged with murder. ACCUSE —charitably adv
3 GWTES9 [1] formal to say publicly that you think char-i-ty § 0H /tfersti/ n (plural charities)
someone has done something wrong: charge that Demon- 1[C] an organization that gives money, goods, or help to
strators have charged that the police used excessive force people who are poor, sick etc — charitable: Several chari-
against them. ties sent aid to the flood victims. | charity event/walk/
4[T] [I always + adv/prep] to deliberately run or walk concert etc (=an event organized to collect money for a
somewhere quickly: [taround/through/out etc] The boys charity) GES ORGANIZATION
charged noisily into the water. GREAET> RUN 2 [U] charity organizations in general: All the money raised
5 (Mi7NTG [1,7] to deliberately rush quickly towards by the concert will go to charity. | for charity The children
someone or something in order to attack them: Then, with raised over £200 for charity.
a final effort, our men charged the enemy for the last time. | 3 [U] money or gifts given to help people who are poor,
[+at/towards/into] The bear charged towards her at full sick etc: refugees living on charity |Her pride wouldn't allow
speed. her to accept charity.
6 FESTA [1,7] (also charge up) if a BATTERY charges, 4[U] formal kindness or sympathy that you show
or if you charge it, it takes in and stores electricity: The towards other people: Mother Teresa’s works of charity |
shaver can be charged up. Newspaper reports showed him little charity.
7 ITA [7] formal to order someone to do something 5 charity begins at home a phrase meaning that you should
or make them responsible for it: charge sb with doing sth take care of your own family, country etc before you help
The commission is charged with investigating war crimes. other people
800) [T] old use to load a gun ‘charity shop n [C] Br a shop that sells used goods
9 (ESS [T] BrE formal to fill a glass + CHARGED that are given to it, in order to collect money for a charity
charge-a-ble /‘ja:dzabal $ ‘tfarr-/ adj BrE 1 needing to [SYN
|thrift shop
be paid for: Advice will be given as a chargeable service. char-la:dy /'tfa:lerdi $ 'tfa:r-/ n (plural charladies) [C]
2 something that is chargeable must have tax paid on it: BrE old-fashioned a CHARWOMAN
chargeable assets char-la-tan /fa:latan $ Ya:r-/ n [C] literary someone
‘charge ac,count n [Cc] AmE an account you have at a who pretends to have special skills or knowledge - used
shop that allows you to take goods away with you now to show disapproval
and pay later Charles-ton /'fa:istan $ 'tfa:rl-/ n the Charleston a quick
‘charge card n [C] a plastic card from a particular shop dance popular in the 1920s a
that you can use to buy goods there and pay for them char-ley horse / tfaili 'hazs$ jtfarrli 'hazrs/ n [C, singular]
later — credit card Ame informal a pain in a large muscle, for example in your
leg, caused by the muscle becoming tight [SYN] cramp
charged /tfa:d3d $ tfa:rd3zd/ adj a charged situation or
subject makes people feel very angry, anxious, or excited, char-lie /tfasli $ 'tfaxr-/ n [C] BrE spoken a stupid person:
and is likely to cause arguments or violence: the charged feel a right/proper charlie (=feel very stupid) i
atmosphere in the room |a highly charged debate charm" /tja:m $ tfaxrm/ n 1[C,U] a special quality
someone or something has that makes people like them,
char-gé d'af-faires /farzer de'fes $ Ja:rzer da'fer/ n feel attracted to them, or be easily influenced by them-
(plural chargés d'affaires (same pronunciation)) [C] an offi- used to show approval — charming: Joe’s boyish charm |
cial who represents a particular government during the [+of] the charm of this small Southern city |She turned on _
absence of an AMBASSADOR or in a country where there is the charm (=used her charm) to all the men. |The room had
no ambassador no windows and all the charm of a prison cell (=used to say ;
:
 ( {2 OS = the most frequent words in written English on chase
that something has no charm). 2 [C] a very small object one in the pop charts. |Brooks again topped the charts (=was
worn on a chain or BRACELET: a charm bracelet |a small gold the most popular). | chart hit/success/star etc the Beatles’
horseshoe worn as a lucky charm 3 [C] a phrase or action first chart hit
believed to have special magic powers [SYN] spell 4 work 3a detailed map, especially of an area of the sea or the
like a charm to work exactly as you had hoped: The new stars
sales program has worked like a charm. chart? fq v1 [T] to record information about a situation
charm? v [T] 1 to attract someone and make them like or set of events over a period of time, in order to see how
you, sometimes in order to make them do something for it changes or develops: Scientists have been charting tem-
you — charming: We were charmed by the friendliness of the perature changes in the oceans. 2 [T] to make a plan of
local people. 2 to please and interest someone: a story that what should be done to achieve a particular result: Each
has charmed generations of children 3 to gain power over team was responsible for making its own decisions and
someone or something by using magic charting its own course. 3 [T] to make a map of an area of
charmed /tfa:md $ t{a:rmd/ adj have/lead a charmed life land, sea, or stars, or to draw lines on a map to show |
to be lucky all the time, so that although you are often in where you have travelled — uncharted 4 [1] if a record ~
dangerous situations nothing ever harms you charts, it enters the weekly list of the most popular
charmed ‘circle n [singular] written a group of people records: Their next single didn’t chart. Pe
who have special power or influence: politicians outside char-ter™ /'tfaxta $ ‘t{arrtar/ n 1 [C] a statement of the |
the charmed circle principles, duties, and purposes of an organization: the
charm-er /'‘tfarme $ 'tfazrmear/ n [C] someone who uses freedoms embodied in the UN charter 2 [U] the practice of
their charm to please or influence people: Even at ten paying money to a company to use their boats, aircraft
years old, he was a real charmer. -> SNAKE CHARMER etc, or the boat, aircraft etc used in this way: boats
charm-ing /'tja:min $ ‘tfarr-/ adj very pleasing or available for charter | a charter service 3 [C] a signed
attractive: a charming little Italian restaurant |Harry can be statement from a government or ruler which allows a
very charming. NICE —charmingly adv town, organization, or university to officially exist and
Charming, Prince — prince CHARMING have special rights: The town’s charter was granted in 1838.
‘charm school n [Cc] especially AmE a school where 4 [singular] BrE informal a law or official decision that
young women were sometimes sent in the past to learn seems to give someone the right to do something most
how to behave politely and gracefully people consider morally wrong: Reducing the number of
police is just a thieves’ charter.
char-nel house /'tjain| haus $ 'tfa:r-/ n [C] literary a
place where the bodies and bones of dead people are charter? v [1] 1 to pay a company for the use of their
stored aircraft, boat etc: We chartered a boat to take us to some of
charred /tfa:d $ tfa:rd/ adj something that is charred the smaller islands. 2 to say officially that a town, organi-
has been burned until it is black: the charred remains of a zation, or university officially exists and has special rights
body char-tered /'tja:tad $ 't(azrtard/ adj [only before noun]
BrE chartered accountant/surveyor/engineer etc an
CHARTS ACCOUNTANT, SURVEYOR etc who has successfully com-
pleted special examinations
‘charter flight n [Cc] an aircraft journey that is arranged
for a particular group or for a particular purpose, and that
usually costs less than an ordinary aircraft journey
—» scheduled flight
charter ‘member n [C] Ame an original member of a
club or organization [SYN] founder member BrE
‘charter school n [Cc] a school in the US that is run by
parents, companies etc rather than by the public school
system, but which the state government supports
char-treuse /far'tr3:iz $ farrtru:zz/ n [U] 1a green or
yellow alcoholic drink 2 a bright yellow-green colour
ec & ‘chart-topping adj chart-topping record/group/hit etc a
communications record, group etc that has sold the most records in a
particular week
char-wom-an /'tfa:women $ 'tfa:r-/ n (plural char-
women /-wimin/) [C] BrE old-fashioned a woman who
works as a Cleaner, especially in someone's house
pie chart. char-y /'tfeari $ 'tferi/ adj especially BrE unwilling to risk
ayy €
doing something [SYN|wary: chary about/of doing sth
E
Banks were chary of lending the company more money.
chase’ gy /tfers/ v
1k [1,7] to quickly follow someone or something in
order to catch them: The dogs saw him running and chased
him. | kids chasing around the house | chase sb along/
down/up sth etc The police chased the suspect along Severn
Avenue. | [+after] A gang of boys chased after her, calling
her names. GEERT Fottow — see picture at FOLLOW
: “weather chart 2 DGS (LT always + adv/prep] to make some-
one or something leave, especially by following them for
chart! Fy 1A LG /tfart $ tfarrt/ n [C] a short distance and threatening them: chase sb away/off
linformation that is clearly arranged in the form of a The men were chased off by troops, who fired warning
simple picture, set of figures, GRAPH etc, or a piece of shots. |chase sb out of sth Anne went to chase the dog out of
- paper with this information on it [SYN]diagram: a chart the garden.
showing last year's sales | a weather chart | the theatre's 3 DAR) «([1,7] to use a lot of time and effort
seating chart +> BAR CHART, FLOW CHART, PIE CHART trying to get something such as work or money: Top
2 the charts the lists, which come out weekly, of the most graduates from the university are chased by major
popular records: Her new single went straight to number companies. | [+after] reporters chasing after a story
 272 (XQ = words from the Academic Word List

4 (0CEs [! always + adv/prep] BrE to rush or hurry some- or wife of the owner, of a castle or large country house in
where: [+around/up/down etc] | was chasing around get- France
ting everything organized. ‘chat line n [Cc] a telephone service that people call to
5 eens [7] to try hard to make someone notice you talk to other people who have called the same service
and pay attention to you, because you want to have a
‘chat room n [C] a place on the Internet where you can
romantic relationship with them: ‘Sometimes a girl wants
write messages to other people and receive messages
to be chased,’ Amelia said.
back from them immediately, so that you can have a
6 [z0§ [7] technical to decorate metal with a special
conversation while you are ONLINE
tool: chased silver
7 chase the dragon informal to smoke the drug HEROIN ‘chat show n [Cc] BrE a television or radio show on
chase sb/sth <> down phr v to find something or some- which people talk about themselves in reply to questions
one that you have been looking for: We had to chase down SYN|talk show AmE: a TV chat show host (=person who
everyone we'd sold a bike to. asks the questions on the show)
chase sb/sth <> up phr v BrE chat-tel /'tjztl/ n [C] law old-fashioned a piece of per-
1to remind someone to do something they promised to sonal property that you can move from one place to
do for you: David hasn't paid yet - you'd better chase him another: a society in which women are considered to be
up. chattels > GOODS AND CHATTELS
2 to try to make something happen or arrive more quickly, chat-ter’ /‘tfeta $ -ar/ v [1]1 (also chatter away/on) to
because it has been taking too long: Can you chase up talk quickly in a friendly way without stopping, especially
those photos for me tomorrow? about things that are not serious or important: She chat-
chase? n1[C] the act of following someone or some- tered away happily until she noticed | wasn’t listening. | She
thing quickly in order to catch them: a high-speed car chattered excitedly like a child. | [+about] We were chatter-
chase | Police spotted the car and gave chase (=chased it). ing about the events of last night. 2 if birds or monkeys
2 [singular] when you use a lot of time and effort trying to chatter, they make short high sounds 3 if your teeth are
get something: [+after] the chase after higher-paying jobs chattering, you are so cold or frightened that your teeth
—+ PAPER CHASE, WILD GOOSE CHASE are knocking together 4 the chattering classes BrE edu-
chas-er /'tfetsa $ -ar/ n [C].a weaker alcoholic drink cated MIDDLE-CLASS people who like to discuss and have
which is drunk after a strong one, or a stronger alcoholic opinions about recent events and situations in society
drink which is drunk after a weak one: a pint of bitter and a —chatterer n [C]
whisky chaser chatter? n [U] 1 informal talk, especially about things
chas-M /'kezam/ n 1[C] a very deep space between that are not serious or important: [+of] the excited chatter
two areas of rock or ice, especially one that is dangerous: of the audience |Jane's constant chatter was annoying him. |
a rope bridge across the chasm 2 [singular] a big difference gossip and idle chatter |She was full of chatter about her new
between two people, groups, or things [SYN] gulf: friends. 2 a series of short high sounds made by some
[+between] the chasm between rich and poor birds or monkeys: [+of] the chatter of birds 3 a hard quick
chas:sis /fesi:/ n (plural chassis /-si:z/) [C] 1 the frame repeated sound made by your teeth knocking together or
on which the body, engine, wheels etc of a vehicle are by machines: [+of] the chatter of the printer
built 2 the landing equipment of a plane chat-ter-box /'tjataboks $ -tarba:ks/ n [C] informal
chaste /tferst/ adj 1 old-fashioned not having sex with someone, especially a child, who talks too much
anyone, or not with anyone except your husband or wife chat-ty /tfeti/ adj1 liking to talk a lot in a friendly way:
+ celibate, chastity; She led a chaste decent life. He was in an unusually chatty mood. 2 a piece of writing
2 not showing sexual feelings: a chaste kiss on the cheek that is chatty has a friendly informal style: a chatty letter
3 simple and plain in style: a chaste nightgown —chastely about her summer holidays
adv
chas-ten /'tfetsan/ v [T usually passive] formal to make ‘chat-up line n [Cc] Br£ something that someone says in
order to start a conversation with someone they think is
someone realize that their behaviour was wrong or mis-
sexually attractive
taken: Party workers have returned to their home towns,
chastened by their overwhelming defeat. —chastening adj: a chauf-feur’ /{acfa, fau'fs: $ foufar, fou'fsir/ n [C] some-
chastening experience one whose job is to drive a car for someone else
chas-tise /t{z'starz/ v [T] 1 formal to criticize someone chauffeur? v [1] 1 to drive a car for someone as your
severely: ‘You're a _ fool,,) she chastised herself. job 2 (also chauffeur sb <> around) to drive someone in
2 old-fashioned to physically punish someone your car, especially when you do not want to: | spent most
—chastisement n [C,U] of the day chauffeuring the kids around.
chas-ti-ty /‘tjestti/ n [U] the principle or state of not chaw-vin-is«m /Jauvinizam $ Jou-/ n [U] 1 a belief that
having sex with anyone, or not with anyone except your your own sex is better or more important than the other
husband or wife — celibacy sex, especially if you are a man: male chauvinism
chat" Ey /tfet/ n [C,U] especially BrE an informal friendly 2 a strong belief that your country or race is better or
conversation: [+with] /'ve had a long chat with Vinnie. | more important than any other: national chauvinism
[+about] a chat about the weather |She was enjoying their chau-vin-ist /Jauvinist $ fou-/ n [C] 1 someone, espe-
friendly little chat. |She used to drop in for a chat quite often. cially a man, who believes that their own sex is better or
—> BACKCHAT more important than the other sex: He’s a bit of a male
chat? v (chatted, chatting) [1] 1 (also chat away) espe- chauvinist. | a male chauvinist pig (=an insulting name for a
cially BrE to talk in a friendly informal way, especially male chauvinist) 2 someone who believes that their own
about things that are not important: John and | sat up until country or race is better or more important than any
the early hours chatting. | [+with/to] Mary was there, other —chauvinist adj
chatting to her mother. | [+about] Susie chatted away about chau-vi-nis-tic /fauvi'nistik« $ fou-/ adj 1 having the
her social life. 2 to communicate with several people in a belief that your own country or race is better or more
chat room on the Internet important than any other: a chauvinistic dislike of foreigners
chat sb <> up phr v BrE informal to talk to someone in a 2 having the belief that your own sex is better or more
way that shows you are sexually attracted to them: | spent important than the other sex, especially if you are a man
the evening chatting up Liz.
chav /t{ev/ n [C] Br an offensive word used especially
chat-eau /Jetau $ fe'tov/ n (plural chateaux /-tavz by newspapers to talk about a young WORKING-CLASS per- ~
$ -'touz/) [C] a castle or large country house in France son who is rude and AGGRESSIVE, has a low level of educa-
— see picture at HOUSE!
tion, and who wears a certain style of fashionable
chat-e-laine /{etl-ein/ n (C] formal the female owner, clothing such as TRAINERS, SPORTSWEAR, and BASEBALL CAPS —
Eq = words from the Academic Word List

cheap" &] 12 /tfixp/ adj (comparative cheaper, superla-

tive cheapest)
1s not at all expensive, or lower in price than reasonable price/cost
you expected |oPP| expensive: cheap rail fares | the cheap- economical car/way/method
est TV on the market | Property is cheaper in Spain than affordable accommodation/housing/price
here. | a cheap shop (=one that sells goods cheaply) | The competitive price/rate
equipment is relatively cheap and simple to use. | This coat budget flight/airline/hotel/accommodation
was dirt cheap (= very cheap - an informal expression) |
cheap and cheerful BrE (=simple and not expensive, but of cheap? adv at a low price: Air fares to Africa don’t come
reasonable quality) a cheap and cheerful Italian restaurant cheap (=are expensive). | |bought this house because it was
2 EET low in price and quality: Cheap wine gives going cheap (=selling for a lower price than usual). | She
me a headache. |cheap jewellery | The furniture looked cheap used to get meat cheap at the butcher's. | They're selling
and nasty. |a cheap imitation of the real thing linen off cheap in Lewis's.
3 TESTES not costing much to use or to cheap? non the cheap spending less money than is
employ [SYN] inexpensive: cheap to run/use/maintain etc needed to do something properly: A clean environment
Gas appliances are usually cheaper to run than electric ones. | cannot be had on the cheap. |holidaying on the cheap
For the employer, a part-time workforce means a cheap cheap-en /'tfispan/ v 1 [1,7] to become or make some-
labour supply. thing become lower in price or value: The good harvest
4 Tossa «showing a lack of honesty, that year cheapened the costs of some raw materials.
moral principles, or sincere feelings, so that you do not 2 [T] to make something or someone seem less deserv-
deserve respect: She felt cheap and stupid, like a naughty ing of respect: She never compromised or cheapened herself.
child caught stealing. | You're lying, aren’t you? You're so
cheap-0 /'tfi:pau $ -ou/ adj [only before noun] informal
cheap. | His remark was a cheap shot at short people. |
not of good quality and not costing very much: a cheapo
another cheap political stunt | If was nothing but a cheap
camera
trick (=unkind trick).
Shem =AmE not liking to spend money cheap-skate /tfixpskert/ n [C] informal someone who
mean BrE: She’s too cheap to take a cab. spends as little money as possible - used to show disap-
6 cheap thrill excitement that does not take much effort to proval: The cheapskate didn't even pay for the cab.
get: Bella will sleep with anyone for a cheap thrill. cheat" By /tfi:t/ v
7 life is cheap used to say that it is not important if people 1[1,T] to behave in a dishonest way in order to win or to
die get an advantage, especially in a competition, game, or
8 cheap at the price/at any price Br£, cheap at twice the examination: He had cheated in the test by using a
price so good, useful, or desirable that the cost is not calculator. |Don’t look at my cards - that’s cheating. | [+at]
important —cheaply adv: a cheaply furnished room | They She claimed that | cheated at chess.
lived as cheaply as possible. —cheapness n [U]: the relative 2 [T] to trick or deceive someone so that they do not get
cheapness of housing or keep something they have a right to have: Illegal
workers are often cheated by employers. | cheat sb (out) of
sth She cheated her aged aunt out of her fortune.
cheap costing very little money, or less than you 3 feel cheated to feel that you have been treated wrongly
expected: My shoes were really cheap - they only cost or unfairly and have not got what you deserve: She felt
£25. | The cheapest way to get to Chicago is to take the cheated and used.
bus. |cheap flights 4 cheat death/fate etc to manage to avoid death or a very
low low prices, rents, and fees do not cost a lot of bad situation even though it seemed that you would not
money. Do not use cheap with these words: Why is be able to: The Italian ace cheated death in a spectacular
the share price so low? | You could get equally good 100 mph crash.
accommodation elsewhere at a lower rent. 5 be cheated of victory/success etc if you are cheated of
inexpensive especially written not expensive - use victory, success etc, you do not achieve it because of
this especially about things that are of good quality, something unfortunate that happens
even though they do not cost a lot: The furniture is cheat om sb phr v to be unfaithful to your husband, wife,
inexpensive, but well made. | a simple inexpensive meal or sexual partner by secretly having sex with someone
reasonable a reasonable price seems fair because it else: The magazine claims that almost half of Britain's
is not too high: The restaurant serves good food at women cheat on their partners.
reasonable prices. cheat? n [C] 1 someone who is dishonest and cheats:
economical cheap because you do not need to use a His addiction has turned him into a cheat and a liar. 2 a cheat
lot of money or fuel: an economical car | It is usually something that is dishonest or unfair 3 a set of instruc-
more economical to buy in large quantities. tions given to a computer that make it easier for someone
affordable cheap enough for most people to be able who is playing a computer game to win
to buy or pay for: affordable housing |Single mothers check’ g] (1 /tfek/ v
often have trouble finding affordable childcare. | The 1Gbekt [1,7] to do something in order to find out
shop sells designer fashions at affordable prices. whether something really is correct, true, or in good
competitive competitive prices and rates are as low condition: Check the tiles carefully before you buy them. |A
as those charged by other shops or companies: | first rule in solving any mystery is to check the facts. | Fill in
think you'll find our prices are extremely competitive. | the cash book carefully and always check your calculations. |
The hotel offers a high standard of service at very check (that) Check that all the doors are locked securely. |
competitive rates. check whether/how/who etc Let me just check whether the
budget [only before noun] budget flights, airlines, potatoes are cooked. | They paused to check how the other
hotels etc have specially low prices: You can get a climbers were getting on. |check (sth) for sth | checked the
budget flight to Amsterdam for only £19. |a list of typing for errors. | Turn the tap on and check for leaks. |check
budget hotels for under $50 a night |budget sth against/with sth (=compare something with some-
accommodation for families with young children thing else to see whether they are the same) You must
be good/great value to be worth at least the price check the evidence against other sources and decide if it is
you pay for it, so that you feel pleased and think you reliable. | Positive test results are double-checked (=looked
have spent your money well: The meals at Charlie's at twice) to make absolutely sure.
Pizza are really good value. | The holiday is great value 228059 [1,7] to ask someone whether something is
for money. correct, true, or allowed: I’m not authorized to give you a
> be a bargain informal to be extremely cheap: | got refund - I'll have to check first. |check (that) Make a phone
this shirt when | was in Indonesia. It was a real bargain. call to check that you're writing to the right person. | check
 abpee 274 Si & & = the most frequent words in spoken English

whether/how/who etc Call the factory to check whether the neighbour comes in once a week to check on things and feed
beds can be delivered today. | [+with] Check with your the fish.
doctor before going on a diet. 2to try to find out if something is true or correct: He
3 {a [TT] to suddenly stop yourself from saying wanted to check on the girl's story.
or doing something because you realize it would be check out phr v
better not to: | had to check the urge to laugh out loud. | 1{(2GEE a) check sth <> out to make sure that some-
check yourself He grinned, and then checked himself, not thing is actually true, correct, or acceptable
wanting to upset Jack. [S¥Nlinvestigate: | made a phone call to check out his
4c) [T] to stop something bad from getting address. | [+with] Check it out with your boss before you do
worse or continuing to happen: The police are failing to anything. b) if information checks out, it is proved to be
take adequate measures to check the growth in crime. true, correct, or acceptable: His credit record checks out.
5 Geass «([T] Ame, check in BrE to leave your 2 [ees «~check sb/sth <> out to look at someone
bags at an official place so they can be put on a plane or a or something because they are interesting or attractive: If
train, or to take someone's bags in order to do this: Any | hear about a website that sounds interesting, | check it out. |
luggage over five kilos must be checked. Hey, check out that car!
6 MEVEEMIENI (T] Ame to make a mark ( ) next to an 3 GSaD aE «check sb < out informal to get infor-
answer, something on a list etc to show you have chosen mation about someone, especially to find out if they are
it, that it is correct, or that you have dealt with it [SYN] tick suitable for something: I'll check .them out as potential
BrE employers.
7 Check especially AmE spoken say this when someone 4 a8 to leave a hotel after paying the bill: We checked
mentions each thing on alist, to tell them that you have it out at noon. + CHECKOUT
or have done it: ‘Passport?’ ‘Check.’ ‘Ticket?’ ‘Check’. 5 @eErS check sth <> out AmE to borrow a book from a
library: The library allows you to check out six books at a
time.
check to look at something carefully and thoroughly check sth/sb <> over phr v
in order to make sure that it is correct, safe, or 1to look closely at something to make sure it is correct or
working properly: I'll just check the water level in the acceptable: They spent the rest of the morning checking over
battery. |The immigration officer checked their passports. their equipment.
examine to look at something carefully and thor- 2 to examine someone to make sure they are healthy: I’d
oughly because you want to find out something like the doctor to check you over and do a few tests.
about it: Experts who examined the painting believe it is check up on sb/sth phr v
genuine. | The police will examine the weapon for fin- 1to try to find out if someone is doing what they said they
gerprints. would do or what you want them to do: Don’t worry; no
inspect to look at something carefully and thor- one is going to check up on you.
oughly in order to make sure that it is correct, safe, 2 to make sure that something is true or correct: Dustin
or working properly, especially when it is your job to called me to check up on some facts.
do this: The building is regularly inspected by a fire-
safety officer. check? G] [Hn
go through sth to examine something such as a 1Gobnre [Cc] the process of finding out if something
document or plan from beginning to end, especially is safe, correct, true, or in the condition it should be:
in order to check that it is correct: You should go [t+on] the need for tighter checks on arms sales | Conduct
through the contract before you sign. regular checks on your water quality. |run/carry out/make a
double-check to check something again so that you check | decided to run a check on all personnel. | | keep a
are completely sure it is correct, safe, or working careful check on my blood pressure. |have a check BrE: Have
properly: | double-checked all my calculations and they a check in your bag first and see if it’s there. | the airport’s
seemed fine. routine security checks | random drug checks | health/
test to examine or use something in order to find medical/dental etc check (=a test done to make sure you
out whether it works or what its qualities are, or in are healthy) | spot check (=a quick check of one thing
order to check that it is satisfactory: Test your brakes among a group of things, that you do without warning) a
to check they are working correctly. | These products spot check on the accounts
have not been tested on animals. 2 keep/hold sb/sth in check keep someone or something
monitor to carefully watch or keep checking some- under control: You must learn to keep your emotions in
one or something in order to see what happens over check. |attempts to keep global warming in check |He made
a period of time: Doctors monitored her progress dur- an effort to hold himself in check.
ing the night. |Observers have been monitoring the situ- 3 Re «C usually singular] something that
ation in Burma closely. controls something else and stops it from getting worse,
continuing to happen etc: [+on] Higher interest rates will
check in phr v act as a check on public spending.
lif you check in or are checked in at a hotel or airport, 4 checks and balances a system that makes it possible for
you go to the desk and report that you have arrived: some people or parts of an organization to control the
Check in two hours before the flight. |[+at] He checked in at others, so that no particular person or part has too much
the Europa Hotel. | check sb <> in Airline employees were power or influence
checking in passengers. —+ CHECK-IN 5 (Zan) [CU] a pattern of squares, especially on~
2 check sth <> in to leave your bags at an official place so cloth: a shirt with brown and black checks |check suit/jacket
they can be put on a plane or a train, or to take some- etc (=made with cloth patterned with checks) a blue
one’s bags in order to do this: | said goodbye and went to cotton check dress —+ CHECKED
check in my suitcases. 6 ee [C] the American spelling of CHEQUE:
3 Ame to call someone to tell them that you are safe or [+for] a check for $30 |by check Can | pay by check?
where you are: He just called to check in and tell them how 7 DEES «(C] Ame a list that you are given in a
he was doing. restaurant showing what you have eaten and how much
check sth <> off phr v to write a mark next to something you must pay [SYN] bill BrE GEES Bit
on a list to show that you have chosen it, dealt with it, or 8 coat check/hat check AmE [C] a) a place in a restaurant,
made sure that it is correct: One by one he checked them theatre etc where you can leave your coat, bag etc to be
off on his register. guarded b) a ticket that you are given so you can claim
check on sb/sth phrv your things from this place
1to make sure that someone or something is safe, is in a 9 fer (C] AmE a mark ( ) that.you put next to an
satisfactory state, or is doing what they should be doing; answer to show that it is correct or next to something on
Honey, can you go upstairs and check on the kids? | My a list to show that you have dealt with it [SYN] tick BrE
 (i (2 GS = the most frequent words in written English 275 cheer

10 @iES5 [Uv] the position of the KING (=most important check-room /‘tfek-rum, -ruzm/ n [C] AmE a place ina
piece) in CHESS where it can be directly attacked by the restaurant, theatre etc where you can leave your coat,
opponent's pieces bags etc to be guarded [SYN] cloakroom BrE
check-book /tjekbuk/ n [C] the American spelling of check-sum char-ac-ter /‘tjeksam kerskta $ -tar/ n [C]
CHEQUEBOOK technical a CHECK DIGIT
check-box. /‘tfekboks $ -ba:ks/ n [C] especially AmE a check-up, check-up /'t(ek-ap/ n [C] a general medical
small square space on a document or computer screen examination that a doctor or DENTIST gives you to make
where you can put a mark to choose something sure you are healthy: It’s important to have regular check-
[SYN] tickbox ups.
‘check card n [Cc] AmE a special plastic card, similar to a ched-dar /tfeda $ -ar/ n [U] a firm smooth yellow
CREDIT CARD, that you can use to pay for things directly cheese
from your CHECKING ACCOUNT [SYN] debit card cheek’ [q /tfizk/ n Sr
‘check digit n [c] technical the number on the far right 1[C] the soft round part of your face below each of your
of a BAR CODE. It is used to check that the information on eyes: Lucy stretched up to kiss his cheek. | Billy had rosy —
the bar code is correct. cheeks and blue eyes. | her tear-stained cheeks | Julie's
checked /tfekt/ adj checked cloth has a regular pattern cheeks flushed with pleasure at the compliment. | red-
of differently coloured squares: a checked blouse — see cheeked/hollow-cheeked/rosy-cheeked etc a red-cheeked a
picture at PATTERN’ plump old fellow seg
check-er /'tjeka $ -ar/ n [C] 1 AmE someone who works 2 (singular, U] BrE disrespectful or rude behaviour, espe-
at the CHECKOUT in a SUPERMARKET 2 spell/grammar checker cially towards someone in a position of authority: I’ve had
a computer program that checks whether the spelling of enough of your cheek. | have the cheek to do sth He had the
words or the grammar of a sentence is correct 3 some- cheek to make personal remarks and expect no reaction. |
one who makes sure that something is written or done She's got a cheek; she just goes on till she gets what she
correctly 4 checkers [U] AmE a game for two players wants. | It’s a bit of a cheek, asking me for money. | What a
using 12 flat round pieces each and a board with 64 cheek! Of course | read the instructions!
squares, in which the purpose is to take the other player's 3 cheek by jowl (with sb/sth) very close to someone or
pieces by jumping over them with your pieces something else: an expensive French restaurant cheek by
[SYN] draughts BrE — see picture at BOARD GAME —> CHINESE jowl with a cheap clothes shop
CHEQUERS 4 turn the other cheek to deliberately avoid reacting in an
check-er-board /'‘tfekabo:id $ -karbaird/ n [C] AmE a angry or violent way when someone has hurt or upset
board that you play checkers on, with 32 white squares you
and 32 black squares [SYN| draughtboard BrE 5 cheek to cheek if two people dance cheek to cheek, they
check-ered (also chequered BrE) /'tfekad $ -ard/ adj dance very close to each other in a romantic way
1 having a pattern made up of squares of two different 6[C] informal one of the two soft fleshy parts of your
colours: a red and white checkered tablecloth | a checkered bottom [SYN] buttock — tongue in cheek at TONGUE'(6),
marble floor 2 have a checkered history/career/past etc to —» TONGUE-IN-CHEEK
have had periods of failure as well as successful times in cheek? y [1] BrE to speak rudely or with disrespect to
your past: This is an unusual building with a checkered someone, especially to someone older such as your
history. teacher or parents [SYN}sass AmE: You can cheek some
checkered ‘flag (also chequered flag Br£) n [C] a flag teachers and they just don’t do anything.
covered with black and white squares that is waved at the cheek-bone /‘tfikbaun $ -boun/ n [C usually plural] one
beginning and end of a motor race of the two bones above your cheeks, just below your
eyes: She had high cheekbones and green eyes.
‘check-in n 1 [singular] a place where you report your
arrival at an airport, hotel, hospital etc: the check-in desk | cheek-y /'tfiki/ adj BrE rude or disrespectful, some-
Make sure you're at the check-in by 5.30, 2 [U] the process times in a way that is amusing: cheeky devil/monkey etc
of reporting your arrival at an airport, hotel, hospital etc: You did that on purpose, you cheeky little devil! |Now don't
Ask your travel agent about check-in times. — check in at be cheeky to your elders, young woman. |a chubby five-year-
CHECK" old with a cheeky grin RUDE —cheekily adv: He
grinned cheekily. —cheekiness n [U]
‘checking ac,count n [Cc] AmE a bank account that you
can take money out of at any time, and for which you are cheep /tfixp/ v [1] if a young bird cheeps, it makes a
given checks to use to pay for things [SYN] current account weak high noise: chicks cheeping for food —cheep n [C]
BrE —> DEPOSIT ACCOUNT cheer’ /tfta $ tftr/ n1[C] a shout of happiness, praise,
check-list /tfeklist/ n [C] a list that helps you by approval, or encouragement [OPP] boo: A great cheer went
reminding you of the things you need to do or get for a up. from the crowd. | So let's give a cheer to the kids who
particular job or activity: The guide contains a useful check- passed their exams. | The final whistle was greeted with
list of points to look for when buying a car. triumphant cheers from players and __ spectators.
2 three cheers for sb! spoken used to tell a group of people
check-mate /‘tjekmert/ n [CU] 1 the position of the to shout three times as a way of showing support, happi-
KING (=most important piece) in CHESS at the end of the ness, thanks etc: Three cheers for the birthday girl!
game, when it is being directly attacked and cannot 3 [U] formal a feeling of happiness and confidence:
escape 2 a situation in which someone has been com- ‘Hello,’ said Auguste cheerily. His good cheer was not
pletely defeated —checkmate v [T]: The king is check- returned. |Christmas cheer 4 [C] a special CHANT (=phrase
mated and the game is over. that is repeated) that the crowds at a US sports game
check-out /t(ek-aut/.n1[C] the place in a SUPERMARKET shout in order to encourage their team to win — CHEERS
where you pay for the goods you have collected: Why cheer? v1 [1,7] to shout as a way of showing happiness,
can’t they have more checkouts open? | the checkout praise, approval, or support of someone or something:
assistant 2 [C,U] the time by which you must leave a hotel Everybody cheered when the firemen arrived. | The audience
room: Checkout is at noon. — check out at CHECK' was shouting and cheering. | The spectators cheered him
check-point /‘tfekpoint/ n [C] a place, especially on a wildly. GRESNTT> sHout 2 [T] to make someone feel
border, where an official person examines vehicles or more hopeful when they are worried: By late afternoon
_ people: They had to cross five military checkpoints. there came news that cheered them all. |Government policy
Checkpoint ‘Charlie the best-known checkpoint in towards higher education contains little to cheer university
the Berlin Wall between what was formerly East and students. —cheering adj: cheering news
West Germany. Places where people or vehicles are cheer sb <> on phr v to shout encouragement at a person
carefully checked before being allowed to pass are some- or team to help them do well in a race or competition:
times compared to Checkpoint Charlie. They gathered round the swimming pool and cheered her on.
 cheerful 276 a = words from the Academic Word List

cheer up phr v1 to become less sad, or to make someone are unwilling to give or spend money —cheese-paring adj
feel less sad: Cheer up! The worst is over. | They cheered up chees-y /'tfizi/ adj 1 tasting like cheese or containing
when they saw us coming along. |cheer sb <> up Here's a bit cheese: cheesy sauces 2 informal cheap and not of good
of news that will cheer you up. | You both need cheering up, | quality: a cheesy soap opera 3 informal not sincere: a
think. 2 cheer sth <> up to make a place look more attrac- cheesy grin
tive: |bought some posters to cheer the place up a bit. chee-tah /'t/i:ta/ n [C] a member of the cat family that
cheer-ful /'t/tefal $ 't{1r-/ adj 1 happy, or behaving in a has long legs and black spots on its fur, and can run
way that shows you are happy: She's feeling more cheerful extremely fast + see picture at BIG CAT
today. | I’m making a real effort to be cheerful despite chef /fef/ n [C] a skilled cook, especially the main cook
everything. | cheerful voice/smile/manner ete ‘I’m Robyn,’ in a hotel or restaurant: a master chef |a pastry chef
she said with a cheerful smile. | It does me good to see a Chel-sea bun /tfelsi 'ban/ n [C] BrE a small round
cheerful face. PEGE» Hapry 2 something that is sweet cake with dried fruit in it
cheerful makes you feel happy because it is so bright or chem-i-cal" g& [HB LG /‘kemtkal/ n [C] a substance
pleasant: a bright cheerful Italian restaurant | There was a used in chemistry or produced by a chemical process:
cheerful picture on the wall. | The house has a cheerful toxic/hazardous/dangerous chemicals the organic chemicals
atmosphere. 3 tending to be happy most of the time: She
industry |synthetic chemicals
- was a cheerful and agreeable companion. | Before the acci-
dent he had been cheerful and confident. 4 Lonly before noun] chemical? [5 EG adj [only before noun] relating to sub-
a cheerful attitude shows that you are willing to do stances, the study of substances, or processes involving
whatever is necessary in a happy way: a cheerful approach changes in substances: the chemical composition of
to the job —cheerfully adv: He smiled cheerfully. | ‘Morn- bleach | a chemical analysis of the soil —chemically /-kli/
ing!’ she called cheerfully. —cheerfulness n [U] — cheap adv: Chemically, the substances are similar.
and cheerful at CHEAP"(1) chemical engineering n [U] the study of machines
cheer-i-o /tfrari'av $ tftriiou/ interjection BrE informal used in industrial chemical processes —chemical engi-
goodbye neer n[C]
cheer-lead-er /'tfralizda $ 'tfirlizdar/ n [C] 1a member chemical re'action n [C,U] a natural process in which
of a team of young women who encourage a crowd to the atoms of chemicals mix and arrange themselves
cheer at a US sports game by shouting special words and differently to form new substances: the chemical reaction
dancing: She was a popular cheerleader at the University of between ozone and chlorine
Texas. 2 someone who encourages other people to do chemical ‘warfare n [U] methods of fighting a war
something: She was our cheerleader, teacher, and friend. using chemical weapons
cheer-lead-ing /'t/rajizdin $ 'tftr-/ n [U] 1 the activity chemical 'weapon n [C] a poisonous substance,
of being a cheerleader: a cheerleading camp for girls especially a gas, used as a weapon in war
2 AmE the act of loudly supporting an organization, idea che-mise /fa'mi:z/ n [C] 1a piece of women’s under-
etc and not being willing to listen to criticism of it: The wear for the top half of the body 2 a simple dress that
conventions have become nothing but cheerleading rallies for hangs straight from a woman's shoulders
the presidential campaign. chem-ist § /‘kemist/ n [C]
cheer-less /'tfralas $ ‘tftr-/ adj cheerless weather, 1a scientist who has special knowledge and training in
places, or times make you feel sad, bored, or chemistry
uncomfortable [SYN] gloomy: This is a cold cheerless place. | 2 BrE someone trained to prepare drugs and medicines,
The day was grey and cheerless. —cheerlessness n [U] who works in a shop pharmacist AmE
cheers /t{1az $ tftrz/ interjection 1 used when you lift a 3 BrE a shop where you can buy medicines, beauty prod-
glass of alcohol before you drink it, in order to say that ucts etc pharmacy, drugstore AmE
you hope the people you are drinking with will be happy chem:-is-try § /kemistri/ n [U]
and have good health 2 BrE informal thank you 3 BrE ithe science that is concerned with studying the struc-
informal goodbye ture of substances and the way that they change or
cheer-y /'t{rari $ 't{tri/ adj happy or making you feel combine with each other — biochemistry, biology, physics
happy: She gave me a cheery smile. | He left them with a 2 if there is chemistry between two people, they like each
cheery wave. —cheerily adv other and find each other attractive: [+between] /t’s obvi-
cheese §] [1 /tfi:z/ n [c,u] ous that there's a very real chemistry between them.
1a solid food made from milk, which is usually yellow or 3the way substances combine in a particular process,
white in colour, and can be soft or hard: half a kilo of thing, person etc: a person's body chemistry
cheese | a cheese sandwich | Sprinkle with the grated ‘chemistry set n [C] a box containing equipment for
cheese. | a selection of English cheeses | piece/bit/slice/ children to do simple chemistry at home
lump etc of cheese | cow’s/goat's/sheep's cheese (=from chem-ist's /‘kemists/ n [C] BrE a shop where medicines
the milk of a cow etc) and TOILETRIES are sold drugstore AmE — pharmacy
2 (say) cheese! spoken used to tell people to smile when che-mo-ther-a-py /ki:mau'Gerapi, ke- $ -mou-/ n [U]
you are going to take their photograph —> BIG CHEESE, the use of drugs to control and try to cure CANCER
—» chalk and cheese at CHALK'(3) —» radiotherapy
cheese-board /‘tfi:zba:d $ -bo:rd/ n [C] 1 a board used che-nille /fa'ni:l/ n [U] twisted thread with a surface
to cut cheese on 2 a variety of cheeses that are served at like a soft brush, or cloth made from this and used for
the end of a meal: The meal was finished with the cheese- decorations, curtains etc
board and a dish of fruit.
cheque § Br£, check AmE /tfek/ n [C] a printed piece
cheese-bur-ger /'tfi:zb3:ga $ -b3irgar/ n [C] a HAM- of paper that you write an amount of money on, sign, and
BURGER cooked with a piece of cheese on top of the meat use instead of money to pay for things: [+for] They sent
cheese:cake /‘tfi:zkerk/ n 1 [CU] a cake made from a me a cheque for £100. |by cheque Can | pay by cheque? |You
mixture containing soft cheese: a slice of cheesecake could write her a cheque. | cash a cheque (=get cash in
2 [U] old-fashioned photographs of pretty women with exchange for a cheque) —> BLANK CHEQUE, TRAVELLER'S
few clothes on — beefcake CHEQUE
cheese:cloth /tfi:zklo@ $ -klo:0/ n [U] thin cotton cloth cheque-book Br£, checkbook AmE /'‘tfekbuk/ n [C] a
used for putting around some kinds of cheeses, and small book of cheques that your bank gives you
sometimes for making clothes \chequebook ‘journalism n [u] BrE when news- —
cheesed off /jtfizd ‘pf $ -'n:f/ adj Br—E bored and papers get material for articles by paying people a lot of
annoyed with something: You sound really cheesed off. money for information about crimes or the private lives of ~
‘cheese- paring n [U] BrE behaviour that shows you famous people - used to show disapproval —
 EX4 = words from the Academic Word List chic
‘cheque card (also cheque guaran'tee card) n [C] BrE a special board to try to trap their opponent's KING (=most
card given to you by your bank that you must show when important piece): They meet fairly often to play chess.
you write a cheque, which promises that the bank will chess-board /‘tfesba:d $ -ba:rd/ n [C] a square board
pay out the amount written on the cheque — cash card, with 64 black and white squares, on which you play
check card chess
chequ-ered /'tfeked $ -ard/ adj a British spelling of chess-man /'tfesmen/ n (plural chessmen /-men/)
CHECKERED (also chess-piece /'tfespi:s/) [C] any of the 16 black or 16
chequered ‘flag n [Cc] a British spelling of CHECKERED white playing pieces used in the game of chess
FLAG
chest §] (1H /tfest/ n [c]
cheq-uers /‘tfekaz $ -arz/ n > CHINESE CHEQUERS 1the front part of your body between your neck and your
cher-ish /tferr{/ v [T] 1 if you cherish something, it is stomach — breast: Her heart was pounding in her chest. | a
very important to you: He cherished his privacy. | | cherish hairy chest | chest pain/infection/injury He collapsed with
the memory of that day. | cherish a hope/an idea/a dream severe chest pains. +> FLAT-CHESTED
etc willingness to re-examine cherished beliefs 2 to love 2a large strong box that you use to store things in or to
someone or something very much and take care of them move your personal possessions from one place to
well: In marriage, a man promises to cherish his wife. | his another: a large wooden chest —> CHEST OF DRAWERS, TEA
most cherished possession CHEST, WAR CHEST, See picture at BOX’
Cher-no-byl /t/3’naubal $ tfar'nov-/ a town in Ukraine 3 get something off your chest to tell someone about
(formerly part of the Soviet Union) where in 1986 an something that has been worrying or annoying you for a
explosion destroyed large parts of a NUCLEAR power sta- long time, so that you feel better afterwards
tion. At least 30 people were killed at the time, but it is ches-ter-field /tjestafi:id $ -ar-/ n [C] BrE a soft com-
believed that there may have been many more deaths as fortable SOFA, usually covered with leather
a result of the RADIOACTIVE dust which spread over many
countries. When people are discussing the safety of chest-nut! /‘tjesnat/ n 1[C] a smooth red-brown nut
that you can eat: roast chestnuts — see picture at NUT!
nuclear power, they sometimes say that they ‘do not
want another Chernobyl’. 2 (also chestnut tree) [C] the tree on which this nut
grows 3 [U] a red-brown colour 4[C] a horse that-is
che-root /fa'rurt/ n [C] a small cicar with both ends cut red-brown in colour 5 an old chestnut a joke or story that
straight
has been repeated many times 6 [C] a HORSE CHESTNUT
cher-ry EE] /'tferi/ n (plural cherries) —> WATER CHESTNUT
1[C] a small round red or black fruit with a long thin stem
chestnut? adj red-brown in colour: her chestnut hair
and a stone in the middle: a bunch of cherries | cherry pie
—»> see picture at FRUIT’ chest of ‘drawers n (plural chests of drawers) [C]
2a) [C] (also 'cherry tree) the tree on which this fruit especially BrE a piece of furniture with drawers, used for
grows b) [U] (also cherrywood) the wood of this tree, storing clothes [SYN] dresser AmE
used for making furniture chest-y /'tfesti/ adj 1 BrE if you have a chesty cough, or
3[U] (also cherry 'red) a bright red colour —cherry adj if you are a bit chesty, you have a lot of Mucus (=thick
—» another bite/a second bite at the cherry at BITE?(8) liquid) in your lungs 2 informal used to describe a woman
‘cherry bomb n [Cc] Amé a large round red FIRECRACKER with large breasts, when you want to avoid saying this
(=small loud explosive) directly
cher-ry-pick /tferiptk/ v [1,1] to choose the best things chev-ron /fevran/ n [C] 1a pattern in a V shape
or people you want from a group before anyone else has 2 a piece of cloth in the shape of a V which soldiers have
the chance to take them on their sleeve to show their rank
cherry to mato n [Cc] a type of very small Tomato chew" /tju:/ v 1 [1,7] to bite food several times before
cher-ub /'tfereb/ n [C] 1 an ANGEL shown in works of art swallowing it: This meat’s so tough | can hardly chew it! |
as a fat pretty child with small wings 2 informal a young [t+at/on] a dog chewing on a bone BITE
pretty child who behaves very well 3 (plural cherubim 2 [I,T] to bite something continuously in order to taste it
/‘t{erebim/) one of the ANGELs who guard the seat where or because you are nervous: [ton] We gave the dog an old
God sits —cherubic /tfa'ru:b1k/ adj: a smile of cherubic shoe to chew on. | chew your lip/nails | chew gum/tobacco
innocence 3 chew the cud if a cow or sheep chews the cud, it keeps
cher-vill /'t{3:vl $ 't(31r-/ n [U] a strong-smelling garden biting on food it has brought up from its stomach
plant used as a herb 4 chew the fat informal to have a long friendly conversa-
Chesh-ire cat, the /t/efa ‘ket $ -far-/ people some- tion — bite off more than you can chew at BITE'(10)
times say someone is ‘grinning like a Cheshire cat’ to chew on sth phr v informal to think carefully about some-
mean that they have a big and rather silly smile on their thing for a period of time
_ face. This phrase comes from a character in Alice's Adven- chew sb <> out phr v AmE informal to talk angrily to
tures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll, which disappears someone in order to show them that you disapprove of
until only its big smile can be seen. what they have done: John couldn't get the guy to cooperate
and so | had to call and chew him out.
chew sth <> over phr v to think carefully about something
chess set
for a period of time: Let me chew it over for a few days.
chew sth <> up phr v 1 to damage or destroy something
by tearing it into small pieces: Be careful if you use that
video recorder. It tends to chew tapes up. 2 to bite some-
thing many times with your teeth so that you can make it
chessboard smaller or softer and swallow it: The dog’s chewed up my
slippers again.
chew? n [Cc] 1 the act of biting something many times
with your teeth 2 a sweet that you chew 3 a piece of
tobacco that you chew but do not swallow
‘chewing gum n [U] a type of sweet that you chew for
a long time but do not swallow
pawn knight bishop rook/ queen king
castle chewy /'t{uzi/ adj food that is chewy has to be chewed
a lot before it is soft enough to swallow: chewy toffees
chess /tfes/ n [U] a game for two-players, who move chic /Sizk/ adj very fashionable and expensive, and show-
their playing pieces according to particular rules across a ing good judgement of what is attractive and good style:
 chicane 278 il & & = the most frequent words in spoken English

Margaret was looking very chic in blue. | a chic restaurant chick-weed /'t{tkwi:d/ n [U] a garden weed with small
—chie n [U]; the art of comfortable chic white flowers
chi-cane /frkein/ n [C] BrE an S-shaped bend in a chic-o-ry /'t{tkari/ n [U] 1 a European plant whose bitter
straight road, especially on a track for racing cars leaves are eaten in SALADs 2 the roots of this plant, used
in coffee or instead of coffee
chi-ca:ne-ry /{r'kernari/ n [U] formal the use of clever chide /t/ard/ v [1,7] written to tell someone that you do
plans or actions to deceive people: Clearly there is some
not approve of something that they have done or said
chicanery going on.
(SyN| scold: ‘Edward, you are naughty,’ Dorothy chided. |
Chi-ca-no /t{r'ka:nav $ -nou/ n (plural Chicanos) [C] a chide sb for (doing) sth She chided him for not responding to
US citizen who was born in Mexico or whose family came her Christmas cards. | He swiftly chided himself for such
from Mexico —Chicano adj — Hispanic
thoughts.
chi-chil /fixi:/ adj very fashionable and expensive, or
very concerned with fashionable things: a chichi restaurant
chief! &y 1B /tlif/ adj
1[only before noun] highest in rank: He was recently
chick /t{tk/ n [C] 1a baby bird: a mother hen with her appointed chief economist at the Bank of Scotland. | the
chicks 2 informal a word meaning a young woman, that government's chief medical officer
some people think is offensive 2 most important [SYN|main — chiefly: One of the chief
chick-a-dee /'t{tkadi:/ n [C] a North American bird causes of crime today is drugs. |Safety is our chief concern. |
with a black head The chief reason for this is that people are living longer. |his
chick-en’ gy /'t{1kin/ n chief rival for the job | the prosecution's chief witness | She
1[C] a common farm bird that is kept for its meat and had many reasons for taking the money, but chief among
eggs — hen, cock, rooster, chick them was revenge. IMPORTANT, MAIN
2 [U] the meat from this bird eaten as food: roast chicken | 3 chief cook and bottle washer someone who does a lot of
fried chicken | chicken soup small jobs to make sure that an event is successful - used
3[C] informal someone who is not at all brave humorously
[SYN] coward: Don't be such a chicken! chief? [gq n [c]
4[U] a game in which children do something dangerous, IPN ee) the most important
for example stand on a railway line when a train is person, or one of the most important people, in a com-
coming, and try to be the one who continues doing it for pany or organization - used especially in job titles and in
the longest time news reports: police/army/fire etc chief Los Angeles Police
5 which came first, the chicken or the egg? used to say that Chief Willie L. Williams | [+of] the British Chief of Defence
it is difficult or impossible to decide which of two things Staff | Most health chiefs believe the reforms have gone too
happened first, or which action is the cause and which is far. | industry chiefs |commander-in-chief/editor-in-chief etc
the effect (=used in job titles for people with the highest rank) They
6a chicken and egg situation/problem etc a situation in offered him the position of editor-in-chief.
which it is impossible to decide which of two things 2 Gay the ruler of a tribe: the Zulu leader, Chief
happened first, or which action is the cause and which is Mangosuthu Buthelezi |Native American tribal chiefs
the effect 3 too many chiefs and not enough Indians BrE used to say
7 sb's chickens have come home to roost used to say that there are too many people saying how something should
someone's bad or dishonest actions in the past have be done and not enough people doing it
caused the problems that they have now — don't count 4 great white chief BrE old-fashioned the person in charge
your chickens before they've hatched at COUNT'(8), > SPRING of a group of people, company, organization etc - used
CHICKEN humorously
chicken? v chief ‘constable n (c] a police officer in charge of the
chicken out phr v informal to decide at the last moment police in a large area of Britain
not to do something you said you would do, because you (Chief Ex'ecutive n the Chief Executive the President of
are afraid: You're not chickening out, are you? the US
chicken? adj [not before noun] informal not brave enough chief ex'ecutive officer n [C] (abbreviation CEO) the
to do something [SYN] cowardly: Dave's too chicken to ask person with the most authority in a large company
her out.
chief in'spector n [C] a British police officer of middle
‘chicken feed n [U] an amount of money that is so rank
small that it is almost not worth having: The bank offered
chief ‘justice n [Cc] the most important judge in a court
to lend us £1,000 but that's chicken feed compared to what
of law, especially the US Supreme Court
we need.
chief-ly /'tfixfli/ adv mostly but not completely
‘chicken flu n [U] informal another name for AVIAN FLU [SYN] mainly: The work consists chiefly of interviewing the
ichicken-fried ‘steak n (C,U] AmE a thin piece of Beer public. || lived abroad for years, chiefly in Italy.
covered in BREADCRUMBS and cooked in hot fat chief of 'staff n (plural chiefs of staff) [C] 1 an officer of
‘chicken pox, chick-en-pox /'t{1kinpoks $ -pazks/ n [U] high rank in the army, navy etc who advises the officer, in
an infectious illness which causes a slight fever and spots charge of a particular military group or operation 2 an offi-
on your skin cial of high rank who advises the person in charge of an
‘chicken rum n [Cl] an area surrounded by a fence where organization or government: the White House chief ofstaff
chickens are kept \Chief ‘Rabbi n the Chief Rabbi the main leader of the
chick-en:shit /t{rkinfit/ n [C] AmE informal not polite JEWISH religion in a country
an offensive word for someone who is not at all brave chief superin'tendent n [C] a British police officer of
[SYN] coward —chickenshit adj high rank
‘chicken wire n [U] a type of thin wire net used to make chief-tain /'tfi:ftin/ n [C] the leader of a tribe or a
fences for chickens Scottish CLAN ;
‘chick flick n (C] informal a film that women, but not chif-fon /Srfon $ fr'fan/ n [U] a soft thin silk or NYLON
men, are likely to enjoy - used humorously material that you can see through: a pink chiffon ballgown
‘chick fit n [U] informal books about young women and chi-gnon /‘finjon $ -jain/ n [C] hair that is tied in a
the typical problems they have with men, sex, losing smooth knot at the back of a woman's head [SYN] bun
weight etc, especially books written by women for chi-hua-hua /t/swa:wa/ n [C] a very small dog with —
women to read - used humorously smooth hair, originally from Mexico
chick-pea /'t{tkpi:/ n [C] a large brown PEA which is chil-blains /‘t{tlbleinz/ n [plural] painful red areas on -
cooked and eaten [SYN] garbanzo AmE your fingers or toes that are caused by cold weather
(0 (2 GH= the most eee words in written Ensen child prodigy
child & Gl /tfatld/ n (plural children /'t{1ldran/) [C] adolescent a young person who is developing into
ITs] «=6someone who is not yet an adult an adult - used especially when talking about the
kid: The hotel is ideal for families with young children. | problems these people have: He changed from a
The film is not suitable for children under 12. | | was very cheerful child to a confused adolescent.
happy as a child (=when | was a child). |a child of five/eight youth especially disapproving a teenage boy -
etc For a child of five this was a terrifying experience. | a especially one who is violent and commits crimes:
famous writer of children’s books |child victims of war He was attacked by a gang of youths. | a youth court
2 SPIN a son or daughter of any age: / have five minor [aw someone who is not yet legally an adult: It
children, all happily married. | She lives with her husband, is illegal to sell alcohol to a minor.
Paul, and three grown-up children. | Annie had always
wanted to get married and have children. | Alex is an only ‘child abuse n [U] the crime of harming a child physi-
child (=he has no brothers or sisters). |Our youngest child, cally, sexually, or emotionally
Sam, has just started university. |eldest child especially BrE,
oldest child especially AmE |the decision to bring a child into child-bear-ing /'tfarldbearty $ -ber-/ n [U] 1 the proc-
the world (=have a baby) ess of being PREGNANT and giving birth to children: the
trend towards later marriage and _ childbearing
3 ESI someone who is very strongly
2 childbearing age/years if a woman is of childbearing age
influenced by the ideas and attitudes of a particular
or in her childbearing years, she is of an age when it is
period of history: [+of] a real child of the sixties
physically possible for her to have babies
4 ELOISE) ~someone who behaves like a
child and is not sensible or responsible - used to show child ‘benefit n (U] an amount of money that the
disapproval: She's such a child! British government gives to families with children
5 sth is child's play used to say that something is very easy child-birth /tjatidb3:6 $ -b3:r8/ n [U] the act of having
to do: I've cooked for 200 people before now. So, tonight is a baby — labour: in/during/after childbirth His wife died in
child’s play by comparison. childbirth.
6 children should be seen and not heard an expression
meaning that children should be quiet and not talk - used child-care /'t{atidkea $ -ker/ n [U] an arrangement in
when you disapprove of the way a child is behaving which someone who is trained to look after children cares
7 be with child old use to be PREGNANT for them while the parents are at work: People earning low
8 be heavy/great with child o/d use to be nearly ready to wages will find it difficult to pay for childcare. | | think more
give birth women would work if there were better childcare facilities.

feo)Boley.Valo) hy child-hood (gq /‘tjatldhud/ n [C,U] the period of time

when you are a child: | had a very happy childhood. |
| ADJECTIVES -
in/during/since (sb's) childhood Most infections occur in
a four-year-old/ten-year-old etc child A childhood. | She had been writing poems since her
four-year-old child should not be left on their own. childhood. | childhood home/friend/experience etc (=a
a young child Young children are naturally curious home etc that you had when you were a child) |childhood
about the world. memories (=the memories you have of your childhood)
a small child (=a young one) My family lived in —+ SECOND CHILDHOOD
France when | was a small child.
an unborn child (=a baby that is still inside its REGISTER
mother) Smoking can damage your unborn child. In everyday English, people usually say when | was a
a spoilt/spoiled child (=allowed to do or have child when talking about their childhood: During my
whatever he or she wants, and behaving badly) He's childhood we lived by the ocean. + When I was a child
behaving like a spoilt child. we lived by the ocean. |She’s known him since
a gifted child (=extremely intelligent) a special childhood. —+ She's known him since she was a child.
school for gifted children
child-ish /'‘tfatld3{/ adj1 [usually before noun] relating to
a problem child (=very difficult to deal with)
or typical of a child [opp] adult: a high childish laugh | her
a good/bad child | a Baventy me childish excitement 2 behaving in a silly way that makes
you seem much younger than you really are - used to
bring up a child ei BrE,raiseea child especially show disapproval [SYN] immature [OPP] mature: Don’t be so
Ame: The cost of bringing up a child has risen rapidly. childish! | | wish politicians would stop this childish
a child is born |a child proms up name-calling. A\ To describe someone who is as innocent,
eager etc as a child, use childlike. —childishly adv
| child + NOUN ae —childishness n [U]
child abuse (=treating children in a very bad way,
child-less /'t/atldlas/ adj having no children: childless
especially sexually) He was arrested on suspicion of
couple/woman/marriage It was a happy but childless
child abuse. marriage. | couples who deliberately remain childless
child development She's an expert in child —childlessness n [U]
development.
child labour Br, child labor AmE (=the use of child-like /tjaridlatk/ adj having qualities that are typi-
children as workers) The garments were made using cal of a child, especially positive qualities such as INNO-
“child labour. CENCE and eagerness: childlike innocence/simplicity/
directness ‘You know | love you,’ she said with childlike
simplicity. | childlike delight/wonder/excitement The sight
filled her with childlike excitement. |Standing, she looked less
childlike.
child someone who is not yet an adult. You don't
usually use child to talk about babies or teenagers: child-min-der /'tfarldmatnda $ -ar/ n [C] BrE someone
Many children are scared of the dark. |He's just a child. who is paid to look after young children while their
kid informal a child. Kid is the usual word to use in parents are at work —childminding n [U]
everyday spoken English: We left the kids in the car.
little boy/little girl a young male or female child: /
‘child mo,lester n [c] someone who harms children by
touching them in a sexual way, or trying to have sex with
lived there when | was a little girl. |Little boys love
them —child molesting n [U]
dinosaurs.
-teenager someone between the ages of 13 and 19: child ‘prodigy n [c] a child who is unusually skilful at
There’s not much for teenagers to do around here. doing something such as playing a musical instrument
childproof — 280 EG = words from the Academic Word List

child-proof /'tfatldpru:f/ adj something that is child- air etc | Getting chilly, isn’t it? | The bathroom’s a bit chilly.
proof is designed to prevent a child from opening, dam- COLD 2 if you feel chilly, you feel uncomfort-
aging, or breaking it: a childproof lock ably cold 3 unfriendly [SYN] frosty: The speech met with a
chilly reception. —chilliness n [singular, U]
children /'t{1ldran/ the plural of CHILD
‘children’s home n [Cc] BrE a place where children live chi-mae-a /kat'mrera, ki- $ -'mira/ n [C] another spell-
if their own parents have died or cannot look after them ing of CHIMERA
chime’ /tfaam/ v 1[1,T] if a bell or clock chimes, it
‘child seat n [C] a special seat for a young child that is
makes a ringing sound, especially to tell you what time it
put in a car [SYN] car seat is: The clock in the hall chimed six. 2 [1] to be the same as
‘child sup,port (also maintenance BrE) n [U] money something else or to have the same effect: [+with] Her
that someone pays regularly to their former wife or views on life didn't quite chime with mine.
husband in order to support their children chime in phr v to say something in a conversation, espe-
chil-i /'t{1li/ n [C] the American spelling of CHILLI cially to agree with what someone has just said: ‘We'll
chill /tj11/ 11 [singular] a feeling of coldness: There was miss you too,’ the children chimed in.
a slight chill in the air. |morning/autumnal/January etc chill chime? n1 [Cc] a ringing sound made by a bell or clock
Suddenly aware of the morning chill, she closed the window. | 2 chimes [plural] a set of bells or other objects that
[+of] He sat in the chill of the evening, staring out over the produce musical sounds, used as a musical instrument or,
city below. | | turned on the heater in the hall to take the chill for example, as a type of doorbell —> WIND CHIMES
off the house (=to heat it slightly). 2 [C] a sudden feeling chi-me-ra, chimaera /kar'miera, ki- $ -'mira/ n [C]
of fear or worry, especially because of something cruel or 1 formal something, especially an idea or hope, that is not
violent: The sound of his dark laugh sent a chill through her. | really possible and can never exist: trying to present that
chill of fear/apprehension/disquiet etc Fay felt a chill of fear chimera, ‘a balanced view’ 2 an imaginary creature that
as she watched Max go off with her daughter. | There was breathes fire and has a lion's head, a goat’s body, and a
something in his tone that sent a chill down Melissa's spine snake's tail 3 technical a living thing that contains cells
(=made her very frightened). 3 a) [C] an illness which from another living thing
causes a slight fever, headache, and SHivering (=slight chi-me-ri-cal /kat'mertkal, k3-/ adj formal imaginary or
shaking of the body): Let's get these wet clothes off you not really possible
before you catch a chill. b) [C usually plural] a feeling of
chim-i-chur-ri /t{1mi't{uri/ n [U] a sauce, originally
being cold, caused by being ill from Argentina, that is put on BeeF, lamb, or chicken as it
chill? v 1 [),7] if you chill something such as food or is being cooked to improve the taste
drink, or if it chills, it becomes very cold but does not chim-ney /'t{imni/ n [C] 1a vertical pipe that allows
freeze: a glass of chilled white wine |Spoon the mixture into smoke from a fire to pass out of a building up into the air,
a bowl and chill for two hours. | The longer this salad chills, or the part of this pipe that is above the roof: We can't
the better the flavour. 2 [|] (also chill out) informal to relax light a fire because the chimney hasn't been swept. — see
completely instead of feeling angry, tired, or nervous: picture at RooF' 2 a tall vertical structure containing a
‘Hold it! Just chill for a second, won't youl’ | | spent the chimney — smokestack: a factory chimney 3 technical a
afternoon chilling out in front of the TV. 3 [T] to make narrow opening in tall rocks or cliffs that you can climb
someone very cold: The wind blew across her body, chilling up 4 smoke like a chimney if someone smokes like a
her wet skin. | chilled to the bone/marrow (=extremely chimney, they smoke a lot of cigarettes or tobacco - used
cold) Come and sit by the fire - you look chilled to the bone.
humorously
A [T] literary to suddenly frighten someone, especially by
seeming very cruel or violent: The anger in his face chilled
‘chimney breast n [C] BrE the part of a wall in a room
her. | chill sb to the bone/chill sb to the marrow/chill sb’s that encloses a chimney
blood (=frighten sb a lot) He jerked his head round and saw ‘chimney-piece n [C] BrE a decoration, usually made
something that chilled his blood. of brick or stone, built above a FIREPLACE
chill? adj [usually before noun] unpleasantly cold: the chill ‘chimney pot n [c] BrE a short wide pipe made of
night air |a chill wind baked clay or metal, that is attached to the top of a
chimney
chil-lax /t{r'leks/ v [1] informal to relax and be calm -
used especially by young people: Dude, just chillax.
‘chimney stack n [Cc] BrE1 the tall chimney of a build-
ing such as a factory [SYN]smokestack AmE 2 a group of
—chillaxed adj
small chimneys on a roof
chil-ler /'t{tla $ -ar/ n [C] informal a film or book that is ‘chimney sweep n [C] someone whose job is to clean
intended to frighten you chimneys using special long brushes
chil-li BrE, chili AmE /'tftli/ n (plural chillies BrE, chilies chim-pan-zee /t{t1mpen’zi:, -pen-/ (also chimp
AmE) 1[C] (also ‘chilli pepper BrE, chili pepper AmE) a /t{ump/) n [C] an intelligent African animal that is like a
small thin red or green PEPPER with a very strong hot taste large monkey without a tail
2 [U] (also chilli con carne BrE, chili con carne AmE /-kon
chin /t{1n/ n [C] 1 the front part of your face below your
'kaini $ -ka:n 'karrni/) a spicy dish made with beans,
mouth: He rubbed his chin thoughtfully. 2 (keep your) chin
meat, and chillies
up! spoken used to tell someone to make an effort to stay
chil-ling /'t{tty/ adj something that is chilling makes brave and confident when they are in a difficult situation:
you feel frightened, especially because it is cruel, violent, Chin up! It'll be over soon. 3. take sth on the chin to accept a
or dangerous: the chilling sound of wolves howling difficult or unpleasant situation without complaining, -
FRIGHTENING —chillingly adv: It was chillingly used to show approval: One of our great strengths is our
clear that he wanted revenge. ability to take it on the chin and come out fighting.
‘chilli powder BrE, chili powder AmE n [U] a hot- chi-na /'tfaina/ n [U] 1 a hard white substance produced
tasting red powder made from dried chillies by baking a type of clay at a high temperature: china
chill-out mursic /‘t{tlaot mjurzik/ (also chillout) n [U] teacups 2 (also chi-na-ware /'t{atnawee $ -wer/) plates,
music that you listen to when you want to relax cups etc made of china: I'll get my best china out. :
‘chill room (also chillout room) n [C] 1a room in a bar, Chi-na-town /'tfatnataun/ n [singular, U] an area ina
office etc where people go to play games, listen to music, city where there are Chinese restaurants and shops, an
watch television etc so that they can relax 2 a website where a lot of Chinese people live
that contains games, pictures, music etc and is designed chin-chil-la /t{mn't{tla/ n [Cc] a small South American
for people who want to relax or have fun animal bred for its fur |
chill-y /'t{tli/ adj 1 chilly weather or places are cold Chi-nese’ /tfar'ni:z</ n 1[U] the language used in
enough to make you feel uncomfortable: chilly day/night/ China 2the Chinese [plural] people from China _
evening etc a chilly November morning |chilly wind/breeze/ 3 [singular] BrE informal a meal of Chinese food, or a-
 281 chiropractic
restaurant that sells Chinese food: Do you fancy going out 8 (2 [usually plural] a small flat coloured piece of
for a Chinese? plastic used in games such as POKER or BLACKJACK to
Chinese? adj relating to China, its people, or its lan- represent a particular amount of money
guage 9 Ee (also chip shot, chip kick) a hit in golf, or a kick in
(Chinese ‘chequers Br, Chinese checkers AmE n[U] a football or RUGBY, that makes the ball go high into the air
game in which you move small balls from hole to hole on for a short distance
a board in the shape of a star — see picture at BOARD 10 have had your chips BrE informal to be in a situation in
GAME which you no longer have any hope of improvement
—+ BLUE CHIP, —+ cash in your chips at CASH IN(3)
(Chinese ‘lantern n [C] a small box made of thin paper
that you put a light inside as a decoration chip? v (chipped, chipping)
(Chinese ‘leaves n [plural] Br£ a type of caBBAGE eaten 1a [l, 1] if you chip something,
or if it chips, a small piece of it breaks off accidentally:
especially in East Asia
Gary fell and chipped one of his front teeth. |He chipped a
{Chinese ‘medicine n (U] a kind of medicine that uses bone in his knee and was carried off the pitch. | These plates
herbs and ACUPUNCTURE chip really easily. |[+off] The paint had chipped off the gate.
(Chinese ‘whispers n [U] BrE the passing of informa- 2 CSTE) (LI, T always + adv/prep] to remove some-
tion from one person to another, and then to others, thing, especially something hard that is covering a sur- ~
when the information gets slightly changed each time face, by hitting it with a tool so that small pieces break
chink? /t{tgk/ 11 [C] a small hole in a wall, or between off: Archaeologists were carefully chipping away at the
two things that join together, that lets light or air through rock. |Chip out the plaster with a steel chisel. + see picture
[SYN] crack: [tin] The sun came through a chink in the at DAMAGE!
curtains. 2 [C] BrE a high ringing sound made by metal or 3 Gy [T] to hit a golf ball or kick a football or a RUGBY
glass objects hitting each other [SYN] clink: the chink of ball so that it goes high into the air for a short distance:
coins 3 a chink in sb’s armour a weakness in someone's United scored just before half-time when Adcock cleverly
character or in something they have said, that you can chipped the ball over the keeper.
use to attack them 4@osy «[T] BrE to cut potatoes into thin pieces
chink? v [1,1] BrE if glass or metal objects chink, or if you ready to be cooked in hot oil
chink them, they make a high ringing sound when they chip away at sth phr v to gradually make something less
knock together [SYN] clink: They chinked their glasses and effective or destroy it: Writers such as Voltaire and Diderot
drank a toast to the couple. were chipping away at the foundations of society. | Fears
about the future chipped away at her sense of well-being.
Chink n [Cc] taboo a very offensive word for someone
chip in phr v
from China. Do not use this word.
1to interrupt a conversation by saying something that
chin-less /'t{tnlas/ adj BrE lacking courage or determi- adds more detail: [+with] Other committee members
nation chipped in with suggestions. | ‘It won't be easy,’ Jeff chipped
chi-nos /'tfizneuz $ -nowz/ n [plural] loose trousers made in. | I'd just like to chip in, Bill, if | might.
from strong woven cotton 2 if each person in a group chips in, they each give a small
chin-strap /'t{tnstrep/ n [C] a band of cloth under your amount of money so that they can buy something
chin to keep a hat or HELMET in place together: We all chipped in to buy Amy a graduation
chintz /t{tnts/ n [U] smooth cotton cloth that is printed present. | chip in (with) sth Fifty-two people in the music
with a flowery pattern and is used for making curtains, industry each chipped in $250 apiece.
furniture covers etc: pink chintz curtains chip and ‘pin n [U] a system for CREDIT CARDS and DEBIT
chintz-y /‘t{tntsi/ adj 1BrE covered with chintz: a chintzy CARDS, in which the card has a CHIP containing a secret
sofa 2 AmE informal cheap and badly made [SYN] cheap: a number that only the owner of the card knows. The
chintzy lamp 3 AmE informal unwilling to give people owner has to use this number every time the card is used.
things or spend money [SYN] stingy The secret number makes it more difficult for people to
‘chin-up, chin-up /'t{insp/ n [C] AmE an exercise in use the card if it has been stolen: Most shoppers prefer chip
which you hang on a bar and pull yourself up until your and pin to the old system.
chin is above the bar pull-up BrE chip-board /t{1pba:d $ -bo:rd/ n [U] a type of board
chin-wag /‘t{tnweg/ n [singular] BrE informal an infor- made from small pieces of wood pressed together with
mal conversation chat —chinwag v [1] glue

chip’ & (8 /tiip/ n [c] chip-munk /'t{tpmank/ n [C] a small American animal
similar to a SQUIRREL with black lines on its fur
1%) a) BrE [usually plural] a long thin piece of potato
cooked in oil [Syn] French fry AmE: fish and chips |a bag of chip-o-la-ta /t{1pa'la:ta</ n [C] BrE a small thin SAUSAGE
chips b) AmE [usually plural] a thin flat round piece of food ‘chip pan n [C] BrE a deep pan with a wire basket inside
*such as potato cooked in very hot oil and eaten cold used for cooking food in hot oil, especially CHiPs
[S¥N|crisp BrE: a bag of potato chips chipped /tjrpt/ adj something that is chipped has a
2 (Qa iay a small piece of silicon that has a set of small piece broken off the edge of it: The paint was
complicated electrical connections on it and is used to chipped. |a chipped saucer |a chipped tooth — see picture
store and process information in computers: the age of the at DAMAGE!
silicon chip |chip technology
3 Ga a small piece of wood, stone, metal etc that has chip-per /'t{tpa $ -ar/ adj old-fashioned informal happy
been broken off something: Wood chips covered the floor of and active: You're looking very chipper this morning.
the workshop. |a chocolate chip cookie (=one that contains chip-pings /'t{tp1nz/ n [plural] BrE small pieces of stone
small pieces of chocolate) used when putting new surfaces on roads or railway
4 [ti a small hole or mark on a plate, cup etc where a tracks
piece has broken off: [+in] There’s a chip in this bowl. ‘chip shop (also chippie, chip-py informal /'t{tpi/) n [C]
5 have a chip on your shoulder to easily become offended BrE a shop that cooks and sells FISH AND CHiPs and other
or angry because you think you have been treated FRIED food
unfairly in the past
6 when the chips are down spoken in a serious or difficult chi-rop-o-dist /ks'ropadrst, f5- $ -'ra:-/ n [C] BrE some-
_ situation, especially one in which you realize what is one who is trained to examine and treat foot injuries and
really true or important: When the chips are down, you've diseases [SYN] podiatrist —chiropody n [U]
only got yourself to depend on. chi-ro-prac-tic /‘katrauprektik $ -ra-/ n [U] the treat-
7.be a chip off the old block informal to be very similar to ment of physical problems by pressing on and moving the
your mother or father in appearance or character bones in someone's back and joints + osteopathy
 chiropractor 282 Gi & & = the most frequent words in spoken English

chi-ro-prac-tor /katrovrekte $ -rapreektar/ n [C] chock-a-block /jt/ok a 'blok« $ 'tfazk a blaxk/ adj [not
someone who treats physical problems using chiropractic before noun] BrE completely full of people or things:
—+ osteopath [+with] Paris was chock-a-block with tourists.
chirp /t/3:p $ t{3:rp/ (also chirrup Br) v 1 [1] if a bird or chock-'full adj [not before noun] informal completely full
insect chirps, it makes short high sounds 2 [1,T] to speak of people or things: [+of] a pond chock-full of weeds
in a happy high voice: ‘Yes, all finished,’ he chirped. —chirp choc-o-hol-ic, chocaholic /t{oka'holtk $ tfarke'ho:-,
n [Cc] tfork-/ n [C] informal someone who likes chocolate very
chirp-y /'t/s:pi $ 't{airpi/ adj happy and active: You're very much and eats a lot of it
chirpy this morning - have you had some good news? chocolate Gy /'tfoklst $ 'tfazkalst, 'tfork-/ n
—chirpily adv —chirpiness n [U] 1[U] a sweet brown food that you can eat as a sweet or
chir-rup /‘tftrep $ ‘tr, 't{3-/ v [1,7] CHIRP use in cooking to give foods such as cakes a special sweet
» chisel’ /t{1zal/ n [C] a metal tool with a sharp edge, taste: a chocolate bar | a chocolate cake | a packet of
used to cut wood or stone > see picture at TOOL’ chocolate biscuits | | prefer milk chocolate to dark chocolate.
—+ see picture at BAR’
chisel? v (chiselled, chiselling BrE, chiseled, chiseling 2[C] a small sweet that is covered with chocolate: Would
AmE) [1] to use a chisel to cut wood or stone into a
you like a chocolate? |a box of chocolates
particular shape: chisel sth into/from/in etc sth Martin 3[C,U] a hot sweet drink made with milk and chocolate,
ESiedy chiselled a hole in the door for the new lock. or a cup of this drink: a mug of hot chocolate | Two coffees
chis-elled BrE, chiseled AmE /'t{1zald/ adj [usually before and one chocolate, please.
noun] if a man has chiselled features, his chin, mouth, 4[U] a dark brown colour
nose etc have a strong clear shape: chiselled features/ ‘chocolate box adj [only before noun] BrE informal a
chin/mouth/nose etc his chiselled good looks chocolate box place looks pretty, but in a way that is false
chit /t{rt/ n [C] BrE1 an official note that shows that you because it seems too perfect: He had grown tired of the
are allowed to have something: Take the chit to the counter chocolate box views.
and collect your books. 2 old-fashioned a young woman
chocolate chip ‘cookie n [C] a kind of small siscut
who behaves badly and does not respect older people with small pieces of chocolate in it
‘chit-chat n [UJ informal conversation about things that choco-lat-ey /tfokisti $ 'tfazkalati, 'tfozk-/ adj tasting or
are not very important: boring social chit-chat smelling of chocolate: a chocolatey taste
chit-ter-lings /'tfrtalijz $ -ar-/ (also chit-lings choc-o:lat-i-er /t{oka'letia $ tfa:ke'letiar/ n [C] some-
/'t{rtlinz/, chit-lins /-l3nz/) n [plural] the INTESTINE of a pig one whose job is making chocolate or making things out
eaten as food, especially in the southern US
of chocolate
chiv-al-rous /‘tvalras/ adj a man who is chivalrous
behaves in a polite, kind, generous, and honourable way, choice’ &] (i /t/>1s/n
especially towards women —chivalrously adv
1[C,U] if you have a choice, you can choose between
several things —+ choose: [+between] Voters have a choice
chiv-al-ry /fivalri/ n [U] 1 behaviour that is honourable, between three main political parties. | [+of] You have a
kind, generous, and brave, especially men’s behaviour choice of hotel or self-catering accommodation. | He has to
towards women 2 a system of religious beliefs and hon- make some important choices. | They gave us no choice in the
ourable behaviour that KNIGHTs in the Middle Ages were matter.
expected to follow 2 [singular, U] the range of people or things that you can
chives /tJarvz/ n [plural] the long thin green leaves of a choose from: It was a small shop and there wasn’t much
plant with purple flowers. Chives taste like onion and are choice. |[+of] There is a choice of four different colours. |We
used in cooking. offer a wide choice of wines and beers. | Consumers these
chiv-vy, chivy /‘t{1vi/ v (chivvied, chivvying, chivvies) [T] days are spoilt for choice BrE (=have a lot of things to
BrE informal to try to make someone do something more choose from).
quickly, especially in an annoying way: chivwy sb along/up 3[C] the person or thing that someone chooses: [+of] /
Go and see if you can chivvy the kids up a bit. don't really like her choice of jewellery. | | think London was a
good choice as a venue. | sb's first/second choice My first
chlo-ride /‘kls:ratd/ n [CU] a chemical comPouNp that choice of college was Stanford.
is a mixture of CHLORINE and another substance: sodium Aby choice if you do something by choice, you do it
chloride because you want to do it and not because you are forced
chlo-ri-‘mate /‘klo:rinert/ v [T] to add chlorine to water to do it: She lives alone by choice.
to kill BACTERIA 5 the sth of your choice the person or thing of your choice
chlo-rine /klo:ri:zn/ n [U] a greenish-yellow gas with a is the one that you would most like to choose: My children
strong smell that is used to keep the water in swimming cannot go to the school of their choice.
pools clean. It is a chemical ELEMENT: symbol Cl 6the sth of choice the thing of choice is the one that
people prefer to use: It is the drug of choice for this type of
chlo-ro-fluo-ro-car-bon =/kla:raufluarau'ka:ben ~—$ illness. ++HOBSON'S CHOICE \
-rouflurou'ka:r-/ n [C] a CFC
feo] Kotor Wile) hk)
chlor-o-form /‘kloraform, ‘klo:- $ ‘klo:rafairm/ n [U] a
liquid that makes you become unconscious if you breathe VERBS.
it —chloroform v [T] have a choice Students have a choice between German
chlo-ro-phyll /‘kloraftl, 'kls:- $ 'kla:-/ n [U] the green- and Spanish.
coloured substance in plants make a choice (=choose something) One of our
course advisors can help you to make your choice.
choc /tfok $ tfark, tfo:k/ n [C,U] BrE informal CHOCOLATE give sb a choice Her doctor gave her a choice: take
choc-a-hol-ic /tfoka'holtk $ jtfarke'hn:-, jtfork-/ n [C] medicine or lose weight.
another spelling of CHOCOHOLIC be faced with a choice He was faced with a difficult
choc:ey /'tfoki $ 'tfarki, 't{o:ki/ n (plural choccies) [C] BrE choice.
spoken a CHOCOLATE(2) have no choice (but to do sth) The men had no
choice but to obey.
‘choceice n [C] BrE a small block of ice CREAM covered leave sb with no choice | was left with no choice but
with chocolate to resign. '
chock /t{ok $ tfa:k/ n [C] a block of wood or metal that exercise your choice formal (=make a choice - used
you put in front of the wheel of a vehicle to prevent it especially when talking about someone using their
from moving right to choose)
 (i (12 (8 = the most frequent words in written English 283 choose
| ADJECTIVES/NOUN
+ cho really chokes me up. | | was really choked up when | saw her
the right/wrong choice / think you've made the right again.
choice. choke? n [Cc] 1 piece of equipment in a vehicle that
a difficult choice /t was a very difficult choice for me. controls the amount of air going into the engine, and that
a stark choice (=a choice between two unpleasant is used to help the engine start 2 the sound that someone
things that you must make) We faced a stark choice: makes when they cannot breathe properly because
steal or starve. something is in their throat or there is not enough air: She
(a) free choice Students have an entirely free choice of gave a little choke of laughter.
what to study at university. choke chain Br€, ‘choke collar AmE n [C] a chain that is
an informed choice (=a choice based on knowledge fastened around the neck of a dog to control it
of the facts about something) The patient should have choke-cher-ry /‘tjauktferi $ 'tfouk-/ n (plural chokecher-
enough information to make an informed choice. ries) [C] a North American tree that produces small sour
consumer choice (=the opportunity for people to fruit
choose between different products) | parental choked /tjaukt $ tfoukt/ adj [not before noun] BrE very
upset: | was really choked when | heard he'd died.
chok-er /‘tfauka $ 'tfouker/ n [C] a piece of jewellery
freedom of choice Patients should have more freedom that fits very tightly around a woman's neck: a diamond
of choice. choker — see picture at JEWELLERY
given the choice (=if you had a choice) Given the chol-er /‘kola $ ‘ka:lar/ n [U] literary great anger: What
choice, | probably wouldn’t work. had brought on this fit of choler?
choice? adj1 [only before noun] formal choice food is of chol-e-ra /‘kolara $ 'ka:-/ n [U] a serious disease that
very good quality: choice steak | We select only the choicest causes sickness and sometimes death. It is caused by
apples for our pies. 2 a few choice words/phrases if you use eating infected food or drinking infected water.
a few choice words, you say exactly what you mean in an chol-e-ric /‘kolartk $ 'ka:-/ adj literary bad-tempered or
angry way: He told us what he thought of the idea in a few angry: He was a choleric, ill-tempered man.
choice words. cho-les-te-rol /ka'lestarol $ -roul/ n [U] a chemical
choir /kwata $ kwatr/ n[C] 1 a group of people who sing substance found in your blood. Too much cholesterol in
together for other people to listen to — choral: He joined a your body may cause heart disease.
church choir at the age of eight. 2 [usually singular] the part chomp /tfomp $ tfa:mp, tfo:mp/ v [I] informal to eat
of a church in which a choir sits during religious ceremo- something: [+on] She was chomping on a bread roll. |
nies [+away] a boy chomping away on a banana | British people
choir-boy /kwarabor $ ‘kwarr-/ n [C] a young boy who chomp their way through more than a billion bars of choco-
sings in a church choir late every year.
choir-mas:ter /kwatama:sta $ 'kwairmestar/ n [C] choo-choo /tju: tfu:/ n [C] spoken a train - used by
someone who teaches a choir to sing together children or when speaking to children
choke’ /tfavk $ tfouk/ v 1 [1] to be unable to breathe fa

properly because something is in your throat or there is This graph shows how common different grammar patterns
not enough air: [ton] He choked on a piece of bread. | Six of the verb choose are.
people choked to death on the fumes. 2 [T] if something
chokes you, it makes you unable to breathe properly: | felt Ea SA Scar Maas choose sth
as if there was a weight on my chest, choking me. | The EE choose to do sth
smoke was choking me. 3 [T] to prevent someone from
choose
breathing by putting your hands around their throat and
pressing on it: His hands were round her throat, choking her. choose between sth
4 [1,T] to be unable to talk clearly because you are feeling choose whether/which/when etc
a strong emotion: [+with] He was choking with rage. | | was I choose from sth
too choked with emotion to speak. | Her voice was choked
other
with rage. 5 [T] (also choke sth <> out) to say something T
io — Se
with difficulty because you are very upset or angry: ‘Get 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%
out,’ she choked. 6 [T] (also choke sth <> up) to fill a place XG
so that things cannot move through it: Weeds were chok- choose §] fa /tfu:z/ v (past tense chose /t{auz $ tfouz/,
ing the stream. | be choked (up) with sth The gutters were past participle chosen /'tfauzan $ 'tfou-/) [I,T]
choked up with leaves. 7 [1] informal to fail at doing some- 1to decide which one of a number of things or people you
thing, especially a sport, because there is a lot of pressure want — choice: /t took us ages to choose a new carpet. |A
on you: People said | choked, but |just had a bad day on the panel of judges will choose the winner. | He chose his words
golf course. 8 [T] if one plant chokes another, it kills it by carefully as he spoke. | | don’t mind which one we have - you
growing all around it and taking away its light and room choose. | [+between] For pudding we could choose between
to grow: Weeds can quickly choke delicate garden plants. ice cream and apple tart. | [+from] You can choose from a
9 choke a horse AmE spoken if you say that something is wide range of vehicles. | choose to do sth | chose to learn
big enough to choke a horse, you are emphasizing that it German rather than French. | choose sb/sth to do sth They
is very big: a wad of bills big enough to choke a horse chose Donald to be their leader, | choose sb/sth as sth The
choke sth < back phr v to control your anger, sadness etc company chose London as its base. | choose sb/sth for sth
so that you do not show it: He choked back tears as he Why did you choose me for the job?
described what had happened. | She choked back a sob. | | 2to decide to do something because that is what you
choked back my anger. prefer to do: choose to do sth /| chose to ignore his advice. |
choke off sth phr v to prevent something from happening: You can, if you choose, invest in the stock market.
It is feared that higher interest rates might choke off eco- 3 there is little/nothing to choose between sth used when
nomic recovery. you think that two or more things are equally good and
choke sth <*> out phr v to say something with difficulty you cannot decide which is better: There was little to
_ because you are very upset or angry: His heart hammered choose between the two candidates.
as he choked out the words. | ‘No!’ she choked out.
choke up phr v 1 choke sth <> up to fill a place so that
things cannot move through it: be choked up with sth The choose to decide which one of several things you
stream was choked up with weeds. 2 choke sb up to make want: | chose a black dress. |Which dessert should |
someone feel very upset and unable to talk: This song choose?
 284 Eq = words from the Academic Word List

pick to choose something, especially without chop:stick /tjop-sttk ¢ CHOPSTICK

thinking carefully. Pick is more informal than choose: 'tfarp-/ n [C usually plural]
Pick any number from one to ten. one of the two thin sticks
select formal to choose something, especially after that you use to eat food in
thinking carefully: The committee will meet to select a many countries in Asia
new chairman. chop suey /tfop ‘sui $
opt for/go for to choose one thing instead of tfarp-/ n [U] a Chinese
another: Many car buyers opt for used vehicles. | | think dish of meat and vegeta-
I'll go for the chocolate cake. bles, served with rice
decide on to choose something from many possible chorral /ko:ral/ adj [only
things, especially when the decision has been before noun] related to chopsticks
difficult or taken a long time: Thomas had decided on music that is sung by a
a career as a writer. large group of people
single out to choose one person or thing from a together — choir: an evening of choral music
group because they are better, worse, more cho-rale /ko'ra:! $ ka'rel, -'ra:l/ n [C] a piece of music
important etc than the others: Why should he be praising God, usually sung in a church by a large group of
singled out for special treatment? people
take your pick especially spoken to choose anything chord /lo:d ¢ koird/ n [C] 1a combination of several
you want, especially when there are many different musical notes that are played at the same time and
things available: You can take your pick from Bodrum’s sound pleasant together 2 strike/touch a chord (with sb) to
\_many bars and restaurants. = do or say something that people feel is familiar or true:
Many of the things she says will strike a chord with other
choos-y, choosey /'tfu:zi/ adj informal someone who is young women. | He knew that what he was saying had
choosy will only accept things that they like a lot or they touched a chord, 3. technical a straight line joining two
consider to be very good: [+about] She’s very choosy about points on a curve — see picture at circte’ A\Do not
clothes, confuse with cord (=thick string), which has the same
chop’ §4) /tJop $ tfa:p/ v (chopped, chopping) [T] pronunciation.
1 (also chop up) to cut something into smaller pieces: He chore /tf>: $ tfo:r/ n [C] 1 a small job that you have to do
went outside to chop some more wood for the fire. |Can you regularly, especially work that you do to keep a house
chop up some carrots for me? | Add two finely chopped clean: everyday chores like shopping and housework | We
onions and a clove of garlic. |chop sth into pieces/chunks etc share the domestic chores. 2 something you have to do
Chop the meat into small cubes. CUT that is very boring and unpleasant: | find driving a real
2 informal to reduce an amount of money by a large chore.
amount: He suddenly found that his income had been chor-e-og-raph /‘koriagra:f, 'ko:- $ 'koiriagref/ v [T] to _
chopped in half. arrange how dancers should move during a performance:
3chop and change BrE informal to keep changing your The show is very cleverly choreographed.
mind: You can't keep chopping and changing like this! chor-e-og-ra-phy /kori'pgrafi, ko:- $ koiri'aig-/ n [U]
chop at sth phr v to hit something with a sharp tool in the art of arranging how dancers should move during a
order to cut it: They chopped at the bushes with their knives. performance —choreographer n [C]
chop sth <* down phr v to make a tree fall down by chor-is-ter /‘korista $ ‘ko:ristar, 'kar-/ n [C] a singer ina
cutting it with a sharp tool: A couple of the older trees will church CHOIR
have to be chopped down. | Large areas of rainforest are cho-ri-Z0 /t{a'rizzau $ -zou/ n [U] a spicy SAUSAGE made
being chopped down every day. in Spain
chop sth <> off phr v to remove something by cutting it chor-tle /'t/:tl $ 'tfo:rtl/ v [1] formal to laugh because
with a sharp tool: The branch had been chopped off. you are amused or pleased about something: Harry chor-
chop? n [Cc] 1a small piece of meat on a bone, usually tled with delight. —chortle n [C]
cut from a sheep or pig — steak: a grilled pork/lamb chop cho-rus! /‘ko:ras/ n [C] 1the part of a song that is
2 the chop BrE a) if you get or are given the chop, you lose repeated after each verse: Everyone joined in the chorus.
your job: Six more staff got the chop last week. | | might be 2. a large group of people who sing together [SYN| choir: /
for the chop (=lose my job). b) if something gets or is sing with the university chorus. 3 a piece of music written
given the chop, it is closed or stopped because people do to be sung by a large group of people: a recording of the
not want to pay for it any more: The project might get the ‘Hallelujah Chorus’ 4 a group of singers, dancers, or actors
chop. | This factory might now be for the chop (=likely to be who act together in a show but do not have the main
closed). 3 a hard downward movement that you make parts: New voices are needed to join the chorus for the
with your hand: a karate chop 4 the act of hitting some- annual festival in October. 5 a chorus of thanks/disapproval/
thing with a sharp tool in order to cut it: With one last protest etc something that a lot of people all say at the
chop he split the log in two. 5 chops [plural] informal the same time: The minister was greeted with a chorus of boos. |
lower part of the face of a person or animal - used There was a chorus of agreement from the committee. |More
humorously: Jack was grinning all over his chops. politicians have now joined in the chorus of complaints.
6 in chorus if people say something in chorus, they say
,chop-'chop interjection an expression used when you the same thing at the same time: ‘Thank you,’ they said in
want someone to hurry: Come on! Chop-chop!
chorus. i
chop-per /'t{opa $ 'tfa:par/ n [C] 1 BrE a large knife that chorus? v [7] if people chorus something, they say it at
you use for cutting large pieces of meat 2 informal a the same time: ‘Hurry up!’ chorused the girls.
HELICOPTER: There was a police chopper waiting for us. ‘chorus girl n [Cc] a woman who sings and dances with
3 a type of MOTORCYCLE on which the front wheel is a group of other performers in a show or film
further forward than the place where your hands rest
‘chorus lime n [C] a group of people who stand in a
4 choppers [plural] informal teeth: a row of huge white
straight line and sing and dance together in a show or
choppers
film
‘chopping board Br€, 'chopping block AmE n [C] a chose /tjauz $ tfouz/ the past tense of CHOOSE
large piece of wood or plastic that you cut meat or chosen /'tfauzan $ ‘'tfov-/ 1the past participle of
vegetables on when you are cooking CHOOSE 2 the chosen few a small number of people who
chop:py /'tfopi $ 'tfa:pi/ adj choppy water has a lot of are treated as special and better than other people;
waves and is not smooth to sail on: The small boat bobbed information made available only to the chosen few ;
about on the choppy water. chow! /tfav/ n 1[U] old-fashioned informal. food:
!
 EX3 = words from the Academic Word List 285 chronology
| ordered some chow and sat down. 2 [C] (also ‘chow chow) (Christmas ‘dinner n [Cc] a special meal that people
a type of dog with long thick fur that first came from eat on Christmas Day
China Christmas ‘Eve n [U] December 24th, the day before
chow? v Christmas Day: We spent Christmas Eve cooking and get-
chow down phr v Ame informal to eat: She had to chow ting ready for Christmas Day. |Unfortunately, I've got to work
down with the others in the cafeteria. on Christmas Eve.
chow-der /‘tfauda $ -er/ n [U] a thick soup usually Christmas ‘pudding n [c] a special sweet food that
made with fish, vegetables, and milk contains a lot of dried fruit and is eaten in Britain at the
chow-der-head /‘tfaudahed $ -ar-/ n [singular] AmE end of the main meal on Christmas Day
informal a stupid person Christmas ‘stocking n [Cc] a long sock which children
chow mein /t/av 'mein/ n [U] a Chinese dish made leave in their house on Christmas Eve to be filled with
with meat, vegetables, and NOODLES presents

Christ" /kratst/ (also Jesus Christ) n the man who is Christ-mas-sy /‘krismasi/ adj typical of Christmas: It
worshipped by Christians as the son of God — Christian: a looked very Christmassy with lights on the trees.
follower of Christ Christ-mas-time /krismastarm/ n [U] the period
around Christmas
Christ? interjection used to express annoyance or sur-
prise. Some people think this use is offensive: Christ! ‘Christmas tree n [C] a Fir tree that people put in their
That's hot! houses and decorate for Christmas
chris:ten /krisan/ v [T] 1 to officially give a child its chro-mat-ic /krau'metik, kra- $ krou-, kra-/ adj
name at a Christian religious ceremony — baptize: She
1 technical related to a musical scale which consists of
SEMITONES: a chromatic scale | chromatic harmonies
was christened Sarah. 2 to give something or someone a
2 formal related to bright colours
name: His fans christened him the king of rock. | The new
plane has been christened the Hawk. 3 informal to use chrome /kraum $ kroum/ n [U] a type of hard shiny
something for the first time: We haven't christened the new metal: a chrome candleholder
garden chairs yet. chrome ‘yellow n [U] a very bright yellow colour
Chris-ten-dom /krisandam/ n [U] formal all the Chris- —chrome yellow adj
tian people or countries in the world chro-:mi-um /‘kraumiem $ 'krov-/ n [U] a hard blue-
white metal that is used to cover metal objects with a
chris-ten-ing /‘krisantn/ n [C] a Christian religious
ceremony at which a child is officially given a name and shiny silver protective surface. It is a chemical ELEMENT:
becomes a member of a Christian church — baptism
symbol Cr: a chromium-plated handrail
Chris-tian’ /‘krtstfan, -tian/ n [C] a person who believes
chro-mo:pho-bi-a /kraumeafeubia $ kroumefou-/ n
[U] technical a strong fear of colours, often combined
in the ideas taught by Jesus Christ
with the unreasonable belief that something will be bad if
Christian? adj 1 related to Christianity: the Christian it is a particular colour —chromophobic adj
religion | the Christian church | a Christian minister 2 (also chro-mo-some /'kraumasaum $ 'kroumasoum/ n [C] a
christian) behaving in a good kind way: That wasn’t a very part of every living cell that is shaped like a thread and
christian thing to do! contains the GENes that control the size, shape etc that a
(Christian ‘era n the Christian era the period from the plant or animal has — y chromosome
birth of Christ to the present time chronic /‘kronik $ ‘kra:-/ adj 1a chronic disease or
Chris-ti-an-i-ty /kristizniti/ n [U] the religion based illness is one that continues for a long time and cannot be
on the life and beliefs of Jesus Christ cured — acute: chronic arthritis |chronic asthma | chronic
‘Christian name n [Cc] a person’s first name, especially heart disease 2 a chronic problem is one that continues
when they are given this name in a Christian religious for a long time and cannot easily be solved: chronic
ceremony — surname: She didn’t like children to call her by unemployment | There is a chronic shortage of teachers.
her Christian name. 3 chronic alcoholic/gambler etc someone who has
Christian 'Science n [U] a religion started in America behaved in a particular way for a long time and cannot
in 1866, which includes the belief that illnesses can be stop: He was a chronic alcoholic and unable to hold down a
cured by faith —Christian Scientist n [C] job. | a chronic smoker 4 BrE informal extremely bad: The
Chris-tie's /‘kristiz/ trademark a famous AUCTION com- food was absolutely chronic! —chronically /-kli/ adv:
pany with its main offices in London and New York City, patients who are chronically ill | The service is chronically
where valuable paintings, old furniture, rare books etc are underfunded.
sold chronic fa'tigue syndrome n [U] an illness that
makes you feel very tired and weak and can last for a long
Christ-mas /‘krismas/ n [CU] the period of time
time
-around December 25th, the day when Christians cele-
brate the birth of Christ: at Christmas We'll see you at chron-i-cle™ /‘krontkal $ 'kra:-/ n [C] a written record of
Christmas. | over Christmas /'l] be in Scotland over a series of events, especially historical events, written in
Christmas. |Are you going home for Christmas? | a Christ- the order in which they happened: [+of] a chronicle of his
mas present |the Christmas holidays |Merry Christmas and life during the war years
a happy New Year everyone! chronicle? v [T] to describe events in the order in
‘Christmas cake n(c,U] a special cake that people eat which they happened: His life is chronicled in a new biogra-
in Britain at Christmas phy published last week. | The book chronicles the events
leading up to the war.
‘Christmas card n [c] a special card that people send
chron-o-graph /‘kronagra:f $ 'kra:nagref/ n [C] a sci-
_ to friends and relatives at Christmas
entific instrument for measuring periods of time
Christmas ‘carol n [c] a Christian song that people chron-o-log:i-cal /krona'lodztkal< $ kraina'la:-/ adj
sing at Christmas
1 arranged according to when things happened or were
Christmas ‘cookie n [Cc] a special cookie that people made: We arranged the documents in chronological order.
eat in the US at Christmas 2 chronological age a person's chronological age is how
{Christmas ‘cracker n [Cc] a tube of coloured paper old they actually are, rather than how old their mind or
that two people pull apart at Christmas in Britain for fun. body seems —chronologically /-kli/ adv: The paintings are
It makes a loud sound as it is pulled apart, and usually displayed chronologically.
contains a small toy. chro-nol-o-gy =/kra'nvladzi_ $= -'na:r-/ on (plural
Christmas ‘Day n [U] December 25th, the day when chronologies) 1 [U] the order in which events happened
most Christians celebrate the birth of Christ: | always in the past: [+of] /t is important to establish the chronology
spend Christmas Day with my family. of the events. 2 [C] an account of events in the order in
 chronometer 286 GJ & & = the most frequent words in spoken English

which they happened: The book includes a chronology of his chum-my /'t(ami/ adj informal friendly: You and Eric have
life and works. become quite chummy, haven't you?
chro-nom-e-ter /kra'nomita $ -'na:miter/ n [C] a very chump /t{amp/ 1 [C}1 informal someone who is silly or
exact clock, used for scientific purposes stupid, and who is easily deceived 2 chump chop/steak
chrys-arlis /‘krisalis/ n [C] a MOTH or BUTTERFLY at the BrE a thick piece of meat with a bone in it
stage of development when it has a hard outer shell and chun-der /'t{anda $ -ar/ v [1] informal to vomit
is changing into its adult form chunk /t{ank/ n [C] 1 large thick piece of something
chry-san-the-mum /krr'sen@imam/ n [C] a garden that does not have an even shape: ice chunks | [+of] a
plant with large brightly coloured flowers — see picture chunk of bread GTEEXXT> PIECE — see picture at PIECE!
at FLOWER! 2 a large part or amount of something: The rent takes a
chub /tfab/ n [C] a fish that lives in lakes and rivers large chunk out of my monthly salary. | [+of] A huge chunk
of the audience got up and left before the end of the show.
. chub-by /'trbi/ adj slightly fat in a way that looks 3 a chunk of change AmE informal a large amount of
healthy and attractive: a chubby six-year-old | a baby with
money: Lurie risked a pretty big chunk of change on the race.
round chubby cheeks (EEEWEUE> FAT —chubbiness n [U]
chunk-y /'tfanki/ adj 1 thick, solid, and heavy: chunky
chuck" gy /tfak/ v [7] especially BrE informal jewellery + see picture at THICK’ 2 chunky food has large
~ 1to throw something in a careless or relaxed way: chuck pieces in it: chunky peanut butter 3 someone who is
sth on/out of/into etc sth Tania chucked her bag down on the chunky has a broad heavy body
sofa. | | chucked a few things into a suitcase and left. |chuck
chun-ter /‘t(anta $ -ar/ v [1] BrE informal to talk for a
sb sth Chuck me that pen, would you?
long time, usually about something that is not interesting:
2 to throw something away because you do not want it
He was chuntering on about the problems he was having
any more: | think | might have chucked it by mistake.
with his car.
3 (also chuck sth <> in) to leave your job: You haven't
chucked your job, have you? church gy (a /t/3:tf $ tfairt{/ n
4 BrE to end a romantic relationship with someone: Why 1[C] a building where Christians go to worship — cathe-
did Judy chuck him? dral: a short church service |church bells
5 chuck it down to rain very heavily: It chucked it down all 2[U] the religious ceremonies in a church: Mrs Dobson
afternoon. invited us to dinner after church. | My parents go to church
6 chuck sb under the chin to gently touch someone under every Sunday, | at church We didn't see you at church this
their chin in a friendly way morning.
chuck sth <» away phr v informal to throw something 3(C] (also Church) one of the separate groups within the
away because you do not want it any more: | chucked all Christian religion: the Catholic Church
my old clothes away when we moved house. 4 [singular, U] the institution of the Christian religion, and
chuck sth <> in phr v to leave your job: He had a job but he all the priests and other ministers who are part of it: the
chucked it in. | |decided to chuck it all in and go to Australia. church's attitude towards marriage | separation of church
chuck sb off sth phr v informal and state
1to make someone leave a place or stop using some- church-go-er /'t/s:t{gava $ 't{z:rt{gouvar/ n [C] some-
thing: He'll chuck you off his land if he finds you. one who goes to church regularly
2 chuck yourself off sth to jump from somewhere that is church-«man /'t/s:t{man $ ‘t{z:rt/-/ n (plural churchmen
very high: She tried to chuck herself off the bridge twice last /-man/) [C] a priest [syn] clergyman
week. (Church of ‘England n the Church of England the state
chuck sb/sth <> out phr v informal church in England, the official leader of which is the
1to throw something away because you do not want it Queen or King
any more: /t was broken so | chucked it out. ,Church of ‘Scotland n the Church of Scotland the state
2 to make someone leave a place or a job: Their landlord church in Scotland
chucked them out when they couldn’t pay the rent. | [+of]
‘church school n [c] a school in Britain that is partly
They got chucked out of the pub for fighting.
controlled by a church
chuck? n1 [Cc] part of a machine that holds something church-war-den /t/3:t{wo:dn $ 't/airt{woirdn/ n [C]
firmly so that it does not move 2 [singular] spoken a
someone who looks after church property and money
friendly word used to address someone in some parts of
Northern England church-wom:-an /'t/3:tjwoman $_ ‘tfa:rtf-/ n (plural
churchwomen /-wimin/) [C] a_ female priest
chuckle /'t{kal/ v [1] to laugh quietly: What are you [SYN|clergywoman
chuckling about? LAUGH —chuckle n [CJ]: Rosie
gave a little chuckle. church-yard /'t/s:tfja:d $ 't/s:rt{jarrd/ n [C] a piece of
land around a church where people are buried — grave-
chuck ‘steak n [U] meat that comes from just above yard
the shoulder of a cow '
chuck ,wagon n [C] Ame old-fashioned a vehicle that churl-ish /‘/s:lf $ 'tfsrr-/ adj formal not polite or
friendly: It seemed churlish to refuse his invitation.
carries food for a group of people
churn’ /t/3:n $ t{3:rn/ v1 [1] if your stomach churns, you
chuffed /t{aft/ adj [not before noun] BrE informal very
feel sick because you are nervous or frightened: My
pleased or happy: He's really chuffed about passing the
stomach was churning on the day of the exam. 2 [I,T] (also
exam. churn up) if water, mud etc churns, or if something
chug /t{g/ v (chugged, chugging) 1 [| always + adv/prep] churns it, it moves about violently: We watched the ocean
if a car, train etc chugs somewhere, it moves there slowly, churn. 3 [1] if a machine, engine, wheel ete churns, it or its
with the engine making a repeated low sound: [+along/ parts begin to move: | pressed the gas pedal, and slowly the
up/around etc] The boat chugged out of the harbour. wheels began to churn. 4 [T] to make milk by using a
2 [T] (also chug-a-lug) AmE informal to drink all of some- churn ;
thing in a glass or bottle without stopping 3 [| always + churn sth <> out phr v to produce large quantities of
adv/prep] to make slow but steady progress: The economy something, especially without caring about quality: She's
just keeps chugging along. —chug n [C usually singular] been churning out novels for 20 years.
chug-ger /'t{aga $ -ar/ n [C] BrE informal someone who churn sb/sth <> up phr v1 churn sth < up to damage the
is paid to stop people in the street and persuade them to surface of the ground, especially by walking on it or
give money regularly to a CHARITY. The word comes from driving a vehicle over it: The lawn had been churned up by .
combining the words CHARITY and MUGGER. the tractor. 2 churn sth «> up to move water, mud etc
chum /t{am/ n1 [C] informal old-fashioned a good friend: around violently: The oars had churned up the mud, cloud- —
Freddie's an old school chum of mine. 2 [U] small pieces of ing the water. 3 BrE to make someone upset or angry:
oily fish, used to catch other fish Though she looked calm, in reality she was churned up inside.
 (i (2 MS = the most frequent words in written English 287 circle
churn? n1 [C] a container used for shaking milk in order people or things: [+of] Their economy was the Cinderella of
to make it into butter 2 (also milk churn) [C] BrE a large the industrialized world. —Cinderella adj [only before noun]:
metal container used to carry milk in 3 [U] the number of Mental health care has been the Cinderella service for too
people who stop buying or using a company's products long.
or services during a particular period cine= /sint/ adj Br£ relating to films or to the film
chute /fu:t/ n [C] 1a long narrow structure that slopes industry: a cine-projector
down, so that things or people can slide down it from one cine-cam-e-ra /'stni kemara/ n [C] BrE a camera for
place to another: a rubbish chute | a laundry chute | The making moving films, rather than photographs
pool had several water chutes. 2 informal a PARACHUTE
chut-ney /'t{atni/ n [U] a mixture of fruits, hot-tasting
cin-e-film /stni ftlm/ n [U] BrE film used in a cine
camera
SPICES, and sugar, that is eaten especially with meat or
cheese: mango chutney cin-e-ma E¥] /‘stnimea/ n
chutz-pah /hotspa/ n [U] informal a lot of confidence 1[C] especially BrE a building in which films are shown |
and courage to do something, especially something that SYN| movie theater Ame: It’s on at the local cinema. b
might involve being impolite to someone in authority - 2the cinema BrE if you go to the cinema, you go to a ©
used to show approval |SYN| nerve: /t took a lot of chutzpah cinema to see a film: We decided to go to the cinema.
to talk to your boss like that. 3 [singular, UJ the skill or industry of making films — cin- ©
CIA, the /si: a1 ‘e1/ (the Central Intelligence Agency) the ematic: a leading figure in Italian cinema .
department of the US government that collects informa- cin-e-ma-go-er /'sinimageva $ -govar/ n [C usually
tion about other countries, especially secretly — FBI plural] BrE someone who goes to the cinema to see a film
Ciao /t{au/ interjection informal used to say goodbye SYN| moviegoer AmE
Ci-ca-da /s#ka:da $ s#kerda, -'ka:-/ n [C] an insect that cin-e-mat-ic /sins'mettk</ adj relating to films: a cin-
lives in hot countries, has large transparent wings, and ematic masterpiece
makes a high singing noise cin-e-ma-tog-ra-phy / sinima'tografi $ -'ta:-/ n [U] the
CID, the /ssi: ar ‘di:/ (the Criminal Investigation Depart- skill or study of making films —cinematographer n [C]
ment) the department of the British police that deals with cin-e-phile /'sinifail/ n [C] someone who likes films
very serious crimes very much and considers them to be a form of art, not
=cide /said/ suffix [in nouns] another form of the suffix just entertainment: He is a complete cinephile.
-ICIDE: genocide (=killing a whole race of people) —~cidal cim-na-mon /'stnaman/ n [U] a sweet-smelling brown
[in adjectives] —-cidally [in adverbs]
substance used for giving a special taste to cakes and
ci-der /‘sarda $ -ar/ n1 [C,U] BrE an alcoholic drink made other sweet foods: a cinnamon roll
from apples, or a glass of this drink [SYN|hard cider AmE
ci-pher, cypher /'sarfa $ -ar/ n 1 [C,U] formal a system of
2 [U] AmE (also apple cider) a non-alcoholic drink made
secret writing [SYN|code: an expert in ciphers | messages
from apples
written in cipher 2 [C] someone who is not important and
ci-gar /st'ga: $ -'garr/ n [C] a thick tube-shaped thing has no power or influence: At work, she was a cipher, a
that people smoke, and which is made from tobacco functionary, nothing more. 3 [C] literary the number O
leaves that have been rolled up — cigarette SYN|zero
cig-a-rette 8 1) /sige'ret $ 'stga,ret, stga'ret/ n[C] a Cita /'s3:ka $ 's3ir-/ prep formal used before a date to
thin tube of paper filled with finely cut tobacco that show that something happened close to but not exactly
people smoke — cigar: a packet of cigarettes on that date |SYN]around: manuscripts dating from circa
ciga'rette butt /$'... ./ (also cigarette end BrE) n [C] 1100 GEESE approximate
the part of a cigarette that remains when someone has
cir-ca-di-an /s3:'ketdian $ s3ir-/ adj [only before noun]
finished smoking it
technical relating to a period of 24 hours, used especially
cigarette holder / $'... ../ n [Cc] a narrow tube for when talking about changes in people's bodies: the body's
holding a cigarette circadian rhythm
cigarette lighter/ $'... ../ n [C] a small object that
produces a flame for lighting cigarettes, ciGARs etc CIRCLE
[SYN] lighter circumference
cigarette paper / ¢ .... .../ n [C,U] thin paper that radius
people put tobacco in to make their own cigarettes
cig-gy /'stgi/ n (plural ciggies) [C] BrE spoken informal a
cigarette
ci-lan-tro /sslentrav $ s3'la:ntrou, -llan-/ n [U] AmE a
. herb, used especially in Asian and Mexican cooking
[SYN] coriander BrE
C in C /siz an'si:/ n [C] a COMMANDER IN CHIEF
cinch! /sint{/ n [singular] informal 1 something that is quadrant arc chord
very easy: ‘How was the exam?’ ‘Oh, it was a cinch!’ | bea
cinch to do sth The program is a cinch to install. 2.AmE cir-cle" Gy (zy /'s3:kal $ 's3ir-/ n [C]
something that will definitely happen, or someone who 18204 a completely round shape, like the letter O: Draw
will definitely do something: be a cinch to do sth Most a circle 10 cm in diameter. |Cut the pastry into circles.
observers say the President is a cinch to win re-election. 2 a group of people or things
cinch? y [T] 1to pull a belt, strap etc tightly around arranged in the shape of a circle: The children stood round
in a circle. | [+of] a circle of chairs
something: a blue dress cinched at the waist by a wide belt
2 AmE to make something certain to happen: They 3 a group of people who know each
cinched a place in the play-off. other and meet regularly, or who have similar interests or
jobs: [+of] a circle of friends | political/legal/literary etc
cin-der /'sinda $ -ar/ n [C usually plural] a very small circles He's well-known in fashionable circles. |Johnson was
piece of burnt wood, coal etc: a cold hearth full of cinders | part of the President's inner circle (=the people who have
The cake was burnt to a cinder (=completely burnt). the most influence).
cinder block n [Cc] AmE a large grey brick used to build 4 BrE the upper floor of a theatre, that has seats
houses and other buildings, made from CEMENT and arranged in curved rows [SYN]balcony AmE — see picture
cinders [SYN] breeze-block BrE —+ see picture at BLOCK’ at THEATRE
Cin-der-el-la /sinda'rela/ n [C] a person or thing that 5 go/run around in circles to think or argue about some-
has been ignored or treated as less important than other thing without deciding anything or making progress
 circle 288 = words from the Academic Word List

6 come/go full circle (also turn full circle BrE) to end in the group or society: in/out of circulation Police believe there
same situation in which you began, even though there are thousands of illegal guns in circulation. | The book was
have been changes in the time in between: Sooner or later, taken out of circulation. |remove/withdraw sth from circula-
fashion comes full circle. tion The Treasury Department plans to remove older coins
7 (dark) circles under your eyes dark areas under your eyes from circulation and replace them with new ones.
that you have when you are very tired — square the circle 3 LC, usually singular] the average number of copies of a
at SQUARE3(5), > VICIOUS CIRCLE newspaper or magazine that are usually sold each day,
circle? v1 [T] to draw a circle around something: Circle week, month etc: [+of] The newspaper has a daily circula-
the correct answer. 2 [|,T] to move in the shape of a circle tion of 55,000. 4 [C,U] the movement of liquid, air etc in a
around something, especially in the air: The plane circled system: Let's open the windows and get some circulation in
the airport before landing. | [+round/above/over etc] The here. 5 in circulation/out of circulation informal when
pigeons circled above the terrace. someone takes part or does not take part in social activi-
cir-clet /'s3:klst $ 's3rr-/ n [C] a narrow band of gold, ties at a particular time: Sandy’s out of circulation until after
silver, or jewels worn around someone's head or arms her exams,
circuit (ey /'s3:kit $ 's3r-/ n [C] cir-cu-la-to-ry /s3:kj'lertari, 's3:kjglatari $ 's3irkj$latozri/
- 1a path that forms a circle around an area, or a journey adj [only before noun] relating to the movement of blood
along this path: We did a circuit of the old city. around your body: the heart and circulatory system
2 BrE a track that cars, MOTORBIKES etc race around cir-cum-cise /'s3:kamsaiz $ 'ssir-/ v [T] 1 to cut off the
3 the tennis/lecture/cabaret etc circuit all the places that skin at the end of the PENIS (=male sex organ) 2 to cut off
are usually visited by someone who plays tennis etc: a a woman's CLITORIS (=part of her sex organs)
well-known entertainer on the club circuit cir-cum:ci-Sion /s3:kam'srzan $ \s3ir-/ n [C,U] the act of
4 the complete circle that an electric current travels: an circumcising someone, or an occasion when a baby is
electrical circuit circumcised as part of a religious ceremony
5a regular trip around an area made by a judge or a cir-cum-fer-ence /sa'kamfarans $ sar-/ n [C usually sin-
religious leader, so that a court of law or church can meet gular, U] the distance or measurement around the outside
in several different places: a circuit judge | a circuit of a circle or any round shape — diameter, perimeter,
preacher radius: [+of] the circumference of the Earth | in circumfer-
6 do circuits BrE informal to do CIRCUIT TRAINING —+ CLOSED ence The island is only nine miles in circumference. + see
CIRCUIT TELEVISION, PRINTED CIRCUIT, SHORT CIRCUIT picture at CIRCLE’
‘circuit board n [Cc] a board in a piece of electrical
equipment that uses thin lines of metal to CONDUCT
cir-cum-flex /'sa:kamfleks $ 's3:r-/ n [C] a mark placed
above a letter in various languages such as French, for
(=carry) electricity between different points
example 6
‘circuit breaker n [c] a piece of equipment that stops
an electric current reaching a machine if the machine cir-cum-lo-cu-tion /s3:kamla'kjufan $ s3r-/ n [C,U]
becomes dangerous formal the practice of using too many words to express an
idea, instead of saying it directly —circumlocutory
‘circuit court n [C] a court of law that meets in small
/ s3tkam'lokjutari/ adj: a circumlocutory reply
towns within a particular area whenever a judge visits
from a larger town cir-cum-nav-i-gate /s3:kem'nevigert $ s3r-/ v [T] to
cir-cusi-tous /s3rkjuzstas $ s3ir-/ adj going from one sail, fly, or travel completely around the Earth, an island
place to another in a way that is longer than the most etc —circumnavigation /s3ikamnevsigerfan $ s3ir-/ n
direct way: a hard circuitous hike —circuitously adv [C,U]: circumnavigation of the world
cir-cuit-ry /'s3:kitri $ 'sair-/ n [U] a system of electric cir-cum-scribe /'ss:kamskratb $ 'ssir-/ -v_ ([T]
circuits 1 [often passive] formal to limit power, rights, or abilities
‘circuit training n (UJ BrE a series of many different [SYN] restrict: The President's power is circumscribed by Con-
exercises done quickly after each other, in order to gress and the Supreme Court. 2. technical to draw a line
increase your fitness around something: a circle circumscribed by a square
cir-cu-lar™ /'s3:kj3la $ 'sairkjglar/ adj 1shaped like a circle: cir-cum-spect /'sa:kamspekt $ 's3:r-/ adj formal thinking
a circular table 2 moving around in a circle: a circular bus carefully about something before doing it, in order to
route 3 circular argument/logic/reasoning an argument or avoid risk [SYN] cautious: The governor was usually circum-
way of thinking that is not right because the statement it spect when dealing with the media. —circumspectly adv
uses to prove that the argument is true can only be true if —circumspection /s3ikam'spekjan $ s3ir-/ n [U]
the original argument is already true —circularity cir-cum-stance fy [i LG /'s3:komstans, -stans $ 's3:r-/
/ s3ikjsilersti $ s3:r-/ n [U] n
circular? n [Cc] a printed advertisement, notice etc that 1[C usually plural] the conditions that affect a situation,
is sent to lots of people at the same time action, event etc: The Soviet Union had been forced by
circular ‘file n [C] a wasTEPAPeR BASKET - used humor- circumstances to sign a pact with Nazi Germany. | | can’t
ously imagine a circumstance in which | would be willing to steal. |
in ... circumstances The rules can only be waived in excep-
\circular ‘saw n [C] an electric tool with a round metal tional circumstances. | under ... circumstances Prisoners can
blade that has small sharp parts around the edge, used
for cutting wood
only leave their cells under certain circumstances.
2 under no circumstances (also in no circumstances BrE)
cir-cu-late /'s3:kjslett $ ‘s3:r-/ v 1 [1,1] to move around used to emphasize that something must definitely not
within a system, or to make something do this: Swimming happen: Under no circumstances are you to go out.
helps to get the blood circulating through the muscles. | 3 under/given the circumstances (also in the circumstances
Ceiling fans circulated warm air around the room. 2 [1] if BrE) used to say that a particular situation makes an
information, facts, ideas etc circulate, they become action, decision etc necessary, acceptable, or true when it
known by many people: Rumours began circulating that the would not normally be: It’s the best result that could be
Prime Minister was seriously ill. 3 [T] to send goods, infor- expected under the circumstances.
mation etc to people: The group circulated petitions calling 4([U] formal the combination of facts, events etc that
for a federal law to ban handguns. 4 [I] to talk to a lot of influence your life, and that you cannot control: He was a
different people in a group, especially at a party victim of circumstance. ;
cir-cu-la-tion /s3:kj'lerfan $ s3:r-/ n 1 [singular, U] the 5 circumstances [plural] formal the conditions in which you
movement of blood around your body: Exercise improves live, especially how much money you have: economic/
the circulation. |good/bad circulation Doctors had to remove financial/personal etc circumstances Whether or not you
her leg because of bad circulation. 2 [U] the exchange of qualify for a loan will depend on your financial
information, money etc from one person to another in a circumstances. | people living in difficult social ~
 Gl = words from the Academic Word List 289 city
circumstances | in reduced circumstances old-fashioned supply of water for a building is stored inside the building
(=with much less money than you used to have) + pomp syN| tank
and circumstance at POMP cit-a-del /'sttadal, -del/ n [C] 1a strong ForT (=small
feo]HKeleyvale).ky castle) built in the past as a place where people could go
| ADJECTIVES | for safety if their city was attacked [SYN] fortress
2 the citadel of sth literary a place or situation in which an
in/under certain circumstances (=if particular
idea, principle, system etc that you think is important is
conditions exist) /n certain circumstances you may be
kept safe [SYN] stronghold: the last citadel of freedom
refused a visa.
exceptional/special circumstances The court may ci-ta-tion [¥g /sar'terfan/ n [C] 1 AmE a formal state-
allow this evidence in exceptional circumstances. ment or piece of writing publicly praising someone's
normal circumstances /n normal circumstances, a actions or achievements: [+for] a citation for bravery
child’s language will develop naturally. 2 an official order for someone to appear in court or pay a
particular circumstances (=special or specific) FINE for doing something illegal: [+for] Turner was issued a
There may be particular circumstances in which this rule traffic citation for reckless driving. 3 a line taken from a
will not apply. book, speech etc [SYN] quotation: The essay begins with a
difficult circumstances Many teachers are doing a citation from ‘Hamlet’.
very good job under difficult circumstances. cite Eq /sart/ v [7] formal 1to mention something as an
suspicious circumstances (=making you think example, especially one that supports, proves, or explains
something illegal has happened), Officers said there an idea or situation: The judge cited a 1956 Supreme Court
were no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death. ruling in her decision. | cite sth as sth Several factors have
mysterious circumstances (=strange or suspicious) been cited as the cause of the unrest. GOES MENTION
One of their colleagues had vanished in mysterious 2 to give the exact words of something that has been
circumstances. written, especially in order to support an opinion or prove
unusual circumstances |unforeseen circumstances an idea [SYN] quote: The passage cited above is from a Robert
(=that you did not realize would happen) |tragic Frost poem. 3 to order someone to appear before a court
circumstances (=extremely sad and unfortunate) | of law [SYN] summon: cite sb for sth Two managers had been
extenuating/mitigating circumstances cited for similar infractions. 4 BrE to mention someone by
(=conditions that make it reasonable for someone to name in a court case: Sue was cited in the divorce
break the rules or law) proceedings. 5 to mention someone because they deserve
| PHRASES praise: cite sb (for sth) Garcia was cited for her work with
disabled children.
unusual set of circumstances. cit-i-zen Gy [A /'sttizan/ n [C]
the circumstances surrounding sth Police are 1someone who lives in a particular town, country, or
investigating the circumstances surrounding the state: We need our schools to teach students to be good
accident. citizens. | The mayor urged citizens to begin preparing for a
due to circumstances beyond sb’s control major storm. —> SENIOR CITIZEN
Occasionally flights are cancelled due to circumstances 2someone who legally belongs to a particular country
beyond our control. and has rights and responsibilities there, whether they
are living there or not — national: At the time, there were
cir-cum:stan-tial /s3ikam'stenfale $ s3ir-/ adj 1 law over 2,000 British citizens living in Iraq.
based on something that appears to be true but is not 3 second-class citizen someone who is made to feel unim-
proven: circumstantial evidence/case The case against portant because of the way people treat them
McCarthy is based largely on circumstantial evidence. cit-i-zen-ry /'‘stt3zanri/ n [U] formal all the citizens in a
2 formal including all the details: The book includes a long particular town, country, or state
and circumstantial account of Empson’s conversation with
the Queen. —circumstantially adv \citizen’s ar'rest n [Cc] when a person who is not a
police officer catches someone and presents them to the
cir-cum-vent /szkam'vent $ s3r-/ v [T] formal police because they have done something illegal: Brown
1 to avoid a problem or rule that restricts you, especially made a citizen's arrest when a youth attempted to rob an
in a clever or dishonest way - used to show disapproval: elderly woman.
The company opened an account abroad, in order to circum-
vent the tax laws. 2 to avoid something by changing the Citizens’ 'Band pn [U] cs
direction in which you are travelling: We went north in cit-i-zen-ship /'sitizenfp/ n [U] 1the legal right of
order to circumvent the mountains. —circumvention belonging to a particular country — nationality: French/
/-venfen/ n [U] US/Brazilian etc citizenship | have applied for French
Cif-cus /s3tkas $ 's31r-/ n 1[C] a group of people and citizenship. |McGuirk holds dual citizenship (=the legal right
' animals who travel to different places performing skilful of being a citizen in two countries) in Ireland and the US.
tricks as entertainment: circus act (=a trick performed ina 2 the ways in which a good citizen behaves, for example
circus) |circus ring (=a large circular area where tricks are being responsible and helping their COMMUNITY: The
performed) 2 [singular] informal a situation in which there schools should be responsible for teaching our children good
is too much excitement or noise: The first day of school is citizenship.
always such a circus. | The trial has turned into a media cit-ric acid /srttrtk ‘esid/ n [U] a weak acid found in
circus. 3 [C usually singular] BrE a round open area where some fruits such as LEMONS
several streets join together, often used in place names: cit-ron /'sttran/ n [C] a fruit like a LEMON but bigger
Piccadilly Circus 4 [C] a place in ancient Rome where
fights, races etc took place, with seats built in a circle cit-ron-el-la /sttra'nele/ n [U] an oil used for keeping
insects away
cir-rho:-sis /ss'rausis $ -'rou-/ n [U] a serious disease of
the Liver, often caused by drinking too much alcohol cit-rus /'sttras/ n [C] 1 (also ‘citrus tree) a type of tree
that produces citrus fruits 2 (also 'citrus fruit) a fruit with
citrus /'stras/ n [U] a form of cloud that is light and thick skin, such as an orange or LEMON —citrus adj
shaped like feathers, high in the sky
CIS /si: a 'es/ n (Commonwealth of Independent States) cit-y & Oi /‘stti/ n (plural cities) (C]
an association formed by countries that were formerly 1a large important town: The nearest big city was St. Louis.
part of the Soviet Union —»+ INNER CITY
2a) BrE a large town that has been given an official title
cis-Sy /'stsi/ n (plural cissies) [C] BrE informal sissy by a king or queen: the city of Oxford b) AmE a town of any
cis-tern /ststan $ -arn/ n [C] a container in which the size that has definite borders and powers that were
ons 290 st & E== the mosteiiequent words in spoken English

officially given by the state government: The city of Cleve- leg saatn{C]1 (also financial editor) BrE a JOURNAL-
land celebrated its 200th birthday with fireworks and an ist responsible for the financial news in a newspaper
outdoor concert. 2 AmE a newspaper EDITOR who is responsible for local
3 [usually singular] the people who live in a city: The city news
has been living in fear since last week's earthquake. city ‘fathers n [plural] the group of people who govern
4 the city AmE the government of a city: The city is a city
working to improve public transportation. — CITY, THE city ‘hall n 1[U] AmE the government of a city: The
COLLOCATIONS Seas program simply hasn't been a high priority at City
Hall. 2 [C usually singular] the building a city government
uses as its offices
apie/imiae/aiier city They have stores in Houston,
Dallas, and other big cities. city ‘planning n [U] AmE the study of the way cities
a great city (=very important and interesting) Cairo work, so that roads, houses, services etc can be provided
is one of the world's great cities. effectively [S¥N] town planning BrE
a capital city (=where the government of a country cit-y-scape /'sttiskerp/ n [C,U] the way a city looks, or
or state is) Cuba's capital city is Havana. the way it looks from a particular place: the gray New York
sb's home/native city (=where they were born or cityscape
grew up) He said that he never wanted to leave his city ‘slicker n [Cc] someone who lives and works in a
home city. city and has no experience of anything outside it - often
a cosmopolitan city (=full of people from different used to show disapproval
parts of the world) San Francisco is a very \city-'state / ¢'.. .., ... ‘/ n [C] an independent state
cosmopolitan city. that consists of a city and the surrounding country area,
an industrial city |an ancient city |a historic city especially in the past: the city-state of Athens
(=very old and with an interesting Bish?
cit-y-wide /'sttiwatd/ adj involving all the areas of a
| NOUNS | ae Sonia city: a citywide campaign to fight racism
the city SEE BrE, the cityeae EE The noel is in Civ-i¢ /'stv1k/ adj [only before noun] 1 relating to a town or
the city centre. city: Jackson spent the day meeting with local religious and
the city limits AmE (=the furthest parts of the city) civic leaders. 2 relating to the people who live in a town or
rural areas south of the city limits city: /t is your civic duty to vote in the local elections. |civic
a city dweller (=someone who lives in a city) |city pride (=people’s pride in their own city)
life civic ‘centre Br, civic center AmE n [C] 1 BrE an area in
a city where all the public buildings are 2 AmE a large
THESAURUS public building where events such as sports games and
\ CE WITH HOUSES, SHOPS, AND OFFICES _ concerts are held
city a large area with houses, shops, offices etc that Civ-ics /'siviks/ n [U] especially AmE a school subject
is often the centre of government for an area. A city dealing with the rights and duties of citizens and the way
is bigger than a town: The nearest big city is San government works
Francisco. civ-il By 0 BG /sval/ adj
town a large area with houses, shops, offices etc. A 1[only before noun] relating to the people who live in a
town is smaller than a city: La Corufia is a pretty country: civil war/disturbance/unrest etc (=fighting etc
seaside town. between different groups of people living in the same
capital (also capital city) the city where the country) — CIVIL LIBERTY, CIVIL RIGHTS
government of a country or state is: We travelled to 2 [only before noun] relating to the ordinary people or
Budapest, the capital of Hungary. things in a country that are not part of military, govern-
metropolis a big busy city that is full of people and ment, or religious organizations: They were married in a
activity: After 1850 Paris grew quickly into a busy civil ceremony in May.
metropolis. 3 [only before noun] relating to the laws about the private
urban adj [only before noun] relating to towns and affairs of citizens, such as laws about business or prop-
cities: Air pollution is particularly bad in urban areas. | erty, rather than laws about crime — civil law, criminal:
urban development Many civil cases can be seitled out of court.
4 polite in a formal but not very friendly way — civility: Try
| OUTSIDE PART OF CITY
at least to be civil. GEESNTIS> po ite
the outskirts the area around the edge of a city or
just outside it: Disneyland is on the outskirts of Paris. civil defence Br, civil defense AmE n [U] the organi-
suburb an area around the edges of a city, where zation of ordinary rather than military people to help
many people live: He lives in a suburb of London. |the defend their country from military attack
suburbs: More and more people are moving to the civil diso'bedience n [U] when people, especially a
suburbs. large group of people, refuse to obey a law in order to
protest in a peaceful way against the government \
City, the (also the City of London) BrE an area in central civil engineering n [u] the planning, building, and
London where there are many large banks and financial repair of roads, bridges, large buildings ete —civil engi-
organizations, including the Bank of England and the neer n [C]
STOCK EXCHANGE. The City has an area of about one square ci-vil-ian /s3'vtljan/ n [C] anyone who is not a fernber
mile (about 2.5 square kilometres), and it is sometimes of the military forces or the police: Many innocent civilians
called ‘the Square Mile’, especially in newspapers. Its were killed during the war. —civilian adj [only before noun]: It
name is sometimes used to mean people who work there was difficult to return to civilian life after ten years in the
and make financial decisions. There is a similar area in military. :
New York City called Wall Street: The City is optimistic
about the outlook for inflation. |a firm of City stockbrokers ci-vil-i-ty /ss'vilsti/ n formal 1[U] polite behaviour which
most people consider normal — civil: Please have the
icity ‘centre n [C] BrE the main shopping or business civility to knock before you enter next time.
area in a city + downtown 2 civilities [plural] something that you say or do in order to
\city ‘council n [Cc] the group of elected officials who be polite: We exchanged civilities when we were neighbours,
are responsible for governing a city but nothing more.
‘city desk n[c]1 BrE a department of a newspaper that civ-i-li-za-tion (also -isation BrE) /stval-ar'zerfan
deals with financial news 2 AmE a department of a $ -vala-/ n 1[C,U] a society that is well organized and -
newspaper that deals with local news developed, used especially about a particular society ina
(0 (2 GBS = the most frequent words in written English 291 claim
particular place or at a particular time — civilized: modern claim’ §] Oy /klerm/ v
American civilization | [+of] the ancient civilizations of 1050) [T] to state that something is true-even though
Greece and Rome 2 [U] all the societies in the world it has not been proved: claim (that) The product claims that
considered as a whole: The book explores the relationship it can make you thin without dieting. |claim to do/be sth No
between religion and civilization. | the dawn of civilization responsible therapist will claim to cure your insomnia. | |
(=the beginning of civilization) 3 [U] a place such as a don't claim to be a feminist, but I'd like to see more women in
city where you feel comfortable, especially because it is top jobs. |claim to have done sth The girls claim to have seen
modern — civilized: After a week in the mountains, all | the fairies. | claim responsibility/credit (for sth) (=say offi-
wanted to do was get back to civilization. cially that you are responsible for something that has
Civ-i-lize (also -ise BrE) /'stval-aiz/ v [T] 1 to influence happened) The group claimed responsibility for the
someone's behaviour, making or teaching them to act in a bombings. | Opposition leaders will claim victory if the turn-
more sensible or gentle way: The missionaries went out to out is lower than 50%. | claim sb/sth as sth A /etter
civilize other places. 2 to improve a society so that it is appeared in ‘The Times’ claiming Fleming as the discoverer of
more organized and developed, and often more fair or penicillin.
comfortable: Ellis was credited with civilizing the Texas 2 (ES [1,7] to officially demand or receive money from
prison system. an organization because you have a right to it: claim sth
Civ-i-lized (also -ised Br) /'stval-aizd/ adj 1a civilized back He should be able to claim the price of the ticket back. |
society is well organized and developed, and has fair laws [+on] BrE: You can claim on the insurance if you have an
and customs — civilization: Such things should not happen accident while on holiday. | claim benefit/an allowance/
in a civilized society. 2 pleasant and comfortable — civi- damages etc /f you're still not satisfied, you may be able to
lized: ‘This is very civilized,’ she said, lying back with a gin claim compensation.
and tonic. 3 behaving in a polite sensible way instead of 3 PSE [T] to state that you have a right to take or
getting angry: Let’s try and be civilized about this, shall we? have something that is legally yours: The majority of those
4a civilized hour a time that is not too early in the who claim asylum are genuine refugees. | Lost property can
morning: Can't we have the meeting at a more civilized be claimed between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
hour? 4 D2) [7] if a war, accident etc claims lives, people die
Civil ‘law n [U] the area of law relating to the affairs of because of it - used especially in news reports: The
private citizens rather than crime — criminal law earthquake has so far claimed over 3,000 lives.
5 asa) «[T] if something claims your attention, you
civil ‘liberty n [UJ (also civil liberties [plural]) the right notice and consider it carefully: The military conflict con-
of all citizens to be free to do whatever they want while
tinues to claim our undivided attention.
respecting the rights of other people
‘Civil List n the Civil List the sum of money given every claim? & fn [c]
year by Parliament to the King or Queen of Britain and 12007) a statement that something is true, even though
members of their family it has not been proved: claim that Gould rejected claims
civil ‘partner n [Cc] someone who has an official rela- that he had acted irresponsibly. | false/extravagant/ dubious
tionship with another person of the same sex, so that he etc claims firms that make false claims about their products |
or she has the same rights in law as a husband or wife in They made claims they couldn't live up to. | the competing
a marriage claims of scientists | dispute/deny/reject a claim The police
civil ‘partnership n [c] an official relationship denied claims that the men were tortured. | Evidence to
between two people of the same sex, which gives them support these claims is still lacking. | claim to do/be sth his
the same legal rights as two people who are married claim to be the rightful owner of the painting | | make no
civil 'rights n [plural] the rights that every person claim to understand the complexities of the situation.
should have, such as the right to vote or to be treated 2 [eT a) an official request for money that you think
fairly by the law, whatever their sex, race, or religion: civil you have a right to: [+for] claims for compensation |
rights demonstration/movement etc a civil rights leader reject/uphold/lose etc a claim He Jost his claim for unfair
—> BILL OF RIGHTS dismissal. | make/put in/file a claim All claims should be
civil ‘servant n [Cc] someone employed in the civil made in writing. | pay/wage claim (=a request from work-
service ers for more money) | Fill in and return the claim form as
soon as it arrives. b) the sum of money you request when
civil ‘service n the civil service the government depart-
you make a claim: The insurance company cannot meet
ments that manage the affairs of the country
(=pay) such enormous claims.
(civil ‘war n [CU] a war in which opposing groups of 3 GG a right to do something or to have something,
people from the same country fight each other in order to especially because it belongs to you or because you
gain political control: the Spanish Civil War deserve it: [+to/on] Surely they have a rightful claim on
civ-vies, civies /'stviz/ n [plural] informal ordinary their father’s land? | The Maldives pressed its claim to hold
_ clothes, rather than military uniform: Sam! | didn't recog- the summit. | Philip feared Edward would lay claim to the
nise you in civvies. Scottish crown. | the competing claims of parents and
civ-vy street /'srvi stri:t/ n [U] BrE old-fashioned infor- teachers |have a claim on sb's time/attention etc A woman
mal ordinary life as it is lived outside the army, navy, or air who has given a man children will always have a claim on his
force: | bet your family will be glad to see you when you get love.
back to civvy street. 4 stake your claim (for sth) to say that you have a right to
CJD /ssi: der 'di:/ n [U] the abbreviation of Creutzfeldt- own or do something, especially when other people also
Jakob disease say they have a right to it: Tickets are on a ‘first come, first
cl (plural cl or cls) the written abbreviation of centilitre or served’ basis, so stake your claim now.
centilitres 5 sb's/sth's claim to fame a place or person's claim to fame
clack /klek/ v [I] to make a continuous short hard is the reason why they are famous. - often used humor-
sound: the sound of high heels clacking across the courtyard ously to mention something that is not very important:
—clack n [singular]: the clack of typewriters My main claim to fame is that |once shook Madonna's hand.
6 M0) something such as a piece of land that contains
clad /kled/ adj literary 1 wearing a particular kind of valuable minerals
clothing: [+in] She felt hot, despite being clad only in a thin
cotton dress. | warmly/suitably/scantily clad (=dressed
warmly etc) 2 snow-clad/ivy-clad etc covered in a particu- claim a statement that something is true, even
lar thing: an armour-clad ship though it has not been proved: It is difficult to believe
clad-ding /‘kledin/ n [U] especially BrE a cover of hard some of the manufacturer's claims for its products.
material that protects the outside of a building, piece of allegation a statement that someone has done
equipment etc: decorative timber cladding something wrong or illegal, but that has not been
claimant | EQ = words from the Academic Word List

proved: He has strongly denied the allegations of sexual share the same name: the Campbell clan | warring clans
harassment. 2 informal a very large family: The whole clan will be here
assertion formal something that you say or write over Christmas.
that you strongly believe: the assertion that house clan-des:tine /klen'destin/ adj done or kept secret: a
prices are falling clandestine affair |clandestine meetings [LEELULIE> SECRET
contention formal a strong opinion that someone clang /klen/ v [1,1] if a metal object clangs, or if you
expresses: Her main contention is that doctors should clang it, it makes a loud ringing sound: The gates clanged
do more to encourage healthy eating. shut behind her. —clang n [singular]
clai-mant /‘kletmant/ n [C] someone who claims clang-er /‘klena $ -ar/ n [C usually singular] BrE informal a
something, especially money, from the government, a
silly or embarrassing mistake: | can’t help noticing the
court etc because they think they have a right to it: benefit
occasional clanger in war films. | He's being blamed for
dropping a massive political clanger (=making a silly or
claimants
embarrassing remark).
clair-voy-ant /klea'varant $ kler-/ n [C] someone who
says they can see what will happen in the future
clang-our Br€, clangor AmE /‘klena $ -ar/ n [U] literary a
loud sound that continues for a long time
—clairvoyance n [U]: the gifts of telepathy and clairvoyance
—clairvoyant adj clank /klank/ v [1] if a metal object clanks, it makes a
loud heavy sound: A tram clanked past. —clank n [C]
clam! /klam/ n [C] 1a SHELLFISH you can eat that has a
shell in two parts that open up: clam chowder (=a type of —clanking n [U]: the clanking of machinery
soup) — see picture at SHELLFISH 2 as happy as a clam AmE clan-nish /kleny// adj written a group of people who
informal very happy 3 AmE informal someone who does are clannish are very close to each other, and seem
not say what they are thinking or feeling unfriendly towards strangers: a clannish community
clam? v (clammed, clamming) clans:man /‘klenzman/ n (plural clansmen /-man/) [C]
clam up phr v informal to suddenly stop talking, especially a male member of a CLAN
when you are nervous or shy: A sensitive child is likely just clans:wom:-an /‘klenzwoman/ n (plural clanswomen
to clam up. /-wimin/) LC] a female member of a CLAN
clam-bake /‘klembetk/ n [C] AmE an informal outdoor clap’ /klep/ v (clapped, clapping) 1 [1,7] to hit your
party near the sea, where clams are cooked and eaten hands against each other many times to make a sound
clam-ber /‘klemba $ -ar/ v [| always + adv/prep] to climb that shows your approval, agreement, or enjoyment
or move slowly somewhere, using your hands and feet —+ applause: One man began to clap, and others joined in. |
because it is difficult or steep: [+over/across etc] They The couple were cheered and clapped on their arrival. | The
clambered over the slippery rocks. | We all clambered aboard audience clapped politely but without much enthusiasm.
and the boat pulled out. 2 [7] if you clap your hands, you hit your hands together
clam-my /‘klami/ adj feeling unpleasantly wet, cold, a few times to attract someone's attention or to show
and sticky: Get your clammy hands off me! GIES that you are pleased: Narouz clapped his hands and a
DAMP, WET —clammily adv —clamminess n [U] servant entered. | Mandy laughed and clapped her hands in
delight. 3 [T] to put your hand on something quickly and
clam-our? BrE, clamor AmE /‘klema $ -ar/ n [singular, U] firmly: ‘Mick!’ She clapped her hand over her mouth. ‘I'd
1a very loud noise made by a large group of people or
forgotten!’ | Ben grinned and clapped me amiably on the
animals: He shouted over the rising clamour of voices.
shoulder, 4 clap eyes on sb/sth BrE informal to see some-
2 the expression of feelings of anger and shock by a large
one or something, especially when you did not expect to:
number of people - used especially in news reports:
Mark had loved the house from the moment he clapped eyes
[+for] Trouillot disregarded the growing public clamour for
on it. 5 clap sb in prison/jail/irons literary to suddenly put
her resignation. —clamorous adj
someone in prison or chains —clapping n [U]; Each song
clamour? BrE, clamor Ame v [|] 1 [always + adv/prep] to
was greeted with enthusiastic clapping.
demand something loudly: [+for] The audience cheered,
clap? n 1 [singular] the loud sound that you make when
clamoring for more. | clamour to do sth All his friends were
you hit your hands together many times to show that you
clamouring to know where he’d been. 2 to talk or shout
enjoyed something: give sb a clap BrE: Come on everyone,
loudly: Children clamored excitedly.
let's give Tommya clap. 2 [singular] a sudden loud noise: an
clamp! /klamp/ v [T] 1 [always + adv/prep] to put or
ear-splitting clap of thunder 3 the clap informal GONORRHEA
hold something in a position so that it cannot move: She
clamped her hands over her ears. |Creed opened his mouth to
clap-board /klepbo:d $ 'klebard, 'klepboird/ n [C,U]
especially BrE a set of boards used to cover the outside of
speak, then clamped it shut. 2 clamp sanctions/restrictions
a building, or one of these boards: clapboard houses
etc on sb to put limits on what someone is allowed to do:
The President clamped sanctions on the island after the bomb Clap-ham Junc-tion /klzpem ‘dzankfan/ a railway
attack. 3 [always + adv/prep] to hold two things together station in southwest London where a lot of people catch a
using a clamp: Clamp the two parts together until the glue train to work or change trains. A busy place with a lot of
dries. 4 [usually passive] (also wheel-clamp) BrE to put a people coming and going is sometimes described as
clamp on the wheel of a car so that the car cannot be being ‘like Clapham Junction’.
driven away. This is usually done because the car is ,clapped-'out adj BrE a clapped-out car, machine etc'is
illegally parked [SYN]boot AmE: He returned, only to dis- old and in very bad condition
cover his car had been clamped. clapper /‘klepa $ -ar/ n [C] 1 the metal part inside a
clamp down phr v to take firm action to stop a particular bell that hits it to make it ring 2 run/go/drive etc like the
type of crime —+ clampdown: [ton] The police are clamping clappers BrE informal to run, drive etc very fast
down on drink-driving offenders. clap-trap /‘kleptrap/ n [U] informal talk that is stupid
clamp? n [C] 1a piece of equipment for holding things or shows a lack of knowledge: romantic claptrap—
together 2 (also wheel clamp) BrE a metal object that is claque /klek/ n [C] a group of people who show
fastened to the wheel of a car so that the car cannot be approval of everything that a politician, performer etc
driven away. This is usually done because the car is says: There was applause from the claque of supporters
illegally parked boot AmE around him.
clamp-down /‘klampdaon/ n [C usually singular] sudden clar-et /‘klarat/ n 1[C,U] red wine from the Bordeaux
firm action that is taken to reduce crime: [+on] a clamp- area of France: a bottle of claret 2 [U] a dark red colour
down on drug dealers —claret adj
clam-shell phone /kizmfel faun $ -foun/ n [C] a clar-i-fi-ca-tion [Yq /klersfs'kerjan/ n [C,U] formal the —
MOBILE PHONE that has a top part which folds over the act of making something clearer or easier to understand,
bottom part or an explanation that makes something clearer: There -
clam /klan/ n [C] 1a large group of families who often have been a number of official changes and clarifications. |
 EX = words from the Academic Word List 293 class

[+on/of] Email us if you require further clarification on how sb to your chest/bosom (=hold someone tightly with your
to order. |seek/ask for clarification | asked for clarification on arms) [ESA HOLD 2 to fasten something with a
the legal position. clasp
clar-i-fy[X /‘klersfar/ v (clarified, clarifying, clarifies) [T] class! §] (a /klars $ kles/ n
1 formal to make something clearer or easier to under- 1EQNKTTIT a) [C] one of the groups in a society that
stand — clarification: clarify issues/a statement/matters different types of people are divided into according to
etc Could you clarify one or two points for me? | Reporters their jobs, income, education etc: a member of the landed
asked him to clarify his position (=say exactly what his class (=people who own land) —>+ LOWER CLASS, MIDDLE
beliefs are) on welfare reform. | clarify how/what etc The CLASS, UPPER CLASS, WORKING CLASS, —> the chattering classes
report aims to clarify how these conclusions were reached. at CHATTER'(4) b) [U] the system in which people are
2 to make something cleaner or purer by heating it: divided into these groups: Defining the concept of class is
clarified butter not an easy task. | The old class system is slowly disappear-
ing.
clar-i-net /klerinet/ n [C] a musical instrument like a 2802s [C, also + plural verb BrE] a) a group of stu-
long black tube, that you play by blowing into it and dents who are taught together — classmate: in a class
pressing KEYys to change the notes — see picture at We're in the same class for math. |Gary came top of the class ~
WOODWIND —clarinettist n [C] in English. |My class are going to the Lake District.b) AmE a ~
clar-i-on call /‘klerian ko:l $ -ko:I/ n [C] formal a strong group of students who finished studying together in the ~
and direct request for people to do something: This elec- same year — classmate: a class reunion | the class of
tion is a clarion call for our country to face the challenges 1965/2001 etc (=the group of students who finished in
ahead. 1965 etc) The class of ‘69 spent almost as much time
protesting as learning.
clar-i-ty EQ /‘klersti/ n [U] 1 the clarity of a piece of
3 PE) [C,U] a period of time during which
writing, law, argument etc is its quality of being
someone teaches a group of people, especially in a
expressed clearly — clear: Letters may be edited for length
school [SYN] lesson BrE: | missed Bible class last week. | in
and clarity. | a lack of clarity in the law on property rights
class (=during the class) No talking in class! | He was
2 the ability to think, understand, or remember some-
injured in a science Class.
thing clearly — clear: He had only visited the village once,
4 G§iDyi [C] a series of classes in a particular subject
but remembered it with surprising clarity. | clarity of vision/
[syN|course BrE: [+in] a class in photography at night
purpose/thought ete Churchill's clarity of vision impressed all
school |a dance class |Cindy's taking a class on dealing with
who knew him. 3 the quality of being clear and easy to see
stress.
or hear — clear: The picture was of such clarity that it could
5 Aaa ~[C] a group of people, animals, or
have been a photograph.
things that are considered together because they are
clash’ /klef/ v1 [1] if two armies, groups etc clash, they similar in some way: [tof] Have you passed a test for this
start fighting - used in news reports: Troops clashed near class of vehicle?
the border. |[+with] Police have clashed with demonstrators 6 REZ Lay [C usually singular] one of the differ-
again today. 2 [|] if two people or groups clash, they argue ent standards of seats, food etc available on a train,
because they have very different beliefs and opinions - aircraft etc: first/business/tourist etc class We always
used in news reports: [+with] Democrats clashed with travel first class.
Republicans in a heated debate. | [+over/on] The two men 7 Ge ~[C] a group into which people or things are
have clashed over the report’s conclusions. 3 [1] if two col- divided according to their quality or abilities: nicer/better
ours or designs clash, they look very bad together: etc class of sth The port now attracts a wealthier class of
[+with] | can’t wear red - it clashes with my _ hair. visitor. | in a class of its own/in a different class (=better
4 [1] especially BrE if two events clash, they happen at the than everything else) Its sheer versatility puts this computer
same time in a way that is inconvenient [SYN] conflict in a different class. | He's not in the same class (=not as
Ame: [+with] The announcement has been delayed to avoid good) as her at tennis.
clashing with the Prime Minister's speech. 5 [1,1] if two 8 Gna [UV] informal a high level of style or skill in
pieces of metal clash, or if you clash them, they make a something — classy: have/show class The team showed
loud ringing sound: The cymbals clashed. real class in this afternoon's match. |A fountain will give your
garden a touch of class. |class player/actress etc |a class act
clash? n [C] 1a short fight between two armies or
groups - used in news reports: armed clashes along the informal (=someone who is. skilful, attractive etc)
Laughton is a class act who's proved his worth in the game.
border |[+between/with] violent clashes between police and
—> HIGH-CLASS, LOW-CLASS
demonstrators 2 an argument between two people or
9M Siadsda4 [C] BrE one of the three levels of a
groups because they have very different beliefs or opin-
university degree: a second class degree
ions - used in news reports: [+between/with] The plans
, put oil companies in a head-on clash with environmentalists. | COLLOCATIONS - MEANING 1
personality/culture clash (=a situation in which two people | ADJECTIVES | ; ee i
or groups do not like each other) 3a sports match social class /s there a link between crime and social
between two teams, players etc that is expected to be class?
very exciting - used in sports reports: The heavyweight the working/lower class At this time most of the
clash goes ahead in Las Vegas on 8 May. 4 a situation in working class was very poor.
which two events happen at the same time in a way that the middle class A new middle class emerged after the
is inconvenient: a scheduling clash on TV 5 a loud sound war.
made by two metal objects hitting each other: the clash of the upper class Members of the upper class didn’t
swords 6 a combination of two colours, designs etc that have to work,
look bad together: a colour clash the ruling class (=the people in power) |the
clasp" /kla:sp $ klesp/ n1[C] a small metal object for professional class (=the people with professional
fastening a bag, belt, piece of jewellery etc 2 [singular] a jobs) |the landowning/landed class (=the people
tight hold [SYN] grip: the firm clasp of her hand who own land) |the educated class |the privileged
class (=people with advantages because of their
clasp? v [T] written 1 to hold someone or something wealth, social position etc)
tightly, closing your fingers or arms around them
[SYN] grip: A baby monkey clasps its mother’s fur tightly. |
clasp your hands/arms around/behind sth Fenella leaned belong to a class Like you, | belong to the working
forward, clasping her hands around her knees. | She stood class.
with her hands clasped tightly together. |clasp sb/sth in your be a member of a class / suppose I’m a member of the
hands/arms She clasped the photograph in her hands. |clasp middle class.
 294 Si] &) & = the most frequent words in spoken English

3 relating to the language, literature etc of ancient Greece

a class system/structure (=a social system that has and Rome: classical literature |a classical scholar | classical
classes) He felt he was a victim of the class system. mythology
a class division Nowadays, class divisions are related 4 (also classic) typical of a particular thing or situation:
to economic status. the classical argument against democracy —classically
class differences (=differences that exist because of /-kli/ adv: a classically trained singer | Classically, infection
your class) There are noticeable class differences in appears in the lower jaw.
family size. clas:si-cis«m /‘klesistzam/ n [U] a style of art, literature
the class struggle/war (=disagreement or fighting etc that is simple, regular, and does not show strong
between different classes) | class conflict emotions — realism, romanticism
clas:si-cist /‘klesisist/ n [C] someone who studies
COLLOCATIONS - MEANINGS 3 & 4 CLASSICS
clas:si-fi-ca-tion /klesifskerfan/ n [C,U] a process in
which you put something into the group or class it
a French/geography/history etc class | have a
belongs to — classify: the classification of wines according
history class at nine o'clock today.
to quality | There are five job classifications.
an evening class /Vium goes to an evening class on
Tuesdays. clas-si-fied /‘klesifard/ adj classified information,
a beginners’/elementary/intermediate/advanced documents etc are ones which’ the government has
class (=teaching different levels of a subject) ordered to be kept secret ETSIATIE> SECRET
classified ‘ad n [Cc] a small advertisement you put ina
newspaper to buy or sell something [S¥N]small ad BrE,
attend a class /|'ve got to go to a science c lass want ad AmE
now.
clas:si-fy /‘klesifat/ v (classified, classifying, classifies)
attend class (=go to classes regularly) You can’t pass
[T] 1 to decide what group something belongs to — clas-
your exams ifyou don’t attend class.
sification: classify sth as/under sth /n law, beer is classified
take a class (=go to classes as a student) I’m taking
as a food product. | We'd classify Drabble’s novels under
some art classes at the moment.
‘Romance’. | Families are classified according to the father’s
teach a class One of the other teachers was ill so |
occupation. 2 to regard people or things as belonging to a
taught her class.
particular group because they have similar qualities
miss a class (=not go to one) | be late for class |
— classification: As a musician, Cage is hard to Classify.
have a class especially AmE (=as a student or
—classifiable adj
teacher) | hold a class (=provide a class)
class-less /kla:slas $ 'klaes-/ adj [usually before noun] a
class? v [T often passive] to consider people, things etc as classless society is one in which people are not divided
belonging to a particular group, using an official system into different social classes: /s Australia really a classless
[SYN| classify: class sb/sth as sth Heroin and cocaine are society? —classlessness n [U]
classed as hard drugs. class-mate /‘kla:smert $ 'kles-/ n [C] a member of the
class ‘action n [C] AmE a Lawsuit arranged by a group same class in a school, college, or - in the US - auniversity
of people for themselves and other people with the same class-room § [ /‘kla:s-rom, -ru:m $ 'kles-/ n [C] a
problem —class-action adj [only before noun]: class-action room that you have lessons in at a school or college
lawsuits \class ‘struggle (also class war) n (singular, U] in MARX-
\class ‘consciousness n [U] technical knowledge and IST THEORY, political opposition and the fight for economic
understanding of the class system, and of your own and power between CAPITALISTS (=the owners of property,
other people's social class factories etc) and the PROLETARIAT (=the workers)
clas-sic' [Ry Lg /‘klestk/ adj [usually before noun]
class-work /‘klarswa:k $ 'kleswa:rk/ n [U] school work
1RTINy having all the features that are typical or done by students while they are in a class rather than at
home homework
expected of a particular thing or situation: classic
example/mistake/case etc Too many job hunters make the class-y /‘kla:si $ ‘klesi/ adj informal 1 fashionable and
classic mistake of thinking only about what's in it for them. expensive: classy restaurants 2 very good: a classy player
GELS TyPicar clat-ter /‘kleta $ -ar/ v1 [1] if heavy hard objects clatter,
2 (GTI) admired by many people, and having a value or if you clatter them, they make a loud unpleasant noise:
that has continued for a long time: The Coca-Cola bottle is The tray slipped and clattered to the floor. 2 [| always +
one of the classic designs of the last century. |a collection of adv/prep] to move quickly and noisily: children clattering up
classic cars and down the stairs —clatter n [singular, U]: the clatter of
3 (ENA) of excellent quality: Roy scored a classic goal dishes
in the 90th minute. clause [fq /kio:z $ klo:z/ n [C] 1a part of a written law
4 {ZO a classic style of art or clothing is attrac- or legal document covering a particular subject of the
tive in a simple traditional way — classical: She chose a whole law or document: A confidentiality clause was added
classic navy suit for the ceremony. to the contract. 2 technical a group of words that contains
classic? [yg n [C] 1 book, play, or film that is impor- a subject and a verb, but which is usually only part of a
tant and has been admired for a long time: ‘La Grande sentence f ;
Illusion’ is one of the classics of French cinema. | all-time/ claus-tro-pho-bi-a /klo:stra'faubia $ klp:strafou-/~n
modern/design etc classic The play has become an American [U] a strong fear of being in a small enclosed space or in
classic. 2 something that is very good and one of the best a situation that limits what you can do — agoraphobia
examples of its kind: What makes a car a classic? —claustrophobic adj: | get claustrophobic in elevators. | a
3 classics [plural] the language, literature, and history of claustrophobic atmosphere
ancient Rome and Greece — classicist: Judith studied clav-i-chord /‘klavsko:d $ -ko:rd/ n [C] a musical instru=
classics at Oxford. ment like a piano, that was played especially in the past
clas-si-cal [Fy Lg /‘klestkal/ adj clav-i-cle /‘klevikal/ n [C] medical a COLLARBONE
1 belonging to a traditional style or set of ideas: classical claw" /kls: $ klo:/ n [C] 1a sharp curved nail on an
ballet/dance etc |the classical theory of relativity animal, bird, or some insects: The cat dug his claws into my
2 relating to music that is considered to be important and leg. |lobster claws —+ see picture at BIG CAT 2 get your claws
serious and that has a value that continues for a long into sb a) if someone gets their claws into another per- —
time: classical music/musician/composer etc a leading clas- son, they influence them in a harmful way: The thought of
sical violinist |a classical repertoire Eloise getting her claws into the child made his blood run-
 {0 (2 GB = the most frequent words in written English 295 clean

cold. b) to say unpleasant things about someone in order 16 clean copy a piece of writing without mistakes or other
to upset them: Wait till the papers get their claws into him. marks written on it
3 the curved end of a tool or machine, used for lifting 17 (Ew a clean movement in sport is skilful and
things: a claw hammer exact: He steadied his arm, hoping for a clean shot.
—cleanness n [U] — CLEAN-CUT, — keep your nose clean at
claw? y [1,7] 1 to tear or pull at something, using claws
NOSE'(9)
or your fingers: [+at] The cat keeps clawing at the rug.
2 claw your way to try very hard to reach a place or
position, using a lot of effort and determination: claw your clean without any dirt or marks: They need clean
way up/along/back etc He clawed his way forward inch by water to drink. | | don’t have any clean clothes.
inch. |Benson clawed his way back into the lead. pure water or air that is pure does not contain any
claw sth <> back phr v 1 to get back something that you dirt, pollution, or bacteria: | breathed in the pure
had lost, by trying very hard: The company has managed to mountain air.
claw back its share of the market. 2 BrE if a government or sterile /'sterarl $ -ral/ completely clean, with no
organization claws back money it has given to people, it bacteria, and therefore safe for medical or scientific
takes it back use: Place a sterile bandage on the wound.
clay /klet/ n [U] a type of heavy sticky earth that can be spotless completely clean - used mainly about
used for making pots, bricks etc — feet of clay at FOOT'(27) rooms and clothes: Her kitchen is always spotless.
pristine /'pristiin/ completely clean and
clay ‘pigeon shooting pn [U] BrE a sport in which you new-looking: He wore a pristine white shirt.
shoot at circles of hard clay that are thrown up into the immaculate as clean and tidy as it is possible to be:
air [SYN] skeet shooting AmE The soldiers’ uniforms have to be immaculate.
spick and span [not before noun] informal clean and
clean’ 3 ( /kli:n/ adj (comparative cleaner, superlative tidy, especially after having just been cleaned: By the
cleanest) end of the day, the whole place was spick and span.
1Q@EY ~without any dirt, marks etc [opp] dirty: Are L
your hands clean? | clean towels | Make sure you keep the
wound clean. | Wipe that sink clean when you're done. | As clean? &] (lv
usual, she left her room clean and tidy before going to 1[1,T] to remove dirt from something by rubbing or wash-
school. | a spotlessly clean kitchen | | want you to get those ing — cleanse: Your shoes need cleaning. | Is it easy to
plates as clean as a whistle. clean? |clean sth down/off We clean the machines down at
2 GETZ having a clean appearance and habits: the end of each day. |clean sth off/from sth He used a tissue
Cats are naturally clean. to clean his fingerprints off the gun. ++ DRY-CLEAN, — spring-
3 GET containing or producing nothing that is clean at SPRING-CLEANING
dirty or harmful — cleanly: clean air/water/energy etc the 2 [1,1] to clean a building or other people's houses as
Clean Air Act |cleaner fuels your job: Anne comes in to clean twice a week.
4 QT a) done in a fair or legal way [OPP] dirty: a 3 clean your teeth BrE to make your teeth clean using a
clean fight b) showing that you have followed the rules: a TOOTHBRUSH and TOOTHPASTE [SYN] brush your teeth AmE
clean driving licence | He’s got a clean record. c) [not before 4 [T] to remove the inside parts of an animal or bird before
noun] informal not hiding any weapons or illegal drugs: They cooking it: Harry caught the fish and cleaned them himself.
searched him, but he was clean. d) [not before noun] no longer 5 clean your plate to eat all your food
taking illegal drugs: Dave’s been clean for two years now.
5 Moa talk, jokes, behaviour etc that are clean
are not offensive or about sex/OPP| dirty: Oh, don’t get mad - clean to remove dirt from something: | need to clean
it’s just good clean fun! |Keep it clean (=do not offend people the car. |Clean the mud off your shoes.
with what you say). |clean living (=a way of life which is wash to clean something with water and usually
healthy and moral) soap: She's washing her hair. | There's nowhere to wash
6 come clean informal to finally tell the truth about some- your clothes.
thing you have been hiding: [+about] The government wipe to clean a surface with a cloth, often a wet
should come clean about its plans. cloth: Wipe the worktop when you've finished cooking.
7 make a clean breast of it to admit that you have done scrub to wash something by rubbing it hard,
something wrong so that you no longer feel guilty especially with a brush: They made her scrub the floor.
8 a clean break a complete and sudden separation from a rinse to remove dirt from something using water,
person, organization, or situation: Den left the next day, especially after washing it with soap: Rinse your hair
needing to make a clean break. thoroughly after shampooing it.
9 clean sheet/slate a record of someone's work, behaviour, cleanse formal to clean your skin, using water or a
performance etc that shows they have not done anything special cream: There are many products available for
wrong or made any mistakes: Jed looked forward to starting cleansing your skin.
life again with a clean sheet. |Lewis has kept a clean sheet in bathe /be10/ to clean a wound or a part of your
every game (=not let the other team score). body with water: Bathe the cut and put a plaster on it.
10 clean hands if a person, government, organization etc do the dishes (also do the washing-up BrE) to wash
has clean hands, they have done something in a fair or legal plates and pans after a meal: Who's going to help me
way: Neither side is coming to the negotiating table with com- do the dishes?
pletely clean hands. do the laundry (also do the washing BrE) to wash
11 QQ a piece of paper that is clean has not yet been clothes: On Tuesdays, he does the washing.
used|SYN] fresh
12 Bier) having a smooth or regular edge or surface clean sb/sth out phr v
= cleanly: a clean cut |Use a clean simple typeface forsigns. 1clean sth <> out to make the inside of a room, house etc
13 a clean bill of health a report that says you are healthy or clean or tidy: We'd better clean out the attic this week.
that amachine or building is safe: Inspectors gave the factory 2 clean sb out informal if something expensive cleans you
aclean bill of health. out, you spend so much money on it that you now have
14 aclean sweep a) a very impressive victory in a competi- very little left: Our trip to Paris cleaned me out.
tion, election etc: [+for] All the polls had pointed to a clean 3 clean sb/sth out informal to steal everything from a
_ sweep forthe Democrats. | Hopes that the French would makea place, or all of someone's possessions
clean sweep at the Games were dashed. b) acomplete change clean up phr v
ina company or organization, often by removing people 1to make a place completely clean and tidy: We spent all
15 (Ss having a fresh pleasant taste: Add a little lemon Saturday morning cleaning up. | clean sth «> up plans to
_ juice to give the pastaacool clean taste. ~ clean up the beaches | [+after] John always expects other
 clean 296 Xa = words from the Academic Word List

people to clean up after him (=to make a place clean after can you make the meaning clearer? |make it clear that Make
he has used it). it clear that you will not take sides. | absolutely/abundantly
2to wash yourself after you have got very dirty: clean clear Can | make it absolutely clear that we did not intend
yourself up Let me just go clean myself up. | Dad's upstairs this to happen? |Perhaps | tried to cover too much and didn’t
getting cleaned up. make myself clear (=express myself well). | /f you don’t
3 clean up your act informal to start behaving sensibly and understand, it’s best to say so and get things clear. |If|catch
responsibly: Some companies could face heavy fines if they you smoking again, you're grounded. Do | make myself clear
fail to clean up their act. (=used when you are angry)? | clear picture/idea (=a
4 informal to win a lot of money or make a lot of money in good understanding) The report gave a clear picture of the
a business deal: He cleaned up at the races yesterday. property's condition. |He writes crystal clear (=very easy to
5 clean sth + up to improve moral standards in a place or understand) prose.
organization: It’s high time British soccer cleaned up its 2 DLeSaeeg impossible to doubt, question, or
image. —> CLEAN-UP make a mistake about — clearly: clear evidence of guilt |
~ clean? adv used to emphasize the fact that an action or They won by a clear majority. | it is clear whether/why/how
movement is complete and thorough: clean away/ etc It’s not clear whether he shares her views. | it is clear
through/out The thieves got clean away with $300,000 (that) It’s clear that the drug does benefit some patients. |
worth of equipment. | The car hit her with such force that she When it became clear that | was pregnant, he left me. |clear
was lifted clean off the ground. |Sorry, | clean forgot (=com- case/example of sth a clear case of sexual discrimination
pletely forgot) your birthday. EOLSULTS> osvious
3H) feeling certain that you know or under-
clean‘ n [singular] BrE a process in which you clean stand something —> clearly: [+about/on] Are you all clear
something: The car needs a good clean. now about what you have to do? |clear whether/what/how
clean-cut adj someone who is clean-cut looks neat etc |'m still not really clear how this machine works, |Let me
and clean, and appears to have a good moral character: get this clear - you hadn't seen her in three days? |a clearer
clean-cut college boys understanding of the issues
clean-er fF /‘kli:na $ -ar/ n 4filni@n able to think sensibly and quickly — clarity,
1[C] especially BrE someone whose job is to clean other clearly: She felt that her thinking was clearer now. | In the
people's houses, offices etc morning, with a clear head, she‘d tackle the problem.
2[C,U] a machine or substance used for cleaning: a SHEMET) easy to see through, rather than
vacuum cleaner | toilet bow! cleaner coloured or dirty [SYN|transparent [opP|cloudy, opaque:
3 the cleaner's a DRY CLEANER’S clear glass bottles | a crystal clear mountain lake
4 take sb to the cleaner's informal a) to cheat someone and 6({7aE clean and fresh, without clouds or mist: a
take all their money or possessions b) to defeat someone clear June morning | The skies were clear and blue.
completely; The Lakers took the Bulls to the cleaner’s, win- 7{§@ healthy, very pure in colour, and without any
ning 96-72. redness: clear blue eyes
8D) smooth and without any red spots: a clear com-
clean-ing /‘kli:ntn/ n [U] the process or job of making a
plexion
house, office etc clean: Liz comes on Thursdays to do the
9 Gee having details, edges, lines etc that are
cleaning. | cleaning lady/woman (=a woman who cleans
easy to see, or shapes that are easy to recognize — clar-
houses, offices etc as her job)
ity: a TV with a clear picture and high-quality sound
clean-li-ness /'klenlinis/ n [U] the practice of keeping 10 ACE easy to hear, and therefore easy to
yourself or the things around you clean: a high standard of understand — clarity, clearly: a clear speaking voice | The
cleanliness radio reception isn’t very clear. | It's a good recording; the
clean-ly /‘klisnli/ adv 1 quickly and smoothly with a sound is as clear as a bell (=very clear).
single movement: The branch snapped cleanly in two. 11 LGeeed a clear amount of profit, wages etc is what
2 without producing dirt, pollution etc: a fuel that burns is left after taxes have been paid on it net: | get £200
cleanly without loss of power a week clear. |Sam makes a clear $90,000 per year.
cleanse /klenz/ v [T] 1 to make something completely 12a clear conscience the knowledge that you have done
clean: Use a piece of gauze to cleanse the cut. |The water is the right thing and should not feel guilty: | don’t think |
cleansed and reused. QEEEATTH> cLean 2 to remove could vote for him with a clear conscience. | She had done
everything that is bad or immoral from a person's charac- what she could and her conscience was clear.
ter, an organization, or a place - used especially in news 13 Gade) mig ~=without any planned activities or
reports: cleanse sb/sth of sth The mayor was elected on a events: Next Monday is clear; how about ten o'clock?
promise to cleanse the city government of corruption, + ETH- 14 [tig complete or whole: Allow three clear days for
NIC CLEANSING delivery.
15 Dredly) not covered or blocked by any-
cleans:er /‘klenza $ -ar/ n [C,U] 1a substance used for
thing that stops you from doing or seeing what you want:
removing dirt or MAKE-UP from your face 2 a substance
The roads were fairly clear this morning. | clear view/look
containing chemicals that is used for cleaning surfaces
inside a house, office etc: cream cleanser for the bathroom
From the top floor you get a clear view of the bay. | [+of] To
prevent fires, the sides of the roads are kept clear of under-
,cleam='shaven adj a man who is clean-shaven does brush.
not have a BEARD Or MOUSTACHE 16 see your way clear (to doing sth) informal to have the
‘clean-up, clean-up /‘kliznap/ n [C usually singular] a proc- necessary time or willingness to be able to do something:
ess by which you get rid of dirt or waste from a place: The We expect good results soon, if the board can see its way
cleanup of the oil spill took months. | millions of dollars in clear to continuing funding the project.
clean-up costs 17 be clear of sth to not be touching something, or to be
past Someone or something: Wait to cross until the street is
clear’ &] (i /klta $ kltr/ adj (comparative clearer, super-
clear of cars. |The curtains should be a couple of inches clear
lative clearest)
of the floor.
IES) «expressed in a simple and direct
18 as clear as mud spoken used humorously to say that
way so that people understand — clarity, clearly: clear
something is very difficult to understand — ALL CLEAR,
instructions |The question wasn’t very clear. |It’s the clearest
~» the coast is clear at CoasT'(2) —clearness n [U]
guide I've used. |[+about] The school is clear about its policy
on bullying. |clear about what/when/how etc Be very clear clear? &] 1 v
about what jobs should be completed, and by when. | [+on] IBTL «[T)] to make somewhere emptier or
The rules are quite clear on the point. | [+to] It was clear to tidier by removing things from it: Snowplows have been out
him that Tolkien was a literary genius. | make sth clear The clearing the roads. |clear sth of sth Large areas of land had
bishop made his views clear in a letter to the publisher. |How been cleared of forest. | clear sth from sth Workers began
 wipe up

wash the car

hoover BrE/vacuum
clear 298 il&) & = the most frequent words in spoken English

clearing wreckage from the tracks. | Dad cleared a space you clear up afterwards. |clear sth <> up Adam, clear up this
(=moved things so there was room) in the garage for Jim's mess before your father sees it. |[+after] / get really tired of
tools. | It’s Kelly's turn to clear the table (=remove the dirty clearing up after you (=tidying places that you have made
plates, forks etc). untidy).
2 Galea ~[T] to make people, cars etc leave a 2 clear sth « up to explain or solve something, or make it
place: Within minutes, police had cleared the area. | clear easier to understand: The White House hopes these prob-
sb/sth from sth Crowds of demonstrators were cleared from lems can be cleared up soon. | There are a couple of points we
the streets. need to clear up before the meeting begins.
3 Gana [T usually passive] to prove that some- 3 if the weather clears up, it gets better
one is not guilty of something: Rawlings was cleared after 4 if an illness or infection clears up, it disappears
new evidence was produced. | clear sb of (doing) sth Maya clear? adv 1 away from something, or out of the way:
was cleared of manslaughter. | a long-running legal battle to Firefighters pulled her clear of the wreckage. | Please stand
clear his name clear of the doors, 2:keep/stay/steer clear (of sb/sth) to
4 Qs [T] a) to give or get official permission for avoid someone or something because of possible danger
something to be done: He was cleared by doctors to resume or trouble: If you're a beginner, steer clear of resorts with
skating in August. | clear sth with sb Defence policies must reputations for difficult skiing. 3 especially AmE informal
often be cleared with NATO allies first. b) to give official used to emphasize a long distance: You can see clear to the
permission for a person, ship, or aircraft to enter or leave hills. +>loud and clear at LouD2(2)
a country: The plane took off as soon as it was cleared. clear“ n in the clear not guilty of something
5 clear your throat to cough in order to be able to speak
with a clear voice
clear-ance /'klrarans $ 'kltr-/ n 1[C,U] the process of
getting official permission or approval for something:
6 (wy [1] (also clear up) if the weather, sky, mist etc
She'll race if she gets medical clearance from her doctor. |
clears, it becomes better and there is more sun: The haze
Morris did not have a security clearance. 2 [C,U] official
usually clears by lunchtime.
permission for a plane to take off or land: [+for] The pilot
7 {eT [1] if a liquid clears, it becomes more transpar-
ent and you can see through it: Wait for the water to clear
requested clearance for an emergency landing. 3 [C,U] the
removal of unwanted things from a place: the clearance of
before adding any fish.
8 Gee LT] if a cheque clears, or if a bank clears it, the minefields | snow/land/slum etc clearance flooding caused
bank allows the money:to be paid into the account of the by forest clearance 4 [C,U] the amount of space around
person whose name is on the cheque
one object that is needed for it to avoid touching another
object: There was less than a foot's clearance between the
9 PEG [T] to go over a fence, wall etc without
touching it, or to go past or through something and no ship's sides and the wharf. 5 [CU] a process by which a
longer be in it: The plane barely cleared the fence at the end cheque goes from one bank to another 6 [C] an occasion
of the runway. | Edwards cleared 18 feet in the pole vault. | when a player in a game such as football kicks the ball
The plane cleared Chinese airspace. away from his or her GOAL
10 clear a debt/loan to get rid of a debt by paying what ‘clearance sale n [C] an occasion when goods in a
you owe shop are sold cheaply in order to get rid of them
11 clear your head/mind to stop worrying or thinking about \clear-'cut? adj easy to understand or be certain about
something, or get rid of the effects of drinking too much [S¥N]definite: There is not always a clear-cut distinction
alcohol: A good walk might clear my head. between right and wrong.
12 FSS ([] literary if your face or expression ‘clear-cut? n [C] AmE an area of forest that has been
clears, you stop looking worried or angry: She looked completely cut down —clear-cut v [T]
embarrassed, but then her face cleared. ,clear-'headed adj able to think in a clear and sensible
13 clear the way for sth written to make it possible for a way
process to happen: This agreement will clear the way for
further talks. clear-ing /‘klrartn $ ‘kltr-/ n [C] a small area in a forest
14 Gm) [1] (also clear up) if your skin clears, red marks where there are no trees
on it disappear: The rash has finally cleared. ‘clearing |bank n [Cc] one of the banks in Britain that
15 clear the air to do something to end an argument or bad uses a clearing house when dealing with other banks
situation, for example discuss a problem calmly ‘clearing house n [C] 1a central office where banks
16 clear (sth through) customs to be allowed to take things exchange cheques and other financial documents
through CUSTOMS 2 an office that receives and gives out or sells informa-
17 clear the decks to do all the work that needs to be done tion or goods for several other organizations
before you can do other things: /’m trying to clear the decks clear-ly &] (i /‘klzali $ 'klarli/ adv
before Christmas. 1[sentence adverb] without any doubt [sy¥N] obviously:
18 GNq) [1] informal to earn a particular amount of Clearly, ignoring him had been a mistake.
money after taxes have been paid on it: Diane clears 2in a way that is easy to see, hear, or understand: Please
£20,000 a year. speak clearly. |The economy was clearly failing.
clear sth <> away phr v to make a place look tidier by 3 in a way that is sensible: | wasn’t thinking clearly.
removing things or putting things back where they ‘clear-out n [C usually singular] BrE informal a process in
belong: When dinner was done and cleared away, Auntie
which you get rid of unwanted objects or possessions: |
Lou made some tea. |Homeowners are clearing away brush
had‘a clear-out and got rid of a lot of old toys.
near their houses to prevent fires.
clear off phr v BrE informal to leave a place quickly: They \clear-'sighted adj able to understand a problem
or
cleared off when they saw the police coming. | clear off! situation well: a clear-sighted. analysis —clear-sightedness
(=used to tell someone angrily to go away) n [UJ
clear out phr v clear-way /'kltawer $ 'kltr-/ n [C] a road in Britain on
1 clear sth <> out to make a place tidy by removing things which vehicles must not stop
from it and getting rid of them: | need to clear out my cleat /klixt/ n [C] 1a small bar with two short arms
closet. F around which ropes can be tied, especially on a ship
2 to leave a place or building quickly: Wait to get on the 2 [usually plural] a short piece of rubber, metal etc
train until the people getting off have cleared out. |clear out! attached to the bottom of a sports shoe [SYN] stud
BrE (=used to tell someone angrily to go away) 3 cleats [plural] AmE a pair of sports shoes with these
—> CLEAR-OUT pieces attached to them, in order to prevent someone
clear up phr v from slipping —+ spikes + see picture at SHOE! nha
1to make a place look tidier by putting things back where cleav-age /'kli:vid3/ n [CU] 1the space between a
they belong: | don’t mind you using the kitchen as long as woman's breasts 2 formal a difference between two.
 (i (2 G8 = the most frequent words in written English 299 click-through
people or things that often causes problems or argu- clerk? y [1 especially AmE informal to work as a clerk
ments
clerk of ‘works n (plural clerks of works) [C] Br£
cleave /kli:v/ v (past tense cleaved, clove /klaov $ klouv/ someone who is in charge of repairs to the buildings in a
or cleft /kleft/, past participle cleaved, cloven /‘klauvan $ particular place
'‘klou-/ or cleft) 1[I, T always + adv/prep] literary to cut
something into separate parts using a heavy tool, or to be clev-er 4 /kleva $ -ar/ adj
able to be cut in this way: The wooden door had been cleft Tespecially BrE able to learn and understand things
in two. 2 [T] formal to divide something into two com- quickly [SYN] intelligent, smart AmE: a clever man | very/
pletely separate parts: the racial problems that still cleave extremely/quite/pretty etc clever Lucy is quite clever and
American society 3 cleave the air/darkness etc literary to does well at school. GEEEUTIS> INTELLIGENT
move, quickly through the air etc: His fist cleft the air. 2able to use your intelligence to get what you want,
cleave to sb/sth phr v1 formal to continue to think that a especially in a slightly dishonest way: a clever lawyer's
method, belief, person etc is true or valuable, even when tricks
this seems unlikely: John still cleaves to his romantic ideals. 3 especially BrE skilful at doing a particular thing: Bill's very
2 literary to stick to someone or something, or seem to clever with his hands, |his clever ball contro! |clever at doing
surround them sth He was clever at finding bargains.
cleav-er /kli:va $ -ar/ n {Cla heavy knife for cutting up 4 done or made in an unusual or interesting way. that is
large pieces of meat very effective: What a clever little gadget! |a clever market-
ing strategy
clef /klef/ n [Cc] a sign at the beginning of a line of
5 BrE spoken used jokingly when someone has done
written music to show the PITCH of the notes: treble/bass
something silly or stupid: ‘When | got to the library | found
clef
I'd left the books at home.’ ‘That was clever!’
cleft? /kleft/ n [c] 1a natural crack in something, espe- 6 clever clogs/dick BrE spoken used to describe someone
cially the surface of rocks or the Earth 2 an area on the who is annoying because they are always right or always
chin or lip that goes slightly inwards think they are right
cleft? adj be (caught) in a cleft stick BrE to be in a very 7 be too clever by half BrE spoken to be clever, and to show
difficult situation in which any action or decision you that you are clever in a way that annoys other people
make will cause problems —cleverly adv —cleverness n [U]
cleft? a past tense and past participle of CLEAVE cliché /'klisjer $ klizfet/ n [C] an idea or phrase that has
cleft ‘lip n[C] a split in someone’s upper lip, that they been used so much that it is not effective or does not
are born with have any meaning any longer: There is plenty of truth in the
cleft ‘palate n [c] a split in the top of the inside of cliché that a trouble shared is a trouble halved. (IEAALTE>
someone's mouth, that they are born with and that PHRASE, WORD —clichéd adj
makes it difficult for them to speak clearly Click" Bey /kttk/ v
clem-a-tis /klematis, kis'mertis/ n [CU] a plant that 1[1,T] to make a short hard sound, or make something
attaches itself to trees, buildings, fences etc as it grows, produce this sound: The door clicked shut behind me. |
and that has white or coloured flowers — see picture at Mother clicked her tongue (=made a short sound to show
FLOWER" disapproval) and sighed. | Edmund clicked his fingers
clem-en-cy /‘klemansi/ n [U] formal forgiveness and (=made a short sound to get someone's attention) for
less severe punishment for a crime: grant/give sb clem- John to follow him. | Vogel clicked his heels (=hit the heels
ency She was granted clemency after killing her violent of his shoes together) and bowed. | Twist the lever and the
husband. gears click into place.
clem-ent /‘klemant/ adj formal clement weather is nei- 2 [1,T] to press a button on a computer MOUSE to choose
ther too hot nor too cold [SYN] mild inclement something from the screen that you want the computer
clem-en-tine /klemanti:n, -tarn/ n [C] BrE a kind of to do, or to press a button on a REMOTE CONTROL: Choose
small sweet orange — see picture at FRUIT! the image you want by clicking twice. | [+on] Children can
click on a sentence to hear it read aloud.
clench / klent{/ v [T] 1 clench your fists/teeth/jaw etc to
311] informal to suddenly understand or realize some-
hold your hands, teeth etc together tightly, usually thing: It’s hard work, but one day it will just click. | | thought,
because you feel angry or determined: Jody was pacing ‘What is he doing?’ and then suddenly it all clicked into place
the sidelines, her fists clenched. 2 to hold something tightly (=I understood how all the events related to each other).
in your hand or between your teeth: a cigar clenched
4 [1] informal if two people click, they like, understand,
between his teeth
and agree with each other: They clicked straight away,
cler-gy /‘kls:dzi $ 'klszr-/ n the clergy [plural] the official 5 [1] informal to happen in a good or successful way,
leaders of religious activities in organized religions, such especially because people are working together well: /f
as priests, RABBIS, and MULLAHS —> clerical everything clicks, we should have a good season.
cler-gy-man /‘kis:dziman $ ‘kls:r-/ n (plural clergymen click? n [c] 1a short hard sound: The door closed with a
/-man/) [C] a male member of the clergy click, 2 the click of a mouse used to show how quickly
cler-gy-wom-an /‘ki3:dzi woman $ 'kl3:r-/ n (plural cler- something can be done on a computer: Your photos can be
gywomen /-wimtin/) [C] a female member of the clergy viewed with the click of a mouse.
cler-ic /‘klertk/ n [C] a member of the clergy click-a-ble /kitkabal/ adj if a word or picture that you
cler-i-cal /‘klertkal/ adj 1 relating to office work, espe- can see on a computer screen is clickable, it will connect
cially work such as keeping records or accounts: a clerical you to more information when you click on it by pressing
error | clerical workers 2 relating to the clergy: a clerical a button on the computer MOUSE
collar
'click-fit adj [only before noun] having a metal or plastic
clerk’ 3 /klazk $ kisirk/ n [C] connector that allows you to join two pieces of equip-
1someone who keeps records or accounts in an office: a ment together without using tools: a click-fit coupling
clerk in a commercial firm
2 AmE someone whose job is to help people in a shop: click-stream /‘kitkstrizm/ n [C] informal a record of the
the clerk in the shoe store particular websites someone visits when they use the
3 AmE someone whose job is to help people when they Internet, how long they spend visiting each website, the
arrive at and leave a hotel: Leave the keys with the desk pages they looked at etc. This information is collected
clerk. and stored by Isps and some WEBSITES.
4an official in charge of the records of a court, town ‘click-through n [Cc] an advertisement on the Internet
council etc that you can click on for more information, and which
5 old use a priest in the Church of England allows the advertiser to know how many people are
 client 300 EG = words from the Academic Word List

interested enough in their advertisement to do this: Click- Edmund Hillary was the first man to climb Mount Everest. |
throughs are one of the standard ways to measure the She loves to hike and climb. —+ CLIMBING
effectiveness of online ads. |click-through rates 6 (he [!] to grow up a wall or other structure: climbing
rose/plant
cli-ent §4 Oy /klatant/ n [Cc]
1someone who gets services or advice from a profes- 7 (ESE [1,7] to move higher in a list of teams, records
sional person, company, or organization [SYN] customer: a etc as you become more popular or successful [SYN] rise:
[+to] The song climbed to number two in the US charts.
meeting with an important client GIST CUSTOMER
2 technical a computer on a NETWORK that receives infor-
8 DRLULITAZL [1,7] to move to a better position in
mation from a SERVER (=large powerful computer) your social or professional life: Steve climbed rapidly in the
sales division. | men who climbed the career ladder in the
cli-en-tele / klizan'tel $ klaran'tel, |kli:-/ n [singular] all the 1980s
people who regularly use a shop, restaurant etc: The 9 be climbing the walls spoken to become extremely anx-
™, restaurant attracts
a young clientele. HIE cusTOmMeER ious, annoyed, or impatient: /f |don’t get a drink soon, I'll be
client ‘state n [Cc] a country that is dependent on the climbing the walls,
- support and protection of a more powerful country - climb down phr v BrE to admit that you were wrong,
used in news reports especially after being certain that you were right — climb-
© cliff /ktf/ n [Cc] a large area of rock or a mountain with a down
~ very steep side, often at the edge of the sea or a river climb? n ;
cliff-hang-er /‘kltfhena $ -ar/ n [C] a situation in a 1s «LC usually singular] a process in
story, film, or competition that makes you feel very which you move up towards a place, especially while
excited or nervous because you do not know what will using a lot of effort: a long steady climb to the top
happen or have to wait a long time to see how it will end: 2 (Diseaess «OC usually singular] an increase in value or
Tonight's vote may be a cliffhanger. |the episode's cliffhanger amount: The dollar continued its climb against the yen. |
ending —cliffhanging adj [+in] a steady climb in house prices
3 (ET EC usually singular] the process of improv-
cli-mac-tic /klat'mekttk/ adj forming a very exciting or ing something, especially your professional or social posi-
important part of an event or story, especially near the
tion: a slow climb out of the recession | [+to] the Labour
end of it + climax: a climactic moment
Party’s climb to power
cli-mate [ /‘klarmit/ n 4 fava) [singular] a process in which some-
1[C,U] the typical weather conditions in a particular area: one or something reaches a higher position in a list or ina
Los Angeles’ warm dry climate |climate change (=a perma- competition because of being popular or successful: the
nent change in weather conditions) Giants’ climb from twelfth to fifth in the league | the song's
2[C] an area with particular weather conditions: These steady climb up the charts
flowers will not grow in cold climates. 5 Geile ~[C] a steep rock, cliff, or mountain
3[C usually singular] the general feeling or situation in a that you climb up: one of the hardest rock climbs in the
place at a particular time: political/economic/social etc world
climate Small businesses are finding it hard to survive in the ‘climb-down n [Cc usually singular] BrE an occasion when
present economic climate. | [+of] a climate of growing racial you admit that you were wrong: a humiliating climb-down
intolerance in large cities by the government
cli-mat-ic /klarmetik/ adj [only before noun] relating to climb-er /‘klatma $ -ar/ n [C] 1 someone who climbs as
the weather in a particular area: climatic conditions a sport: a mountain climber 2 a person or animal that can
cli-ma-tol-o-gy /klarma'tolad3i $ -'ta:-/ n [U] the scien- climb easily: Monkeys are good climbers. 3 a plant that
tific study of climate —climatologist n [C] grows up a wall or other structure —> SOCIAL CLIMBER
cli-max' /‘klaimeks/ n [C usually singular] 1 the most climb-ing /‘klamin/ n [U] the sport of climbing moun-
exciting or important part of a story or experience, which tains or rocks —> mountaineering: a climbing rope | rock/
usually comes near the end — climactic: [+of] the climax mountain climbing |He goes climbing nearly every weekend.
of his naval career |[+to] a thrilling climax to the game | The ‘climbing frame n [C] Br a structure for children to
festival reaches its climax with the traditional boat-burning climb on, made from metal bars, wood, or rope
ceremony. 2 an ORGASM [SYN]jungle gym AmE.
climax? v 1 [1,7] if a situation, process, or story cli- clime /klatm/ n [C usually plural] literary a place that has
maxes, it reaches its most important or exciting part: a particular type of CLIMATE: sunnier climes
[+in/with] a series of special events climaxing with a spec- clinch’ /kitnt{/ v1 [T] to finally agree on something or
tacular fireworks show 2 [|] to have an ORGASM get something after trying very hard: a young salesman
eager to clinch the deal | clinch a match/championship/
climb’ (1 /klaim/ v
victory etc A last-minute touchdown clinched the game.
1TOYAUILTT «[! always + adv/prep, T] to move up,
2 clinch it informal if an event, situation, process etc
down, or across something using your feet and hands, clinches it, it makes someone finally decide to do some-
especially when this is difficult to do: Harry climbed the
thing that they were already thinking of doing: We'd
stairs. | Boys were climbing trees along the river bank. |
talked about moving, and the burglary clinched it for us.
[+up/down/along etc] The wall is too high to climb over. |
3 [1] if two people clinch, they hold each other's arms
They climbed up into the loft of the old barn. tightly, especially when fighting
2 Dy ~«([!] to increase in number,
amount, or level [SYN]go up: The temperature has climbed clinch? n [Cc] 1a situation in which two people hold
steadily since this morning. | Inflation climbed 2% last each other's arms tightly, especially when they are
month. | [+to] The divorce rate had climbed to almost 30% fighting 2 a situation in which two people who love each
of all marriages. other hold each other tightly [SYN] embrace
3 DOCS [! always + adv/prep] to move into, out clinch-er /‘ktintfa $ -ar/ n [C] informal a fact, action, or
of, or through something slowly and awkwardly: The bus remark that finally persuades someone to do something,
pulled in, and we climbed aboard. | [+through/over/into or that ends an argument, discussion, or competition:
etc] John climbed through the window into the kitchen. | | Sixsmith scored the clincher after 81 minutes.
turned the TV on and climbed into bed. cline /klatn/ n [C] technical a series of very small differ-
442A VAT [1] to move gradually to a higher ences in a group of things of the same _ kind
position: The roller coaster climbs 91 feet and reaches speeds [SYN] continuum
of 45 miles an hour. | [+into/up etc] The path climbs high cling /kltn/ v (past tense and past participle clung / klan/)
into the hills. |The plane climbed to 11,600 feet to try to get [1] 1 [always + adv/prep] to hold someone or something ©
above the clouds. tightly, especially because you do not feel safe: [+to/
5 Gia [1,7] to climb mountains or rocks as a sport: Sir on/at etc] He wailed and clung to his mother. | Passengers-
EX3 = words from the Academic Word List 301 cliquey
clung desperately on to the lifeboats. 2 [always + adv/prep] to holds or fastens things together: The wire is held on with a
stick to someone or something, or seem to surround metal clip. | a wad of money in a gold clip + BULLDOG CLIP,
them: [+to/around etc] His wet shirt clung to his body. |The PAPERCLIP, See picture at STATIONERY
smell of cigarette smoke clung to her clothes. 3 to stay close 2 (1M) [C] a short part of a film or television programme
to someone all the time because you are too dependent that is shown by itself, especially as an advertisement:
on them or do not feel safe - used to show disapproval: clips from the new James Bond film
Some children tend to cling on their first day at school. 3 [C] a container for bullets which passes them
cling on phr v to continue trying to stay in power, in quickly into the gun so that they can be fired
business etc: Other businesses cling on and hope. 4 at a good/rapid/fast etc clip quickly: Traffic was moving at
cling to sth (also cling on to sth) phr v 1 to continue to a good clip.
believe or do something, even though it may not be true 5 Gi [singular] BrE the act of cutting something to make
or useful any longer: cling to the hope/belief/idea etc (that) it shorter or tidier: | gave the hedge a clip.
He clung to the hope that she would be cured. 2 to stay ina 6 aclip round the ear/earhole BrE informal a short hit on the
position of power or stay ahead, when this is difficult, or side of someone's head
to try to do this: an attempt to cling to power 7 SETS [C] an article that is cut from a newspaper
cling-film /kinftim/ n [U] trademark BrE very thin or magazine for a particular reason
transparent plastic, used to cover food and keep it fresh 8 $100/50 cents etc a clip AmE informal if things cost
[SYN] plastic wrap AmE $100, 50 cents etc a clip, they cost that amount of money
cling-y /‘kitni/ (also cling-ing /'kltnin/) adj 1 some- each
one who is clingy is too dependent on another person, clip? v (clipped, clipping)
and will often hold on to them - used to show disap- 1G35059) [I always + adv/prep, T] to fasten something
proval: a shy clingy child 2 clingy clothing or material together or to be fastened together using a clip: clip sth
sticks tightly to your body and shows its shape - use this into/onto etc sth A microphone was clipped to his tie. | a
to show approval: She wore a clingy red dress. stack of bills clipped together
clin-i¢ /klintk/ n[C]1a place, often in a hospital, where 2 Gj [T] to cut small amounts of something in order to
medical treatment is given to people who do not need to make it tidier: The hedges had just been clipped.
stay in the hospital: dental/family planning/antenatal etc 3 Ga «(7 always + adv/prep] to cut an
clinic women attending an antenatal clinic |an appointment article or picture from a newspaper, magazine etc: clip sth
at an outpatient clinic (=clinic for someone who does not out of/from sth a cartoon clipped from a Minneapolis news-
need to stay in a hospital) 2 especially BrE a period of time paper
during which doctors give treatment or advice to people 4 (iid [T] to hit something quickly at an angle, often by
with particular health problems: The baby clinic is held on accident: A truck swerved and clipped a parked car.
Monday afternoons. 3 a meeting during which a profes- 5 GT [7] to slightly reduce an amount, quantity etc -
sional person gives advice or help to people: an MP's used in news reports: clip sth off/from sth Gunnell clipped a
clinic |a free clinic on caring for roses 4 AmE a place where second off the world record.
medical treatment is given at a low cost: the doctors who 6 clip sb’s wings to restrict someone's freedom, activities,
volunteer at the inner-city clinic 5 AmE a group of doctors or power
who work together and share the same _ offices 7 clip sb round the ear/earhole BrE informal to hit someone
[SYN] practice 6 an occasion when medical students are quickly on the side of the head
taught how to decide what illness a patient has and how 8 (iad [T] BrE to make a hole in a bus or train ticket to
to treat it show that it has been used [SYN] punch AmE
clin-i-cal /kluntkal/ adj 1 [only before noun] relating to 9 clip your words to say words in a quick, short, and not
treating or testing people who are sick: The drug has very friendly way
undergone extensive clinical trials (=tests to see if it is ‘clip art n [U] images, photographs, or pictures that are
effective in treating people). | clinical medicine/ on particular websites and CD-ROMs, and that you can
experience/training etc (=medicine etc that deals directly copy and use in your own computer documents
with people, rather than with research or ideas) | The
therapy has helped people with clinical depression (=a
clip-board /kitpbs:d $ -boird/ n [C] 1a small flat board
with a CLIP on top that holds paper so that you can write
strong feeling of sadness, for which you need medical
on it 2 a part of a computer's MEMORY that stores infor-
help). 2 relating to a hospital or clinic: The program gives
mation when you are moving it from one document to
the students experience in a clinical setting. 3 consider-
another
ing only the facts and not influenced by personal feelings:
A formal marriage agreement sounds clinical, but it can be a ¢lip-'clop n [singular] the sound made by a horse as it
good idea. 4 a clinical building or room is very plain and walks on a hard surface —clip-clop v [1]
clean, but not attractive or comfortable: The walls were ‘clip joint n [C] informal a NicHTcLUB that charges an
painted a clinical white. —clinically /-kli/ adv: clinically unfairly high price for drinks
tested drugs ; ‘clip-on adj [only before noun] attached to something with
‘clinical ther'mometer n [Cc] a THERMomeTER for a CLIP: clip-on earrings —clip-on n [C]
measuring the temperature of your body
cli-ni-cian /kitnijan/ n (C] a doctor who treats and
clipped /ki1pt/ adj1cut so that it is short and neat: a
neatly clipped hedge 2 a clipped voice is quick and clear
examines people, rather than one who does RESEARCH
but not very friendly
clink"™ /klmnk/ v [1,7] if two glass or metal objects clink,
or if you clink them, they make a short ringing sound clip-per /‘kltpa $ -ar/ n 1 clippers [plural] a special tool
when they are hit together: Spoons clinked against the with two blades, used for cutting small pieces from
crockery. something: nail clippers 2 [C] a fast sailing ship used in
the past
clink? n [singular] 1 the short ringing sound made by
metal or glass objects hitting each other: the clink of clip-ping /kltpin/ n [C] 1 an article or picture that has
glasses FEES sounp 2 old-fashioned informal prison been cut out of a newspaper or magazine [SYN] cutting:
newspaper/press clippings old press clippings about movie
clink-er /‘ktinke $ -ar/ n 1[C,U] the hard material like
rocks, which is left after coal has been burnt 2 [C] AmE a
stars 2 [usually plural] a small piece cut from something
bigger: hedge clippings
bad note in a musical performance: The singer hit a real
clinker. 3 [C] AmE informal something or someone that is clique /klizk/ n [C] a small group of people who think
a total failure: Most of the songs are good, but there are a they are special and do not want other people to join
few clinkers. them - used to show disapproval: [+of] a ruling clique of
clip" /kisp/ n officials |the cliques formed by high school students
1G [Cc] a small metal or plastic object that cliqu-ey /klizki/ (also cliqueish /'kliskr{/) adj a cliquey
 cloak 302 a a = = the most Hvesney words in spoken English

organization, club etc has a lot of cliques or is controlled night without stopping: Kim has been working round the
by them - used to show disapproval clock to finish it in time.
clit-o-ris /'klttaris/ n [C] a small part of a woman's 3 put/turn the clock back a) (also set the clock back AmE)
outer sexual organs, where she can feel sexual pleasure to go back to the way things were done in the past
instead of doing things in a modern way - used in order
Cllr BrE the written abbreviation of councillor to show disapproval: The new employment bill will put the
cloak’ /klauk $ klouk/ n 1 [C] a warm piece of clothing clock back 50 years. b) to return to a good situation that
like a coat without sleeves that hangs loosely from your you experienced in the past or to make someone remem-
shoulders 2 [singular] an organization, activity, or way of ber such a situation: The kids are all grown up now and you
behaving that deliberately protects someone or keeps can't put the clock back.
something secret: [+of] the cloak of secrecy around the A put the clock(s) back/forward BrE to change the time
affair | [+for] The political party is used as a cloak for shown on the clock to one hour earlier or later, when the
™, terrorist activities. | under the cloak of sth prejudice hiding time officially changes
under the cloak of religion 5 the clocks go back/forward BrE the time changes offi-
cloak? v [T usually passive] 1 to deliberately hide facts, cially to one hour earlier or later: The clocks go back in
_ feelings etc so that people do not see or understand them October.
- - used especially in news reports: cloaked in secrecy/ 6 against the clock a) if you work against the clock, you
~ mystery The talks have been cloaked in secrecy. 2 literary to work as quickly as you can because you do not have
cover something, for example with darkness or snow: much time: Everyone is racing against the clock to get things
[+in] hills cloaked in mist —cloaked adj: The riders were ready in time. b) if you run, swim etc against the clock,
cloaked (=they wore cloaks). you run or swim a particular distance while your speed is
.cloak-and-'dagger adj [usually before noun] very secret measured
and mysterious, and usually involving the work of SPIES: a 7 twenty-four hour clock a system for measuring time in
cloak-and-dagger operation which the hours of the day and night have numbers from
Olle. 23,
cloak-ing /‘klaukrn $ 'klou-/ n [U] the practice of giving 8 start/stop the clock to start or stop measuring how
false information about what is on a website to a SEARCH much time is left in a game or sport that has a time limit
ENGINE (=the computer program that finds the informa- 9 the clock is ticking used to say that there is not much
tion people ask for on the Internet). This is usually done time left to do something: The clock is ticking for those who
to attract a lot of people to the website because the false have not yet filled in their tax form.
information contains words that people often type into a 10 the clock a) an instrument in a vehicle that measures
search engine when using the Internet. how far it has travelled: on the clock a car with 43,000
cloak-room /‘klavkrum, -ruzm $ 'klouk-/ n [C] 1 a small miles on the clock b) an instrument in a vehicle that
room where you can leave your coat [SYN]coatroom AmE measures the speed at which it is travelling
2 BrE aroom ina public building where there are toilets - 11 run out the clock/kill the clock AmE if a team runs out the
used when you want to be polite [SyN]rest room AmE: clock at the end of a game, it tries to keep the ball for the
Where's the ladies’ cloakroom? rest of the game so that its opponents cannot get any
clob-ber' /‘klpba $ 'kla:bar/ v [7] informal1 to hit some- points —+ BIOLOGICAL CLOCK, BODY CLOCK, DANDELION CLOCK,
one very hard 2 to affect or punish someone or some- TIME CLOCK
thing badly, especially by making them lose money: The Soe s
paper got clobbered for libel. |The company has been clob-
bered by falling property prices. 3 to defeat someone very
easily in a way that is embarrassing for the team that teak eianes at the tlock She (Bokeetat the lobe It
loses: The Dallas Cowboys clobbered the Buffalo Bills last was eight thirty.
night. the clock says eight/nine etc (=shows a particular
clobber? n [U] BrE informal someone's possessions, time) The clock said five so | went back to sleep.
a clock strikes eight/nine etc (=makes eight/nine
especially their clothes: Liam’s football clobber
etc sounds according to the hour) In the distance |
cloche /klvf $ klovf/ n [C] 1a hat shaped like a bell, heard a-church clock strike eleven.
worn by women in the 1920s 2 BrE a glass or transparent a clock ticks (=makes regular quiet sounds that
plastic cover put over young plants to protect them shows it is working) There was no sound in the room
during cold weather apart from a clock ticking.
CLOCKS a clock is fast/slow (=shows a later or earlier time
than the real time) There's no need to hurry - that
clock’s fast.
a clock stops (=stops working) |an alarm clock
goes off (=rings at a particular time) |set a clock
Pay
radio (=make it say the right time) |wind (up) a clock
alarm clock (=turn a key to keep it working)
grandfather
PHRASES
the hands of/on a clock (= i long thin pieces that
point at the numbers) The hands on the clock said ten .
past two.
the face of a clock/the clock face (=the front part
that you look at)
ADJECTIVES/NOUN * clock
the kitchen/sitting-room etc clock Harry glanced at
clock" gy [y /klok $ kla:k/ n [C] the kitchen clock and saw that he was late.
Tan instrument that shows what time it is, in a room or an alarm clock (=that makes a noise to wake you
outside on a building: | heard the clock strike six (=make six up) |a wall clock (=that hangs on a wall) |a
loud sounds). | The station clock was ten minutes slow grandfather clock (=an old-style tall clock that
(=showed a time ten minutes earlier than the real time). | stands on the floor) |a digital clock (=that shows
by the hall/kitchen/church etc clock (=according to a par- the time as numbers that keep changing) |a
ticular clock) What time is it by the kitchen clock? —+ watch travel/travelling clock (=a small one for taking on
the clock at WATCH'8) journeys) |a cuckoo clock (=a clock with a wooden
2 around the clock (a/so round the clock BrE) all day and all bird inside that comes out every hour and makes a
 (i (2 OS = the most frequent words in written English 303 close

sound) |a carriage clock BrE (=a clock inside a glass heel — see picture at SHOE’ — clever clogs at CLEVER(6),
case with a handle on top) — pop your clogs at pop'(13)
| COMMON ERRORS | clois-ter /‘klosta $ -ar/ n [C] 1 [usually plural] a covered
A\ Do not say 'the clock shows five o'clock’. Say the passage that surrounds one side of a square garden in a
clock says five o'clock. church, MONASTERY etc 2 a building where MONKs or NUNS
live
clock? v [1] 1 to cover a distance ina particular time, or clois-tered /kioistad $ -ard/ adj 1 protected from the
to reach a particular speed in a race: Karen won in the 300 difficulties and demands of ordinary life: Academics lead a
metres, clocking 42.9 seconds. | the first steam engine to cloistered life. 2 a cloistered building contains cloisters
clock 100 miles an hour 2 to measure or record the time or clone’ /klaon $ kloun/ n [C] 1 technical an animal or
speed that someone or something is travelling at: clock sb plant produced by scientists from one cell of another
at/doing sth The police clocked him doing between 100 and animal or plant, so that they are exactly the same PS
110 miles per hour. 3 BrE informal to notice someone or 2 technical a computer that is built as an exact copy of a
something, or to look at them carefully: Did you clock the more famous computer: an JBM clone 3 informal someone
bloke by the door? 4 BrE to reduce the number of miles or or something that looks and behaves exactly the same as
kilometres shown on the instrument in a car that says someone or something else: [+of] She's an exact clone of
how far it has gone, in order to sell the car for more her sister!
money: He knew the car had been clocked, but he couldn't clome? y [7] 1 to make an exact copy of a plant or animal
prove it. by taking a cell from it and developing it artificially
clock in/on phr v especially BrE to record on a special card 2 to copy the number of someone else’s MOBILE PHONE
the time you arrive at or begin work [SYN] punch in AmE: | onto a new CHiP and then use that number on a different
clock on at 8:30. telephone, so that the mobile phone's owner receives the
clock off phr v BrE 1 informal to leave work at the end of telephone bill
the day: What time do you clock off? 2 to record on a clonk /klonk $ kla:nk/ n [singular] the sound made when
special card the time you stop or leave work: By 6 p.m. a heavy object falls to the ground or hits another heavy
most workers have clocked off. object —clonk v [1,T]
clock out phr v especially BrE to record on a special card
the time you stop or leave work [SYN] punch out AmE clop /klop $ kla:p/ v (clopped, clopping) [I] if a horse
clock up sth phr v to reach or achieve a particular number clops, its HOOVES make a loud sound as they touch the
ground —clop n [singular]
or amount: The Dodgers have clocked up six wins in-a row. |
I clocked up 90,000 miles in my Ford. | Councillor Scott has close’ &] (J /kleuz $ klouz/ v
clocked up more than 25 years on the borough council. 18a [1,7] to shut something in order to cover an
‘clock ,cycle n [Cc] technical the basic unit of time used Opening, or to become shut in this way [S¥N|shut
to measure how fast a computer can perform an instruc- opp|open — closed: Would you mind if | closed the
tion window? |She closed the curtains. |Let me do the car door -
it won't close properly. | Beth closed her eyes and tried to
\clock-'radio n [c] a machine that is a clock and a radio. sleep. |She heard the door close behind her.
You can set the clock to turn the radio on and wake you
up. 2 TERS [!,T] to move the parts of some-
thing together so that there is no longer a space between
‘clock speed n [C, usually singular] technical a measure- them: Anne closed her book and stood up.
ment of how quickly a computer's cpu (=main controlling 3 [1,7] (also close up) if a shop or
part) can deal with instructions: a clock speed of 1 giga- building closes, or you close it, it stops being open to the
hertz public for a period of time [OPP]open [SYN|]shut BrE
clock-watch-ing /‘klokwot{in $ 'kla:k,waxtftn, -wortf-/ — closed: The shops close at six. | Harry usually closes the
n[U] BrE when you often look at a clock to see what time store completely when he goes on vacation.
it is because you are bored or want to stop working 45077 [1,1] (also close down) if a company,
—clockwatcher n [C] shop etc closes, or you close it, it stops operating
clock-wise /klok-warz $ 'kla:k-/ adv in the same direc- permanently shut down — closed: We have reluctantly
tion as the HANDs of a clock move [opP]anticlockwise, decided to close the factory. | The shop closed down some
counterclockwise: Screw the lid on clockwise. —clockwise time last year.
adj —> ANTICLOCKWISE, COUNTERCLOCKWISE 5 EXD) [1,7] to end or to make something end, especially
in a particular way: close sth with/by etc / will now close the
clock-work /*ktok-watk $ 'kla:k-w3:rk/ n [U] 1 BrE clock- meeting by asking you to join me in a final toast. | [+with]
work toys, trains, soldiers etc have machinery inside The movie closes with an emotional reunion in Prague. |
them that makes them move when you turn a key: closing remarks (=something you say at the end of a
mechanical toys powered by clockwork | The tape was driven speech) In her closing remarks, the judge urged the jury to
by a clockwork motor. 2 go/run like clockwork to happen in consider the facts only.
exactly the way you had planned: The concert went like 6close an account to stop having and using a bank
clockwork. 3 like clockwork (also (as) regular as clockwork) account or other financial account: My husband closed all
happening at the same time and in the same way every my credit card accounts without even asking me.
time: Matt came round each Friday, regular as clockwork. 7 TEENS [! always + adv/prep] to be worth a
4 with clockwork precision/accuracy in an extremely exact
particular amount of money at the end of a day's TRADING
way
(=the buying and selling of shares) on the stock
clod /klod $ kla:d/ n [C] 1a lump of mud or earth EXCHANGE: [+at] The dollar closed at 64p against the pound.
2 informal a stupid person [+up/down] Their shares closed 27p up (=worth 27p
clod-hop-per /klodhopa $ ‘kla:dha:par/ n [C] more).
1 clodhoppers [plural] a pair of heavy strong shoes - used 8 close a deal/sale/contract etc to successfully agree a
humorously 2 BrE informal someone who is awkward and business deal, sale etc
rough 9GGiawaney ([!] to finish on a particular date
[SYN] end: Our special offer closes on June 3.
clog" /klog $ kla:g/ (also clog up) v (clogged, clogging)
[7] to block something or become blocked: tourists 10 TSS [1,7] to make the
distance or difference between two things smaller: an
whose cars clog the roads each summer |[+with] Over many attempt to close the gap between the rich and poor | [+on]
years, the pipes had got clogged up with grease. —clogged The other car was closing on us fast.
adj: clogged highways
NGS [1,7] to make taking part in an
clog? n [¢ usually plural] a shoe made of wood with a activity or using an opportunity no longer possible
leather top that covers the front of your foot but not your — closed: Bidding for the painting will close on Friday. | The
 EX3 = words from the Academic Word List

country has now closed its borders to all foreign nationals 2 Ame to successfully arrange a LOAN, especially in order
(=will not let foreigners in). | The legislation aims to close a to buy a house
lot of legal loopholes. close sth <> out phr v AmE
12 be closed if a subject is closed, you are no longer willing 1to finish in a particular way: The bond market closed out
to discuss it: [t was a regrettable incident but | now consider the week on a strong note.
the matter closed. 2 if a store closes out a type of goods, they sell all of them
13 close your doors (to sb) to stop operating permanently: cheaply: We're closing out this line of swimwear.
In 1977 the Skyfame Aircraft Museum closed its doors to the close up phr v
public for the last time. 1close sth «> up if a shop or building closes up or is closed
14 close your mind to/against sth to refuse to think about up, it stops being open to the public for a period of time:
something: She wanted to close her mind to the outside The resorts are all closed up for the season.
world. 2 close up shop to stop doing something for a period of
) IS CPF) [| always + adv/prep, T] if someone's hands, time or permanently: When it rains, there is no alternative
arms etc close around something, or are closed around but to close up shop.
~ something, they hold it firmly: close (sth) around/round/ 3 if a group of people close up, they move closer together
~ over etc sth Her left hand closed over his arm. | She closed 4 close sth <> up if a wound closes up or if someone
her hand tightly around her bag. closes it up, the edges grow together again or are sewn
~ 16 (20) [1,7] (also close up) if a wound closes, or if together: The scar is closing up nicely - it'll soon be time to
someone closes it, the edges grow together again or are take the stitches out. :
sewn together: The surgeon closed the incision neatly. 5 to become narrower or to shut: The flowers close up at
17 close ranks a) if people close ranks, they join together night. | Occasionally the channel widened then closed up
to protect each other, especially because their group, tight again.
organization etc is being criticized b) if soldiers close 6to refuse to talk to someone about something: The
ranks, they stand closer together moment | said | was a police officer, everyone would close up
18 close the book on sth to stop working on something, like a clam.
especially a police operation, because it is not making close with sb/sth phr v
any progress: Detectives had closed the book on the Hornsey 1to agree a business deal with someone: /t was such a
Murders case three years previously. + CLOSING DATE, CLOS- good offer that | closed with him on the spot.
ING TIME, —> close/shut the door on sth at DOOR(9), — close 2 literary to move towards someone in order to fight with
your eyes to sth at EYE"(16) them
close? &] (J /klaus $ klous/ adj (comparative closer,
close to stop being open, or to make something stop superlative closest)
being open. You use close and shut especially about 1{{72) not far from someone or something [SYN] near: /f
your eyes, your mouth, a door, a window, or a you need to buy bread or milk, the closest shop is about a
container: Can | close the window? | Her eyes slowly mile away. |[+to] Susan sat on a chair close to the window. |
closed. | He closed the door gently, so as not to wake | don’t mind where we go on vacation as long as it’s close to a
the children.
beach. | His eyes were small and close together. | There are
shut to close something . Shut sometimes has a several accounts of dolphins living in close proximity to
feeling of doing something quickly and firmly, humans (=close to humans). | The victim had been shot at
whereas close sounds more careful: He shut the door close range (=from very close).
with a loud bang. |Shut your eyes and go to sleep.
2 SEXIRRTS near to something in time: [+to] /t was
slam to close a door or lid quickly and noisily,
close to 1:15 a.m. |[+together] Our birthdays are quite close
especially because you are angry: She left the room,
together.
slamming the door behind her.
draw the curtains to close curtains by pulling them 3 PLGA TT seeming very likely to happen or very
likely to do something soon: close to doing sth The two
across a window: The curtains were still drawn at ten
o'clock in the morning. countries are close to signing a peace agreement. | We're
put the lid on sth to close a container by putting a
close to clinching the deal. |close to death/tears/despair etc
lid onto it: Did you put the lid on the cookie jar? The old dog could barely whimper and seemed close to
seal to close something so that no air or water can death. | The prosecution's main witness was close to tears as
get in or out: In this experiment, the chamber must be she described the assault.
completely sealed. 4 {LGZ0G if two people are close, they like or love each
other very much: My brother and | are very close. | [+to] |
close down phr v felt closer to Rob that evening than ever before. |Fiona and |
1close sth <> down if a company, shop etc closes down or have always been close friends.
is closed down, it stops operating permanently: Para- 5 SOUT) very similar to each other: [+to] When | saw
mount closed down its London office in 1968, Henry with another woman | felt something close to
2BrE to stop broadcasting radio or television pro- jealousy. | Fitt was the closest thing to a socialist in the
grammes at the end of the day: BBC 2 closes down at 12:45 party. | Their newest model bears a close resemblance to (=is
tonight. very similar to) that of their rival competitor. ESXUSE>
DE
close in phr v SIMILAR
1to move closer to someone or something, especially in 6 ETT [usually before noun] looking at, thinking about,
order to attack them: The snake closed in for the kill. | or watching something very carefully —> closely: take/
[+on/around/upon etc] enemy soldiers closing in on them have/get a close look (at sth) | She lifted up Jenny’s silver
from all sides medallion to take a closer look. | keep a close watch/eye on
2if the night, bad weather etc closes in, it becomes (=watch someone or something very carefully) Don't
darker or gets worse: The sun had set and dusk was closing worry, I'll keep a close eye on the kids. | You could have
in. improved your answers by closer attention to detail.
3 if the days close in, they become shorter because it is 7 COEZT i if a number or amount is close to
autumn another number or amount, it is not much higher or lower
close sth <> off phr v to separate a road, room etc from than it: We don’t know the exact figures, but about 10,000
the area around it so that people cannot go there or use might be a close approximation (=close to the actual
it: The roads into the docks were closed off by iron gates. figure). | [+to] Inflation is close to 7 percent.
close on sb/sth phr v SsRTT finishing or being played,
1to get nearer to someone or something that is moving in fought etc with both sides almost equal: /t was a close -
front or ahead of you: The patrol car was rapidly closing on game that could have gone either way. |a close second/third
us. etc (=very nearly first, second etc) | The result is too close
 E@ = words from the Academic Word List 305 closed captioned
to call (=so close that it is impossible to know who will close? § [@ /klaus $ klous/ adv
win). Tnot far away [SYN] near: Come a little closer, so you can see
9 close relation/relative a member of your family such as better. | Her father lives quite close by. | They were sitting
your brother, sister, parent etc [OPP] distant: The wedding close together on the couch. |A variety of good restaurants
was attended by close family only. are close at hand (=very near). |James heard footsteps close
10 (SRE) used when you have only just man- behind him. |Ronnie sped off, with his brother's car following
aged to avoid something bad, dangerous, or embarrass- close behind. | stay/keep close We must all stay close. |
ing happening: ‘Phew, that was close,’ Frank said as he hold/draw sb close (=hold someone against your body)
swerved to avoid the cyclist. | a close call/thing/shave (=a He drew her close to him. NEAR
situation in which something dangerous, embarrassing 2 close up/up close/close to from only a short distance
etc almost happens) United had a close shave when Liver- away: Now that | could see him close up, | saw that he was
pool almost scored. very attractive.
TIES ~=very nearly getting, finding, or achieving 3 close on sth/close to sth spoken used to talk about a
something: [+to] At this point, the investigators were closer number, amount etc that is almost exact, but not com- |
to the truth than they realized. pletely: a voyage of close on 2,000 miles
12 keep in close contact/touch if two people keep in close 4 come close (to doing sth) a) to almost do something: / & ao
contact, they see, talk to, or write to each other often: tell you, | was so mad | came close to hitting her. |She came ~
Text messaging enables people to keep in close contact at all so close to the finals she must have been bitterly disap- — e
times, pointed to go out now. b) to be almost as good as some-
13 DOA STs relating to a situation in which one or something else: /t’s not as good as his last movie, but
people work well with each other or talk to each other it comes pretty close.
often: He retained very close links with France throughout his 5a close run thing BrE a situation in which the people
life. |What we need now is closer cooperation between the competing with each other are almost equal, so neither of
club and supporters. them is more likely to win than the other: The upcoming
14 (RTs Cith little or no space around election looks likely to be a close run thing.
something or between things: The horses are always eager 6 close on the heels of sth very soon after something else:
for exercise after the close confinement of the stables. | The come/follow close on the heels of sth Yet another scandal
shoe is a close fit (=there is no space around the foot). | | followed close on the heels of the senator's resignation.
find it difficult to read such close print (=with letters printed 7near to the surface of something: An electric razor
so close together). doesn’t really shave as close as a blade.
15 close/you're close/that's close spoken used to tell some- 8 run sb close BrE to be almost as successful, skilful etc as
one that they have almost guessed or answered some- someone else: Last season United ran them close both at
thing correctly: ‘I reckon he must be about 38.’ ‘Close - he home and away. — sail close to the wind at sait'(6)
was 40 last week.’ close* /klavz $ klovz/ n [singular] formal the end of an
16 close to the bone if something someone says is close to activity or of a period of time: At the close of trade, the Dow
the bone, it makes you feel uncomfortable or offends you, Jones index was 1.92 points down. | The monsoon season was
especially because it is about something you do not want drawing to a close (=ending). | The event came to a close
to admit is true (=finished) with a disco. |Finally the meeting was brought to
17 close, but no cigar spoken used when something some- a close (=ended).
one does or says is almost correct or successful: /t was close? /klaus $ klous/ n BrE 1 [singular] used in street
close, but no cigar for the Dodgers as they lost to the Reds names for a road that has only one way in or out: Take a
4-3. left turn into Brown's Close. 2 [C usually singular] the area
18 too close for comfort if something that happens is too and buildings surrounding a CATHEDRAL
close for comfort, it is near enough to make you feel
nervous or afraid: From somewhere too close for comfort close-cropped /klaus ‘kropt« $ lous 'kra:pt</ adj
came the sound of machine-gun fire. close-cropped grass or hair is cut very short
19 close to home a) if a remark or criticism is close to closed fy /klauzd $ klouzd/ adj
home, it makes you feel uncomfortable because it is likely 1not open shut [opr] open: Make sure all the windows
to be true: His comments struck unpleasantly close to home. are closed. |She kept her eyes tightly closed.
b) if something unpleasant happens close to home, you 2 [not before noun] if a shop, public building etc is closed, it
are directly affected by it: It’s one thing seeing riots on TV, is not open and people cannot enter or use it [SYN] shut
but when they happen so close to home it’s a different matter. [OPP] open: The shops here are closed on Sundays. |closed to
20 at close quarters if something happens or is done at the public/visitors etc The castle is closed to visitors in
close quarters, it happens inside a small space or is done winter.
froma short distance away: The troops had been fighting at 3 restricted to a particular group of people [OPP] open: The
close quarters. golf club has closed membership. | a closed meeting | The
21036 BrE uncomfortably warm because there police have a closed circle of suspects.
seems to be no air: The weather that night was hot and 4 not willing to accept new ideas or influences [OPP] open:
close, with a hint of thunder in the distance. You're facing this situation with a closed mind. | closed
22 CRN! [not before noun] unwill- society/world/way of life Venetian art in this period was a
ing to tell people about something [SYN] secretive: closed world.
[+about] You're very close about your work, aren't you? 5 behind closed doors if something happens behind closed
23 TIM ead [not before noun] not gen- doors, it happens in private and the public are not
erous: [+with] You won't get a penny out of Jack - he’s very allowed in: It seems that the deal was made behind closed
close with his money. doors. | Football authorities ordered the club to play its next
24a close shave when the hair on someone's face is cut two games behind closed doors after the riots in February.
very close to the skin 6 a closed book (to sb) a subject or problem that someone
25 close work work that involves looking at or handling does not know about or understand: Mathematics has
things in a very skilful, detailed, and careful way: After always been a closed book to me.
years of close work, she could hardly see a thing ifit was over 7a closed set (of sth) a restricted group, or a group that
a yard away. cannot change or grow: The law is not a closed set of rules
and principles. in closed session at SESSION(2)
26 close vowel technical a close vowel is pronounced with
only asmall space between the tongue and the top of the closed ‘captioned adj Amé if a television programme
) mouth —closeness n [U]: She had never had the physical or
emotional closeness that she needed. —» play your cards
is closed captioned, you can read the words that are said
at the bottom of your screen, if you have the necessary
close to your chest at CARD'(14) equipment attached to your television
 closed circuit television 306 J &) & = the most frequent words in spoken English

closed circuit 'television-n [U] (abbreviation CCTV) close-up /‘klaus ap $ 'klous-/ n [C,U] a photograph or
a system of cameras placed in public buildings or in the part of a film in which the camera seems to have been
street, used to help prevent crime very close to the picture it took: [+of] a close-up of her
.closed-'door adj [only before noun] closed-door meet- face | in close-up Much of the movie is shot in close-up.
ings or talks take place secretly closing’ /‘klauztn $ 'klov-/ adj [only before noun] hap-
closed e'conomy n [C, usually singular] a country that pening or done at the end of an event or a period of time
does not trade with any other countries [OPP] opening: closing remarks/words/ceremony etc The
close-down /‘klauzdaun $ 'klouz-/ n1 [C] a situation in judge gave his closing speech to the jury. | closing stages/
which work in a company, factory etc stops, especially seconds/minutes etc in the closing years of his life
permanently [SYN] shutdown 2 [C,U] BrE the end of radio LAST
or television broadcasts each day closing n[U] the shutting of a factory, school, hospital
closed ‘season n [C] especially AmE another form of etc permanently [OPP] opening: [+of] the closing of an old
CLOSE SEASON(1) railway station
_ closed ‘shop n [c] a company, factory etc where all ‘closing date n [Cc] the last date on which it is possible
__ the workers must belong to a particular TRADE UNION to do something: [+for] The closing date for applications is
6 August.
_ close-fit-ting /klaus 'frttn< $ klous-/ adj close-fitting
clothes are tight and show the shape of your body closing time n [C,U] the time when a Pus must stop
serving drinks and close
close-knit /klaus 'ntt« $ klous-/ (also closely-'knit) adj
a close-knit group of people is one in which everyone clo-sure /‘klauza $ ‘klouzar/ n 1 [C,U] when a factory,
knows each other well and gives each other support school, hospital etc has to close permanently: Several
when they need it: a close-knit community military bases are threatened with closure. | factory/
hospital/school etc closure the problem of school closures |
close-ly 5 [ /‘klausli $ 'klous-/ adv [tof] the closure of St Bartholomew's Hospital
1very carefully: The detective watched him closely, waiting 2 [C,U] when a road, bridge etc is closed for a short time
for a reply. |closely controlled/guarded/monitored etc Politi-
so that people cannot use it: On the M40, there are lane
cal activity is closely controlled. |Details of the program are a closures near Oxford. 3 [U] when an event or a period of
closely-guarded secret. time is brought to an end, or the feeling that something
2 to a very great degree: | have been closely involved in the
has been completely dealt with: Funerals help give people a
work of both committees. | The successful applicant will be
sense of closure.
working closely with our international staff. | a creature that
closely resembles a red monkey
clot! /klpt $ kla:t/ v (clotted, clotting) [1,1] if a liquid such
as blood or milk clots, or if something clots it, it becomes
3 closely related/connected/associated etc if two or more
things are closely related etc, there is a strong connection
thicker and more solid + CLOTTED CREAM
between them: closely related subjects such as physics, clot? n [Cc] 1a thick almost solid mass formed when
chemistry, and maths |Her development as a writer is closely blood or milk dries: He developed a blood clot on his brain
connected with her religion. and died. 2 BrE informal a stupid person
4in a way that is close to other things in time or space: cloth gy /klo@ $ kln:0/ n
lightning, followed closely by thunder | We were so closely 1[U] material used for making things such as clothes:
packed in the elevator | could hardly move. cotton/woollen/silk etc cloth a dress of the finest silk cloth
close-mouthed /klaus 'maudd<, -'mau@t« $ klous-/ 2[C] a piece of cloth used for a particular purpose: She
(also closed mouthed /klauzd- $ klouzd-/ AmE) adj not mopped her face with a wet cloth. | Is there a clean cloth for
willing to say much because you are trying to keep a the table? + DISHCLOTH, FACECLOTH, TABLECLOTH
secret [SYN| tight-lipped 3 man of the cloth formal a Christian priest
close-out /‘klauz aut $ 'klouz-/ adj AmE closeout sale/ cloth ‘cap n [Cc] BrE a soft flat cap with a stiff pointed
price a sale or price that is intended to get rid of goods piece at the front
cheaply —closeout n [C] clothe /klaud $ kloud/ v [T usually passive] 1 formal to
close-run /klaus ‘ran $ klous-/ adj [only before noun] put clothes on your body [SYN] dress: be clothed in sth The
BrE in a close-run competition, the winner succeeds by a King was clothed in a purple gown. | fully/partially/scantily
very small distance or number of points, votes etc: The etc clothed The children lay on the bed, fully clothed and fast
Labour Party won the seat, but it was a close-run thing. asleep. 2 to provide clothes for yourself or other people:
close sea-son /‘klaus sizzan $ ‘klous-/ n [C] Bre They could barely keep the family fed and clothed.
1 the period each year when particular animals, birds, or clothes §4 (1 /klavdz, klauz $ klovdz, klouz/ n [plural]
fish cannot legally be killed for sport [oPP]open season the things that people wear to cover their body or keep
[Syn|closed season AmE 2 the period of a year when warm: What sort of clothes was he wearing? | | showered
particular sports are not normally played and put on clean clothes. |He was still in his work clothes. |a
close-set /klaus 'set< $ klous-/ adj close-set eyes are clothes shop —+ a change of clothes at CHANGE%(6),
near to each other —> PLAIN-CLOTHES
clos-et" By /‘klozit $ 'klaz-, 'klo:-/ n [C] GRAMMAR
Tespecially AmE a cupboard built into the wall of a room Clothes is a plural noun and has no singular form: He
from the floor to the ceiling —+ wardrobe: a closet full of needed some new clothes (NOT a new clothe/clothes).
beautiful clothes
2come out of the closet a) to tell people that you are feo) AKoley- Wale) \t
HOMOSEXUAL after hiding the fact [S¥YN]come out b) to
admit something or to start to discuss something that VERBS
was kept secret before wear clothes She always wears beautiful clothes.
3 be in the closet AmE informal to not tell people that you be dressed in ... clothes The man was dressed in
are HOMOSEXUAL —> WATER CLOSET, —+ a skeleton in the closet ordinary clothes.
at SKELETON(5) put your clothes on / told him to get up and put some
closet? adj closet homosexual/alcoholic etc someone
clothes on.
who is a HOMOSEXUAL etc but who does not want to admit
take off/remove your clothes She took off her clothes
it: a closet communist and slipped into bed.
change your clothes / usually change my clothes as ~
closet? v [T usually passive] to shut someone in a room soon as | get home from work.
away from other people in order to discuss something
private, to be alone etc: be closeted with sb All morning | ADJECTIVES/NOUN + clothes
he'd been closeted with various officials. |Don't let her closet warm clothes /f you're walking in the mountains, take
herself away in her room. plenty of warm clothes.
 ( G2 GS = the most frequent words in written English
asus
casual clothes ost people fee! more comfortable in outdoor clothing The shop sells ski-wear and other
casual clothes. outdoor clothing.
designer clothes (=made by a well-known designer) protective clothing Laboratory technicians have to
She spends hundreds of pounds on designer clothes. wear special protective clothing.
sb's best clothes They wore their best clothes for the waterproof clothing |outer clothing (=that you
photograph. wear over other clothes) |designer clothing
formal clothes |school/work clothes | (=made by a well-known designer) | sports clothing
ordinary/everyday clothes | civilian clothes
(=ordinary clothes rather than a military uniform) | _PHRASES 2
baby clothes | maternity clothes (=for women who a piece of clothing There were pieces of clothing
are having a baby) |winter/summer clothes | clean scattered around the room.
clothes |fashionable/trendy clothes | second-hand an item/article of clothing formal (=a piece of
clothes (=not new) clothing) All items of clothing should be clearly
labelled.
THESAURUS a layer of clothing /n very cold weather it's good to
wear several layers of clothing.
clothes n [plural] things you wear to cover your body
or keep you warm. Clothes is always plural: | like your _NOUN+clothing :
clothes! |Don’t throw your dirty clothes on the floor! | a the clothing industry |a clothing manufacturer
clothes shop
clothing n [U] used when talking in general about a
clotted ‘cream n [U] Br£ very thick cream made by
type of clothes, or about making or selling clothes.
slowly heating milk and taking the cream from the top
Also used in the phrase a piece/item/article of
clothing (=one of the things that someone wears): clo-ture /klaut{a $ ‘klout{ar/ n [C] Ame technical a way
You'll need to take some warm clothing. | It is important of ending an argument over a BILL in the US government
to wear protective clothing at all times. |a clothing and forcing a vote on it
manufacturer |a clothing retailer | Police found a piece
of clothing in the bushes. cloud’ § (1H /klavd/ n
garment n [C] formal one thing that you wear. Also 1 (SF [C,U] a white or grey mass in the sky that
used when talking about buying and selling clothes: forms from very small drops of water: heavy/thick/dense
a long velvet garment | the garment industry |garment etc clouds Dark clouds floated across the moon. | Heavy
workers |garment factories clouds had gathered over the summit of Mont Blanc. | low/
dress n [U] a particular style of clothes. Don't use high cloud Visibility was bad due to low cloud, — sTORM
dress on its own: Casual dress is not appropriate for an CLOUD, THUNDERCLOUD
interview. |men in evening dress 2 (EET [C] a mass of dust, smoke etc in the air, or a
wear n [U] used about types of clothes sold in a large number of insects flying together: cloud of dust/
shop, in the following phrases. Don't use wear on its smoke/gas etc A cloud of steam rose into the air. |clouds of
own: children’s wear |sports wear | casual wear mosquitoes buzzing around us
gear n [U] /gte $ gtr/ informal clothes for a 3 G00) [Cc] something that makes you feel afraid,
particular sport or activity: She was wearing her worried, unhappy etc: [+of] the cloud of economic
running gear. recession | cloud on the horizon (=something that might
wardrobe n [singular] all the clothes that you own, or spoil a happy situation) The only cloud on the horizon was
all the clothes that you wear at a particular time of her mother’s illness. |Fears of renewed terrorist attacks cast a
year: Her wardrobe consisted mainly of smart clothes cloud over the event (=spoilt the happy situation). | He
for work. | | will need a new summer weardrobe. returned to New York under a cloud of gloom and despair.
4 under a cloud (of suspicion) informal if someone is under
‘clothes basket n [c] a large basket for clothes that a cloud, people have a bad opinion of them because they
need to be washed, dried, or iRONed think they have done something wrong: He left the com-
‘clothes brush pn [Cc] Br£ a brush used to remove dirt, pany under a cloud of suspicion.
dust etc from clothes 5 be on cloud nine informal to be very happy about some-
‘clothes jhanger n [Cc] Br£ a curved piece of metal, thing
plastic, or wood with a hook on it that you use for 6 every cloud has a silver lining used to say that there is
hanging clothes [SYN] hanger AmE something good even in a situation that seems very sad
‘clothes horse n [Cc] 1BrE a frame that you hang or difficult
clothes on to dry indoors 2 AmE informal a woman who is 7 be/live in cloud-cuckoo-land BrE to think that a situation
very interested in clothes and who likes to have many is much better than it really is, in a way that is slightly
different clothes - used to show disapproval stupid — have your head in the clouds at HEAD'(24)
clothes-line /klavdziain, ‘klauz- $ ‘kloudz-, 'klouz-/ n
‘[C] a long thin rope on which you hang clothes to dry cloud? y 1[1] to make someone less able to think
outdoors [SYN] washing line BrE clearly or make sensible decisions: cloud sb'’s judgement/
mind/vision etc Don’t let your personal feelings cloud your
‘clothes peg n [C] Br a wooden or plastic object that judgement. |Fear had clouded his vision. 2 (also cloud over)
you use to fasten wet clothes to a clothesline
[IT] if someone's face or eyes cloud, or if something
[SYN] clothespin AmE
clouds them, they start to look angry, sad, or worried:
cloth-i-er /klavdia $ 'klovdiar/ n [C] old-fashioned Ann's eyes clouded with the pain. | Then suspicion clouded
someone who makes or sells men’s clothes or material his face. 3 [T usually passive] to make something less
for clothes pleasant or more difficult than it should have been: Her
cloth-ing /klavd1n $ ‘klov-/ n [U] the clothes that happiness was clouded by having to leave her son behind.
people wear: basic necessities such as food and clothing | 4 cloud the issue/picture etc to make a subject or problem
She took only a few items of clothing. + a change of clothing more difficult to understand or deal with, especially by
at CHANGE2(6) CLOTHES introducing unnecessary ideas; Uninformed judgements
only cloud the issue. 5 (also cloud up) [1,1] if glass or a
Lolo)HKoley-Walo}.ky
liquid clouds, or if something clouds it, it becomes less
ADJECTIVES/NOUN + clothing clear and more difficult to see through: windows clouded
warm clothing The flood victims need shelter and up with steam | The water clouded and | could no longer see
warm clothing. the river bed. 6 [T] to cover something with clouds: Thick
light clothing (=made from thin materials) You'll mist clouded the mountain tops.
_only need light clothing during the day. cloud over phr v1 (also cloud up Ame) if the sky clouds
bles bank EG= words from the Academic Word List

over, it becomes dark and full of black clouds 2 if some- golf club. —* COUNTRY CLUB, FAN CLUB, YOUTH CLUB
one’s face or eyes cloud over, they start to look angry or GCE ORGANIZATION
sad: His face clouded over in disappointment. 2 Giessen [also + plural verb BrE] especially BrE
cloud-bank /‘klaudbznk/ n [C] BrE a thick mass of low a professional organization including the players, manag-
cloud ers, and owners of a sports team: Manchester United
Football Club
cloud-burst /‘klaudbsist $ -bs:rst/ n [C] a sudden short 3 UTTASY
LDL a place where people go to dance,
rainstorm
listen to music, and meet socially: a jazz club |Shall we go
cloud-less /‘klaudlas/ adj a cloudless sky is clear and to a club? |I'm not into the club scene at all.
has no clouds in it 4M TEE especially BrE a) an organiza-
cloud-y /‘klaudi/ adj 1a cloudy sky, day etc is dark tion, traditionally for men only, which provides a comfort-
because there are a lot of clouds [opp] clear: a cloudy night able place for its members to relax, eat, or stay the night:
with some light rain | Tomorrow, it will be cloudy and cool. | always stay at my London club. b) the building where this
2 cloudy liquids are not clear: a rather cloudy wine organization is based
3 cloudy thoughts, memories etc are not very clear or 5 book/record/wine etc club an organization which people
exact join to buy books, records, wine etc cheaply
clout! /klavt/ 11 [U] informal power or the authority to 6 (GI (also golf club) a long thin metal stick used in golf
influence other people's decisions: political/economic etc to hit the ball ’
clout people with financial clout | the clout to do sth Few 7 (awa a thick heavy stick used to hit people
companies have the clout to handle such large deals. | An 8 [ees a) clubs one of the four suits (=types of
official protest could carry considerable clout. 2 [C] BrE infor- cards) in a set of playing cards, which has the design of
mal a hard blow given with the hand: He gave him a clout three round black leaves in a group together: ten/king etc
round the ear. of clubs the ace of clubs b) a card from this suit: You have to
clout? v [7] informal to hit someone or something hard: play a club.
She clouted the boy across the face. 9 in the club BrE old-fashioned if a woman is in the club,
she is going to have a baby - used humorously
clove! /klauv $ klouv/ n [C] 1 one of the separate parts
SYN| pregnant
that form a GARLIC plant: a clove of garlic 2 a black SPICE
10 join the club (also welcome to the club AmE) spoken used
(=something used to give a special taste to food) with a
after someone has described a bad situation that they are
strong sweet smell
in, to tell them that you are in the same situation: ‘He
clove? a past tense of CLEAVE never listens to me.’ ‘Join the club.’
clo-ven /‘klauvan $ 'klou-/ a past participle of CLEAVE club? v (clubbed, clubbing) [T] to hit someone hard with
.cloven ‘hoof n [Cc] the type of foot that sheep, cows, a heavy object: baby seals being clubbed to death
and goats have, that is divided into two parts club together phr v if people club together, they share the
clo-ver /‘klauva $ 'klouvar/ n [U] 1a small plant, usually cost of something: We clubbed together to buy her a
with three leaves on each stem. If you find one with four present.
leaves, it is thought to bring you luck: a four-leaf clover club-ba:ble /‘kiababal/ adj BrE friendly and good at
2 in clover informal living comfortably because you have talking to other people in a relaxed way
plenty of money: The money kept him in clover for years. club-bing /‘klabin/ n [U] informal the activity of going
clover-leaf /‘klauvali:f $ 'klouvar-/ n [C] 1 the leaf of a to NIGHTCLUBS: She always goes clubbing when she’s in New
clover plant 2 a network of curved roads which connect York, —clubber n [C]
two main roads where they cross club-by /‘klabi/ adj informal a clubby place is where
clown! /klaon/ n [C] 1someone who wears funny everyone is very friendly to each other, but people who
clothes, a red nose, bright MAKE-UP on their face etc, and are outside their group are not very welcome: the clubby
does silly things to make people laugh, especially at a atmosphere of the media
CIRCUS 2 someone who often makes jokes or behaves in a ‘club class n [U] a part of some planes where each seat
funny way: Frankie's a bit of a clown. |class clown (=some- has more space and more comfort than the usual seat,
one in a school class who behaves in a funny or silly way) but is more expensive [SYN] business class
3 a stupid or annoying person: | can’t understand what she club ‘foot n [CU] a foot that has been badly twisted
sees in that clown. since birth and that prevents someone from walking
clown? (also clown around/about) v [{] to behave in a properly —club-footed adj
silly or funny way: Stop clowning around! club-house /klabhaus/ n [C] a building used by a club,
clown-ish /‘klaunz// adj silly or stupid especially a sports club
cloy /kls1/ v [1] if something sweet or pleasant cloys, it club-land /'klablend/ n [U] 1 the part of a town which
begins to annoy you because there is too much of it: Her contains a lot of NiGHTCLUBs: New York’s clubland
sweet submissive smile began to cloy after a while. 2 the most popular NIGHTCLUBS and the people who go to
them: She's become a clubland favourite.
cloy-ing /klo1-mn/ adj 1a cloying attitude or quality
annoys you because it is too sweet or nice: cloying club ‘sandwich n [c] a sandwich consisting of three
sentimentality 2 cloying food or smells are sweet and pieces of bread
make you feel sick: the thick cloying smell of cheap perfume .club.‘soda n [C,U] water filled with Bussies that is often
SWEET —cloyingly adv mixed with other drinks [SYN] soda water
cloze test /‘klauz test $ 'klouz-/ n [C] a test in which cluck* /klak/ v1 [1] if a chicken clucks, it makes a short
words have been removed from a short piece of writing, low sound 2 [I,T] to express sympathy or disapproval by
and students have to write what they think are the saying something, or by making a short low noise with
correct words in the empty spaces your tongue: Edith clucked her tongue impatiently. |
[+over/around etc] She stood clucking over the baby
club? i /klab/ n [Cc] —clucking adj: clucking noises
ILEUS aes a) [also + plural verb BrE} an
organization for people who share a particular interest or cluck? n [C usually singular] 1a low short noise made a
enjoy similar activities, or a group of people who meet chickens 2 a sound made with your tongue, used to show
together to do something they are interested in: rugby/ disapproval or sympathy: a _ disapproving cluck
golf/squash etc club Our chess club really needs new 3 dumb/stupid cluck AmE a stupid person
members. | [+for] a club for unemployed young people | It clue? gy /klu:/n [Cc]
costs £15 to join the club, |She belongs to a local health club. Tan object or piece of information that helps someone |
b) the building or place where the members of a particu- solve a crime or mystery: Police have found a vital clue. |
lar club meet or play sport: We could have dinner at the [+to/about/as to] We now have an important clue as to the-
 G4 = words from the Academic Word List 309 coach
time of the murder. | Archaeological evidence will provide ‘cluster bomb n (c] a bomb that sends out smaller
clues about what the building was used for. | [+in] This bombs when it explodes —cluster-bomb v [T]
information is a valuable clue in our hunt for the bombers. |a clutch’ /klat{/ v1 [T] to hold something tightly because
desperate search for clues you do not want to lose it [SYN|grip, grasp: She was
2 information that helps you understand the reasons why clutching a bottle of champagne. HOLD
something happens: [+to/about/as to] Childhood experi- 2 [1,1] (also clutch at sb/sth) a) to suddenly take hold of
ences may provide a clue as to why some adults develop someone or something because you are frightened, in
eating disorders. pain, or in danger [SYN|grab: He clutched at a pillar for
3 a piece of information that helps you solve a CROSSWORD support. | Tom fell to the ground clutching his stomach.
PUZZLE, answer a question etc: |’Il give you a clue, Kevin, it’s b) clutch at sb’s heart if something clutches at your heart,
a kind of bird. you suddenly feel fear or nervousness 3 be clutching at
4 not have a clue (where/why/how etc) informal a) to not straws especially BrE to be trying everything possible to
have any idea about the answer to a question, how to do find a solution or hope ina difficult situation, even though
something, what a situation is etc: ‘Do you know how to it will probably be unsuccessful: | knew that trying the
switch this thing off?’ ‘I haven't a clue.’ | Until | arrived here, | alternative medicine was just clutching at straws.
hadn't got a clue what | was going to say to her. b) to be
clutch? n 1 [Cc] the PepAt that you press with your foot
very stupid, or very bad at a particular activity: Don’t let
when driving a vehicle in order to change GEAR, or the part
Mike cook you dinner; he hasn't got a clue. | | haven't a clue
of the vehicle that this controls + see picture at CAR
how to talk to girls. | [+about] No point asking Jill - she
2 sb's clutches [plural] the power, influence, or control that
hasn't got a clue about maths.
someone has: a small boy trying to escape from his mother’s
clue? y clutches |in sb's clutches She'll have him in her clutches soon
clue sb <> in phr v informal to give someone information enough. 3 clutch of sth a small group of similar things: a
about something: [+on/about] Somebody must have clued clutch of eggs (=the number of eggs laid by a bird at one
him in on our sales strategy. time) | a clutch of young mothers 4 [singular] a tight hold
clued='up BrE, clued-'in AmE adj informal knowing a lot that someone has on something [SYN] grip, grasp: | shook
about something: [+on/about] Ask Margaret. She’s pretty myself free of her clutch.
clued-up about that sort of thing. clutch bag n [c] a small bag that women carry in their
clue-less /‘klutlas/ adj informal having no understanding hand, used especially on formal social occasions
or knowledge of something - used to show disapproval:
clut-ter’ /'klata $ -ar/ (also clutter up) v [T] 1 to cover or
[+about] Many teachers are clueless about the needs of
fill a space or room with too many things, so that it looks
immigrant students.
very untidy: Piles of books and papers cluttered his desk. |be
clump" /kiamp/ n 1[C] a group of trees, bushes, or cluttered (up) with sth The walls were cluttered with paint-
other plants growing very close together: [+of] a thick ings and prints. 2 to fill your mind with a lot of different
clump of grass |in a clump The roses were planted in clumps things: the everyday tasks that clutter our lives —cluttered
across the park. 2 [C + of] a small mass of something such adj
as earth or mud 3 [U] the sound of someone walking
with heavy steps: | heard the clump of Ralph’s boots going
clutter? n (singular, U] a large number of things that are
scattered somewhere in an untidy way [SYN] junk: [+of]
up the stairs.
the clutter of soaps, shampoos, and towels in the bathroom |
clump? V1 [I always + adv/prep] to walk with slow noisy Could you get rid of some of that clutter in your bedroom?
steps: [+tup/down/along etc] The kids clumped up the stairs
in their boots. 2 (also clump together) [1,1] if separate cm (plural cm or cms) the written abbreviation of centi-
objects clump together, or are clumped together, they metre or centimetres
form a group or solid mass: Hair and soap had clumped C-note /'si: naut $ -noot/ n [C] AmE informal a 100
together in the drain. dollar note
clum-sy /‘klamzi/ adj (comparative clumsier, superlative CO= /kav $ kou/ prefix 1 together with: to coexist (=exist
clumsiest) 1 moving or doing things in a careless way, together or at the same time) | coeducation (=with boys
especially so that you drop things, knock into things etc: and girls together) 2 doing something with someone else
A clumsy waiter spilled wine all over her new skirt. | a clumsy as an equal or with less responsibility: my co-author
attempt to catch the ball DEEN caretess 2 a clumsy (=someone who wrote the book with me) | the co-pilot
object is not easy to use and is often large and heavy (=someone who helps a pilot)
3 a clumsy action or statement is said or done carelessly ¢/0 the written abbreviation of care of, used especially in
or badly, and likely to upset someone: David made a addresses when you are sending a letter or package to
clumsy attempt to comfort us. —clumsily adv —clumsiness someone who is living in someone else’s house: John
nu] Hammond, c/o Mrs Pearce, The Old Rectory, Reepham
clung /kan/ the past tense and past participle of CLING Co. /kav $ kou/ 1 the abbreviation of company: James
clunke /klank/ n [C] a loud sound made when two solid Smith & Co. 2 and co BrE spoken the other members of a
* objects hit each other: the clunk of the car door being shut particular group of people: | can’t say I’m looking forward to
—clunk v [1,7] seeing Angela and co again. 3 the written abbreviation of
clunk-er /‘kianka $ -ar/ n [C] AmE informal1 an old car county: Co. Durham
or other machine that does not work well 2 some- C.O. /si: 'au< $ -'0u</ n [C] (Commanding Officer) an
thing that is completely unsuccessful because people officer who is in charge of a military unit
think it is stupid or wrong coach’ fy (H /kaut{ $ kout{/ n
clunk-y /‘kianki/ adj heavy and awkward to wear or use: 10) [C] someone who trains a person or team ina
clunky old shoes sport: a tennis coach | the Norwegian national coach
clus-ter™ /klasta $ -ar/ n [C] 1a group of things of the GCE TEACHER
same kind that are very close together: [+of] a cluster of 2 CER TISTT) ~(C] especially BrE someone who gives
low farm buildings | a cluster of red berries | a diamond private lessons to someone in a particular subject, espe-
cluster ring GROUP 2 a group of people all in cially so that they can pass an examination
the same place: [+of] A cluster of children stood around the 308 [Cc] BrE a bus with comfortable seats used for long
ice cream van. 3 technical a group of SECTORS on one or journeys [SYN]bus AmE: by coach We went to Paris by
more computer DISKs coach. | on a coach She's going to Grimsby on a coach. | a
cluster? v (1, T always + adv/prep] if a group of people or coach trip to Scotland | The restaurant was full of coach
things cluster somewhere, or are clustered somewhere, parties (=groups of people travelling together on a
they form a small group in that place: [+around/together coach).
etc] Reporters clustered around the palace gates for news. | 4 {2000 [C] BrE one of the parts of the train in which the
Industries in Britain tend to be clustered together. passengers sit [SYN] car AmE
coach 310 SJ & & = the most frequent words in spoken English

5 Gels [C] a large carriage pulled by horses and used ‘coal gas n [U] gas produced by burning coal, used
in the past for carrying passengers especially for electricity and heating + NATURAL GAS
6 DUVALL) [U] AmE the cheapest type of seats on ‘coal hole n [Cc] BrE a coat ceLlar
a plane or train: We flew coach out to Atlanta. coal:house /kaulhaus $ 'koul-/ n [C] BrE a small build-
coach? y [T]1toteacha person or team the skills they ing where coal is stored
need for a sport [SYN|train —+ coaching: Nigel coaches a corali-tion /kava'lyjan $ kouva-/ n 1 [C] a union of two
cricket team in his spare time. TEACH or more political. parties that allows them to form a
2 especially BrE to give someone private lessons in a government or fight an election together: [+of] a coalition
particular subject, especially so that they can pass an of democratic forces |the centre-right coalition government |
important test + coaching: coach sb in/for sth The child an emergency meeting of the three coalition parties 2 [C] a
was coached for stardom by her mother. 3 to help someone group of people who join together to achieve a particular
prepare what they should say or do in a particular situa- purpose, usually a political one: [+of] a coalition of envi-
tion - used to show disapproval —+ coaching: coach sb ronmental groups 3 [U] a process in which two or more
in/on sth The girl must have been carefully coached in what political parties or groups join together: He hoped to
to say in court. convert his party members to a belief in coalition. | in
coach-buil-der /kaut/bilde $ 'kout{brldar/ n [C] BrE coalition with sb He was working in coalition with other
someone who builds the main outer structure of a car Unionist leaders. ‘
‘coach house n [Cc] BrE a building, similar to a GARAGE, coal-man /‘koulman $ 'koul-/ n (plural coalmen /-man/)
used in the past in Britain for storing a carriage which [C] a man who delivers coal to people’s houses
was pulled by horses ‘coal mine (also ‘coal pit BrE) n [C] a place from which
coach-ing /‘kaut{1n $ 'kou-/ n [U] 1a process in which coal is dug out of the ground —coal miner n [C]
you teach a person or team the skills they need for a ‘coal scuttle n [Cc] BrE a specially shaped container
sport —» coach: tennis/football/rugby etc coaching | a with a handle for carrying coal
coaching session with one of England's leading boxers ‘coal tar n [U] a thick black sticky liquid made by
2 the process of helping someone prepare for an impor- heating coal without air, from which many drugs and
tant test or prepare what they should say or do in a chemical products are made: coal tar soap
particular situation —+ coach
coarse /ko:s $ ko:rs/ adj 1 having a rough surface that
‘coaching ,inn n [Cc] BrE a small hotel in Britain used in feels slightly hard [SY¥N]rough [OPP|smooth: a jacket of
the past by people travelling in carriages pulled by horses coarse wool {iA ROUGH 2 consisting of threads or
coach-load /kautflaud $ 'koutfloud/ n [C] BrE a group parts that are thick or large [OPP] fine: The coarse sand was
of people travelling in a COACH, especially when it is full: hot and rough under her feet. | tufts of coarse grass 3 talk-
[+of] coachloads of Japanese tourists ing in a rude and offensive way, especially about sex
coach:man /‘kaut{man $ ‘kout/-/ n (plural coachmen [SYN|crude: coarse jokes —coarsely adv: coarsely ground
/-man/) [C] someone who drove a COACH pulled by black pepper —coarseness n [U]
horses in the past coarse ‘fishing n [U] BrE the sport of catching fish,
coach station n [C] BrE the place where people begin except for TROUT or SALMON, in rivers and lakes
or end their journeys on buses that travel a long distance coars-en /'ko:san $ 'ko:r-/ v [1,7] 1 to become thicker or
SYN] bus station AmE rougher, or to make something thicker or rougher: Hard
coach-work /‘kaot{w3ik $ 'kout{wairk/ n [U] BrE the work had coarsened his hands. 2 to become or to make
main outer structure of a car someone become less polite in the way they talk or
co-ag-u-late /kau'egjslert $ kov-/ v [IT] if a liquid behave: He's been coarsened by his experience of war.
coagulates, or something coagulates it, it becomes thick coast’ 1G /koust $ koust/ n
and almost solid: The blood had not coagulated. 1[C] the area where the land meets the sea — coastal:
—coagulation /kau,egjs'lerfan $ kou-/ n [U] [+of] the west coast of Africa | We drove along the Pacific
coal 64 ( /ksul $ koul/ n coast to Seattle. |on the coast | used to live in a small village
1[U] a hard black mineral which is dug out of the ground on the coast (=on the land near the sea). | off the coast a
and burnt to produce heat: Put some coal on the fire. | the small island off the coast (=in the sea near the land) of
coal mining industry |a lump of coal > see picture at PIECE! Scotland | the first European to cross Africa coast to coast |a
2 [C usually plural] a piece of coal, especially one that is deserted stretch of coast
burning: Red hot coals glowed in the grate. 2 the coast is clear informal if the coast is clear, it is safe for
3{C usually plural] AmE a piece of wood or coal that is you to do something without being seen or caught
burning — charcoal: Grill over hot coals for two minutes. coast? y [1] 1 [usually + adv/prep] if a car or bicycle
4 carry/take coals to Newcastle BrE to take something to a coasts, it moves without any effort from you or any
place where there is already plenty of it available power from the engine: [+down/around/along etc] Bev
5 haul/rake/drag sb over the coals to speak angrily to coasted downhill on her bicycle. 2 to not try very hard to do
someone because they have done something wrong something well - used to show disapproval: Janey’s
coal-'black adj very dark black: coal-black eyes teacher says she’s just coasting at school. 3 to be successful
coal bunker n [c] BrE a small building or large con- at something without much effort: They scored three goals
tainer where coal is stored in the first half and from then on United were coasting. |
‘coal cellar n [Cc] a small underground room where coal [+to/through] The Ugandan relay team are coasting to
is stored victory. 4 to sail along the coast while staying close to
co-a-lesce /kaua'les $ kou-/ v [I] formal if objects or land
ideas coalesce, they combine to form one single group coast-al /kaustl $ 'koustl/ adj [only before noun] in the
[SYN] fuse: [+into/with] Gradually the different groups of sea or on the land near the coast: the coastal waters of
people coalesced into one dominant racial group. Britain |the coastal path
—coalescence n [U] coast-er /‘kausta $ 'koustar/ n [C] 1a small thin object
coal-face /‘kaulfers $ 'koul-/ n BrE 1[C] the part of a on which you put a glass, or cup, to protect a table from.
coal mine where the coal is cut from the ground 2 at the heat or liquids 2 a ship that sails from port to port along a
coalface where the real work is done, not just talked coast, but does not go further out to sea —> ROLLER
about: Academics will be working at the coalface alongside COASTER ;
the doctors. ‘coaster brake n [Cc] a Brake on some types of bicycle
coal-field /kaulfisid $ 'koul-/ n [C] an area where there that works by moving the PEDALs backwards :
is coal under the ground coast-guard = /kaustgaid = $ > 'koustgarrd/ on
\coal-'fired adj BrE using coal to make something work: 1 the Coastguard [also + plural verb BrE] the organization _
a coal-fired electricity generating station that helps swimmers and ships that are in danger and —
 (1 (2 GS = the most frequent words in written English 311 cockade
helps to prevent illegal activities around the coast: the co-balt /‘kaubs:lt $ 'koubo:lt/ n [U] 1a shiny silver-
Coastguard station at Stornoway | Contact the Coastguard white metal that is often combined with other metals or
immediately if you see a boat in trouble. 2 [C] BrE a mem- used to give a blue colour to substances such as glass. It
ber of this organization is a chemical ELEMENT: symbol Co 2 (also cobalt blue) a
coast-line /‘kaustiain $ 'koust-/ n [C] the land on the bright blue-green colour —cobalt adj
edge of the coast, especially the shape of this land as cob:ble’ /‘kobal $ 'ka:-/ v [T] old-fashioned1 to repair or
seen from the air: California's rugged coastline | a beautiful make shoes 2 to put COBBLESTONES on a street
stretch of coastline | along/around the coastline the sandy cobble sth «> together phr v to quickly produce or make
hills along the coastline of New England something that is useful but not perfect: The diplomats
coat! §y 1 /koot $ kout/ n [C] cobbled an agreement together. |She cobbled together a tent
1a piece of clothing with long sleeves that is worn over from a few pieces of string and a sheet.
your clothes to protect them or to keep you warm: Billy! cobble? n [c] a cobblestone
Put your coat on, it's cold outside! | The kids took off their cob-bled /kpobald $ 'ka:-/ adj a cobbled street is cov-
coats and threw them on the floor. | | need a new winter ered with cobblestones
coat. | The lab assistants wear long white coats. - MORNING cob-bler /kobla $ 'ka:blar/ n 1 [C,U] cooked fruit cov- _
COAT ered with a sweet bread-like mixture: peach cobbler
2 Ame a jacket that you wear as part of a suit [SYN] jacket 2 [C] old-fashioned someone who makes and repairs
3 the fur, wool, or hair that covers an animal's body: a dog shoes 3 cobblers [plural] BrE spoken informal nonsense: I've
with a glossy coat never heard such a load of old cobblers!
4a thin layer of a paint or other substance that you cob-ble-stone /kpbalstaun $ ‘karbalstoun/ n [C] a
spread thinly over the surface of something: [+of] He small round stone set in the ground, especially in the
applied a light coat of varnish. + cut your coat according to past, to make a hard surface for a road
your cloth at cuT"(43)
co-bra /'kaubra $ ‘kov-/ n [C] a poisonous African or
coat? y [7] to cover something with a thin layer of Asian snake that can spread the skin of its neck to make
something else: A layer of snow coated the trees. | coat sth itself look bigger
with/in sth Next, coat the fish with breadcrumbs.
cob-web /‘kobweb $ ‘kazb-/ n [C] 1 net of sticky
‘coat check n [Cc] AmEa place in a public building where threads made by a spiDer to catch insects, that is inside a
you can leave your coat while you are in the building building and has not been removed 2 blow/clear the cob-
[SYN] cloakroom BrE webs away to do something, especially go outside, in
-coated /kautid $ kou-/ suffix 1 metal-coated/plastic- order to help yourself to think more clearly and feel better
coated etc covered with a thin layer of metal, plastic etc —+ web: A brisk walk will soon blow the cobwebs away.
—+ SUGAR-COATED 2 white-coated/fur-coated etc wearing a —cobwebbed adj
white coat, fur coat etc co-Ca /'kavka $ 'kou-/ n [U] a South American bush
‘coat ,hanger n [c] an object that you use to hang whose leaves are used to make the drug COCAINE
clothes on [SYN] hanger co-caine /kau'kem, ka- $ kou-/ n [U] a drug, usually in
coat-ing /kavtin $ 'kov-/ n [C] a thin layer of some- the form of a white powder, that is taken illegally for
thing that covers a surface: [+of] a fine coating of dust | pleasure or used in some medical situations to prevent
The tent has a waterproof coating on both sides. pain — CRACK2(7)
coat of ‘arms n (plural coats of arms) [C] a set of COC:CyX /'kokstks $ 'kazk-/ n (plural coccyxes or coccyges
pictures or patterns painted on a SHIELD and used as the /kok'satdzi:z $ 'kazkss-/) [C] technical the small bone at
special sign of a family, town, university etc the bottom of your sPiNe [S¥N] tailbone
‘coat rack n [Cc] a board or pole with hooks on it that coch-i-neal /kotfsini:l« $ ka:-/ n [U] a substance used
you hang coats on to give food a red colour
coat-room /kautrom, -ru:m $ ‘kout-/ n [C] AmE a Coat coch-le-a /'koklia $ 'ka:-/ n (plural cochleas or cochleae
CHECK /-li-at/) [C] technical a part of the inner ear
coat-stand /autstend $ 'kout-/ n [C] a tall pole with cock" /kok $ ka:k/ n [C]
1G) an adult male chicken [SYN] rooster BrE — hen:
hooks at the top that you hang coats on — see picture at
STAND? A cock crowed in the distance.
2 MEVERED) especially BrE an adult male bird of any kind:
coattails /kaut-terlz $ 'kout-/ n [plural] 1 if you achieve A cock pheasant rose from the hill in front of me.
something on someone's coattails, you achieve it 3 BSXIM informal not polite a Penis
because of the other person's power or success: on sb's 4 cock and bull story BrE a story or excuse that is silly and
coattails A number of Republican congressmen were elected unlikely but is told as if it were true: a cock and bull story
on Bush's coattails. 2 the cloth at the back of a TAILCOAT about the dog eating her homework
. that is divided into two pieces 5 CESS ae «=something that controls
C0ax /kauks $ kouks/ v [T] 1 to persuade someone to do the flow of liquid or gas out of a pipe or container
something that they do not want to do by talking to them [SYN] tap —+ BALLCOCK, STOPCOCK
in a kind, gentle, and patient way: ‘Please, Vic, come with 6 [ZN] BrE old-fashioned used by some people when
us,’ Nancy coaxed. |coax sb into/out of (doing) sth We had talking to a man they know well + HALF COCKED
to coax Alan into going to school. | coax sb to do sth We cock? y [1] 1 to lift a part of your body, or hold a part of
watched the bear coax its cubs to enter the water. | coax sb your body at an angle: She cocked her head and considered
down/out/back etc Firefighters managed to coax the man the offer. | He cocked a quizzical eyebrow at her. 2 to pull
down from the roof. PERSUADE 2 to make back the HAMMER of a gun so that it is ready to be fired
something such as a machine do something by dealing 3 to move your hat so that it is at an angle 4 cock an
with it in a slow, patient, and careful way: coax sth out ear/eye to listen or look very carefully: The little dog looked
of/from/into etc sth He coaxed a fire out of some dry grass up and cocked its ears. 5 cock a snook at sb/sth BrE informal
and twigs. | The driver coaxed his bus through the snow. to show clearly that you do not respect someone or
—coaxing n [U]: She needs a bit of gentle coaxing. something: He has always tried to cock a snook at authority.
—coaxingly adv cock sth <> up phr v BrE informal not polite to spoil
coax sth out of/from sb phr v to persuade someone to something by making a stupid mistake or doing it badly:
tell you something or give you something: | managed to His secretary cocked up his travelling schedule and he’s
coax some money out of Dad. furious about it. ++cock-up
Cob /kob $ ka:b/ n [C] 1a CORNCOB — CORN ON THE COB cock-ade /ko'kerd $ ka:-/ n [C] a small piece of cloth
2 BrE a round Loar of bread 3 a type of horse that is used as a decoration on a hat to show rank, membership
strong and has short legs 4 a male swAN of a club etc
cock-a-doodle-doo 312 (4 = words from the Academic Word List

cock-a-doo-die-doo /kok a durdl ‘du: $ ka:k-/ n [C] ‘cocktail party n [Cc] a party, usually in the early
the loud sound made by an adult male chicken evening, at which alcoholic drinks are served and for
cock-a-hoop /kok a ‘hu:p $ kazk-/ adj [not before noun] which people usually dress formally
BrE pleased and excited about something, especially ‘cocktail shaker n [c] a container in which cocktails
something you have done: [+at/about/over] Robert's are mixed
cock-a-hoop about his new job. ‘cocktail stick n [Cc] a short pointed piece of wood on
cock-a-leek-ie /kok a ‘lizki $ ka:k-/ n [U] a type of which small pieces of food are served
Scottish soup made with chicken, vegetables, and LEEKS ‘cocktail waitress n [c] AmE a woman who serves
cock-a-‘ma-mie /koka'memmi« $ |kark-/ adj AmE infor- drinks to people sitting at tables in a bar
mal a cockamamie story or excuse is not believable or ‘cock-up n [C] BrE spoken informal something that has
does not make sense: That's a cockamamie idea. been spoiled by someone's stupid mistake or by being
cock-a-too /koka'tu: $ ‘ka:katu:/ n [C] an Australian done badly: He’s made a monumental cock-up of his first
PARROT with a lot of feathers on the top of its head assignment. |[+over] There's been a cock-up over the tickets
cock-chaf-er /kpktferfa $ 'ka:k,tferfar/ n [C] a European for the football on Saturday.
BEETLE (=a kind of insect) that damages trees and plants cock+y /‘koki $ 'karki/ adj informal too confident about
cock-crow /'‘kok-krau $ 'kark-krou/ n [U] literary the yourself and your abilities, especially in a way that
time in the early morning when the sun rises dawn annoys other people: He’s a cocky little man and | don’t like
cocked ‘hat n [C] BrE 1knock/beat sb/sth into a cocked him. —cockily adv —cockiness n [U]
hat to be a lot better than someone or something else: co-€0a /‘kaukau $ 'koukou/ n[U]1 (also cocoa powder)
My mother is such a good cook she knocks everybody else a brown powder made from cocoa beans, used to make
into a cocked hat. 2 a hat with the edges turned up on chocolate and to give a chocolate taste to foods
three sides, worn in the past 2 a sweet hot drink made with cocoa powder, sugar, and
cock-e-rel /‘kokaral $ 'ka:-/ n [C] a young male chicken milk or water: a cup of cocoa
cock-er span-iel /koke ‘spenjal $ ka:kar-/ n [C] a dog ‘cocoa bean n [c] the small seed of a tropical tree
with long ears and long silky fur which is used to make cocoa
.cock-'eyed adj 1 unlikely to succeed: The whole idea is ‘cocoa butter n [U] a fat obtained from the seeds of a
completely cock-eyed. 2 not straight but set at an angle: | tropical tree, used in making some COSMETICS
think you put that shelf up cock-eyed. co-co-nut /kaukanat $ 'kou-/ n 1[C] the large brown
cock fight n [c] an occasion when two male chickens seed of a tropical tree, which has a hard shell containing
are made to fight as a sport —cockfighting n [U] white flesh that you can eat and a milky liquid that you
cock-le /kokal $ ‘ka:-/ n [C] 1a common European can drink: large tropical gardens of coconut palms —> see
SHELLFISH that is used for food 2 warm the cockles of sb’s picture at FRUIT’ 2 [U] the white flesh of a coconut, often
heart especially BrE to make someone feel happy and full used in cooking: desiccated coconut (=dried coconut)
of good feelings towards other people: Seeing her new coconut ‘matting n [U] BrE a rough material used to
baby just warms the cockles of your heart. cover floors that is made from the FIBRES covering a
cock-ney, Cockney /'kokni $ 'ka:k-/ n 1[C] someone coconut shell
who comes from the east part of London, and who has a ‘coconut milk n [U] the liquid inside a coconut
particular way of speaking which is typical of working- ‘coconut shy n (plural coconut shies) [C] BrE an out-
class people who live there 2 [U] a way of speaking door game in which you try to knock coconuts off posts
English that is typical of working-class people in the east by throwing balls at them
part of London —cockney adj: She has a broad cockney co-coon' /ka'ku:n/ n[C]1 a silk cover that young MOTHS
accent. and other insects make to protect themselves while they
cock-pit /‘kok,prt $ 'ka:k-/ n [C] 1 the area in a plane, are growing 2 something that wraps around you com-
small boat, or racing car where the pilot or driver sits pletely, especially to protect you: [+of] The baby peered
—+ AIRCRAFT, YACHT, see picture at PLANE’ 2a small out of its cocoon of blankets. 3 a place or situation in which
enclosed area where COCK FIGHTS took place in the past you feel comfortable and safe, and are protected from
cock-roach /‘kok-raut{ $ 'ka:k-rout{/ (also roach AmE) n anything unpleasant: [+of] She was surrounded by the
[C] a large black or brown insect that lives in dirty cocoon of a loving family.
houses, especially if they are warm and there is food to cocoon? v [T usually passive] to protect or surround
eat someone or something completely, especially so that
cocks-comb /‘koks-kaum $ 'ka:ks-koum/ n [C] the red they feel safe: be cocooned in sth She was cocooned in a
flesh that grows from the top of a male chicken’s head reassuring network of friends and relatives. | Usually she lay
cock-suck-er /‘koksaka $ 'karksakar/ n [C] taboo infor- for ages cocooned in her warm bed. —cocooned adj: a rich
mala very insulting word for a man. Do not use this word. cocooned existence
cock-sure /kokifoa $ kark'for/ adj old-fashioned too cod" /kod $ ka:d/ n (plural cod) 1 [C] a large sea fish
confident of your abilities or knowledge, in a way that is that lives in the North Atlantic 2 [U] the white flesh of a
annoying to other people: He seemed rather too cocksure cod, eaten as food: Two cod fillets, please.
for my liking. cod? adj [only before noun] BrE not real, but intended to
cock-tail /kokterl $ 'ka:k-/ n [C] 1an alcoholic drink look or sound real - often used humorously: a cod English
made from a mixture of different drinks accent
2 seafood/prawn/lobster cocktail small pieces of fish, COD BrE, C.0.D. Ame /si: au ‘di: $ -ov-/ n [U] (cash on
PRAWNS, Or LOBSTER Served cold with a sauce and eaten as delivery) a payment system in which the customer pays
the first part of a meal 3 fruit cocktail a mixture of small the person who delivers the goods to them
pieces of fruit 4 a mixture of several things which is co-da /kauda $ 'kou-/ n [C] 1an additional separate
dangerous, unpleasant, confusing, or exciting: [+of] a part at the end of a piece of music 2 a separate piece of
lethal cocktail of painkillers and whisky | The book contains a writing at the end of a work of literature or a speech
powerful cocktail of romance, family crises, and big business. cod-dle /kodl $ 'ka:dl/ v [T] to treat someone in a way
—» MOLOTOV COCKTAIL that is too kind and gentle and that protects them from
‘cocktail ,bar n (c] an area in a hotel or other place pain or difficulty [SYN] mollycoddle: Don’t coddle the child -
where you can buy cocktails as well as beer and wine he’s fine!
‘cocktail dress n [Cc] a formal dress for wearing to code’ 5) (Hy /keud $ koud/ n
parties or other evening social events 1PM LEENTTT [Cc] a set of rules, laws, or principles
‘cocktail lounge n [Cc] a public room ina hotel, restau- that tell people how to behave: The Torah is the basis for all
rant etc, where you can buy alcoholic drinks the Jewish laws and their moral code. | Each state in the US >
 EG = words from the Academic Word List
——
has a different criminal and civil code. | The judge ruled that cod-ger /‘kndza § 'ka:dzar/ n old codger informal not
there had been no breach of the code. | There were plans to polite an offensive word for an old man
introduce a dress code (=rules about what to wear) for civil co-di-cil /kaudist $ 'kar-/ n [C] law a document making
servants. |code of conduct/behaviour/ethics the strict code a change or addition to a witt (=a legal document saying
of conduct that is so much a part of karate |code of practice who you want your money and property to go to when
(=a set of rules that people in a particular business or you die)
profession agree to obey) The Textile Services Association co-di-fy /‘kaudifar $ 'ka:-/ v (codified, codifying, codifies)
has drawn up a code of practice endorsed by the Office of Fair [T] to arrange laws, principles, facts etc in a system
Trading. + HIGHWAY CODE, PENAL CODE RULE —codification /kaud3fskerfan $ ka:-/ n [C,U]
2 Getaway «(C,U] a system of words, letters, or
symbols that you use instead of ordinary writing, so that
cod-ing Eg /‘keudin $ 'kou-/ n [U] a system of marking
something with letters, symbols etc so that facts about it
the information can only be understood by someone else
can be understood by someone who knows the system:
who knows the system: in code Al! reports must be sent in
Most petrol stations use colour coding for different types of —
code. | break/crack a code (=manage to understand a
petrol. |A coding system is used to record what is found and
code) They didn’t realise that we'd broken their secret code.
when.
3 ROE «(C] a set of numbers, \cod-liver ‘oil n [U] a yellow oil from a fish, that
letters, or symbols that shows what something is or gives
information about it: Goods that you order must have a contains a lot of substances that are important for good
product code. |Every item found on the archaeological dig is health
given a code number. — BAR CODE, GENETIC CODE, POSTCODE, cod-piece /‘kodpi:s $ 'ka:d-/ n [C] a piece of coloured
ZIP CODE cloth worn by men in the 15th and 16th centuries to cover
4(2 ETRY (also dialling code, STD code Br£) [C] the the opening in the front of their trousers
group of numbers that comes before a telephone number cods-wal-lop /'‘kodz,wolap §$ 'ka:dz,wa:-/ n [U] BrE infor-
when you are calling from a different area [SYN] area code mal nonsense: What a load of codswallop!
AmE: What's the code for Aberdeen? co-ed! /kau'ed< $ 'koued/ adj 1 using a system in which
5 Qa [CU] a set of instructions that tell a com- students of both sexes are educated together: a coed
puter what to do > MACHINE CODE, SOURCE CODE college 2 AmE a coed place, team etc is used by or
6 TPS LC] a system of sounds or signals that includes people of both sexes [SYN] mixed BrE
represent words or letters when they are sent by machine coed? n [Cc] AmE old fashioned a woman student at a
—> MORSE CODE university
code? EX v [7 usually passive] 1 to put a set of numbers, co-ed-u-ca-tion /kavedj'kerjan $ kovedza-/ n [U] a
letters, or symbols on something to show what it is or system in which students of both sexes are educated
give information about it: Each path is coded to show the together —coeducational adj
level of difficulty. 2 to put a message into code so that it is
secret [OPP] decode
co-ef-fi-cient /kausfifant $ kou-/ n [C] technical the
number by which an unknown quantity is multiplied: /n
cod-ed [q /‘kaudid $ 'kov-/ adj 1 coded information 8pq, the coefficient of pq is 8.
uses a system of words, letters, or symbols instead of
ordinary writing so that it can only be understood by
coe:la-canth /‘si:laken@/ n [C] a large fish that was
thought to have become ExTINCT millions of years ago, but
someone else who knows the system: He sent a coded
still exists in the Indian Ocean
message to CIA headquarters. 2 having a set of numbers,
letters, or symbols to show what something is or give coe:lixac dis-ease BrE, celiac disease AmE /'si:liak
information about it: The wires are colour coded for easy dizizz/ n [U] a medical condition in which someone
identification. 3 coded language expresses your opinion in cannot DIGEST food properly that contains GLUTEN (=a
an indirect way because it will probably offend someone: substance found in wheat)
They voiced their criticism in coded statements. co-e-qual /kav'i:kwal< $ kou-/ adj formal if people are
4 technical coded sounds or signals can only be under- coequal, they have the same rank, ability, importance etc
stood by special machines: coded signals broadcast by the co-erce /kavu's:s $ 'kous:rs/ v [T] to force someone to do
BBC radio transmitters something they do not want to do by threatening them:
co-deine /kevdiin $ 'kou-/ n [U] a drug used to stop coerce sb into (doing) sth The rebels coerced the villagers
pain into hiding them from the army. GEEAATIE> rorce
‘code name n [C] a name that is used to keep some- coercion /kavu'3fan $ kovu'xrzgan/ n [U] the use of
one's or something's real name a secret —code-name v threats or orders to make someone do something they do
[T]: a crime busting operation code-named Jeeves not want to do: The defendant explained that he had been
,co-de'pendent’, codependent adj someone who is acting under coercion.
co-dependent thinks that they cannot be happy or suc- co-er-cive /kau's:s1v $ kou's:r-/ adj formal using threats
cessful without another person, especially someone with or orders to make someone do something they do not
a problem, and so tries to keep that person happy with- want to do: coercive measures to reduce absenteeism
out taking care of their own needs, in a way that seems —coercively adv
unhealthy —co-dependence, codependency n [U] co-ex-ist /kaurg'zist $ kou-/ v [1] if two different things
co-dependent?, codependent n [C] someone who is coexist, they exist at the same time or in the same place:
co-dependent [+with] wealth coexisting with poverty
cod-er /kauda $ 'koudar/ n [C] informal a computer co-ex-ist-ence /kavig'zistans $ kou-/ n [U] when two
PROGRAMMER: a coders’ convention different things or groups of people exist together at the
‘code-.sharing n (U] when two AIRLINE companies sell same time or in the same place: [+of] the coexistence of
tickets together and use the same numbers for their two systems of measurement | over 50 years of peaceful
flights coexistence
‘code word n [C] 1a word or phrase that is given a C of E /si: av 'i:/ n BrE the C of E (the Church of England)
different meaning to its usual meaning, so that it can be the official church in England, which has the Queen or the
used to communicate something secretly 2 a word or King as its leader —C of E adj
expression that you use instead of a more direct one cof-fee G02 /‘kofi $ 'ko:fi, ‘ka:fi/ n
when you want to avoid shocking someone 1[U] a hot dark brown drink that has a slightly bitter
[S¥N] euphemism: [+for] ‘Lively discussion’ is a code word for taste: Do you want a cup of coffee? |Do you like your coffee
‘arguing’. white (=with milk) or black (=without milk)?
codex /'kaudeks $ 'kou-/ n (plural codices /-disi:z/) [C] 2[C,U] a cup of coffee: Who wants a coffee? | over coffee
technical an ancient book written by hand: a sixth-century dinner guests chatting over coffee (=while drinking coffee)
codex —> DECAFFEINATED
 sad scan SJ & & = the most frequent words in spoken English

3[U] whole coffee beans, crushed coffee beans, or a 2 take cognizance of sth to understand something and
powder to which you add water to make coffee: a jar of consider it when you take action or make a decision
coffee | instant coffee (=powdered coffee) | | haven't got cog-ni-zant, cognisant /‘kognizant $ ‘ka:g-/ adj [not
any real coffee (=coffee beans) at the moment. before noun] formal if someone is cognizant of something,
4[(U] a light brown colour — wake up and smell the coffee they know about it and understand it: [+of] He was
at WAKE UP(3) cognizant of the peculiarities of the case.
‘coffee bar n [Cc] a small restaurant that serves coffee co-gno:scen-ti /konjeofenti $ |kar:nje-/ n the cognos-
and other non-alcoholic drinks, sandwiches, cakes etc centi formal people who have special knowledge about a
—> COFFEE SHOP subject, especially art, literature, or food
‘coffee bean n [C] the seed of a tropical bush that is
used to make coffee
cog-wheel /‘kog-witl $ 'ka:g-/ n [C] a CoG
. ‘coffee break n [c] a short time when you stop work- co-hab-it /kau'hebit $ kov-/ v [I] to live with another
_ ing to have a cup of coffee [SYN]tea break BrE person and have a sexual relationship with them without
being married ([SsYN|live together —cohabitation
- ‘coffee grinder n [c] a small machine that crushes
/kauhebs'terjan $ kov-/ n [U]
coffee beans
‘coffee house n [Cc] a restaurant that serves coffee, co-here /kau'hta $ kou'hir/ v [|] 1 if ideas, arguments,
- cakes etc beliefs, statements etc cohere, they are connected in a
‘coffee machine n [c] a machine that gives you a cup clear and reasonable way — coherent: Al! the details are
there and are correct but they don't cohere. 2 if two objects
of coffee, tea etc when you put money in it
cohere, they stick together
cof-fee-mak-er /‘kofimetko $ ‘ko:fiimerkar, 'ka:-/ n [C]
an electric machine that makes coffee co-her-ence [@ /kov'hiarans $ kou'hir-/ (also
‘coffee mill n (Cl a COFFEE GRINDER co-her-en-cy /-ransi/) n [U] 1 when something such as a
piece of writing is easy to understand because its parts
‘coffee morning n [C] BrE a social occasion when a are connected in a clear and reasonable way: An overall
group of people meet in the morning to talk and drink
theme will help to give your essay coherence. | He had a
coffee, and usually give money to help a church or
coherence of outlook and thought. 2 if a group has coher-
another organization
ence, its members are connected or united because they
‘coffee pot n [Cc] a container from which coffee is share common aims, qualities, or beliefs: A common reli-
served — see picture at poT! gion ensures the coherence of the tribe.
‘coffee shop n [Cc] 1AmE a restaurant that serves co-her-ent Eg /kau'hiarant $ kou'hir-/ adj 1 if a piece of
cheap meals 2 BrE a place in a large shop or a hotel that
writing, set of ideas etc is coherent, it is easy to under-
serves meals and non-alcoholic drinks
stand because it is clear and reasonable: The three years
‘coffee table n [c] a low table on which you put cups, of the course are planned as a coherent whole. | a coherent
newspapers etc — see picture at TABLE’ account of the incident 2 if someone is coherent, they are
‘coffee table book n [c] a large expensive book that talking in a way that is clear and easy to understand: He
has a lot of pictures in it and is meant to be looked at sounded coherent, but he was too ill to have any idea what he
rather than read was saying. 3 if a group is coherent, its members are
cof-fer /'kofa $ 'ko:far, 'ka:-/ n [C] 1sb's coffers the connected or united because they share common aims,
money that an organization, government etc has avail- qualities, or beliefs: They were never a coherent group.
able to spend: The money from the exhibition should swell —coherently adv: She could not think coherently.
the hospital's coffers a little. 2 a large strong box used to co-he-sion /kauhizzan $ kov-/ n [U] 1 if there is cohe-
hold valuable or religious objects sion among a group of people, a set of ideas etc, all the
cof-fin /kofin $ 'ko:-, 'ka:-/ n [C] a long box in which a parts or members of it are connected or related in a
dead person is buried or burnt [SYN] casket AmE — a nail reasonable way to form a whole: a sense of community and
in sb’s/sth's coffin at NAIL'(3) social cohesion 2 technical a close relationship, based on
Cog /kog $ ka:g/ n [C] 1a wheel with small bits sticking grammar or meaning, between two parts of a sentence or
out around the edge that fit together with the bits of a larger piece of writing
another wheel as they turn in a machine 2 one of the co-he:sive /kau'hi:stv $ kou-/ adj1 connected or related
small bits that stick out on a cog 3 a cog in the machine/ in a reasonable way to form a whole: a cohesive
wheel someone who only has a small unimportant job in a community 2 uniting people or things: Historically, sport
large organization has been a cohesive force in international relations.
co-gent /‘kaudzant $ 'kou-/ adj formal if a statement is —cohesively adv —cohesiveness n [U]
cogent, it seems reasonable and correct: cogent
co-hort /'kauho:t $ 'kouho:rt/ n [C] 1 someone's cohorts
argument/reason/case etc a cogent argument for banning
the drug —cogently adv —cogency n [U]
are their friends who support them and stay loyal to them
- used in order to show disapproval: Mark and his cohorts
cog:i-tate /kodzitert $ 'ka:-/ v [| + about/on] formal to eventually emerged from the studio, 2 technical a group of
think carefully and seriously about something people of the same age, social class etc, especially when
—cogitation /,kodz'terfan $ ka:-/ n [UJ they are being studied: a cohort of 386 patients aged 6
cognac /'konjek $ 'kou-, 'ka:-/ n [C,U] a kind of BRANDY plus }
(=strong alcoholic drink) made in France, or a glass of coif-fure /kwa:'fjua $ -'fur/ n [C] formal the way some-
this drink
one’s hair is arranged [SYN] hairstyle —coiffured, coiffed
cog-nate’ /kogneit $ 'ka:g-/ adj technical cognate /kwasft/ adj ‘
words or languages have the same origin
coil" /ko1!/ (also coil up) v [1,7] to wind or twist into a
cognate? n [c] technical a word in one language that series of rings, or to make something do this: The snake
has, the same origin as a word in another language: The coiled around the branches of the tree. | Her long hair was
German ‘Hund’ is a cognate of the English ‘hound’, coiled up in a plait at the top of her head. |He coiled the rope.
cog-ni-tion /kog'nijan $ ka:g-/ n [U] formal the process —coiled adj [only before noun] i
of knowing, understanding, and learning something
[SYN] thought: the regions of the brain that are responsible for
coil? n [Cc] 1a continuous series of circular rings into
memory and cognition which something such as wire or rope has been wound or
twisted: [+of] a coil of rope 2 one ring of wire, rope etc in
cog:ni-tive /‘kognitr $ 'karg-/ adj formal related to the a continuous series 3 a wire or a metal tube in a continu-
process of knowing, understanding, and learning some- ous circular shape that produces light or heat when
thing: cognitive psychology —cognitively adv electricity is passed through it: the coil in a light bulb —
cog-ni-zance, cognisance /‘kognizans $ 'ka:g-/ n [U] 4 the part of a car engine that sends electricity to the
formal 1knowledge or understanding of something SPARK PLUGS 5 a CONTRACEPTIVE that is a flat curved piece of -
(1 (2 GBS = the most frequent words in written English | cold
metal or plastic that is fitted inside a woman's UTERUS provide insurance in which the payment is split between
[SYN] IUD two people, or insurance that will only pay for part of the
coin’ By /koin/ n value or cost of something
1[C] a piece of metal, usually flat and round, that is used coir /ko1e $ komr/ n [U] the rough material that covers
as money —> bill, note FREGAUTIS> MONEY the shell of a COCONUT, used for making MATs, ropes etc
2 toss/flip a coin to choose or decide something by throw- co-i-tus /‘kaustas, 'kortas $ 'kou-, 'ko1-/ n [U] technical the
ing a coin into the air and guessing which side of it will act of having sex [SYN] sexual intercourse —coital adj
show when it falls: Toss a coin to see who goes first. coke /kauk $ kouk/ n 1 Coke [C,U] trademark the drink
3 the other/opposite side of the coin a different or opposite Coca-Cola, or a bottle, can, or glass of this drink
way of thinking about something: Making the rules is only 2 [U] informal cocAINe 3 [U] a solid black substance pro-
part of it. How the rules are carried out is the other side of the duced from coal and burned to provide heat
coin. col! /kol $ ka:l/ n [C] technical a low point between two
4 two sides of the same coin two problems or situations high places in a mountain range
that are so closely connected that they are really just two col? the written abbreviation of column
parts of the same thing: Great opportunity and great dan-
ger are two sides of the same coin. Col. the written abbreviation of colonel
5 [U] money in the form of metal coins cola /kaula $ 'kou-/ n [C,U] a brown sweet SOFT DRINK, or
coin? v [T] 1 to invent a new word or expression, espe- a bottle, can, or glass of this drink: a can of cola
cially one that many people start to use: The word ‘aroma- col-an-der /‘kalanda, ‘kv- $ 'kalandar, 'ka:-/ n [C] a metal
therapy’ was coined in the 1920s. 2 to coin a phrase spoken or plastic bowl with a lot of small holes in the bottom and
said in a joking way when you use a very common sides, used to separate liquid from food
expression, to show that you know it is used a lot: He'd cold" & fi /keuld $ kould/ adj (comparative colder,
thought the flight would never - to coin a phrase - get off the superlative coldest)
ground. 3 coin money/coin it (in) BrE informal to earn a lot
of money very quickly: BT at its profitable peak was coining
ICDA something that is
cold has a low temperature [opp}hot — coldness: She
it at the rate of £90 a second. 4 to make pieces of money splashed her face with cold water. | a blast of cold air | We
from metal slept on the cold ground. | The house felt cold and empty. |
coin-age /‘kotn1d3/ n1 [U] the system or type of money ice/stone/freezing cold (=very cold) The radiator is stone
used in a country: the gold coinage of the Roman empire cold; isn’t the heating working? | go/get cold (=become
2 [C] a word or phrase that has been recently invented: cold) My tea’s gone cold. |Come and eat or your dinner will
The phrase ‘glass ceiling’ is a fairly recent coinage. 3 [U] the get cold!
invention of new words or phrases 4 [U] the making of 2 (ar ~when there is cold weather, the temperature
coins of the air is very low [opp] hot — coldness: /t was so cold
co-in-cide fq /kouin'said $ kou-/ v [1] 1 to happen at this morning | had to scrape the ice off my windshield. | The
the same time as something else, especially by chance day was bitterly cold. | The hut sheltered her from the cold
—+ coincidence: [+with] His entry to the party coincided with wind. | cold winter/evening/January etc the coldest winter
his marriage. | When our vacations coincided, we often on record |cold out/outside /t was raining and freezing cold
holidayed together. | planned/timed/arranged to coincide outside. | The weather gets colder around the middle of
The show is timed to coincide with the launch of a new book. October. | turn/grow cold (=become cold or colder, espe-
2 [not in progressive] if two people's ideas, opinions etc cially suddenly) The nights grew colder.
coincide, they are the same — coincidence: The interests of 3 be/feel/look/get cold if you are cold, your body is at a
the US and those of the islanders may not coincide. |[+with] low temperature: Could you turn up the heater, I'm cold. |-1
The cloth had a natural look which coincided perfectly with feel so cold! | My feet are as cold as ice (=very cold).
the image Laura sought. 3 to meet or be in the same place: 4 Grp) cold food is cooked but not eaten hot: a plate of
The journey coincides in part with the Pennine Way. cold meats |a cold buffet |Serve the potatoes cold.
co-in-ci-dence /kau'mnsidans $ kou-/ n 1[C,U] when 5 Maas =4unfriendly or lacking normal human
two things happen at the same time, in the same place, or feelings such as sympathy, pity, humour etc [opp] warm
to the same people in a way that seems surprising or —» coldly, coldness: Martin was really cold towards me at the
unusual —+ coincide, coincidental: ‘I’m going to Appleby party. | His voice was as cold as ice. | She gave him a cold
tomorrow.’ ‘What a coincidence! I’m going there too.’ | by stare. |a cold calculated murder HEEYMLI> UNFRIENDLY
coincidence By coincidence, John and | both ended up at 6 get/have cold feet informal to suddenly feel that you are
Yale. |sheer/pure coincidence (=completely by chance) It not brave enough to do something you planned to do: The
was sheer coincidence that we were staying in the same plan failed after sponsors got cold feet.
hotel. | not a coincidence/more than coincidence (=not 7 give sb the cold shoulder informal to deliberately ignore
chance, but deliberate) | think it is more than coincidence someone or be unfriendly to them, especially because
that all the complaints have come from the same group of they have upset or offended you
people. 2 [singular] formal when two ideas, opinions etc 8 Mee a cold colour or light reminds you of
are the same: [+of] a coincidence of interest between the things that are cold warm —> coldness: the cold light of
mining companies and certain politicians a fluorescent tube
co-in:ci-dent £4 /kau'mnsident $ kou-/ adj formal exist- 9 in the cold light of day in the morning, when you can
ing or happening at the same place or time: [+with] The think clearly or see something clearly: The house seemed
rise of the novel was coincident with the decline of storytell- less threatening in the cold light of day.
10 cold (hard) cash AmE money in the form of paper
ing.
money and coins rather than cheques or CREDIT CARDS
co-in-ci-den-tal fq /kov,nsiidentl $ kou-/ adj happen- Mleave sb cold to not feel interested in or affected by
ing completely by chance without being planned — coin- something in any way: Opera left him cold.
cidence: _ purely/completely/entirely coincidental Any 12 take/need a cold shower used humorously to say that
similarity between this film and real events is purely coinci- someone is sexually excited and the cold water will stop
dental. —coincidentally adv [sentence adverb]: We have them feeling that way
become profitable. Not coincidentally, we have only half as 13 sb's trail/scent is cold used to say that you cannot find
many employees as we did in 1988. someone because it has been too long since they passed
co-in-sur-ance /kauin{uarans $ kourn'for-/ n [U] AmE or lived in a particular place: | tracked the boy as far as the
1a type of insurance in which the payment is split factory, but there his trail went cold.
between two people, especially between an employer 14 [Ws [not before noun] used in children’s games, to
and a worker: health coinsurance 2 insurance that will only say that someone is far away from the hidden object or
pay for part of the value or cost of something answer they are trying to find: You're getting colder!
co-in-sure /kavin{ua $ koumnfur/ v [T] AmE to buy or 15 cold facts facts without anything added to make them
a EX = words from the Academic Word List

more pleasant or interesting: Statistics can be merely cold " COLLOCATIONS |

facts.
16 cold steel Jiterary a weapon such as a knife or sword
— in cold blood at BLooD"(3), — cold fish at FISH"), + blow have (got) a cold She's staying at home today because
hot and cold at BLOw'(21), + cold comfort at COMFORT'(7), she’s got a cold.
— pour cold water over/on at PouR(6), — a cold sweat at be getting a cold (=be starting to have a cold) |
SWEAT2(4) think | might be getting a cold.
catch a cold (=start to have one) | caught a cold and
THESAURUS had to miss the match.
come down with a cold (also go down with a cold
cold used especially when you feel uncomfortable: BrE) informal (=catch one) |be suffering from a cold
I'm cold - can | borrow a sweater? formal (=have one)
cool a little cold, especially in a way that feels _ADJECTIVES/NOUN +cold
comfortable: The air-conditioning keeps everyone cool.
a bad cold /f you have a bad cold, just stay in bed.
freezing (cold) spoken very cold and very
a nasty cold (also a heavy cold Br£) (=a bad one) He
uncomfortable: You look absolutely freezing!
sounded as if he had a heavy cold.
shivery cold and unable to stop shivering, especially
a streaming cold BrE (=in which a lot of liquid
because you are ill: | felt shivery and had a headache.
comes from your nose) |a slight cold |a chest cold
(=affecting your chest) |a head cold (=affecting
cold used especially when you feel uncomfortable: /t your nose and head)
gets very cold here in the winter.
cool a little cold, often in a way that feels cold® adv 1 AmE suddenly and completely: Paul stopped
comfortable: It’s very hot in the day, but cooler at cold. ‘What was that noise?’ 2 out cold informal uncon-
night. |a nice cool breeze scious: He drank until he was out cold. | You were knocked
chilly a little cold, but not very cold, in a way that out cold (=hit on the head so that you became
feels rather uncomfortable: a chilly autumn day | It's a unconscious). 3 without preparation: / can’t just get up
bit chilly. there and make a speech cold!
freezing (cold) spoken very cold and very ,cold-'blooded adj1 not showing or involving any emo-
uncomfortable: It’s freezing outside. tions or pity for other people's suffering: a cold-blooded
bitterly cold very cold and very uncomfortable: It killer | cold-blooded murder CRUEL 2 a cold-
can be bitterly cold in the mountains. blooded animal, such as a snake, has a body temperature
icy (cold) very cold, especially when the that changes with the temperature of the air or ground
temperature is below zero: The wind was icy cold. around it + warm-blooded —cold-bloodedly adv —cold-
crisp cold, dry, and clear, in a way that seems bloodedness n [U]
pleasant: | love these crisp autumn mornings. cold ‘call v [7] to telephone or visit someone you have
frosty in frosty weather, the ground is covered ina never met before and try to sell them something —cold
frozen white powder: It was a bright frosty morning. call n [C] —cold-calling n [U]
arctic extremely cold and unpleasant, with snow and
ice: He would not survive for long in the arctic
cold ‘comfort n [U] if something that is slightly posi-
conditions. | arctic weather tive is cold comfort to someone who is feeling very bad
about a situation, it does not make them feel any better:
The drop in the unemployment figures is cold comfort to
cold used especially whe n you feel uncomfortable: those still looking for work.
It's cold in here. ‘cold cream n [U] a thick white oily cream used for
cool a little cold, especially in a way that feels cleaning your face and making it softer
comfortable: Let's go inside where it’s cool.
‘cold cuts n [plural] thinly cut pieces of cooked meat
freezing (cold) spoken very cold: | had to sleep in a eaten cold
freezing cold room.
draughty BrE, drafty AmE /‘dra:fti $ ‘drafti/ with ‘cold frame n [C] BrE a box-like structure with sides and
cold air blowing in from outside, in a way that feels a top made of glass or clear plastic, used for keeping
uncomfortable: Old houses can be very draughty. young plants warm as they start to grow
‘cold front n [Cc] the front edge of a mass of cold air
-FOOD, LIQUID, OR SOMETHING YOU TOUCH heading towards a place + WARM FRONT
ra The water's too cold for swimming. |a cold stone cold ‘fusion n [U] a type of NUCLEAR FUSION (=the
oor
joining together of the centre of two atoms, which
cool a little cold, especially in a way that seems releases energy) which some scientists believe can hap-
pleasant: a nice cool drink |coo! white sheets pen at extremely low temperatures, but which other
freezing (cold) very cold: His friends pulled him from scientists believe is impossible
the freezing water.
chilled food and drinks that are chilled have been cold-heart-ed /kauld ‘ha:tide $ kould ‘ha:-/ adj
deliberately made cold: a bottle of chilled champagne behaving in a way that shows no pity or sympathy
— warm-hearted: | had no idea you could be so cold-hearted.
frozen kept at a temperature which is below zero:
frozen peas —cold-heartedly adv —cold-heartedness n [U]
Col-ditz /kauldits/ a castle in Germany in which
cold? n1 [Cc] a common illness that makes it difficult to prisoners-of-war were kept during World War II. People
breathe through your nose and often makes your throat
sometimes compare a place to Colditz if it is almost
impossible to escape from.
hurt: I've got a bad cold. | Keep your feet dry so you don’t
catch a cold. > COMMON COLD 2 [U] (also the cold) a low coldly /kavldli $ 'kould-/ adv if you do something,
temperature or cold weather: | was shivering with cold. | coldly, you do it without any emotion or warm feeling,
Don't go out in the cold without your coat! |you'll catch your making you seem unfriendly — cold, coldness: say/speak/
death of cold BrE (=used to warn someone that they may reply etc coldly ‘Well, what can | do for you?’ he asked
become very ill if they do not keep themselves warm in coldly. |Janine looked at her coldly. ;
cold weather) 3 come in from the cold to become accepted cold-ness /‘kauldnis $ 'kould-/ n [U] 1 when someone is
or recognized, especially by a powerful group of people unfriendly and does not show any warm feelings
4 leave sb out in the cold informal to not include someone [OPP] warmth: There was a certain coldness about him.
in an activity: He chose to favour us one at a time and the 2 the state of being cold —> warmth: [+of] the icy coldness
others were left out in the cold. of the water ;
 EX = words from the Academic Word List 317 collarbone
cold ‘shoulder n (give sb/get) the cold shoulder to col-la-gen /‘koladgen $ 'ka:-/ n [U] a PROTEIN found in
behave in an unfriendly way towards someone that you people and animals. It is often used in beauty products
know —cold shoulder v [T] and treatments to make people look younger and more
‘cold smap n [Cc] a sudden short period of very cold attractive.
weather col-lapse! Gy Li /ka'leps/ v
‘cold sore n [C] a painful spot on your lip or inside your 1Gias 61] if a building, wall etc collapses, it falls
mouth that is caused by a ViRUS down suddenly, usually because it is weak or damaged:
‘cold spell n [Cc] a period of several days or weeks when Uncle Ted's chair collapsed under his weight. | The roof had
the weather is much colder than usual [opp] heat wave collapsed long ago. HRESULT FALL
‘cold ‘storage n [U] 1 if you keep something such as 2 Messi ([!] to suddenly fall down or become
food in cold storage, you keep it in a cold place so that it unconscious because you are ill or weak: He collapsed
will stay fresh and in good condition 2 put sth in cold
with a heart attack while he was dancing. | Marion's legs
collapsed under her.
storage to not do or use something such as a plan or idea
until later in the future: He aims to please even if it means
32 [1] if a system, idea, or organization collapses, it
putting his principles in cold storage. suddenly fails or becomes too weak to continue: The —
luxury car market has collapsed. | | thought that without me —
‘cold store n [C] BrE a room that is kept very cold and the whole project would collapse.
used to store food etc to keep it fresh 4s [!] if prices, levels etc collapse, they suddenly
cold ‘turkey n [U] an unpleasant physical condition become much lower: There were fears that property prices
suffered by people who stop taking a drug that they are would collapse.
ADDICTED to: addicts who are made to go cold turkey 5 Giz [1] to suddenly sit down, especially because
cold ‘war n [singular, U] 1 an unfriendly political relation- you are very tired or want to relax: | was so exhausted
ship between two countries who do not actually fight when | got home, | just collapsed on the sofa.
each other 2 the Cold War the unfriendly relationship 61ST (1,7] if a piece of furniture or equip-
between the US and the Soviet Union after the Second ment collapses, or if you collapse it, you can fold it so that
World War it becomes smaller — collapsible: The legs on our card table
cole-slaw (also cole slaw AmE) /‘kaulsla: $ 'koulslo:/ n collapse so we can store it in the closet.
[U] a SALAD made with thinly cut raw CABBAGE 7 (Gorey =([1] if a lung or a BLOOD vessel collapses, it
suddenly becomes flat, so that it no longer has any air or
colic /‘koltk $ 'ka:-/ n [U] if a baby has colic, it has
blood in it
severe pain in its stomach and BOWELs —colicky adj
collapse? fy n
co-li-tis /kollartis/ n [U] an illness in which part of your IMEI EVA baa (singular, U] a sudden failure
COLON swells, causing pain in the way something works, so that it cannot continue:
col-lab-o-rate /ka'lebarert/ v [I] 1to work together [tof] the collapse of the Soviet Union | the threat of eco-
with a person or group in order to achieve something, nomic collapse | His business was in danger of collapse.
especially in science or art — collaborator: [+on] The two
nations are collaborating on several satellite projects. |
2 IGA (U} when some-
thing suddenly falls down: the collapse of an apartment
[+with] During the late seventies, he collaborated with the building during the earthquake | The ancient abbey was in
legendary Muddy Waters. |collaborate to do sth Researchers imminent danger of collapse.
are collaborating to develop the vaccine. | collaborate in 3 TESST” (singular, U] when someone suddenly
(doing) sth Elephants collaborate in looking after their young. falls down or becomes unconscious because of an illness
or injury: The President said he was fine after his collapse
REGISTER
yesterday. |She suffered a collapse under anaesthetic.
In everyday English, people usually say they work
4 (a7 =[singular] a sudden decrease in the
together on something rather than collaborate on
value of something: the collapse of the stock market | [+in]
something: They are working together on some new
a collapse in the value of pensions
songs.
col-lap:si-ble /ka'lapstbal/ adj something collapsible
2 to help a country that your country is fighting a war can be folded so that it uses less space: a collapsible chair
with, especially one that has taken control of your coun-
col-lar’ gy /‘kola $ 'karlar/ n [C]
try — collaborator: [+with] Vigilantes began combing the
1@@ynIny the part of a shirt, coat etc that fits around
city for anyone known to have collaborated with the enemy.
your neck, and is usually folded over: He grabbed me by
col-lab-o-ra-tion /kalebe'rerfan/ n 1[C,U] when you the collar. |He loosened his collar and tie.
work together with another person or group to achieve 2 @ETI a narrow band of leather or plastic that is
something, especially in science or art: The company is fastened around an animal's neck
building the centre in collaboration with the Institute of 3 (TNE «4an object that someone wears around
. Offshore Engineering. | [+between] a collaboration between their neck to support it when it has been injured
the two theatres | [+with] The project has involved collabo- 4EQ90ES9 a way of making sure that stocks you own do
ration with the geography department. 2 [U] when some- not lose money, even if their price goes down
one gives help to a country that their country is fighting a 5 (aN a circular ring that goes round a pipe to make
war with, especially one that has taken control of their it stronger, especially where two pipes join together
country 6 aa wa) a band of fur, feathers, or skin
col-lab-o-ra-tive /ka'lebarattv $ -ret-/ adj collaborative around an animal's neck that is a different colour from
effort/work/project etc a job or piece of work that involves the rest of the animal —> BLUE-COLLAR, DOG COLLAR,
two or more people working together to achieve some- WHITE-COLLAR
thing collar? v [T] 1 to catch someone and hold them so that
col-lab-o-ra-tor /ke'lebaretta $ -ar/ n [C] 1some- they cannot escape: The police collared him less than 20
one who helps their country’s enemies, for example by minutes after the robbery. 2 to find someone so that you
giving them information, when the enemy has taken can talk to them, especially when they would prefer to
control of their country — collaborate, collaboration: Their avoid you: He collared her in the staff room at lunchtime and
job was to identify enemy collaborators. 2 someone who started telling her about his summer holiday plans.
works with other people or groups in order to achieve 3 high-collared/open-collared/fur-collared etc used about
~ something, especially in science or art — collaborate, clothes that have a particular type of collar: a high-
collaboration: collaborators on a biography of Dickens collared blouse
col-lage /kola:z $ ka'la:zz/ n 1[C] a picture made by col-lar-bone /‘kolabaun $ ‘ka:larboun/ n [C] one of the
sticking other pictures, photographs, cloth etc onto a pair of bones that go from the bottom part of your neck
surface 2 [U] the art of making pictures in this way to your shoulders —+ see picture at SKELETON
 collard greens 318
col-lard greens /kolad ‘grisnz $ 'kazlard griznz/ n [plu- from the ground: Computers make it easier to gather
ral] AmE a vegetable with large green leaves, eaten information. | Themen gathered firewood.
cooked assemble formal to collect something such as
col-lar-less /‘kolalas $ ‘'ka:lar-/ adj a collarless jacket, information in an organized way: When all the
shirt etc is one that does not have a collar evidence is assembled, we will write our report.
build up to gradually collect more things of the same
‘collar stud n [c] an object like a button, used to fasten type over time: He has built up one of the country’s
old-fashioned collars to shirts
finest collections of art.
col-late /ka'lert/ v [T] 1 formal to gather information accumulate to gradually get more and more of
ogether, examine it carefully, and compare it with other something such as money, possessions, or
information to find any differences: collate information/ knowledge, over time. Accumulate is more formal
results/data/figures A computer system is used to collate than build up: He is driven by the desire to accumulate
information from across Britain. 2 to arrange sheets of wealth.
paper in the correct order [SYN] sort —collation /ka'lerfan/ amass to collect a large amount of something such
n [U] as money, information, or knowledge, over time:
- col-lat-e-ral? /kalletaral/ n (U] property or other goods Carnegie amassed a fortune in the steel industry.
hat you promise to give someone if you cannot pay back run up a bill/debt/loss informal to allow a debt to
the money they lend you [SYN]security: We put up our increase quickly, especially by spending too much:
home as collateral in order to raise the money to invest in the \ He ran up huge gambling debts. )
scheme. —collateralize AmE v [7]
collect sth <> up phr v BrE to pick up several things, and
collateral? adj [only before noun] 1 collateral damage put them together [SYN] gather up: Can you collect up all the
people who are hurt or killed, or property that is damaged dirty plates and cups?
accidentally in a war - used especially by the army, navy
etc: Hitting any non-military targets would risk ‘collateral collect? adv AmE call/phone sb collect if you telephone
damage’. 2 relating to something or happening as a result someone collect, the person who receives the call pays
of it, but not as important: There may be collateral benefits for it —+ collect call [SYN] reverse the charges BrE
to the scheme. 3 collateral relatives are members of your col-lect? /kolrkt, -lekt $ 'ka:-/ n [C] a short prayer in
family who are not closely related to you some Christian services
col-league ] (Q Lg /‘kolig $ 'ka:-/ n [C] someone col-lect-a-ble /kallektabal/ (also col-lect-i:ble /-tbal/)
you work with - used especially by professional people adj something that is collectable is likely to be bought and
SYN] co-worker: a colleague of mine from the bank | She kept as part of a group of similar things, especially
discussed the idea with some of her colleagues. because it might increase in value —collectable n [C]:
col-lect™ Sy ( /ke'lekt/ v shops selling antiques and collectables
1 GNSS [7] to get things of the same type from col'lect call n [Cc] AmE a telephone call paid for by the
different places and bring them together — collection, person who receives it
collector: After 25 years of collecting recipes, she has com-
piled them into a cookbook. | The company collects informa- col-lect-ed /ka'lektid/ adj 1 in control of yourself and
tion about consumer trends. | We've been out collecting your thoughts, feelings etc: She wanted to arrive feeling
signatures for our petition. cool, calm, and collected. 2 collected works/poems/essays/
2 (GIES [T] to get and keep objects of the same edition all of someone's books, poems etc printed in one
type, because you think they are attractive or interesting book or set of books: the Collected Works of Shakespeare
—+ collection, collector: Arlene collects teddy bears. col-lec-tion Gy ( /ka'lekjan/ n
3 GWEEVALTGS [T] to get money that you are owed 1 [C] a) a set of similar things that are kept or
—»+ collector: collect tax/rent/a debt The landlady came brought together because they are attractive or interest-
around once a month to collect the rent. ing — collect, collector: a stamp collection | my record
4 Sarre [1,7] to ask people to give you collection | [+of] a collection of Japanese vases b) a group
money or goods for an organization that helps people: of objects together in the same place: a collection of empty
[+for] |’m collecting for Children in Need. wine bottles on the back porch
STERSSIETTa [1,7] if something collects in a 2 (Tay [C] the act of asking people to give you money
place, or you collect it there, it gradually increases in for an organization that helps people, or during a church
amount: Rain collected in pools on the road. |solar panels for service, or the money collected in this way —> collect:
collecting energy from the sun || didn’t know what to do with [+for] Every Christmas we have a collection for a local
it, so it just sat there collecting dust. charity. |We'll be taking up a collection at the end of tonight's
6 {ZNSE [7] to receive something because you have service,
won a race, game etc: Redgrave collected his fifth Olympic 3 [U] the act of obtaining money that
gold medal in Sydney.
is owed to you — collect, collector: a debt collection agency
7 collect yourself/collect your thoughts to make an effort to 4 GS rsaaay [U] the act of bringing together
remain calm and think clearly and carefully about some- things of the same type from different places to form a
thing: | got there early so | had a few minutes to collect my group — collect: a computerized data collection system
thoughts before the meeting began. 5 WYSE ESA [C,U] the act of taking something
8 TIGVSTETE 4 [7] especially BrE to come to from a place — collect: Garbage collections are made every
a particular place in order to take someone or something Tuesday morning. | Please collect your purchases from the
away [SYN] pick up AmE: Martin’s gone to collect the chil- customer collection point.
dren from school. | I've got to go and collect the book | 6 (ZEEE [C] the clothes designed by a fashion com-
ordered from the library.
pany for a particular season: Donna Karen's new spring
9 {TNE [1] formal to come together gradually to form a collection
group of people [SYN] gather: A crowd was beginning to 7 GQTSH0SH [Cc] several stories, poems, pieces of
collect around the scene of the accident.
music etc that are in one book or on one record: [+of] a
new collection of Frost's poetry
collect to get things of the same type from different 8 BIT [C usually singular] a group of people, especially
places and bring them together: She collects stamps people you think are strange or unusual in some way:
(=as a hobby). | They have collected 650 signatures for [+of] There was an interesting collection of people at the
their petition. wedding. :
gather to collect information from different places, col'lection box n [Cc] a container with a small hole in
or to collect crops, flowers, wood etc, especially the top, that people put money for CHARITY into ‘
 (i £2 (8 = the most frequent words in written English 319 colon

collection plate n [Cc] a large almost flat dish that | ran around the corner, and almost collided with Mrs
you put money into during some religious services Laurence. | Two trains collided head-on (=when they were
col-lec-tive’ /ka'lektrv/ adj [only before noun] shared or moving directly towards each other).
made by every member of a group or society: a collective
decision made by all board members | our collective responsi- REGISTER
bility for the environment In everyday English, people usually say run into
rather than collide with: Her car ran into the back of a
collective? n [Cc] 1a group of people who work truck.
together to run something such as a business or farm,
and who share the profits equally 2 the business or farm 2 to disagree strongly with a person or group, especially
that is run by this type of group on a particular subject: [+with] The President has again
collective ‘bargaining n (U] the discussions held collided with Congress over his budget plans. 3 if two very
between employers and a union in order to reach agree- different ideas, ways of thinking etc collide, they come
ment on wages, working conditions etc together and produce an interesting result: /stanbul, where
collective ‘farm n [Cc] a large farm that is owned by East and West collide.
the government and controlled by the farm workers col-lid-er /ka'laida $ -ar/ n [C] a machine used in
col-lec-tive-ly /ka'lekttvli/ adv as a group: All members scientific studies in which parts of atoms are made to
of the cabinet are collectively responsible for decisions move very fast and crash into each other — particle
taken. |Rain, snow, and hail are collectively known as precipi- accelerator
tation. col-lie /koli $ 'ka:li/ n [C] a middle-sized dog with long
collective ‘noun n [Cc] technical a noun, such as hair, kept as a pet or trained to control sheep
‘family’ or ‘flock’, that is the name of people or things col-li-er /*kolia $ 'ka:liar/ n [C] BrE old-fashioned some-
considered as a unit one who works in a coal mine
col-lec-tiv-is:m /ka'lektrvizam/ n [U] a political system col-lie-ry /‘koljari $ ‘ka:l-/ n (plural collieries) [C] BrE a
in which all businesses, farms etc are owned by the COAL MINE and the buildings around it
government —collectivist adj
col-li-sion /ka'lzzan/ n [C,U] 1 an accident in which two
col-lec-tiv-ize (also -ise BrE) /ka'lektrvaiz/ v [T] to join
or more people or vehicles hit each other while moving in
privately owned farms or businesses together, so that
different directions — collide: [+with] The school bus was
they can be owned by the government in a Communist
involved in a collision with a truck. |Two people were killed in
political system —collectivization /ka,lektivar'zerfan $
a head-on collision (=between two vehicles that are mov-
-va-/ n [U] ‘
ing directly towards each other) on highway 218.
col-lec-tor /ka'lekta $ -ar/ n [C] 1 someone who collects GEES Accident 2 a strong disagreement between
things that are interesting or attractive — collect, collec- two people or groups: [+between] a collision between the
tion: a stamp collector |The painting was bought by a private two countries over fishing rights 3 be on a collision course
collector. 2 someone whose job is to collect taxes, tickets, a) to be likely to have serious trouble because your aims
debts etc — collect, collection: tax/ticket/debt/refuse col- are very different from someone else's: The two nations
lector are on a collision course that could lead to war. b) to be
collector's item n [C] an object that people want to moving in a direction in which you will hit something: an
have because it is interesting or rare, and might become asteroid on a collision course with Earth
valuable: The dolls are real collector's items.
col-lo-cate /‘knlakert $ 'ka:-/ v [I] technical when words
col-leen /ko'lizn $ ka:-/ n [C] old-fashioned a girl or collocate, they are often used together and sound natural
young woman - used in Ireland together: [+with] ‘Enigmatic’ collocates with ‘smile’.
col-lege Gy (4 /‘kolidz $ 'ka:-/ n —collocate /-kst/ n [C]
1B} «=£C,U] a school for advanced col-lo-ca-tion /kola'kerfan $ ka:-/ n [C,U] technical the
education, especially in a particular profession or skill: a way in which some words are often used together, or a
teacher training college | Donna left schoo! and went to art particular combination of words used in this way: ‘Com-
college. |[+of] the London College of Fashion |at college We mit a crime’ is a typical collocation in English.
were great friends when we were at college.
2 (ethasiad (C,U] Ame a large school where you can col-lo-qui-al /ka'laukwial $ -lou-/ adj language or words
that are colloquial are used mainly in informal conversa-
study after HIGH SCHOOL and get a degree university
BrE: Some people who want to go to college still can’t get tions rather than in writing or formal speech
—colloquially adv
there. | in college Fran just finished her freshman year in
college. |a decline in the number of college students studying col-lo-qui-al-is:m /ka'lavkwializam $ -lou-/ n [C] an
history | college graduates | a college education | college expression or word used in informal conversation
campuses —> COMMUNITY COLLEGE, JUNIOR COLLEGE col-lo-qui-um /ka'lavkwiam $ -llou-/ n [C] formal a
3 esa [C] one of the groups of teachers CONFERENCE
~ and students that form a separate part of some universi- col-lo-quy /‘kolakwi $ 'ka:-/ n [C] formal a conversation
ties, especially in Britain: Trinity College, Cambridge —+ SOLILOQUY
4 Bees «[C also + plural verb BrE] the
students and teachers of one of these organizations col-lude /ka'lu:d/ v [1] to work with someone secretly,
especially in order to do something dishonest or illegal:
5 SONI) «(C] a group of people [+with] Several customs officials have been accused of col-
who have special rights, duties, or powers within a pro-
fession or organization: the American College of Surgeons luding with drug traffickers. |[+in] She knew about the plan,
6 sayy [C] BrE a word used in the name of and colluded in it.
some large schools, especially PUBLIC SCHOOLS —> ELEC- col-lu-sion /ka'lu:zan/ n [U] a secret agreement that
TORAL COLLEGE two or more people make in order to do something
(College ‘Boards n [plural] trademark tests taken by dishonest
students in order to attend some US universities col-ly-wob-bles /‘koliwobalz $ 'ka:liwa:-/ n the colly-
col-le-gi-an /kalli:dzian/ n [C] a member of a college wobbles BrE informal an uncomfortable feeling that you
—collegian adj get when you are very nervous
col-le-gi-ate /kalli:dziat/ adj 1 relating to college or a co-logne /ka'laun $ -loun/ (also eau de cologne) n [U] a
college: collegiate sports 2 a collegiate university is one liquid that smells slightly of flowers or plants, that you
that is organized into separate colleges put on your neck or wrists + perfume
col-lide /ka'latd/ v [1] 1to hit something or someone co-lon /‘kaulan $ 'kou-/ n [C] 1 technical the lower part
that is moving in a different direction from you — colli- of the BOWELS, in which food is changed into waste matter
sion: A car and a van collided on the motorway, | [+with] 2 the sign (:) that is used in writing and printing to
colonel 320 EX3 = words from the Academic Word List

introduce an explanation, example, QUOTATION) etc co-los-sus /ka'losas $ ka'la:-/ n [C] someone or some-
— +semicolon thing that is extremely big or extremely important: an
colo-nel /‘k3inl $ ‘k3rr-/ n [C] a high rank in the army, intellectual colossus like Leonardo
Marines, or the US air force, or someone who has this col-our™ &] (i BrE, color AmE /'kala $ -ar/ n
rank 1A [C] red, blue, yellow, green, brown,
co-lo-ni-al® /ka'launial $ -'lou-/ adj 1 relating to a coun- purple etc: What colour dress did you buy? | What colour
try that controls and rules other countries, usually ones are his eyes? | The pens come in a wide range of colours. |
that are far away — colony: the struggle against colonial light/bright/pastel etc colour | love wearing bright colours. |
rule | Britain was the largest colonial power. 2 made in a reddish-brown/yellowy-green/deep blue etc colour The
style that was common in the US in the 18th century: a walls were a lovely reddish-brown color.
large colonial house 3 relating to the US when it was under 2 rss [U] (also colours) the appearance of
British rule: The town was first established in colonial times. something as a result of the way it REFLECTS (=throws
colonial? n [Cc] someone who lives in a COLONY but who back) light, especially when its appearance is very bright
is a citizen of the country that rules the colony or is made up of a lot of different colours: Bright bold
co-lo-ni-al-is‘m /ka'launializam $ -ou-/ n [U] when a accessories are the quickest way to add colour to a room. | in
powerful country rules a weaker one, and establishes its colour The wine was almost pink in colour (=was almost
own trade and society there —+ colony, imperialism: a pink). | blaze/riot/mass of colour (=lots of different bright
legacy of European colonialism colours) In summer the gardens are a blaze of colour. | a
co-lo-ni-al-ist /ka'launialist $ -lov-/ n [C] a supporter of splash of colour (=a small area of a bright colour) | The sky
colonialism —colonialist adj: colonialist attitudes began to slowly change colour. |the fall colors (=the colours
co-lon-i¢ /ka'lonik $ -'la:-/ adj relating to the COLON of the trees in autumn)
3 Gans [C,U] how dark or light someone's skin is,
colonic irri gation n [C,U] a medical treatment which
which shows which race they belong to: Everyone has a
involves cleaning the COLON by passing water through it.
right to a job, regardless of their race, sex, or colour. |people
Some doctors believe that the treatment can help prevent
of all colors | the continuing battle against colour prejudice
various diseases by washing out poisonous substances,
—+ COLOURED?
but other doctors think that it does not have any good
4 people/women/students etc of color especially AmE
effects.
people, women etc who are not white: I’m the only person
col-o-nist /kolanist $ 'ka:-/ n [C] someone who settles of color in my class.
in a new colony: The colonists struggled through their first 5 SESaEOTS (C,U] a substance such as paint or Dye that
winter.
makes something red, blue, yellow etc: Wash the garment
col-o-nize (also -ise BrE) /'kolenaiz $ ‘ka:-/ v [T] separately, as the colour may run (=come out when
1to establish political control over an area or over washed). | jams that contain no artificial colours or
another country, and send your citizens there to settle preservatives |lip/nail/eye colour our new range of eyeshad-
+ colony 2 if animals or plants colonize an area, large ows and lip colours
numbers of them start to live there: a dead tree that has 6in (full) colour a television programme, film, or photo-
been colonized by ants —colonizer n [C] —colonization graph that is in colour contains colours such as red,
/ kolanarzerfan $ ka:lane-/ n [U] green, and blue rather than just black and white [OPP]in
col-on-nade /kpla'nerd $ ka:-/ n [C] a row of upright black and white: All the recipes in the book are illustrated in
stone posts that usually support a roof or row of ARCHes full colour.
—colonnaded adj 7 §39853 [v] if you have some colour in your face, your
col-o-ny /‘kolani $ 'ka:-/ n (plural colonies) [C] 1 a coun- face is pink or red, usually because you are healthy or
try or area that is under the political control of a more embarrassed: You look a lot better today. At least you've got
powerful country, usually one that is far away — colonial, a bit of colour now. | One of the girls giggled nervously as
colonize: Algeria was formerly a French colony. + CROWN colour flooded her cheeks (=her cheeks suddenly went very
COLONY 2 one of the 13 areas of land on the east coast of pink or red). | He stared at her, the colour draining from his
North America that later became the United States face.
3 a group of people who are similar in some way and who 8 Himes [LU] interesting and exciting details or
live together, or the place where they live: an artists’ qualities that someone or something has: The old market
colony |a leper colony 4 a group of animals or plants of the is lively, full of colour and activity. |a travel writer in search of
same type that are living or growing together: a seal local colour | add/give colour to sth (=make something
colony |breeding colonies of rare birds more interesting) Intelligent use of metaphors can add
col-or® /‘kala $ -ar/ the American spelling of colour colour to your writing.
color? v color me surprised/confused/embarrassed etc 9 lend/give colour to sth to make something, especially
Ame spoken informal used to say that you are very sur- something unusual, appear likely or true: We have new
prised, confused etc by something: ‘Color me amazed!’ evidence that lends colour to the accusation of fraud.
says prize-winner Angela Harris. 10 off colour a) [not before noun] BrE someone who is off
col-o-ra-tion (also colouration BrE) /kala'rerfan/ n [U] colour is feeling slightly ill b) [usually before noun] espe-
the colours or pattern of colours on a plant or animal cially AmE off-colour jokes, stories etc are rude and often
about sex
col-o-ra-tu-ra /kplara'tuara, -'tiua- $ kalara'tura/ on
1 [U] a difficult piece of music that is meant to be sung 11 colours [plural] a) the colours that are used to represent
fast 2 [C] a woman, especially a SopRANO, who sings this a team, school, club, country etc: club/team/school col-
type of music ours a cap in the team colours |Australia’s national colours
are gold and green. b) BrE a flag, shirt etc that shows that
‘color guard n [Cc] AmE a group of people who carry someone or something belongs to or supports a particu-
flags in an official ceremony
lar team, school, club, or country
col-or-ize (also colourise Br) /'‘kalaraiz/ v [T] to add 12 see the colour of sb's money spoken to have definite
colour to a film that was first made in black and white proof that someone has enough money to pay for some
—colorization /kalarar'zerjan $ -ra-/ n [U] thing: ‘A whiskey, please.’ ‘Let's see the color of your money
‘color line n [singular] AmE the set of laws or social first.’ with flying colours at FLYING‘(2), > nail your colours
customs in some places that prevents people of different to the mast at NAIL?(5), > your true colours at TRUE'(13)
races from going to the same places or taking part in the colour? BrE, color AmE v1 [T] to change the colour of
same activities colour bar BrE something, especially by using bye: If | didn’t colour my
co-los-sal /ka'lnsal $ ka'la:-/ adj used to emphasize that hair I'd be totally grey. | Colour the icing with a little green
something is extremely large: a colossal statue of the King | food colouring. | colour sth red/blue etc Sunset came and
The whole holiday was a colossal waste of money. coloured the sky a brilliant red. 2 [1,7] (also colour in) to use -
MELT Bic —colossally adv coloured pencils to put colours inside the lines of a —
 EX = words from the Academic Word List _colour supplement
picture: On the back page is a picture for your child to colour parents or grandparents were not of the same race as
in. | She has no idea how to colour a picture - she just each other
scribbles all over it. 3 [|] literary when someone colours, coloured? BrE, colored AmE n [C] 1 taboo old-fashioned
their face becomes redder because they are embarrassed a very offensive word for someone who is a member of a
[SYN|blush: Her eyes suddenly met his and she coloured race of people with dark or black skin. Do not use this
slightly. 4 colour sb’s judgement/opinions/attitudes etc to word. 2 a person whose parents or grandparents were
influence the way someone thinks about something, not of the same race as each other - used in South Africa
especially so that they become less fair or reasonable: In col-our-fast BrE, colorfast AmE /'kalafazst $ ‘kalarfest/
my position, | can’t afford to let my judgement be coloured by adj cloth that is colourfast will not lose its colour when it
personal feelings. is washed
colour? BrE, color AmE adj colour television/photograph/ col-our-ful Br£, colorful AmE /‘kalafal $ -lar-/ adj 1 hav-
printer etc a colour television, photograph etc produces or ing bright colours or a lot of different colours: a colourful
shows pictures in colour rather than in black, white, and display of flowers | colorful costumes FEES coLour
grey — black and white: a large color TV | Please ask for our 2 interesting, exciting, and full of variety: colourful
free colour brochure. history/past/career/life Charlie Chaplin had a long and
col-our-ant BrE, colorant AmE /‘kalarant/ n [C] a sub- colorful career. |colourful character/figure (=someone who
stance used to change the colour of something, espe- is interesting and unusual) 3 colourful language, speech —
cially someone's hair [SYN] dye etc uses a lot of swearing —colourfully adv
col-our-ation /kala'rerfan/ n a British spelling of cot- col-our-ing BrE, coloring AmE /‘kalarin/ n 1[C,U] a
ORATION substance used to give a particular colour to food: green
‘colour bar n [c usually singular] BrE a set of laws or food colouring 2 [U] the activity of putting colours into
social customs that prevents black people from going to drawings, or of drawing using CRAYONs, coloured pencils
the same places or taking part in the same activities as etc: a children’s colouring competition 3 [U] the colour of
white people [SYN] color line AmE someone's skin, hair, and eyes: Mandy has her mother’s fair
‘colour-blind BrE, color-blind AmE adj 1 unable to see coloring. 4 [U] the colours of an animal, bird, or plant
the difference between all or some colours 2 treat- ‘colouring book 8r£, coloring book AmE n [C] a book
ing people from different races equally and fairly: The law full of pictures that are drawn without colour so that a
should be colour-blind. —colour-blindness n [U] child can colour them in
‘colour coded BrE, color coded AmE adj things that are col-our-ist Br£, colorist Am /'kalarist/ n [C]
colour coded are marked with different colours so that it 1 technical a painter who uses colour itself as a subject of
is easy to see what they are to be used for a painting 2 someone whose job is to DYE people's hair
‘colour-co ordinated BrE, color-coordinated AmE adj (=change the colour)
clothes, decorations etc that are colour-coordinated have col-our-less BrE, colorless AmE /‘kalalas $ 'kalar-/ adj
colours which look good together — colour-coordi'nation having no colour: a colourless odourless gas 2 if your
n{(U] face, hair, eyes, skin, or lips are colourless, they are very
col-oured' BrE, colored AmE /'kalad $ -ard/ adj pale, usually because you are ill or frightened 3 not inter-
1 brightly/highly/richly etc coloured having a bright colour esting or exciting [SYN|dull: his colourless personality
such as red, blue, or yellow etc, or a deep shade of a —colourlessly adv
particular colour, but not black, white, or plain 2 having a ‘colour scheme BrE, color scheme AmE n [C] the com-
colour other than black or white: coloured glass |a cream- bination of colours that. someone chooses for a room,
coloured sweater 3 taboo old-fashioned a very offensive painting etc
word used to describe someone who is a member of a ‘colour supplement n [Cc] BrE a magazine printed in
race of people with dark or black skin. Do not use this colour and given free with a newspaper, especially on
word. 4 used in South Africa to describe someone whose Saturdays or Sundays
THESAURUS: colour
colour red, blue, yellow etc: Blue is my favourite colour. |Matisse was famous for his use of colour.
shade a particular type of a colour: The dress is a light shade of pink. |He uses different shades of green.
hue /hju:/ literary or technical a particular colour or shade of a colour: Her face had lost its golden hue.
tint a small amount of a colour in something that is mostly another colour: He wears sunglasses that have a
pinky-orange tint.
tone one of the many different shades of a colour, each slightly darker, lighter, brighter etc than the next: Carpets
in neutral tones give a feeling of space.
| DARK COLOURS
dark used about a colour that is strong and fairly close to black: a dark blue suit | Hiseeyes are dark brown.
deep fairly dark- often used when you think this colour looks attractive: His eyes were a beautiful deep blue. |deep
red lips
| rich used about a colour that is fairly dark in a way that gives a pleasant feeling of warmth: The walls were painted
a rich red colour.
LIGHT COLOURS
| light used about a colour that is not dark: a light Be sweater |His T-shirt wassia green.
pale used about a colour that is very light: He has very pale blue eyes.
| soft used about a colour that is light in a way that is attractive because it is not too obvious: She wears soft
colours such as cream, which match her complexion.
pastel used about a colour that has a lot of white in it: The girls wore pastel pink sundresses.
BRIGHT COLOURS
_ | bright used about a colour that is strong and easy to see: The front door was painted bright red.
brilliant/vivid used about a colour that is very bright: | looked out at the brilliant blue sky. | vivid red flowers
colourful BrE, colorful AmE used about things that have many different bright colours: There were window boxes
| full of colourful flowers.
multicoloured Br£, multicolored AmE used about things that have a pattern of many different bright colours: A
multicoloured flag waved in the midday sun.
_} gaudy/garish too brightly coloured, in a way that is unattractive: The wallpaper was much too gaudy for me. |a
garish orange tie
 colt 322 Si] & & = the most frequent words in spoken English

colt /kault $ koult/ n [C] 1a young male horse — filly —> post-traumatic stress disorder: These treatment methods
2 [usually plural] BrE a member of a sports team for young enabled 80 percent of combat-fatigue-affected troops to
people: our colts team return to duty.
col-umn fy 1 /‘kolam $ 'ka:-/ n [C] com:-ba-tive /kombatrv $ kam'betiv/ adj ready and
1a tall solid upright stone post used to support a building willing to fight or argue: Congress is in a combative mood.
or as a decoration —combativeness n [U]
2a line of numbers or words written under each other combi /‘kombi $ 'ka:m-/ n [C] a machine or vehicle that
that goes down a page — row: in a column Add up the can be used in two or more different ways - used espe-
numbers in each column. | [+of] a column of figures cially in product names: The new Combi can be used either
3an article on a particular subject or by a particular as a passenger plane or for transporting freight.
writer that appears regularly in a newspaper or magazine: com-bi-na-tion fy [ /komb3nerjan $ ka:m-/ n
He writes a weekly column for ‘The Times’. |music/science/ 1[C,U] two or more different things that exist together or
gardening etc column are used or put together —> combine: [+of] A combination
4 one of two or more areas of print that go down the page of factors may be responsible for the increase in cancer. | A
ee of a newspaper or book and that are separated from each combination of tact and authority was needed to deal with
other by a narrow space: Turn to page 5, column 2. | ‘The the situation. | Certain combinations of sounds are not possi-
Sun’ devoted ten column inches to the event (=their article ble in English. | in combination (with sth) Some drugs which
filled a column ten inches long). are safe when taken separately are lethal in combination.
5 something that has a tall thin shape: [+of] a column of MIXTURE i
smoke
2[C] the series of numbers or letters you need to open a
6 a long moving line of people or things: [+of] a column of combination lock
marching men —> FIFTH COLUMN, GOSSIP COLUMN, PERSONAL 3 winning combination a mixture of different people or
COLUMN, SPINAL COLUMN things that work successfully together
col-umn-ist /‘kolamist, -lamnist $ 'ka:-/ n [C] someone 4[U] especially AmE used before a noun to mean that
who writes articles, especially about a particular subject, something has more than one purpose or uses more than
that appear regularly in a newspaper or magazine one method: a combination nightclub and café |new combi-
com /kom $ ka:m/ the abbreviation of commercial nation drug therapies
organization, used in Internet addresses ,combi'nation lock n [Cc] a lock which can only be
co-ma /'keaumea $ 'kou-/ n [C,U] someone who is in a opened by using a series of numbers or letters in a
coma has been unconscious for a long time, usually particular order — see picture at LOCK?
because of a serious illness or injury: be in/go into/come combination ‘oven n [Cc] an oven that uses gas or
out of a coma He went into a coma and died soon afterwards. electricity and MICROWAVES
coma:tose /keumataus $ ‘koumatous/ adj
1 technical in a coma 2 not moving because of being
com-bine! gy [Q /kem'bain/ v
drunk or very tired 1[1,T] if you combine two or more different things, or if
they combine, they begin to exist or work together
comb! /kaum $ koum/ n 1[C] a flat piece of plastic, — combination: combine sth with sth Augustine was later to
metal etc with a row of thin teeth on one side, used for combine elements of this philosophy with the teachings of
making your hair tidy + brush 2 [C] a small flat piece of
Christianity. | Diets are most effective when combined with
plastic, metal etc with a row of thin teeth on one side,
exercise. | combine to do sth A number of factors have
used for keeping your hair back or for decoration
combined to create this difficult situation. | Ruth hesitated,
3 [singular] if you give your hair a comb, you make it tidy
uncertain of how to combine honesty and diplomacy in her
using a comb: Your hair needs a good comb. 4 [C] the red
answer. | combined effect/effects (=the result of two or
piece of flesh that grows on top of a male chicken’s head
more different things used or mixed together) The com-
5 [C] a HONEYCOMB —> FINE-TOOTH COMB
bined effects of the war and the drought resulted in famine.
comb? yv [T] 1to make hair look tidy using a comb: MIX
Melanie ran upstairs to comb her hair. 2 to search a place 2 [T] to have two or more different features or qualities at
thoroughly: comb sth for sb/sth Police are still combing the the same time —+ combination: combine sth with/and sth
woods for the missing boy. Good carpet wool needs to combine softness with strength.
comb sth <> out phr v to use a comb to make untidy hair 3[1,T] if two or more different substances combine, or if
look smooth and tidy: She sat combing out-her hair in front you combine them, they mix or join together to produce a
of the kitchen mirror. new single substance —+ combination: combine to do sth
comb through sth phr v to search through a lot of objects Different amino acids combine to form proteins. |Combine all
or information in order to find a specific thing or piece of the ingredients in a large bowl. |combine sth with sth Steel is
information: We spent weeks combing through huge piles of produced by combining iron with carbon. PIEULYE> Mx
old documents. 4[T] to do two different activities at the same time:
com-bat! /kombet $ 'ka:m-/ n1 [U] fighting, especially combine sth with sth Many people enjoy combining a holiday
during a war: in combat Corporal Gierson was killed in with learning a new skill. |combine sth and sth the problems
combat. | We flew over 200 combat missions in the war, | facing women who wish to combine a career and family |
training in unarmed combat (=fighting without weapons) | combine business with pleasure (=work and enjoy yourself
mortal combat (=fighting until one person kills another) | at the same time) :
hand-to-hand combat (=fighting in which you are close 5 [1,1]iftwo or more groups, organizations etc combine,
enough to touch your opponent) |combat aircraft/jacket/ or if you combine them, they join or work together in
boots etc WAR2[C] a fight or battle order to do something; combine to do sth Ten British and
3 combats [plural] loose trousers, often with many pock- French companies combined to form the Channel Tunnel
ets: She always wore combats, which were more fashionable Group. | University zoologists and government vets are com-
than jeans. bining forces (=working together) to investigate the disease.
com:-bat? /kpmbet, kam'bet $ kam'beet, 'ka:rmbet/ v combine? /‘kombain $ 'ka:m-/ n [C] 1 (also combine
(combated, combating or combatted, combatting) [T] to try harvester) a machine used by farmers to cut grain, sepa-
to stop something bad from happening or getting worse - rate the seeds from it, and clean it 2 a group of people,
used especially in news reports: combat inflation/crime/ businesses etc who work together: The factory was sold to
racism ete Jo combat inflation, the government raised inter- a British combine after the war,
est rates. |new strategies for combatting terrorism
com-bined /kam'baind/ adj [only before noun]
com:ba-tant /‘kombatant $ kam'batnt/ n [C] someone
1 done, made, or achieved by several people or groups
who fights in a war
working together [SYN]joint: combined effort/action/ .
‘combat fa,tigue n [u] a type of mental illness caused operation Dinner was a combined effort. 2 a combined total
by the terrible experiences of fighting in a war or battle is the sum of two or more quantities or figures added
 (i) (2 GS = the most frequent words in written English 323 come

together: Her records have sold a combined total of 14 and sizes, | [+with] The computer comes complete with
million copies. |We could only afford a small flat, even on our software and games.
combined salaries. 8 GT [always + adv/prep] to be in a particular position
com'bining form n [Cc] technical a word that is com- in an order, a series, or a list: [+before/after] P comes
bined with another word or another combining form to before Q in the alphabet. | come first/second etc She came
make a new word, for example ‘Anglo’, meaning ‘English’, first in the 200 metres.
in the word ‘Anglo-American’ 9 come open/undone/loose etc to become open etc: His
shoelace had come undone. | The rope came loose.
com:bo /kombau $ ‘ka:mbou/ n (plural combos) [C]
10 come to do sth a) to begin to have a feeling or opinion:
1a small band that plays Azz or dance music: He played
He came to think of Italy as his home. | | came to believe that
trumpet professionally in a jazz combo. 2 a COMBINATION of
he was innocent after all. b) to do something by chance,
different things, especially of different types of foods -
without planning or intending to do it: Can you tell me how
used especially in product names: | chose the vegetarian
combo. the body came to be discovered? | come to be doing sth |
often wondered how | came to be living in such a place.
comb-0-ver /kaumauva $ 'koumouvar/ n [C] BrE infor- 11come and go a) to be allowed to go into and leave a
mal a way of arranging a man’s hair, in which a long piece place whenever you want: The students can come and go as
of hair from one side is ComBed over the top of the head they please. b) to keep starting and stopping: The pain
in an attempt to hide the fact that the man is going BALD comes and goes.
(=losing his hair) - used humorously [SYN] scrapeover 12 take sth as it comes to accept something as it happens,
AmE without trying to plan for it or change it: We just take each
com-bus-ti-ble /kam'bastibal/ adj able to burn easily: year as it comes. | He takes life as it comes.
combustible material/gas etc 13 have sth coming (to you) informal to deserve to be
com-bus-tion /kam'bast{an/ n [U] 1the process of punished or to have something bad happen to you: | do
burning 2 technical chemical activity which uses oxygen feel sorry for him, but I'm afraid he had it coming.
to produce light and heat — INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE 14 as nice/as stupid etc as they come informal extremely
nice, stupid etc: My uncle Walter is as obstinate as they
com'bustion chamber n [c] the enclosed space, for come.
example in an engine, in which combustion happens
15 for years/weeks/days etc to come used to emphasize
come’ Bd Gi /kam/ v (past tense came /ketm/, past that something will continue for a long time into the
participle come) [1] future: This is a moment that will be remembered and
ITD ETE SSIAE] to move towards you or arrive celebrated for years to come.
at the place where you are [OPP] go: Let me know when they 16 in years/days to come in the future: In years to come,
come. | Can you come here for a minute? |Come a bit closer some of the practices we take for granted now will seem quite
and you'll be able to see better. | What time will you be barbaric.
coming home? | [+in/into/out of etc] There was a knock on 17 have come a long way to have made a lot of progress:
the door and a young woman came into the room. | Computer technology has come a long way since the 1970s.
[+to/towards] | could see a figure coming towards me. | 18 come as a surprise/relief/blow etc (to sb) to make some-
[+across/down/up etc] As they came down the track, the one feel surprised, RELIEVEd, disappointed etc: The decision
car skidded. | come to do sth I've come to see Philip. |come came as a great relief to us all. | The news will come as no
and do sth /'l/ come and help you move the rest of the boxes. | surprise to his colleagues.
Come and look at this! | come running/flying/speeding etc 19 come easily/naturally (to sb) to be easy for someone to
Jess came flying round the corner and banged straight into do: Public speaking does not come easily to most people. |
me. |come to dinner/lunch What day are your folks coming Writing came naturally to her, even as a child.
to dinner? | here comes sb/sth spoken (=used to say that 20 come of age a) to reach the age when you are legally
someone or something is coming towards you) Ah, here considered to be an adult: He'll inherit the money when he
comes the bus at last! GEERT arrive comes of age. b) to develop into an advanced or success-
220i if someone comes with you, they go to a ful form: Space technology didn’t really come of age until the
place with you: We're going for a drink this evening. Would 1950s.
you like to come? |[+with] | asked Rosie ifshe'd like to come 21 come right out with sth/come right out and say sth infor-
with us. | [+along] It should be good fun. Why don’t you mal to say something in a very direct way, often when
come along? other people think this is surprising: You came right out
3 NESWIF to travel to or reach a place: Which and told him? | don’t know how you dared!
way did you come? |[+through/across/by way of etc] They 22 come clean informal to tell the truth about something
came over the mountains in the north. | [+from] Legend has you have done: [+about] | think you should come clean
it that the tribe came from across the Pacific Ocean. | come about where you were last night.
by car/train/bus etc Wil! you be coming by train? |Have you 23 not know whether you are coming or going informal to
come far (=travelled a long way) today? | I’ve come a long feel very confused because a lot of different things are
way to see you. |come 50/100 etc miles/kilometres Some of happening: | don’t know whether I’m coming or going this
the birds have come thousands of miles to winter here. week,
4 [QE if a letter etc comes, it is delivered to you by post 24 come good/right BrE informal to end well, after there
[SYN] arrive: A letter came for you this morning. | The phone have been a lot of problems: Don’t worry, it'll all come right
bill hasn't come yet. in the end.
Stew if a time or an event comes, it arrives or
25 come to pass literary to happen after a period of time: /t
happens: At last the day came for us to set off. |The moment came to pass that they had a son.
had come for me to break the news to her. | The time will
26 Gq informal to have an ORGASM
come when you'll thank me for this. | Christmas seems to
come earlier every year. |be/have yet to come (=used when SPOKEN PHRASES
something has not happened yet but will happen) The 27 come in! used to tell someone who has knocked on
most exciting part is yet to come. || knew he’d be able to take your door to enter your room, house etc: She tapped
_ care of himself, come what may (=whatever happens). timidly on the door. ‘Come in!’ boomed a deep voice from
| 6 CET [always + adv/prep] to reach a par- inside.
ticular level or place: [+tup/down] She had blonde hair 28 how come? used to ask someone why or how some-
which came down to her waist. |The water came up as far as thing happened: How come you've ended up here? | ‘Last |
_ my chest. heard, she was teaching in Mexico.’ ‘How come?’
| TESTED) [always + adv/prep] to be produced 29 come to think of it/come to that used to add something
_ or sold with particular features: [+in] This particular sofa that you have just realized or remembered: Come to think
- comes in four different colours. | Cats come in many shapes of it, George did seem a bit depressed yesterday. | He had
come 324 EX = words from the Academic Word List

never expected to have a wife, or even a girlfriend come to it happens as usual: By the time the summer came around,
that. Kelly was feeling much better.
30 come July/next year/the next day etc used to talk about 4AmE to become conscious again after you have been
a particular time in the future: Come spring, you'll have unconscious [SYN|come round BrE: When she came around
plenty of colour in the garden. her mother was sitting by her bed. |[+from] You might feel a
31 come again? used to ask someone to repeat what they little sick when you come around from the anesthetic.
have just said come at sb/sth phr v
32 don't come the innocent/victim/helpless male etc with 1to move towards someone in a threatening way: Sud-
me BrE used to tell someone not to pretend that they are denly, he came at me with a knife.
something they are not in order to get sympathy or help 2if images, questions, facts etc come at you, you feel
from you: Don’t come the poor struggling artist with me. confused because there are too many of them at the
You're just lazy! same time: Questions were coming at me from all directions.
33 come (now) old-fashioned used to comfort or gently 3 informal to consider or deal with a problem in a particu-
encourage someone lar way [SYN|approach: We need to come at the problem
34 come, come!/come now old-fashioned used to tell some- from a different angle.
one that you do not accept what they are saying or doing come away phr v
1to become separated from the main part of something
come about phr v SYN| come off: One of the wires in the plug had come away. |
1to happen, especially in a way that is not planned: The | turned some of the pages and they came away in my hand.
opportunity to get into computing came about quite by 2to leave a place with a particular feeling or idea: We
accident. |How did this situation come about? came away thinking that we had done quite well. | [+with] |
2 if a ship comes about, it changes direction came away with the impression that the school was very well
come across phr v run.
1come across sb/sth to meet, find, or discover someone or come back phr v
something by chance: | came across an old diary in her 1to return to a particular place or person [SYN] return: My
desk. | I've never come across anyone quite like her before. | mother was scared that if | left home I'd never come back. |
We've come across a few problems that need resolving. Ginny's left me, and there's nothing | can do to persuade her
REGISTER to come back.
2to become fashionable or popular again —+> comeback:
In written English, people often use encounter when
Who'd have thought hippy gear would ever come back! |
writing about problems or difficulties because this
High heels are coming back into fashion.
sounds more formal than come across: The team of
3 to appear or start to affect someone or something again
researchers had encountered similar problems before.
[SYN]return: The pain in her arm came back again. |It took a
2if an idea comes across well, it is easy for people to while for my confidence to come back.
understand: Your point really came across at the meeting. 4if something comes back to you, you remember it or
3 if someone comes across in a particular way, they seem remember how to do it: As | walked the city streets, the
to have particular qualities [SYN]come over: [+as] He memories came flooding back. | [+to] | can’t think of her
comes across as a very intelligent sensitive man. |She some- name at the moment, but it'll come back to me.
times comes across as being rather arrogant. | | don’t think | 5 to reply to someone quickly, often in an angry or unkind
came across very well (=seemed to have good qualities) in way —> comeback: [+at] He came back at me immediately,
the interview. accusing me of being a liar.
come across with sth phr v to provide money or informa- come before sb/sth phr v formal to be brought to some-
tion when it is needed: | hoped he might come across with a one in authority, especially a judge in a law court, to be
few facts. judged or discussed by them: When you come before the
come after sb phr v to look for someone in order to hurt judge, it’s best to tell the truth. | The case will come before
them, punish them, or get something from them: She was the courts next month.
terrified that Trevor would come after her. come between sb phr v
come along phr v 1to make people argue and feel angry with each other,
1be coming along informal to be developing or making when they had been friends before: Nothing will ever come
progress [SYN| progress: He opened the oven door to see how between us now. | | didn’t want to come between a husband
the food was coming along. | Your English is coming along and wife.
really well. 2to prevent someone from giving enough attention to
2 to appear or arrive: A bus should come along any minute something: She never let anything come between her and
now. | Take any job opportunity that comes along. her work,
3a) to go to a place with someone: We're going into town come by phr v
- do you want to come along? b) to go somewhere after 1 come by sth to manage to get something that is rare or
someone: You go on ahead - I'll come along later. difficult to get: How did you come by these pictures? |Jobs
4come along! a) used to tell someone to hurry up were hard to come by.
[SYN]come on: Come along! We're all waiting for you! 2 come by (sth) to make a short visit to a place on your
b) used to encourage someone to try harder [SYN|come way to somewhere else: He said he'd come by later. | I'll
on: Come along! Don't give up yet! come by the house and get my stuff later, OK?
come apart phr v come down phr v
1to split or fall into pieces: | picked the magazine up and it 1 a) if a price, level etc comes down, it gets lower: It looks
came apart in my hands. as if interest rates will come down again this month. b) to
2to begin to fail: The whole basis of the agreement was accept a lower price: [+to] He’s asking £5,000, but he may
coming apart. |She felt as if her life was coming apart at the be willing to come down to £4,800.
seams (=failing completely). 2 if someone comes down to a place, they travel south to
come around phr v the place where you are: Why don’t you come down for the
1 (also come round BrE) to come to someone's home or weekend sometime? | [+to] Are you coming down ‘to
the place where they work in order to visit them Knoxville for Christmas?
[SYN] come over: I'l] come around later and see how you are. | 3 to fall to the ground: A Jot of trees came down in the
Why don’t you come round for lunch? storm. | We were still out in the fields when the rain started
2 (also come round BrE) to change your opinion so that coming down.
you now agree with someone or are no longer angry with 4 come down on the side of sb/sth (also come down in favour —
them: [+to] /t took him a while to come around to the idea. | of sb/sth) to decide to support someone or something:
Don’t worry - she'll come round eventually. The committee came down in favour of making the informa-
3 (also come round BrE) if a regular event comes around, tion public. 33|
 GX3 = words from the Academic Word List 325 come

5 informal to start to feel normal again after you have 2 to be involved in something: Josie doesn’t come into the
been feeling very happy and excited: He was ona real high movie until quite near the end. | Where do | come into all
all last week and he’s only just come down. this?
6 informal to stop feeling the effects of a strong drug: 3 come into view/sight if something comes into view, you
When | came down, | remembered with horror some of the begin to see it: The mountains were just coming into view.
things I'd said. 4 come into leaf/flower/blossom to start to produce leaves
7 BrE old-fashioned to leave a university after completing or flowers: The roses are just coming into flower.
a period of study
5 not come into it spoken used to say that something is not
come down on sb phr v to punish someone or criticize important: Money doesn’t really come into it.
them severely: We need to come down hard on young
6 come into your own to become very good, useful, or
offenders. | | made the mistake of answering back, and she
important in a particular situation: On icy roads, a four-
came down on me like a ton of bricks (=very severely).
wheel drive vehicle really comes into its own.
come down to sb/sth phr v
come of sth phr v to happen as a result of something: | did & ee
1if a complicated situation or problem comes down to
ask a few questions, but nothing came of it. | That's what
something, that is the single most important thing: It all
comes of not practising - you've forgotten everything!
comes down to money in the end.
come off phr v
2if something old has come down to you, it has been
1 come off (sth) to become removed from something: The Pe
passed between people over a long period of time until
label had come off, so there was no way of knowing what was
you have it: The text which has come down to us is only a
on the disk.
fragment of the original.
come down with sth phr v to get an illness: | think I'm 2 come off (sth) BrE to fall off something: Dyson came off
coming down with a cold. his bike as he rounded the last corner, but wasn’t badly hurt.
come for sb/sth phr v 3 informal if something that has been planned comes off,
1to arrive to collect someone or something: I'll come for it happens: In the end the trip never came off.
you at about eight o'clock. 4 informal to be successful: It was a good idea, but it didn't
2 to arrive at a place in order to take someone away by quite come off. | The performance on the first night came off
force: Members of the secret police came for him in the pretty well.
middle of the night. 5 come off sth to stop taking a drug that you have been
come forward phr v to offer help to someone, or offer to taking regularly: It wasn’t until | tried to come off the pills
do something: So far, only one candidate has come that | realized | was addicted.
forward. | The police appealed for witnesses to come forward 6 come off best/better/worst etc BrE to be the most or
with information, least successful, or get the most or least advantages from
come from sb/sth phr v a situation: As far as pensions go, it’s still women who come
1if you come from a place, you were born there or lived off worst.
there when you were young: | come from London originally. 7 come off it! BrE spoken used to tell someone that you do
2 to be obtained from a place, thing, or person, or to start not believe what they are saying: Oh come off it! You can’t
or be made somewhere: A Jot of drugs come from quite seriously be saying you knew nothing about this.
common plants. |My information comes from a very reputa- come on phr v
ble source. | The idea came from America. 1come on! spoken a) used to tell someone to hurry: Come
3 to happen as the result of doing something: come from on, we'll be late! b) used to encourage someone to do
doing sth Most of her problems come from expecting too something: Come on, you can do it! | Come on, cheer up!
much of people. c) used to tell someone that you know that what they
4 coming from him/her/you etc spoken used to say that have just said was not true or right: Oh come on, don’t lie!
someone should not criticize another person for doing d) used to make someone angry enough to want to fight
something, because they have done the same thing you: Come on, then, hit me!
themselves: You think I’m too selfish? That's rich coming 2 come on in/over/up etc spoken used to tell someone to
from you! come in, over, up etc, usually in a friendly way: Come on in
5 where sb is coming from informal the basic attitude or - I've made some coffee.
opinion someone has, which influences what they think, 3 if a light or machine comes on, it starts working: A dog
say, or do: | see where you're coming from now. started barking and lights came on in the house.
come in phrv 4 if an illness comes on, you start to be ill with it: | can feel
1if a train, bus, plane, or ship comes in, it arrives at a a headache coming on.
place: What time does your train come in? | [+to] We come Sif a television or radio programme comes on, it starts:
in to Heathrow at nine in the morning. Just at that moment, the news came on.
2 if money or information comes in, you receive it: Reports 6 if rain or snow comes on, it starts: The rain came on just
are coming in of a massive earthquake in Mexico. | We before lunchtime.
haven't got enough money coming in. 7 to come onto a stage or sports field: He scored only two
"3 to be involved ina plan, deal etc: We need some financial minutes after he’d come on.
advice - that’s where Kate comes in. | [ton] You had the 8to improve or make progress: The children are really
chance to come in on the deal. coming on now. | Your English is coming on really well.
4to join in a conversation or discussion: Can | come in 9 come on sb/sth to find or discover someone or some-
here and add something to what you're saying? thing by chance: We came on a group of students having a
5 to become fashionable or popular [opp]go out: Trainers picnic.
really became popular in the 1980s, when casual sportswear 10 come on strong informal to make it very clear to some-
came in. one that you think they are sexually attractive
6 to finish a race: come in first/second etc His horse came in come on to sb/sth phr v
second to last. 1to start talking about a new subject: /'ll come on to this
7 if the TIDE comes in, the sea moves towards the land and question in a few moments.
covers the edge of it go out 2 informal if someone comes on to another person, they
come in for sth phr v come in for criticism/blame/scrutiny make it very clear that they are sexually interested in
to be criticized, blamed etc for something: The govern- them — come-on: The way she was coming on to Jack, I’m
ment has come in for fierce criticism over its handling of this amazed he managed to get out alive!
affair. come out phr v
‘come into sth phr v 1if something comes out, it is removed from a place:
1to receive money, land, or property from someone after These stains will never come out!
they have died: She'll come into quite a lot of money when 2 if information comes out, people learn about it, espe-
her father dies. cially after it has been kept secret: No doubt the truth will
come 326 Ed &) &) = the most frequent words in spoken English

come out one day. | It's come out that several ministers come round phr v BrE to COME AROUND
received payments from the company. come through phr v
3 if a photograph comes out, it shows a clear picture: / 1if a piece of information, news etc comes through, it
took some photographs, but they didn’t come out. | The arrives somewhere: We're still waiting for our exam results
wedding photos have come out really well. to come through. | There is news just coming through of an
Aif a book, record etc comes out, it becomes publicly explosion in a chemical factory.
available: When is the new edition coming out? 2to be made official, especially by having the correct
5 if something comes out in a particular way, that is what documents officially approved: I'm still waiting for my
it is like after it has been made or produced: I’ve made a divorce to come through.
cake, but it hasn’t come out very well. | The cover has come 3come through (sth) to continue to live, be strong, or
out a bit too big. succeed after a difficult or dangerous time [SYN] survive: If
6 if something you say comes out in a particular way, that he comes through the operation OK he should be back to
is how it sounds or how it is understood: His words came normal within a month. | It’s been a tough time, but I’m sure
out as little more than a whisper. | That didn’t come out the you'll come through and be all the wiser for it.
way | meant it to. | | tried to explain everything to her, but it come through with sth phr v to give someone something
came out all wrong (=not in the way | intended). they need, especially when they have been worried that
7 if someone comes out in a particular way, that is the you would not produce it in time: Our representative in
situation they are in at the end of an event or series of Hong Kong finally came through with the figures.
events: The more experienced team came out on top. | [+of] come to phr v
She came out of the divorce quite well. 1come to a decision/conclusion/agreement etc to decide
8to be easy to notice: His right-wing opinions come out something, agree on something etc after considering or
quite strongly in his later writings. discussing a situation reach: We came to the conclu-
9 to say publicly that you strongly support or oppose a sion that there was no other way back to the camp. | If they
plan, belief etc: [+in favour of] The board of directors has don't come to a decision by midnight, the talks will be
come out in favour of a merger. | [tagainst] Teachers have abandoned.
come out against the proposed changes. | At least he’s got 2 come to a halt/stop a) to slow down and stop stop:
the courage to come out and say what he thinks. The train came to a stop just yards from the barrier. b) to
10 if the sun, moon, or-stars come out, they appear in the stop operating or continuing: After the election our funding
sky: The sky cleared and the sun came out. came to an abrupt halt.
T1if a flower comes out, it opens: The snowdrops were just 3come to sth to develop so that a particular situation
starting to come out. exists, usually a bad one: | never thought it would come to
12 if someone comes out, they say that they are GAY when this. |We need to be prepared to fight, but hopefully it won't
this was a secret before: [+to] That summer, | decided to come to that (=that won't be necessary). |All those years
come out to my parents. of studying, and in the end it all came to nothing. |It's come to
13 BrE informal to refuse to work, as a protest: Nurses have something when |'m not allowed to express an opinion in my —
threatened to come out in support of their pay claim. | We own house! | what is the world/the country etc coming to?
decided to come out on strike. (=used to say that the world etc is in a bad situation)
14if a young woman came out in the past, she was 4 come to sth to add up to a total amount: That comes to
formally introduced into upper-class society at a large £23.50. | The bill came to £48.50.
formal dance 5 come to sb if a thought or idea comes to you, you realize
come out at sth phr v if something comes out at a or remember something: The answer came to me in a
particular amount, that is the amount it adds up to: The flash. | I've forgotten her name, but maybe it'll come to me
whole trip, including fares, comes out at $900. later.
come out in sth phr v come out in spots/a rash etc if you 6 to become conscious again after you have been uncon-
come out in spots etc, spots appear on your body: If | eat scious: When he came to, he was lying on the floor with his
eggs, | come out in a rash. hands tied behind his back.
come out of sth phrv
7 when it comes to sth informal when you are dealing with
1to no longer be in a bad situation: There are signs that the something or talking about something: He’s a bit of an
country is coming out of recession.
expert when it comes to computers.
2 to happen as a result of something: One or two excellent come under sth phr v
ideas came out of the meeting.
1come under attack/fire/scrutiny etc to be attacked, shot
3 come out of yourself informal to start to behave in a more at etc: The government has come under attack from opposi-
confident way: Penny’s really come out of herself since she tion leaders over proposals to cut health spending.
started that course.
2to be governed or controlled by a particular organiza-
come out with sth phr v to say something, especially
tion or person: The organization comes under the authority
something unusual or unexpected: The things he comes
of the EU.
out with are so funny!
come over phr v 3 if a piece of information comes under a particular title,
1a) if someone comes over, they visit you at your house: you can find it under that title: The proposals come under
Do you want to come over on Friday evening? b) if someone three main headings.
comes over, they come to the country where you are: come up phr v
[+to/from] When did your family first come over to lif someone comes up to you, they come close to you,
America? especially in order to speak to you: One of the teachers
2come over sb if a strong feeling comes over you, you came up and started talking to me. |[+to] A man came up to
suddenly experience it: A wave of sleepiness came over him and asked for a light.
me. | I'm sorry about that - | don't know what came over me 2 if someone comes up to a place, they travel north to the
(=| do not know why | behaved in that way). place where you are: [+to] Why don’t you come up to Now
3if an idea comes over well, people can understand it York for the weekend?
easily: | thought that the points he was making came over 3 if a subject comes up, people mention it and cpae it
quite clearly. [SYN] arise: His name came up in the conversation. | The
4 if someone comes over in a particular way, they seem subject of salaries didn't come up.
to have particular qualities [SyN]come across: He didn’t 4if a problem or difficulty comes up, it appears or starts
come over very well (=seem to have good qualities) in the to affect you [SYN] arise: I'm afraid I'll have to cancel our ©
interview. |[tas] She comes over as a very efficient business- date - something's come up. | The same problems come up~
woman. every time.
5 come over (all) shy/nervous etc informal to suddenly 5 if a job or an opportunity comes up, it becomes avail—
become very shy, nervous etc able: A vacancy has come up in the accounts department.
 327 comfort
6 to be dealt with in a law court: Your case comes up next {Comedy of ‘Errors, The a humorous play by William
week. Shakespeare about two sets of IDENTICAL TWINs. There are
7 be coming up to be going to happen soon: With Christ- many confusing and amusing situations because charac-
mas coming up, few people have much money to spare. ters think that one twin is the other. The phrase ‘a
8 if the sun or moon comes up, it moves up into the sky comedy of errors’ is often used to describe a situation
where you can see it [SYN]rise: /t was six o'clock, and the that is so full of mistakes and problems that it seems
sun was just coming up. funny.
9if a plant comes up, it begins to appear above the
ground: The first spring bulbs are just coming up. comedy of ‘manners n (plural comedies of manners)
10 if food comes up, it goes back through your mouth
[C] a play, film, or television programme that shows how
silly people's behaviour is or can be
fromvyour stomach after being swallowed — vomit
11 coming (right) up! spoken used to say that food or drink come-ly /kamli/ adj literary old-fashioned a comely
will be ready very soon: ‘Two Martinis, please.’ ‘Coming up!’ woman is attractive —comeliness n [U]
come up against sth/sb phr v to have to deal with ‘come-on n [Cc usually singular] informal something that
problems or difficulties: We may find we come up against someone does deliberately to make someone else sexu-
quite a lot of opposition from local people. | You've got no ally interested in them: Rick’s the kind of guy who thinks
idea of what you're going to come up against. every smile is a come-on. |give sb the come-on (=do some-
come up for sth phr v thing to show you are sexually interested in someone)
1 come up for discussion/examination/review etc to be dis- — come on to sb/sth at COME ON(2)
cussed, examined etc: This matter will come up for discus-
com-er /'kama $ -ar/ n all comers informal anyone who
sion at next month's meeting. | The regulations come up for
review in April. wants to take part in an activity, especially a sporting
competition: The contest is open to all comers.
2 come up for election/re-election/selection etc to reach the
—+ LATECOMER, NEWCOMER
time when people have to vote about whether you should
continue in a political position: The governors come up for com-et /‘komit $ 'ka:-/ n [C] an object in space like a
re-election next year. bright ball with a long tail, that moves around the sun:
come upon sb/sth phr v Halley's comet
1to find or discover something or someone by chance: come-Up-pance /kam'apans/ n [singular] a punishment
We came upon a cottage just on the edge of the wood. or something bad which happens to you that you really
2 literary if a feeling comes upon you, you suddenly feel it: deserve: You'll get your comeuppance one day!
A wave of tiredness came upon her.
come up to sth/sb phr v comfort! [qy /*kamfat $ -art/ n
Tto reach a particular standard or to be as good as you 1 GOVAN [U] a feeling of being physically relaxed and
expected: This doesn’t come up to the standard of your usual satisfied, so that nothing is hurting you, making you feel
work. | The resort certainly failed to come up to expectations. too hot or cold etc + comfortable, discomfort: built/made/
2 be Gust) coming up to sth to be nearly a particular time: designed for comfort Al! our sports shoes are designed for
It's just coming up to 11 o'clock. comfort and performance. |too hot/high/tight etc for com-
come up with sth phr v fort (=physically unpleasant for a particular reason) The
1to think of an idea, answer etc: Is that the best excuse you temperature was too low for comfort. | |dress for comfort, not
can come up with? | We've been asked to come up with some fashion. | Alan was very reluctant to leave the warmth and
new ideas. comfort of the fire. | in comfort Upstairs is a more intimate
2 informal to produce an amount of money: We wanted to bar where guests can relax in comfort. | Now you can watch
buy the house but we couldn't come up with the cash. | How your favorite movies in the comfort of your own home.
am | supposed to come up with $10,000? 2 Gio «[U] if someone or something gives you
comfort, they make you feel calmer, happier, or more
come? n [U] informal a man’s semMeN (=the liquid he hopeful after you have been worried or unhappy — com-
produces during sex)
forting: Whenever he was upset, he would turn to her for
come:back /kambek/ n [Cc usually singular] 1 make/ comfort and advice. | give/bring/provide/offer comfort a
stage a comeback if a person, activity, style etc makes a book which offers comfort and help to the parents of children
comeback, they become popular again after being with cancer | The knowledge that Cara was safe gave him
unpopular for a long time: The miniskirt made a comeback some comfort. |great/much/little comfort My faith has been
in the late 1980s. 2 a quick reply that is often clever, funny, a source of great comfort over the years. |take/draw/derive
and insulting [SyN]retort: | couldn’t think of a good comfort from (doing) sth He drew comfort from her warm
comeback. 3 a way of getting payment or a reward for support. |find/take comfort in (doing) sth You can take some
something wrong or unfair that has been done to you: comfort in the fact that you did your best. | it's no/some
Check your contract carefully, or you may have no comeback comfort /t was no comfort to think he might be as frightened
if something goes wrong. —-> come back at Come! as she was. | if it’s any comfort (=used to introduce a
co-me-di-an /ka'mi:dian/ n [C] 1 someone whose job is statement that you think may make someone feel slightly
to tell jokes and make people laugh: He started as a less worried or unhappy) Well, if it’s any comfort, | don’t
stand-up comedian (=someone who tells jokes to an think he'll try again.
audience), 2 someone who is amusing: You'll like Matt. 3 ACEC [C] someone or something that
He’s a real comedian. helps you feel calmer, happier, or more hopeful after you
co-me-di-enne /kami:di'en/ n [C] a female comedian have been worried or unhappy — comforting: be a comfort
(to sb) Louisa’s been a great comfort to me since Mary died. |
come-down /‘kamdaun/ n [singular] a situation that is It's a comfort to know there's someone to keep an eye on the
not as good, important, interesting etc as the situation kids.
you had previously: The film marks a real comedown for the 4 TASS [U] a way of living in which you
director. + come down at come’
have all the money and possessions that you need or
com-e:dy /komidi $ ‘ka-/ n (plural comedies) want —+ comfortable: in comfort When Dad died, he left us
1[U] entertainment that is intended to make people both enough to live in comfort for the rest of our lives. |He
laugh: comedy writer/series/show/actor etc | a career in was used to a life of comfort.
stand-up comedy (=telling jokes in front of people as a job) 5 comforts [plural] the things that make your life nicer and
FUNNY 2 [C] a play, film, or television pro- more comfortable, especially things that are not neces-
gramme that is intended to make people laugh: a highly sary: Modern caravans offer all the comforts of home. |hotels
successful TV comedy FIEYNI> movie 3 [U] the quality with all the modern comforts (=things such as a television,
in something such as a book or play that makes people telephone etc) | material comforts (=money and posses-
laugh humour — tragedy: Can't you see the comedy of sions) —> CREATURE COMFORTS
the situation? + BLACK COMEDY, SITUATION COMEDY 6 too close/near for comfort something that is too close for
comfort 328 (XQ = words from the Academic Word List

comfort makes you feel worried, unhappy, or uncomfort- snug room/house/person

able, because it is dangerous in some way: The cars were smooth journey/crossing/flight :
whizzing past us much too close for comfort.
7 cold/small comfort a small piece of good news that does com-fort-a-bly /‘kamftabli, 'kamfat- $ 'kamfart-, 'kamft-/
not make you feel better about a bad situation: [+for/to] adv
Another drop in the inflation rate was cold comfort yesterday IPAS in a way that makes you
for the 2.74 million jobless. -- COMFORT FOOD, COMFORT ZONE feel physically relaxed, without any pain, or without being
too hot, cold etc: The hotel is modern and comfortably
comfort? v [T] to make someone feel less worried, furnished. |his comfortably baggy jeans
unhappy, or upset, for example by saying kind things to 2 aay) in a way that feels physically
them or touching them — comforting: Within hours of the relaxed, without any pain, or without being too hot, cold
news, Helen arrived to comfort her heartbroken friend. | He etc: | was sitting comfortably in the lounge, reading a news-
longed to take her in his arms and comfort her. | Mr Aston’s paper.
father was last night being comforted by relatives. | comfort 3 [ay with enough money to live on without having to
yourself She comforted herself with the thought that it would worry about paying for things: She earns enough money to
soon be spring. live comfortably. | His family were comfortably off (=fairly
rich).
com-fort-a-ble Gy [Hy /‘kamftabal, 'kamfat- $ 'kamfart-, AMZ easily and nano problems: Davis
'kamft-/ adj won comfortably, 9-1, 9-3, 9-2. |the amount of work you can
IPM
aad Making you feel physi- comfortably deal with
cally relaxed, without any pain or without being too hot, 5 (abate in a confident and relaxed way: They were
cold etc + comfort; comfortable chair/bed/sofa etc The bed soon chatting comfortably with each other.
wasn't particularly comfortable. |comfortable room/lounge/
hotel etc Joyce has a comfortable apartment in Portland. | ‘comfort break n [Cc] a short pause in a meeting or
comfortable clothes/shoes/boots etc Wear loose comfort- journey so that people can go to the toilet: / think it’s time
able clothing. | comfortable to wear/use/sit on etc Linen is for a comfort break.
very comfortable to wear. com-fort-er /‘kamfata $ -fartar/ n [C] 1 AmE a cover for
2 Maa bay feeling physically relaxed, without a bed that is filled with a soft warm material such as
any pain or without being too hot, cold etc —+ comfort: | feathers [SyN|duvet BrE 2 someone or something that
was so comfortable and warm in bed | didn’t want to get up. | comforts you
Sit down and make yourself comfortable. | With difficulty, she ‘comfort food n [C,U] simple food that makes you feel
rolled her body into a more comfortable position. relaxed and happy
3 gry
@ [not before noun] confident, relaxed, and not comforting /‘kamfatin $ -far-/ adj making you feel
worried: [+with] She’s never felt very comfortable with
less worried, unhappy, or upset [SYN] reassuring: it is com-
men. | In our business, we need people who are comfortable forting to think/have/know etc /t’s comforting to know! can_,
in an unstructured environment.
call my parents any time. | With this comforting thought,
4a having enough money to buy the things you
Harry fell asleep. | His voice was strangely comforting.
need or want, without having to worry about how much
—comfortingly adv
they cost: comfortable life/retirement/existence etc Jean’s
looking forward to a comfortable retirement. ‘comfort Zone n [C usually singular] your comfort zone
5 Qa aeaad [usually before noun] if you have a is the range of activities or situations that you feel happy
comfortable win or lead, you win or are leading by a large and confident in
amount: comfortable win/victory The pair had a comfort- comfy /‘kamfi/ adj informal comfortable: a comfy chair
able win, beating the German team by nearly three seconds. | ELESLULITD> COMFORTABLE
The bill should pass in the House by a comfortable margin. | comic? /‘komik $ 'ka:-/ adj amusing you and making
Another penalty from Roberts gave the home team a com- you want to laugh fopp]tragic: a comic novel | comic
fortable half-time lead. writer/actress/performer etc (=someone who writes or
6 (TT) [not before noun] if someone who is ill or performs things that make you laugh) | comic relief (=a
injured is comfortable, they are not in too much pain situation in a serious story that makes you relax a little
THESAURUS because it is funny) The song provides some comic relief
from the intensity of the scene. FUNNY
comfortable making you feel physically relaxed, and
not too hard, hot, cold etc. Also used about people comic? n [C]1 (also ‘comic book) a magazine for chil-
feeling physically relaxed: The hotel was very dren that tells a story using comic strips 2 some-
comfortable. || tried to get into a more comfortable one whose job is to tell jokes and make people laugh
position. [SYN] comedian: a stand-up comic
comfy informal comfortable - used especially about com:i:cal /‘komikal $ 'ka:-/ adj behaviour or situations
furniture and clothes: a comfy armchair | These shoes that are comical are funny in a strange or unexpected
are very comfy. |Are you comfy? way: The note of pure panic in his voice was almost comical.
cosy BrE, cozy AmE comfortable and warm - used FUNNY —comically /-kli/ adv j
especially about small rooms, houses etc: There's a ‘comic strip n [C] a series of pictures drawn inside
cosy lounge with a real fire. | a cozy apartment boxes that tell a story — cartoon
snug small, warm, and comfortable, especially in a com-ing" /‘kamin/ n 1 the coming of sth/sb the time
way that makes you feel protected - used especially when something new begins, especially something that
about rooms, houses etc. Also used about people will cause a lot of changes: With the coming of railways,
feeling warm and comfortable: It was very cold new markets opened up. 2 comings and goings informal the
outside, but our tents were snug and warm. |She movements of people as they arrive at and leave places:
wished she was back in her snug little house. | I’m snug [+of] Beds are arranged so that patients can watch the
as a rug in here! (=very snug - an informal use BrE) comings and goings of visitors and staff.
smooth a smooth journey is comfortable because
your car or plane does not shake, or the sea is not coming? adj [only before noun] formal happening soon:
rough: Did you have a smooth flight? | a smooth the coming winter > UP-AND-COMING
crossing coming of 'age n [singular] the point in a young per-
son's life, usually the age of 18 or 21, at which their-
mae] a KerleyWile) ies] tel. society considers them to be an adult
comfortable chair/bed/house/position/person comma /'koma $ 'ka:ma/ n [C] the mark (,) used in.
comfy chair/clothes/person writing to show a short pause or to separate things in a
cosy room/house/fire list > INVERTED COMMA, PUNCTUATION MARK
 EG = words from the Academic Word List 329 commendable
com-mand' [8 /ke'maind $ kaimend/ n which you are likely to win a race or competition easily: a
1@TTY [U] the control of a group of people or a commanding lead
situation: under sb's command troops under the command of com-mand-ment /ka'ma:ndmant $ kalmend-/ n [C]
General Roberts |in command (of sth) Lieutenant Peters was one of the ten rules given by God in the Bible that tell
how in command. |He felt fully in command of the situation. | people how they must behave
take command (of sth) (=begin controlling a group or com'mand module n [c] the part of a space vehicle
situation and making decisions) The fire officer took com-
from which its activities are controlled
mand, ordering everyone to leave the building. | at sb's
command Each congressman has a large staff at his com- com-man-do /ka'ma:ndau $ ka'mendov/ n (plural com-
mand (=available to be used). | By 1944, Fletcher had mandos or commandoes) 1 [C] a soldier who is specially
command of a B-17 bomber and a ten-man crew. trained to make quick attacks into enemy areas: a com-
2 (LF [C] an order that should be obeyed: Shoot when mando raid 2. go commando Ame spoken to not wear any
| give the command. underwear - used humorously
3 Ge [Cc] an instruction to a computer to do com,mand per'formance n (¢ usually singular] a spe-
something cial performance at a theatre that is given for a king,
4 command of sth knowledge of something, especially a president etc
language, or ability to use something: (have a) good/ com'mand post n [c] the place from which military
excellent/poor etc command of sth He's studied in the US leaders and their officers control activities
and has a good command of English. com-mem-o-rate /ks'memarert/ v [T] to do something
5 (WEA [C also + plural verb BrE] a) a part of an army, to show that you remember and respect someone impor-
navy etc that is controlled separately and has a particular tant or an important event in the past: a parade to com-
job: pilots of the Southern Air Command b) a group of memorate the town's bicentenary —commemorative
officers or officials who give orders: the Army High Com- /ka'memarativ/ adj: a commemorative plaque
mand c) the group of soldiers that an officer is in control com-mem:o-ra-tion /kaimema'reyfan/ n [U] some-
of thing that makes you remember and respect someone
6 at your command if you have a particular skill at your important or an important event in the past
commana, you are able to use that skill well and easily: a [SYN] remembrance: in commemoration of sb/sth a service in
pianist with the keys at his command commemoration of those who died in the war
7 be in command of yourself to be able to control your
emotions and thoughts: Kathleen walked in - tall, slim, Frequencies of commence, start, and begin in spoken and
confident, and in total command of herself. written English.
command? ; SPOKEN
139 [1,7] to tell someone officially to do something, \ commence
especially if you are a military leader, a king etc: command
sb to do sth Captain Picard commanded the crew to report to (SPERM
ee MRE, start
the main deck. |command that The General commanded that begin
the regiment attack at once. ORDER
WRITTEN
2 PETZ [1,7] to be responsible for giving commence
orders to a group of people in the army, navy etc > com-
mander: He commands the 4th Battalion. [Sea eaea Gestart
3 DSTA [7] to get something such as respect begin
or attention because you do something well or are impor- re Rae | ii T i
tant or popular: command respect/attention/support etc 200 400 600 800 per million

Philip was a remarkable teacher, able to command instant This graph shows that in spoken English start is the most common
respect. |command a high fee/wage/price ete Which gradu- of the three verbs. In written English begin is the most common.
ates command the highest salaries? Commence is much more formal than start and begin.
NS
4 (ST [T] to control something: The party that com-
mands a majority of seats in Parliament forms the govern- com-mence LY /ka'mens/ v [1,7] formal to begin or to
ment. start something: Work will commence on the new building
5 (a) [7] if a place commands a view, you can see immediately. | Your first evaluation will be six months after
something clearly from it: The Ramses Hilton commands a you commence employment. | [+with] The course com-
magnificent view of Cairo. mences with a one week introduction to Art Theory. | com-
com-man-dant / koman'dent $ 'ka:mandent/ n[C] the mence doing sth The planes commenced bombing at
army officer in charge of a place or group of people midnight. GEESE start
, com-man-deer /koman'dia $ ka:man'dir/ v [T] to take REGISTER
someone else's property for your own use, especially In everyday English, people usually say start rather
during a war: The local hotel was commandeered for the than commence: The concert was just about to start.
wounded.
com-mence-ment [Q /ka'mensmant/ n_ formal
com-mand-er /ka'ma:nda $ ka'mender/ on [C] 1 [U] the beginning of something: [+of] the commence-
1 an officer of any rank who is in charge of a group of ment of building work BEGINNING 2 [C,U] AmE
soldiers or a particular military activity: the American a ceremony at which university, college, or high school
Commander, General Otis |our platoon commander 2 a high students receive their DIPLOMAS [SYN] graduation
rank in the navy, or someone who holds this rank 3 a Brit-
ish police officer of high rank + WING COMMANDER
com-mend /kamend/ v [T] formal 1to praise or
approve of someone or something publicly: commend sb
com,mander in ‘chief n (plural commanders in chief) for sth Inspector Marshall was commended for his profes-
[C usually singular] someone of high rank who is in control sional attitude. | The paper was highly commended in the UK
of all the military organizations in a country or of a Press Awards. PRAISE 2 to tell someone that
specific military activity: The Queen is Commander in Chief something is good or that it deserves attention
of the British armed forces. [SYN] recommend: Colleagues, |commend this report to you. |
com-mand-ing /kaimaindin $ kelmen-/ adj MckKellen’s performance had much to commend it (=was
1 [only before noun] having the authority or position that very good). 3 commend itself (to sb) formal if something
allows you to give orders: a commanding officer 2 hav- commends itself to you, you approve of it: The plan did not
ing the confidence to make people respect and obey you commend itself to the Allies.
= used to show approval: Papa's commanding presence com-mend-a-ble /ka'mendabal/ adj formal deserving
3 a commanding view or position is one from which you praise: Your enthusiasm is highly commendable. | Baldwin
can clearly see a long way 4 being in a position from answered with commendable honesty. —commendably adv
commendation
com-men:-da-tion /kpman'derfen $ ka:-/ n [CU] for- taunt /to:nt $ to:nt/ a comment intended to make
mal an official statement praising someone, especially someone angry or upset: The fans made racist taunts
someone who has been brave or very successful throughout the game.
com-men-su-rate /ka'menferst/ adj matching some-
thing in size, quality, or length of time: [+with] Salary will comment? § [H GG v II,7] to express an opinion
be commensurate with age and experience. about someone or something [SYN] remark: [+on] People
were always commenting on his size. |comment that Smith’s
com-ment! §] (4 Eg /‘koment $ 'ka:-/ n lawyer commented that the decision was ‘outrageous’.
1[C,U] an opinion that you express about someone or
something remark: [+on/about] his comments about
GEESEsay
asylum seekers | He was fined for making abusive comments com-men-ta-ry Eg /‘komantari $ 'ka:manteri/ n (plural
to the referee. |no comment (=used by people in public life commentaries) [C,U] 1 a spoken description of an event,
when they do not want to answer questions) given while the event is happening, especially on the
2 [U] criticism or discussion of something someone has television or radio: Commentary is by Tom Ferris. | [+on]
said or done: The speech received much comment in the We'll be bringing you full commentary on the game between
press. Notts and Brescia. | running commentary (=a continuous
3 be a comment on sth to be a sign of the bad quality of description of something) 2 something such as a book or
something: The number of adults who cannot read is a sad an article that explains or discusses a book, poem, idea
comment on the quality of our schools. etc: political commentary 3 be a sad/tragic/devastating etc
commentary on sth to be a sign of how bad a particular
foo] olorWale)by situation is: The incident was a sad commentary on British
football.
make a comment Everyone was making appreciative com-men-tate /komontert $ 'ka:-/ v [| + on] to
comments about the delicious food. describe an event such as a sports game on television or
have a comment (=want to make a comment) Do radio
you have any comments on that, David? com-men-ta-tor [@ /‘komanterta $ 'ka:mantertar/ n
pass (a) comment BrE (=give an opinion) He looked [C] 1 someone who knows a lot about a particular sub-
at my photos but he didn’t pass comment. ject, and who writes about it or discusses it on the
invite comment(s) (=ask people to give an opinion) television or radio: political commentators 2 someone on
The website invites comments from people who visit it. television or radio who describes an event as it is hap-
welcome comments (=be glad to hear people's pening: a sports commentator
Opinions) | receive comments
com-merce /‘koms3:s $ 'ka:m3:rs/ n [U] the buying and
selling of goods and services [SYN] trade: measures promot-
a brief/quick comment |just want to make a very ing local commerce and industry + CHAMBER OF COMMERCE,
brief comment. E-COMMERCE
a helpful/constructive comment (=one that helps com-mer-cial! Ey [Ay /ka'ms:fal $ -3:r-/ adj
you make progress) Pay close attention to your 1related to business and the buying and selling of goods
teacher's constructive comments. and services: Our top priorities must be profit and commer-
a positive/negative comment There were some very cial growth.
positive comments in the report. 2 related to the ability of a product or business to make a
a critical comment The school has received critical profit: Gibbons failed to see the commercial value of his
comments from inspectors. discovery. |commercial success/failure The film was a huge
(a) fair comment (=a criticism that is reasonable) | commercial success.
accepted as fair comment 90% of what he said. 3 [only before noun] a commercial product is one that is
a snide comment (=unkind and made in a secret or produced and sold in large quantities
indirect way) |a disparaging/derogatory comment 4more concerned with money than with quality: Their
(criticizing someone or something in an unpleasant music has become very commercial.
way) |an appreciative comment (=showing that 5 commercial radio/TV/channel etc radio or television
you think something is good or nice) |a sarcastic broadcasts that are produced by companies that earn
comment (=in which you say the opposite of what money through advertising
you mean, as an unkind joke) |a passing comment
(=a quick comment made without thinking about it commercial? n1 [Cc] an advertisement on television or
very carefully) radio: a soap powder commercial PQEEUITE>
ADVERTISEMENT 2 commercial break the time when adver-
tisements are broadcast during a television or radio pro-
gramme
comment something that you say or write in order com-mer-cial-is‘-m /ka'm3:falzzam $ -3:r-/ n [U] the
to give your opinion: Does anyone have any principle or practice of being more concerned with mak-
comments? | Readers are invited to send in their ing money from buying and selling goods than you are
comments and suggestions. about their quality - used to show disapproval: the com-
remark something that you say: Just ignore them if mercialism of modern culture
they start making rude remarks. |I'm not sure what he
meant by that last remark. com-mercial-ize (also -ise BrE) /ka'm3xfalaiz $ -3:1r-/ v
point something that someone mentions about a [T] 1 [usually passive] to be more concerned with making
subject in a discussion, argument, article etc: That's money from something than about its quality - used to
an interesting point, Steve. | He raises (=mentions) a show disapproval: Christmas has become so
number of important points in his paper. commercialized. 2 to sell something completely new to
observation a comment in which you say what you the public for the first time: Some space launches will be
think or have noticed about something: Karl Marx commercialized to help pay for more space research.
made the observation that history repeats itself first as —commercialization /ka,m3:falar'zerfan $ -,mairfela-/ n [U]
tragedy, second as farce. com-mer-cial-ly /ka'm3zjali_ $ -3r-/ adv 1 consider-
aside a comment made in a low voice, that you ing whether a business or product is making a profit: The
intend only certain people to hear: ‘Is that true?’, she project is no longer commercially viable (=certain to make
whispered in an aside to Don. money). | [sentence adverb] Commercially, the movie was a .
quip /kwtp/ a clever and amusing comment: She flop. 2 produced or used in large quantities as a business:
knew she should reply with some light-hearted quip. commercially farmed land 3 if a new product is commer- —
dig informal a comment you make to annoy or cially available, you can buy it in shops: the world’s first>
criticize someone: |'m tired of her little digs at me. commercially available 3-D computer screen
(i £2 £8 = the most frequent words in written English 331 committee
com,mercial ‘traveller n [C] BrE old-fashioned some- 2 commit suicide to kill yourself deliberately
one who travels from place to place selling goods for a 3 commit adultery if a married person commits adultery,
company [SYN] sales representative they have sex with someone who is not their husband or
com-mie /‘komi $ 'ka:-/ n [C] informal an insulting word wife
for a COMMUNIST 4BNaCO Ts) [1,7] to say that someone will defi-
com-min-gle /ka'mingal/ v 1[1,T] formal to mix nitely do something or must do something: commit sb to
together, or to make different things do this: Many towns doing sth He has clearly committed his government to con-
allow recyclable items to be commingled for collection in a tinuing down the path of economic reform. |commit sb to sth
single container. 2 [T] AmE technical if a financial organiza- Meeting them doesn’t commit us to anything. | commit
tion commingles money, it mixes its own money with yourself I'd committed myself and there was no turning
money that belongs to its customers or to another part of back. | commit yourself to (doing) sth The banks have com-
the business, usually in an illegal way: commingle sth with mitted themselves to boosting profits by slashing costs.
sth The company faces charges that it commingled its own 5 FEET L!,7] to give someone your love or sup-
funds with customer funds. —commingling n [U] port in a serious and permanent way: Anna wants to get
com-mis-e-rate /ka'mizereit/ v [| + with] formal to married, but Bob's not sure he wants to commit. | [+to] He
express your sympathy for someone who is unhappy has not yet committed to any of the candidates.
about something 6 (EAA [T] to decide to use money, time, people —
etc for a particular purpose: commit sth to sth A /ot of
com-mis-e-ra-tion /kamiza'rerjan/_n [plural, U] formal
money has been committed to this project.
a feeling of sympathy for someone when something
7 GEE [T] BrE to send someone to be tried in a
unpleasant has happened to them: Congratulations to the
court of law: The two men were committed for trial at Bristol
winners, commiserations to the losers. -- CONDOLENCE
Crown Court.
com-mis-sar-i-at / koms'seariat $ karmsser-/ n [C] a 8 DISET [T] to order someone to be put in a
military department that is responsible for supplying food hospital or prison: commit sb to sth The judge committed
com-mis-sa-ty /‘komisari $ 'ka:miseri/ n (plural com- him to prison for six months.
missaries) [C] 1 BrE an officer in the army who is in 9 commit sth to memory formal to learn something so that
charge of food supplies 2 AmE a shop that supplies food you remember it [SYN] memorize
and other goods in a military camp 3 AmE a place where 10 commit sth to paper formal to write something down
you can eat in a large organization such as a film STUDIO, —> COMMITTED
factory etc
com-mit-ment § [1B /ke'mitment/ n
com-mis-sion' § [i /ke'myan/ n 1[C] a promise to do something or to behave in a particu-
1[C] a group of people who have been given the official lar way: Are you ready to make a long-term commitment? |
job of finding out about something or controlling some- [+to] Our company has a commitment to quality and cus-
thing: The Government set up a commission to investigate tomer service.
allegations of police violence, | [+on] the Royal Commission 2 [U] the hard work and loyalty that someone gives to an
on Environmental Pollution organization, activity etc: | was impressed by the energy
2 [C,U] an extra amount of money that is paid to a person and commitment shown by the players. | [+to] Her commit-
or organization according to the value of the goods they ment to work is beyond question.
have sold or the services they have provided: The dealer 3[C] something that you have promised you will do or
takes a 20% commission on the sales he makes. |on commis- that you have to do: Will the job fit in with your family
sion He sold cosmetics on commission. commitments?
3[C] a request for an artist, designer, or musician to 4[C] an amount of money that you have to pay regularly:
make a piece of art or music, for which they are paid: a | had a lot of financial commitments.
commission from the Academy for a new sculpture 5 [C,U] the use of money, time, people etc for a particular
4[C] the position of an officer in the army, navy etc purpose: commitments of food and medical aid of over $4
5 [U] formal the commission of a crime is the act of doing billion
it —> commit
6 out of commission a) not working or not available for com-mit-tal /ka'mitl/ n [C,U] 1 the process in which a
use: One of the ship’s anchors was out of commission. b) court sends someone to a mental hospital or prison
informal ill or injured, and unable to work 2 formal the burying or CREMATING of a dead person
7in commission available to be used: The operating thea- com-mit-ted /ka'mitid/ adj willing to work very hard at
tres will be back in commission next week. something [SYN] dedicated: The party has a core of commit-
commission? Gq v 1[7] to formally ask someone to ted supporters. | [+to] We are fully committed to Equal
write an official report, produce a work of art for you etc: Opportunity policies.
The report was commissioned by the Welsh Office. |commis- com-mit-tee Gy Ty /ke'miti/ n[C also + plural verb BrE] a
sion sb to do sth Macmillan commissioned her to illustrate a group of people chosen to do a particular job, make
book by Spike Milligan. 2 be commissioned (into sth) to be decisions etc: [+of] the International Committee of the Red
given an officer's rank in the army, navy etc: | was com- Cross |[ton] a ministerial committee on security affairs |on
missioned into the RAF. a committee He’s on the finance committee. | a committee
com-mis:sion-aire /kamuya'nes $ -ner/ n [C] Bré meeting
someone whose job is to stand at the entrance to a hotel
or theatre wearing a uniform and help people COLLOCATIONS
{S¥N| doorman Pe MERBS Ge i ae tae Oe
commissioned ‘officer n [Cc] a military officer who a committee meets (=has a meeting) The
has a commission environmental health committee will meet again next
com-mis:sion-er /ka'mifana $ -ar/ n [C] 1some- Wednesday.
one who is officially in charge of a government depart- be on a committee (=be a member of a committee)
ment in some countries 2 the head of the police Last year | was on the parents' committee at my kids'
department in some parts of the US 3 a member of a school.
commission serve/sit on a committee (=be a member of an
important committee) Our organization is always in
com,missioner for ‘oaths n [Cc] BrE a lawyer who need of volunteers to serve on the committee.
may legally be a witness to particular legal documents chair a committee (=be the person in charge of a
com-mit § [1 /ke'mit/ v (committed, committing) committee) Professor Peacock was appointed to chair
1g [T] to do something wrong or illegal: Women the committee.
commit fewer crimes than men. |commit murder/rape/arson appoint/set up/form a committee |join a
etc Brady committed a series of brutal murders. committee
 commode
not special in any way: common salt | The 20th century was
a committee meeting There's a committee meeting called the century of the common man (=ordinary people). |
once a month. He insists that he is a revolutionary, not a common criminal.
a committee member Four committee members did 10 common courtesy/decency/politeness a polite way of
not attend the meeting. behaving that you expect from people: /t would be com-
the committee chairman/chair mon courtesy to return their hospitality.
11common or garden BrE ordinary [SYN] garden-variety
AmE: a common or garden dispute
a special committee A special co of s 12 make/find common cause (with/against sb) formal to
was set up to study the disease. join with other people or groups in order to achieve
an executive committee (=that manages an something: France and Russia made common cause against
organization and makes decisions for it) He sat on Britain.
the firm's Executive Committee. 13 common touch the ability of someone in a position of
an advisory committee | a standing committee (=a power or authority to talk to and understand ordinary
permanent one) |a joint committee (=involving two people - used to show approval: He's made it to the top
or more groups) |a steering committee (=one that without losing the common touch.
directs a particular activity) | a select committee 14 Beare Bre old-fashioned an offensive word used
(=one of politicians and advisers who look at a for describing someone from a low social class
particular subject) | a management committee |a
government/departmental/ministerial committee |
a planning committee BrE (=one that considers common if something is common, there are a lot of
requests to build new buildings) |the finance/ them: Jones is a very common name in Great Britain. |
education etc committee Foxes are common in the area.
eee, widespread happening in a lot of places or done by
com-mode /ke'maud $ -'moud/ n [C] 1a piece of a lot of people: Racism is much more widespread than
furniture shaped like a chair that can be used as a toilet people imagine. | the widespread availability of
2 an old-fashioned piece of furniture with drawers or antibiotics
shelves 3 AmE a word meaning ‘toilet’ used by people commonplace [not before noun] especially written
who do not like saying ‘toilet’ common in a particular place or time - used
com-mod:i-fi-ca-tion /ka,modsfskerjan $ kama:-/ n especially when saying that this seems surprising or
[U] formal a process by which something starts being unusual: Crimes such as robbery are commonplace in
sold for money, or its importance starts being measured big cities. |Expensive foreign cars are commonplace in
according to its value in money - usually used showing this Chicago suburb.
disapproval: the commodification of art prevalent formal common in a place or among a
group of people - used especially about illnesses,
com-mo:di-ous /ka'maudies $ -mou-/ adj formal a
problems, or ideas: Flu is most prevalent during the
house or room that is commodious is very big winter months.
com-mod-i-ty /ka'mod3ti $ ka'ma:-/ n (plural commodi- rife /ratf/ [not before noun] very common - used
ties) [C] 1 a product that is bought and sold: agricultural about illnesses or problems: AIDS is rife in some parts
commodities | Commodity prices fell sharply. (IENIT> of the world.
PRODUCT 2 formal a useful quality or thing: Time is a pre- ubiquitous /ju:'brkwstas/ formal very common and
cious commodity. “ seen in many different places - often used
com-mo-dore /‘komads: $ 'ka:mada:ir/ n [C] 1a high humorously in written descriptions: He was carrying
rank in the navy, or someone who has this rank 2 the cap- the ubiquitous MP3 player.
TAIN in charge of a group of ships that are carrying goods sth is everywhere especially spoken used when
saying that you can see something a lot in many
com-mon' gy] [J /‘koman $ 'ka:-/ adj different places: Images of the dictator were
ITE happening often and to many people everywhere.
or in many places [Opp]rare: Heart disease is one of the NS
commonest causes of death. | [+tamong] Bad dreams are common? n 1 have sth in common (with sb) to have the
fairly common among children. |it's common for sb to do sth same interests, attitudes etc as someone else: | found |
It's common for new fathers to feel jealous of the baby. had a lot in common with these people. | four women with
A\ Do not say ‘It is common that... ' Say ‘It is common for almost nothing in common 2 have sth in common (with sth) if
..': lt is common for children to be afraid (NOT It is common objects or ideas have something in common, they share
that children are afraid) of the dark. IEEGN> Normat the same features: The two games have much in common.
2 (YEH existing in large numbers [opp]rare: Daisies are 3 in common with sb/sth in the same way as someone or
very common flowers. something else: In common with a lot of other countries,
3 SAMTWTY
PT [usually before noun, no comparative] com- we're in an economic recession. 4 [C] a large area of open
mon aims, beliefs, ideas etc are shared by several people land in a town or village that people walk or play sport on:
or groups: people working towards a common goal | coun- Boston Common
tries that share a common language | [+to] a theme that is
common to all her novels com-mo:nal-i-ty /koma'nekti $ ka:-/ n [U] formal the
4common ground facts, features, or beliefs that are fact of having things in common
shared by people or things that are very different: common ‘cold n [c] a slight illness in which your
[+between] There is a great deal of common ground throat hurts and it is difficult to breathe normally
between management and trade unions on this issue. cold
SHIT [no comparative] belonging to or common ‘currency n [U] used to say that something
shared by everyone in a society: [+to] These problems are is used by a lot of people or accepted by everyone: Words
common to all societies. | Joe was chosen as captain by like ‘spliff’ and ‘blunt’ have become common currency.
common consent (=with everyone's agreement). common de'nominator n [Cc] 1 an attitude or quality
6 common knowledge something everyone knows: It is that all the different members of a group have: The
common knowledge that travel broadens the mind, common denominator of both types of novel is the vulnerable
7 the common good the advantage of everyone: They work threatened heroine. 2 the lowest common denominator the
together for the common good. least attractive, least intelligent people or features in a
8 common practice a usual or accepted way of doing situation: trashy TV programs that appeal to the lowest
things: It was common practice for families to attend church common denominator 3. technical a number that can be ©
together. divided exactly by all the DENOMINATORS (=bottom
9 [only before noun, no comparative] ordinary and number) in a set of FRACTIONS ‘ =
 EX = words from the Academic Word List 333 communism
com-mon-er /'komana ¢$ 'karmanar/ n [C] someone com-mu-ni-cant /ka'mjuinikent/ n [C] someone who
who is not a member of the NOBILITY receives COMMUNION regularly in the Christian church
‘common land n [U] BrE land that belongs to or can be com-mu-ni-cate Gy (A Lg /kelmjunnikert/ v
used by everyone living in an area IBGE Ee [1,7] to exchange information
common ‘law n [U] the system of laws that has devel- or conversation with other people, using words, signs,
oped from customs and the decisions of judges rather writing etc: We communicated mostly by e-mail. | [+with]
than from laws made by Parliament — statute law People use more than words when they communicate with
each other. |communicate sth to sb The decision was com-
‘common-law adj [only before noun] 1 common-law
municated to our staff late in 1998.
marriage/husband/wife a relationship that is considered
2 Ea) [1,7] to express your thoughts and feel-
to be a marriage because the man and woman have lived
ings clearly, so that other people understand them
together for a long time 2 according to or related to
—» convey: A baby communicates its needs by crying. |
common law: common-law rules/courts/rights etc
communicate sth to sb Without meaning to, she communi-
com-mon'ly /‘komanli $ 'ka:-/ adv1 usually or by most cated her anxiety to her child. | His enthusiasm communi-
people [SYN] widely: Sodium chloride is more commonly cated itself to the voters. | A teacher must be able to
known as salt. | a commonly used industrial chemical communicate effectively to students.
2 often, in many places, or in large numbers [SYN] widely: 3 TLESSZTT) [1] if two people communicate, they are
Lung cancer is the most commonly found cancer in men. | able to talk about and understand each other's feelings or
commonly available software packages desires: Many couples make themselves miserable by not
common ‘noun n [C] in grammar, a common noun is communicating. | [+with] Parents sometimes find it difficult
any noun that is not the name of a particular person, to communicate with their teenage children.
place, or thing. For example, ‘book’, ‘sugar’, and ‘stuff’ are 4 (53259 [T usually passive] to pass a disease from one
common nouns. — proper noun, noun person or animal to another — communicable
com-mon-place’ /‘komanplets $ 'ka:-/ adj happening 5 GEES [1] if rooms or parts of a building communicate,
or existing in many places, and therefore not special or you can get directly to one from the other: communicating
unusual: Car thefts are commonplace in this part of town. doors
REESE common com-mu:ni-ca-tion fy [iy /ke,mju:n$kerfan/ n
commonplace? n [C usually singular] 1 something that 1[U] the process by which people exchange information
happens or exists in many places, so that it is not unu- or express their thoughts and feelings: Good communica-
sual: Women’s groups have become a commonplace. tion is vital in a large organization. | Radio was the pilot's
2 something that has been said so often that it is no only means of communication.
longer interesting or original 3 the commonplace some- 2 communications a) [plural] ways of sending information,
thing that is ordinary or boring [SYN] the everyday especially using radio, telephone, or computers: Modern
communications are enabling more people to work from
‘common room n [C] BrE aroom ina school or college
home. b) [plural] roads, railways ete that are used for
that a group of teachers or students use when they are
travelling and sending goods: [+with] Paris has good com-
not teaching or studying
munications with many European cities. ¢) [U] the study of
Com-mons /‘komanz $ 'ka:-/ n the Commons the larger using radio, television, cinema etc to communicate: a
and more powerful of the two parts of the British Parlia- diploma in communications
ment, whose members are elected by citizens — the 3[U] the way people express themselves so that other
Lords: The Government has a huge majority in the Commons. people will understand: a week's course in improving com-
common ‘sense n [U] the ability to behave in a munication skills | There has been a breakdown in communi-
sensible way and make practical decisions: Use your com- cation (=failure to communicate),
mon sense for once! | a common-sense approach to educa- 4 be in communication with sb formal to talk or write to
tion someone regularly
com-mo:tion /ka'mavjean $ -'mov-/ n [singular, U] sud- 5 [C] formal a letter, message, or telephone call: a commu-
den noisy activity: They heard a commotion downstairs. | nication from the Ministry of Defence
Everyone looked to see what was causing the commotion. com,muni'cation cord n [Cc] BrE a chain that a
passenger can pull to stop a train in an EMERGENCY (=a
comms /komz $ ka:mz/ n [plural] BrE technical (commu- sudden dangerous situation)
nications) used when talking about computer programs
that allow communication between different computers
com,muni cations satellite n [c] a sateute that is
used to send radio, television, and telephone signals
[SYN] communications software AmE
around the world
com-mu-nal /‘komjnal, ka'mju:nl =$ 'ka:-/ adj com-mu:ni-ca-tive EQ /ke'mju:nskativ $ -kerttv/ adj
1 shared by a group of people or animals, especially a Table to talk easily to other people: Tom wasn’t very
group who live together: a communal bathroom 2 involv- communicative, and kept himself to himself. 2 relating to the
. ing people from many different races, religions, or lan- ability to communicate, especially in a foreign language:
guage groups: the worst communal violence in two years students’ communicative skills
3 relating or belonging to all the people living in a par- com-mu-ni-ca-tor /ka'mjuinskerta $ -ar/ n [C] some-
ticular COMMUNITY: crops grown on communal land one who is able to express ideas or their feelings clearly
com-mune! /kpmju:n $ 'kaz-, kalmjuin/ n [C] 1a group to other people: She’s a skilled communicator.
of people who live together and who share the work and com-mu-nion /ka'mjuinjan/ n 1 Communion [U] (also
their possessions: a hippie commune 2 the smallest unit of Holy Communion) the Christian ceremony in which people
local government in countries such as France and eat bread and drink wine as signs of Christ's body and
Belgium 3 a group of people in a Communist country who blood 2 [U] formal a special relationship with someone or
work as a team on a farm, and give what they produce to something which makes you feel that you understand
the state them very well: [+with] Prayer is a form of communion with
com-mune? /ka'mju:n/ v God. 3 [C] formal a group of people or organizations that
commune with sb/sth phr v formal 1to communicate share the same religious beliefs [SYN] denomination: He
with a person, god, or animal, especially in a mysterious belongs to the Anglican communion.
SPIRITUAL Way 2 commune with nature to spend time out- com-mu-ni-qué /ka'mjurnsket $ ka,mjurns'ker/ n [C] an
_ side in a natural place, enjoying it ina quiet peaceful way: official report or announcement: A communiqué was issued
Take time to relax and commune with nature. by NATO Defence Ministers.
com-mu-ni-ca-ble faq /ka'mjusnitkabal/ adj formal com-mu-nis-:m, Communism /'komj3nizam $ 'ka:-/ n
1a communicable disease can be passed on to other [U] 1 a political system in which the government controls
people [SYN] infectious 2 able to be communicated the production of all food and goods, and there is no
 communist 334
privately owned property -—>+ capitalism, socialism comp’ /komp $ ka:mp/ n[C] informal AmE a ticket for
2 the belief in this political system a play, sports game etc that is given away free 2 BrE a
com-mu-nist", Communist /‘komjgnist $ 'ka:-/ n [C] COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL
someone who is a member of a political party that comp? v [T] AmE spoken to give something such as a
supports communism, or who believes in communism ticket away free
—» capitalist, socialist compact! /kam'pekt, 'kompekt $ kam'pekt/ adj
communist?, Communist adj relating to communism 1 small, but arranged so that everything fits neatly into
— capitalist, socialist: a communist country | a communist the space available - used to show approval: The compact
regime design of the machine allows it to be stored easily. | The
com-mu-ni-ty Gy] (i /ke'mjumnsti/ n (plural communi- students’ rooms were compact, with a desk, bed, and closet
ties) built in. SMALL 2 packed or put together
1[C, also + plural verb BrE] the people who live in the same firmly and closely: The bushes grew in a compact mass.
area, town etc: The new arts centre will serve the whole 3 small, but solid and strong: a short compact-looking man
community. |community education programmes |community —compactly adv —compactness n [U]
relations/affairs/needs etc We meet once a month to dis- com-pact? /kompekt $ 'ka:m-/ n [C] 1a small flat
~ cuss community problems. | community groups/leaders etc container with a mirror, containing powder for a woman's
_ Community leaders met to discuss the proposed golf course. | face 2 a COMPACT CAMERA 3 AmE a small car 4 formal an
community spirit (=the desire to be friendly with and help agreement between countries or people: A compact was
other people who live in the same community) negotiated between the company and the union.
2[C] a group of people who have the same interests, com-pact® /kam'pekt/ v [T] to press something
religion, race etc: different ethnic communities | the gay/ together so that it becomes smaller or more solid: com-
black/Asian etc community the gay community in San pacted earth
Francisco |the business/academic/scientific etc community
compact ‘camera n [C] a small camera with a LENS
3 the community society and the people in it: The trend is that cannot be removed
towards reintegrating mentally ill people into the
community. | the international community (=all the coun- compact ‘disc n [C,U] (abbreviation CD) a small circu-
tries of the world) The Presidentappealed to the inter- lar piece of hard plastic on which high-quality recorded
national community for aid for the flood victims. sound or large quantities of information can be stored:
4sense of community the feeling that you belong to a The new album is available on vinyl, cassette, or compact
community disc.
5[C] a group of plants or animals that live in the same compact ‘disc player n [Cc] a co player
environment: Communities of otters are slowly returning to Com-pact-Flash /kompekt'fle{ $ ka:m-/ n [U] trade-
British rivers. mark a MEMORY CARD for DIGITAL CAMERAS that allows you
community ,centre BrE, community center AmE n to take high quality photographs of things that are mov-
[C] a place where people from the same area can go for ing
social events, classes etc com-pan-ion /kam'penjan/ n [C] 1someone you
com'munity chest n [c] Ame old use money that is spend a lot of time with, especially a friend: For ten years
collected by the people and businesses in an area to help he had been her constant companion. | His dog became his
poor people closest companion. |a travelling companion |dinner/drinking
com'munity college n [Cc] 1.4 sECONDARY SCHOOL in companion FRIEND 2 one of a pair of things
the UK that students from the local area can go to, and that go together or can be used together: [+to] This book
which also has classes for adults 2 a college in the US is a companion to Professor Farrer’s first work. | companion
that students can go to for two years in order to learn a volume/piece etc The ‘Encyclopedia of Gardening’ is a com-
skill or prepare for university [SYN] junior college panion volume to the ‘Encyclopedia of Plants and Flowers’.
com,munity po'licing n [u] the practice by the police 3 used in the titles of books about a particular subject: ‘A
of trying to build good relationships with the people in Companion to Japanese Literature’ 4 someone, especially a
the area where they work woman, who is paid to live or travel with an older person
com'munity property n [U] Jaw property that is com-pan-ion-a-ble /kam'penjanabal/ —_adj_ literary
considered to be owned equally by both a husband and friendly and pleasant to be with: They sat together in
wife in US law companionable silence. —companionably ady
com, munity ‘service n [U] work that is not paid that com-pan-ion-ship /kam'penjanfip/ n [U] when you
someone does to help other people, sometimes as pun- are with someone you enjoy being with, and are not
ishment for a crime alone: When Stan died, | missed his companionship.
com,munity sup'port officer n [c] BrE a type of com-pan-ion-way /kam'penjanwer/ n [C] technical the
police officer in Britain who does some police work but steps going from one DECK (=level) of a ship to another
does not have all the powers of an ordinary police officer deck
com-mu-ta-tion /komj;'terfan $ ka:-/ n [CU] law a com:pa-ny GJ Gd /‘kampani/ n (plural companies)
reduction in how severe a punishment is: Activists cam- 1 GUSDES9 [C also + plural verb BrE] a business organiza-
paigned for a commutation of Lee’s sentence. tion that makes or sells goods or services business,
com-mute! /ka'mju:t/ v 1 [1] to regularly travel a long firm: Which company do you work for? | | called the phone -
distance to get to work: [+to/from/between] Jim com- company about the bill. |The company was set up just after
mutes to Manhattan every day. TRAVEL the war. |The company directors have awarded themselvesa
2 commute a sentence (to sth) technical to change the massive pay increase.
punishment given to a criminal to one that is less severe: 2 GT [U] when you are with other people and
Baldry’s 20-year prison sentence was commuted to three not alone: The two men enjoy each other's company. |Rita's
years. 3 commute sth for/into sth technical to exchange one husband is away for the week, so | thought I'd go over and
thing, especially one kind of payment, for another: He keep her company (=be with her so that she doesn't feel
commuted his pension for a lump sum. lonely). | Come over for dinner - | could use the company
commute? pn [c usually singular] the journey to work (=would like to be with other people). | James is good
every day: My morning commute takes 45 minutes. company (=is a cheerful person who is enjoyable to be
GEESE Journey with). | as company Bessie was glad to have the dog as
com-mut-er /ka'mju:ta $ -ar/ n [C] someone who trav- company. |in sb's company (=with someone) | felt nervous
in the company of such an important man. |in company with
els a long distance to work every day (ERLUIG> TRAVEL
sb (=together with another person or group) He's per-
com'muter belt n (c] BrE an area around a large city, forming in company with saxophonist Ernie Watts. g
from which many people travel to work every day 3 (0355 [VU] people who are visiting you in your home: It
( G2 GS = the most frequent words in written English 335 comparative
looks like the Hammills have company. | We're expecting
company this evening.
company an organization that makes or sells
4 QRH [UV] your friends or the group of people you
something, or provides a service: big oil companies |
spend time with: People judge you by the company you keep
He runs a software company.
(=the people you spend time with). | Things began to go
firm a company, especially one that provides a
wrong when he got into bad company.
service rather than producing goods: a law firm |a
5 Ges [C] a group of actors, dancers, or singers
firm of accountants | a security firm
who work together: a theatre company |a touring company |
business a company - often used when talking
the Kirov Ballet Company KLEE I> Actor
about a company that employs only a small number
6 be in good company used to tell someone who has made
of people: She set up her own catering business. |small
a mistake that they should not be embarrassed because
businesses | a family business
some important or respected people have made the
corporation a large company that often includes
same mistake: If you can’t program the video recorder,
several smaller companies: IBM is one of the biggest
you're in good company.
corporations in the world.
7= (VU) formal a group of people who are together in multinational a very large company with offices in
the same place, often for a particular purpose or for many different countries: American multinationals are
social reasons: He glanced around at the assembled establishing research and development facilities across
company. | Some jokes are just not appropriate to tell in the developing world.
mixed company (=in a group of both men and women). |in conglomerate /kan'glomarst $ -'gla:-/ a very large
company (=when surrounded by other people, especially company that consists of several different
at a social occasion) Parents should teach their children companies which have joined together: The company
how to behave in company. was taken over by a German media conglomerate.
8 sb and company informal used after a person's name to giant a word used mainly by newspapers for a very
mean that person and their friends: This has not stopped large company: Their clients include the retail giant,
Senator Biden and company from trying to make it an issue in Wal-Mart.
the election. subsidiary a company that is owned by a larger
9 ft [C] a group of about 120 soldiers who are company: The company runs its New York operations
usually part of a larger group through a US subsidiary.
10 two's company, three’s a crowd used to suggest that two
people would rather be alone together than have other company ‘cat n [C] acar that your employer gives you
people with them — part company at PART?(4), —> present while you work for them
company excepted at PRESENT'(7) company ‘law n [U] law the laws relating to the way in
(oo) HKoley-y
alo) \f which companies operate
company ‘secretary n (plural company secretaries)
ADJECTIVES
[C] someone with a high position in a company who
a computer/phone/oil etc company an international deals with ADMINISTRATIVE and legal matters
oil company
com-pa-ra-ble /komparabal $ 'karm-/ adj 1 similar to
a manufacturing/shipping/publishing etc company something else in size, number, quality etc, so that you
I'm working for a printing company at the moment. can make a comparison — compare, comparison: A car of
a large/big company She has a senior position in a comparable size would cost far more abroad. | comparable
large manufacturing company. figures/data/results comparable figures for the same period
a small company | an international company (=with of time last year |[+with/to] The planet Pluto is comparable
offices in different countries) |a multinational in size to the Moon. 2 being equally important, good, bad
company (=with offices in many countries) |a etc [OPP|incomparable: These two artists just aren't
private company (=not owned by the government) | comparable. | [+with/to] His poetry is hardly comparable
a state-owned company (=owned by the with Shakespeare's. —comparability /kompare'bilsti
government) |a public/listed company (=offering $ ka:m-/ n [U]
its shares for sale on the stock exchange) |a limited
com-pa-ra-bly /‘komparabli $ 'ka:m-/ adv in a similar
company (=one whose owners only have to pay a
way or to a similar degree incomparably: comparably
limited amount if it gets into debt) |a subsidiary
priced products
company (=owned or controlled by a larger
company) |the parent company (=the one that com-par-a-tive’ /kam'perattv/ adj 1 comparative
owns or controls a smaller one) comfort/freedom/wealth etc comfort, freedom, wealth etc
that is quite good when compared to how comfortable,
| VERBS Boies es ; free, or rich etc something or someone else is
work for a company How long have you been working [SYN] relative: After a lifetime of poverty, his last few years
for your present company? were spent in comparative comfort. |She didn’t want to leave
join a company (=become an employee) |joined the the comparative safety of the shelter. 2 comparative study/
company ten years ago. analysis etc a study etc that involves comparing some-
run/manage a company Nick runs a property thing to something else: a comparative study of the US and
company. British steel industries 3 comparative beginner/newcomer
set up/start/form a company wo years later he etc someone who is not really a beginner etc, but who
started his own software company. seems to be one when compared to other people who
found/establish a company The company was have lived or worked somewhere for a long time: After
founded in 1993 by William J. Nutt. living here five years, we're still considered comparative
newcomers. 4 comparative figures/data comparative fig-
take over a company (=buy it and run it) |a
company grows/expands |a company goes ures etc are similar to other figures, so that you can make
bankrupt/goes out of business (=stops doing a comparison: Comparative figures for last year clearly show
business after losing too much money) |a company how sales have declined. 5 technical the comparative form
of an adjective or adverb shows an increase in size,
fails (=goes bankrupt) | a company goes bust
informal (=goes bankrupt) quality, degree etc when it is considered in relation to
something else. For example, ‘bigger’ is the comparative
company + NOUN form of ‘big’, and ‘more slowly’ is the comparative form of
company policy /t is not company policy to give that ‘slowly’. — superlative
information. comparative? n the comparative technical the form of
> a company director/executive | a company car an adjective or adverb that shows an increase in size,
| (=that your company gives you to use) degree etc when something is considered in relation to
 comparatively 336 EX = words from the Academic Word List

something else. For example, ‘bigger’ is the comparative people or things — compare, comparative: [+with] Com-
of ‘big’, and ‘more slowly’ is the comparative of ‘slowly’. parison with his previous movies shows how Lee has devel-
—+ the superlative oped as a director. | in comparison (with/to sth) In
com-par-a-tive-ly /kam'peretivli/ adv as compared to comparison to other recent video games, this one isn't very
something else or to a previous state [SYN] relatively: a exciting. | He was a loud friendly man. In comparison, his
comparatively small number of people | Comparatively few brother was rather shy. | by comparison (with sth) By com-
books have been written on the subject. |Crime on the island parison with other European countries, car prices in the UK
is comparatively rare. | Comparatively speaking, this part of are very high. | After months of living in a tropical climate,
the coast is still unspoiled. Spain seemed coo! by comparison. | for comparison (with
sth) These figures are provided for comparison with the
com-pare’ Gi] [i /kam'peo $ -'per/ v results of previous studies. |He showed us the original text for
1[T] to consider two or more things or people, in order to comparison. | Her paintings invite comparison with those of
show how they are similar or different ++ comparison: The the early Impressionists (=they remind you of them). |
report compares the different types of home computer stand/bear comparison (=is as good as someone or some-
available. |compare sth/sb with sth/sb The police compared thing else) Irving's work bears comparison with the best of
the suspect's fingerprints with those found at the crime the modern novelists. | on comparison BrE (=after you have
scene. |compare sth/sb to sth/sb Davies’ style of writing has compared two things to see if they are similar or differ-
been compared to Dickens’. | compare and contrast (=an ent) On comparison, the Renault was the more reliable of the
expression used when telling students to write about the two cars. :
things that are similar or different in works of literature or 2a [Cc] a statement or examination of how
art) Compare and contrast the main characters of these two similar or different two people or things are: [+of] a
novels. comparison of pollution levels in Chicago and Detroit |
2 compared to/with sth used when considering the size, [+between] The article makes a comparison between the
quality, or amount of something in relation to something two poems.
similar: a 20% reduction in burglary compared with last
year | Compared to our small flat, Bill's house seemed like a ( REGISTER
palace. In written English, people often use draw a
3 [1] to be better or worse than something else: compare comparison rather than make a comparison, as it
(favourably/unfavourably) with sth The quality of English sounds more formal: The writer draws a comparison
wines can now compare with wines from Germany. | How between the 1950s and the present day.
does life in Britain compare with life in the States? | The 3 GSQ0GST) [C] a statement that someone or some-
imported fabric is 30% cheaper and compares favourably thing is like someone or something else: (make/draw) a
(=is as good) in quality. comparison between sb/sth (=show the _ similarities
4 sth doesn't/can't compare (with sth) if something does between two people or things) The writer draws compari-
not compare with something else, it is not as good, large sons between the two presidents. | You can’t make a com-
etc: The rides at the fair just can't compare with the rides at parison between American and Japanese schools - they're
Disneyland. too different.
5 compare notes (with sb) informal to talk to someone in 4 there's no comparison spoken used when you think that
order to find out if their experience of something is the someone or something is much better than someone or
same as yours: Leading scientists got together in Paris to something else: [+between] There’s just no comparison
compare notes on current research. between canned vegetables and fresh ones.
5 (ZNNI [U] a word used in grammar meaning the
compare to consider two or more things or people, way an adverb or adjective changes its form to show
in order to show how they are similar or different: whether it is COMPARATIVE Or SUPERLATIVE
Scientists compared the results of both experiments. com'parison-,shop y [1] to go to different shops in
make/draw a comparison to compare two or more order to compare the prices of things, so that you can buy
things or people and say how they are similar: In her things for the cheapest possible price —comparison
article, she makes a comparison between people's lives shopping n [U]
now and SO years ago. | It is possible to draw a com-part-‘ment /kam'pa:tmant $ -ar-/ n_ [C]
comparison between the two poets’ work. 1a smaller enclosed space inside something larger: The
draw an analogy to say that two situations are bag is divided into separate compartments. | engine
similar - a rather formal use: Some people have compartment | She kept the money hidden in a secret com-
attempted to draw an analogy between America’s partment in her briefcase. -+ GLOVE COMPARTMENT 2 one of
invasion of Iraq and the war in Vietnam. the separate areas into which a plane, ship, or train is
draw a parallel to say that some features of things divided: a first-class compartment
are similar, especially things that are actually very com-part-men-tal-ize (iso -ise BrE) / kompart-
different - a rather formal use: He draws a parallel 'mentl-aiz $ kam,pazrt-/ v [T] to divide something into
between football and religion. separate areas or groups: Women are better than men at
contrast v [T] to compare two things, situations etc, compartmentalizing their lives. —compartmentalized adj
in order to show how they are different from each —compartmentalization / kompazt,mentl-ar'zerfan
other: In her novel she contrasts the lives of two families $ kam,pazrtmentl-a-/ n [U]
in very different circumstances. compass /'kampas/ on
make/draw a distinction between to say that you
COMPASS
1[C] an instrument that
think two things are very different: The author draws shows directions and has a
a distinction between allowing death to occur, and needle that always points
causing it. north: a map and compass |
measure sb/sth against sb/sth to compare two compass points/points of
people or things, in order to judge which is better, the compass (=the marks
bigger, etc: As a young actress, she was nervous of on a compass that show
being measured against her famous father.
a) you north, south, east,
west etc) 2 [C] (also com-
compare? n beyond/without compare literary a quality passes) a V-shaped instru- pairof * .
that is beyond compare is the best of its kind: a beauty ment with one sharp point compass compasses
and an elegance beyond compare and a pen or pencil at the
com-pa-ri-son & ( /kem'perisan/ n
other end, used for drawing circles or measuring diss ~ |
tances on maps 3 [U] formal the area or range of subjects
ISON [U] the process of comparing two or more that someone is responsible for or that is discussed in ae
 EX¥= words from the Academic Word List 337 compete
book: [+of] Within the brief compass of a single page, the into town. | The court was presented with compelling evi-
author covers most of the major points. dence that she’d murdered her husband. 2 very interesting
com-pas:sion /kem'pefan/ n [U] a strong feeling of or exciting, so that you have to pay attention: His life
sympathy for someone who is suffering, and a desire to makes a compelling story. GREAT INTERESTING 3 com-
help them: [+for] compassion for the sick |feel/show/have pelling need/desire/urge (to do sth) a strong need, desire
compassion Did he feel any compassion for the victim of his etc to do something, making you feel that you must do it:
crime? | with compassion Lieberman explores this sensitive He felt a compelling need to tell someone about his idea.
topic with compassion. || was shocked by the doctor's lack of —compellingly adv
compassion. com-pen-di-um /kam'pendiam/ n (plural compendiums
com:pas:sion-ate /kam'pefanst/ adj feeling sympathy or compendia /-dia/) [C] 1 formal a book that contains a
for people who are suffering: a caring compassionate man | complete collection of facts, drawings etc on a particular
| allowed him to go home on compassionate grounds. | One subject: a cricketing compendium 2 BrE a set of different
measure of a civilized and compassionate society is how well BOARD GAMES in a box
it treats its prison population. SYMPATHETIC com-pen:sate [gj /‘kompanseit $ 'ka:m-/ v 1[I] to
—compassionately adv replace or balance the effect of something bad: Because
com passionate ‘leave n [U] special permission to my left eye is so weak, my right eye has to work harder to
have time away from work because one of your relatives compensate. | [+for] Her intelligence more than compen-
has died or is very ill sates for her lack of experience.
com'passion fa,tigue n [U] if you are suffering from REGISTER
compassion fatigue, you have stopped feeling sympathy
In everyday English, people usually say make up for
for people and do not want to give any more money to
something rather than compensate for something:
help them, because you have seen so many reports on
What she lacks in patience she makes up for in
television, in newspapers etc about other groups of
determination.
people who are in trouble: Some donors, battered by so ]

many appeals for help, may find themselves battling compas- 2 [T] to pay someone money because they have suffered
sion fatigue. injury, loss, or damage: the government's promise to com-
‘compass rose n [singular] technical a symbol that pensate victims of the flood |compensate sb for sth The firm
consists of a circle with a pointed star in it, which is will compensate workers for their loss of earnings.
printed on maps and shows which direction is north, com-pen-sa-tion [Yq /kompen'serfan $ ka:m-/ n
south, east, west etc 1 [U] money paid to someone because they have suffered
com:pat-i-bil-ity fq /kempets'brlsti/ n [U] 1 technical injury or loss, or because something they own has been
the ability of one piece of computer equipment to be damaged: [+for] compensation for injuries at work |
used with another one, especially when they are made by [+from] She received compensation from the government for
different companies [opp] incompatibility: [+with] the sys- the damage caused to her property. | in compensation The
tem’s compatibility with Windows software 2 the ability to jury awarded Tyler $1.7 million in compensation. | as com-
exist or be used together without causing problems pensation The workers were given 30 days’ pay as
[OPP] incompatibility: compatibility of flavours 3 the ability compensation. | People who are wrongly arrested may be
to have a good relationship with someone because you paid compensation. |demand/seek/claim compensation The
have similar interests, ideas etc [opp|incompatibility: parents are seeking compensation for birth defects caused by
sexual compatibility the drug. | award/grant compensation The court awarded
com-pat:-i-ble" [yg /kem'petibal/ adj 1 if two pieces of Jamieson £30,000 compensation. 2 [C,U] something that
computer equipment are compatible, they can be used makes a bad situation better: One of the few compensa-
together, especially when they are made by different tions of losing my job was seeing more of my family. |by way
companies — compatibility: The new software is IBM com- of compensation (=in order to make a situation better) By
patible (=can be used with IBM computers). 2 able to way of compensation he offered to take her out for a meal.
exist or be used together without causing problems 3 [CU] when someone behaves in a particular way in
—+ compatibility: [+with] Stephen's political views often order to replace something that is missing or to balance
weren't compatible with her own. 3 two people that are the bad effects of something: [+for] Linda’s aggressiveness
compatible are able to have a good relationship because is just a compensation for her feelings of insecurity. | as
they have similar opinions or interests + compatibility compensation (for sth) Lip-reading can act as compensation
for loss of hearing. 4 [U] AmE the money someone is paid
REGISTER for doing their job [SYN] remuneration
In everyday English, people often say that two com-pen-sa:to-ry EQ /kompen'sertari<« $ kam'pen-
people are (just) right for each other, because sa,ta:ri/ adj [usually before noun] formal 1 compensa-
compatible sounds rather formal: On paper they tory payments are paid to someone who has been
seemed like the perfect couple, but maybe they just harmed or hurt in some way: She was awarded a large sum
weren't right for each other. in compensatory damages. 2 intended to reduce the bad
4

compatible? n [Cc] technical a piece of computer equip- effects of something: Workers are given a compensatory
ment that can be used in or with another piece of equip- day off when a national holiday falls on a weekend.
ment, especially one made by a different company: Most com:-pere /'‘kompee $ 'ka:mper/ n [C] BrE someone who
programs work with IBM compatibles. introduces the people who are performing in a television
com-pat-ri-ot /kam'petriat $ -ipert-/ n [C] someone programme, theatre show etc [Syn] host AmE —compere
who was born in or is a citizen of the same country as V [1,1]; Ballentine will compere the show.
someone else [SYN]countryman: sb's compatriot Schmidt coms pete Gy [H /kem'pitt/ v 11]
defeated his compatriot Hausmann in the quarter final. if one company or country competes with
compel /kem'pel/ v (compelled, compelling) [T] neo it tries to get people to buy its goods or services
- 1 to force someone to do something — compulsion: com- rather than those available from another company or
pel sb to do sth The Jaw will compel employers to provide country —>+ competition, competitor, competitive: [+with/
health insurance. |She felt compelled to resign because of the against] They found themselves competing with foreign
scandal. FORCE 2 formal to make people have companies for a share of the market. | The Renault Clio
a particular feeling or attitude —+ compulsion: His perform- competes against such cars as the Peugeot 206. | [+for] The
_ ance compelled the audience's attention. stores have to compete for customers in the Christmas
{ com:pel-ling /kam'pelin/ adj 1 compelling reason/argu- season. | [+in] The company must be able to compete in the
_ ment/case etc an argument etc that makes you feel cer- international marketplace. |compete to do sth Several adver-
tain that something is true or that you must do tising agencies are competing to get the contract. | can't
something about it: Lucy had no compelling reason to go compete (with sth) (=be unable to be more successful)
competence 338 &] & & = the most frequent words in spoken English

Small independent bookstores simply can’t compete with the fierce competition for their place in the finals. | foreign/
big national chains. international competition (=companies from other coun-
2 GEE to try to gain something and stop someone tries that you are competing with) Japanese PC makers
else from having it or having as much of it + competition, now face foreign competition in their home market.
competitive: [+for] She and her sister are always competing 3 [C] an organized event in which people or teams com-
for attention. | [+against] | had to compete against 19 other pete against each other — competitor: a photography
people for the job. | [+with] As a stepmother, don’t even try competition | competition to do sth a competition to find a
to compete with the children’s mother for their love. designer for the new building | Teams from high schools all
3 to take part in a competition or sports over the state have entered the competition. | With France
event — competitor: [+in/at] How many runners will be out of the competition, England have a great chance to win.
competing in the marathon? | Professional athletes may now com-pet-i-tive [A /kem'petitr/ adj
compete at the Olympics. | [+tagainst] He'll be competing 1determined or trying very hard to be more successful
against the world’s best. HXTEEULI> PARTICIPATE than other people or businesses —+ compete, competitor:
4 sb/sth can't compete with sb/sth to not be as interesting, Some US industries are not as competitive as they have been
attractive etc as someone or something else: Melinda was in the past. | The team seems to have lost its competitive
plain and knew she couldn’t compete with her sister where edge recently (=its ability to compete well).
boys were concerned.
2 relating to competition > compete, competitor: Competi-
com-pe:tence /‘kompitans $ 'karm-/ n 1[U] (also tive sports encourage children to work together as a team. |
compe-ten-cy /-tansi/) the ability to do something well highly/fiercely/intensely etc competitive Advertising is an
[OPP] incompetence: [tin] Students will gain competence in intensely competitive business.
a wide range of skills. |[tof] He questioned the competence 3 products or prices that are competitive are cheaper
of the government. | professional/linguistic/technical etc than others but still of good quality: The hotel offers a high
competence Doctors have to constantly update their know- standard of service at competitive rates. CHEAP
ledge in order to maintain their professional competence. —competitively adv
2 [U] law the legal power of a court of law to hear and com-pet-i-tive-ness /kam'petitivnis/ n [U] 1 the abil-
judge something in court, or of a government to do ity of a company, country, or a product to compete with
something: be within the competence of sth Many legal others: New machinery has enhanced the company’s produc-
issues are within the competence of individual states rather tivity and competitiveness. | Europe's competitiveness in
than the federal government. 3 [C] (also competency) for- international markets 2 the desire to be more successful
mal a skill needed to do a particular job: Typing is consid- than other people: Her enthusiasm and competitiveness
ered by most employers to be a basic competence. rubbed off on everyone.
com-pe-tent /‘kompitant $ 'ka:m-/ adj 1having enough com:pet-i-tor /kam'petita $ -ar/ n [C] 1 a person, team,
skill or knowledge to do something to a satisfactory company etc that is competing with another: Last year
standard [oPP]incompetent: A competent mechanic should they sold twice as many computers as their competitors. |
be able to fix the problem. | very/highly/extremely compe- major/main competitors The company’s four major competi-
tent She's a highly competent linguist. |competent to do sth / tors have nothing to rival the new product. 2 someone who
don't feel competent to give an opinion at the moment. | He takes part in a competition: Two of the competitors failed to
is the only party leader competent enough to govern this turn up for the race.
country. 2 satisfactory but not especially good: The work-
men did a competent job. 3 technical having normal mental com:pi-la-tion Eq /kompiieran $ ka:m-/ n 1[C] a
abilities: We believe the patient was not mentally book, list, record etc which consists of different pieces of
competent. |A psychiatrist said McKibben was competent to information, songs etc: [+of] a compilation of love songs |
stand trial. 4 [not before noun] law having the legal power compilation CD/album/tape 2 [U] the process of making a
to deal with something in a court of law: competent to do book, list, record etc from different pieces of information,
sth This court is not competent to hear your case. songs etc: dictionary compilation
—competently adv com-pile [%q /kam'patl/ v [T] 1to make a book, list,
record etc, using different pieces of information, music
com-pet-ing /kam'pi:ttn/ adj [only before noun] 1 com-
etc — compilation: The document was compiled by the
peting stories, ideas etc cannot all be right or accepted:
Department of Health | compile sth from/for sth The report
Several people gave competing accounts of the accident. | a
was compiled from a survey of 5,000 households.
compromise between competing interests within the
2 technical to put a set of instructions into a computer in
organization | competing claims 2 competing products/
a form that it can understand and use
brands/companies etc products etc that are trying to be
more successful than each other com:pil-er /kam'patla $ -ar/ n [C] 1 someone who col-
lects different pieces of information to be used in a book,
com-pe-ti-tion Gy [J /komp3tyfan $ ka:m-/ n report, or list 2 technical a set of instructions in a compu-
1[U] a situation in which people or organizations try to ter that changes a computer language known to the
be more successful than other people or organizations computer user into the form needed by the computer
— compete, competitor: [+for] Competition for the job was
intense. | [+between/among] Sometimes there's a lot of
com:-pla-cen-cy /kam'plersansi/ n [U] a feeling of satis-
competition between children for their mother's attention. |
faction with a situation or with what you have achieved,
This price reduction is due to competition among suppliers. | so that you stop trying to improve or change things -
[+in] competition in the automobile industry | fierce/stiff/
used to show disapproval: Doctors have warned against
intense etc competition There is fierce competition between complacency in fighting common diseases. | Despite yester-
the three leading soap manufacturers. | be in competition day's win, there is clearly no room for complacency if the
team want to stay top of the league.
with sb/sth Government departments are in direct competi-
tion. with each other for limited resources. | in the face of com-pla:cent /kam'pletsant/ adj pleased with a situa-
competition (from sb/sth) (=in a situation where you are tion, especially something you have achieved, so that you
competing with someone or something) Small grocery stop trying to improve or change things - used to show
stores are going out of business in the face of stiff competi- disapproval: There's a danger of becoming complacent ifyou
tion from the large supermarket chains. win a few games. | a complacent attitude towards the
2 [singular, U] the people or groups that are competing problem | [+about] We simply cannot afford to be compla-
against you, especially in business or in a sport + com- cent about the future of our car industry. —complacently
pete, competitor: Going to trade fairs is an ideal opportunity adv
to size up the competition. |no/not much/little etc competi- com:plain gy [9 /kam'plern/ v
tion (=no one who is likely to be better than you) Jones is 1[I, T not in passive] to say that you are annoyed, not
certain to win the race; there’s just no competition. | a lot satisfied, or unhappy about something or someone _
of/considerable/fierce etc competition The team overcame —+ complaint: Residents are complaining because traffic in ©
(0 £2 08 = the most news words in written Bieter 339 complete
the area has increased. | ‘You never ask my opinion about
anything,’ Rod complained. |complain (that) She complained
a formal/official complaint The man has lodged a
that no one had been at the airport to meet her, | [+about]
formal complaint against the police.
She often complains about not feeling appreciated at work. |
a common/widespread/frequent complaint A
[+of] Several women have complained of sexual
common complaint of children is that parents do not
harassment. | [+to] Neighbours complained to the police listen to them.
about the dogs barking. | Employees complained bitterly
a serious complaint Serious complaints of negligence
about working conditions.
have been made.
2 (I/you/he etc) can’t complain spoken used to say that a
a customer/consumer complaint As a result of the
situation is satisfactory, even though there may be a few
improvements, customer complaints went down by
problems: | make a good living. | can’t complain.
70%.

complain to say that you are annoyed, unhappy, or cause/grounds for complaint (=a good reason to
not satisfied about something or someone: Several complain) | do not think that he has any cause for
customers complained about the service they received. complaint.
make a complaint to formally complain about a letter of complaint |a complaints procedure (=a
something to someone in authority: His parents made system for dealing with complaints)
a complaint to the head teacher. 7
protest to complain about something that you think
com:plai-sance /kam'plezzens/ n [U] formal willing-
is wrong, especially publicly: Demonstrators were
ness to do what pleases other people —complaisant adj
protesting against the war.
—complaisantly adv
object to say that you oppose or disapprove of
something: Local residents have objected to the plan. com-plect-ed /kam'plektid/ adj AmE light/fair/dark
grumble to keep complaining in a bad-tempered complected having light or dark skin
way about something: Rail travellers have been
com:-ple-ment'’ ng /‘komplimant $ 'karm-/ n [C]
grumbling about the increase in ticket prices.
1 someone or something that emphasizes the good quali-
moan/whine informal (also whinge /wind3/ BrE
ties of another person or thing: [+to] This wine would be a
informal) to keep complaining in an annoying way:
nice complement to grilled dishes. 2 the number or quantity
Everyone was moaning about the hotel food. |Stop
needed to make a group complete: [+of] Each new cell will
whingeing and get on with your work!
carry its full complement of chromosomes. 3. technical a
kick up/make a fuss to complain or become angry
word or phrase that follows a verb and describes the
about something, especially something that is not
subject of the verb. In ‘John is cold’ and ‘John became
very important: The soup wasn’t hot enough, but he
chairman’, ‘cold’ and ‘chairman’ are complements.
didn’t want to make a fuss.
com-ple-ment? fq /kompliment $ 'ka:m-/ v [T] to
complain of sth phr v formal to say that you feel ill or have make a good combination with someone or something
a pain in a part of your body: Dan’s been complaining of else: John and Bob complemented each other well. | The dark
severe headaches. red walls complement the red leather chairs.
com-plain-ant /kam'pletnant/ n [C] law someone who REGISTER
makes a formal complaint in a court of law [SYN] plaintiff In everyday English, people usually say that
something goes well with another thing, or they go
complaint & (4 /kem'plemt/ n well together, rather than say they complement each
1[C,U] a statement in which someone complains about other: White wine goes well with fish.
something: If you wish to make a complaint, you should see
the manager. | The sales assistants are trained to deal with com-ple-men-ta-ry Lg /komplmentari< $ ka:m-/ adj
customer complaints in a friendly manner. | [+about] Keat- 1 complementary things go well together, although they
ing was dismissed after complaints about the quality of his are usually different: The computer and the human mind
work. | [+of] complaints of police brutality | [+from/to] have different but complementary abilities.
complaints from local residents |a complaint to the Advertis- 2 technical complementary colours of light are very differ-
ing Standards Authority | [+against] All complaints against ent and combine to make white 3 technical two angles
police officers are carefully investigated. |complaint that We that are complementary add up to 90 degrees
are concerned by complaints that children are being bullied. —complementarity /komplsmen'tersti $ ka:m-/ n [U]
2 [C] something that you complain about: Our main com-
plaint was the poor standard of service. | My only complaint complementary ‘medicine n [U] especially BrE com-
is that the price is rather high. plementary medicine uses treatments that are not part of
3 [C] formal an illness that affects a particular part of your traditional Western medicine — conventional medicine:
body: He is having treatment for a chest complaint. acupuncture and other types of complementary medicines
ILLNESS complete’ gy [y /kem'plit/ adj
feo] HKoley- Valo] hk 1 [usually before noun] used to emphasize that a quality or
VERBS situation is as great as it could possibly be [syn] total: The
police were in complete control of the situation. | Their
make a complaint (=complain formally to someone) engagement came as a complete surprise to me. | This is a
| The manager of the team decided to make a complaint complete waste of time. | a complete fool/idiot etc Meg
about the referee. realized she'd been a complete fool. | a complete stranger |
file/lodge a complaint formal (=make a complaint) The darkness was almost complete.
She filed a complaint against several of her colleagues. 2 including all parts, details, facts etc and with nothing
| have a complaint (=want to complain about missing [SYN]whole [OpP|incomplete: a complete set of
something) Please let us know ifyou have any china |The list below is not complete. |the complete works of
complaints about our service. Shakespeare (=a book, CD etc containing everything
receive a complaint (a/so have a complaint) Our Shakespeare wrote)
| department has received a number of complaints from 3 [not before noun] finished [OPP] incomplete: Work on the
the public. new building is nearly complete.
deal with/handle a complaint Police officers came to 4 complete with sth having particular equipment or fea-
the house to deal with a complaint about noise. tures: The house comes complete with swimming pool and
investigate a complaint |uphold a complaint (=say sauna. —completeness n [U]: For the sake of completeness |
it is reasonable) should mention one further argument.
 es 340 [4 = words from the Academic Word List

complete? 4 (i v [7] com-pli-cate /‘komplikert $ 'ka:m-/ v [T] 1 to make a

1to finish doing or making something, especially when it problem or situation more difficult: The situation is compli-
has taken a long time: Students must complete the course. | cated by the fact that I've got to work late on Friday. | To
The building took two years to complete. GREGAUI> FINIsH complicate matters further, differences exist as regards legal
2 to make something whole or perfect by adding what is systems, trade customs, and language. 2 [usually passive] to
missing: The child's task was to complete the sentences. | | make an illness worse: a heart condition complicated by
need one more stamp to complete the set. pneumonia
3to write the information that is needed on a form com:-pli-cat-ed Gy /‘komplkextid $ 'ka:m-/ adj
[SYN] fill out: /n all, more than 650 people completed the 1 difficult to understand or deal with, because many parts
questionnaire. | Send your completed form to the following or details are involved [syn] complex: a complicated voting
address. system | For young children, getting dressed is a complicated
com-plete-ly §] [4 /kem'pli:tli/ adv to the greatest business. | very/extremely/immensely/highly etc compli-
degree possible [syn] totally: | completely forgot that it's his cated Mental illness is a very complicated subject.
birthday today. | He had never completely recovered from his
illness. | a completely new range of low-cost computers | I’m REGISTER
not completely sure. | Portuguese is pronounced completely In written English, people often use complex rather
_ differently from Spanish. than complicated, because it sounds more formal:
The problem is very complex.
~ com:-ple-tion /kam'plijan/ n [U] 1 the state of being
finished: The house is nearing completion (=almost 2consisting of many closely connected parts
finished). | The project has a completion date of December SYN] complex: a complicated pattern | The human brain is an
22nd. 2 the act of finishing something: [+of] The job is incredibly complicated organ.
subject to your satisfactory completion of the training
course. |on completion (of sth) On completion of the build-
ing, they make a final inspection. 3 law the final point in the complicated consisting of a lot of different parts or
sale of a house, when all the documents have been details and therefore difficult to understand: The
signed and all the money paid rules of the game seemed very complicated. |a
complicated issue
com-plex' gy (a Lg /‘kompleks $ ka:m'pleks</ adj
complex a complex process, relationship etc is
1consisting of many different parts and often difficult to
difficult to understand because it has a lot of parts
understand [SYN] complicated [opp] simple: a complex sys-
tem of highways | Photosynthesis is a highly complex that are all connected in different ways: The chemical
process. | Peter seemed to have an instant understanding of
processes involved are extremely complex. |the complex
relationship between government and the media
the most complex issues. | It was a very complex relationship
elaborate having a lot of parts or details and very
between two complex people. COMPLICATED
carefully planned, but often more complicated than
2 technical a complex word or sentence contains a main
part and one or more other parts + compound is necessary: Mike had worked out an elaborate system
for categorizing his collection of DVDs.
com-plex? fq /‘kompleks $ 'ka:m-/ n [C] 1a group of involved very long and complicated - use this
buildings, or a large building with many parts, used for a
especially about something that you think should be
particular purpose: The town has one of the best leisure
made simpler: The system for choosing candidates is
complexes in the country. |a three-story apartment complex
very involved, and | won't go into it here. |Adopting a
2 a complex of sth formal a large number of things which
child can be a long involved process.
are closely related: China was a complex of different
convoluted too complicated and difficult to
societies. 3 an emotional problem in which someone is
understand - used especially about someone's
unnecessarily anxious about something or thinks too
language or arguments, or about a system:
much about something: | used to have a complex about my
convoluted sentences | Procedures for government
looks, —> INFERIORITY COMPLEX, OEDIPUS COMPLEX, PERSECU-
funding have become more convoluted.
TION COMPLEX
intricate having a lot of small parts or details - used
com:plex-ion /kem'plekjan/ n 1 [C] the natural colour especially about something that is cleverly designed
or appearance of the skin on your face: Drinking water is or made: Lasers are used to cut intricate designs in the
good for the complexion. | pale/fair/ruddy etc complexion metal.
(=a pale, fair, red etc face) | fair-complexioned/smooth-
complexioned etc She was fair-complexioned with blonde com:pli-ca-tion /komplkerfan $ ka:m-/ n 1[C,U] a
hair. 2 [singular] the general character or nature of some- problem or situation that makes something more difficult
thing: Crime has risen under governments of every political to understand or deal with: The fact that the plane was late
complexion. 3 put a different/new/fresh complexion on sth added a further complication to our journey. 2 [C usually
to make a situation or event seem different: This docu- plural] medical a medical problem or illness that happens
ment puts a different complexion on the matter. while someone is already ill and makes treatment more
com:-plex-i-ty [qj /kam'pleksiti/ n (plural complexities) difficult: Pneumonia is one of the common complications
1[U] the state of being complicated: [+of] There is faced by bed-ridden patients.
increasing recognition of the complexity of the causes of com:plic-i-ty /kem'plissti/ n [U] formal 1 involvement in
poverty. |a design of great complexity 2 [C usually plural] one a crime, together with other people: [+in] Jennings denied
of the many details or features of something that make it complicity in the murder. 2 involvement in or knowledge of
hard to understand or deal with: [+of] The complexities of a situation, especially one that is morally wrong or dis-
economics are clearly explained. honest: [+with] His complicity with the former government
com-pli-ance /kam'plarans/ n [U] formal when some- had led to his downfall. —complicit adj: The careers of
one obeys a rule, agreement, or demand — comply: in officers complicit in the cover-up were ruined.
compliance with sth He changed his name to Lee in 1815 in com:pli-ment! /‘komplimant $ 'ka:m-/ n1 [C] a remark
compliance with his uncle's will. | [+with] Patients should that shows you admire someone or something: All the
have a history of good compliance with treatment. |ensure/ guests paid her extravagant compliments. | Being compared
secure/enforce compliance The staff involved should be to Abba is a great compliment. | [+on] compliments on her
monitored to ensure compliance with the policy. appearance 2 take sth as a compliment to be pleased about
com-pli-ant /kam'plarant/ adj 1 willing to obey or to what someone says about you, even though they may not
agree to other people's wishes and demands — comply: mean to be nice: They all seem to think that | ask rather
For years | had tried to be a compliant and dutiful wife. cheeky questions, which I'll take as a compliment.
2 made or done according to particular rules or stand- 3 [singular] an action that shows you admire someone: He
ards —+ comply: [+with] Future versions will be fully compli- paid MacLennan the finest compliment of all by imitating
ant with the industry standard. him. |[+to] It’s a great compliment to the band that he came
 EG = words from the Academic Word List 341 compostable
out of retirement to interview them. 4 fish for compliments cOM:PpOSe /kam'pauz $ -'pouz/ v 1 a) be composed of
to try to make someone say something nice about you sth to be formed from a number of substances, parts, or
5 compliments [plural] praise or good wishes: This soup is people [SYN] consist of: Water is composed of hydrogen and
delicious; my compliments to the chef. 6 with the compli- oxygen. | The legal system is composed of people, and people
ments of sb/with our compliments formal used by a person make mistakes. 4\ Do not say that something ‘is com-
Or company when they send or give something to you: posed by’ or ‘is composed with’ things or people. Say that
With the compliments of J. Smith & Son. | Please accept it is composed of things or people. b) [T not in progressive]
these tickets with our compliments. 7 the compliments of the formal to combine together to form something [SYN] make
season old-fashioned used as a spoken or written greeting up: More than 17.6 million firms compose the business sector
at Christmas and New Year 8 return the compliment to of our economy. 2 [1I,T] to write a piece of music + com-
behave towards someone in the same way as they have poser, composition: Barrington has composed the music for a
behaved towards you: They didn’t take a lot of notice of me, new production of ‘A Midsummer Night's Dream’. 3 com-
and | returned the compliment. 9 back-handed compliment pose a letter/poem/speech etc to write a letter, poem etc,
Br, left-handed compliment AmE something that someone thinking very carefully about it as you write it: Compose a
says to you which is nice and not nice at the same time: letter to your local paper stating your views on an issue of
‘You've got a brain. Try using it.’ ‘Thanks for the back-handed your choice. 4 a) compose yourself to try hard to become
compliment!’ calm after feeling very angry, upset, or excited: Lynn took
feo) i Koley- Wale) ky several deep breaths to compose herself. b) compose your
face/features/thoughts to make yourself look or feel calm
— composure: When asked a question, give yourself a sec-
pay/give sb a compliment He was always paying her ond to compose your thoughts. 5 [T] to arrange the parts of
compliments. a painting, photograph, or scene in a way that achieves a
mean sth as a compliment When | said she’d lost particular result: | like the way he composes his photos.
weight, | meant it as a compliment. com-posed /kam'peuzd §$ -pouzd/ adj 1seeming calm
get/receive a compliment The exhibition has received and not upset or angry: He appeared very composed despite
a lot of compliments from the public.
the stress he was under. 2 a composed SALAD is arranged
accept a compliment (=show that you are pleased carefully on a plate rather than being mixed together
to have been given a compliment) She accepted his
compliment graciously.
com:pos:eF /kam'pauza $ -'pouzar/ n [C] someone who
writes music —> composition
| ADJECTIVES | Ee a rece eh aun cen iin in com-po:site’ /kompazit $ ka:m'pa:-/ adj [only before
a great compliment He said he loved my paintings, noun] 1 made up of different parts or materials: The author
which was a great compliment. builds up a useful composite picture of contemporary con-
the highest compliment (=the best thing you can sumer culture. | composite metals 2 AmE a composite
say) The highest compliment you can pay an actor is to drawing or photograph consists of pictures of each sepa-
say they don’t look as if they are acting. rate part of the face put together into one drawing, and is
used especially to help catch criminals: a composite sketch
com-pli-ment? /kompliment $ ‘ka:m-/ v [T] to say composite? pn [c)} 1 something made up of different
something nice to someone in order to praise them: parts or materials: [+of] The child's character was a com-
compliment sb on sth Bob complimented me on my new posite of two girls | knew. 2.AmE a picture of a possible
hairstyle. | The groom was so nervous he forgot to compli- criminal, made by police from descriptions given by
ment the bridesmaids. GEESE praise WITNESSes [SYN] identikit BrE
com-pli-men-ta-ry /komplsimentaria $ karm-/ adj com-po:si-tion /kompazifan $ ka:m-/ n
1 given free to people: There was a complimentary bottle of IDSA «[C,U] the way in which something is
champagne in the hotel room. |I’ve got some complimentary made up of different parts, things, or members — com-
tickets for the theatre tonight. pose: [+of] The composition of the group that is studied
FREE 2 Saying that you admire someone or something: depends on the interests of the researcher. | Some minerals
[+about] Jennie was very complimentary about Katharine’s have complex chemical compositions.
riding. |complimentary remarks 2 QUSRATSIS a) [C] a piece of music, a poem, or a
‘compliment slip (also ‘compliments slip) n [C] BrE a piece of writing —* compose, composer: a composition by
small piece of paper with a company’s name and address jazzman Dave Brubeck, called ‘Chromatic Fantasy’ | a mix-
on it, which it sends with goods instead of a letter ture of traditional songs and original compositions b) [U] the
art or process of writing pieces of music, poems etc: The
com:pline /komplin $ 'ka:m-/ n [U] a Christian church
Journals contain accounts of literary composition.
service held late in the evening, especially in the Roman
Catholic church GEESE music
3 GE [CU] the way in which the different parts that
com-ply /kam'plat/ v (complied, complying, complies) [1] make up a photograph or picture are arranged: Martin
formal to do what you have to do or are asked to do starts by lightly sketching in the compositions for his paint-
— compliance, compliant: [+with] Failure to comply with the ings.
regulations will result in prosecution. | The newspaper was 4 Cy £C] a short piece of writing about a
asked by federal agents for assistance and agreed to comply. particular subject, that is done at school [SYN] essay: / had
com-po-nent! (LG /kam'paunant $ -ipov-/ n [C] one to write a composition about the Royal visit.
of several parts that together make up a whole machine, 5 Gabe [Uv] technical the process of arranging words,
system etc [SYN] constituent: companies that make elec- pictures etc on a page before they are printed
tronic components for computer products | [+of] each com- —compositional adj
ponent of their work | key/major/important etc component com-pos-i-tor /kam'pozita $ -'pa:zitar/ n [C] someone
Exercise is one of the key components of a healthy lifestyle. who arranges words, pictures etc on a page before they
TEES part are printed
component? £9 adj [only before noun] the component com-pos men-tis /kompas 'mentis $ ka:m-/ adj [not
parts of something are the parts that it consists of before noun] able to think clearly and be responsible for
[SYN] constituent: component parts/elements etc We've your actions - often used humorously
been breaking down the budget into its component parts. com-post' /‘kompost $ 'ka:mpoust/ n [U] a mixture of
—com-port / kam'pait $ -'po:rt/ v formal comport yourself decayed plants, leaves etc used to improve the quality of
to behave in a particular way: He comported himself in a soil
way that won him respect. —comportment n [U] compost? v [T] to make plants, leaves etc into compost
comport with sth phr v formal to follow or be in agree- com-post-a-ble /kompopstabal $ 'ka:mpoust-/ adj suit-
_ment with an idea, belief, or rule able for making into compost: compostable garden waste
|
 compost heap te Gi &) & = the most frequent words in spoken English

‘compost heap BrE, ‘compost pile AmE n [C] leaves, how well they understand written or spoken language:
plants etc that you have put in a pile in your garden in new methods of testing reading comprehension | a compre-
order to make compost hension task
com:po-sure /kam'pauze $ -'pouzar/ n [U] the state of com-pre-hen-sive (8 Ea /komprrhensiv< $ ka:m-/
feeling or seeming calm: recover/regain your composure adj
(=become calm after feeling angry or upset) Carter looked Tincluding all the necessary facts, details, or problems
stunned, but he soon regained his composure. | keep/ that need to be dealt with [SYN|thorough: We offer our
maintain your composure (=stay calm) The widow broke customers a comprehensive range of financial products. | a
down in tears, but her daughters maintained their comprehensive guide to British hotels and restaurants | The
composure. |He has lost his composure under the pressure of following guidelines do not aim to be totally comprehensive. |
the situation. comprehensive review/study/survey/account etc a thorough
com-pote /kompot, -peut $ 'ka:mpout/ n [CU] fruit and comprehensive review of the case | a comprehensive
_» that has been cooked in sugar and water and is eaten study of alcoholism /\ Do not confuse with comprehensi-
cold ble (=able to be understood) or understanding (=sympa-
com:pound' fq /‘kompaund $ 'ka:m-/ n [C]1 technical thetic about people’s problems): His report was barely
~ asubstance containing atoms from two or more ELEMENTS comprehensible. |My parents are very understanding.
_ —» element: man-made organic compounds | [+of] Sulphur 2 comprehensive insurance/cover/policy motor insurance
~ dioxide is a compound of sulphur and oxygen. 2 a combina- that pays for damage whether it is caused by you or
tion of two or more parts, substances, or qualities: [+of] someone else
Teaching is a compound of several different skills. |Brush on a 3 comprehensive education/system a system of education
damp-proofing compound. 3 an area that contains a group in Britain in which children of different abilities go to the
of buildings and is surrounded by a fence or wall: a prison same school and are taught together —comprehensively
compound 4 technical a noun, adjective etc that is made adv: No system has failed as comprehensively as the prison
up of two or more words. The noun ‘flower shop’ and the system. —comprehensiveness n [U]
adjective ‘self-made’ are compounds. comprehensive school (also comprehensive) n [C]
com-pound? fq /kam'paund/ v [T] 1 to make a diffi- a state school in Britain for children over the age of 11 of
cult situation worse by adding more problems: compound different abilities: Kylie goes to the local comprehensive. |
a problem/difficulty etc Helmut’s problems were com- Nine out of ten secondary school children are in comprehen-
pounded by his lack of concentration. 2 BrE to make a bad sive schools.
action worse by doing more bad things: compound a com:-press' /kam'pres/ v 1 [1,T] to press something or
crime/an offence etc He compounded the offence by calling make it smaller so that it takes up less space, or to
his opponents liars. 3 be compounded of sth formal to be a become smaller: Light silk is best for parachutes, as it
mixture of things: a smell compounded of dust and dead compresses well and then expands rapidly. | Isobel nodded,
flowers 4 AmE to pay INTEREST that is calculated on both her lips compressed. | compress sth into sth Snow falling on
the sum of money and the interest: /nterest is compounded the mountainsides is compressed into ice. | The miners used
quarterly, rock drills and compressed air to drive through hard rock.
com-pound® fq /‘kompaund $ 'ka:m-/ adj technical 2 [1,7] to make a computer FILE smaller by using a special
1 compound eye/leaf etc a single eye, leaf etc that is made computer PROGRAM, which makes the file easier to store
up of two or more parts — simple 2 compound noun/ or send, or to become smaller in this way: The program
adjective etc a noun, adjective etc that is made up of two compresses any data saved to the disk. 3 [T] to write or
or more words. For example, ‘ice cream’ is a compound express something using fewer words [SYN] condense:
noun. 3 compound sentence a sentence that has two or compress sth into sth In this chapter we compress into
more main parts — complex sentence summary form the main issues discussed so far. 4 [T] to
compound ‘fracture n [C] a broken bone that cuts reduce the amount of time that it takes for something to
through someone's skin happen or be done: compress sth into sth Many couples
compound ‘interest n [U] interest that is calculated want to compress their childbearing into a short space of
on both the sum of money lent or borrowed and the time in their married life. —compressible adj
unpaid interest already earned or charged — simple inter- —compression /-'prefan/ n [U]: data compression
est com:-press* /kompres $ 'ka:m-/ n [C] a small thick
com-pre-hend /kompr'hend $ ka:m-/ v [I, T not in piece of material that you put on part of someone's body
progressive] to understand something that is complicated to stop blood flowing out or to make it less painful:
or difficult [SYN] understand, grasp —+ comprehension: She cold/hot compress Apply a cold compress to the injury.
cannot comprehend the extent of the disaster. || did not fully com:-pres-sor /kam'presa $ -ar/ n [C] a machine or part
comprehend what had happened. |comprehend what/how/ of a machine that compresses air or gas
why etc /t may be hard to comprehend how much this gift com-prise [Ly /kem'praiz/ v [not in progressive] for-
means for my country. | comprehend that Finally, she com- mal
prehended that he wanted his pay. GEEEA5> UNDERSTAND 1 [linking verb] to consist of particular parts, groups etc:
REGISTER The house comprises two bedrooms, a kitchen, and a living
In everyday English, people usually say understand room. | be comprised of sb/sth The committee is comprised
rather than comprehend: | could understand most of of well-known mountaineers. A\ Do not say that something
what she was saying. ‘comprises of’ things or people. PEEELULTE> consist |
2[T] to form part of a larger group of people or things
com-pre-hen:si-ble /komprihensibal $ jka:m-/ adj [SYN] constitute, make up: Women comprise a high propor-
easy to understand [SYN| understandable tion of part-time workers.
{OPP| incomprehensible: Her speech was slurred and barely com-pro-mise’ /kompremaiz $ ‘kam-/ n 1[C,U] an
comprehensible. | [+to] The procedure must be clear and agreement that is achieved after everyone involved
comprehensible to all staff. .—comprehensibility accepts less than what they wanted at first, or the act of
/ komprthenss'bilbsti $ ka:m-/ n [U] making this agreement: Compromise is an inevitable part of
com-pre-hen-sion /komprrhenfan $ kaim-/ n marriage. | To stop the argument they decided on a
1[U] the ability to understand something compromise. | [+with]*Fresh attempts at compromise with
[SYN] understanding —> comprehend: [+of] They don’t have the legislature were also on the agenda. | [+between] a
the least comprehension of what I’m trying to do. | The compromise between government and opposition | If moder-
research project will focus on children’s comprehension of ates fail to reach a compromise, the extremists will dominate -
pretence. | Why you let her talk you into doing such a foolish the agenda. | Be prepared to make compromises. 2 [C] a
thing is beyond my comprehension (=impossible for me to solution to a problem in which two things or situations-
understand), 2 [C,U] an exercise given to students to test are changed slightly so that they can exist together:
[i G2 GE = the most frequent words in written English 343 comradeship
[+between] a happy compromise between the needs of log onto a computer (=start using it by typing a
family and work password) Next time you log onto your computer, you
compromise? v 1 [/] to reach an agreement in which will have to use a new password.
everyone involved accepts less than what they wanted at switch a computer on/off | start up/boot up a
first: She admitted that she was unable to compromise. | computer (=make it start working) | shut down a
[+with] His workmates demanded that he never compromise computer (=close the programs and stop it
with the bosses. | [ton] The new regime was prepared to working) | restart/reboot a computer (=make it
compromise on the oil dispute. 2 [T] to do something start working again) | program a computer (=give it
which is against your principles and which therefore instructions so that it will do a particular job) |
seems dishonest or shameful: compromise your principles/ hold/store sth on a computer |a computer starts
standards/integrity etc As soon as you compromise your up/boots up |a computer crashes (=suddenly
principles you are lost. | compromise yourself She had stops working) | a computer is down (=is not
already compromised herself by accepting his invitation. working) |software/a program runs on a computer
com-pro-mis-ing /‘kompremaizin $ ‘ka:m-/ adj prov-
ing that you have done something morally wrong or
a computer system Our office is installing a new
embarrassing, or making it seem as if you have done so:
computer system.
compromising position/situation The doctor was found in a
a computer screen/monitor Make sure your
compromising position with a nurse (=having sex with
her). |compromising letter/photograph/ picture etc
computer screen is at the right height.
a computer keyboard |a computer network (=a set
comp-trol-ler /kan'traula, kamp- $ -'troular/ n [C] for-
of computers connected to each other) |a computer
mal an official title for a CONTROLLER
program (=a set of instructions stored inside a
com-pul-sion /kam'palfan/ n 1 [C] a strong and unrea- computer) |computer software (=computer
sonable desire to do something — compel: The desire to programs) |computer hardware/equipment
laugh became a compulsion. |compulsion to do sth Leith felt (=machines and equipment, not programs) |
an overwhelming compulsion to tell him the truth. | the a computer game |computer graphics (=images
compulsion to smoke or eat too much 2 [singular, U] the act created by computers) | computer technology |
of forcing or influencing someone to do something they computer science (=the study of computers and
do not want to do — compel: under (no) compulsion to do what they can do) |a computer user | a computer
sth Owners are under no compulsion to sell their land. | The programmer (=someone who writes the instructions
use of compulsion in psychiatric care cannot be justified. a computer uses to do a particular job) | a computer
com-pul-sive /kam'palsiv/ adj 1compulsive behaviour virus (=a program that secretly destroys information
is very difficult to stop or control, and is often a result of \_stored on computers) | a computer error 3
or a sign of a mental problem — obsessive: compulsive
gambling/overeating/spending etc Compulsive overspend- computer-aided de'sign n [u] cap
ing in these days of credit cards has become more common. computer-aided manu'facturing n (U] cam
2 compulsive overeater/gambler/spender/liar etc someone
who has such a strong desire to eat too much etc that com-put-er-ate /kam'pju:tarst/ adj able to use a com-
they are unable to control it: a help group for compulsive puter well: Students need to be computerate as well as
literate.
overeaters 3 a book, programme etc that is compulsive is
so interesting that you cannot stop reading or watching com:put-er-ize (also -ise BrE) /kam'pju:taraiz/ v [T] to
it: compulsive reading/viewing ‘Gardening World’ is compul- use a computer to control the way something is done, to
sive viewing for gardeners. —compulsively adv store information etc: a scheme to computerize the library
—compulsiveness n [U] service | a computerized system for compiling the weekly
com:pul-so-ry /kam'palsari/ adj something that is charts of record sales | computerized information | a compu-
compulsory must be done because it is the law or terized database —computerization /kam,pju:tarar'zerjan
because someone in authority orders you to — voluntary: $ -ra-/ n [U]: the computerization of the printing industry
the threat of compulsory redundancies | compulsory com, puter-'literate adj able to use a computer:
schooling/education 17 years of compulsory education | Car Nowadays, all graduates are computer-literate. —computer
insurance is compulsory. {GES NECESSARY literacy n [U]
—compulsorily adv com,puter ‘modelling n (u] the use of computer
com-punc-tion /kam'pankfan/ n [U usually in negatives] images that are models of real things, used to help
formal a feeling that you should not do something improve the way that something is designed or to solve a
because it is bad or wrong: have/feel no compunction problem: computer modelling of the city’s traffic flow
about (doing) sth He had no compunction about interfering com, puter ‘science n [U] the study of computers and
in her private affairs. | They used their tanks against the what they can do -+ information technology: a BSc in
leftists without compunction. Computer Science
com-pu-ta-tion [9 /kompji'teran $ ka:m-/ n [CU] com puter ‘virus n [Cc] a set of instructions secretly
formal the process of calculating or the result of put into a computer, usually spread through emails,
calculating [SYN] calculation: the computation of the monthly which can destroy information stored on the computer
Statistics —computational adj: computational linguistics
com-put-ingLg /kam'pju:tin/ n [U] the use of comput-
com-pute [fq /kam'pju:t/ v [1,7] formal to calculate a ers as a job, in a business etc: Have you ever done any
result, answer, sum etc: Final results had not yet been computing? |computing facilities for language research
computed.
com-rade /komrid, -retd $ 'ka:mred/ n [C] 1 formal a
com-put-er &] (i) EQ /kem'pju:ta $ -ar/ n [C] an friend, especially someone who shares difficult work or
electronic machine that stores information and uses pro- danger: He misses his comrades from his days in the army.
grams to help you find, organize, or change the informa- 2 SOCIALISTS Of COMMUNISTS often call each other ‘com-
tion: a huge global computer network | the latest computer rade’, especially in meetings: Comrades, please support this
software | on computer The information is stored on motion. —comradely adj
computer, |by computer Shoppers can send in their orders by
computer and pick up their goods later. + see picture at
comrade in ‘arms n (plural comrades in arms) [C]
TECHNOLOGY someone who has fought with you or worked with you to
achieve particular aims
COLLOCATIONS
com-rade-ship /‘komrdjip, -retd- $ 'ka:mred-/ n [U]
VERBS formal friendship and loyalty among people who work
use a computer Most people do jobs in which they together, fight together etc: It was the spirit of comradeship
have to use a computer. : that made victory possible.
con 344 (@ = words from the Academic Word List

con" /kon $ ka:n/ v (conned, conning) [7] informal con-ceiv-a-ble fq /kan'si:vabal/ adj able to be believed
1to get money from someone by deceiving them or imagined [OPP] inconceivable: It is conceivable that you
[SYN] swindle: con sb out of sth He conned me out of £300. may get full compensation, but it's not likely. | We were
2 to persuade someone to do something by deceiving discussing the problems from every conceivable angle.
them [SYN] trick: con sb into doing sth You had no right to con —conceivably adv: Conceivably, interest rates could rise very
me into thinking | could trust you. high indeed.
con? n [C] informal 1 a trick to get someone's money or con-ceive [4 /ken'si:xv/ v 1[1,7] formal to imagine a
make them do something: a con to make people pay for particular situation or to think about something in a
goods they hadn't actually received 2 a prisoner —- MOD particular way: (cannot) conceive of (doing) sth Many
CONS, —> the pros and cons at PRO"(3) people can't conceive of a dinner without meat or fish. |
con= /kan, kon $ kan, ka:n/ prefix together [SYN] with: a conceive that He could not conceive that anything really
confederation | to conspire (=plan together) serious could be worrying his friend. | conceive what/why/
how etc | can hardly conceive what it must be like here in
Con BrE the written abbreviation of Conservative, in Brit-
winter. | conceive of sth/sb as sth Language may be con-
ish politics: Sir Teddy Taylor (Con)
ceived of as a process which arises from social interaction.
con artist n [C] informal someone who tricks or 2 [T] to think of a new idea, plan etc and develop it in
deceives people in order to get money from them your mind — conception: Scientists first conceived the idea
con:cat-e-na-tion /konkets'nerfan $ karn-/ n [C,U] for- of the atomic bomb in the 1930s. INVENT
mal a series of events or things joined together one after 3 [I,T] to become PREGNANT — conception: fertility treat-
another: [+of] a strange concatenation of events ment for women who have difficulty conceiving
con-cen-trate’ &] (4 LG /‘konsontreit $ 'ka:n-/ v
1[|] to think very carefully about something that you are
doing — concentration: Now please concentrate. | Adrian
was finding it difficult to concentrate. | [ton] Be quiet - Jet
me concentrate on my homework.
2 [1,T] to be present in large numbers or amounts some-
where, or to cause people or things to be present in large
numbers or amounts somewhere — concentration: con-
centrate sth in/at sth /talian industry is concentrated mainly
in the north. | Construction of the aircraft is being concen-
trated at Prestwick. | [+in/at] Women concentrate in a small
number of occupations.
3 sth concentrates the mind if something concentrates the
con-cave /kon'ke1ve, kan- $ kar:n'ketv<, kan-/ adj a mind, it makes you think very clearly: Relaxing in a Jacuzzi
concave surface is curved inwards in the middle concentrates the mind wonderfully.
OPP] convex: a concave lens 4[T] to make a substance or liquid stronger by removing
con-cav-i-ty /kan'kevsti/ n (plural concavities) formal some of the water from it + concentrated
1 [U] the state of being concave 2 [C] a place or shape concentrate (sth) on sth phr v to give most of your
that is curved inwards attention or effort to one thing [SYN] focus on: Doctors are
con-ceal /kan'si:l/ v [T] formal 1to hide something aiming to concentrate more on prevention than cure. | con-
carefully: The shadows concealed her as she crept up to the centrate your efforts/attention/energy/mind etc on sth /|'m
house. | The path was concealed by long grass. |a concealed concentrating my efforts on writing my autobiography.
weapon iG HIDE 2 to hide your real feelings or concentrate? n [C,U] a substance or liquid which has
the truth: She tried to conceal the fact that she was been made stronger by removing most of the water from
pregnant. | conceal sth from sb She was taking drugs and it: orange juice concentrate
trying to conceal it from me. —concealment n [U] con-cen-trat-ed /konsantrertid $ 'kain-/ adj 1a con-
con-cede /kan'si:d/ v centrated liquid or substance has been made stronger by
ILC IST [1,7] to admit that something is true removing water from it: concentrated orange juice | a
or correct, although you wish it were not true — conces- concentrated cream detergent 2 [only before noun] showing
sion: ‘That's the only possible solution.’ ‘Yes, | suppose so,’ a lot of effort or determination: He made a concentrated
Charles conceded. | concede (that) | conceded that | had effort to improve his work.
made a number of errors. ADMIT con-cen-tra-tion & (a LG / konsan'trerfan $ |ka:n-/ n
2 (CTE [1,7] to admit that you are not going to 1[U] the ability to think about something carefully or for
win a game, argument, battle etc — concession: The a long time — concentrate: She needed all her powers of
Georgian forces defended the capital but were finally obliged concentration to stop herself from slipping on the icy road. |
to concede. | In May 1949, Stalin conceded defeat and Lack of concentration was a real problem. | | lost my concen-
reopened land access to Berlin. tration and fell asleep.
3 concede a goal/point/penalty to not be able to stop your 2 [U] a process in which you put a lot of attention, energy
opponent from getting a GOAL etc during a game: The etc into a particular activity + concentrate: concentration
team has conceded only 19 goals in 28 games. on (doing) sth concentration on your health | concentration
40ESTES [T] to give something to someone on providing value and service
as a right or PRIVILEGE, often unwillingly —+ concession: 3[C,U] a large amount of something in a particular place
concede sth to sb The King finally agreed to concede further or among particular people — concentrate: [+of]\the
powers to Parliament. | Finally the company conceded wage concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere | the
increases to their workers. concentration of power in the hands of a few
conceit /kan'sixt/ n 1 [U] an attitude that shows you 4[C] technical the amount of a substance contained in a
have too high an opinion of your own abilities or liquid —+ concentrate: high/low concentrations Additives are
importance conceitedness: The conceit of the woman! expensive but are used in very low concentrations. | [+of]
2 [C] technical an unusual way of showing or describing allowable concentrations of pesticides in drinking water
something in a play, film, work of art etc: His sermons were ,concen'tration camp n [C] a prison where political |
full of puns and conceits. prisoners and other people who are not soldiers are kept
con-ceit-ed /kan'si:tid/ adj someone who is conceited and treated cruelly, especially during a war ; |
thinks they are very clever, skilful, beautiful etc - used to con-cen-tric /kan'sentrik/ adj having the same centia.
show disapproval [SYN] vain: You're the most conceited self- — eccentric: concentric circles
ish person I've ever known. PROUD con-cept &y 12 GG /‘konsept $ 'kain-/ n[C] an idea wt
—conceitedly adv —conceitedness n [U] how something is, or how something should be done:
 na = words from the Academic Word List concert
[+of] the concept of total patient care | the concept of because it worries you: He told them not to concern them-
infinite space |concept that the concept that we are citizens selves about him. | He loved his wife, and concerned himself
of one world | a new concept in business travel | our basic with her needs and desires.
concepts of decent human behaviour | It’s very simple, once 5 to whom it may concern an expression written at the
you grasp the/concept. HEAL IDEA beginning of a formal letter when you do not know the
con-cep-tion [gq /ken'sepfan/ n 1[C,U] an idea about name of the person you want to communicate with
what something is like, or a general understanding of con-cerned §] [J /kan'saind $ -3:rnd/ adj
something — concept: [+of] the conception of parliamen- TWN) [not before noun] involved in something or
tary democracy | changing conceptions of the world | have affected by it: Divorce is very painful, especially when chil-
(no) conception of sth They have no conception of what dren are concerned. | Some of the farmers concerned suffer
women really fee! and want. 2 [U] a process in which particularly from the low prices. | We are trying to reach an
someone forms a plan or idea — conceive: the original Peete with all concerned (=everyone who is involved
conception of the book 3 [C,U] the process by which a or affected). | [+with] all the people concerned with chil-
woman or female animal becomes PREGNANT, or the time dren’s education | [+in] There was no evidence that he was
when this happens — conceive: the moment of conception concerned in any criminal activity.
con-cep-tu-al fg /kan'septfual/ adj formal dealing with 2 (aE) ~2worried about something: [+about] She is
ideas, or based on them: the conceptual framework of the concerned about how little food | eat. | [+for] He called the —
play —conceptually adv police because he was concerned for Gemma’s safety. |
con,ceptual ‘art n [U] technical art in which the main concerned (that) Pamela was concerned that her schoolwork
aim of the artist is to show an idea, rather than to had deteriorated despite her hard work. | The drug came
represent actual things or people under strong attack from concerned professional observers.
con-cep-tu-al-ize (also -ise BrE) /kan'sept{ualaiz/ v GCL worrieD
[1,1] to form an idea: How do older people conceptualize 3as far as sb is concerned spoken used to show what
their health? —conceptualization /kanseptfualarzerjen someone's opinion on a subject is or how it affects them:
$ -la-/ n [CU] As far as Americans are concerned, a lot of our hotels are
below average. | As far as I’m concerned, you can forget
con-cern! Gy (a /ken's3in $ -3:rn/ n about it.
1a 4a) LU] a feeling of worry about something 4 as far as sth is concerned (also where sth is concerned)
important: The recent rise in crime is a matter of consider- spoken used to show which subject or thing you are
able public concern. | [+for] our concern for human rights | talking about: As far as traffic is concerned there are no
[tabout/over/with] the rise of concern about the delays at the moment.
environment | the growing concern over inflation | concern SMS aeks [not before noun] believing that
with worsening law and order | concern that increased con- something is important: [+with] Many politicians are more
cern that the war could continue for a long time |be a cause concerned with power and control than with the good of the
for concern/cause concern The activities of the far right have people. | concerned to do sth Mr Quinn is simply concerned
been a cause for concern for a while now. | In her last days to hold on to his job.
the poet expressed concern for her father. b) [C] something 6 (YB caring about someone and whether they
that worries you: One of the concerns that people have is are happy and healthy: [+for/about] He was genuinely
the side effects of treatment. |Education remains the elector- concerned for the children.
ate's main concern. | the concerns expressed by parents 7 concerned with sb/sth if a book, story etc is concerned
2G [CU] something that is important to with a person, subject etc, it is about that subject: This
you or that involves you: His main concern is to be able to chapter is concerned with the mental health of older people.
provide for his family. | [+for] The consumer has become a
major concern for this government. | of concern to sb topics con-cern-ing [qj /kan's3:n1n $ -3:r-/ prep about or relat-
of concern to television viewers ing to: calls from young children concerning lost pets | the
3 GS singular, U] a feeling of wanting some- facts concerning Marr's car crash GIES A> ABout
one to be happy and healthy: He was moved by her obvious REGISTER
concern. | [+for] parents’ loving concern for their children In everyday English, people usually say about rather
4sb’s concern if something is your concern, you are than concerning: I’ve already written to him about the
responsible for it: The money side of the business is your problem
concern.
5 not sb’s concern/none of sb’s concern if something is not con-cert Ey [ /‘konsat $ 'ka:nsart/ n [C]
your concern, you are not interested in it and you do not 1a performance given by musicians or singers: a rock
need to worry about it or become involved in it: His affairs concert |a concert of French choral music | We were going to
were none of her concern. a concert in Bath Abbey. | She still does about 100 concerts
6 ERE [C] a business or company: The restaurant is a every year.
family concern. | We will continue to run the company as a 2 in concert (with sb) a) formal people who do something
going concern (=a business that is financially successful). in concert do it together after having agreed on it: Britain
concern? [qv [T] has to pursue policies in concert with other EU members. | It
1[not in passive] if a story, book, report etc concerns appeared that both the accused were acting in concert in the
someone or something, it is about them: This study con- attack upon the deceased. b) playing or singing at a con-
cerns couples’ expectations of marriage. | The report con- cert: They're appearing in concert tonight at the Royal Hall.
cerns the drug traffic on the Mexican-US border. feo] AKoley-Wale) ks
REGISTER | VERBS.
In everyday English, people usually say something is go to a concert (also attend a concert formal) awyou
about something or, in British English, is/has to do want to go to the concert in the park this weekend?
_ with something, rather than say it concerns give/do a concert The group gave concerts for charity
~ something: The book is about women’s experiences of throughout Europe.
\_ war. play in/perform in a concert /'m playing in a jazz
concert on Saturday night.
—2to make someone feel worried or upset: Issues like food put on a concert (a/so stage a concert formal)
additives do concern me. (=arrange one) The music club puts on regular
iz [not in passive] if an activity, situation, rule etc concerns concerts throughout the year.
|you, it affects you or involves you: The tax changes will
.
concern large corporations rather than small businesses. | ADJECTIVES/NOUN + concert
~4concern yourself with/about sth formal to become a pop/rock/jazz/classical concert There were
_ involved in something because you are interested in it or 150,000 people at the rock concert in Frankfurt.
concerted 346 Gl & & = the most frequent words in spoken English

an orchestral concert/a symphony concert (=one con:-ces-sion:-ar-y /kan'sefanari $ -neri/ adj1 given asa
in which an orchestra plays) Tickets for orchestral concession 2 Br£ specially reduced in price, for example
concerts range from $15 to $35. for old people or children: a concessionary fares scheme for
a live concert (=that you watch as the performers pensioners
play, rather than as a recording) a live concert in front con'cession stand n [Cc] AmE a small business that
of 500 fans sells food, drinks, or other things at sports events, thea-
an open-air/outdoor concert tres etc
conch /kont{, konk $ ka:ntf, ka:nk/ n [C] the large
twisted shell of a tropical sea animal that looks like a
ac p ance She gave a number of concert
SNAIL
performances in Berlin.
a concert tour (=a journey made by musicians to con-ci-erge /‘konsiea3 $ kaznsi'er3/ n [C] 1 someone in
perform in different places) This year we did a concert a hotel whose job is to help guests by telling them about
tour of the United States. places to visit, restaurants to eat in etc 2 someone who
a concert hall |a concert ticket | a concert pianist looks after a block of apartments and who checks who is
\_(=who performs in concerts) going in and coming out, especially in France
yy,
con:cil-i-ate /kan'stliert/ v [1,7] formal to do something
conm-cert-ed /kan's3:tid $ -3:r-/ adj concerted effort/ to make people more likely to stop arguing, especially by
action/attack etc a concerted effort etc is done by people giving them something they want: efforts to conciliate the
working together in a carefully planned and very deter- unions —conciliator n [C]
mined way: Libraries have made a concerted effort to attract con-cil-i-a-tion /kanstli'eyjan/ n [U] formal the process
young people. —concertedly adv of trying to get people to stop arguing and agree —> rec-
con-cert-go-er /'konsat gave $ 'kainsart,gouar/ n [C] onciliation: conciliation talks between the two sides
someone who often goes to concerts, or someone who is con-cil-i-a-tory /kan'stliatari $ -to:ri/ adj doing some-
at a particular concert thing that is intended to make someone stop arguing with
‘concert hall n [C] a large public building where con- you: conciliatory approach/tone/gesture etc Perhaps you
certs are performed should adopt a more conciliatory approach. |Brooks felt in no
con-cer-ti-na® /,konsa'tiina $ kainsar-/ n [C] a musical mood to be conciliatory.
instrument like a small ACCORDION, that you hold in both con:cise /kan'sais/ adj 1short, with no unnecessary
hands and play by pressing in from each side words [SYN]brief: Your summary should be as clear and
concertina? v [1] Bré if something concertinas, it folds concise as possible. 2 [only before noun] shorter than the
together on itself original book on which something is based: the ‘Concise
Dictionary of Spoken Chinese’ —concisely adv
con-cert-mas-ter /‘konsatma:sta $ 'ka:nsart mestar/ n
—conciseness n [U]
[C] the most important VIOLIN player in an ORCHESTRA
con-clave /‘konklerv $ 'ka:n-/ n [C] formal a private and
con-cer-to /kan't{3:tau $ -'tfertou/ n (plural concertos) secret meeting
[C] a piece of CLASSICAL music, usually for one instrument
and an ORCHESTRA con-clude gy [4 La /ken'klu:d/ v
1[T] to decide that something is true after considering all
con-ces:sion /kan'sefan/ n the information you have — conclusion: conclude that The
1Gckeeue ey [C] something that you allow some-
report concluded that the schoo! should be closed
one to have in order to end an argument or a disagree-
immediately. | conclude from sth that Richardson concluded
ment —+ concede: [+to] a policy of no concessions to
from his studies that equality between the sexes is still a long
terrorists | The British were not prepared to make any
concessions. | [+on] his readiness to make concessions on way off.
2 [T] formal to complete something you have been doing,
many of the issues raised | [+from] We will try to force
especially for a long time: When the investigation is con-
further concessions from the government. | major/
cluded, the results will be sent to the US Attorney's office. |
important/substantial concession The committee has won a
Francis, having concluded his business with James, left for
number of major concessions from the prison authorities.
Miami. GEESE FINisH
2 (te [CU] a special right that a particular person or
group of people is allowed to have, for example by the 3 [1,7] to end something such as a meeting, book, event,
or speech by doing or saying one final thing: [with] Each
government or an employer, or the act of giving or allow-
ing something as a right: the ending of tax concessions for chapter concludes with a short summary. |conclude by doing
sth She concluded by saying she was proud to be from
home owners | the import/export concessions that had been
granted to the island | [+of] the concession of autonomy to Salford. | To conclude, I'd like to express my thanks to my
the universities
family. | ‘So now,’ she concluded, ‘I'm trying to bring some
3 Goes) «C] BrE a reduction in the price of order to the garden.’
tickets, FEES etc for certain groups of people, for example Aconclude an agreement/treaty/contract etc to finish
old people or children [S¥N]reduction: To qualify for travel arranging an agreement etc successfully: That same year,
concessions you have to be 60. | Open daily, adults £4, France concluded a trading agreement with Spain.
concessions £2 (=people who have the right to a conces- con-clu-ding EQ /kan'klu:din/ adj concluding remark/
sion pay £2). section/stage etc the last remark etc in an event or piece
4a «(c] a change in your behaviour of writing: the concluding section of Chapter 6
that you make because of a particular situation or idea: LAST ss
He took off his jacket as a concession to the heat. |He made con-clu-sion Gy (1 Lg /ken'klu:zan/ n
no concessions to fashion. 1[C] something you decide after considering all the infor-
5 Ssnesg [C] Ame a) the right to have a business in a mation you have —> conclude: These are the report's main
particular place, especially in a place owned by someone conclusions. |conclusion (that) | soon came to the conclusion
else: The company owns valuable logging and mining con- that she was lying. | It is still too early to reach a conclusion
cessions. b)a small business that sells things in a place on this point. | There are perhaps two main conclusions to be
owned by someone else: Joe runs a hamburger concession drawn from the above discussion. | All the evidence pointed
in the mall. to the conclusion that he was guilty. | It's important not. to
6 concessions [plural] AmE the things sold at jump to conclusions. | The police came to the inescapable
a concession stand conclusion that the children had been murdered. :
con-ces-sion-aire /kan,sefa'nea $ -'ner/ n [C] someone 2 [C] formal the end or final part of something [SYN] end:
who has been given the right to have a business in a [+of] At the conclusion of the meeting, little progress had
particular place, especially in a place owned by someone been made. .
else 3 in conclusion used in a piece of writing or a speech to
(i [2 GS = the most frequent words in written English 347 condemned
show that you are about to finish what you are saying concrete ‘jungle n [c usually singular] an unpleasant
[SYN] finally: In conclusion, | would like to say how much | area in a city that is full of big ugly buildings and has no
have enjoyed myself today. open spaces
4[U] the final arrangement of an agreement, a business ‘concrete mixer n [C] a cemeNT MIXER
deal etc: [+of] the conclusion of a peace treaty concrete ‘noun n [C] a noun that names a physical
5 be a foregone conclusion to be certain to happen, even thing, animal, or person that you are able to hear, see,
though it has not yet officially happened: The outcome of smell, touch, or taste. For example, ‘book’ and ‘child’ are
the battle was a foregone conclusion. concrete nouns. — abstract noun
THESAURUS con-cu-bine /‘konkjsbain $ 'kazn-/ n [C] a woman in the
conclusion something you decide after considering past who lived with and had sex with a man who already
all the information you have: Doctors failed to reach a had a wife or wives, but who was socially less important
conclusion on the exact cause of death. | The report's than the wives
main conclusion was that global warming was a serious con:cur /kan'k3: $ -'k3:r/ v (concurred, concurring) [1]
threat. formal 1 to agree with someone or have the same opinion
findings the information that someone has as them: [+with] The committee largely concurred with
discovered as a result of their study, work etc: these views. EQNTTE>
HL Acree 2 to happen at the same
Surveys conducted in other countries reported similar time [SYN] coincide: concur to do sth Everything concurred to
findings. produce the desired effect.
result the answers that are provided by a scientific concurrence /kan'karans $ -'k3:r-/ n formal 1[C] an
study or test: Have you had the result of your blood example of events, actions etc happening at the same
test yet? time: [+of] a _ strange concurrence of events
2 [U] agreement: [+with] Jules expressed his concurrence
con-clu-Sive fq /kan'klu:stv/ adj showing that some- with the suggestion.
thing is definitely true [OPP] inconclusive: conclusive proof/ con-cur-rent LY /kan'karant $ -'k3:r-/ adj 1 existing or
evidence/findings etc The investigation failed to provide any happening at the same time: The exhibition reflected con-
conclusive evidence. —conclusively adv current developments abroad. 2 formal in agreement:
con-coct /kan'kokt $ -ka:kt/ v [T] 1 to invent a clever [+with] My opinions are concurrent with yours.
story, excuse, or plan, especially in order to deceive —concurrently adv: Because his prison sentences run con-
someone: John concocted an elaborate excuse for being late. currently, he could be free in two years.
2 to make something, especially food or drink, by mixing CON-CUSS /kan'kas/ v [T usually passive] if you are con-
different things, especially things that are not usually cussed, something hits you on the head, making you lose
combined: Jean concocted a great meal from the leftovers. consciousness or feel sick for a short time: He was con-
con-coc-tion /kan'kokjan $ -'ka:k-/ n [C] something, cussed by the blast.
especially a drink or food, made by mixing different con-cus-sion /kan'kajan/ n1[U] BrE [C] AmE a small
things, especially things that are not usually combined: amount of damage to the brain that makes you lose
He sipped the concoction cautiously. consciousness or feel sick for a short time, usually
con-com-i-tant™ /kan'‘komitant $ -'ka:-/ adj formal caused by something hitting your head: with (a) concus-
existing or happening together, especially as a result of sion He was rushed into hospital with concussion. | | had a
something [SYN] attendant: war with all its concomitant suf- concussion and a lot of scrapes and bruises. 2 [C usually
ferings —concomitantly adv singular] a violent shaking movement, caused by the very
concomitant? n [Cc] formal something that often or loud sound of something such as an explosion: The
naturally happens with something else: [+of] Deafness is ground shuddered and heaved with the concussion of the
a frequent concomitant of old age. blast.
con-cord /*konko:d $ 'ka:nko:rd/ n [U] 1 formal the state con-demn /kan'dem/ v [T]
of having a friendly relationship, so that you agree on 1DEAWaITyG to say very strongly that you do not
things and live in peace discord 2 technical in gram- approve of something or someone, especially because
mar, concord between words happens when they match you think it is morally wrong: Politicians were quick to
correctly, for example when a plural noun has a plural condemn the bombing. |condemn sth/sb as sth The law has
verb following it been condemned as an attack on personal liberty. |condemn
con-cor-dance /kan'ko:dans $ ->:r-/ n 1 [C] an alpha- sb/sth for (doing) sth She knew that society would condemn
betical list of all the words used in a book or set of books, her for leaving her children. CRITICIZE
with information about where they can be found and 2(0078) to give someone a severe punishment after
usually about how they are used: a Shakespeare deciding they are guilty of a crime: condemn sb to sth He
concordance | [+to] a concordance to the Bible 2 [C] a list was found guilty and condemned to death.
of all the words in a book, magazine etc, held on a 3 EE) «if a particular situation condemns
computer DATABASE, showing every example of a particu- someone to something, it forces them to live in an
lar word in the book etc: concordance lines 3 [U] formal the unpleasant way or to do something unpleasant: condemn
state of being similar to something else or in agreement sb to (do) sth people condemned to a life of poverty | His
with it: the concordance between the proposals occupation condemned him to spend long periods of time
away from his family.
con:cor-dant /kan'ko:dant $ -d:r-/ adj formal being in 4 (ag to state officially that something is not safe
agreement or having the same regular pattern enough to be used: an old house that had been condemned |
concourse /‘konko:s $ 'ka:nkairs/ n [C] 1 a large hall or condemn sth as sth The pool was closed after being con-
open place in a building such as an airport or train station demned as a health hazard.
2 formal a large crowd that has gathered together: [+of] con-dem-na-tion /kondam'nerfan, -dem- $ ,kain-/ n
an immense concourse of spectators [C,U] an expression of very strong disapproval of some-
con-crete! /‘konkri:t $ ka:n'kri:t/ adj 1 made of concrete: one or something, especially something you think is mor-
a concrete floor 2 definite and specific — abstract: What ally wrong: [+of] There was widespread international
does that mean in concrete terms? |the lack of any concrete condemnation of the bombing.
evidence | a dialogue about concrete issues and problems con-dem-na-to-ry /kan'demnatari, ,kondem'nettari
—concretely adv $ kan'demnata:ri/ adj expressing strong disapproval: my
con-crete? /konkri:t $ 'ka:n-/ n [U] a substance used father’s condemnatory attitude
for building that is made by mixing sand, small stones, con-demned /ken'demd/ adj [only before noun] 1 a con-
CEMENT, and water demned person is going to be punished by being killed
con-crete? /‘konkri:t $ 'kamn-/ v [T] to cover something 2 a condemned building is officially not safe to live in or
such as a path, wall etc with concrete . use
condemned cell 348 fa = words from the Academic Word List

condemned cell n (c] BrE a room for a prisoner who out of condition (=unfit),’ she panted. | an athlete in peak
was going to be punished by death — death row condition |in no condition to do sth (=too drunk, ill, or upset
con-den-sa:tion /konden'serjan, -dan- $ jkain-/ n to be able to do something) | was in no condition to cope
1 [U] small drops of water that are formed when steam or with a train journey. |Mark can’t possibly drive home in that
warm air touches a cold surface: There was a lot of condition (=when he is so drunk, ill, or upset).
condensation on the windows. 2 [U] technical when a gas 6 Ra ~=(C] something that you «must
becomes a liquid 3 [C,U] formal the act of making some- agree to in order for something to happen, especially
thing shorter when this is included in a contract: She laid down only one
con-dense /kan'dens/ v1 [I,T] if a gas condenses, or is condition: that her name not be revealed. |[+for] There were
condensed, it becomes a liquid: the mist which condensed strict conditions for letting us use their information. | The
on every cold surface | [+into] The gaseous metal is cooled bank agreed to extend the loan if certain conditions were
and condenses into liquid zinc. 2 [T] to make something met. | A statement of your terms and conditions of employ-
that is spoken or written shorter, by not giving as much ment can be found in the Personnel Handbook. | He was
detail or using fewer words to give the same information: released on bail on condition that he did not go within half a
condense sth into sth This whole chapter could be condensed mile of his mother's address. | The application was approved,
into a few paragraphs. 3 [T] to make a liquid thicker by subject to certain conditions.
removing some of the water: condensed soup 7 RSC «(C] something that must exist or
happen first, before something else can happen:
condensed ‘milk n [U] a type of thick sweet milk sold
[+for/of] Our goal is to create the conditions for a lasting
in cans
peace. | Investment is a necessary condition of economic
con-dens-er /kan'densa $ -ar/ n [C] 1 a piece of equip- growth.
ment that changes a gas into a liquid 2 a machine for 8 [70S [Cc] an illness or health problem that affects
storing electricity, especially in a car engine you permanently or for a very long time: People suffering
con-de-scend /kpndt'send $ ka:n-/ v [I] 1 to behave as from this condition should not smoke. |heart/lung etc condi-
if you think you are better, more intelligent, or more tion She has a serious heart condition. | Was he being treated
important than other people - used to show disapproval: for any medical condition? ILLNESS
[+to] Take care not to condescend to your readers. 2 to do SEETIIT [singular] formal the situation or
something in a way that shows you think it is below your state of a particular group of people, especially when
social or professional position - used to show disap- they have problems and difficulties: the condition of the
proval: condescend to do sth ‘Yes. | know,’ Clara said, conde- poor in our cities |All my paintings are ultimately about the
scending to look at Rose for the first time. —condescension human condition.
/-senfan/ n [U] 10 [73729 on no condition never: On no condition should
con-de-scend-ing /kpndt'sendin< $ ka:n-/ adj behav- untrained personnel use the equipment.
ing as though you think you are better, more intelligent, or condition? v1 [T] to make a person or an animal think
more important than other people - used to show or behave in a certain way by influencing or training them
disapproval [SYN] patronizing: Professor Hutter’s manner is over a period of time —+ conditioning: People are condi-
extremely condescending. —condescendingly adv tioned by society. | condition sb to do sth Many women are
con-di-ment /kondimant $ 'ka:n-/ n [C] formal a pow- conditioned from birth to be accepting rather than
der or liquid, such as salt or KETCHUP, that you use to give questioning. 2 [T] formal to control or decide the way in
a special taste to food which something can happen or exist [SYN] determine:
con-di-tion’ Fy ( /ken'dijan/ n What | buy is conditioned by the amount | earn. 3 [1,T] to
18WVAIET) conditions [plural] the situation in which keep hair or skin healthy by putting a special liquid on it
people live or work, especially the physical things that — conditioner: a shampoo that washes and conditions all in
affect the quality of their lives: Conditions in the prison one
were atrocious. | living/working conditions an attempt to con-di-tion-al" /kan'difanal/ adj1 if an offer, agreement
improve living conditions for the working classes | Poor etc is conditional, it will only be done if something else
working conditions lead to demoralized and unproductive happens first. [OPPjunconditional: a conditional
employees. | in appalling/overcrowded/dreadful etc condi- acceptance | [ton/upon] His agreement to buy our house
tions These children work 70 metres below ground in appall- was conditional on our leaving all the furniture in it.
ing conditions. | In May, staff went on strike, demanding 2 in grammar, a conditional sentence is one that begins
better pay and conditions. with ‘if' or ‘unless’ and expresses something that must be
2 (289 conditions [plural] the weather at a particular true or happen before something else can be true or
time, especially when you are considering how this happen —conditionally adv
affects people: The conditions during the first half of the conditional? n [c] a sentence or CLAUSE that. is
match were appalling. |cold/windy/icy etc conditions /n cold expressed in a conditional form
conditions you'll need a sleeping bag with a hood. | the con ditional ‘discharge n [¢ usually singular] a judg-
worsening weather conditions ment made by a court that allows someone who has
3 DOSS «conditions [plural] all the done something illegal not to be punished if they re
things that affect the way something happens: under ... rules set by the court
conditions Under normal conditions, people will usually do con-di-tion-er /kan'difana $ -ar/ n [CU] 1 liquid that
what requires least effort. | Under these conditions, the fire you put onto your hair after washing it to make it softer
can be rapidly controlled. |Profits increased by £1.5m, despite 2 BrE a liquid that you wash clothes in to make them
the difficult economic conditions. | The combination of rain softer [SYN] softener AmE
and greasy surfaces made driving conditions treacherous.
4 GG [singular, U] the state that something is in, espe-
con-di-tion-ing /kan'difantn/ n [U] the process by
which people or animals are trained to behave in a
cially how good or bad its physical state is: in (a) good/
particular way when particular things happen: Social con-
poor/excellent/terrible etc condition The car has been well
ditioning makes crying more difficult for men. — AIR
maintained and is in excellent condition. | The house was in a
CONDITIONING
terrible condition. | [+of] The condition of nuclear plants is a
matter of great concern. condo /‘kondau §$ 'ka:ndou/ n (plural condos) [C] AmE
5 [singular, U] how healthy or fit you are: informal a CONDOMINIUM
She is being treated at Walton Hospital, where her condition con-do-lence /kan'daulans $ -dou-/ n [C usually plural,
is described as ‘satisfactory’. | in (a) critical/stable/ U] sympathy for someone who has had something bad
satisfactory condition One of the victims was in a critical happen to them, especially when someone has died: a -
condition after suffering severe burns. |physical/mental con- letter of condolence | send/offer your condolences (=for-
dition If you are uncertain about your physical condition, mally express your sympathy when someone has died) _
check with your doctor before trying these exercises. | ‘I'm so con-dom /‘kondam $ 'ka:n-, 'kan-/ n [C] a thin rubber
f= words from the Academic Word List 349 conference
bag that a man wears over his PENIS (=sex organ) during payments from passengers or checks their tickets
sex, to prevent a woman having a baby or to protect SYN] guard BrE 4 something that allows electricity or heat
against disease to travel along it or through it: Wood is a poor conductor of
con-:do-min-i-um /konda'miniam $ ka:n-/ n [C] espe- heat. > LIGHTNING CONDUCTOR
cially AmE 1 one apartment in a building with several con-duit /kondjust, -drt $ 'ka:ndust/ n [C] 1 technical a
apartments, each of which is owned by the people living pipe or passage through which water, gas, a set of electric
in it 2 a building containing several of these apartments wires etc passes 2 formal a connection between two
—+ apartment block things that allows people to pass ideas, news, money,
weapons, drugs etc from one place to another: [+for]
con-done /kan'daun §$ -'doun/ v [T] to accept or forgive
Drug traffickers have used the country as a conduit for
behaviour that most people think is morally wrong: |
shipments to the U.S.
cannot condone the use of violence under any circumstances.
con-dor /‘kondo: $ 'ka:ndar, -do:ir/ n [C] a very large
South American vuLTuRE (=a bird that eats dead animals)
con-du-cive /kan'dju:stv $ -'du:-/ adj be conducive to sth
formal if a situation is conducive to something such as
work, rest etc, it provides conditions that make it easy for
you to work etc: an environment conducive to learning
con-duct? [7 fq /kan'dakt/ v
1G [T] to carry out a particular activity or
process, especially in order to get information or prove
facts: conduct a survey/investigation/review etc We are
conducting a survey of consumer attitudes towards organic
food. |conduct an experiment/a test /s it really necessary to
cone’ /kaun $ koun/ n[C] 1 a solid or hollow shape that
conduct experiments on animals? |conduct a campaign They
is round at one end, has sloping sides, and has a point at
conducted a campaign of bombings and assassinations. |
the other end, or something with this shape — see
conduct an interview The interview was conducted in
picture at SHAPE! 2 an object shaped like a large cone that
English. | The memorial service was conducted by the Rev.
is put on a road to prevent cars from going somewhere or
David Prior. | It was the first time that | had conducted
to warn drivers about something 3 the fruit of a PINE or FIR
business in Brazil.
tree — conifer — see picture at TREE 4 a piece of thin
REGISTER cooked cake, shaped like a cone, that you put ICE CREAM in,
In everyday English, people usually say do or carry or a cone like this with ice cream in it 5 technical a CELL in
out rather than conduct: They're doing a survey of your eye that is shaped like a cone, that helps you see
opinions about organic food. light and colour > rod
2 (sg [1,7] to stand in front of a group of musicians or cone? v
cone sth <> off phr v BrE to put a row of orange CONES
singers and direct their playing or singing —+ conductor:
around an area to prevent people or cars from going
conduct an orchestra/choir The orchestra is conducted by
there, for example during building work
John Williams. | Who will be conducting?
3 GEGEN conduct yourself formal to behave in a particular cone:flow:er /‘kaunflava $ 'kounflavar/ n [C,U] a wild
way, especially in a situation where people judge you by purple or white flower commonly found in the US. It is
the way you behave: The players conducted themselves often used as a herb or as a medicine. [SYN] echinacea
impeccably, both on and off the field. con-fec-tion /kan'fekjan/ n [C] formal 1a beautifully
4 Gaal [7] if something conducts electricity prepared sweet food 2 something, especially a piece of
or heat, it allows electricity or heat to travel along or clothing or a building, that is very delicate and compli-
through it — conductor: Aluminium, being a metal, readily cated, or has a lot of decoration: [+of] a dreamy confection
conducts heat. of pink beads and satin 3 something such as a film or song
5 ieee [T always + adv/prep] formal to take or lead that is not serious or important
someone somewhere: conduct sb to sth On arrival, | was con:fec-tion-er /kan'fekfana $ -ar/ n [C] someone who
conducted to the commandant'’s office. | conducted tour (of makes or sells sweets, cakes etc
sth) (=a tour of a building, city, or area with someone con'fectioner’s sugar n [U] Ame a kind of sugar
who tells you about that place) a conducted tour of Berlin that is very powdery icing sugar BrE
con-duct? [ Lg /‘kondakt $ 'ka:n-/ n [U] formal con-fec-tion-e-ry /kan'fekfenari $ -neri/ n [U] sweets,
1the way someone behaves, especially in public, in their chocolates etc
job etc [Syn] behaviour: The Senator's conduct is being inves- con-fed-e-ra-cy /kan'fedarasi/ n (plural confederacies)
tigated by the Ethics Committee. |an inquiry into the conduct [C] a confederation
of the police | ethical/professional etc conduct the Law con-fed-e-rate /kan'fedarit/ n [C] 1 formal someone
Society's Code of Professional Conduct | improper/violent/ who helps someone else do something, especially some-
offensive etc conduct | his arrest for disorderly conduct thing secret or illegal [S¥N]accomplice: The young woman
(=noisy violent behaviour) EEA > BEHAVIOUR was his confederate, of course. 2 a member of a confed-
2 conduct of sth the way in which an activity is organized eracy —confederate adj
and carried out: complaints about the conduct of the
elections | Disclosure of information would compromise the con-fed-e-ra-tion /kanfeda'rerjan/ n [C] a group of
proper conduct of the investigation. people, political parties, or organizations that have united
for political purposes or trade alliance
con-duc-tion /kan'‘dakjan/ n [U] the passage of electri- confer [Yq /kan'fs: $ -fs:r/ v (conferred, conferring)
city through wires, heat through metal, water through formal 1 [1] to discuss something with other people, so
pipes etc that everyone can express their opinions and decide on
con-duc-tive /kan'daktiv/ adj able to conduct electri- something: [+with] Franklin leant over and conferred with
city, heat etc [OPP] non-conductive: Copper is a very con- his attorneys. 2 confer a title/degree/honour etc to officially
ductive metal. —conductivity /,kondak'trvsti $ kain-/ n [U] give someone a title etc, especially as a reward for
con-duc-tor /kan'dakta $ -ar/ n [C] 1 someone who something they have achieved [SYN] bestow: [+on/upon]
stands in front of a group of musicians or singers and An honorary degree was conferred on him by the University.
directs their playing or singing 2 BrE someone whose job GIVE —conferment n [C,U]
is to collect payments from passengers on a bus con-fe-rence &y ( Lg /‘konfarans $ 'ka:n-/ n [C]
3 AmE someone who is in charge of a train and collects 1a large formal meeting where a lot of people discuss
conference call
important matters such as business, politics, or science, con-fes-sion-al! /kan'fefanal/ n [C] a place ina church,
especially for several days: Representatives from over 100 usually an enclosed room, where a priest hears people
countries attended the International Peace Conference in make their confessions
Geneva. | [ton] a UN conference on the environment confessional? adj confessional speech or writing con-
—> PRESS CONFERENCE tains private thoughts or feelings that you would nor-
2a private meeting for a few people to have formal mally keep secret
discussions: [+with] After a brief conference with his aides,
he left for the airport. | conference room/table etc The
con-fes-sor /kan'fesa $ -ar/ n [C] formal the priest who
meeting will be held in the conference room at 10 am. | in someone regularly makes their confession to
conference Mr Dickson is in conference. con-fet-ti /kan'feti/ n [U] small pieces of coloured
3 AmE a group of teams that play against each other to paper that you throw into the air over people who have
see who is the best: the Western Conference finals just got married or at events such as parties, PARADES etc
COLLOCATIONS confidant /konfident, jkonfiident, -da:nt $
'ka:nfidzent/ n [C] someone you tell your secrets to or
who you talk to about personal things
go to a conference (also attend a conference forma!)
Hundreds of delegates are attending the conference. confidante /‘konfident, _konf#dent, -daint $
hold a conference (=have one) Their annual ‘kainfdaent/ n [C] a female confidant
conference was held in Chicago. con-fide /kan'fard/ v [T] 1to tell someone you trust
host a conference (=have it in your country) In June, about personal things that you do not want other people
Japan hosted a peace conference. to know: confide to sb that He confided to his friends that he
organize a conference |address a conference didn't have much hope for his marriage. 2 formal to give
(=give a speech at one) something you value to someone you trust so they look
after it for you: confide sth to sb He confided his money to
a peace/climate/sales etc conference an his brother's safekeeping.
international climate conference in Sweden confide in sb phr v to tell someone about something very
a world/international conference the world private or secret, especially a personal problem, because
conference on human rights you feel you can trust them: I’ve never felt able to confide in
a national conference |an annual conference |a my sister.
party conference (=for a particular political party) | con-fi-dence §] [7 /‘konfidans $ 'ka:n-/ n
a summit conference (=for the leaders of 1G LU] the feeling that you can
governments) trust someone or something to be good, work well, or
produce good results: [+in] Public confidence in the gov-
CON ae ernment is at an all-time low. |She had complete confidence
conference facilities The hotel has conference facilities
in the doctors. | Opinion polls show that voters have lost
for 100 people.
confidence in the administration.
a conference centre (=a building or group of
2Hataaeersata [U] the belief that you have the
\_buildings used for conferences) | a conference hall J)
ability to do things well or deal with situations success-
‘conference call n [Cc] a telephone call in which sev- fully: [+in] | didn't have any confidence in myself. | confi-
eral people in different places can all talk to each other dence to do sth Good training will give a beginner the
con-fess /kan'fes/ v [1,1] 1 to admit, especially to the confidence to enjoy skiing. | | felt | was doing well and my
police, that you have done something wrong or illegal confidence began to grow. | with confidence Our goal is to
— confession: confess to (doing) sth Edwards confessed to prepare students to go into the business world with confi-
being a spy for the KGB. | Occasionally people confess to dence.
crimes they haven't committed just to get attention. |confess 3 Gnesi [U] the feeling that something is
(that) My husband confessed he’d been having an affair with definite or true: say/speak/predict etc with confidence How
a woman in his office. | Torture was used and Fian confessed. can anyone say with confidence that the recession is over? |
EOE Admit2 to admit something that you feel [+in] | have complete confidence in Mr Wright's analysis of
embarrassed about — confession: confess (that) Marsha the situation. |have confidence (that) | have every confidence
confessed that she didn’t really know how to work the that the job will be completed satisfactorily on time.
computer. |confess to (doing) sth He confessed to having a 4a ~2LU)] if you tell someone
secret admiration for his opponent. || (have to/must) confess something in confidence, you tell them something on the
(=used when admitting something you feel slightly understanding that they will not tell anyone else — con-
embarrassed about) | must confess | don’t visit my parents fide: in confidence !’// tel! you about Moira - in confidence, of
as often as | should.
course. | in strict/the strictest confidence Any information
given during the interview will be treated in the strictest
REGISTER confidence. | breach of confidence (=when someone tells
In everyday English, people usually say admit rather someone something that they were told in confidence)
than confess: | know it was him - he admitted it. | Lawyers are satisfied that no breach of confidence took place.
| admit I'm not very good with money. 5 take sb into your confidence to tell someone your secrets
or private or personal details about your life: Elsa took me
3 to tell a priest or God about the wrong things you have
into her confidence and told me about some of the problems
done so that you can be forgiven — confession: He knelt
she was facing.
and confessed his sin.
6 aa (C] a secret or a piece of information that is
con-fessed /kan'fest/ adj [only before noun] having private or personal: share/exchange confidences They
admitted publicly that you have done something: a con- spent their evenings drinking wine and sharing confidences. |
fessed criminal —> SELF-CONFESSED | have never betrayed a confidence. -+ VOTE OF CONFIDENCE,
confession /kan'fefan/ n 1[C] a statement that you VOTE OF NO CONFIDENCE
have done something wrong, illegal, or embarrassing,
especially a formal statement: Sanchez's confession was
COLLOCATIONS - MEANING 1
read out to the court. | [+of] a confession of adultery |At 3 | VERBS
a.m. Higgins broke down and made a full confession. | | have have confidence in sb/sth The people no longer have
a confession - | like Britney Spears’ music. 2 [C,U] when you any confidence in their government.
tell a priest or God about the bad things that you have lose confidence in sb/sth Employees are losing
done: You must go to confession. | a priest who hears confidence in the company.
confession 3 [C] formal a statement of what your religious gain/win sb’s confidence As team captain, he soon
beliefs are: [+of] a confession of faith won the confidence of the players.
 (0 (2 GS= the most frequent words in writtenENE! configure
inspire confidence (=make people have confidence) THESAURUS
Our education system should inspire public confidence.
restore confidence (=make people have confidence confident sure that you have the ability to do
again) Interest rate reductions would restore business something well or deal with situations successfully:
confidence. She seemed confident that she would pass. |his calm
boost confidence (=make people have more and confident manner
confidence) |shake sb's confidence (=make them self-confident/self-assured confident, and not shy
have less confidence) or nervous in social situations: Jess was only 12, but
she was very self-confident. |He was very self-assured
| PHRASES eae and spoke without notes.
have Bteny/eomplcte/absolute confidencein assertive confident enough to say what you think
sb/sth A manager must be able to have complete and want, so that people take notice of you: The
confidence in his staff. course helps women learn how to be more assertive in
a lack of confidence |a crisis of confidence (=a the workplace.
situation in which people no longer trust a sure of yourself confident that you are right, even
government, system etc) when other people do not agree with you: He
sounded so sure of himself that | didn’t bother to argue.
_ ADJECTIVES/NOUN + confidence ! eee extrovert n [C] someone who behaves in a confident
public confidence The changes should improve eaeic way in social situations and likes talking and being
confidence in the system. with other people: Mies een are natural extroverts.
consumer confidence (=that ordinary people have
when the economic situation is good) Consumer
confidence has fallen to its lowest for two years. lack confidence/be lacking iin confidence? to not be
business confidence (=that businesses have when confident about your abilities or appearance:
the economic situation is good) Business confidence Francine is lacking in confidence and needs a lot of
in America improved in the second quarter. | investor encouragement. | | was fat, had no friends, and lacked
confidence (=that investors have when the confidence.
economic situation is good) shy not confident about meeting or speaking to
people who you do not know: Jane is a quiet shy
fofo) AKotor. Vifo) ie MEANING 2 person. | He had been painfully shy (=very shy) as a
child.
| VERBS eS insecure not confident about yourself or your
have confidence Young Benaaee OER dont
¢ t fave a relationships, especially because you are worried
lot of confidence. that you are not good enough: His childhood had left
be full of confidence The team are full of confidence. him very insecure.
lack/be lacking in confidence She lacked the unsure of yourself not confident, especially because
confidence to talk to people. you are young or you do not have much experience:
lose (your) confidence He'd been out of work for six At first, Chris seemed nervous and unsure of herself.
months and had lost all his confidence. discouraged /dis'kartdgd $ -'k3:r-/ not confident that
give sb confidence | had really good teachers who you can succeed, because you have had problems
gave me a lot of confidence in myself. trying to do something: Students can become
gain confidence (also grow/gain in confidence) discouraged very easily if they are not given the help
(=become more confident) |boost/increase sb’s they need.
confidence (=make someone feel more confident) | demoralized someone who is demoralized has lost
build up sb’s confidence (=gradually increase it) | all their confidence and wants to give up: The team
undermine sb's confidence (=gradually reduce it) | were completely demoralized after losing a series of
dent/shake sb’s confidence (=make it less strong) | games. | a demoralized work force
destroy/shatter sb’s confidence |sb’s confidence
grows/increases con-fi-den-tial /konf'denfal< $ ka:n-/ adj 1spoken or
written in secret and intended to be kept secret: a confi-
‘confidence- building adj a confidence-building dential government report | Doctors are required to keep
event, activity etc increases your confidence: the use of patients’ records completely confidential. | The information
confidence-building exercises to assist adults to return to the will be regarded as strictly confidential (=completely
labour market confidential). SECRET 2 a confidential way of
speaking or behaving shows that you do not want other
‘confidence trick n [Cc] a dishonest trick played on people to know what you are saying: His voice sank into a
‘someone in order to get their money [SYN]con confidential whisper. —confidentially adv
—confidence trickster n [C]
con-fi-den-ti-al-i-ty /konfidenfi'zelti $ ka:n-/ n [U] a
con-fi-dent & [A /‘konfdont $ 'ka:n-/ adj situation in which you trust someone not to tell secret or
1 [not before noun] sure that something will happen in the private information to anyone else: The relationship
way that you want or expect: confident (that) We are between attorney and client is based on confidentiality, |
confident next year's profits will be higher. | He is quietly breach of confidentiality (=when someone gives away
confident that there will be no problems this time. |[+of] The information they have promised to keep secret) It's a
Prime Minister appeared relaxed and confident of winning an breach of confidentiality for a priest to reveal what someone
overall majority. | The company is confident of success. | has said in the confessional.
[t+about] | feel quite confident about the future. con-fid-ing /ken'fardin/ adj behaving in a way that
GEES sure shows you want to tell someone about something that is
2 sure that you have the ability to do things well or deal private or secret: Her tone was suddenly confiding.
with situations successfully: Despite her disability, Philippa —confidingly adv: He leant forward confidingly.
is very confident. | [+about] | feel much more confident
about myself and my abilities these days. |confident smile/ con-fig-u-ra-tion /kanfrga'rerjan, -gj$- $ -gjs-/ n [CU]
voice/manner etc He began to read in a calm confident voice. 1 formal or technical the shape or arrangement of the
3sure that something is true: confident (that) We are parts of something [SYN] layout: [+of] the configuration of
confident we have done nothing wrong. | He began to feel pistons in an engine 2 technical the combination of equip-
confident that Zaborski was only guessing. |It is not possible ment needed to run a computer system
to give a confident answer to the question of whether the con-fig-ure /kan'frga $ -gjar/ v [T] technical to arrange
delay was unreasonable, —confidently adv —> SELF- something, especially computer equipment, so that it
CONFIDENT works with other equipment
 confine 352
confine ([e Eg /ken'fain/ v [7] opposition supporters had their goods confiscated.
1 to keep someone or something within the limits —confiscation /,konfsskerfan $ ka:n-/ n [C,U]: the confis-
of a particular activity or subject [SYN] restrict: confine sth cation of pornographic material
to sth The police cadet’s duties were confined to taking con-fla-gra-tion /konfla'grerfan $ ka:n-/ n [C] formal
statements from the crowd. | We confined our study to ten 1a very large fire that destroys a lot of buildings, forests
cases. |confine yourself to (doing) sth Owen did not confine etc FIRE 2 a violent situation or war
himself to writing only one type of poem. con-flate /kan'flert/ v [T] formal to combine two or
2 SEINEag to keep someone in a place that they more things to form a single new thing: He conflates two
cannot leave, such as a prison: confine sb to sth Any soldier images from Kipling's short stories in the film. —conflation
who leaves his post will be confined to barracks (=made to /-‘flerfan/ n [C,U]
stay in the barracks). | be confined in sth He was allegedly
confined in a narrow dark room for two months.
con-flict™ gy (A Ba /‘konfirkt $ 'kain-/ n
1[C,U] a state of disagreement or argument between
3GeaaLeela to stop something bad from
people, groups, countries etc: [+over] conflicts over wage
spreading to another place: confine sth to sth Firefighters
settlements | [+between] the conflict between tradition and
managed to confine the fire to the living room.
innovation | in conflict (with sb) normal kids who are in
| 4 RCV [usually passive] if you are confined to
conflict with their parents |political/social/industrial conflict
a place, you have to stay in that place, especially because
social and political conflict in the 1930s | the threat of
you are ill: Vaughan is confined to a wheelchair. | She's
industrial conflict in the coalfields | Marx points out the
confined to bed with flu.
potential conflicts below the surface of society. |His views on
confined pq /ken'faind/ adj 1 be confined to sb/sth to the literal truth of the Bible brought him into conflict with
exist in or affect only a particular place or group: The risk other Christian leaders. |Doctors exercise considerable power
of infection is confined to medical personnel. 2 a confined and often come into conflict with politicians. | a lawyer
space or area is one that is very small [SYN] restricted: /t specializing in conflict resolution
wasn't easy to sleep in such a confined space. 2[C,U] fighting or a war: armed/military/violent conflict
con-fine-ment /kan'fainmant/ n1 [U] formal the act of For years the region has been torn apart by armed conflicts. |
putting someone in a room, prison etc that they are not UN troops intervened to avert a threat of violent conflict. |
allowed to leave, or the state of being there: They were efforts to resolve the conflict WAR
held in confinement for three weeks. | He visited prisoners at 3 [C,U] a situation in which you have to choose between
their place of confinement. —* SOLITARY CONFINEMENT two or more opposite needs, influences etc: As women
2 [C,U] old-fashioned or formal the time when a woman increasingly went out to work, the possibility of a conflict of
gives birth to a baby: the pros and cons of home versus loyalties became stronger. | [+between] a conflict between
hospital confinement the demands of one’s work and one’s family |in conflict (with
con-fines /‘konfainz $ 'ka:n-/ n [plural] limits or borders: sth) The principles of democracy are sometimes in conflict
within/beyond the confines of sth within the confines of the with political reality.
prison 4[C,U] a situation in which you have two opposite feel-
confirm 3 (1 Lg /ken'fa:m $ -3:rm/ v [7] ings about something: a state of inner conflict
1to show that something is definitely true, especially by 5[C] AmE something that you have to do at the same
providing more proof [opp] refute: New evidence has con- time that someone wants you to do something else: I’ve
firmed the first witness's story. | To confirm my diagnosis | got a conflict on Friday. Can we make it Monday?
need to do some tests. |confirm that Research has confirmed 6 conflict of interest/interests a) a situation in which you
that the risk is higher for women. | confirm what The new cannot do your job fairly because you will be affected by
results confirm what most of us knew already. the decision you make: There is a growing conflict of
2 to say that something is definitely true [opp] deny: The interest between her position as a politician and her business
President refused to confirm the rumor. | Managers have so activities. b) a situation in which different people want
far refused to confirm or deny reports that up to 200 jobs are different things
to go. | confirm that Walsh confirmed that the money had conflict? Eyq /kan'fltkt/ v [1] if two ideas, beliefs, opin-
been paid. | confirm what My brother will confirm what | ions etc conflict, they cannot exist together or both be
have told you. true: [+with] new evidence which conflicts with previous
3 to tell someone that a possible arrangement, date, or findings | conflicting opinions/demands/interests etc | had
situation is now definite or official: Could you confirm the been given a great deal of conflicting advice. | There are
dates we discussed? |Smith was confirmed as the club's new conflicting views about what caused the accident.
manager yesterday. | confirm a booking/reservation/ conflicted /kan'fitktid/ adj AmE be/feel conflicted
appointment | am writing to confirm a booking for a single (about sth) to be confused about what choice to make,
room for the night of 6 June. especially when the decision involves strong beliefs or
4to make you believe that your idea or feeling is right: opinions: Many mothers today feel conflicted about working
confirm your fears/doubts/suspicions etc This just confirms outside the home.
my worst fears. |confirm you in your belief/opinion/view etc con-flu-ence /konfluans $ ‘kain-/ n_ [singular]
(that) (=make you believe something more strongly) The 1 technical the place where two or more rivers flow
expression on his face confirmed me in my suspicions. together 2 formal a situation in which two or more things
5 be confirmed to be made a full member of the Christian combine or happen at the same time: [+of] a confluence
church in a special ceremony of unhappy events ‘
con-fir-ma-tion [fq /konfa'merjan $ ka:nfar-/ n [C,U] con-form fq /ken'fo:m $ ->:rm/ v [I] 1 to behave in th
1a statement, document etc that says that something is way that most other people in your group or society
definitely true: [+of] There has still been no official confir- behave —> conformist: the pressure on schoolchildren to
mation of the report. |confirmation that verbal confirmation conform | [+to/with] people who do not conform to tradi-
that payment has been made 2 a letter etc that tells you tional standards of behaviour 2 to obey a law, rule ete:
that an arrangement, date, time etc is now definite: Most [+to/with] Students can be expelled for refusing to conform
hotels require confirmation from a prospective guest in to school rules. | All new buildings must conform with the
writing. 3 a religious ceremony in which someone is made regional development plan. | products which conform to
a full member of the Christian church international safety standards 3 conform to a pattern/
con-firmed /kan'fs:md $ -3:r-/ adj a confirmed bachelor/ model/ideal etc to be similar to what people expect or
atheist/vegetarian etc someone who seems completely think is usual: Joseph does not conform to the stereotype o
happy with the way of life they have chosen a policeman. ;
con-fis:cate /‘konfiskert $ 'ka:n-/ v [T] to officially take con-for-ma-tion gg /,konfo:'merfan $ ka:nforr-/ n [C,U]
private property away from someone, usually as a pun- technical the shape of something or the way in which it is ~
ishment: Miss Williams confiscated all our sweets. | Many formed: the conformation of the Earth
 GG = words from the Academic Word List 353 congested
con-formrist [¥q /kan'fo:mist $ -:r-/ adj thinking and puzzled (also perplexed formal) confused because
behaving like everyone else, because you do not want to you cannot understand something, especially
be different, or forcing people to do this - often used to because it is different from what you expect: The
show disapproval — nonconformist: a country with a con- doctor was puzzled by the man’s symptoms and ordered
formist education system —conformist n [C] several further tests. |He had a puzzled expression on
con-for-mi-ty La /kan'fo:miti $ -a:r-/ n [U] 1 behav- his face. | Ross looked perplexed when the audience
iour that obeys the accepted rules of society or a group, laughed.
and is the same as that of most other people baffled very confused and unable to understand
[OPP|non-conformity: an emphasis on conformity and something, even though you have tried hard for a
contro! | [+to] conformity to social expectations 2 in con- long time: Detectives admit they are baffled by the
formity with sth formal in a way that obeys rules, customs case. |a baffled expression
etc: We must act in conformity with local regulations. bewildered /bi'wildad $ -ard/ very confused and
surprised when something unusual and unexpected
con-found /kan'faond/ v [T] 1 to confuse and surprise
happens to you: He was bewildered to find three
people by being unexpected: His amazing recovery con- policemen at the front door. | Bewildered train
founded the medical specialists. 2 to prove someone or passengers watched as the man was arrested.
something wrong: confound the critics/pundits/experts etc bemused /bi'mju:zd/ confused and surprised by
United's new striker confounded the critics with his third goal what has happened, or by what someone has said:
in as many games. 3 formal to defeat an enemy, plan etc Local residents seem bemused by the sudden arrival of
4 formal if a problem etc confounds you, you cannot all the tourists. |She told him to leave, but he just sat
understand it or solve it: Her question completely con- there with a bemused expression.
founded me. 5 confound it/him/them etc old-fashioned can't think straight spoken to have difficulty thinking
used to show that you are annoyed with someone or clearly, for example because you are too tired, too
something busy, or because a lot of things are happening
con-found-ed /kan'faundid/ adj [only before noun] old- around you: | can’t think straight with all this noise
fashioned used to show that you are annoyed: That con- going on.
founded dog has run away again!
con-front /kan'frant/ v [7] 1 if a problem, difficulty etc con-fus-ing EJ /kan'fju:zin/ adj unclear and difficult to
understand: The instructions were really confusing. |It was a
confronts you, it appears and needs to be dealt with: The
very confusing situation, —confusingly adv
problems confronting the new government were enormous. |
be confronted with sth Customers are confronted with a con-fu-sion & [A /ken'fju:zan/ n
bewildering amount of choice. 2 to deal with something 1[C,U] when you do not understand what is happening or
very difficult or unpleasant in a brave and determined what something means because it is not clear: [+about/
way: We try to help people confront their problems. 3 to face over/as to] There was some confusion as to whether we had
someone in a threatening way, as though you are going to won or lost. | create/lead to confusion The diversion led to
attack them: Troops were confronted by an angry mob. considerable confusion.
4 to ACCUSE someone of doing something, especially by 2 [C,U] a situation in which someone wrongly thinks that
showing them the proof: confront sb with/about sth / a person or thing is someone or something else: To avoid
confronted him with my suspicions, and he admitted confusion, the teams wore different colours. | [+between]
everything. | | haven't confronted her about it yet. There is a confusion in the public mind between psychology
con-fron:ta-tion /konfran'terfan $ jkarn-/ n [CU]
and psychiatry.
1 a situation in which there is a lot of angry disagreement 3[U] a feeling of not being able to think clearly about
what you should say or do, especially in an embarrassing
between two people or groups: She had stayed in her room
to avoid another confrontation. | [+with/between] an ideo- situation: His confusion at meeting her there was quite
apparent. | in confusion Matt stared at her in confusion.
logical confrontation between conservatives and liberals
2 a fight or battle: military/violent/armed confrontation 4[C,U] a very confusing situation, that usually has a lot of
noise and action, so that it is difficult for someone to
Japan seemed unlikely to risk military confrontation with
Russia. understand it or control it [SYN|chaos: a scene of indescrib-
able confusion | [+of] There was a confusion of shouts and
con-fron-ta-tion:al /konfran'terfanale $ ka:n-/ adj orders as the ship prepared to depart.
likely to cause arguments or make people angry: a con- con-fute /kan'fju:t/ v [T] formal to prove that a person
frontational style of management or an argument is completely wrong
con-fuse /kan'fjuiz/ v [T] 1 to make someone feel that conga /'kongea $ 'ka:nga/ n [C] a dance in which people
they cannot think clearly or do not understand: | under- dance in a line, holding on to the person in front of them
stand the text but the diagrams are confusing me. 2 to think con-geal /kan'dzi:l/ v [I] if a liquid such as blood con-
- wrongly that a person or thing is someone or something geals, it becomes thick or solid: The fat had slowly con-
else: People might well confuse the two products. | confuse gealed in the pan.
sb/sth with sb/sth | always confuse you with your sister -
you look so alike. | Donald Regan, not to be confused with con-ge-ni-al /kan'd3i:nial/ adj 1pleasant in a way that
former President Ronald Reagan 3 confuse the issue/matter/ makes you feel comfortable and relaxed: congenial
argument etc to make it even more difficult to think clearly atmosphere/surroundings/environment The department
about a situation or problem or to deal with it: He kept provides a congenial atmosphere for research. | Frank was a
asking unnecessary questions which only confused the issue. very congenial colleague. | [+to] The summers out here are
not congenial to the average North European. 2 suitable for
con-fused 9 /kan'fju:zd/ adj something: Compost provides congenial conditions for roots
Tunable to understand or think clearly about what some- to develop. —congeniality /kandzi:ni'elsti/ n [U]
one is saying or what is happening: /'m totally confused. con-gen-i-tal /kan'dzenstl/ adj [usually before noun]
Could you explain that again? | [+about] /f you're confused 1a congenital medical condition or disease has affected
about anything, phone me. | All the roads looked the same someone since they were born: congenital abnormalities |
and he felt thoroughly confused. a congenital defect 2 a congenital quality is one that has
2 not clear or not easy to understand: Witness statements always been part of your character and is unlikely to
presented a confused picture of the incident. | a lot of change: He’s a congenital liar. | her congenital inability to
confused ideas —confusedly /-'fju:zidli/ adv make decisions —congenitally adv
con-ger eel /kongar ‘i:! $ 'ka:ngar i:l/ n [C] a large fish
_ confused unable to understand what someone is that looks like a snake
saying or what is happening: | was rather confused by con-ges-ted /kan'dzestid/ adj1 full of traffic: congested
his question. |She gave me a confused Jook. airspace | London's roads are heavily congested (=very
congestion charging 354 fi 2]= = the most fresdetetn words in shies English

congested), 2 a part of your body that is congested is con-i-cal /‘kontkal $ 'ka:-/ adj shaped like a CONE: huts
very full of liquid, usually blood or MUCUS —congestion with conical roofs
/-‘d3estfan/ n (UJ: traffic congestion co:ni-fer /‘kounsfa, 'ko- $ 'ka:nifer/ n [C] a tree such as a
con'gestion charging n [U] BrE a way of reducing PINE or FIR that has leaves like needles and produces
traffic in city centres by charging drivers money to enter brown cones that contain seeds. Most types of conifer
[SYN] road pricing: Plans to introduce congestion charging keep their leaves in winter. —coniferous /ka'ntfares
were dropped until after the election. —congestion charge n $ kou-, ka-/ adj: coniferous forests
[Cc] CONj. (also conj BrE) the written abbreviation of conjunc-
con-glom-e-rate /kan'glomarit $ -'gla:-/ n1 [C] a large tion
business organization consisting of several different com- com-jec-ture’ /kan'dzekt{a $ -ar/ n formal 1[U] when
panies that have joined together: an _ international you form ideas or opinions without having very much
conglomerate | industrial/financial/media etc conglomerate information to base them on: What she said was pure
ELE company 2 [CU] technical a rock consisting conjecture. | There has been some conjecture about a possible
of different sizes of stones held together by clay merger. 2 [C] an idea or opinion formed by guessing
3 [C] formal a group of things gathered together [SYN] guess, hypothesis: My results show that this conjecture
con-glom-e-ra-tion /kangloma'rerjan $ -gla:-/ n [C] was, in fact, correct. —conjectural adj
formal a group of different things gathered together: conjecture? v [1,1] formal to form an idea or opinion
[+of] the loose conglomeration of artists known as L'Ecole without having much information to base it on
de Paris [SYN] guess: conjecture that /t seems reasonable to conjec-
comgrats /kan'grets/ n [plural] informal CONGRATULA- ture that these conditions breed violence.
TIONS con-join /kan'dzo1n/ v [1,1] formal to join together, or to
con-grat-u-late /kan'gret{slert/ v [T] 1 to tell someone make things or people do this
that you are happy because they have achieved some- conjoined ‘twins n [plural] two people who are born
thing or because something nice has happened to them: with their bodies joined to each other
He never even stopped to congratulate me. |congratulate sb con-ju-gal /‘kondz3gal $ ‘ka:n-/ adj [only before noun]
on sth She congratulated me nile! on my exam results. | formal 1 relating to marriage: conjugal love 2 conjugal visit
congratulate sb for coat sth All three are to be congratu- a private meeting between a prisoner and his or her wife
lated for doing so well. GREET praise2 congratu- or husband, during which they are allowed to have sex
late yourself (on sth) to feel pleased and proud of yourself con-ju-gate /'kondz%gert $ 'ka:n-/ v1 [1] if a verb con-
because you have achieved something or something jugates, it has different forms to show different tenses
good has happened to you: | congratulated myself on my etc: The verb ‘to go’ conjugates irregularly. 2 [T] if you
good fortune. —congratulatory /kangretfs'lertari $ conjugate a verb, you state the different forms that it can
-'gret{glatorri/ adj: congratulatory messages have
con-grat-u-la-tion Gy /kengrat{ylerjan/ n con-ju-ga-tion /kond33'gerfan $ kain-/ n [C] 1 the way
1 congratulations a) used when you want to congratulate that a particular verb conjugates 2 a set of verbs in
someone: ‘I've just passed my driving _ test!’ languages such as Latin that conjugate in the same way
‘Congratulations!’ | [ton] Congratulations on a superb per- con-junc-tion /kan'dzankfan/ n 1in conjunction with
formance! b) words saying you are happy that someone sb/sth working, happening, or being used with someone
has achieved something: Give Oscar my congratulations. or something else: The worksheets are designed to be used
2 [U] when you tell someone that you are happy because in conjunction with the new coursebooks. 2 [C] a combina-
they have achieved something or because something tion of different things that have come together by
nice has happened to them: /etters of congratulation chance: [+of] a happy conjunction of events 3 [C] technical
conm-gre-gate /kongrigert $ ‘ka:n-/ v [I] to come a word such as ‘and’, ‘but’, or ‘because’ which joins parts
together in a group [opP]| disperse: Crowds began to con- of a sentence
gregate to hear the President's speech. con-juncti-vi-tis /kandganktr'vartis/ n [U] a painful
con-gre-ga-tion /kongr'gerfan $ ka:n-/ n [C also + and infectious disease of the eye that makes it red
plural verb BrE] 1 a group of people gathered together in a con-junc-ture /kan'dzanktfa $ -ar/ n [C] formal a com-
church: The congregation knelt to pray. 2 the people who bination of events or situations, especially one that
usually go to a particular church: Several members of the causes problems: the historic conjuncture from which Marx-
congregation are away. ism arose
Con-gre-ga-tion-al-isem = /kongri'gerfanalizam ~—$ con-jure /‘kandza $ 'ka:ndzar, 'kan-/ v1 [1,7] to perform
ikarn-/ n [U] a type of Christianity in which each congre- clever tricks in which you seem to make things appear,
gation is responsible for making its own decisions disappear, or change by magic: The magician conjured a
—Congregational adj —Congregationalist n [C] rabbit out of his hat. 2 [T] to make something appear or
congress /'kongres $ 'ka:ngris/ n 1[C,U] a formal happen in a way which is not expected: He has conjured
meeting of representatives of different groups, countries victories from worse situations than this. 3 aname to conjure
etc, to discuss ideas, make decisions etc: a congress of the with the name of a very important person
ruling Labor Party 2 [C] the group of people chosen or conjure sth <> up phr v1 to bring a thought, picture, idea,
elected to make the laws in some countries Or memory to someone's mind: conjure up images/
3 Congress the group of people elected to make laws in pictures/thoughts etc (of sth) Dieting always seems to con-
the US, consisting of the Senate and the House of Repre- jure up images of endless salads. 2 to make something
sentatives: The President has lost the support of Congress. appear when it is not expected, as if by magic: Somehow
4 [singular] used in the names of political parties: Gan- we have to conjure up another $10,000. 3 to make the soul
dhi’s Congress Party —congressional /kan' grefanal/ adj of a dead person appear by saying special magic words
[only before noun]: a congressional committee con:jur-er, conjuror /'kandzare $ ‘kaindzarar, 'kan-/ n
con-gressman /'kongrisman $ 'ka:n-/ n (plural con- [C] someone who entertains people by performing clever
gressmen /-man/) [C] a man who is a member of a tricks in which things seem to appear, disappear, or
congress, especially the US House of Representatives change by magic magician
con-gress:wom-an /'kongris women $ 'ka:n-/ n (plural con-jur-ing /kandgarin $ 'kazn-, 'kan-/ n [U] the skill of
congresswomen /-wimtin/) [C] a woman who is a mem- performing clever tricks in which you seem to make
ber of a congress, especially the US House of Representa- things appear, disappear, or change by a IETS
tives He did conjuring tricks for the children.
con-gru-ent /'kongruant $ 'ka:n-/ adj 1 formal fitting conk" /konk $ ka:nk, ko:nk/ n [C] BrE informal a nose
together well 2 technical congruent TRIANGLES are the conk? y [1] informal to hit someone hard, especially on
same size and shape —congruence n [U] the head :
(i (2 GS = the most frequent words in written English 355 connotation
conk out phr v informal 1 if a machine or car conks out, it Police have so far failed to establish a connection between the
suddenly stops working: Our car conked out on the way two murders, | The evidence was there in the file but no one
home. 2 if someone conks out, they fall asleep because made the connection. | Students often see little connection
they are very tired: | got home from work and | just conked between school and the rest of their lives. |He demonstrated
out on the sofa. the close connection between social conditions and health.
con-ker /‘konka $ 'ka:nkar/ 11 [C] the large brown shiny 20s [CU] when two or more things are joined
seed of the HORSE CHESTNUT tree 2 conkers [U] BrE a together or when something is joined to a larger system
children’s game in which conkers are hung from pieces of or network: a digital telephone connection via satellite |
string and you try to break the other person's conker by They're offering free Internet connection. | [+to] The socket
hitting it with your own allows connection to a PC. | There’s a £25 connection charge
conm-man /‘konmen $ ‘ka:n-/ n (plural conmen /-men/) (=money you pay to be connected to a service such as
[C] informal someone who tries to get money from telephones, electricity etc).
people by tricking them — con 3in connection with sth concerning or involving some-
thing: arrest/charge/question etc sb in connection with a
con-nect Gy [ /ke'nekt/ v crime Two men have been arrested in connection with the —
1MSRREITS [7] to join two or more things together: attack, | visits made to Spain in connection with her :
connect sth to/with sth The railway link would connect Felix- business |his work in connection with refugees
stowe with Fishguard. | Connect the speakers to the CD 4GGGRMTeTES [C] a wire or piece of metal joining ©
player. | We'd like two rooms with connecting doors (=doors two parts of a machine or electrical system: an electrical
that join the rooms). connection | There's a loose connection (=wires which are
2GE20r-RET [T] to realize or show that a fact, event, not joined correctly). 1
or person is related to something: | didn’t connect the two 5 Daas (C] a train, bus, or plane which is
events in my mind. | connect sb/sth with sth There is no arranged to leave at a time that allows passengers from
evidence to connect them with the attack. an earlier train, bus, or plane to use it to continue their
3 PESTA aad [1,7] to join something to journey: [+to] /f this train gets delayed we'll miss our con-
the main supply of electricity, gas, or water, or to a nection to Paris.
telephone or computer network [opp] disconnect: [+to] 6 LOLA Naa «=([C] a road, railway etc that joins
Click here to connect to the Internet. | Has the phone been two places and allows people to travel between them:
connected yet? | The power supply should be connected by a Cheshunt has good rail connections to London.
qualified electrician. 7@252%3 connections [plural] a) people who you know
4 [!] if one train, flight etc connects with who can help you, especially because they are in posi-
another, it arrives just before the other one leaves so that tions of power: connections in high places | We have good
you can continue your journey: | missed the connecting connections in the advertising industry. b) people who are
flight. | [+with/to] This train connects with the one to related to you, but not very closely: He is English, but has
Glasgow. | From Toronto you can connect to all other Air Irish connections. |the network of family connections in Italy
Canada destinations.
con-nect-ive /ka'nektrv/ n [C] a word that joins parts
5 (2ECREY [7] to join two telephone lines so that two
of a sentence
people can speak: Please hold the line. I’m trying to connect
you. con'nective tissue n [U] parts of the body such as
6 (ius) =[1] to succeed in hitting someone or some- muscle or fat that exist between or join organs and other
thing: He swung at the ball, but didn’t connect. body parts
TTP SUT «([!] especially AmE if people con- con-nec:-tiv-i-ty /konek'tiviti $ ka:-/ n [U] technical the
nect, they feel that they like each other and understand ability of computers and other electronic equipment to
each other: [+with] They valued her ability to empathize connect with other computers or programs: a growing
and connect with others. demand for high-speed connectivity | Internet connectivity
connect sth < up phr v to join something to the main software
supply of electricity, gas, or water, to the telephone con-nec-tor /ka'nekta $ -ar/ n [C] an object which is
network, or to another piece of equipment: Is the washing used to join two pieces of equipment together
machine connected up yet? | [+with] The autopilot can be con-ne-xion /ka'nekjan/ n [C, U] a British spelling of
connected up with the flight recorder. CONNECTION
con-nect-ed /ka'nektid/ adj 1 to be joined to something ‘conning tower n [Cc] technical the structure on top of
else or joined to a large system or network: [+to] The light a SUBMARINE (=underwater ship)
is connected to a timer. | a computer connected to the con-nip-tion /ka'ntpfan/ (also con'niption fit) n [C]
Internet | [+by] a series of artificial lakes connected by Ame old-fashioned a way of behaving which shows that
waterfalls 2 if two facts, events, people etc are connected, you are very angry: My mother threw a conniption fit when |
there is some kind of relationship between them: [+with] didn’t come home till two in the morning.
problems connected with drug abuse | everyone connected con-nive /ka'natv/ v [1] 1 to not try to stop something
With the film industry | Mr Edelson was closely connected wrong from happening: [+at] He would not be the first
with Trinity College. RELATED 3 well connected politician to connive at a shady business deal. 2 con-
having important or powerful friends or relatives nive (with sb) to do sth to work secretly with someone to
con-nect-ed-ness /ke'nektidnis/ n [U] 1 the feeling achieve something, especially something wrong
people have that they are members of a group in society [SYN] conspire: They connived with their mother to deceive
and that they share particular qualities with other mem- me. —connivance n [U]: We could not have escaped without
bers of that group: Human beings have a need for both the connivance of the guards.
independence and connectedness. 2 the degree to which con-niv-ing /ka'natvin/ adj a conniving person secretly
people are connected by electronic technology such as tries to gain something or harm someone - used to show
the Internet and email: [+between/with] Computers have disapproval
increased the connectedness between physicians and con-nois-seur /kpno's3: $ ka:na's3ir/ n [C] someone
patients. who knows a lot about something such as art, food, or
con-nec-tion & ( /ke'nekfan/ n music: a wine connoisseur | [+of] Fry was a connoisseur of
IGE [Cc] the way in which two facts, ideas, Renaissance art. EXPERT
events etc are related to each other, and one is affected con-no-ta-tion /kona'terjan $ ka:-/ n [C] a quality or
or caused by the other [SYN]link: [+between] the causal an idea that a word makes you think of that is more than
connection between smoking and cancer | There is a connec- its basic meaning — denotation: [+of] The word ‘profes-
tion between pollution and the death of trees. | [+with] Mr sional’ has connotations of skill and excellence. | a negative
O'Hara had no known connection with terrorist activity. | connotation —connotative /'konatertrvy $ ‘kain-,
[+to] Williams apparently has no connection to the case. | ka'noutativ/ adj
 connote fa= sii from “~ Academic Word List

con-note /ka'naut $ -nout/ v [1] formal if a word someone watching me. | | was very conscious of the fact that
connotes something, it makes you think of qualities and | had to make a good impression. | conscious that She was
ideas that are more than its basic meaning — denote: The conscious that Marie was listening to every word.
word ‘plump‘ connotes cheerfulness. 2 (EN awake and able to understand what is happen-
con-nu:bi-al /ka'njurbial $ -'nu:-/ adj connubial bliss for- ing around you [OPP]|unconscious: The driver was still con-
mal the state of being happily married: living in connubial scious when the ambulance arrived.
bliss 3 conscious effort/decision/attempt etc an effort etc that is
con-quer /‘konka $ 'ka:nker/ v 1 [1,T] to get control of a deliberate and intended: Vivien had made a conscious effort
country by fighting: The Normans conquered England in to be friendly.
1066. | Egypt was conquered by the Persian King Kambyses. 4@qm@aay thinking a lot about or concerned about
2 [I,T] to defeat an enemy: The Zulus conquered all the something: politically/environmentally/socially etc con-
neighbouring tribes. 3 [T] to gain control over something scious environmentally conscious consumers | health-
that is difficult, using a lot of effort: conquer your nerves/ conscious/fashion-conscious etc Many employers are
- fear She was determined to conquer her fear of flying. | becoming more safety-conscious. | [+of] She was very con-
efforts to conquer inflation | drugs to conquer the disease scious of security. ++ SELF-CONSCIOUS
4 [T] to succeed in climbing to the top of a mountain 5 (eli conscious thoughts, memories etc are ones
when no one has ever climbed it before: an attempt to which you know about —+ subconscious: the conscious
conquer the peaks of Everest 5 [T] to become very suc- mind | Without conscious thought, she instinctively placed a
cessful in a place: In the last few years, the company has hand on his arm. | It affects the audience at a deeper, less
succeeded in conquering the European market. —conqueror conscious level. —consciously adv: She was probably not
n [C] —conquering adj: conquering heroes consciously aware of her true feelings.
con-quest /‘konkwest $ 'ka:n-/ n1 [singular U] the act of con-scious-ness [qj /‘konfasnis $ 'ka:n-/ n
getting control of a country by fighting: the Norman Con- 1[U] the condition of being awake and able to under-
quest (=the conquest of England by the Normans) | [+of] stand what is happening around you: David lost conscious-
the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire (EEXUIE> ness (=went into a deep sleep) at eight o'clock and died a
victory 2 [C] land that is won in a war: French conquests few hours later. |She could faintly hear voices as she began to
in Asia 3 [C] someone that you have persuaded to love regain consciousness (=wake up),
you or to have sex with you - often used humorously: He 2[C,U] your mind and your thoughts: The painful memo-
boasts about his many conquests. 4 [C] when you gain ries eventually faded from her consciousness. |Hypnosis is an
control of or deal successfully with something that is altered state of consciousness. | research into human con-
difficult or dangerous: [+of] the conquest of space sciousness
con-quis-ta-dor /kon'kwtstads: $ ka:n'ki:stado:r/ n [C] 3[C] someone's ideas, feelings, or opinions about poli-
one of the Spanish conquerors of Mexico and Peru in the tics, life etc: The experience helped to change her political
18th century consciousness.
4[U] when you know that something exists or is true
con-san-guin-i-ty /konszn'gwiniti $ ka:n-/ n [U] for-
[SYN] awareness: This will increase public consciousness of
mal when people are members of the same family
the pollution issue. ++ STREAM OF CONSCIOUSNESS
con-science /‘konfans $ 'ka:n-/ n [C,U] 1 the part of
your mind that tells you whether what you are doing is
‘consciousness raising n [U] the process of making
morally right or wrong: a guilty/troubled conscience /t was
people understand and care more about a moral, social,
his guilty conscience that made him offer to help. | Well, at
or political problem, especially by giving them informa-
least | can face them all with a clear conscience (=the tion
knowledge that you have done nothing wrong). |prisoner cons-cript! /kan'skrpt/ v [T] 1 to make someone join
of conscience (=someone in prison because of their the army, navy etc [SYN]draft AmE: conscript sb into sth
beliefs) | / can’t tell you what to do - it’s a matter of Young Frenchmen were conscripted into the army and forced
conscience (=something you must make a moral judge- to fight in Algeria. 2 to make someone become a member
ment about). | a crisis of conscience among medical staff of a group or take part in a particular activity [SYN] recruit
(=a situation in which it is very difficult to decide what is con:script? /konskript $ 'ka:n-/ n [C] someone who
the right thing to do) A\ Do not confuse with conscious- has been made to join the army, navy etc [SYN]draftee
ness (=the condition of being awake and aware of AmE: a young army conscript
things). 2 a guilty feeling that you have about something con-scrip-tion /kan'skripjan/ n [U] when people are
bad you have done: twinge/pang of conscience Jan felt a made to join the army, navy etc [SYN] draft
pang of conscience at having misjudged her. | have no con- consecrate /‘konsikrert $ 'ka:n-/ v [T] 1 to officially
science (about sth) (=not feel guilty about something) state in a special religious ceremony that a place or
They've no conscience at all about cheating. 3 on your con- building is holy and can be used for religious purposes:
science if you have something on your conscience, it The bones will be reburied in consecrated ground. 2 to offi-
makes you feel guilty: He didn't want somebody's death on cially state in a special religious ceremony that someone
his conscience. |Could you live with that on your conscience? is now a priest, BISHOP etc —consecration /kons3'kretfan $
4 not in (all/good) conscience formal if you cannot in all karn-/ n [UJ]
conscience do something, you cannot do it because you con-sec-u-tive /kan'sekjstrv/ adj consecutive numbers
think it is wrong: | couldn’t in all conscience tell him that his or periods of time follow one after the other without any
job was safe. interruptions [OPP]non-consecutive: /t had rained for four
‘conscience-,stricken adj feeling very guilty about consecutive days. | Can they win the title for the third
something that you have done wrong: | hurried home, consecutive season? —consecutively adv: Number the
conscience-stricken at leaving mother alone. pages consecutively.
con:sci-en-tious /konfi'enfas< $ ka:n-/ adj careful to con-sen-su-al /kan'senfual/ adj formal 1 involving the
do everything that it is your job or duty to do: A conscien- agreement of all or most people in a group: a consensual
tious teacher may feel inclined to take work home. | a style of management 2 consensual sexual activity -is
conscientious and hard-working student —conscientiously wanted and agreed to by the people involved
adv —conscientiousness n [UJ]: his conscientiousness and
con-sen:sSus [¥ /ken'sensas/ n (singular, U] an opinion
loyalty to the company
that everyone in a group agrees with or accepts
conscientious ob'jector n [Cc] someone who refuses [SYN] agreement: [+on/about] a lack of consensus about the
to become a soldier because of their moral or religious aims of the project | consensus that There is a consensus
beliefs ++ DRAFT DODGER among teachers that children should have a broad under--
con-scious §y [A /‘konfas $ 'kain-/ adj standing of the world. | The EU Council of Finance Ministers
1 £020 [not before noun] noticing or realizing something failed to reach a consensus on the pace of integration. | the
[SYN] aware: conscious of (doing) sth |became conscious of current consensus of opinion | The general consensus was
GG = words from the Academic Word List 357 conserve

that technology was a good thing. | the consensus politics of far-reaching consequences (=important and
the fifties affecting many things) | long-term consequences
(=results that last a long time, or appear after a long
con-sent? GS Gg /kean'sent/ n [U]
1permission to do something: He took the car without the
time)
owner's consent. | Her parents gave their consent to the con-se:quent £@ /‘konsikwant $ ‘ka:n-/ adj [usually
marriage. | A patient can refuse consent for a particular before noun] formal happening as a result of a particular
treatment at any time. |Most owners are happy to have their event or situation [SYN] resulting: the rise in inflation and
names used for publicity if this is done with their prior consequent fall in demand —+ SUBSEQUENT
consent. | Informed consent was obtained from all partici-
con-se-quen-tial /kons3kwenfal< $ ka:n-/ adj [usually
pants before the study began. + AGE OF CONSENT
before noun] formal 1 happening as a direct result of a
2agreement about something — dissent: The chairman particular event or situation: redundancy and the conse-
was elected by common consent (=with most people
quential loss of earnings 2 important [SYN] significant
agreeing). | divorce by mutual consent (=by agreement [OPP] inconsequential: a consequential decision
between both the people involved) —consequentially adv
consent? fq v [1] to give your permission for some- con-se-quent-ly Eq /‘konskwantli $ 'ka:nsi-kwentli/
thing or agree to do something [opp] refuse: [+to] Her adv [sentence adverb] as a result [SYN] therefore: Most com-
father reluctantly consented to the marriage. |consent to do puter users have never received any formal keyboard training.
sth He rarely consents to do interviews. Consequently, their keyboard skills are inefficient. | The mol-
con,senting ‘adult n [c] law someone who is consid- ecules are absorbed into the bloodstream and consequently
ered to be old enough to decide whether they want to affect the organs.
have sex —> AGE OF CONSENT con-ser-van-cy /kan's3:vansi $ -3r-/ n_ formal
1 [singular] a group of officials who control and protect an
con-se-‘quence G] (2 GG /konsikwans $. 'ka:nsé- area of land, a river etc: the Thames Conservancy 2 [U] the
kwens/ n protection of natural things such as animals, plants, for-
1[C] something that happens as a result of a particular ests etc [SYN| conservation
action or set of conditions: [+of] Many believe that poverty con-ser-va-tiom /konsa'verfan $ kansar-/ n [UJ
is a direct consequence of overpopulation. | [+for] Our 1 the protection of natural things such as animals, plants,
findings have far-reaching consequences for researchers. | forests etc, to prevent them from being spoiled or
with ... consequences He ate some poisonous mushrooms, destroyed [SYN|preservation — + conserve: wildlife
with fatal consequences. LEE RESULT conservation | a local conservation group | [+of] conserva-
2 as a consequence (of sth)/in consequence (of sth) formal tion of the countryside 2 when you prevent something
as a result of something: Animals have died as a conse- from being lost or wasted -—+ conserve: energy
quence of coming into contact with this chemical. | She was conservation | [+of] the conservation of resources through
over the age limit and, in consequence, her application was recycling
rejected.
,conser'vation area n [C] 1 an area where animals
3 of little/no/any etc consequence formal not very impor-
and plants are protected 2-BrE an area where interesting
tant or valuable: [+to] Your opinion is of little consequence old buildings are protected and new buildings are care-
to me. || don't suppose it is of any consequence now. fully controlled
foo} Keley-yale)(by con:ser-va-tion-ist / konse'verfansst $ karnsar-/ n [C]
| VERBS = : ea someone who works to protect animals, plants etc or to
be a consequence of sth Low energy may be a protect old buildings —conservationism n [U]
consequence of sleeping badly. con-ser-va-tis-m /kan's3s:vatizam $ -3:r-/ n [U] 1 dis-
have consequences Taking financial risks can have like of change and new ideas: people’s innate conservatism
serious consequences. in matters of language 2 (also Conservatism) the political
accept/take the consequences (=understand and belief that society should change as little as possible
deal with them) I’m prepared to accept the 3 Conservatism the political beliefs of the British Con-
consequences of my decision. servative Party
face/suffer the consequences (=accept the bad con-ser-va-tive’ /kan'saivativ $ -31r-/ adj 1 not liking
results of something you have done) He broke the changes or new ideas: a very conservative attitude to
law, and he will have to face the consequences. education | conservative views 2 Conservative belonging to
consequences follow (=happen) Once the decision or concerned with the Conservative Party in Britain: Con-
has been made, consequences follow. servative policies | a Conservative MP 3 not very modern in
consider the consequences (=think what might style, taste etc [SYN] traditional: a dark conservative suit
happen as a result of something) |escape the 4 a conservative estimate/guess a guess which is deliber-
consequences (=avoid them) ately lower than what the real amount probably is: At a
conservative estimate, the holiday will cost about £1,500.
ADJECTIVES a
—conservatively adv: a fortune conservatively estimated at
the possible/likely consequences What are the likely 2 million dollars | He was conservatively dressed in a dark
consequences of these changes? business suit.
an inevitable consequence (=that you cannot avoid) conservative* n [C] 1 Conservative someone who sup-
Loss of mobility is not an inevitable consequence of old
ports or is a member of the Conservative Party in Britain
age.
2 someone who does not like changes in politics, ideas,
serious consequences (=bad and important) Too or fashion: an argument between reformers and conserva-
much fishing in these seas has had serious tives in the organization
consequences.
disastrous/dire consequences (=very bad and con:ser-va-toire /kan's3:vatwa: $ -'szirvetwair/ n [C]
damaging) If temperatures continue to rise, it could BrE a school where people are trained in music or acting
have disastrous consequences for agriculture. conservatory AmE
_ social/political/economic consequences | a direct con:ser-va-to-ry /kan's3:vatari $ -'ssrrvatorri/ n (plural
- consequence of sth (=a consequence directly conservatories) [C] 1 BrE a room with glass walls and a
caused by sth) |a natural/logical consequence glass roof, where plants are grown, that is usually added
(=that naturally/logically follows sth) |a negative on to a house 2 Ame a conservatoire
consequence (=a bad or unpleasant result) | conserve! /kan'ss:v $ -3:rv/ v [T] 1to protect some-
an adverse/unfortunate consequence (=that thing and prevent it from changing or being damaged
affects your life, a situation etc badly) |tragic [SYN] preserve — conservation: We must conserve our wood-
consequences (=very sad, usually involving death) | lands for future generations. | efforts to conserve fish stocks
 conserve 358 Gd &) & = the mostsion words in spoken engten

2 to use as little water, energy etc as possible so that it is something important when you are making a decision or
not wasted —» conservation: the need to conserve energy judgement: We will take your recent illness into considera-
con-serve? /‘kons3iv $ 'kains3irv/ n [C,U] formal fruit tion when marking your exams.
that is preserved by being cooked with sugar [SYN] jam: 3[C] a fact that you think about when you are making a
strawberry conserve decision: Political rather than economic considerations influ-
enced the location of the new factory.
cons“Sid-er Gd Dy /kan'stda $ -ar/ v 4[U] the quality of thinking about other people’s feelings
[|,T] to think about something carefully,
and being careful not to upset them: [+for] The murdered
eo before making a choice or decision: consider
woman's name has not been released, out of consideration
doing sth | seriously considered resigning (=almost actually
for her parents. | They've got no consideration for others. |
resigned). | consider the possibility of (doing) sth Have you
Show some consideration!
considered the possibility of retraining? | consider whether
5 [singular, U] formal a payment for something, especially
(to do sth) We are considering whether to change our advice
a service: | might be able to help you, for a small
to tourists. |consider where/how/why etc We're still consid-
consideration. |a payment in consideration of (=as payment
ering where to move to. | We will have to consider your offer
for) their services
carefully. | be considering your position formal (=be decid-
ing whether or not to leave your job) GEES THINK con:sid-ered /kan'stdad $ -ard/ adj [only before noun] a
2fg0IE [7] to think of someone or something in a considered opinion, reply, judgment etc is one that you
particular way or to have a particular opinion: consider have thought about carefully: He hadn't had time to form a
(that) The local authority considered that the school did not considered opinion. | The committee is meeting to prepare a
meet requirements. | consider sb/sth (to be) sth A further considered response to the problem. — ILL-CONSIDERED
increase in interest rates is now considered unlikely. | Liz con-sid-er-ing" /kan'stdartn/ prep, conjunction used to
Quinn was considered an excellent teacher. | They consider say that you are thinking about a particular fact when you
themselves to be Europeans. | | consider it a great honour to are giving your opinion: Considering the strength of the
be invited. | consider it necessary/important etc to do sth / opposition, we did very well to score two goals. |considering
did not consider it necessary to report the incident. |consider (that) | think we paid too much for the house, considering
sb/sth to do sth The campaign was considered to have that we needed to get the roof repaired. | considering who/
failed. |consider yourself lucky/fortunate (=believe you are how etc John did quite well in his exams, considering how
lucky etc) Consider yourself lucky you weren't in the car at little he studied.
the time. | consider yourself (to be) sth (=think of yourself considering? adv spoken used after you have given an
as a particular type of person) They consider themselves to opinion, to say that something is true in spite of a
be middle class. situation that makes it seem surprising: He didn’t look too
3 Gees [T] to think about someone or their tired, considering.
feelings, and try to avoid upsetting them — considerate: con-sign /kan'sain/ v [T] formal to send something
You've got to learn to consider other people! | Have you somewhere, especially in order to sell it
considered my feelings? consign sb/sth to sth phr v formal 1to make someone or —
4 (ieee [1,7] to think about an important fact something be in a particular situation, especially a bad
relating to something when making a judgment — consid- one: It was a decision which consigned him to political
ering: /t’s not surprising when you consider that he only obscurity. |consign sb/sth to the dustbin/scrapheap/rubbish
arrived six months ago. | All things considered, |’m sure we heap etc BrE: Many older people feel they have been con-
made the right decision. signed to the medical scrapheap. 2 to put something some-
5 Beats [7] to discuss something such as a report or where, especially in order to get rid of it: The shoes looked
problem, so that you can make a decision about it: The so tatty that | consigned them to the back of the cupboard.
committee has been considering the report.
6 (wey (T] formal to look at someone or something
con-sign-ee /konsarni:, -s3- $ ka:n-/ n [C] technical the
person that something is delivered to
carefully: Ben considered the statue with an expert eye.
7 consider it done spoken used to say yes very willingly con:sign-ment /kan'satnmant/ n 1[C] a quantity of
when someone asks you to do something for them: ‘Could goods that are sent somewhere, especially in order to be
you drive me to the airport tomorrow?’ ‘Consider it done.’ sold: [+of] a large consignment of clothes 2 on consignment
goods that are on consignment are being sold for some-
con-sid-er-a-ble & [i GG /ken'sidarabal/ adj fairly one else for a share of the profit 3 [U] when someone
large, especially large enough to have an effect or be sends or delivers something
important — inconsiderable: considerable amount/number
etc of sth We've saved a considerable amount of money. | con'signment shop n [Cc] AmE a shop where you
Michael has already spent considerable time in Barcelona. | take things you do not want, so the shop can sell them
issues of considerable importance | The series has aroused and give you a share of the profit
considerable interest. DXTELULUE> BIG con-Ssign-or /kan'satna $ -ar/ n [C] technical the person
who sends goods to someone else
con:sid-er-a-bly EE] Eg /kan'stderabli/ adv much or a
lot: It’s considerably colder today. | Conditions have improved con:sist [A Lg /ken'sist/ v
considerably over the past few years. consist in sth phr v [not in progressive] formal to be based
con:sid-er-ate /kan'stdarit/ adj always thinking of what on or depend on something: Happiness does not consist in
other people need or want and being careful not to upset how many possessions you own.
them inconsiderate: He was always kind and consist of sth phr v [not in progressive] to be formed from
considerate. | it is considerate of sb (to do sth) /t was very two or more things or people: The buffet consisted of
considerate of you to let us know you were going to be late. | several different Indian dishes. | consist mainly/largely/
[+towards] As a motorist, | try to be considerate towards primarily of sb/sth The audience consisted mainly of
cyclists. KIND —considerately adv teenagers. | consist entirely/solely of sb/sth The area does
not consist entirely of rich people, despite popular belief.
con-sid-e-ra-tion & [J /kansida'rerfan/ n /\ Do not say that something ‘is consisted of’ or ‘con-
1[U] formal careful thought and attention, especially sists’ things or people. Say that it consists of things or
before making an official or important decision: proposals people.
put forward for consideration |under consideration There are
several amendments under consideration. | due/serious/
proper etc consideration After due consideration, | have consist of/be made up of to be formed from two or
decided to tender my resignation. | give sth careful/full etc more things or people: Lunch consisted of sandwiches
consideration We would have to give serious consideration to and fruit. |The apartment consisted of three rooms. |
banning it altogether. | deserve/merit consideration These The audience was largely made up of families.
plans definitely merit further consideration. be composed of to consist of something - used
2 take sth into consideration to remember to think about especially when saying which natural substances
 (1 G2 GA = the most frequent words in written English 359 conspire
something contains, or what kind of people are in a Arizona. —consolidation /kanspl§derfan $ -sa:-/ n [C,U]:
group: Every chemical element is composed of atoms. | the consolidation of political power
Venus’ atmosphere is mainly composed of carbon
con-som-:meé /kan'somet, 'konsamer $ kainsa'met/ n [U]
dioxide. | The team was composed of leading scientists
clear soup made from meat or vegetables
from around the world.
comprise /kam'praiz/ formal to consist of the things con-so-nant® /‘konsanant $ 'ka:n-/ n [C] 1a speech
mentioned. Comprise can also be used to talk about sound made by partly or completely stopping the flow of
the people or things which form something: The air through your mouth — vowel 2 a letter that represents
event comprises a champagne reception, two-course a consonant sound. The letters ‘a’, ‘e’, ‘i, ‘o', ‘u', and
lunch, and a fashion show. | Men still comprise the sometimes ‘y’ represent vowels, and all the other letters
| majority of people who have the disease. are consonants.
make up (also constitute formal) to be the things or consonant? adj1 be consonant with sth formal to match
people that form something: Women constitute a or exist well with something else: This policy is scarcely
significant part of the workforce. | Toys make up about consonant with the government's declared aims. 2. technical
10% of the company’s sales. gl relating to a combination of musical notes that sounds
pleasant [OPP] dissonant —consonance n [U]
con:sis-ten-cy [XQ /ken'ststansi/ n (plural consistencies) consort! /'konso:t $ 'ka:nso:rt/ n [C] 1the wife or
(C,U] 1 the quality of always being the same, doing things husband of a ruler —> PRINCE CONSORT 2 a group of people
in the same way, having the same standards etc - used to who play very old music, or the group of old-fashioned
show approval [oPP]inconsistency: [+in] Consumer groups instruments they use 3 in consort (with sb) formal doing
are demanding greater consistency in the labelling of food something together with someone
products. | [+of] Consistency of performance depends on
con-sort? /kan'so:t $ -s:rt/ v
several factors. | [+between/among] There are checks to
consort with sb phr v formal to spend time with someone
ensure consistency between interviewers. 2 how. thick,
that other people do not approve of: a man who regularly
smooth etc a substance is: [+of] Beat the mixture until it
consorted with prostitutes
has the consistency of thick cream.
con-sor-ti-um /kon'so:tiam $ -a1r-/ n (plural consortia
con-sis-tent fy (5) Lg /kon'sistant/ adj /-tia/ or consortiums) [C] a group of companies or
Talways behaving in the same way or having the same organizations who are working together to do something:
attitudes, standards etc - usually used to show approval a consortium of oil companies | The aircraft will be built by a
[OPP]inconsistent: She's the team's most consistent player. | European consortium.
[+in] We need to be consistent in our approach.
2 continuing to happen or develop in the same way: a con-spic-u-ous /kan'spikjuas/ adj 1 very easy to notice
consistent improvement in the country’s economy [OPP] inconspicuous: The notice must be displayed in a con-
3 a consistent argument or idea does not have any parts spicuous place. | a bird with conspicuous white markings | |
that do not match other parts [opPlinconsistent: The felt very conspicuous in my red coat. OBVIOUS
evidence is not consistent. 2 conspicuous success, courage etc is very great and
4 be consistent with sth if a fact, idea etc is consistent with impressive: He had represented Italy with conspicuous
another one, it seems to match it: Her injuries are consist- success. | The award is given for notable or conspicuous
ent with having fallen from the building. | The results are achievement in science. 3 be conspicuous by your/its
consistent with earlier research. —consistently adv: consist- absence used to say that someone or something is not
ently high performance somewhere where they were expected to be: a group that
were conspicuous by their absence from the awards cer-
con-so-la-tion /konsallerfan $ ka:n-/ n [C,U] some- emony
thing that makes you feel better when you are sad or
disappointed: [+for/to] The only consolation for the team is con,spicuous con'sumption n [uJ the act of buying
that they get a chance to play the game again. | If it’s any a lot of things, especially expensive things that are not
consolation, things do get easier as the child gets older. | He necessary, in order to impress other people and show
had the consolation of knowing that he couldn't have done them how rich you are
any better. | be little/no consolation The fact that there has con-spi-ra:cy /kan'sptrasi/ n (plural conspiracies) [C,U]
been a reduction in crime is little consolation to victims of 1a secret plan made by two or more people to do
crime. something that is harmful or illegal + conspire: conspiracy
consolation prize n [Cc] a prize that is given to to do sth He was charged with conspiracy to commit criminal
someone who has not won a competition: Ten runners-up damage. |[+against] a conspiracy against the government |
received q T-shirt as a consolation prize. There were many conspiracy theories (=beliefs that some-
thing is the result of a conspiracy) surrounding Princess
con-sol-a-to-ry /kan'splatari, -'saula- $ -'soulato:ri, -'saz-/ Diana's death. PLAN 2 conspiracy of silence an
adj formal intended to make someone feel better agreement not to talk about something, even though it
con-sole" /kan'saul $ “soul/ v [T] to make someone feel should not be a secret: There’s often a conspiracy of silence
better when they are feeling sad or disappointed — con- surrounding bullying in schools.
solation: No one could console her when Peter died. |console con-spi-ra-tor /kan'sprrata $ -ar/ n [C] someone who is
yourself with sth She consoled herself with the fact that no involved in a secret plan to do something illegal
one else had done well in the exam either. |console yourself
that He consoled himself that he would see Kate again soon. con-spi-ra-to-ri-al /kansprra'to:rial/ adj 1 a conspirato-
rial expression, voice, or manner suggests you are sharing
console? /konsau! $ 'ka:nsoul/ n [C] 14 flat board that a secret with someone: His voice became low and
contains the controls for a machine, piece of electrical conspiratorial. | Pat whispered to Maggie in a conspiratorial
equipment, computer etc 2 a special cupboard for a tele- tone. |conspiratorial whisper/smile/wink etc Britta gave him
vision, computer etc a conspiratorial smile. 2 relating to a conspiracy
con-sol-i-date /kan'sodert $ -sa:-/ v_ [iT] —conspiratorially adv
1 to strengthen the position of power or success that you con-spire /kan'spata $ -'spatr/ v [1] 1 to secretly plan
have, so that it becomes more effective or continues for with someone else to do something illegal + conspiracy:
longer: The company has consolidated its position as the conspire (with sb) to do sth All six men admitted conspiring
country’s leading gas supplier. |The team consolidated their to steal cars. |[+against] There was some evidence that he
lead with a third goal. 2 to combine things in order to had been conspiring against the government. 2 if events
make them more effective or easier to deal with: We conspire to do something, they happen at the same time
consolidate information from a wide range of sources. | They and make something bad happen: conspire to do sth Pollu-
took out a loan to consolidate their debts. |The company is tion and neglect have conspired to ruin the city. | [+against]
planning to consolidate its business activities at a new site in Emily felt that everything was conspiring against her.
constable 360 [XQ = words from the Academic Word List

con:sta-ble /kanstabal $ 'kain-/ n [C] 1 a British police 3 [T usually in passive] formal to officially form a group or
officer of the lowest rank 2 in the US, someone who has organization [SYN] found: The Federation was constituted in
some of the powers of a police officer and can send legal 1949.
documents that order someone to do something con-sti-tu-tion Eg /konst3tjujan $ kanststu:-/ n [C]
con-stab-uwla-ry /ken'stebjgleri $ -leri/ n (plural con- 1 (also Constitution) a set of basic laws and principles
stabularies) [C] the police force of a particular area or that a country or organization is governed by: The right to
speak freely is written into the Constitution of the United
country
States. 2 your health and your body's ability to fight
con-stam-cy [gy /‘konstensi $ 'ka:n-/ n [U] formal illness: (have) a strong/good/weak etc constitution She's
1the quality of staying the same even though other got a strong constitution - she'll recover in no time.
things change: [+of] constancy of temperature 2 loy- 3 formal the parts or structure of something: [+of]
alty and faithfulness to a particular person [SYN] devotion What's the chemical constitution of the dye?
con-stant! § [5 Gg /‘konstant $ 'kain-/ adj con:sti-tu-tion-al" fg /konst$tju:fanal< $ ka:nst3'tu:-/
Thappening regularly or all the time [SYN] continual: There adj 1 officially allowed or limited by the system of rules of
was a constant stream of visitors to the house. |Amy lived in a country or organization: a constitutional right to privacy |
constant fear of being attacked. | He kept in constant contact a constitutional monarchy (=a country ruled by a king or
with his family while he was in Australia. queen whose power is limited by- a constitution) 2 con-
2 staying the same [opp] inconstant: travelling at a constant nected with the constitution of a country or organization:
speed a constitutional crisis | constitutional reform/change/
3 literary loyal and faithful [SYN] devoted: a constant friend amendment a proposal for constitutional reform 3 relat-
constant? fg n [C] 1 technical a number or quantity ing to someone's health, physical ability, or character
that never changes 2 formal something that stays the —constitutionally adv: a constitutionally guaranteed right |
same even though other things change —> VARIABLE? He was constitutionally incapable of dealing with conflict.
con-stant-ly & 0H LG /‘konstantli $ 'ka:n-/ adv all the constitutional? n [Cc] old-fashioned a walk you take
time, or very often [s¥N]continually: He talked constantly because it is good for your health
about his work. | The English language is constantly chang- con:sti-tu-tion-al-is‘-m = /konst3tjuxfanalizam
ing. karnst3'tu:-/ n [U] the belief that a government should be
con:stel-la-tion / konsta'lerfan $ ka:n-/ n [C] 1 a group based on a constitution —constitutionalist n [C]
of stars that forms a particular pattern and has a name: a con-sti-tu-tion-al-i-ty /konstitju:foinebti $ ka:nststu:-/
star in the constellation of Orion 2 a constellation of sth n [U] the quality of being acceptable according to a
literary a group of people or things that are similar: a constitution: A decision on the proposal’s constitutionality
constellation of ideas still has to be made.
con-ster-na-tion /konsta'nerfan $ ka:nstar-/ n [U] a con-strain —@ /ken'strern/ v [T] 1to stop someone
feeling of worry, shock, or fear [syN]alarm: The govern- from doing what they want to do restrict: constrain sb
ment’s plans have caused considerable consternation among from doing sth Financial factors should not constrain doctors
many Americans. | A new power station is being built much from prescribing the best treatment for patients. 2 to limit
to the consternation of environmental groups (=they are something [SYN] restrict: Poor soil has constrained the level
very worried about it). |in consternation He looked at her in of crop production. |Women’s employment opportunities are
consternation. often severely constrained by family commitments.
con-sti-pa-tion /konsts'perjan $ ka:n-/ n [U] the con- con-strained [@ /kan'stretnd/ adj be/feel constrained
dition of having difficulty in getting rid of solid waste from to do sth to feel that you must do something [Syn] obliged:
your body — diarrhoea —constipated /'konstipertid He felt constrained to accept the invitation.
$ 'ka:n-/ adj constraint Eq /kan'stremnt/ n 1[C] something that
con-sti-tu-en-cy [Yq /kan'strt{uansi/ n (plural constitu- limits your freedom to do what you want [SYN] restriction:
encies) [C] 1 BrE an area of a country that elects a [+on] Constraints on spending have forced the company to
representative to a parliament — seat: a_ rural rethink its plans. | the constraints of family life | financial/
constituency | constituency boundaries | He represents the environmental/political etc constraints There have been
Essex constituency of Epping Forest. 2 [also + plural verb BrE] financial and political constraints on development. |impose/
the people who live and vote in a particular area place constraints on sb/sth constraints imposed on teachers
3 any group that supports or is likely to support a politi- by large class sizes 2 [U] control over the way people are
cian or a political party: The trade unions were no longer the allowed to behave, so that they cannot do what they
constituency of the Labour Party alone. want: freedom from constraint
con-sti-tu-ent™ [Yq /ken'stitjuant/ n [C] 1some- con-strict /kan'strtkt/ v 1 [1,1] to make something nar-
one who votes in a particular area 2 one of the sub- rower or tighter, or to become narrower or tighter: Caf-
stances or things that combine to form something: [+of] feine constricts the blood vessels in your body. |Linda's throat
Sodium is one of the constituents of salt. constricted and she started to cry. 2 [T] to limit someone's
freedom to do what they want [SYN] restrict: Fear of crime
constituent? fg adj [only before noun] formal being one constricts many people's lives. —constricted adj
of the parts of something: the EU and its constituent
—constriction /-'strikjan/ n [C,U]
members
con:struct? [Fy Lg /ken'strakt/ v [T]
constituent as'sembly n [c] a group of elected 1to build something such as a house, bridge, road etc:
representatives that have the power to write or change
There are plans to construct a new road bridge across the
their country’s constitution
river. |construct sth from/of/in sth skyscrapers constructed
con-sti-tute [yj Bg /‘konstitju:t $ 'ka:nststu:t/ v entirely of concrete and glass —+ see picture at ASSEMBLE
1 [linking verb, not in progressive] to be considered to be 2to form something such as a sentence, argument, or
something: Failing to complete the work constitutes a breach system by joining words, ideas etc together: Boyce has
of the employment contract. | The rise in crime constitutes a constructed a new theory of management.
threat to society. 3 technical to draw a mathematical shape: Construct a
2 [linking verb, not in progressive] if several people or things square with sides of 5 cm. ,
constitute something, they are the parts that form it con-struct? [4 /‘konstrakt $ 'ka:n-/ n [C] formal
[SYN] make up: We must redefine what constitutes a family. 1 an idea formed by combining several pieces of informa-
REGISTER tion or knowledge 2 something that is built or made
In everyday English, people usually say make up [S¥N| construction
rather than constitute: His letters to his wife make up con-struc-tion & [4 Lg /ken'strakjan/ n :
the middle section of the book. 1 EUs) [U] the process of building things such as
Eg = “ican from the Academic Word List 361 consuming
houses, bridges, roads etc: [+of] the construction of anew The decision was reached after consultation with parents and
airport | under construction (=being built) The hotel is teachers. | [+between] He’s calling for urgent consultations
currently under construction. | a road construction project | between the government and the oil industry to resolve the
construction workers problem. |in consultation with sb The plans were drawn up in
2 TIES EMAL [U] the process of mak- consultation with engineers. |consultation process/exercise/
ing something using many parts: Work out the exact period There will be a public consultation exercise to ask for
design before you start construction. people's views. | consultation paper/document 2[C] a
3 DLYEIST [UV] the materials used to build or meeting with a professional person, especially a doctor,
make something, or its design and structure: The houses for advice or treatment: A follow-up consultation was
were partly timber in construction. |External doors should be arranged for two weeks’ time. 3 [U] the process of getting
of robust construction. advice from a professional person: Trained parenting
4 Cn [C] formal something that has experts are available for consultation by telephone. 4 [U] the
been built: a modern construction process of looking for information or help in a book:
5 (EWE [C] the way in which words are put together Leaflets were regularly displayed for consultation by students,
in a sentence, phrase etc: difficult grammatical construc- con-sul-ta:tive LX /kean'saltativ/ adj [usually before
tions noun] providing advice and suggesting solutions to prob-
6 DESTIO TT [U] the process of forming some- lems: a consultative document
thing from knowledge or ideas: the construction of socio-
logical theory con-sult-ing' /kan'salttn/ n [U] the service of providing
advice to companies
7 put a construction on sth formal to think that a statement
has a particular meaning or that something was done for consulting? adj [only before noun] providing advice to
a particular reason: The judge put an entirely different companies: a major international consulting firm
construction on his remarks. —constructional adj con'sulting ,room n [Cc] a room where a doctor sees
con-struc-tive fq /kan'straktiv/ adj useful and helpful, patients
or likely to produce good results: The meeting was very con-sum:a-ble /kan'sju:mabal $ -'su:m-/ adj consum-
constructive. | We welcome any constructive criticism. able goods are intended to be used and then replaced
—constructively adv con-sum:a-bles /kan'sju:mabalz $ -'su:m-/ n [plural]
constructive dis'missal n [c.U] Br— when your goods that are intended to be used and then replaced:
employer changes your job or working conditions so you consumables such as printing paper
feel forced to leave your job con-sume [J /kan'sju:m $ -'su:m/ v [T] 1 to use time,
con-struc-tor /kan'strakta $ -ar/ n [C] a company or energy, goods etc —+ consumption: Only 27% of the paper
person that builds things we consume is recycled. |A smaller vehicle will consume less
con-strue /kan'stru:/ v [T usually in passive] to under- fuel. 2 formal to eat or drink something — consumer,
stand a remark or action in a particular way — miscon- consumption: Alcohol may not be consumed on the premises.
strue: construe sth as sth comments that could be construed MOLES £7 3 literary if a feeling or idea consumes
as sexist | The term can be construed in two different ways. you, it affects you very strongly, so that you cannot think
about anything else: She was scared by the depression
consul /konsal $ 'kain-/ n [C] a government official
which threatened to consume her. |be consumed with sth He
sent to live in a foreign city to help people from his or her
was consumed with guilt after the accident. 4 formal if fire
own country who are living or staying there + ambassa-
consumes something, it destroys it completely
dor: the British Consul in Paris —consular /'konsjsla
—+ TIME-CONSUMING
$ 'karnsalar/ adj: a consular official
con-su-late /konsjgiit $ 'ka:nsalst/ n [C] the building in con-sum-er Fy] (2 LQ /ken'sju:me $ -'surmar/ n [C]
which a consul lives and works —+ embassy someone who buys and uses products and services
—> consumption, producer: Consumers will soon be paying
con:sult fy (5) LG /kan'salt/ v higher airfares. | It will offer a wider choice of goods for the
1[|,T] to ask for information or advice from someone consumer (=consumers in general). |Consumer demand led
because it is their job to know something: /f symptoms to higher imports of manufactured goods. |Consumer spend-
persist, consult a doctor without delay. |consult sb about sth ing was down by 0.1% last month. | sources of consumer
An increasing number of people are consulting their account- advice I. CUSTOMER
ants about the tax laws. | [+with] | need to consult with my con,sumer ‘confidence n [u] the level of people's
lawyer.
satisfaction with the economic situation, which is shown
REGISTER by how much money they spend: Consumer confidence
In everyday English, people usually say ask someone, reached an all-time low in September.
Or see someone, rather than consult someone: You con,sumer ‘durables n [plural] BrE large things such
need to ask your lawyer. | | think you should go and see as cars, televisions, or furniture that you do not buy often
' your doctor. con'sumer goods n [plural] goods that people buy for
2[1,T] to discuss something with someone so that you their own use, rather than goods bought by businesses
can make a decision together: | can’t believe you sold the and organizations — capital goods, brown goods
car without consulting me! |[+with] The President consulted con'sumer group n [C] an organization that makes
with European leaders before taking action. sure that CONSUMERS are treated fairly and that products
3 [T] to look for information in a book, map, list etc: Have are safe
you consulted a dictionary? con-sum-er-ism /kan'sju:marizam =$ -'su:-/ n [U]
con-sul-tam-cy fq = /kan'saltansi/ on (plural 1 the belief that it is good to buy and use a lot of goods
consultancies) 1[C] a company that gives advice on a and services - often used to show disapproval: the growth
particular subject: a management consultancy | a consul- of consumerism 2 actions to protect people from unfair
tancy firm 2 [U] advice that a company is paid to provide: prices, advertising that is not true etc —consumerist adj
consultancy fees con,sumer ‘price index n [Cc] a list of the prices of
con-sul-tant [fq /kan'saltant/ n [C] 1 someone whose products that shows how much prices have increased
job is to give advice on a particular subject: a manage- during a particular period of time
ment consultant 2 BrEa hospital doctor of a very high rank con'sumer so ciety n (C] a society in Which buying
who has a lot of knowledge about a particular area of goods and services is considered to be very important
medicine REELULI E> DOCTOR conm-sum-ing /kan'sjuzmin $ -'su:-/ adj [only before noun]
con-sul-ta-tion [gq /konsal'terfan $ ka:n-/ n1[C,U] a a consuming feeling is so strong that you think of little
discussion in which people who are affected by or else: a consuming hatred | consuming interest/passion (=a
involved in something can give their opinions: [+with] strong feeling of interest, or something you are extremely
 -consuming 362 Gl & & = the most frequent words in spoken English

interested in) During this period, politics became his con- 6 point of contact a) a place you go to or a person you
suming interest. meet when you ask an organization for help: first/initial
-consuming /kansju:min $ -su:-/ suffix using a lot of point of contact Primary health care teams are the first point
something such as time, energy, or space: a time- of contact for users of the service. b) a way in which two
consuming job | energy-consuming labour different things are related: finding a point of contact
between theory and practice c) the part of something
con-sum-mate! /kan'samit, 'konsamit $ 'ka:nsamit/ adj
where another thing touches it: The sting causes swelling
[only before noun] formal 1 showing a lot of skill: a great
performance from a consummate actor | He won the race at the point of contact.
with consummate ease (=very easily). |De Gaulle conducted
7 ay «(C] an electrical part that completes a
his strategy with consummate skill. 2 used to emphasize CIRCUIT when it touches another part
how bad someone or something is: his consummate lack of 8 [9 [C] informal a contact lens — eye contact at EVE'S)
tact | The man’s a consummate liar. —consummately adv eens
con-sum-mate? /konsomert $ ‘ka:n-/ v [T] formal
1 to make a marriage or relationship complete by having
haven‘contact with sb | haven’ tfadanycontact with
sex 2 to make something complete, especially an agree-
her for at least two years.
ment
be in contact (=have regular communication) He’s
2 con-sum-ma:tion /konsa'merjan $ ka:n-/ n [singular, been in contact with his lawyer about the situation.
U] formal 1when people make a marriage or relationship get in contact (=manage to communicate) Where
complete by having sex 2 the point at which something is
can | get in contact with you while you are away?
complete or perfect [SYN] realization: the consummation of
stay/keep in contact (a/so maintain contact formal)
his ambitions We've stayed in contact since we met on holiday.
con:sump-tion [Lg /ken'sampfen/ n [U] lose contact (=no longer see someone or hear from
ILI) the amount of energy, oil, electricity etc them) She went to live in Australia and | lost contact
that is used — consume: energy/fuel etc consumption dra- with her.
matic rises in fuel consumption | Vigorous exercise increases make contact We'd like to make contact with other
oxygen consumption. schools in the area.
2b 4a) formal the act of eating or drinking put sb in contact with sb (=give someone the name,
—» consume: [+of] The consumption of alcohol on the telephone number etc of another person) | can put
premises is forbidden. | fit/unfit for human consumption you in contact with a friend of mine in Paris.
(=safe or not safe to eat) The meat was declared unfit for come into contact with sb (=meet or spend time
human consumption. b) the amount of a substance that with sb) It’s good to come into contact with people
people eat, drink, smoke etc: alcohol/tobacco/caffeine etc from different cultures.
consumption The Government wants to reduce tobacco con- bring sb into contact with sb |establish contact |
sumption by 40%. avoid contact
3rd the act of buying and using products + con-
sume, consumer: art intended for mass consumption (=to be | ADJECTIVES/NOUN + contact —
bought, seen etc by lots of people) | China's austerity direct contact (=spending time with sb) Our
program has cut domestic consumption (=when products volunteers work in direct contact with people who need
are bought in the country where they were produced). | help.
conspicuous consumption (=when people buy expensive close contact (=communicating with sb often) | like
products to prove they are rich) to stay in close contact with my parents.
A for general/public/private etc consumption intended to personal contact (=seeing and speaking to sb
be heard or read only by a particular group of people: personally) She never comes into personal contact with
figures that are not for public consumption senior managers.
5 old-fashioned TUBERCULOSIS social/human contact (=spending time with other
con-sump:tive /kan'samptiv/ n [C] old-fashioned people) |regular contact | day-to-day/daily
someone with TUBERCULOSIS —consumptive adj contact |face-to-face contact (=talking to someone
who is with you) | radio contact (=communication
cont. a written abbreviation of continued
by radio)
con-tact! 3] 0 BG /‘kontekt $ 'ka:n-/ n
1h nee «=LU] communication with a person, contact? § [4 ZG v [7] to write to or telephone
organization, country etc: [+with/between] There is very someone: Give the names of two people who can be con-
little contact between the two tribes. | Many of us have no tacted in an emergency. | Please do not hesitate to contact
direct contact with elderly people. | in contact We stay in me if you have any queries. —contactable adj [not before
contact by email. | The town is cut off from contact with the noun]: A mobile phone makes you contactable wherever you
outside world. are.
2 fra] [U] when two people or things touch each
other: [+with/between] Children need physical contact with REGISTER
a caring adult. | The disease spreads by sexual contact In everyday English, people often say getintouch ‘'
between infected animals. | in contact with sth For a second, with someone rather than contact someone: Is there a
his hand was in contact with mine. | When water comes into number where | can get in touch with you?
contact with air, carbon dioxide is released. |on contact (with contact? [@ adj [only before noun] 1 contact number/
sth) The bomb exploded on contact (=at the moment it address/details a telephone number or address where
touched something). someone can be found if necessary: If you are babysitting,
3 Gass [U] when you meet someone or experience make sure you have a contact number for the parents. 2 con-
a particular kind of thing: Everyone who came into contact tact explosives or chemicals become active when they
with Dj felt better for knowing her. | Pat's job brings her into touch something: contact poisons
contact with the problems people face when they retire. ‘contact Jems n [C] a small round piece of plastic that
4 (aes “[C usually plural] a person you know who may you put on your eye to help you see clearly
be able to help or advise you: He has a lot of contacts in the
media. | a worldwide network of contacts | business/ contact sport n [C] a sport such as AMERICAN FOOT-
personal contacts BALL, RUGBY etc in which players have physical contact
5 contacts [plural] a situation in which you can communi- with each other
cate easily with a group, country etc; [+with/between] con-ta-gion /kan'terdzan/ n 1 [U] technical a situation
We have good contacts with the local community. | He goes in which a disease is spread by people touching each
to great lengths to maintain these contacts. | the establish- other: There is some danger of contagion. 2 [C] technical a”
ment of diplomatic contacts disease that can be passed from person to person by
fi (2 GS= the most Usk redlwords in written Ieee contemporary
touch 3 [singular] formal a feeling or attitude that spreads CONTAINERS
quickly between people or places: a contagion of fear
spread from city to city
con: ‘ta:*ZIOUS /kan' terdzas/ adj 1 a disease that is con-
tagious can be passed from person to person by touch
— infectious 2 a person who is contagious has a disease
that can be passed to another person by touch — infec-
tious: The patient is still highly contagious. 3 if a feeling, a tin of tuna BrE/ a packet of cheese
attitude, or action is contagious, other people are quickly

nie QO
a can of tuna AmE
affected by it and begin to have it or do it — infectious: her atin of eae BrE/
contagious enthusiasm —contagiousness n [U]
a can of beans AmE
con-tain § /ken'tein/ v [7]
1G if something such as a bag, box, or
place contains something, that thing is inside it: The a box of matches
thieves stole a purse containing banknotes. | The museum
contains a number of original artworks.
2 CTIA) if a document, book, speech etc con-
tains something, that thing is included in it: The Jetter
contained information about Boulestin’s legal affairs. | be
contained in/within sth The proposed changes are contained
in a policy statement.
a can of cola
3 GEST if a substance contains something, that a basof crisps BrE/
thing is part of it: This product may contain nuts. potato chips AmE
il
REGISTER
Ae
In everyday English, people often use different eS
phrases to say that something contains something
a carton of milk
else: The box contained books. + The box had books in a tube of toothpaste
it. |The essay contained a lot of mistakes. > There were
a lot of mistakes in the essay. | Does this dish contain
any meat? — Is there any meat in this dish?
a beer barrel
4 EGTA to control strong feelings of anger,
excitement etc: Jane couldn't contain her amusement any
longer. | contain yourself He was so excited he could hardly
contain himself.
5 GET) to stop something from spreading or escap-
ing: Doctors are struggling to contain the epidemic. | meas- a keg of beer a sachet of ketchup BrE/
ures aimed at containing political opposition a packet of ketchup AmE
—> SELF-CONTAINED
6 {E38 technical to surround an area or an angle: How a jar of pickles
big is the angle contained by these two sides?
con-tain-er /kan'temna $ -ar/ n [C] 1 something such as
a box or bowl that you use to keep things in: ice cream in
plastic containers 2 a very large metal box in which goods
are packed to make it easy to lift or move them onto a
ship or vehicle: a container ship
con-tain-ment /ken'ternmant/ n [U] formal the act of
keeping something under control, stopping it becoming a pot/jar of honey
an oil drum
more powerful etc: containment of public expenditure | aie at =)
political containment of member states
etc She sat down and contemplated what she had done. |
con-tam-i-nant /kon'teminant/ n [C] formal a sub- contemplate your navel (=think so much about your own
stance that makes something dirty: environmental con- ife that you do not notice other important things - used
taminants
humorously) 4 [T] to look at someone or something for a
con-tam-i-nate /kan'teminert/ v [T] 1 to make a place period of time in a way that shows you are thinking: He
or substance dirty or harmful by putting something such contemplated her with a faint smile.
as chemicals or poison in it: Drinking water supplies are
con-tem-pla-tion /kontam'plerjan $ ka:n-/ n [U] quiet
believed to have been contaminated. 2 to influence some-
serious thinking about something —+ meditation: The
thing in a way that has a bad effect: He claims the poster
monks spend an hour in contemplation each morning.
ads have ‘contaminated Berlin's streets’. —contamination
/kantemsnerfan/ n [U]: radioactive contamination con-tem:pla-tive’ /kan'templativ, 'kontamplertiv $
con-tam-i-nat-ed /kan'tamsnertid/ adj water, food etc kan-, 'ka:ntem-/ adj spending a lot of time thinking seri-
ously and quietly — reflective: a contemplative mood
that is contaminated has had a harmful substance added
—contemplatively adv
to it — tainted; contaminated food/blood/water supplies etc
The infection was traced to contaminated food. contemplative? n [c] formal someone who spends
DIRTY their life thinking deeply about religious matters
contd. a written abbreviation of continued con-tem-po-ra-ne-ous /kantempea'rernias/ adj formal
con-tem-plate /kontamplert $ 'ka:n-/ v 1 [T] to think happening or done in the same period of time
about something that you might do in the future [SYN] contemporary: [+with] Built in the 13th century, the
[SYN] consider: He had even contemplated suicide. |contem- chapels are contemporaneous with many of the great Gothic
plate doing sth Did you ever contemplate resigning? cathedrals, —contemporaneously adv —contemporaneity
THINK 2 [T] to accept the possibility that /kan,tempara'nissti/ n [U]
something is true: too dreadful/horrifying etc to contem- con-tem-po-ra-ry’ [Q £9 /kan'temparari, -pari
plate The thought that she might be dead was too terrible to $ -pareri/ adj
contemplate. 3 [\,T] to think about something seriously for 1belonging to the present time [SYN] modern: contempo-
a period of time [SYN] consider: Jack went on vacation to rary music/art/dance etc an exhibition of contemporary
contemplate his future. | contemplate what/whether/how Japanese prints | life in contemporary Britain
contemporary 364 (X= words from the Academic Word List

2 happening or done in the same period of time: [+with] emphasize that someone wants or does more than some-
The wall hangings are thought to be roughly contemporary thing: Not content with her new car, Selina now wants a bike.
with the tiled floors. content? /kan'tent/ n [U] 1 literary a feeling of quiet
contemporary” [@ n (plural contemporaries) [C] happiness and satisfaction 2 do sth to your heart's content
someone who lived or was in a particular place at the to do something as much as you want: She took refuge in
same time as someone else: sb’s contemporaries Oswald the library, where she could read to her heart's content.
was much admired by his contemporaries at the Academy. content? /ken'tent/ v [T] 1 content yourself with (doing)
con-tempt /ken'tempt/ n [U] 1 a feeling that someone sth to do or have something that is not what you really
or something is not important and deserves no respect: wanted, but is still satisfactory: Mr Lal has been asking for
[+for] The contempt he felt for his fellow students was more responsibility, but has had to content himself with a
obvious. | utter/deep contempt The report shows utter con- minor managerial post. 2 formal to make someone feel
tempt for women’s judgement. |open/undisguised contempt happy and satisfied: | was no longer satisfied with the life
She looked at him with undisguised contempt. | The public is that had hitherto contented me.
treated with contempt by broadcasters. | How could she have con-tent-ed /kan'tentid/ adj happy and satisfied
loved a man who so clearly held her in contempt? | beneath because your life is good [opp] discontented: | felt warm,
contempt That sort of behaviour is simply beneath contempt cosy, and contented. | They lapsed into a contented silence.
(=does not deserve respect or attention). 2 law disobe- ECLELULUE> HApry —contentedly adv: He smiled content-
dience or disrespect towards a court of law: He was jailed edly.
for seven days for contempt of court. | in contempt of sth He con-ten-tion /kan'tenfan/ n 1 [C] formal a strong opin-
was found in contempt of the order. 3 complete lack of fear ion that someone expresses: sb’s contention that Her main
about something: [+for] his contempt for danger contention is that doctors should do more to encourage
con-temp-ti-ble /kan'temptibal/ adj literary not healthy eating. PIES ciaim 2 [U] formal argument
deserving any respect at all [SYN|despicable: They were and disagreement between people: source/area/point of
portrayed as contemptible cowards. contention The issue of hunting is a source of contention.
con-temp-tu-ous /ken'temptfues/ adj showing that —+ bone of contention at BONE'(5) 3 in contention having a
you think someone or something deserves no respect chance of winning something: Owen’s goal kept England in
SYN| scornful: a contemptuous glance | [+of] He was openly contention. 4 out of contention no longer having a chance
contemptuous of his father. —contemptuously adv of winning something: Injury has put him out of contention
con-tend /kan'tend/ v 1 [1] to compete against some- for the title.
one in order to gain something: [+for] Three armed groups con-ten:tious /kan'tenfas/ adj 1 causing a lot of argu-
are contending for power. | Inevitably, fights break out ment and disagreement between people
between the members of contending groups. 2 [T] to argue [SYN] controversial: contentious issue/area/subject etc Ani-
or state that something is true [SYN] insist: contend (that) mal welfare did not become a contentious issue until the late
Some astronomers contend that the universe may be younger 1970s. 2 someone who is contentious often argues with
than previously thought. people [SYN] argumentative —contentiously adv
contend with sth phr v to have to deal with something con-tent-ment /kan'tentmant/ n [U] the state of being
difficult or unpleasant [SYN] cope with: The rescue team also happy and satisfied [opP|discontent: He gave a sigh of
had bad weather conditions to contend with. contentment, and fell asleep. |a feeling of deep contentment
con-tend-er /kan'tenda $ -ar/ n [C] someone or some- ge ty E> PLEASURE
thing that is in competition with other people or things:
[+for] a contender for the title | serious/strong/leading etc
con-test! [ /‘kontest $ 'ka:n-/ n [C]
1a competition or a situation in which two or more
contender Her album is a strong contender for the Album of
people or groups are competing with each other: [+for]
the Year award.
the bitter contest for the Republican presidential nomination |
con-tent? By (1 /‘kontent $ 'kain-/ n Stone decided to hold a contest to see who could write the
1 contents [plural] a) the things that are inside a box, bag, best song. || only entered the contest for fun. |It is clear that
room etc: [+of] The customs official rummaged through the the election will be a close contest. |[+between/against] the
contents of his briefcase. |Most of the gallery's contents were 1960 contest between Kennedy and Nixon | the 1975 Liberal
damaged in the fire. | contents insurance (=insurance for leadership contest
things such as furniture that you have in your house) 2 no contest informal a) spoken used to say that someone
b) the things that are written in a letter, book etc: [+of] or something is the best of its kind: | think you're the best
She kept the contents of the letter a secret. | The program rider here, no contest. b) if a victory is no contest, it is very
automatically creates a table of contents (=a list at the easy to achieve
beginning of a document that shows the different parts 3 plead no contest Jaw to state that you will not offer a
into which it is divided). |He cast his eye down the contents defence in a court of law for something wrong you have
page. done
2 [singular] the amount of a substance that is contained in
con-test? /kan'test/ v [T] formal 1 to say formally that
something, especially food or drink: fat/protein/alcohol
you do not accept something or do not agree with it: His
etc content the fat content of cheese | water with a low salt
brothers are contesting the will. 2 to compete for some-
content
thing or to try to win it: His wife is contesting a seat on the
3 [singular, U] the ideas, facts, or opinions that are con-
council.
tained in a speech, piece of writing, film, programme etc:
The content of the media course includes scripting, editing, con:tes:tant /kan'testant/ n [C] someone who com-
and camera work. petes in a contest
4 [singular, U] the information contained in a website, con-text 8] (1 LG /‘kontekst $ 'ka:n-/ n [C,U]
considered separately from the software that makes the 1the situation, events, or information that are related to
website work: The graphics are brilliant. It’s just a shame the something and that help you to understand it: political/
content is so poor. social/historical etc context the political context of the
con:tent? /kan'tent/ adj [not before noun] 1 happy and election | place/put/see etc sth in context Jo appreciate
satisfied: Andy was a good husband, and Nicky was clearly what these changes will mean, it is necessary to look at them
very content. | [with] We'll be content with a respectable in context. | in the context of sth These incidents are best
result in tomorrow's match. SATISFIED 2 con- understood in the broader context of developments in rural
tent (for sb) to do sth willing to do or accept something, society.
rather than doing more: She sat quietly, content to watch 2the words that come just before and after a word or.
him working. | He seemed quite content to let Steve do the sentence and that help you understand its meaning: The
talking. | Dr Belson had been more than content for them to meaning of ‘mad’ depends on its context.
deal with any difficulties. 3 not content with sth used to 3 take/quote sth out of context to repeat part of what
XG = words from the Academic Word List 365 continue
someone has said or written without describing the situ- economic policy is a continuation of the earlier one. 2 [U] the
ation in which it was said, so that it means something continuation of something is the fact that it continues to
quite different: His comments, taken out of context, seem exist or happen: [+of] measures to ensure the continuation
harsh. of food supplies 3 [C] something that joins something else
con-tex:tu-al LX /ken'tekstfual/ adj [usually before noun] as if it were part of it: [tof] The Baltic Sea is a continuation
relating to a particular context: contextual information/ of the North Sea.
factors etc —contextually adv continu'ation school n [c] AmE a school for children
con-tex-tu-al-ize £9 (also -ise BrE) /kan'tekst{ualarz/ v who cannot study at high school because they have
[T] formal to consider something together with the situa- social problems
tion, events, or information related to it, rather than
alone: The essays seek to contextualise Kristeva's writings. This graph shows the main grammar patterns of the |
con-tig-W-OUS /kan'tigjuas/ adj formal next to some- verb continue, |
thing, or next to each other: America’s 48 contiguous |

states —contiguously adv —contiguity /kontigju:sti $ continue to do sth |

karn-/ n [U] continue

con-ti-nence /kontinans $ 'ka:n-/ n [U] 1 medical the continue sth
ability to control your BOWELS and BLADDER
continue down/along/into etc
{OPP]incontinence 2 old-fashioned the ability to control
your sexual desires continue with sth
con-ti-nent™ /kontinant $ 'ka:n-/ n [C] 1a large mass continue doing sth
of land surrounded by sea: the continents of Asia and Africa other
2 the Continent BrE old-fashioned Western Europe, not Lit Tara T ily T
including the British Isles 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%
continent? adj 1 medical able to control your BOWELS
and BLADDER|OPP| incontinent 2 old-fashioned able to con- con-tin-ue fy 0 /ken'tinju:/ v
trol your sexual desires 1[1,T] to not stop happening, existing, or doing something
con-ti-nen-tal = /kont#nentle $ kain-/ adj —+ continuous, continual, discontinue: continue to do sth
1 a) the continental United States all the states of the US Sheila continued to work after she had her baby. | He will be
except Alaska and Hawaii b) continental Europe/Asia etc continuing his education in the US. | | felt too sick to
all the countries of Europe, Asia etc that are not on continue. | continue unabated/apace/unchecked (=con-
islands 2 relating to alarge mass of land: the warming-up of tinue at the same high speed or level) The flood of refu-
continental interiors 3 typical of the warmer countries in gees continued unabated. | [+with] He was permitted to
Western Europe: a continental-style café4 BrE old-fashioned continue with his work while in prison. | [+for] The strike
belonging to or in Europe, not including the British Isles: continued for another four weeks. | continue doing sth Most
continental holidays elderly people want to continue living at home for as long as
\continental ‘breakfast n [c] a breakfast consisting they can.
of coffee and bread with butter and JAM — English break- 2 [1,T] to start again, or start doing something again, after
fast an interruption [SYN] resume: After a brief ceasefire, fighting
continental ‘drift n [u] the very slow movement of continued. | Rescue teams will continue the search
tomorrow. | continue doing sth He picked up his book and
the CONTINENTS across the Earth's surface
continued reading.
continental ‘quilt n (c] BrE a puvet 3 [|] to go further in the same direction: [+down/along/
continental ‘shelf n (plural continental shelves) [C] into etc] We continued along the road for some time. | The
technical the edge of a CONTINENT where it slopes down road continues northwards to the border.
steeply to the bottom of the ocean 4 [1] to stay in the same job, situation etc: [+as] Miss Silva
con-tin-gen-cy /kan'tindzansi/ n (plural contingencies) will continue as publishing director.
[C] 1 an event or situation that might happen in the 5 [1,1] to say more after an interruption: ‘And so,’ he
future, especially one that could cause problems: a con- continued, ‘we will try harder next time.’
tingency plan |Add up your outgoings, putting on a bit more 6 to be continued used at the end of part of a story, a
for contingencies, 2 contingency fee an amount of money television show etc to tell people that the story has not
that a lawyer in the US will be paid only if the person they finished yet
are advising wins in court
con-tin-gent" /kan'tindzant/ adj formal depending on
" THESAURUS
something that may happen in the future dependent:
[+on/upon] Further investment is contingent upon the com- continue to not stop doing something that you are
pany’s profit performance. already doing: We need the money to continue our
contingent? n [C also + plural verb BrE] 1a group of work. | They continued arguing for a long time. |
people who all have something in common, such as their Despite all the warnings, many people continue to
nationality, beliefs etc, and who are part of a larger group: smoke.
Has the Scottish contingent arrived yet? 2 a group of sol- go on (also carry on especially BrE) to continue doing
diers sent to help a larger group: [+of] A large contingent something. Go on is less formal than continue, and
of troops was dispatched. is the phrase that people usually use in everyday
English: Dan went on talking but she was no longer
con-tin-u-al /kan'tinjual/ adj Lonly before noun] 1 con-
listening. |He carried on with his day job.
tinuing for a long time without stopping [SYN] constant: keep (on) doing sth [not in progressive] to continue
five weeks of continual rain | the Japanese business philoso- doing something for a long time - especially so that
phy of continual improvement 2 repeated many times, you feel tired or annoyed: We kept on walking until
often in a way that is harmful or annoying [SYN] constant: we got to the top of the hill. |The man kept staring at
She has endured house arrest and continual harassment by me.
the police. —continually adv: We are continually reassessing persevere / p3:sivie $ ,p3irss'vir/ to continue trying
the situation. to do something in a very patient and determined
con-tin-u-ance /kan'tinjuans/ n [singular, U] formal the way, in spite of difficulties. Persevere sounds rather
state of continuing for a long period of time: the continu- formal: He didn't know any English, but he persevered
ance in power of the Nationalist Party and became a good student. |Her health was rapidly
con-tin-u-a-tion /kan,tunju'erfan/_n 1[C] something declining but she persevered with her duties. | The two
that continues or follows something else that has hap- sides will just have to persevere until they can reach an
pened before, without a stop or change: [+of] The present agreement.
continued Gd & & = the most frequent words in spoken English

who twists their body into strange positions in order to

ah
entertain people
continue to happen without stopping: The good
weather seems likely to continue. | The review process is con-tour /‘kontua $ 'ka:ntur/ n [C] 1 the shape of the
expected to continue for several weeks. outer edges of something such as an area of land or
last to continue - use this to say how long someone's body: the contours of the hills | the contours of
something continues for: | know my good luck won't her face 2 (also contour line) a line on a map that shows
last forever. | The trial lasted for six days. | The meeting points that are of equal heights above sea level
lasted until lunchtime. con-toured /kontued $ 'ka:nturd/ adj 1a contoured
go on to continue, especially for a long time: surface or object has been made with curves in it: con-
Disputes between neighbours can go on for years. toured seats 2 contoured land has some parts higher than
carry on BrE to continue, especially when there are others
problems: The game carried on despite the injury of contra= /kontra $ ka:n-/ prefix acting against some-
two players. thing, or opposite to something: contraceptive devices
drag on to continue for much longer than necessary (=against conception)
or for longer than you want: The meeting dragged on con-tra:band /‘kontrabend $ 'ka:n-/ n [U] goods that
for another hour. | The talks dragged on, with no are brought into a country illegally, especially to avoid
apparent hope of achieving a peaceful solution.
tax: a cargo of contraband —contraband adj: contraband
persist formal if something bad persists, it continues
cigarettes
to exist or happen: See your doctor if the symptoms
\ persist. con-tra-bass /kontra'bers $ ka:n-/ n [C] a DOUBLE BASS
con-tra-cep-tion /kontra'sepfan $ ka:n-/ n [U] the
con-tin-ued /kan'trnju:d/ adj [only before noun] continu- practice of preventing a woman from becoming PREGNANT
ing to happen or exist for a long time, or happening many when she has sex, or the methods for doing this
times: threats to the continued existence of the species | [SYN] birth control: The pill is a popular method of contracep-
continued press speculation tion.
continuing edu'cation n [U] training and education con-tra-cep-tive /kontra'septiv< $ ka:n-/ n [C] a drug,
for adults that takes place outside the formal education object, or method used to prevent a woman from becom-
system, usually in classes in the evenings [SYN] adult edu- ing PREGNANT when she has sex: free contraceptives
cation —contraceptive adj [only before noun]: a contraceptive
con-ti-nu-i-ty =/kont3njusti $ ka:ntnu:-/ n [Ul] device
1the state of continuing for a period of time, without
problems, interruptions, or changes: We should ensure con-tract! G] (i La /‘kontrekt $ 'kain-/ n [C]
continuity of care between hospital and home. 2. technical tan official agreement between two or more people,
the organization of a film or television programme to stating what each will do —> contractual: [+with/between]
make it seem that the action happens without pauses or Tyler has agreed a seven-year contract with a Hollywood
interruptions studio. | contract to do sth a three-year contract to provide
pay telephones at local restaurants | on a contract/under
continuity announcer n [C] someone on the radio contract The firm operates schools under contract to state
or television who says what programme is being broad-
education authorities. |Employees who refuse to relocate are
cast next, or gives information about future programmes
in breach of contract (=have done something not allowed
con-tin-u-0 /kan'tinju-au $ -ou/ n (plural continuos) [C] by their contracts).
technical a musical part consisting of a line of low notes 2 subject to contract if an agreement is subject to contract,
with figures showing the higher notes that are played it has not yet been agreed formally by a contract
with them 3 informal an agreement to kill a person for money: They
con-tin-u-ous fF [Ay /ken'tinjuas/ adj put a contract out on him and he's in hiding.
1continuing to happen or exist without stopping — con-
tinue: continuous economic growth | a continuous flow of
(eo) KeleyWale) |i
information | VERBS
2something such as a line that is continuous does not have a contract The company had a contract to build a
have any spaces or holes in it [opp] broken new hotel there.
3 continuous assessment BrE a way of judging a student's sign a contract He signed a contract to become vice
ability by looking at the work they have done during the president of the football club.
year rather than by an examination enter (into) a contract You will enter a two-year
4 technical the continuous form of a verb shows that an training contract with your chosen employer.
action is continuing. In English, this is formed by the verb agree to a contract (also agree a contract BrE) Keane
‘be’, followed by a PRESENT PARTICIPLE, as in ‘l was waiting was reported to have agreed a contract for a further
for the bus.’ + simple —continuously adv: UMNO had three years.
ruled Malaysia continuously since independence. make a contract Did he know this when he made the
conmtin-wum /kan'tinjuem/ n (plural continuums or contract?
continua /-njua/) [C] formal a scale of related things on negotiate a contract (=agree the conditions of a
which each one is only slightly different from the one contract with someone) Your lawyer will assist you in
before: The Creole language is really various dialects negotiating a contract.
arranged on a continuum. |All the organisms in an ecosystem break a contract (=do something that your contract:
are part of an evolutionary continuum. does not allow) |fulfil/honour a contract (=do
con-tort /kan'to:t $ -s:rt/ v [1,7] if you contort some- what you have agreed to do) |draw up a contract
thing, or if it contorts, it twists out of its normal shape (=write one) |win/get a contract |give sb a
and looks strange or unattractive: [+with/in] His face was contract |award a company a contract (=give them
contorted with rage. |His body contorted in agony. a contract) |cancel/end/terminate a contract |
renew sb’s contract (=give someone another
con-tor-tion /kan'toxjan $ -s:r-/ n 1 [C] a twisted posi-
contract when their old one ends)
tion or movement that looks surprising or strange: | could
not force my body into the contortions required by classical | ADJECTIVES
ballet. |facial contortions 2 [U] when something is twisted a one-year/two-year etc contract He signed a
so that it does not have its normal shape: involuntary five-year contract worth $2 million.
muscle contortion 3 [C] something difficult you have to do a recording/building etc contract The band was
in order to achieve something: He went through a series of soon offered a recording contract with Columbia
amazing contortions to get Karen a work permit. Records.
con-tor-tion-ist /kan'toxfanist $ -o1-/ n [C] someone a written contract
(1 (2 GH = the most frequent words in written English 367 contrast
| PHRASES : = g Z = opposite to a belief or statement: Your behaviour is in
a contract of employment (a/so an employment direct contradiction to the principles you claim to have.
contract) Make sure you fully understand your contract con-tra-dic-to-ry [¥q /kontra‘drktari< $ ka:n-/ adj two
of employment. statements, beliefs etc that are contradictory are differ-
the terms of a contract (=the conditions that are ent and therefore cannot both be true or correct: contra-
part of the contract) He explained the terms of the dictory messages/statements/demands ete The public is
contract. being fed contradictory messages about the economy.
breach of contract (=an action that your contract con-tra-dis-tinc-tion /kontradr'stinkjan $ ka:n-/ n [C]
does not allow) They are suing the building company in contradistinction to sth formal in contrast to or com-
for breach of contract. pared to something: plants in contradistinction to animals
be in breach of contract (=have done something con-tra-flow /kontraflau $ 'ka:ntrafloo/ n [CU] BrE a
that your contract does not allow) temporary arrangement on a road that is being repaired,
that makes traffic travelling in both directions use only
con-tract? [fq /kon'trekt/ v 1 [I] to become smaller or
one side of the road: A contraflow is in operation between -
narrower [OPP]expand: Metal contracts as it cools, | The
Junctions 6 and 12.
economy has contracted by 2.5% since last year. 2 [T] formal
to get an illness catch: Two-thirds of the adult popula- con-trail /kontreil $ 'ka:n-/ n [C] a line of white steam _
tion there have contracted AIDS. 3 [1,T] to sign a contract in made in the sky by a plane
which you agree formally that you will do something or con-tra-in-di-ca-tion /kontramndskerjan $ ka:n-/ n
someone will do something for you: contract (sb) to do sth [C] medical a medical reason for not giving someone a
They are contracted to work 35 hours a week. | the company particular medicine or drug —contraindicate
that had been contracted to build the models | contract / kontra'tnd3kert $ ka:n-/ v [T usually passive]: In his case,
(with) sb for sth Doctors control their budgets and contract steroids are contraindicated,
with hospitals for services, | contract a marriage/alliance etc con-tral-to /kan'treltay $ -tou/ n (plural contraltos)
(=agree to marry someone, form a relationship with 1 [C] the lowest female singing voice, or a woman with a
them etc) Most of the marriages were contracted when the voice like this 2 [singular] the part of a musical work that
brides were very young. is written for a contralto voice
contract? /kontrakt $ 'ka:n-/ con-trap-tion /kan'trepfan/ n [C] a piece of equipment
contract in phr v BrE1 contract sb/sth <> in to arrange for or machinery that looks funny, strange, and unlikely to
a person or company outside your own organization to work well: a bizarre contraption
come in and do a particular job: We contract in cleaning con-tra-ri-wise /kan'treariwaiz, '‘kontrariwaiz $
services. 2 formal to agree officially to take part in some- 'karntreri-/ adv BrE in the opposite way or direction
thing: The rules require all members to contract in. [SYN] conversely
contract out phrv1 contract sth <> out to arrange to have con-tra-ty'
£ /‘kontrari $'ka:ntreri/ n1 on the contrary/
a job done by a person or company outside your own quite the contrary used to add to a negative statement, to
organization: [+to] We contracted the catering out to an disagree with a negative statement by someone else, or
outside firm. 2 BrE to agree officially not to take part in to answer no to a question: It wasn’t a good thing; on the
something such as a PENSION PLAN contrary it was a huge mistake. | ‘! suppose your wife doesn’t
\contract ‘bridge n [U] a form of the card game BRIDGE, understand you.’ ‘On the contrary, she understands me very
in which one of the two pairs says how many TRICKs they well.’ | ‘Are they happy?’ ‘No, no, quite the contrary.’ 2 evi-
will try to win dence/statements etc to the contrary something showing
con-trac-tion /kan'trekjan/ n 1[C] medical a very or saying the opposite: Unless there is evidence to the
strong and painful movement of a muscle, especially the contrary, we ought to believe them, | He continued to drink
muscles around the wome during birth 2 [U] the process despite advice to the contrary. 3 the contrary formal the
of becoming smaller or narrower: the contraction of metal opposite of what has been said or suggested
as it cools 3 [C] a shorter form of a word or words: contrary? £q adj 1 contrary ideas, opinions, or actions
‘Haven't’ is a contraction of ‘have not’. are completely different and opposed to each other
con-trac-tor EQ /ken'trekta $ 'ka:ntraktar/ n [C] a [SYN] opposing: Two contrary views emerged. | The men
person or company that agrees to do work or provide shouted contrary orders. | [+to] The government's actions
goods for another company: a roofing contractor are contrary to the public interest. 2 contrary to popular
con-trac-tu-al /kan'trekt{ual/ adj [only before noun] belief/opinion used to say that something is true even
agreed in a contract: Tutors have a contractual obligation to though people believe the opposite: Contrary to popular
research and publish, —contractually adv belief, a desert can be very cold. 3 formal a contrary wind is
con-tra-dict £94 /kontra'drkt $ ka:n-/ v 1 [1,T] to disa- not blowing in the direction you want to sail
gree with something, especially by saying that the oppo- con-tra-ry* /ken'treari $ 'karntreri, kan'treri/ adj some-
site is true: Deborah opened her mouth to contradict, but one who is contrary deliberately does different things
closed it again. |Dad just can’t bear to be contradicted. | The from other people: Evans was his usual contrary self.
article flatly contradicts their claims. 2 [T] if one statement, —contrariness n [U]
story etc contradicts another, the facts in it are different con-trast! [yg /kontra:st $ 'ka:ntrest/ n
so that both statements cannot be true: The witness 1[C,U] a difference between people, ideas, situations,
statements contradict each other and the facts remain things etc that are being compared: While there are simi-
unclear. 3 contradict yourself to say something that is the larities in the two cultures, there are also great contrasts. |
opposite of what you said before: Within five minutes he [+between] the economic and social contrasts between the
had contradicted himself twice. poor and the rich | [+with] The marble is smooth and
con-tra-dic-tion [49 /kontro‘dikjan $ karn-/ 11 [C] a polished, making a strong contrast with the worn stonework
difference between two statements, beliefs, or ideas around it. | by contrast (to/with) The birth rate for older
about something that means they cannot both be true: women has declined, but, by contrast, births to teenage
apparent contradictions in the defendant's testimony | mothers have increased. |in contrast (to/with) The stock lost
[+between] a contradiction between the government's ideas 60 cents a share, in contrast to last year, when it gained 21
and its actual policy 2 [U] the act of saying that someone cents. | (in) stark/marked/sharp etc contrast to sth The
else's opinion, statement etc is wrong or not true: You can winter heat wave in California is a stark contrast to the
say what you like without fear of contradiction. 3 a contradic- below-freezing temperatures on the East Coast. | The spirited
tion in terms a combination of words that seem to be the mood on Friday was in sharp contrast to the tense atmos-
opposite of each other, with the result that the phrase has phere last week. | The approach to learning at this school
no clear meaning: ‘Permanent revolution’ is a contradiction stands in marked contrast to the traditional methods used at
in terms. 4 in (direct) contradiction to sth in a way that is other schools nearby.
contrast 368 = words from the Academic Word List

2[C] something that is very different from something A4[C] a piece of writing, a song, a speech etc that forms
else: The sauce is quite sweet, so add dried thyme as a part of a larger work such as a newspaper, book, broad-
contrast. |[+to] The red stems of this bush provide a contrast cast, recording etc: [+from] a magazine with contributions
to the drab brown of the winter garden. from well-known travel writers | a Christmas album featuring
3 [U] the degree of difference between the light and dark contributions from Carly Simon, Amy Grant, and others
parts of a television picture, X-RAY, PHOTOCOPY etc: This 5 [U] when you give money, time, help etc: All the money
button adjusts the contrast. has been raised by voluntary contribution.
4[U] the differences in colour, or between light and dark, con-trib-u-tor EQ /kan'tribjsta $ -ar/ n [C] 1some-
that an artist uses in paintings or photographs to make a one who gives money, help, ideas etc to something that a
particular effect: The artist has used contrast marvelously in lot of other people are also involved in: campaign
his paintings. contributors | [+to] Dr Win was a major contributor to the
con-trast? fg /ken'tra:st $ -'trest/ v 1 [I] if two things research. 2 someone who writes a story, song, speech etc
contrast, the difference between them is very easy to see that forms part of a larger work such as a newspaper,
and is sometimes surprising: [+with] The snow was icy book, broadcast, recording etc: [+to] a regular contributor
and white, contrasting with the brilliant blue sky. | contrast to ‘Time’ magazine 3 formal someone or something that
sharply/strikingly with sth (=be extremely different from helps to cause something to happen: [+to] Cars are still
something) These results contrast sharply with other medi- one of the principal contributors to air pollution.
cal tests carried out in Australia. 2 [T] to compare two con-trib-w-to-ry /kan'tribjstari $ -to:ri/ adj1 [only before
things, ideas, people etc to show how different they are noun] being one of the causes of a particular result:
from each other: contrast sth with sth /n another passage, Smoking is a contributory factor in lung cancer. 2 a contribu-
Melville again contrasts the land with the sea. | an essay tory PENSION or insurance plan is one that is paid for by
comparing and contrasting (=showing how two things are the workers as well as by the company they work for
similar and different) Verdi and Wagner and their operas [OPP|noncontributory
LOLS compare contributory ‘negligence n [U] law failure to take
con-tras-ting [fq /ken'tra:stin $ -'trees-/ adj two or enough care to avoid or prevent an accident, so that you
more things that are contrasting are different from each are partly responsible for any loss or damage caused
other, especially in a way that is interesting or attractive: ‘con trick n [C] a CONFIDENCE TRICK
a blue shirt with a contrasting collar con-trite /kontrart $ 'ka:n-/ adj formal feeling guilty and
con-tra-vene /kontra'viin $ ka:n-/ v [T] formal to do sorry for something bad that you have done: a contrite
something that is not allowed according to a law or rule apology —contritely adv —contrition /ken'trafan/ n [U]
[SYN] violate: Some portions of the bill may contravene state con-triv-ance /kan'traivans/ n formal 1 [C] something
law. LEESEUTTS> visosey that is artificial or does not seem natural, but that helps
con-tra-ven-tion /kontra'venfan $ ka:n-/ n [C,U] when something else to happen - usually used to show disap-
someone does something that is not allowed by a law or proval: A ridiculous series of plot contrivances moves the film
rule [SYN] violation: [+of] Sending the troops was a contra- along. 2 [C,U] a plan or trick to make something happen
vention of the treaty. |in contravention of sth (=in a way not or get something for yourself, or the practice of doing
allowed by a rule or law) Several of the girls were wearing this: Harriet’s matchmaking contrivances 3 [C] a machine
trousers, in contravention of the school rules on dress. or piece of equipment that has been made for a special
con-tre-temps /kontraton $ 'ka:ntrata:n/ n (plural con- purpose: a steam-driven contrivance used in 19th century
tretemps) [C] an argument or disagreement - often used factories
humorously con-trive /kan'traw/ v [T]1 formal to succeed in doing
con-trib-ute Ey (1 LG /ken'tribju:t/ v something in spite of difficulties: contrive to do sth Schin-
1[1,T] to give money, help, ideas etc to something that a dler contrived to save more than 1,000 Polish Jews from the
lot of other people are also involved in: [+to/towards] Nazis. 2 to arrange an event or situation in a clever way,
City employees cannot contribute to political campaigns. | especially secretly or by deceiving people: The lawsuit
contribute sth to/towards sth The volunteers contribute their says oil companies contrived the oil shortage in the 1970s.
own time to the project. 3 to make or invent something in a skilful way, especially
2 [1] to help to make something happen — contributory: because you need it suddenly: In 1862, a technique was
Stress is a contributing factor in many illnesses. | [+to] contrived to take a series of photographs showing stages of
Alcohol contributes to 100,000 deaths a year in the US. | movement.
contribute substantially/significantly/greatly etc to sth con-trived /kan'trarvd/ adj seeming false and not natu-
Enya’s success has contributed substantially to the current ral: The characters are as contrived as the plot.
interest in Celtic music. con-trol! 5] (i /ken'trau! $ -‘troul/ n
3 [1,1] to write articles, stories, poems etc for a news-
paper orf magazine —+ contributor: [+to] one of several
ITEC
TTSaTI EE =6[U] the ability or
power to make someone or something do what you want
authors contributing to the book or make something happen in the way you want: The
con-tri-bu-tion y [Q LG /kontrbju:fan $ ka:n-/ n disease robs you of muscle control. | [+of/over] Babies are
1[C] something that you give or do in order to help born with very little contro! over their movements. | Artists
something be successful: [+to/towards] Einstein was like to have some control over where their works are hung ina
awarded the Nobel Prize for his contribution to Quantum gallery. |She's a good teacher who has control of her class. |
Theory. | The school sees its job as preparing students to Students are encouraged to take control of their own learning,
make a contribution to society. | significant/substantial/ rather than just depending on the teacher. | Excessive drink-
valuable etc contribution Wolko made outstanding contribu- ing can make you lose contrel of your own life. |‘Do you need
tions to children’s medicine. any help?’ ‘No. It's under control, thanks.’ |Dogs are allowed
2{C] an amount of money that you give in order to help on the trails if they are kept under control. | The car spun out
pay for something: a campaign contribution | [+of] A of control and hit a tree. | Flight delays do occur, for reasons
contribution of £25 will buy 15 books. | [+to/towards] Con- that are outside our control. ,
tributions to charities are tax deductible. | You can make 2 Ga [vu] the power to make the decisions about how
annual contributions of up to $1,000 in education savings a country, place, company etc is organized or what it
accounts. does: The press was freed from political control. | [+of]
3[C] a regular payment that you make to your employer Jordan asked for editorial control of the project. | in control
or to the government to pay for things that you will (of sth) Anti-government forces are still in control of the
receive when you are no longer working, for example area. | By the end of the year, the rebels had control over the
health care, a PENSION etc: income tax and national insur- northern territories. |The Johnson family has effective control
ance contributions | [+to] Have you been making regular of the company, owning almost 60% of the shares. | China
contributions to a pension plan? gained control of the island in 1683. |His son is being trained
GX = words from the Academic Word List 369 control room
to take control of the family business. | The Democrats lost building. | control how/what/which etc The valves in the
control of Congress in the last election. | under the control of heart control how quickly the blood is pumped around the
sb The college was under the control of a group of trustees. | body.
The whole of this area came under Soviet control after World 6st) to make sure that something is done
War I. |The Conservatives are hoping to regain control of the correctly [SYN] check, monitor: The company strictly controls
city council. the quality of its products.
3 TRO) «6C,U] an action, method, or law
that limits the amount or growth of something, especially
something that is dangerous: pest contro! | [+of] the control to have power over a country, place,
control of inflation | [+on] The authorities imposed strict company etc, and decide what happens there: The
controls on the movement of cattle. | an agreement on arms Democrats controlled the US Congress. | Government
control (=control of the amount of weapons a country forces now control the city.
has) | under control Firefighters had the blaze under control run to make the important everyday decisions
by 9:44 p.m. |Shea used diet and exercise to bring her weight concerning a company, organization, country etc, so
under control. |The Federal Reserve Bank raised interest rates that it can continue to operate: He runs a software
to keep inflation under control. |rent/price/wage etc controls company in New York. | The parents want to run the
Rent controls ensured that no one paid too much for school themselves. | The government is unfit to run the
housing. | tight/rigid controls (=strict controls) the intro- country.
duction of tighter controls on immigration | Police used fire be in charge of sb/sth to have control over
hoses and dogs for crowd control. something, or responsibility for a group of people:
4 COA ee) «[U] the ability to remain calm She is in charge of training new employees. | | left him
even when you feel very angry, upset, or excited: There in charge of the children while | was out.
were sudden tears in his eyes and he paused, fighting for manage to be in charge of a company, especially
control. |Davidson lost control of himself and started yelling. | one that someone else owns: In 1963, she opened a
Small children can’t be expected to have the same self- furniture store, and her son has managed it since 1985.
control (=ability to control their emotions and behaviour) be in power if a group or leader is in power, they
as an adult. |under control Her voice is under control, but she have political control of a country: Abe resigned after
is almost shaking with anger. | in control | felt calm and in less than a year in power. | It was the first time a
control. democratically elected government had been in power.
5STIA Ts] [Cc] the thing that you press or turn rule if a leader or political group rules a country,
to make a machine, vehicle, television etc work: the TV they have political control of that country: President
remote control | the volume contro! on the radio | a car with Assad ruled the country for almost 30 years. | The same
manual controls | at the controls (=controlling a vehicle or party has ruled Japan for many years.
aircraft) Belton, at the controls, made a perfect landing. supervise to be in charge of a group of workers or
6 TENG = (singular, U] the students and make sure that they do their work
people who direct an activity or who check that some- properly: Professor Braude supervised the research
thing is done correctly, the place where this is done, or team. | He’s supervising the building work.
the process of doing it: air-traffic contro! | Please stop at
passport control. |computers used for stock control con'trol freak n [C] informal someone who is too
7 BGS «(C] a) a person, group etc against concerned about controlling all the details in every situa-
which you compare another person or group that is very tion they are involved in
similar, in order to see if a particular quality is caused by con'trol key n [C] a particular button on a computer
something or happens by chance: control group/ that allows you to do certain operations
population/sample etc A contro! group of non-smoking con-trol-la-ble /kan'travlabal $ -'troul-/ adj able to be
women was compared to four groups of women smokers. controlled: Diabetes is a serious but controllable disease.
b) a thing that you already know the result for that is
used in a scientific test, in order to show that your con-trolled /kan'trauld $ -trould/ adj 1 deliber-
method is working correctly ++ CONTROLLED EXPERIMENT ately done in a particular way, or made to have particular
8 GE [singular] (also control key) a particular but- qualities: a test held under controlled conditions | a control-
ton on a computer that allows you to do certain opera- led explosion 2 limited by a law or rule: Access to the site is
tions: Press control and F2 to exit. + BIRTH CONTROL, QUALITY closely controlled. | a police search for controlled drugs (=a
CONTROL, REMOTE CONTROL drug that is illegal to have without permission from a
doctor) 3 calm and not showing emotion, even if you feel
control? & i v (controlled, controlling) [T] angry, afraid etc: a controlled authoritative voice
127g) to have the power to make the decisions about controlled ex'periment n [Cc] a scientific test done
how a country, place, company etc is organized or what it in a place where you can control all the things that might
does: The Democrats continued to control the Senate until affect the test: a controlled experiment to determine the
last year. | a huge company controlling half the world’s coffee effects of light on plant growth
trade |Labour-/Republican-/Democrat- etc controlled
2 to limit the amount or growth of something, con,trolled ‘substance n [Cc] /aw a drug that is illegal
especially something that is dangerous: a chemical used to to possess or use without permission from a doctor: an
control weeds |an economic plan to control inflation |Devel- arrest for the possession and sale of controlled substances
opment in areas of outstanding natural beauty is strictly con-trol-ler /kan'travia $ -'troular/ n [C] 1some-
controlled. |Strict measures were taken to control the spread one who is in charge of a particular system, organization,
of foot and mouth disease. or part of an organization: air-traffic controllers 2 (also
3EACEEAIMEG to make someone or comptroller) formal someone who is in charge of the
something do what you want, or make something happen money received or paid out by a company or government
in the way that you want: Police had to be called in to department
control the crowds. |a skilled rider controlling a spirited horse con-trol-ling /kan'travlin $ -'troul-/ adj always trying to
AGNEW if you contro! your emotions, your voice, your make someone do what you want - used to show disap-
expression etc, you succeed in behaving calmly and sen- proval: She wanted to get away from her controlling parents.
sibly, even though you feel angry, upset, or excited: Sarah
took a deep breath, trying to control her anger. |He controlled con,trolling ‘interest n [Cc usually singular] if you have
the urge to laugh. | control yourself Newman controlled a controlling interest in a company, you own enough
himself with an effort. SHARES to be able to make decisions about what happens
5 Manes «to make a machine, proc- to the company: [+in] The firm paid over $10 million for a
ess, or system work in a particular way: a radio-controlled controlling interest in five hotels,
toy car | A thermostat controls the temperature in the con'trol room n [c] the room that a process, service,
 370 i & &) = the most frequent words in spoken English

large machine, factory etc is controlled from: the subma- bank is open until 7 p.m. |Services should be run to suit the
rine’s control room convenience of the customer, not the staff. 3 [C] something
con'trol tower n [Cc] a tall building at an airport from that is useful because it saves you time or means that .
which people direct the movement of aircraft on the you have less work to do: The supermarket offers a bag-
ground and in the air packing service, as a convenience to customers. |a hotel with
all the modern conveniences 4 at your earliest convenience
con-tro-ver:sial GG /kontra'v3ayal< $ |kaintre'vair-/ adj
formal as soon as possible - used in letters: We should be
causing a lot of disagreement, because many people have
grateful if you would reply at your earliest convenience.
strong opinions about the subject being discussed: the
5 [C usually plural] (also public convenience) formal a pub-
controversial issue of welfare reform | a highly controversial
lic toilet 6 a marriage of convenience a marriage that has
(=very controversial) plan to flood the valley in order to
been agreed for a particular purpose, not because the
build a dam |He is a controversial figure (=person who does
two people love each other: /n the past most royal mar-
controversial things) in the art world. —controversially
riages were marriages of convenience, arranged for political
adv
reasons.
con-tro-versy (4 /‘kontrav3:si, kan'trovasi $ con'venience food n [CU] food that is partly or
‘karntrev3irsi/ n (plural controversies) [C,U] a serious argu- completely prepared already and that is sold frozen or in
ment about something that involves many people and cans, packages etc, so that it can be prepared quickly and
- continues for a long time: a political controversy | the easily: We eat too little fresh food, relying instead on conven-
controversy surrounding Skinner's theories | cause/provoke/ ience foods.
arouse controversy The judges’ decision provoked
controversy. |[tover/about] the controversy over campaign-
con'venience store n [C] a shop where you can buy
finance issues | Controversy arose (=began) over the use of
food, alcohol, magazines etc, that is often open 24 hours
each day
the chemicals on crops.
con-tu-sion /kan'tju:zan $ -'tu:-/ n [C,U] medical a BRUISE
con-ve-ni-ent By /kanvi:niant/ adj
1useful to you because it saves you time, or does not
Or BRUISING —contused adj
spoil your plans or cause you problems
co-nun-drum /ka'nandram/ n [C] 1a confusing and oppjinconvenient: Mail-order catalogs are a convenient
difficult problem: the conundrum of our purpose on Earth way to shop. | My secretary will call you to arrange a
2 a trick question asked for fun riddle convenient time to meet. | [+for] Is three o'clock convenient
con-ur-ba-tion /kons:'berfan $ kaina:r-/ n [C] formal a for you? | convenient to do sth /t is simple and convenient to
group of towns that have spread and joined together to use.
form an area with a high population, often with a large
city as its centre REGISTER
In everyday English, people usually say a good
con-va-lesce /konvalles $ ka:n-/ v [I] to spend time
time/day etc rather than a convenient time/day etc: Is
getting well after an illness [SYN] recover: the time needed
this a good time for you to talk?
to convalesce after an operation (IELNLe> RECOVER
con-va-les-cence /kpnvallesans $ ka:n-/ n [singular] 2 close and easy to reach [OPP] inconvenient: The bus stop
the length of time a person spends getting well after an around the corner is probably the most convenient. | [+for]
illness: a long and painful convalescence BrE [+to] AmE: restaurants convenient for shops and thea-
tres —> INCONVENIENT
con-va-les-cent / konva'lesant« $ ka:n-/ n [C] some-
one who is spending time getting well after an illness con-ve-ni-ent-ly /kan'visniantli/ adv 1 in a way. that is
—convalescent adj useful to you because it saves you time or does not spoil
your plans or cause you problems: Conveniently, her par-
conva'lescent home (also onva'lescent hospital) n ents are often willing to babysit. | At that time, ice cream
[C] a place where people stay when they need care from couldn't be conveniently bought in a store. 2 in a place that
doctors and nurses, but are not sick enough to be in a is close or easily reached: The hotel is conveniently located
hospital > nursing home near the airport. 3 if someone has conveniently forgotten,
con-vect /kan'vekt/ v [I] technical to move heat by ignored, lost etc something, they deliberately do this
convection because it helps them to avoid a problem or to get what
con-vec-tion /kan'vekfan/ n [U] technical the move- they want: You conveniently forgot to tell me she was Nick's
ment in a gas or liquid caused by warm gas or liquid sister,
rising, and cold gas or liquid sinking con-ve-nor /kan'vi:na $ -ar/ n [C] another spelling of
con'vection oven n [C] a special oven that makes hot CONVENER
air move around inside it so that all the parts of the food con-vent /‘konvant $ 'ka:nvent/ n [C] a building or set
get the same amount of heat of buildings where NUNs live ++ monastery + CONVENT
con-vec-tor /kan'vekta $ -ar/ (also con'vector heater) n SCHOOL
[C] BrE an electrical heater that uses hot air con-ven-tion [1] LG /kan'venfan/ n
con-vene LY /kan'vi:n/ v [1,1] if a group of people 1[C] a large formal meeting for people who belong to the
convene, of someone convenes them, they come same profession or organization or who have the same
together, especially for a formal meeting: a report by interests: a teachers’ convention | the city’s new convention
experts convened by the National Institutes of Health center |a convention for science fiction fans
2{[C] a formal agreement, especially between countries,
con-ven-er, convenor /kan'vi:na $ -ar/ n [C] 1 some- about particular rules or behaviour [SYN] pact, treaty:
one who arranges for people to meet at a formal meeting [+on] the European convention on human rights
2 BrE an important official for a TRADE UNION at a factory 3[C,U] behaviour and attitudes that most people in a
or office society consider to be normal and right [SYN] custom:
con-ve:ni-ence /kan'vi:nians/ n 1[U] the quality of Playing together teaches children social conventions such as
being suitable or useful for a particular purpose, espe- sharing. | They defied the conventions of the time by living
cially by making something easier or saving you time: together without being married. | by convention By conven-
Ready meals sell well because of their convenience. | the tion, the bride's father gives her away at her wedding.
convenience of doing sth Most of us like the convenience of 4[C] a method or style often used in literature, art, the
using credit cards to buy things. |for convenience For conven- theatre etc to achieve a particular effect: the conventions
ience, the German translation is printed below. 2 [U] what is of the 19th-century novel
easiest and best for a particular person: at sb’s conven- con-ven-tion-al [5 fa /kan'venfanal/ adj ;
ience (=at a time that is best and easiest for someone) 1 [only before noun] a conventional method, product, prac-
These meals can be prepared in advance, and served at your tice etc has been used for a long time and is considered
convenience. |for sb's convenience For your convenience, the the usual type: Internet connections through conventional -
 371 convey

phone lines are fairly slow. | Bake for 20 minutes in a con-verse-ly Eq /kan'vaisli, 'konvarsli $ kan'v3zrsli,
conventional oven; 8 in a microwave. fiLIe7AL.e> NORMAL 'karnv3irsli/ adv used when one situation is the opposite
2 always following the behaviour and attitudes that most of another: American consumers prefer white eggs; con-
people in a society consider to be normal, right, and versely, British buyers like brown eggs.
socially acceptable, so that you seem slightly boring: a con-ver-sion fg /kan'v3ian $ -vairgan/ n [CU]
strong believer in conventional morals | [+in] He is conven- 1 when you change something from one form, purpose,
tional in his approach to life. or system to a different one: [+into] The warehouse was
3 (the) conventional wisdom the opinion that most people undergoing conversion into apartments. | [+of] the conver-
consider to be normal and right, but that is sometimes sion of waste into usable products | [+to] The British conver-
shown to be wrong: As traffic grew, the conventional wis- sion to the metric system took place in the 1970s. | house/
dom was to widen the roads. barn/loft etc conversion BrE (=when you change the use of
4 [only before noun] conventional weapons and wars do a house, barn etc, so that it becomes apartments, a
not use NUCLEAR explosives or weapons: conventional house, a room etc) 2 when someone changes from one
forces religion or belief to a different one: [+to] a conversion to
5 conventional medicine the usual form of medicine prac- vegetarianism | [+from] Newman's conversion from Angli-
tised in most European and North American countries canism to Catholicism 3 a way of scoring extra points in
[SYN] western medicine —conventionally adv RUGBY Or AMERICAN FOOTBALL
—conventionality /kanvenfa'nelsti/ n [U] con'version course n [C] BrE a course for students
con:ven-tion-eer /kanyvenfa'nta $ -'nir/ n [C] especially who have some knowledge of a subject, but who need
AmE written someone who attends a convention slightly different or more knowledge in order to do some-
‘convent school n (c] a school for girls that is run by thing: A qualified pilot would still need a conversion course to
Roman Catholic NUNs fly microlight aircraft.
converge /kan'v3:dz $ -'v3irdz/ v [1] 1 to come from con-vert! [1 LG /kan'va:t $ -lvarrt/ v
different directions and meet at the same point to 1a) [T] to change something into a different form, or to
become one thing [opp]|diverge: The two rivers converge change something so that it can be used for a different
into one near Pittsburgh. 2 if groups of people converge in purpose or in a different way — convertible: convert sth
a particular place, they come there from many different to/into sth They converted the spare bedroom into an office. |
places and meet together to form a large crowd: [+on] The stocks can be easily converted to cash. | a 19th-century
Reporters converged on the scene. 3 if different ideas or converted barn (=barn changed into a house) b) [|] to
aims converge, they become the same [oPP| diverge: Cul- change into a different form, or change into something
tural beliefs about the role of women converge with govern- that can be used for a different purpose or in a different
ment policies. —convergent adj: The member states should way: [+to/into] a sofa that converts into a bed | In the
start to have more convergent policies. process, the light energy converts to heat energy.
con:ver-sant /kan'v3isant $ -3ir-/ adj [not before noun] 2a) [T] to persuade someone to change to a different
1 formal having knowledge or experience of something: religion: convert sb to sth European missionaries converted
[+with] Staff members are conversant with the issues. thousands to Christianity. b) [1] to change to a different
2 AmE able to hold a conversation in a foreign language, religion: [+to] She converted to Catholicism.
but not able to speak it perfectly: [+in] Kim was conver- 3 a) [1] to change to a different set of ideas, principles, or
sant in Russian. ways of doing something: [+to] people who have recently
converted to vegetarianism b) [T] to persuade someone to
con-ver:sa-tion §]) [4 /konve'sexfan $ ka:nver-/ n change to a different set of ideas, principles, or ways of
[C,U] an informal talk in which people exchange news, doing something: convert sb to sth She succeeded in con-
feelings, and thoughts: a telephone conversation | Children verting me to her point of view. | newly/freshly converted
quickly get bored by adult conversation. | [+with] a short newly converted feminists
conversation with the teacher | [+about] a conversation
4 [1,7] to make a conversion in RUGBY Or AMERICAN FOOT-
about family and friends | They had a short conversation in BALL — preach to the converted at PREACH(4)
German and seemed to be disagreeing about something. | It’s
con-vert? /konvait $ 'ka:nvairt/ n [C] someone who has
impossible to carry on a conversation with all this noise in the
background. | ‘Did you have a good journey?’ he said, trying been persuaded to change their beliefs and accept a
to make conversation. | He was silent, no matter how hard particular religion or opinion: [+to] a convert to
Sofia tried to engage him in conversation, |After a while, the Christianity |recent converts to the cause
conversation turned to a friend’s coming wedding. | They con-vert-er, convertor /kan'v3:ita $ -'v3irtar/ n [C] a
were deep in conversation, relaxed and smiling. | He could piece of equipment that changes the form of something,
hear snatches of conversation from across the room. especially so that it can be more easily used: a converter
that allows you to view digital television on your old TV
con-ver-Sa-tion-al / konva'serfanala $ ka:nvar-/ adj
—> CATALYTIC CONVERTER
1 a conversational style, phrase etc is informal and com-
_ monly used in conversation: The article was written in con-ver-ti-ble! fq /kan'va:tsbal $ -3:r-/ adj 1 an object
straightforward, almost conversational language. 2 relat- that is convertible can be folded or arranged in a different
ing to conversation: lessons in conversational German way so that it can be used as something else: a convertible
—conversationally adv sofa 2 technical able to be exchanged for the money of
another country: a convertible currency 3 technical a finan-
con-ver-sa-tion-al-ist / konve'serfanalist $ ka:nvar-/ n
cial document such as an insurance arrangement or a
[C] someone who talks about intelligent, amusing, and
BOND that is convertible can be exchanged for money,
interesting things - STOCKS etc —convertibility /kan,va:t3brliti $ -3:r-/ n [U]
,conver'sation piece n [Cc] something that provides a convertible? n [c] a car with a soft roof that you can
subject for conversation - often used humorously about fold back or remove — hardtop, cabriolet
objects that seem very strange or ugly
con-vex /kon'veks<, ken-, 'konveks $ ka:n'veks<, kan-,
con-verse’ /kan'v3:s $ -‘vairs/ v [1] formal to have a 'ka:nveks/ adj curved outwards, like the surface of the eye
conversation with someone [SYN] talk: [+with] She enjoyed concave: a convex lens |a convex mirror — see picture
the chance to converse with another French speaker. at CONCAVE —convexly adv —convexity /kan'veksiti/ n
GEESE TALK (C,U]
con-verse2 /‘konv3:s $ 'ka:nv3:rs/ n formal the converse con-vey /kan'vet/ v [T] 1 to communicate or express
the converse of a fact, word, statement etc is the oppo- something, with or without using words: All this informa-
site of it: Some teachers welcomed the change; but for the tion can be conveyed in a simple diagram. | Ads convey the
majority of teachers, the converse was true. message that thin is beautiful. | He was sent to convey a
con-verse® [ /‘konvais $ kan'v3irs/ adj formal oppo- message to the UN Secretary General. | convey sth to sb /
site: a converse example want to convey to children that reading is one of life's
 conveyance 372 EX = words from the Academic Word List

greatest treats. | convey a sense/an impression/an idea etc the role in an utterly convincing way. 2 convincing victory/
You don’t want to convey the impression that there's any- win an occasion when a person or team wins a game by a
thing illegal going on. 2 formal to take or carry something lot of points —convincingly adv
from one place to another: Your luggage will be conveyed to con-Viv-i-al /kan'vivial/ adj formal friendly and pleas-
the hotel by taxi.3 law to legally change the possession of antly cheerful: a convivial atmosphere —convivially adv
property from one person to another —conviviality /kanvivi'elsti/ n [U]
con-vey-ance /kan'verans/ n 1[C] formal a vehicle: con-vo-ca-tion /konva'kerfan $ kain-/ n 1[C usually
Wheeled conveyances of any kind are not allowed in the park. singular] formal a large formal meeting of a group of
2 [U] formal when you take something from one place to people, especially church officials 2 [U] formal the proc-
another: the conveyance of goods 3 [U] when you commu- ess of arranging for a large meeting to be held 3 [C usually
nicate or express something, with or without words: singular] AmE the ceremony held when students have
Facial expressions are part of the conveyance of meaning. finished their studies and are leaving a college or univer-
4 [C] law a legal document that gives land, property etc sity
- to one person from another con-voke /kan'vauk $ -'vouk/ v [T] formal to tell people
con-vey-anc-ing /kan'veransin/ n [U] BrE the work that they must come together for a formal meeting:
done, usually by a lawyer, to change the possession of Separate meetings had been convoked by the two opposing
property, especially a house, from one person to another factions.
—conveyancer n [C] con-vo-lut-ed /‘konvalu:tid $ 'kain-/ adj 1compli-
con-vey-Or, conveyer /kan'veta $ -ar/ n [C] 1a person cated and difficult to understand: long paragraphs and
or thing that carries or communicates something: the convoluted sentences | The argument is rather convoluted.
conveyer of good news 2 a conveyor belt GOESNTTS> compticateD2 formal having many twists
con'veyor belt n [c] a long continuous moving band and bends: a tightly-coiled convoluted tube
of rubber, cloth, or metal, used in a place such as a con-vo-lu-tion /konvea'lu:fan $ ka:n-/ n [C usually plural]
factory or an airport to move things from one place to 1the complicated details of a story, explanation etc,
another: We lifted our baggage from the conveyor belt. which make it difficult to understand: [+of] the endless
con-vict! /kan'vrkt/ v [T] to prove or officially announce convolutions of the plot 2a fold or twist in something
that someone is guilty of a crime after a TRIAL in a law which has many of them: [+of] the many convolutions of
court [OPP| acquit: convict sb of sth She was convicted of the small intestine
shoplifting. | convict sb.on sth He was convicted on fraud con-voy' /‘konvor $ 'ka:n-/ n [C] a group of vehicles or
charges. |a convicted murderer ships travelling together, sometimes in order to protect
com-vict? /‘konvrkt $ 'ka:n-/ n [C] someone who has one another: [+of] The British left in a convoy of 20 cars. |in
been proved to be guilty of a crime and sent to prison: an convoy We drove in convoy. | a military convoy | aid/relief/
escaped convict food etc convoy
con-vic-tion [q /kan'vikfan/ n convoy” v [T] to travel with something in order to
1[C] a very strong belief or opinion: religious/political etc protect it: American destroyers helped to convoy much-
convictions a woman of strong political convictions | deep/ needed supplies to Britain in 1917.
strong conviction The Dotens have a deep conviction that con-vulse /kan'vals/ v 1 [1] if your body or a part of it
marriage is for life. |conviction that The students possess the convulses, it moves violently and you are not able to
conviction that they can make a difference to their commu- control it: He sat down, his shoulders convulsing with sobs.
nity.
2 be convulsed with laughter/anger etc to be laughing so
2[U] the feeling of being sure about something and much or feel so angry that you shake and are not able to
having no doubts: with/without conviction He was able to stop yourself 3 [T] if something such as a war convulses
say with conviction that he had changed. | ‘No,’ she said, a country, it causes a lot of problems or confusion: A
without conviction. |It was a reasonable explanation, but his wave of nationalist demonstrations convulsed the country in
voice lacked conviction. | It took her so much effort to speak 1919.
that what she said carried great conviction (=showed she
felt sure of what she said). con-vul-sion /kan'valfan/ n [C] 1a shaking movement
of your body that you cannot control, which happens
3 [C,U] a decision in a court of law that someone is guilty
because you are ill seizure: His temperature was very
of a crime, or the process of proving that someone is
high and he went into convulsions, 2 [usually plural] a great
guilty [OPP] acquittal: They had no previous convictions. |
Applicants are checked for criminal convictions. | [+for] This
change that affects a country: the 19th-century political
was her third conviction for theft. |the trial and conviction of convulsions in France 3 be in convulsions to be laughing a
lot
Jimmy Malone —+ have the courage of your convictions at
COURAGE(2) con-vul-sive /kan'vals1v/ adj [usually before noun] a con-
vulsive movement or action is sudden, violent, and
con-vince fy (8 LG /kan'vins/ v [T]
impossible to control: a convulsive sob —convulsively adv:
1to make someone feel certain that something is true:
Con's body jerked convulsively.
Her arguments didn’t convince everyone, but changes were
made. |convince sb (that) Baker had to convince jurors that co-ny, coney /‘kauni $ 'kouni/ n (plural conies or coneys)
his client had been nowhere near the scene of the murder. | 1[C] old use a rabbit 2 [U] rabbit fur used for makin
convince sb of sth The officials were eager to convince us of coats \
the safety of the nuclear reactors. coo" /ku:/ v1 [1] when Doves or PIGEONS coo, they make
2to persuade someone to do something [SYN] persuade: a low soft cry 2 [1,T] to make soft quiet sounds, or to
convince sb to do sth I’ve been trying to convince Jean to speak in a soft quiet way: ‘Darling,’ she cooed. | a cooing
come with me. PEEENTTE> persuave voice —coo n [C] > bill and coo at BILL?(3)
con-vinced fq /kan'vinst/ adj1 [not before noun] feeling €007 interjection BrE used to express surprise: Coo! That
certain that something is true: Molly agreed, but she did must have cost a lot!
not sound very convinced. | be convinced (that) | was con- cook" gy 1 /kok/ v
vinced that we were doing the right thing. | [+of] Research- 1[1,T] to prepare food for eating by using heat: Where did.
ers are convinced of a genetic cause for the disease. |firmly/ you learn to cook? | Cook the sauce over a low heat for ten
totally/fully etc convinced Herschel was firmly convinced of minutes. |cook a meal/dinner/breakfast etc |’r usually too
the possibility of life on other planets. SURE tired to cook an evening meal. | cook sth for supper/lunch/
2 convinced Muslim/Christian etc someone who believes dinner etc He was cooking rice for supper. |cook sb sth She
very strongly in a particular religion cooked them all a good dinner every night. |cook (sth) for sb
convincing LQ /kan'vinstn/ adj 1making you believe ! promised I'd cook for them. |slices of cooked ham |a cooked
that something is true or right: convincing evidence of his breakfast \ y 2 3
guilt |wholly/utterly/totally etc convincing Courtenay played 2[1] to be prepared for eating by using heat: He could 3
EX = words from the Academic Word List

smell something delicious cooking. | Hamburgers were cook- cook:book /‘kokbuk/ n [C] AmE a book that tells you
ing in the kitchen. how to prepare and cook food |SYN| cookery book BrE
3 cook the books to dishonestly change official records .cook-'chill adj [only before noun] BrE cook-chill foods
and figures in order to steal money or give people false have already. been cooked when you buy them, and are
information: The Government was cooking the books and stored at a low temperature, but not frozen
misleading the public.
4 be cooking informal to be being planned in a secret way:
cook-er Ey /‘koke $ -ar/ n [C] BrE
1a large piece of equipment for cooking food on or in
They've got something cooking, and | don’t think | like it.
SYN|stove AmE: a gas cooker
5 be cooking (with gas) spoken used to say that someone is
2a fruit, especially an apple, that is suitable for cooking
doing something very well: The band’s really cooking
but not for eating raw
tonight.
cook-e-ry /‘kukari/ n [U] BrE the art or skill of cooking: a
THESAURUS one-year cookery course | French cookery
| TO COOK SOMETHING ‘cookery book n [Cc] BrE a book that tells you how to
cook to prepare a meal or food for eating by using prepare and cook food |SYN| cookbook AmE — recipe
heat: | offered to cook a meal for her. |Cook in a hot cook-house /‘kukhaus/ n [C] old-fashioned an outdoor —
oven for 25 minutes. kitchen where you cook food, especially in a military —
make to make a meal or a particular dish by cooking camp
it or getting all the parts ready: John was making
dinner. || think I'll make a salad for lunch.
cook-ie G ( /‘kvki/ n (c]
lespecially AmE a small flat sweet cake [SYN] biscuit BrE: a
prepare to make a meal or a particular dish by
glass of milk and a cookie |a chocolate chip cookie
getting all the parts ready. Prepare is more formal
2 tough/smart cookie informal someone who is clever and
than make: The children helped to prepare the evening
successful, and knows how to get what they want
meal. | The dish takes a long time to prepare.
3 that's the way the cookie crumbles informal said when
rustle up /'rAsal/ informal to cook a meal or dish
something bad has happened and you must accept things
quickly using whatever is available: She soon rustled
the way they are, even though you do not want to
up a tasty soup.
4 technical information that a website leaves in your com-
fix especially AmE to cook or prepare a meal - used
puter so that the website will recognize you when you
‘about meals you make quickly: Why don’t you take a
use it again
nap while | fix dinner?
5 Ame old-fashioned an attractive young woman
do BrE informal to make a particular type of food: |
could do you an omelette. | | was thinking of doing a cookie cutter’ n [Cc] AmE an instrument that cuts
fish pie when Michael comes. cookies into special shapes before you bake them
cookie cutter? adj [only before noun] AmE almost
exactly the same as other things of the same type, and
bake to cook things such as bread or cakes in an not very interesting: the cookie cutter approach of the urban
oven: Tom baked a cake for my birthday. renewal programme
roast to cook meat or vegetables in an oven: Roast ‘cookie sheet n [Cc] Ame a flat piece of metal that you
the potatoes for an hour. bake food on [SYN] baking tray BrE
fry to cook food in hot oil: She was frying some
mushrooms. cook-ing' /‘kokin/ n [U] 1 the act of making food and
stir-fry to fry small pieces of food while moving cooking it: My mother does all the cooking. | | love cooking.
them around continuously: stir-fried tofu and bean FOOD 2 food made ina particular way or by
sprouts a particular person: My compliments on your cooking. |
sauté /'sauter $ sou'ter/ to fry vegetables for a short Indian cooking |simple basic home cooking (=good food like
time in a small amount of butter or oil: Sauté the the food you get in your own home)
potatoes in butter. cooking adj [only before noun] suitable for or used in
grill to cook food over or under strong heat: grilled cooking: The rooms all have cooking facilities (=there is
fish cooking equipment in the rooms). |cooking pot/utensils/
| broil AmE to cook food under heat: broiled fish equipment etc | cooking apples
boil to cook something in very hot water: He doesn’t ‘cooking apple n [c] an apple that is usually cooked,
even know how to boil an egg. |English people seem to rather than eaten raw — eating apple
love boiled.vegetables. ‘cooking oil n [U] oil from plants, such as SUNFLOWERS or
steam to cook vegetables over hot water: Steam the OLIVEs, used in cooking
rice for 15 minutes. cook-out /kok-avt/ n [C] AmE informal a party or
poach to cook food, especially fish or eggs, slowly in occasion when a meal is cooked and eaten outdoors: a
hot water: poached salmon cookout on the beach
toast to cook the outside surfaces of bread: toasted
muffins : cook-ware /‘kukwea $ -wer/ n [U] containers and
barbecue to cook food on a metal frame over a fire equipment used for cooking
outdoors: | thought we could barbecue some mackerel. cool! § (Hy /ku:l/ adj (comparative cooler, superlative
microwave to cook food in a microwave oven: The coolest)
beans can be microwaved. 1a low in temperature, but not cold, often in
a way that feels pleasant: She swam out into the cool
cook sth <> up phr v water. | The evening air was cool. | Relax in the sun with a
1to prepare food, especially quickly: Every night he cooked cool drink. | the cooler weather of September {ESATIE>
up a big casserole. COLD
2 informal to invent an excuse, reason, plan etc, especially 2 @@ clothing that is cool is made of thin material
one that is slightly dishonest or unlikely to work: the plan so that you do not become too hot: a cool cotton dress
that Graham and Dempster had cooked up 31M] calm and not nervous, upset, or excited: keep/
cook? n [Cc] 1 someone who prepares and cooks food as stay cool his ability to keep cool in a crisis |She looks efficient
their job [SYN] chef: He works as a cook in a local restaurant. and as cool as a cucumber. |Outwardly she is cool, calm, and
2 be a good/wonderful/terrible etc cook to be good or bad collected. | a cool customer (=someone who always
at preparing and cooking food 3 too many cooks (spoil the behaves calmly) | Keep a cool head (=stay calm).
broth) used when you think there are too many people ETT cam
trying to do the same job at the same time, so that the ALWIZ§ informal very attractive, fashionable, inter-
job is not done well —+ chief cook and bottle-washer at esting etc in a way that people admire - used in order to
“CHIEF"(3) show approval: She’s pretty cool. | You look cool in denim. |
 374 Sl & & = the most frequent words in spoken English

Cool bike! | ‘I'm thinking of studying abroad.’ ‘Really? Cool.’ you can change your mind about buying something: Cus-
GEESE FASHIONABLE tomers signing new life policies will have a cooling-off period
5 Hess «spoken used to say that you agree with of 14 days in which to cancel. 2 a period of time when two
something, that you understand it, or that it does not people or groups who are arguing about something can
annoy you: OK, Ryan, that's cool, | can do it. | ‘I just have to go away and think about how to improve the situation
go, you know." ‘It’s all right, it’s cool.’ | ‘I’m finished.’ ‘Cool.’ | ‘cooling system n [Cc] a system for keeping the tem-
[+about] My mum was cool about whatever | wore. |sth is perature in a machine, engine etc low: a fault in the power
cool with sb /s Friday coo! with you guys? |sb is cool with sth station's cooling system
‘Do you want to come over and watch a video tonight?’ ‘I'm ‘cooling tower n [Cc] a large round tall building, used in
cool with that.’ industry for making water cool
6 (eye behaving in a way that is not as friendly coon /kuin/ n [C] informal 1 AmE a RACCOON 2 taboo a
as you expect: My proposal met with a cool response. |Luke
very offensive word for a black person. Do not use this
gave her a cool look. word.
7 GLY a cool colour is one, such as blue or green, that
makes you think of cool things
coon-skin /‘ku:nskin/ adj made from the skin of a
RACCOON: pictures of traders in coonskin caps
8a cool million/hundred thousand etc informal a surpris-
ingly large amount of money: He earns a cool half million coop /ku:p/ n [C] a building for small animals, espe-
every year. —coolness n [UJ]: the coolness of the nights cially chickens
—coolly adv: She nodded coolly and walked out. Co-Op /‘kaunp $ 'koua:p/ n [C] a COOPERATIVE
cool? gv .cooped ‘up adj [not before noun] having to stay for a
1[1,T] (also cool down) to make something slightly colder, period of time in a place that is too small: It isn’t good for
or to become slightly colder: The air conditioning doesn’t you to be cooped up in the house all day.
seem to be cooling the room much. | Allow the biscuits to coo-per /‘ku:pa $ -ar/ n [C] someone who makes BAR-
cool for five minutes. |a cooling breeze RELS
2[\] if a feeling, emotion, or relationship cools, it co-op-e-rate EQ (also co-operate BrE) /kau'pperet $
becomes less strong: The affair had cooled, on her side at kou'a:p-/ v [I] 1 to work with someone else to achieve
least. |When tempers had cooled, he apologized. something that you both want: [+in/on] The two universi-
3 cool it spoken a) used to tell someone to stop being ties are to cooperate in the development of a new industrial
angry, violent etc: Come on now - calm down, cool it. b) to process. | They agreed to co-operate with Brazil on a pro-
stop putting as much effort into something, or pressure gramme to protect the rain forests. |[+with] Lions cooperate
On someone, as you have been: He was getting more with each other when hunting game. | As chairman | was
serious about her. It was time to cool it. anxious to co-operate with Mr Baker as far as possible. | The
4 cool your heels to be forced to wait: /'/] put him in a cell to church seeks to cooperate closely with local schools. |cooper-
cool his heels for a bit. ate to do sth Both sides agreed to co-operate to prevent
cool down phr v illegal fishing in the area. 2 to do what someone wants you
1to make something slightly colder, or to become slightly to do: [+with] / advised my client to cooperate fully with the
colder: The air has cooled down a little now. |cool sb/sth <> police. | If you refuse to co-operate, I'l] kill you.
down A cold beer will cool you down.
co-op-e-ra-tion —] (A) Ga (also co-operation BrE)
2 to become calm after being angry: After | cooled down |
/kav,ope'rerfan $ kou,arp-/ n [U]
realized | had been wrong.
Twhen you work with someone to achieve something
cool off phr v
that you both want: [+with] political co-operation with
1to return to a normal temperature after being hot: Cool
Britain | in cooperation with sb A study was undertaken in
off with an iced drink. | By late autumn Mediterranean
co-operation with oil companies. | Burglar alarm companies
islands have cooled off, and can have rainy days.
claim they work in close co-operation with the police. |
2to become calm after being angry [S¥N]calm down: He
[+between] the lack of effective co-operation between
slammed the door and went for a walk to cool off.
industry and higher education |the need to strengthen inter-
cool* n1 the cool a temperature that is pleasantly cold: national co-operation
[+of] They went for a stroll in the cool of the evening. 2 willingness to do what someone asks you to do: Have
2 keep your cool to remain calm in a frightening or difficult your passports ready, and thank you for your cooperation. |
situation: | must keep my cool, she thought; losing my Your full cooperation is requested.
temper isn’t going to help. 3 lose your cool to stop being co-op-e-ra-tive’ [%y (also co-operative _BrE)
calm in an annoying or frightening situation: Kenneth /kav'pparattv $ kov'a:p-/ adj 1willing to cooperate
yale lost his cool with a photographer, and threatened to hit [SYN] helpful [OPP] uncooperative: He was doing his best to
im.
be cooperative. | a cooperative witness 2 made, done, or
cool* ady play it cool to behave in a calm way because operated by people working together: a co-operative ven-
you do not want someone to know that you are really ture between the City Council and the police 3 a cooperative
nervous, angry etc: She would not show him how upset she store, bank etc is operated by people working together as
was. It was always smarter to play it cool. a cooperative: a co-operative store in a provincial town
coo-lant /ku:lant/ n [C,U] technical a liquid or gas used —cooperatively adv \
to cool something, especially an engine cooperative? (also co-operative BrE) n [C] a business
cool-box /‘ku:lboks $ -ba:ks/ n [C] BrE a container that or organization owned equally by all the people working -
keeps food and drink cool and fresh, used on a PICNIC there [SYN]co-op: a women-only housing co-operative | a
[SYN] cooler AmE workers’ co-operative
cooler /‘ku:la $ -ar/ n [C] 1a container in which some- co-opt (also co-opt BrE) /kau'ppt $ kou'arpt/ v [T] formal
thing, especially drinks, is cooled or kept cold: Mike went 1 BrE to make someone a member of a group, committee
to fetch a bottle of wine from the cooler. 2 AmE a coolbox etc, by the agreement of all the members: The committee
3AmE a machine that provides AiR CONDITIONING may co-opt additional members for special purposes. |coopt
4 the cooler informal prison sb onto/into/to sth She was coopted onto the county educa-
,cool-'headed adj not easily excited or upset: We need a tion committee. 2 to persuade someone to help or support
quick-thinking, cool-headed person for the job. you: coopt sb to do sth Social scientists were co-opted to
work with the development agencies. |Nan was coopted into
coo:lie /‘ku:li/ n [C] taboo old-fashioned a very offensive the kitchen to make pastry. F
word for an unskilled worker who is paid very low wages,
especially in parts of Asia. Do not use this word.
co-or-di-nate’ £ (also co-ordinate BrE) /kau'>:dinert $
kou'orr-/ v 1 [T] to organize an activity so that the people
\cooling-'off period n(c]1 BrE a period of time after involved in it work well together and achieve a good
you have signed some types of sales agreement, when result: The agencies are working together to co-ordinate
 ( (2 GS = the most frequent words in written English S75 copy
policy on food safety. 2 [T] to make the parts of your body to cope with the floods we have had this year. |My computer
move and work together well: Her movements were beau- can cope with huge amounts of data.
tifully co-ordinated. | | couldn't get my brain to function or cope? n [C] a long loose piece of clothing worn by
coordinate my muscles. 3 [1,1] if clothes, decorations etc priests on special occasions
coordinate, or if you coordinate them, they look good cop-i-er /'kopia $ 'kaxpiar/ n [C] a machine that makes
together because they have similar colours and styles: exact copies of writing or pictures on paper by photo-
Don't be afraid to mix colours, as long as they co-ordinate. | graphing them photocopier
You might coordinate your curtains and cushions. | [+with]
The cooker is green, to co-ordinate with the kitchen. ‘co- pi-lot n [C] a pilot who shares the control of an
aircraft with the main pilot
co-or-din-ate” [7 (also co-ordinate BrE) /kevu'>:dinit
cop-ing /‘keupin $ 'kou-/ n [C,U] a layer of rounded
$ kou's:r-/ n[C]1 technical one of a set of numbers which
stones or bricks at the top of a wall or roof
give the exact position of a point on a map, computer
screen etc 2 coordinates [plural] things such as clothes COpi-OUuS /'kaupias $ 'kou-/ adj [usually before noun]
that can be worn or used together because their colours existing or being produced in large quantities: He could
match or their styles are similar: Matching bag and acces- drink copious amounts of beer without ill effect. |She listened
sories provide a complete ensemble of colour coordinates. to me and took copious notes. —copiously adv: Then she
wept copiously.
coordinate? [q (also co-ordinate Br£) adj technical
1 equal in importance or rank in a sentence — subordi- ‘cop-out n [C] informal something you do or say in order
nate: coordinate clauses joined by ‘and’ 2 involving the use to avoid doing or accepting something: Ignoring the prob-
of coordinates lem is a cop-out.
coordinating con'junction n [Cc] a word such as cop:per /‘kopoa $ 'ka:per/ n 1 [U] a soft reddish-brown
‘and’ or ‘but’ which joins two words, groups, or CLAUSES metal that allows electricity and heat to pass through it
that are equal in importance or rank — subordinating easily, and is used to make electrical wires, water pipes
conjunction etc. It is a chemical ELEMENT: symbol Cu 2 coppers [plural]
BrE money of low value made of copper or BRONZE: He
co-or-di-na-tion 4 (also co-ordination BrE) offered to do the job for a few coppers. 3 [U] a reddish-
/kaua:dsnerfan $ kou:r-/ n [U] 1 the way in which your brown colour: her copper hair 4 [C] BrE informal a police
muscles move together when you perform a movement: officer —coppery adj: coppery skin
Too much alcohol affects your coordination. 2 the organiza-
tion of people or things so that they work together well:
copper ‘beech n [Cc] a large European tree with purple-
brown leaves
[+of] the coordination of our economic policies |[+between]
co-ordination between central and local government ,copper-'bottomed adj able to be depended on: a
copper-bottomed guarantee
co-or-di-na-tor EQ /kav'd:dinerta $ kou'd:irdineitar/ n
[C] someone who organizes the way people work cop-per-head /'kopahed $ 'ka:par-/ n [C] a poisonous
together in a particular activity yellow and brown North American snake
coot /ku:t/ n [C] 1a small black and white water bird cop-per-plate /‘kopaplert $ 'ka:par-/ n [U] neat regular
with a short beak 2 old coot AmEinformal an old man who curving handwriting with the letters all joined together in
you think is strange or unpleasant: a miserable mean old a very specific style, used especially in the past
coot cop:pice! /‘knpis $ 'ka:-/ n [C] a copse
cop! /kop $ ka:p/-n [C] 1 informal a police officer: the coppice? vy [T] to cut a tree down so that useful new
local cop |a narcotics cop | He pulled out his badge and said wood will grow from the bottom
he was a cop. 2 not be much cop Br€ informal to not be very copse /kops $ ka:ps/ (also coppice) n [C] a group of
good: They say he’s not much cop as a coach. 3 it's a fair cop trees or bushes growing close together
BrE spoken used humorously when someone has discov- FOREST
ered that you have done something wrong and you want ‘cop shop n [C] BrE informal a POLICE STATION
to admit it cop-ter /kopta $ 'ka:ptar/ n [C] AmE a HELICOPTER
cop? Vv (copped, copping) [T] spoken informal 1 cop it BrE cop-tla /‘kopjsla $ 'kazp-/ n [C] technical a type of verb
a) to be punished or spoken to angrily because you have that connects the subject of a sentence to its COMPLE-
done something wrong: You'll cop it when Mum finds out! MENT, for example ‘seem’ in the sentence ‘The house
b) to be killed 2 BrE to receive something, especially seems big’ linking verb
something that you do not want: | copped all the blame for
what happened. 3 cop hold of sth BrE used to tell someone copulate /kopjglert $ 'ka:p-/ v [| + with] technical to
to hold something: Cop hold of the other end, will you? have sex —copulation / kppj3'lerfan $ kazp-/ n [U]
4 cop an attitude AmE to behave in a way that is not nice, cop-y" &] 1 /‘kopi $ 'ka:pi/ n (plural copies)
especially by showing that you think you are better or 1[C] something that is made to be exactly like another
_ more intelligent than other people 5 cop a feel AmE to thing: [+of] She forwarded them a copy of her British
touch someone in a sexual way when they do not want passport. | This chair is a copy of an original design. |Be sure
you to 6 copa plea Ame to agree to say you are guilty of a to make copies of all the documents. |back-up copies of your
crime in order to receive a less severe punishment: Dunn files
copped a plea to avoid going to jail. 7 cop a buzz Ame to feel 2 [C] one of many books, magazines, records etc that are
the effects of taking illegal drugs or drinking alcohol all exactly the same: [+of] We have six copies of the movie
cop off phr v BrE informal to meet someone and start a to give away. |a copy of the local newspaper | The hardback
sexual relationship with them: [+with] The hero eventually costs £16.99 a copy. | The record sold a million copies. |Free
cops off with the princess. copies are available on request.
cop out phr v informal to not do something that someone 3 [U] technical something written in order to be printed in
thinks you should do: As far as I’m concerned, she’s copped a newspaper, magazine, advertisement etc: Now that I’ve
out and joined the rat race. ++COP-OUT seen the finished copy, I'm delighted.
cope’ &] [A /keup $ koup/ v [1] 4 good copy informal interesting news: The interviews made
1to succeed in dealing with a difficult problem or situa- good copy and helped with the film's publicity. + FAIR COPY,
tion: Sometimes | find it hard to cope. |He coped quite well HARD COPY, SOFT COPY
as manager while still captaining the team. | [+with] She copy” —) v (copied, copying, copies)
feared she wouldn't be able to cope with two new babies. | 1[1,T] to deliberately make or produce something that is
Local authorities -have to cope with the problems of home- exactly like another thing: Could you copy this letter and
lessness. send it out, please? |To copy a file, press F3. |copy (sth) from
2 if a system or machine copes with a particular type or sth a design copied from an 18th-century wallpaper | The
amount of work, it does it: [+with] No system is designed pupils just copy from textbooks and learn facts. |copy sth into
 £X3 = words from the Academic Word List

sth He copied the number into his notebook (=wrote the cOr= /ka, ko $ ka, korr, ka:r/ prefix the form used for Con-
same number there). before the letter ‘r': to correlate (=connect together)
2 [T] to deliberately do something that someone else has cor-a-cle /‘korakal $ 'kor-, 'kaz-/ n [C] a small round boat
done or behave like someone else: Children often copy that you move with a PADDLE
what they see on television. | | found myself copying him and coral" /koral $ 'ko:-, 'kar-/ n [U] a hard red, white, or
his mannerisms. : pink substance formed from the bones of very small sea
31,7] to cheat in an examination, schoolwork etc by creatures, which is often used to make jewellery
looking at someone else's work and writing the same
thing as they have: [+from] Jeremy had copied from the girl coral? adj pink or reddish-orange in colour
next to him. coral ‘reef n [C] a line of hard rocks formed by coral,
found in warm sea water that is not very deep
cor anglais /ko:r 'ongler $ -p:n'gler/ n (plural cors
copy to deliberately make or produce something that anglais (same pronunciation)) [C] BrE along wooden musi-
is exactly like another thing: You could copy the files cal instrument which is like an OBOE but with a lower
onto a CD. |Many people have tried to copy his sound [SYN] English horn AmE
paintings.
cor bli-mey /,ko: 'blarmi $ ,ko:r-/ (also blimey) interjec-
photocopy to copy a piece of paper with writing or
tion BrE old-fashioned used to express surprise
pictures on it, using a machine: I'l! photocopy the
letter and give it to you. cord’ /ko:d $ koird/ n 1[C,U] a piece of thick string or
reproduce to print a copy of a picture or document, thin rope: The robe was held at the waist by a cord. | He
especially in a book or newspaper: The image has pulled explosives and some tangled cord from his bag. + see
been reproduced in many magazines and newspapers picture at BAG’ 2 cords [plural] trousers made from a thick
around the world. strong cotton cloth with thin raised lines on it 3 [C,U] an
forge to illegally copy something written or printed: electrical wire or wires with a protective covering, usually
He forged my signature. |forged £10 notes for connecting electrical equipment to the supply of
pirate to illegally copy and sell something such as a electricity: the phone cord |an extension cord 4 [C] AmE a
book, video, DVD, or computer program: The survey : specific quantity of wood cut for burning in a fire: We use
suggests that 27% of software in the UK has been three cords of wood in a winter. + cut the cord at cUT'(40),
pirated. —+ COMMUNICATION CORD, SPINAL CORD; UMBILICAL CORD,
VOCAL CORDS
copy sth «> down phr v to write something down exactly cord? adj cord clothes are made from CoRDUROY: green
as it was said or written: | must have copied your number cord trousers
down wrong. cord-age /‘ko:didz $ 'ko:r-/ n [U] rope or cord in general,
copy sb in phr v to send someone a copy of an email especially on a ship
message you are sending to someone else: [+on] Can you
copy me in on the memo you're sending to Chris? cor-di-al" /ko:dial $ 'koirdzal/ n [C,U] 1 BrE sweet fruit
copy sth «> out phr v to write something again exactly as juice that you add water to before you drink it: lime cordial
it is written in the document that you are looking at: The 2 AmE old-fashioned a strong sweet alcoholic drink
monks copied their manuscripts out by hand. liqueur: an after-dinner cordial
copy sih <> up phr v BrE to write something again in a cordial? adj friendly but quite polite and formal: The
better or neater form [SYN] write up: /t is important to copy talks were conducted in.a cordial atmosphere.
up your notes soon after the lecture. FRIENDLY —cordiality /ko:di'elsti $ korrdzi'e-, koir'dze-/ n
cop-y-book /‘kopibok $ 'ka:-/ adj [only before noun] com- [U]
pletely suitable or correct [SYN]textbook: a copybook cor-di-al-ly /‘ko:diali $ 'ko:rdzali/ adv1 in a friendly but
answer polite and formal way: You are cordially invited to our
cop-y:cat™ /‘kopiket $ 'ka:-/ n [C] informal someone wedding on May 9. 2 cordially dislike/loathe etc to dislike
who copies other people's clothes, behaviour, work etc - someone or something very strongly
used by children to show disapproval cordite /‘ko:dart $ 'koir-/ n [U] an explosive used in
copycat? adj copycat crime/attack etc a crime, attack etc bullets and bombs
which is similar to a famous crime that another person cordless /‘o:dlas $ ‘koird-/ adj a piece of equipment
has committed: Crime reports in newspapers often encour- that is cordless is not connected to its power supply by
age copycat crimes. wires: a cordless phone |a cordless drill
copy editor n [c] someone whose job is to make sure cordon! /‘ko:dn $ 'koirdn/ n [C] a line of police officers,
that the words in a book, newspaper etc are correct and soldiers, or vehicles that is put around an area to stop
ready to be printed —copy-edit vy [1,1] people going there: [+of] A cordon of police surrounded the
cop-y-ist /kopi-ist $ 'ka:-/ n [C] someone who made building. |[+around] the security cordon around the capital
written copies of documents, books etc in the past cordon? y
cop-y-right /‘kopirart $ 'ka:-/ n [C,U] the legal right to cordon sth <> off phr v to surround and protect an area
be the only producer or seller of a book, play, film, or with police officers, soldiers, or vehicles: Police cordoned
record for a specific length of time: Who owns the copy- off the street where the murder took place.
right of this book? | The database will be protected by
cor-don blew /ko:don ‘bls: $ ko:rdp:n ‘blu:/ adj [only
copyright. | infringement/breach of copyright (=when you
before noun] relating to cooking of very high quality: .a
break the copyright laws) —copyright adj: copyright mat-
erial —copyright v [T]
cordon bleu chef .
cop-y:writ-er /‘kopiarta $ 'ka:pirartar/ n [C] someone cor-du-roy /‘ko:d3ro1, -dj3- $ 'koirda-/ n [U] a thick
who writes the words for advertisements strong cotton cloth with thin raised lines on it, used for
making clothes: a corduroy jacket
cog au VIN /kok au ‘ven$ kouk ov-/ n [U] chicken
cooked in red wine core’ (7 £9 /ko: $ koir/ n [C] Ca i
cog:ue-try /kokstri $ 'kou-/ n (plural coquetries) [C,U] 1G the hard central part of a fruit such as an apple:
literary behaviour that is typical of a coquette Remove the cores, and: bake the apples for 40 minutes.
—» see picture at FRUIT" ;
co-quette /kav'ket, ko- $ kou-/ n [C] literary a woman 2 (RSE «the most important or central
who frequently tries to attract the attention of men part of something: [+of] The core of the book focuses on the
without having sincere feelings for them {S¥N] flirt period between 1660 and 1857. | Debt is at the core of the
—coquettish adj —coquettishly adv problem. ny ;
€or /k>: $ ko:r/ interjection BrE spoken used when you are 3 (Q3979 a number of people who form a group which is
very surprised or impressed by something very important to an organization: The business needs a —
EX = words from the Academic Word List corner

new core of trained administrators. | a core group of clients THE COB b) the seeds of this plant! + SWEETCORN, see
—> HARD CORE picture at VEGETABLE"
4to the core extremely or completely: shaken/shocked/ 3 [C] a painful area of thick hard skin on your foot
thrilled to the core When | heard the news, | was shaken to cormball /ko:nbo:l $ 'koirnbo:l/ adj [only before noun]
the core. | That woman is rotten to the core! | He was a AmE informal cornball humour is extremely simple, old-
bureaucrat to the core. fashioned, and silly: Country and western songs always have
5 Ga the central part of the Earth or any other PLANET such cornball titles.
— see picture at EARTH' ‘corn bread n [U] bread made from CORNMEAL
6 KS the central part of a NUCLEAR REACTOR ‘corn chip n [Cc] crushed maize formed into a small flat
core* [4 adj 1 core curriculum/subjects/skills etc sub- piece, cooked in oil, and eaten cold, especially in the US
jects that have to be studied at a school or college: the corn:cob /‘ko:nkob $ ‘ko:rnkazb/ (also cob) n [C] the
national core curriculum |the core subjects of English, maths, hard part of a corn plant that the yellow seeds grow on
and science | Schools have to deliver the core skills.
corn:-crake /‘ko:nkrerk $ 'koirn-/ n [C] a European bird ©
MAIN 2 core business/activities/ operations etc
with a loud sharp cry
the main business or activities of a company or organiza-
tion: The core business of airlines is flying people and cargo corn dolly n [C] BrE a figure made in the past from
from place to place. | the company’s core product wheat plants to celebrate the HARVEST
3 core values/beliefs the values or beliefs that are most cornea /‘koinia $ ‘ko:r-/ n [C] the transparent protec-
important to someone: the core values of American liberal- tive covering on the outer surface of your eye —corneal
ism, such as taxing the rich to help the poor adj
core® qv [T] to remove the centre from a fruit corned beef / koind 'birf« $ korrnd-/ n [U] 1 BrE BEEF
co-re-li-gion-ist /koursitdzanist $ |kou-/ n [C] formal that has been cooked and preserved in a can 2 AmE BEEF
someone who is a member of the same religion as you that has been covered in salt water and spices to pre-
corer /‘ko:ra $ -ar/ n [C] a specially shaped knife for serve it
taking the hard centres out of fruit cor-ner™ Gd © /'koinea $ 'korrnar/ n
co-res:pon-dent /kaurs'spondant $ kours'spa:n-/ n [C] ITE OSes =[C] the point at which
someone whose name is given in a DIVORCE because they two lines or edges meet: He pulled a dirty handkerchief out
have had sex with the wife or husband of the person who by its corner and waved it at me. | [+of] Their initials were
wants the divorce — respondent sewn on the corner of every pillow. |in the corner (of sth) The
COF-Pi /'ko:gi $ 'ko:rgi/ n [C] a small dog with short legs TV station's name appears in the corner of the screen. | on
and a pointed nose : the corner (of sth) Jessie sat on the corner of her bed. |
co-ri-an-der /kori'znda $ oxi'endar/ n [U] BrE a herb, three-cornered/four-cornered etc a three-cornered hat
used especially in Asian and Mexican cooking 2 (2) [C usually singular] a) the point where two roads
cilantro AmE meet: [+of] Ruth walked with her as far as the corner of the
road. | on the corner The hotel is on the corner of Sth and
co-rin-thi-an, Corinthian /ka'rinQian/ adj relating to Maine. | at the corner Several women were standing at the
AMATEURS who do a sport because they enjoy it, rather
corner, talking to two police officers. |kids hanging around on
than for money: The game evolved from a purely corinthian
street corners b) a point in a road-where it turns sharply:
pastime to an internationally recognised entity.
He had tried to take the corner too quickly, and had lost
cork! /ko:k $ ko:rk/ n control of the car. | The petrol station is around the corner.
1[U] the Bark (=outer 3 Qos =[C usually singular] the place
part) of a tree from south- inside a room or box where two walls or sides meet: in the
ern Europe and North corner (of sth) There was an old piano in the corner of the
Africa, used to make living room. | corner table/seat | reserved a corner table in
things: a cork bulletin board my favourite restaurant.
2 [C] a long round piece of 4 (Wea [C] the sides of your mouth or eyes: A tear
cork or plastic which is put appeared in the corner of his eye.
into the top of a bottle, SPs [singular] a difficult situation that
especially a wine bottle, to corkscrew
you cannot easily escape from: back/box/force/push sb
keep liquid inside into a corner (=put someone into a situation where they
cork
cork? vy [T] to close a bot- do not have any choices about what to do) Don’t let your
tle by blocking the hole at enemies back you into a corner. | The writers have painted
the top tightly with a long round piece of cork or plastic themselves into a corner by killing off all the most popular
[OPP] uncork characters in the first series. |He found himself in a tight
cork-age /'ko:kidz $ 'korr-/ n [U] BrE the charge made corner (=a very difficult situation) looking for a way to get
by a hotel or restaurant for allowing people to bring in out.
their own alcoholic drinks 6 Gala [C] a) a kick or hit that one team is allowed to
corked /ko:kt $ koirkt/ adj corked wine tastes bad take from one of the corners of their opponent's end of
because a fault in the cork has allowed air into the bottle the field b) any of the four corners of the area in which
cork-eF /‘kozka $ ‘koirkar/ n [C] BrE old-fashioned some- the competitors fight in BOXING Or WRESTLING, especially
one or something you think is very good —corking adj one of the two corners where the competitors go in
cork-screw" /‘ko:kskru: $ 'koirk-/ n [C] a tool made of between ROUNDS
twisted metal that you use to pull a cork out of a bottle 7 DELO [C] a distant place in another part of the
— see picture at CORK world: [+of] She's gone off to work in some remote corner of
the world. | People came from the four corners of the world
corkscrew adj [only before noun] twisted or curly (=from lots of different places) to make America their new
[SYN] spiral: corkscrew curls
home.
cor-mo-rant /'ko:marant $ ‘ko:r-/ n [C] a large black 8 see sth out of the corner of your eye to notice something
seabird which has a long neck and eats fish accidentally, without turning your head towards it or
corn §¥} /ko:n $ koirn/ n looking for it: Out of the corner of her eye she saw fhedog
1[U] BrE plants such as wheat, BARLEY, and OATS or their running towards her.
seeds: fields of corn | an ear of corn (=the top part of this 9 (just) around/round the corner a) near: There's a bus stop
plant where the seeds grow) just around the corner. b) likely to happen soon: Economic
2[U] a) Ame a tall plant with large yellow seeds that recovery is just around the corner.
grow together on a cos (=long hard part), which is 10 turn the corner to start to become successful or to feel
-cooked and eaten as a vegetable or fed to animals better or happier, after a time when you have been
[SYN] maize BrE: All our chickens are fed on corn. ++ CORN ON unsuccessful, ill, or unhappy: We knew Dad had turned the
 corner SJ & & = the most frequent words in spoken English

corner when he started complaining about the hospital food. large supplies of food 2 literary a lot of good things: [+of]
11 fight your corner/fight sb’s corner Br to try very hard to a cornucopia of delights
defend yourself in a discussion or argument, or to do this ‘corn whiskey (also corn liquor AmE) n [U] a strong
for someone else: My line manager supports me, and says alcoholic drink made from CoRN(2)
she’s willing to fight my corner.
corny /‘ko:ni $ 'ko:rni/ adj too silly and repeated too
12 cut corners to save time, money, or energy by doing
often to be funny or interesting: corny jokes | | know it
things quickly and not as carefully as you should: Don’t try
sounds corny, but | dream about her every night.
to cut corners when you're decorating.
13 cut a corner to go across the corner of something, co-rol-la-ty /ka'rplari $ 'ko:raleri, 'ka:-/ n (plural corollar-
especially a road, instead of staying next to the edges ies) [C] formal something that is the direct result of
14 have/get a corner on sth to be the only company, something else: [+of/to] !s social inequality the inevitable
organization etc that has a particular product, ability, corollary of economic freedom?
advantage etc: London does not have a corner on film co-Fo-Ma /ka'raune $ -'rou-/ n [C] the shining circle of
festivals. | The company admitted reducing prices to get a light seen around the sun when the moon passes in front
corner on the market, —> KITTY-CORNER of it in an ECLIPSE
corner? y 1[T] to force a person or animal into a cor-o-na-ty" /‘koranari $ ‘korraneri, 'ka:-/ adj relating to
position from which they cannot easily escape: Once the the heart [SYN] cardiac: coronary disease
dog was cornered, he began to growl. PIES catcuH coronary n (plural coronaries) [C]- informal if someone
2 [T] to go to someone who is trying to avoid you, and has a coronary, their heart suddenly stops working
make them listen to you: Later, he cornered Jenny on the because the flow of blood to it has been blocked by a
stairs and asked her what was wrong. 3 corner the market to small piece of solid blood |SYN] heart attack
gain control of the whole supply of a particular kind of coronary ‘artery n [Cc] one of the two arteries that
goods: They've been trying to corner the market by buying up supply blood to the heart
all the wheat in sight. 4 [I] if a car corners, it goes around a
corner or bend in the road
coronary throm’bosis jr {C,U] a disease which
causes someone's heart to suddenly stop working,
‘corner shop n [Cc] BrE a small shop near houses, that
because the flow of blood to it has been blocked by a
sells food, cigarettes, and other things needed every day
small piece of solid blood [SYN] coronary
— convenience store
cor-o-na-tion / kora'nerfan« $ kor, kar-/ n [C] the
cor-ner-stone /‘koinastaun $ ‘koirnarstoun/ n [C]
ceremony at which someone is officially made king or
1 something that is extremely important because every-
queen — crown
thing else depends on it: [+of] The magazine became the
cornerstone of McFadden’s publishing empire. cor-o-ner /‘korana $ ‘ko:ranar, 'kar-/ n [C] an official
BASIS 2 a stone at one of the bottom corners of a build- whose job is to discover the cause of someone's death,
ing, often put in place at a special ceremony especially if they died in a sudden or unusual way: The
SYN| foundation stone coroner recorded a verdict of death by natural causes. | the
coroner's court
cor-net /‘ko:nit $ korr'net/ n [C] 1a musical instrument
like a small TRUMPET — see picture at BRASS 2 BrE a cor-o-net /'koranit $ jkorra'net, ka:-/ n [C] a small
container made of very thin cake, that you hold in your CROWN worn by princes or other members of a royal
hand and eat Ice CREAM from [SYN] cone family, especially on formal occasions
‘corn exchange n [C] BrE a place where corn used to Corp. /ka:p $ ko:rp/ 1 the abbreviation of corporation:
be bought and sold Microsoft Corp. 2 the abbreviation of corporal
corn-flakes /ko:nflerks $ 'ko:rrn-/ n [plural] small flat COF-po-Fa /‘ka:pare $ 'ko:r-/ a plural of CoRPUS
pieces of crushed corn, usually eaten at breakfast with cor-porral /‘ko:paral $ 'ko:r-/ n [C] a low rank in the
milk army, air force etc
corn-flour /ko:nflava $ 'ko:mnflaor/ n [U] BrE fine white corporal ‘punishment n [U] punishment that
flour made from corN(2), used in cooking to make soups involves hitting someone, especially in schools and pris-
and sauces thicker [SYN] cornstarch AmE ons — capital punishment: Corporal punishment was abol-
corn-flow-er /‘ko:nflava $ ‘kornflavar/ n [C] a wild ished in Britain in 1986.
plant with blue flowers
cor-po-rate LXg /‘ko:parit $ 'koir-/ adj [only before noun]
Cornice /‘ko:nis $ 'korr-/ n [C] wood or PLASTER that runs 1 belonging to or relating to a corporation: The company is
along the top edge of a wall, used for decoration: A carved moving its corporate headquarters (=main offices) from
cornice runs around the high-ceilinged room. New York to Houston. | Vince is vice-president of corporate
cor-niche /ks:'ni:j $ koir-/ n [C] a road built along a communications. | Corporate America is not about to be
coast converted to the environmentalist cause. | changing the cor-
Cor-nish pas-ty /koinyf 'pesti $ korr-/ n [C] a folded porate culture (=the way that people in a corporation
piece of PASTRY, baked with meat and potatoes in it, for think and behave) to accept family-friendly policies | an
one person to eat advertising campaign intended to reinforce our corporate
‘corn liquor n (U] AmE corn WHISKEY identity (=the way a company presents itself to the
cori-meal /'ko:nmi:l $ 'koirn-/ n (U] a rough type of public) | the yacht can be hired for corporate hospitality \
flour made from dried crushed CoRN() (=entertainment provided by companies for their
corn on the ‘cob n [u] the top part of a corni2) plant customers) 2 shared by or involving all the members of a
on which yellow seeds grow, cooked and eaten as a group: corporate responsibility 3 used to describe a group ~
vegetable of organizations that form a single group: The university is
corm pone /ks:n paun §$ ‘korn poun/ n [U] a kind of a corporate body made up of several different colleges.
—corporately adv
American bread made from cornmeal
COrn-FOWS /'ko:inrauz $ 'ko:rnrouz/ n [plural] a way of cor-po-ra-tion [4 /ko:pa'rerfan $ ko:r-/ n [C] 1 big
ens your hair in small tight pLaits in lines along your company, or a group of companies acting together as a
ead single organization: He works for a large American
cornstarch /ko:nsta:t{ $ ‘korrnstazrt{/ n [U] AmE corn- corporation. | multinational corporations | the Siemens
FLOUR Corporation |corporation tax (=tax that companies have to
corn ‘syrup n [U] a very sweet thick liquid made from pay on their profits) COMPANY 2 an organi-
CORN(2), used in cooking
zation or group of organizations that work together for a
particular purpose and are officially recognized as one:
COrNU-CO-pi-a /ko:nj'kaupia $ ko:rna'kou-/ n [singular] the New Orleans Citywide Development Corporation | a
1 a container in the shape of an animal's horn, full of fruit housing corporation 3 BrE old use a group of people
and flowers, used to represent a time when there are elected to govern a town or city [SYN] council
(0 (2 OB = the most frequent words in written English 379 correspondence
cor-po-ra:tis:m /‘ko:paratizam $ 'ko:r-/ n [U] the power me if I'm wrong, but didn’t you say you'd never met him
and influence that large corporations have before?
cor-po-re-all /ko:'po:rial $ ko:r-/ adj formal 1 relating to 5 | stand corrected formal spoken used to admit that some-
the body, rather than to the mind, feelings, or spirit thing you have said is wrong after someone has told you
[SYN] physical: corporeal desires 2 existing in a physical it is wrong
form and-able to be touched correc-tion /ka'rekfan/ n 1[C] a change made in
something in order to make it right or better: | just need to
corps /ko: $ ko:r/ n (plural corps /ko:z $ ka:rz/) [C]
1 a group in an army with special duties and responsibili- make a few corrections, and then we can send it to the
printer. 2 [U] spoken used to say that what you have just
ties: the medical corps | the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
2 a group of people who work together to do a particular said is wrong and you want to change it: That will basically
cover 50... correction 60 percent of all charges. 3 [U] the act
job: the President's press corps | the diplomatic corps
of changing something in order to make it right or better:
3 technical a trained army unit made of two or more
Please hand in your papers for — correction.
DIVISIONS (=groups of soldiers)
4 [U] old-fashioned punishment for people who have
corpse /ko:ps $ ko:rps/ n [C] the dead body of a person done something wrong or illegal
[SYN] body: The corpse was found by children playing in the
cor-rec-tion-al /ka'rekfanal/ adj Lonly before noun] tech-
woods. nical relating to the punishment of criminals: correctional
cor-pu-lent /ko:pjlent $ 'korr-/ adj formal fat facility/institution/centre (=a prison)
—corpulence n [U] correction fluid n(U] a special white liquid used for
corpus /'ko:pas $ 'kair-/ n (plural corpuses or corpora covering mistakes made when writing something — see
/-pere/) [C] 1 formal a collection of all the writing of a picture at STATIONERY
particular kind or by a particular person: the entire corpus cor-rec-ti-tude /ka'rektstju:d $ -turd/ n [U] formal cor-
of Shakespeare’s works 2 technical a large collection of rectness of behaviour
written or spoken language, that is used for studying the cor-rec-tive’ /ka'rektrv/ adj [usually before noun]
language: a corpus of spoken English ++ HABEAS CORPUS intended to make something right or better again: correc-
cor-pus-cle /'ko:pasal, ka:'pa- $ 'ko:rpa-/ n [C] one of the tive surgery | corrective action/measures corrective meas-
red or white cells in the blood ures to deal with the country’s serious economic decline
corral" /ka'ra:l $ ka'rel/ n [C] a fairly small enclosed corrective? n [C usually singular] formal something that
area where cattle, horses etc can be kept temporarily, is intended to correct a fault or mistake: [+to] The biogra-
especially in North America phy is a useful corrective to the myths that have grown up
around this man.
corral? v (corralled, corralling Br£, corraled, corraling
AmE) [T] 1to make animals move into a corral: They
cor-rel-ate" /‘korélert $ 'ko:-, 'kaz-/ v [1,7] if two or more
facts, ideas etc correlate or if you correlate them, they are
corralled the cattle before loading them onto the truck.
closely connected to each other or one causes the other:
2 to keep people in a particular area, especially in order
[+with] Poverty and poor housing correlate with a shorter life
to control them: Once at the airport, we were herded to the
expectancy. | correlate strongly/significantly/closely Lack of
gate and corralled into a small room.
prenatal care correlates strongly with premature birth.
cor-rect! Gy 1H /ke'rekt/ adj cor-re-late? /korbt $ ‘kor, 'ka:-/ n [C] either of two
Thaving no mistakes right [opp] incorrect: If my calcu- things that correlate with each other
lations are correct, we're about ten miles from Exeter. | Score cor-re-la-tion /korslerjan $ ko:-, kar-/ n [C,U] a con-
one point for each correct answer. | You are absolutely nection between two ideas, facts etc, especially when
correct, the Missouri is the longest river in the US. |factually/ one may be the cause of the other: [+between] a strong
grammatically/anatomically etc correct The sentence is correlation between urban deprivation and poor health |
grammatically correct, but doesn’t sound natural. strong/high/close/significant etc correlation There is a
E> RIGHT direct correlation between the best-known brands and the
REGISTER
best-selling brands. | [+with] There's also some correlation
In everyday English, people usually say right rather with social class.
than correct: Are you sure you've got the right address? cor-rel:a-tive /ka'relatrv/ adj formal two or more facts,
ideas etc that are correlative are closely related or
2 suitable and right for a particular situation: What's the dependent on each other [SYN]related: rights and their
correct procedure in cases like this? | The correct way to lift correlative responsibilities —correlative n [C]
heavy weights is to make sure that your back is straight. cor-re-spond Lg /korsspond $ ko:r'spaind, ,ka:-/ v [1]
3 correct behaviour is formal and polite [SYN] proper: /t 1 if two things or ideas correspond, the parts or informa-
was not considered correct for young ladies to go out on their tion in one relate to the parts or information in the other:
own. —correctly adv: If|remember correctly, he’s Spanish. | The two halves of the document did not correspond. |
We must make. sure that things are done correctly. [+with/to] The numbers correspond to points on the map.
—correctness n [U] 2 to be very similar to or the same as something else:
correct? fy v [7] [+to] The French ‘baccalauréate’ exam roughly corresponds
1to make something right or to make it work the way it to English A levels. |correspond closely/exactly/precisely to
should: Some eyesight problems are relatively easy to sth The description of these events corresponds closely to
correct. | You have the right to see a copy of your file, and to other accounts written at the time. 3 to write letters to
correct any mistakes you may find. someone and receive letters from them: For the next three
years they corresponded regularly. | [+with] She stopped
REGISTER corresponding with him after the death of her mother.
In everyday British English, people usually say put cor-re-spon-dence [Yq /kors'spondans $ korrs'spain-,
something right rather than correct something: The kka:z-/ n [U] 1the letters that someone sends and
problem should be fairly easy to put right. receives, especially official or business letters: A secretary
2 to show someone that something is wrong, and make it came in twice a week to deal with his correspondence.
right: Correct my pronunciation if it's wrong. | ‘She's in 2 the process of sending and receiving letters: The maga-
Ireland now.’ ‘She was,’ Farrell corrected him. |correct your- zine is unable to enter into any correspondence on medical
self ‘I,’ Lady Deverill corrected herself, ‘we are very happy matters. | (be in) correspondence with sb He had been in
here.” correspondence with her for several years before they finally
3 if a teacher corrects a student's written work, he or she met. |All correspondence between us must cease. 3 a rela-
writes marks on it to show the mistakes in it tionship or connection between two or more ideas or
4 correct me if I'm wrong spoken used when you are not facts: [+between] There was no correspondence between
sure that what you are going to say is true or not: Correct the historical facts and Johnson's account of them.
correspondence course 380 Ea = words from the Academic Word List

corre'spondence course n (C] a course of lessons 3 to change the information in a computer, so that the
in which the student works at home and sends com- computer does not work properly any more: a virus which
pleted work to their teacher by post: I’m taking a corre- corrupts the data on your hard drive —corruptible adj
spondence course in business studies. —corruptibility /ka,rapt3 brlsti/ n [UJ
cor-re-spon-dent /kor'spondant $ ko:r'spain-, ka:-/ n comrup-tion /ka'rapjan/ n 1[U] dishonest, illegal, or
[C] 1 someone. who is employed by a newspaper or a immoral behaviour, especially from someone with power:
television station etc to report news from a particular officials charged with bribery and corruption | The investiga-
area or on a particular subject — reporter: political/ tion uncovered widespread corruption within the police
foreign/legal etc correspondent the political correspondent force. |political/official corruption 2 [C usually singular] tech-
for ‘The Times’ | Our correspondent in South Africa sent this nical a changed form of something, for example a word:
report. 2 someone who writes letters: I’m not a very good The word ‘Thursday’ is a corruption of ‘Thor's Day’.
correspondent, I'm afraid. corsage /ko'saz $$ lee) -ttcl3
cor-re-spon-ding [Xq /kor'spondin< $ ko:ri'sparn-, kor-/ n [C] a group of fa 5
ka:-/ adj [only before noun] 1 caused by or connected with small flowers that a
something you have already mentioned: The war and the woman fastens to her
corresponding fall in trade have had a devastating effect on clothes on a special occa-
the country. 2 having similar qualities or a similar size, sion such as a wedding
position etc to something else [SYN] equivalent: Sales are cor-set /‘ko:sit $ 'kour-/ n
up 10% on the corresponding period last year. [C] a piece of tight-fitting |
—correspondingly adv: As his political power has shrunk, he underwear that women |
has grown correspondingly more dependent on the army. wore especially in the past
cor-ri-dor Gy (A /‘korida: $ 'koirddar, 'kaz-/ n [C] to make them look thinner
1a long narrow passage on a train or between rooms ina cor-tege /korterz $
building, with doors leading off it: in the corridor We had to korr'tez/ n [C] a line of |
wait outside in the corridor until our names were called. | people or cars that move
down/along the corridor She hurried down the corridor. | Go along slowly in a funeral
down here and the bathroom’s at the end of the corridor. cor-tex /'koiteks $ ‘ko:r-/ ff
2a narrow area of land between cities or countries that n (plural cortices /-t3si:z/)
has different qualities or features from the land around it: [C] the outer layer of an
the industrial corridor that connects Querétaro with Mexico organ in your body, especially your brain —cortical
City /‘kaxttkal $ 'kozr-/ adj
3 corridors of power the places where important govern- cor-ti-sone /‘ko:tizoun $ 'ko:rtssoun/ n [U] a HORMONE
ment decisions are made
that is used especially in the treatment of injuries and
cor-rie /‘kori $ ‘kor 'kar-/ n [C] BrE technical a deep diseases such as-ARTHRITIS: a cortisone injection
bowl-shaped area on a mountain
cor-us-ca-ting /‘kpraskertin $ ‘kor-, 'ka:-/ adj literary
cor-rob-o-rate /ka'robarert $ ka'ra:-/ v [T] formal to attractive and having a lot of energy, or shining brightly: a
provide information that supports or helps to prove play with scenes of coruscating brilliance
someone else's statement, idea etc [SYN] back up: We now
have new evidence to corroborate the defendant's story. | cos", ‘cos, coz /kaz/ conjunction BrE spoken informal
Experiments elsewhere corroborate these _ results. because: | don’t get out much now cos of the children.
—corroboration /karpba'rerfan $ -ra-/ n _ ([U] cOs* n (plural coses, cos) [C,U] BrE a type of LETTUCE
—corroborative /ka'roberativ $ -'ra:barer-/ adj: corrobora- [SYN] romaine
tive evidence cOS® /koz, kos $ kas/ technical the written abbreviation
corrode /ka'raud $ -'roud/ v [1,7] 1 if metal corrodes, or of cosine
if something corrodes it, it is slowly destroyed by the cosh" /kvf $ kaxf/ n [C] a heavy weapon in the shape of
effect of water, chemicals etc: Acidic water will corrode the a short thick pipe
pipes. 2 written to gradually make something weaker or cosh? y [T] to hit someone with a cosh
destroy it completely: Corruption has corroded our confi-
co:sig-na-to-ry /kav'signatari $ kou'srgnatarri/ n (plu-
dence in the police force.
ral cosignatories) [C] one of a group of people who sign a
COrFOSION /ka'raszan $ -'rov-/ n [U] the gradual legal document for their department, organization, coun-
destruction of metal by the effect of water, chemicals etc try etc: Both cosignatories must sign the cheque.
or a substance such as RUST produced by this process:
They are sprayed with oil to prevent corrosion. | Check for cosine /‘kausain $ 'kou-/ n [C] technical the measure-
signs of corrosion. ment of an ACUTE angle in a TRIANGLE with a RIGHT ANGLE,
that is calculated by dividing the length of the side next to
cor-ro-sive /ka'rausiv $ -'rou-/ adj 1a corrosive liquid it by the length of the HYPOTENUSE — sine
such as an acid can destroy metal, plastic etc: a highly
corrosive substance 2 written gradually making something cos-‘met-ic /kpz'mettk $ ka:z-/ adj 1 dealing with the
weaker, and possibly destroying it [SYN|damaging: the outside appearance rather than the important part of
corrosive effect of money in sport something [SYN] superficial: We're making a few cosmetic
cor-ru-gated /‘koragertid $ 'ko:-, 'ka:-/ adj in the shape changes to the house before we sell it. | Many MPs
of waves or folds, or made like this in order to give denounced the resolution as a cosmetic exercise (=some-
something strength: corrugated cardboard thing which will look good, but have no real effect).
2 intended to make your hair, skin, body etc look more
cor-rupt? /ka'rapt/ adj 1using your power in a dishon- attractive: the cosmetic industry | cosmetic products | Are
est or illegal way in order to get.an advantage for yourself
you on the diet for health or cosmetic reasons?
[opPlincorruptible: Corrupt judges have taken millions of
dollars in bribes. (TENT DISHONEST 2 immoral or dis- cos-met-ics /koz'mettks $ ka:z-/ n [plural] creams, pow-
honest: a corrupt society | officials engaged in corrupt ders etc that you use on your face and body in order to
practices 3 something that is corrupt is not pure or has look more attractive > make-up: a range of cosmetics and
been damaged or partly ruined: corrupt data —corruptly toiletries
adv —corruptness n [U] cosmetic ‘surgery n [U] medical operations. that
corrupt? v [T] 1 to encourage someone to start behav- improve your appearance after you have been injured, or
ing in an immoral or dishonest way: Young prisoners are because you want to look more attractive [SYN] plastic
being corrupted by the older, long-term offenders. surgery
2 to change the traditional form of something, such as a cos-mic /‘kozmtk $ 'kaxz-/ adj 1 relating to space or the
language, so that it becomes worse than it was: The universe 2 extremely large: a scandal of cosmic proportions
culture has been corrupted by Western influences. —cosmically /-kli/ adv
EX = words from the Academic Word List 381

cosmic ‘ray n [C usually plural] a stream of RADIATION general way about whether something is expensive
reaching the Earth from space or cheap rather than when talking about exact
cos:‘mog:o-ny /koz'mogeani $ ka:z'ma:-/ n (plural cos- prices: The cost of running a car is increasing. | the cost
mogonies) [C,U] the origin. of the universe, or a set of of raw materials
ideas about this price the amount of money you must pay for
cos-:mol-o-gy /kpz'molad3i $ ka:z'ma:-/ n [U] the sci- something that is for sale: They sell good-quality
ence of the origin and structure of the universe, espe- clothes at reasonable prices. | the price of a plane ticket
cially as studied in ASTRONOMY to New York
value the amount of money that something is worth:
cos‘mo-naut /‘kozmans:t $ ‘ka:zmanpv:t/ n [C] an
A new kitchen can increase the value of your home.
ASTRONAUT from the former Soviet Union
charge the amount that you have to pay for a
cos-‘mo-pol-i-tan’ /kozms'politan< $ ka:zme'pa:-/ adj service or to use something: Hote! guests may use the
1a cosmopolitan place has people from many different gym for a small charge. | bank charges
parts of the world - use this to show approval: a vibrant
fee the amount you have to pay to enter a place or
cosmopolitan city | a lively hotel with a cosmopolitan
join a group, or for the services of a professional
atmosphere 2 a cosmopolitan person, belief, opinion etc
person such as a lawyer or a doctor: There is no
shows a wide experience of different people and places:
entrance fee. |The membership fee is £125 a year. |
Brigitta has such a cosmopolitan outlook on life.
legal fees
cosmopolitan n [C] someone who has travelled a lot fare the amount you have to pay to travel
and feels at home in any part of the world somewhere by bus, plane, train etc: | didn’t even have
coS:MOS /'kozmps $ ‘ka:zmas, -mous/ n the cosmos the enough money for my bus fare. |fare increases
whole universe, especially when you think of it as a rent the amount you have to pay to live in or use a
system —> cosmic place that you do not own: The rent on his apartment
cos:set /‘kosit $ ‘ka:-/ v [T] to give someone as much is $800 a month.
care and attention as you can, especially too much rate a charge that is set according to a standard
[SYN] pamper: He cosseted her with flowers and champagne. scale:Most TV stations offer special rates to local
cost’ §] Oi /kost $ ko:st/n advertisers.
1[C] the amount of money that you have to pay in order toll the amount you have to pay to travel on some
to buy, do, or produce something: [+of] the cost of roads or bridges: You have to pay tolls on many French
accommodation | | offered to pay the cost of the taxi. | \_motorways.
Insurance to cover the cost of a funeral is possible. | This
doesn't include the cost of repairing the damage. | The new
building's going up at a cost of $82 million. | low cost cost? GJ [1 v
housing | the high cost of production | A cassette/radio is 1 (past tense and past participle cost) [linking verb] to have
included at no extra cost. | The funds will just cover the a particular price: A full day's activities will cost you £45. |
museum's running costs. > COST OF LIVING His proposals could cost the taxpayer around £8 billion a
year. |How much would it cost us to replace? | not cost sb a
REGISTER penny (=cost nothing) /t won't cost you a penny for the first
In everyday English, people usually ask how much did six months. |cost a (small) fortune/a pretty penny (=have a
it cost? or how much was it? rather than using the very high price) It’s costing-us a fortune in phone bills. |cost
noun cost: What was the cost of the accommodation? a bomb/a packet BrE (=have a very high price) What a
— How much did the accommodation cost? |I'll find out fantastic dress. It must have cost a bomb! | Lighting can
the cost. — |'Il find out how much it costs/is. change the look of a room and needn't cost the earth (=have
2costs [plural] a) the money that you must regularly a price which is too high). |Getting that insured is going to
spend in order to run a business, a home, a car etc: cost you an arm and a leg (=have a very high price).
reduce/cut costs We have to cut costs in order to remain 2cost sb their job/life/marriage etc when. something
competitive. |At this rate we'll barely cover our costs (=make makes you lose your job etc: Joe’s brave action cost him his
enough money to pay for the things we have bought). | life. | His strong stand on the issue could have cost him his
the travel costs incurred in attending the meeting (=money job. |Bad management could be costing this club a chance at
you have to spend) | Because of the engine's efficiency the the title. :
car has very low running costs (=the cost of owning and 3 cost sb dear/dearly to make someone suffer a lot or to
using a car or machine). b) (also court costs) the money lose something important: A couple of missed chancés-in
that you must pay to lawyers etc if you are involved in a the first half cost them dear. | The scandal has cost Nicholson
legal case in court, especially if you are found guilty: dearly.
Bellisario won the case and was awarded costs. | He was 4 (past tense and past participle costed) [T usually passive]
fined £1,000 and ordered to pay costs of £2,200. to calculate the total price of something or decide how
3 [C,U] something that you lose, give away, damage etc in much the price of something should be: We'll get the plan
order to achieve something: at (a) cost to sb She had kept costed before presenting it to the board.
her promise to Christine, but at what cost to herself? | 5 it will cost you spoken used to say that something will be
social/environmental etc cost They need to weigh up the expensive: Tickets are available, but they'll cost you!
costs and benefits (=disadvantages and advantages) of
regulation. | He’s determined to win, whatever the cost (=no
matter how much work, money, risk etc is needed). | We cost to have a particular price: The book costs $25. |
must avoid a scandal at all costs (=whatever happens). A new kitchen will cost you a lot of money.
4 [singula?] especially AmE the price that someone pays be especially spoken to cost a particular amount of
for something that they are going to sell [SYN] cost price: at money: These shoes were only £5.
cost His uncle’s a car dealer and let him buy the car at cost be priced at sth to have a particular price - used
(=without making a profit). when giving the exact price that a shop or company
5 know/find out/learn etc sth to your cost to realize some- charges for something: Tickets are priced at $20 for
thingis true because you have had a very unpleasant adults and $10 for kids.
experience: Driving fast in wet conditions is dangerous, as retail at sth to be sold in shops at a particular price
my brother discovered to his cost! — count the cost at - used especially in business: The scissors retail at
COUNT"(10) © £1.99 in department stores.
sell/go for sth used for saying what people usually
cost the amount of money you need to buy or do pay for something: Houses in this area sell for around
something. Cost is usually used when talking in a £200,000.
See
fetch used for saying what people pay for
& & & = the most frequent words in spoken English

cot /kot $ ka:t/ n [C] 1 BrE a small bed with high sides
something, especially at a public sale: The painting for a baby or young child [SYN] crib AmE 2AmE a CAMP BED
fetched over $8,000 at auction. ‘cot death n [Cc] Br£ the sudden and unexpected death
set sb back sth informal to cost someone a lot of of a baby while it is sleeping [SYN] crib death AmE
money: A good set of speakers will set you back around co-te-rie /‘kavtari $ 'kou-/ n [C] formal a small group of
£150. people who enjoy doing the same things together, and do
come to if a bill comes to a particular amount, it not like including others — clique
adds up to that amount: The bill came to £100 co-ter-mi-nous /kav'ts:minas $ kou'ts:r-/ adj technical
between four of us. 1 formal having the same pattern or features 2 cotermin-
Cos-ta del Sol, the /kosta del 'so! $ kousta del 'soul/ a ous countries share the same border
name for part of the Mediterranean Sea coast in southern cot-tage Gy [A /‘kotid3 $ 'ka:-/ n [C] a small house in
Spain, especially the areas in and around Malaga and the country: a country cottage | We're staying in a holiday
Marbella. It is very popular with British tourists, espe- cottage in Dorset. + see picture at HOUSE’
cially those going on PACKAGE HOLIDAYS. cottage ‘cheese / $ '.. ./ n [U] soft white cheese
co-star" /‘kau sta: $ 'kov sta:r/ n [C] one of two or more made from sour milk
famous actors who appear together in a film or play cottage ‘hospital n [c] a small hospital, usually in a
EEEELULIE actor country area :
co-star? v (co-starred, co-starring) [|] to be working in a cottage ‘industry n [Cc] an industry that consists of
film or play with other famous actors: [+with/in] She's people working at home: Hand weaving is a flourishing
co-starring in a TV version of the 1960s thriller. | He cottage industry in the region.
co-starred with Bruce Willis in the movie ‘Die Hard’. cot-tag-er /‘kotrdza $ 'ka:trdzar/ n [C] a person in the
‘cost-benefit n cost-benefit analysis/study/approach past who lived in a cottage
technical a way of calculating the methods or plans that cot-tag-ing /‘kotid3rn $ 'ka:-/ n [U] BrE informal when a
will bring you the most BENEFITS (=advantages or help) for HOMOSEXUAL man goes to a public toilet with the intention
the smallest cost, especially in business of meeting other men for sex
‘cost-ef fective, cost effective adj bringing the best cot-ton! Gq /‘kotn $ ‘ka:tn/ n [U]
possible profits or advantages for the lowest possible 1cloth or thread made from the white hair of the cotton
costs: cost-effective way of doing sth the most cost-effective plant: a white cotton shirt |Made from 100% cotton.
way of reducing carbon dioxide emissions | The procedure is 2a plant with white hairs on its seeds that are used for
quick, easy to use, and cost effective. —cost-effectively adv making cotton cloth and thread
—cost-effectiveness n [U] 3 BrE thread used for sewing: a needle and cotton |a cotton
cos-ter-mon-ger /‘kostamanga $ ‘karstar,mainger, reel (=small round tube which cotton thread is wound
-man-/ n [C] BrE old-fashioned someone who sells fruit around) — see picture at REEL?
and vegetables in the street 4 AmE COTTON WOOL
costing /‘kostin $ 'ko:st-/ n [C,U] the process of calcu- cotton?
lating the cost of a future business activity, product etc, cotton on phr v informal to begin to understand some-
or the calculation itself: the planning and costing ofstaffing thing — realize: It took me a while to cotton on. | [+to]
levels | We were asked to prepare detailed costings for the Sarah soon cottoned on to what he was trying to do.
scheme. cotton to sb/sth phr v AmE informal to begin to like a
cost-ly /kpstli $ 'ko:stli/ adj 1 very expensive, especially person, idea etc [SYN] take to: | didn’t cotton to her at first,
wasting a lot of money: a complex and costly procedure | but she’s really nice.
Such a database would be extremely costly to set up. ‘cotton bud n [Cc] BrE a small thin stick with coTTON
EXPENSIVE 2 something that is costly causes WOOL at each end, used for cleaning places that are hard
a lot of problems or trouble: His delay in making a decision to reach, such as inside your ears [SYN] Q-tip AmE
could prove costly in the long run. —costliness n [U] ‘cotton candy n [U] AmE canpyetoss
cost of ‘living n the cost of living the amount of money ‘cotton gin n [C] a machine that separates the seeds of
you need to pay for the food, clothes etc you need to live: a cotton plant from the cotton
Average wages have increased in line with the cost of living. ‘cotton- picking adj [only before noun] especially AmE
,cost ‘price n [U] the price that someone pays for old-fashioned used to emphasize that you are annoyed or
something that they are going to sell surprised: Mind your own cotton-picking business!
cos-tume /‘kostjum $ 'ka:sturm/ n 1 [C] a set of clothes cot-ton-wood /kotnwud $ ‘ka:-/ n [C,U] a North
worn by an actor or by someone to make them look like American tree with seeds that look like white cotton
something such as an animal, famous person etc — outfit: ,cotton ‘wool n [U] BrE1a soft mass of cotton that you
the film's lavish costumes and spectacular sets | Hallowe'en use especially for cleaning and protecting wounds: She
costumes 2 [C,U] clothes that are typical of a particular put some disinfectant on a piece of cotton wool and dabbed it
place or period of time in the past: The dancers were in on her cheek. — see picture at FIRST AID KIT 2 wrap sb (up)
national costume. | performers dressed in period costume in cotton wool to protect someone completely from the
(sthe clothes of a period of history) 3 [C] BrE aSWIMMING dangers, difficulties etc of life: You can’t wrap those kids in
COSTUME cotton wool all their lives.
‘costume drama n [c] a play, TV programme, or film couch’ /kaut{/ n [C] 1a comfortable piece of furniture (
that is about a particular time in history, in which people big enough for two or three people to sit on [SYN] sofa,
wear costumes from that time settee: Jom offered to sleep on the couch. 2 a long narrow
‘costume jewellery n [u] cheap jewellery that is bed for a doctor's or PSYCHIATRIST's patients to lie on
often designed to look expensive couch? v be couched in sth formal to be expressed in a
CO-Sy" BrE, cozy AmE /‘kauzi $ 'kouzi/ adj1 a place that is particular way: The offer was couched in legal jargon.
cosy is small, comfortable, and warm: The living room was cou-chette /ku:fet/ n [C] BrE a narrow bed that folds
warm and cosy. COMFORTABLE 2 a situation down from the wall in a train, or a comfortable seat on a
that is cosy is comfortable and friendly: a cosy chat night train or boat — sleeping car
3 having a close connection or relationship, especially ‘couch po,tato n [Cc] someone who spends a lot of time
one you do not approve of: He was accused of being too sitting and watching television
cosy with some clients. —cosily adv —cosiness n [U] cougar /‘ku:ga, -ga: $ -gar, -ga:r/ n [C] a large brown
cosy? n (plural cosies) [C] BrE a covering for a TEAPOT wild cat from the mountains of western North America
that keeps the tea inside from getting cold too quickly: a and South America [SYN] mountain lion — see picture at
tea cosy BIG CAT
( (2 GS = the most frequent words in written English counsellor
cough! /kof $ ko:f/ v [1] 1 to suddenly push air out of could ask your doctor for a check-up. | You could always try
your throat with a short sound, often repeatedly: Mat- phoning her at the office. | Maybe we could get together
thew coughed and cleared his throat. | | think I’m getting a sometime next week? | Couldn't you get one of your friends
cold or flu - I’ve been coughing and sneezing all day. to help you?
2 to make a sudden sound like someone coughing: The 6 (UE L0Tsy spoken used to show that you are annoyed
engine coughed and spluttered, then stopped altogether. about someone's behaviour: You could have told me you
cough up phr v1 informal to give someone money, infor- were going to be late (=you should have told me but you
mation etc when you do not really want to: Come on, did not)! | You could at least say that you're sorry. | How
cough up. | cough sth <> up Insurance companies had to could you be so stupid!
cough up £10 million in storm damage claims. 2 cough sth <> 7couldn't be better/worse/more pleased etc used to
up to push something out of your throat or lungs into emphasize how good, bad etc something is: Their lifestyles
your mouth: You must go to the doctor if you're coughing up couldn't be more different. | ‘How are things?’ ‘Fine! Couldn't
blood. be better.’ | Ordering online couldn't be simpler.
cough? n [Cc] 1a medical condition that makes you 8 | couldn't BrE spoken used to politely say that you do not
cough a lot: He's got a bad cough. |Symptoms include a sore want any more food or drink: ‘Would you like another piece
throat and a nasty cough. |cough medicine 2 [C] the action of pie?’ ‘Oh, no thanks, | couldn't.’
or sound made when you cough: Stuart gave an embar- 9 could do with sth spoken to need or want something: |
rassed cough. could do with a hot drink. —+ could do worse (than) at
WoORSE((5), —+ couldn't care less at CARE*(5), > couldn't agree
COLLOCATIONS more at AGREE(1)
couldst /kudst/ v old use thou couldst words meaning
have (got) aa cough | ‘ve had a Sngl for weeks now. ‘you could’
get/catch a cough A Jot of people get coughs at this coulis /‘ku:li/ n (plural coulis /‘ku:liz/) [C] a thin fruit
time of year. sauce
ADJECTIVES ©E coun-cil Gy (a /‘kaunsal/ n [C]
a bad cough Jason's at home with a Bad cough. 1a group of people that are chosen to make rules, laws, or
a nasty/violent cough (=a very bad cough) |a decisions, or to give advice: the council for civil liberties. |
smoker's cough (=one caused by smoking) |a dry the UN Security Council
cough (=one that does not produce any liquid) |a 2the organization that is responsible for local govern-
loose cough (=one that produces liquid) |a chesty ment in a particular area in Britain: local council elections |
cough BrE (=one that affects your chest) | a hacking He sent a letter to the council to complain about the noise. |
cough (=a bad cough with an unpleasant sound) | County/District/City etc Council Northampton Borough
a slight cough (=one that is not very serious) | Council |council leader/officer/worker etc |council chamber/
a tickly cough (=one that keeps irritating your offices
throat) |a persistent cough (=one that is difficult to 3 a group of people elected to the government of a city in
cure) the US: the Los Angeles city council
| cough+NOUN ‘council es tate n [C] BrE an area in a town or city with
streets of council houses
cough medicine/cough mmbteire/ couch syrup
(=liquid containing medicine for a cough) You should ‘council house n [Cc] BrE a house in Britain that is
take some cough medicine. provided by the local council for a very low rent
a cough drop (also a cough sweet BrE) (=a sweet coun:cil-lor BrE, councilor AmE /'kaunsala $ -ar/ n[C]a
you suck to make a cough less irritating) He was member of a council: Write to your local councillor to
sucking on a cough sweet. complain. 4\ Do not confuse with counsellor (=someone
whose job is to help people talk about and deal with their
‘cough, mixture (also 'cough syrup, ‘cough medicine) n problems).
[Ula thick, usually sweet, liquid containing medicine that councilman /‘kaunsalman/ n (plural councilmen
helps you to stop coughing /-man/) [C] AmE a man who is a member of the govern-
could §] { /ked; strong kud/ modal verb (negative short ment of a city in the US
form couldn't) council of 'war n (plural councils of war) [C] a meeting
1 used as the past tense of ‘can’ to say what to decide how to deal with a particular problem - used
someone was able to do or was allowed to do in the past: humorously
By the time she was eight, she could read Greek and Latin. |
In those days you could buy a box of cigars for a dollar. | council tax n [singular, U] BrE a tax which every home
Could you hear what | was saying? | | couldn't get tickets in Britain has to pay to local government, based on the
after all, they were sold out. | | knew | couldn't afford the area and the value of the house, FLAT etc
‘rent. | The teacher said we could all go home. coun:cil-wom:-an /‘kaonsalwomean/ n (plural council-
2 Geesrtaad a) used to say that something is possible women /-wimin/) [C] AmE a woman who is a member
or might happen: Most accidents in the home could be of the government of a city in the US
prevented. |It could be weeks before we get a reply. |Ifyou're counsel! /‘kaunsal/ n [U] 1 a type of lawyer who repre-
not careful, you could get into even worse trouble. |A faulty sents you in court: [+for] The judge asked counsel for the
connection could easily (=would be likely to) cause a fire. defence to explain. 2 keep your own counsel written to keep
b) used to say that something was a possibility in the your plans, opinions etc secret 3 literary advice
past, but did not actually happen: Somebody could have counsel? v (counselled, counselling BrE, counseled, coun-
been killed. | | could have warned you if | had known where seling AmE) [T] 1 formal to advise someone: counsel sb to
ot were. |He could have escaped, but he chose to stand and do sth She counselled them not to accept this settlement.
fight. 2 to listen and give support to someone with problems: a
3 MILES ae ashy] spoken used to emphasize new unit to counsel alcoholics
how happy, angry etc you are by saying how you want to
express your feelings: He irritates me so much | could coun-sel-ling BrE, counseling AmE /‘kaunsalin/ n [U]
scream. | | was so angry | could have killed her. | | was so advice and support given by a counsellor to someone
relieved | could have kissed them all. with problems, usually after talking to them: group/
4 GeTEsaTa ~spoken used to make a polite request: bereavement/debt etc counselling a debt counselling
Could you help me with these boxes? |Could | have a drink of service |[+for] She’s been undergoing counseling for depres-
water, please? |How about Sam? Could he come along too? | sion.
| wonder if | could just ask you to sign this. coun:sel:lor BrE, counselor AmE /‘kaunsala $ -ar/ n [C]
5 Gece 4used to suggest doing something: You someone whose job is to help and support people with
count 384 4 = words from the Academic Word List

problems: Are you seeing a counsellor? | student/marriage 3 count sth <> out to put things down one by one as you
guidance/stress etc counsellor count them: The teller counted out ten $50 bills.
count! By [1 /kaunt/ v count? n [Cc]
1G0Dknaee4 [7] (also count up) to calculate the total 1{fieTy the process of counting, or the total that you get
number of things or people in a group: | was amazed at the when you count things: Hold your breath for a count of ten.
number of plants - | counted 147. | count (up) how many 2S a measurement that shows how much
Count up how many ticks are in each box. of a substance is present in a place, area etc that is being
2GarnEes ([!] (also count up) to say numbers in examined: The pollen count is high today.
order, one by one or in groups: [+to] Sarah can count up to 3 lose count to forget a number you were calculating or a
five now. | count by twos/fives etc It’s quicker to count by total you were trying to count: [+of] There have been so
tens (=saying 10, 20, 30 ...). many accidents here, the police have lost count of them.
3 EST) [1,7] to be allowed or accepted, or to allow Akeep count to keep a record of the changing total of
or accept something, according to a standard, set of something over a period of time: [tof] | never manage to
ideas, or set of rules: A linesman had his flag up so the kick keep count of what | spend on my credit card.
did not count. |[+as] Locally produced sales by American 5 on all/several/both etc counts in every way, in several
firms in Japan do not count as exports..| Today's session is ways etc: It was important that they secured a large and
counted as training, so you will get paid. |[+towards] Results widespread audience. They failed on both counts.
from the two rounds count towards championship points. 6at the last count according to the latest information
4(fttr4 [T] to include someone or something in a about a particular situation: At the last count, | had 15
total: There are more than two thousand of us, not counting responses to my letter.
the crew. | count sb/sth among sth / count Jules and Ady 7 be out for the count a) to be in a deep sleep b) if a BOXER is
among my closest friends. out for the count, he has been knocked down for ten
5 Gera [T] to consider someone or something in seconds or more
a particular way: count sb/sth as sth / don’t count him as a 8{%\yj technical one of the crimes that someone is
friend any more. | You should count yourself lucky that you charged with: Davis was found not guilty on all counts. |
weren't hurt. count of theft/burglary/murder etc He was charged with two
6fLaeas [I not in progressive] to be important or counts of theft.
valuable: First impressions really do count. | [+for] His 9 EWI a European NOBLEMAN with a high rank
promises don’t count for much. | His overseas results count count:a-ble /‘kauntabal/ adj a countable noun has both
for nothing. a singular and a plural form -—+ count noun
7 I/you can count sb/sth on (the fingers of) one hand spoken [OPP] uncountable
used to emphasize how small the number of something count-down /‘kauntdaun/ n [C_ usually singular]
is: The number of cougar attacks on humans can be counted 1 the period of time before something happens, such as a
on the fingers of one hand. spacecraft being LAUNCHed, when someone counts back-
8 don't count your chickens (before they're hatched) spoken wards until the event happens 2 the period of time before
used to say that you should not make plans that depend an important event, when people become more and more
on something good happening, because it might not: / excited about it: [+to] the countdown to the World Cup
wouldn't count your chickens, Mr Vass. I've agreed to sign the
contract, but that’s all. coun-te-nance’ /‘kauntinans/ n [C] literary your face
9 count your blessings spoken used to tell someone to be or your expression: All colour drained from her counte-
grateful for the good things in their life nance.
10 be counting (down) the minutes/hours/days to be wait- countenance? v [T] formal to accept, support, or
ing eagerly for something to happen: I'm counting the days approve of something: countenance (sb) doing sth / will not
until |see you again. countenance you being rude to Dr Baxter.
11 count the cost to start having problems as a result of coun-ter™ Gy /‘kaunta $ -ar/ n [C]
-your earlier decisions or mistakes: We’re now counting the ithe place where you pay or are served in a shop, bank,
cost of not taking out medical insurance. restaurant etc: He wondered if the girl behind the counter
12 who's counting? used to say that you are not worried recognised him.
about the number of times something happens - often 2 Ame a long flat surface on top of a piece of furniture,
used humorously: Apparently the next Star Trek film especially in a kitchen [SYN] worktop BrE
(number six, but who's counting?) will definitely be the last. 3 over the counter drugs, medicines etc that are bought
13 and counting especially spoken used to say that an over the counter are ones that you can buy in a’ shop
amount is continuing to increase: At eight days and count- without a PRESCRIPTION from a doctor
ing, this is the longest strike so far.
4 under the counter if you buy something under the coun-
14 count sheep to imagine a line of sheep jumping over a ter, you buy it secretly and usually illegally: It’s risky, but
fence, one at a time, and count them as a way of getting you can get alcohol under the counter.
to sleep — stand up and be counted at STAND"5), — it's the 5a small object that you use in some games that are
thought that counts at THOUGHT7(12) played on a board — see picture at BOARD GAME
count sb in phr v to include someone in an activity: When 6a piece of electrical equipment that counts something: |
the game gets started, you can count me in.
Set the video counter to zero before you press play. > GEIGER
count on/upon sb/sth phr v COUNTER .
1to depend on someone or something, especially in a 7a computer program that counts the number of people
difficult situation: You can count on me. | With luck, you who have visited a website
might cover your costs, but don’t count on it. | count on
8 an action that tries to prevent something bad from
(sb/sth) doing sth We're all counting on winning this
happening, or an argument that is used to prove that
contract. | They were counting on him not coming out’ of
something is wrong: [+to] The road blocks were a counter
hospital. |count on sb/sth to do sth You can count on Dean
to terrorist attacks in that area.
to ruin any party.
2 to expect something: The presence of Paula was one thing counter? v1 [1,1] to say something in order to try to °
he hadn't counted on. |count on (sb/sth) doing sth We didn’t prove that what someone said was not true or as a reply
count on so many people being on vacation. to something: ‘I could ask the same thing*of you,’ she |
count sb/sth out phr v countered. | counter an argument/an allegation/a criticism |
1to not include someone or something in an activity: I’m He was determined to counter the bribery allegations.
sorry, you'll have to count me out tonight. 2 [T] to do something in order to prevent something bad
2 to decide that someone or something is not important from happening or to reduce its bad effects: Exercise helps
or worth considering: | wouldn’t count him out. If anybody to counter the effects of stress.
can make a comeback, he can. counter® adj, adv be/run/go counter to sth to be the
EG = words from the Academic Word List 385 country

opposite of something: Some actions by the authorities ran Sending young offenders to prison can be counterproductive.
counter to the President's call for leniency. counter-revo lution n [Cu] political or military
counter= /kaunta $ -tar/ prefix 1 the opposite of some- actions taken to get rid of a government that is in power
thing: a counterproductive thing to do (=producing results because of a _ previous REVOLUTION —counter-
opposite to what you wanted) | It is not hard to find a revolutionary n [C] —counter-revolutionary: adj
counter-example (=an example that shows the opposite). coun-ter-sign /‘kauntasain $ -ar-/ v [T] to sign a paper
2 done or given as a reaction to something, especially to
that has already been signed by someone else: The note
oppose it: claims and counterclaims 3 matching some-
must be countersigned by a doctor.
thing: my counterpart in the American system (=someone
who has the same job as | have) coun-ter-ten-or /kaunta'tena § 'kauntar,tenar/ n [C] a
coun:ter-act /kauntarekt/ v [T] to reduce or prevent man who is trained to sing with a very high voice
the bad effect of something, by doing something that has ‘counter- terrorist adj counter-terrorist operation/
the opposite effect: They gave him drugs to counteract his team/unit etc a plan or group that tries to prevent the
withdrawal symptoms. —counteraction /-'ekfan/ n [C,U] activities of violent political groups —counter-terrorism n
coun-ter-at-tack /kauntara,tek/ n [C] an attack you [U] —counter-terrorist n [C]
make against someone who has attacked you, in a war, coun-ter-vail-ing /kaunta'verltn<« $ -ar-/ adj formal
sport, or argument —counterattack v [1,7] with an equally strong but opposite effect
coun-ter-bal-ance /kaunta'belans $ -tar-/ v [T] to countess /‘kauntis/ n [C] a woman with the same rank
have an equal and opposite effect to something such as a as an EARL Or a COUNT=(9)
change, feeling etc: Riskier investments tend to be caunter-
balanced by high rewards. —counterbalance ‘counting house n [C] an office where accounts and
/‘kaonta,belens $ -tar-/ n [C] money were kept in the past
coun-ter-charge /‘kauntatfa:dz $ -tartfa:rd3/ n [C] a count:-less /‘kauntlas/ adj [usually before noun] too many
statement that says someone has done something to be counted: a famous film clip which has been shown
wrong, made after they have said that you have done countless times MANY
something wrong ‘count noun n[C] a noun that has both a singular and a
coun:ter-clock-wise /kaunta'klokwaiz« $ -tarkla:k-/ plural form and can be used with ‘a’ or ‘an’ — countable
adv, adj AmE ANTICLOCKWISE —> CLOCKWISE —+ NOUN
coun-ter-cul-ture /‘kaontakaltfa $ -tarkaltfar/ n [U] the coun:tri-fied /‘kantrifard/ adj typical of the country-
art, beliefs, behaviour etc of people who are against the side, or made to seem typical of the countryside: the
usual or accepted behaviour, art etc of society: the coun- countrified existence of the newly rich
terculture revolution of the late 1960s
counter-'espionage n [U] the process of trying to coun:try' Gy Oy /‘kantri/ n (plural countries)
stop someone spying on your country
1[C] an area of land that is controlled by its own govern-
ment, president, king etc — nation: the Scandinavian
coun-ter-feit’ /kauntafit $ -tar-/ adj made to look countries | developing countries | travelling to a foreign
exactly like something else, in order to deceive people
country —> MOTHER COUNTRY
[SYN] fake: counterfeit currency/money etc counterfeit £10
2the country a) land that is outside towns and cities,
notes |counterfeit goods/software etc fia... FALSE
including land used for farming [SYN] the countryside: in the
counterfeit? v [7] to copy something exactly in order country /‘ve always wanted to live in the country. b) all the
to deceive people [SYN] fake: They admitted counterfeiting people who live in a particular country: The President has
documents. —counterfeiter n [C] the support of the country.
coun-ter-foil /kauntaforl $ -tar-/ n [C] the part of 3[U] an area of land that is suitable for a particular
something such as a cheque that you keep as a record activity, has particular features, or is connected with a
coun-ter-in-sur-gen-cy /kauntarin's3s:dgansi $ -3ir-/ n particular person or people: The Peak District is good
[U] military action against people who are fighting walking country. |mountainous country |the rugged moors of
against their own country’s government Bronté country
coun:ter-in-tel-li-gence /kauntarmn'telidzans/ -n [U] 4[U] country and western music: I’m a big fan of country.
action that a country takes in order to stop other coun- 5 go to the country BrE if a prime minister goes to the
tries discovering its secrets country, they ask for a GENERAL ELECTION to be held
coun-ter-mand / kaunta'ma:nd, 'kauntama:nd (elo) iKoley-ya
le). k
$ kauntar'mend/ v [T] formal to officially tell people to
| ADJECTIVES/NOU t a aes
ignore an order, especially by giving them a different one:
Terrorists tried to force him to countermand the order to a foreign country (=not your ¢ own wanarige Hand you
attack. ever worked in a foreign country?
a European/African/Asian etc country [he
coun-ter-mea-sure /‘kauntameza $ -termezar/ n [C
President will be visiting four European countries.
‘usually plural] an action taken to prevent another action
a democratic/capitalist/communist etc country the
from having a harmful effect: new countermeasures against
former socialist countries of Eastern Europe
terrorism
your home/native country (=where you were born
coun-ter-pane /‘kauntapein $ -ar-/ n [C] old-fashioned or live permanently) After five years in America, she
a BEDSPREAD returned to her home country, Japan.
coun-ter-part /‘kaontapa:t $ -tarpairt/ n [C] someone a developing/Third World country (=poor and
or something that has the same job or purpose as some- trying to increase its industry and trade) Many
one or something else in a different place: sb’s counterpart developing countries receive some foreign aid.
Belgian officials are discussing this with their French counter- a developed country (=rich and where most people
parts. have a comfortable life) |an underdeveloped
coun:ter-point /‘kauntapoint $ -ar-/ 1 [U] the combi- country (=poor and developing more slowly than
nation of two or more tunes played together so that they others) |an industrialized country |an advanced
sound like one tune: in counterpoint to sth The viola is country |a Christian/Muslim/Catholic etc
exactly in counterpoint to the first violin. 2 [C] a tune that is country |your adopted country (=that you have
one part of counterpoint 3 [C,U] when two things that are chosen to live in permanently) |an independent
different are compared in an interesting or pleasant way: country (=not controlled by another country) |
[+to] | have used my interviews with parents as a counter- a free country (=where people's actions are not too
point to a professional judgement. restricted) |amember country (=belonging to a
coun-ter-pro-duc-tive /kauntapra'daktiv< $ -tar-/ adj particular international organization) |the host
achieving the opposite result to the one that you want: country (=where an event is held)
country Sd & & = the most frequent words in spoken English

eatelaenesl
coun-try-side — (H /kantrisatrd/ n [U] land that is
run/govern the country (=officially control a outside cities and towns [SYN] the country: The house had
country) The government has the job of running the lovely views over open countryside. | in the countryside
country. people who live in the countryside FREES COUNTRY
rule a country (=have complete control of a
country) For a long time the country was ruled by countryside n [U] an area away from towns and
military dictators. cities, where there are fields, forests etc - used
flee the country (=leave it very quickly to avoid especially when talking about the natural beauty of
trouble) At the outbreak of the war, many people fled this kind of area: The walk takes you through some
the country. beautiful countryside. | The countryside changes in
serve your country (=work for your country in an winter.
official way) Remember those who are serving our the country n [singular] the area away from towns
country as soldiers, sailors, and airmen. and cities, where there are fields, forests etc: Tired of
lead the country | represent your country | betray city life, they moved to the country. |I've always wanted
your country (=be disloyal, especially by giving to live in the country.
secrets to other countries) landscape n [C usually singular] a large area of
countryside that you see from somewhere: The house
sb's/sth’s country of or here you were born looks out over a peaceful rural landscape. |Adams is
or live permanently, or where something was famous for his photographs of the American landscape.
produced) Please give your name, age, and country of scenery n [U] the natural features of part of a
\_origin. country, such as mountains, forests etc, especially
when these are attractive: New Zealand has some
spectacular scenery.
THESAURUS wilderness n [C,U] a large area of land that has
country an area of land controlled by its own never been developed or farmed: Yukon is a vast
government, president, king etc: Thailand is a wilderness of mountains, lakes, and forests.
beautiful country. | Which country would you most like the bush n [singular] wild country that has not been
to visit? cleared, especially in Australia or Africa: The camp is
nation a country, considered especially in relation to popular with tourists wishing to experience the African
its people and its political and economic structure: bush,
The events shocked the whole nation. | The US is the rural adj relating to the country: People are moving
most powerful nation in the world. | Leaders of the away from rural areas. | rural communities
world’s major industrialized nations attended the
meeting. coun-try-wide /‘kantriward/ adj happening or existing
state a country considered as a political organization in all parts of a country [SYN] nationwide —countrywide
with its own government: They believe that Scotland adv
should be an independent sovereign state. | Most coun:try-wom-an /‘kantriwoman/ n (plural country-
European states joined the Council of Europe. women /-wimin/) [C] BrE a woman who lives in the
power a country that is very strong and important: a country rather than in a town or city
meeting of the great powers | Britain is still a world coun:ty {Q /‘kaunti/ n (plural counties) [C] an area of a
power. state or country that has its own government to deal with
superpower one of the most powerful countries in local matters: Fairfax County, Virginia
the world: During the Cuban Missile Crisis there was a
real danger of conflict between the two world
county ‘council n [Cc] a group of people who are
elected to the local government of a county, especially in
superpowers,
Britain: Kent County Council
land literary a country - used in stories: He told them
about his journeys to foreign lands. |a traveller from a | \county ‘court n [C] a local court of law. In Britain,
far-off land county courts deal with private quarrels between people
rather than with serious crimes. In the US, they also deal
country? adj [only before noun] 1 belonging to or con- with less important criminal cases. — criminal court
nected with the countryside [SYN] rural [OPP] urban: They county ‘fair n [Cc] AmE an event that happens each
much preferred country life to life in the city. 2 relating to year in a particular county, with games and competitions
country and western music: a country singer for the best farm animals, cooking etc
country and ‘western n [U] formal popular music in ,county ‘town BE, county 'seat AmE n [C] the town ina
the style of music from the southern and western US county where its government is
,country 'bumpkin n [Cc] someone who is considered coup /ku:/ n [C] 1a sudden and sometimes violent
to be stupid because they are from an area outside towns attempt by citizens or the army to take control of the
and cities yokel government coup d'état: Haiti's first elected President
‘country club n [c] a sports and social club, especially was deposed in a violent military coup. | a coup attempt by
one for rich people junior officers | He evaded capture after the failed coup.
\country ‘cousin n [C] someone who does not have a REVOLUTION 2 an achievement that is
lot of experience and is confused by busy city life extremely impressive because it was very difficult: Beat-
ing Arsenal was a major coup for the club.
country ‘dancing n [U] a traditional form of dance in coup de grace /ku: da ‘gra:s/ n [singular] 1. an action
which pairs of dancers move in rows and circles
or event that ends or destroys something that has gradu-
country ‘house n (C] BrE a large house in the country- ally been getting weaker 2 a hit or shot that kills someone
side, especially one that is of historical interest + stately or something
home
coup d'état / ku: derta: $ -de'ta:/ n (plural coups d'état
coun-tryman /'kantriman/ n (plural countrymen (same pronunciation)) [C] a coup
/-men/) [C] 1 sb’s countryman someone from your own Coupé /'ku:per $ kurper/ n [C] a car with two doors and
country compatriot: /t was two years since I'd seen any a sloping back — sports car
fellow countrymen. 2 BrE a man who lives in the country
rather than in a town or city cou-ple’ gy (a BG /‘kapal/ n
1a couple a) two things or people of the same kind [S¥N] a
‘country music n [U] couNTRY AND WESTERN few: [+of] There are a couple of girls waiting for you. b) a
country ‘seat n [C] BrE the countryside house of small number of things: | just need to make a couple more
someone who is rich and owns land calls. |[+of] You'll be all right in a couple of days.
(i £2 GS = the most frequent words in written English course

2[C] two people who are married or having a sexual or followed by ‘of’. Do not say ‘a course of Business Studies’.
romantic relationship: a newly married couple | the couple Say ‘a course in Business Studies’.
next door 4 GG [singular] a period of time or process during which
couple? EG v 1 [T] to join or fasten two things together: something happens: during/in/throughout/over the course
couple sth to sth Each element is mathematically coupled to of sth During the course of our conversation, it emerged that
its neighbours. 2 [|] formal to have sex Bob had been in prison. | Over the course of the next few
couple sth with sth phr v [usually passive] if one thing is years, the steel industry was reorganized. | in the course of
coupled with another, the two things happen or exist doing sth /n the course of researching customer needs, we
together and produce a particular result [SYN] combine: discovered how few families have adequate life insurance.
Lack of rain coupled with high temperatures caused the crops 5 @OQW
BS Ey [singular] the usual or natural way that
to fail. something changes, develops, or is done: [+of] forces that
coup-let /‘kaplst/ n [C] two lines of poetry, one follow- shape the course of evolution | Meeting Sally changed the
ing the other, that are the same length: rhyming couplets whole course of his life. | in the normal/natural/ordinary
course of events /n the normal course of events, ason would
coup-ling /kaplin/ n [C] 1something that connects inherit from his father. |take/run its course (=develop inthe |
two things together, especially two vehicles 2 when two usual way and reach a natural end) Relax and let nature
things are joined or connected [SYN|combination: an take its course. | It seems the boom in World Music has run
attractive coupling of two Slavonic Dances 3 formal an act of its course. |Gorbachev changed the course of Soviet history.
having sex 6 GEC [singular, U] the general plans someone has to
COU-pon /'ku:pon $ -pa:n/ n [C] 1a small piece of achieve something or the general way something is hap-
printed paper that gives you the right to pay less for pening: They will go to any lengths to get the White House
something or get something free: The coupon entitles you to change course. | He will steer a middle course between
to ten cents off your next purchase. 2 a printed form, used pacifism and revolution. | As long as the economy stays on
when you order something, enter a competition etc: To course, the future looks rosy.
order, fill in the coupon on page 154. 7 ESE [C usually singular] an action or series of
cour-age EX /*kandz $ 'k3:r-/ n [U] actions that you could take in order to deal with a
1the quality of being brave when you are facing a difficult particular situation: | agreed that this was the only sensible
or dangerous situation, or when you are very ill + bravery course of action. |take/decide on a course The judge took the
[OPP] cowardice: Sue showed great courage throughout her only course of action open to him.
illness. | courage to do sth Gradually | lost the courage to 8 Ds ([C usually singular, U] the planned direction
speak out about anything. | He did not have the courage to taken by a boat or plane to reach a place: The plane
tell Nicola that he was ending their affair. |summon/pluck up changed course to avoid the storm. | on/off course (=going
the courage (to do sth) (=find the courage to do some- in the right or wrong direction) The ship was blown off
thing) | plucked up the courage to go out by myself. |Driving course. | The aircraft was almost ten miles off course. | She
again after his accident must have taken a lot of courage tightened the mainsail while holding the course (=travelling
(=needed courage). in the same direction as planned).
2 have the courage of your (own) convictions to continue to 9 on course likely to achieve something because you have
say or do what you think is right even when other people already had some success: [+for] /f he wins today, he's on
may not agree or approve —+ DUTCH COURAGE course for the Grand Slam. |on course to do sth We're back
cou-fa-geous /ka'rerdzas/ adj brave: He was wrong, and on course to qualify for the championship.
courageous enough to admit it. | a courageous decision 10 (9 [C] one of the separate parts of a meal: three-
— courageously adv BRAVE course/five-course etc meal The ticket includes entry and a
four-course meal. |first/second/main etc course We had fish
REGISTER for the main course.
In everyday English, people usually say brave rather 11 82a) [C] an area of land or water where races are
than courageous: /t was brave of you to tell him what held, or an area of land designed for playing golf: a
you thought. particularly difficult course | an 18-hole course —+ ASSAULT
COURSE, OBSTACLE COURSE(1)
cour-gette /kua'zet $ kur-/ n [C] a long vegetable with 12 DE «£C] especially BrE an amount of
dark green skin [SYN]zucchini AmE —> see picture at medicine or medical treatment that you have regularly for
VEGETABLE" a specific period of time: course of injections/drugs/
cou-ri-er™ /kurisa $ -ar/ n [C] 1a person or company treatment etc a course of antibiotics
that is paid to take packages somewhere 13 in (the) course of time after some or enough time has
2 BrE old-fashioned a REP passed [SYN] eventually: She'll get used to school in the
courier? y [1] to send something somewhere using a course of time.
courier 14 Gilad [C] the direction a river moves in: The course of
the water was shown by a line of trees.
course’ GJ (i /ko:s $ ko:rs/ n
1of course a) used to show that what you are saying is 15 ([Z"9 [C] a layer of bricks, stone etc in a wall: a
expected or already known and so not surprising: You can damp-proof course > as a matter of course at MATTER'(20),
pay by cheque, assuming of course you have a valid cheque — par for the course at PAR(3), > stay the course at STAY'(7),
card. |Of course there are exceptions to every rule. b) (also —+ in due course at DUE'4)
course informal) spoken used to say yes or to give permis- COLLOCATIONS- MEANING3
sion politely: ‘Can / have a word with your’ ‘Of course.’ |‘Can PEVERBS en Te nae iM
you give me a lift?’ ‘Course, no problem.’ c) (also course
informal) spoken used to emphasize that what you are take a course (also do a course BrE) | decided to doa
saying is true or correct: Of course he'll come! |well/but of course in Italian.
course Well of course | love you. go ona course BrE: My company wanted me to go on
2 of course not (also course not informal) spoken used to a course in management skills.
say very strongly that something is not true or correct: He pass/fail a course /f you pass the course, you get a
asked his father ifit was true. ‘Of course not,’ Jack said. | ‘You diploma in psychology.
don’t mind if | call her?’ ‘No, course not.’ apply for a course The following year she applied for a
3 GET «=[C] a) a series of lessons in a particular nursing course.
subject [SYN] class AmE: Andy’‘s doing a one-year journalism enrol on a course/put your name down for a course
course. | [+on/in] a course on architecture | I’m taking a BrE (=to arrange to officially join a course) |attend
course in graphic design. b) BrE a period of study in a a course formal (=take part in a course) |withdraw
particular subject, especially at university [SYN] program from a course/drop out of a course (=leave it
Am: a degree course in photography A\ Course is never without finishing it) |teach a course | run a course
course EG = words from the Academic Word List

in sb’s court at BALL\(7), — be laughed out of court at

LAUGH'(6), —> FOOD COURT
a language/art/design etc course The school runs
ten-week language courses three times a year. Coo
a full-time/part-time course There are also part-time | PHRASES |
courses for mature students. a court of law You may Be asked to give evidence
an elementary/intermediate/advanced course an before a court of law.
advanced course in art and design
a one-year/two-year etc course She did a one-year _court+NOUN
teacher training course. a court case (=a problem or crime that jis dealt with
a short course |an intensive course (=in which you in a court of law) a recent court case involving the
learn a lot in a short time) |a crash course informal death of a baby
(=in which you learn a great deal in a very short a court order (=an instruction that someone must
time) |a training course |a vocational course do something) A court order specified that the money
(=that trains you to do a particular job) | must be paid back over six months.
a correspondence course (=in which you work at a court ruling (=an official decision) The company
home, sending work to a teacher by post) |an appealed against the court ruling.
introductory course (=for people who have never court action (=a court case) He was threatened with
done a particular subject or activity before) | court action.
a refresher course (=short and intended to teach court proceedings (=the processes that are part of
you about new developments in a subject) |a a court case) The court proceeaas were over in a day.
sandwich course Br (=that includes periods of
work in industry or business)
go56 court (=take legal action) The Costs of goingte
court are very high.
a course tutor BYE: | discussed it with my course tutor. take sb to court (=take legal action against
course material Teachers are provided with course someone) She took the company to court for sex
material. discrimination.
the course syllabus (=the plan of what is taught on bring sb/sth to court (also bring sb/sth before a
a course) court) Three teenage girls were brought before the
court for robbing an elderly woman.
appear in court A man has appeared in court charged
/\ Do not say 'make a course’, Say do or take a with cruelty to animals.
course. a case comes to court/comes before the court The
case came to court 21 months later.
course? y 1[| always + adv/prep] literary if a liquid or a court hears a case The county court will hear the
electricity courses somewhere, it flows there quickly: case next month.
Tears coursed down his cheeks. 2 [| always + adv/prep] liter- settle sth out of court (=reach an agreement
ary if a feeling courses through you, you feel it suddenly without using a court)
and strongly: His smile sent waves of excitement coursing a court rules/orders/holds sth The court ruled that
through her. 3 [1,T] to chase rabbits with dogs as a sport the penalty was not excessive.
course:book /‘ko:sbuk $ ‘ko:rs-/ n [C] BrE a book that a court clears/acquits sb (=says that they are not
students use regularly during a set of lessons on a par- guilty) | a court convicts sb (=says that they are
ticular subject textbook guilty) | a court upholds sth (=says that an earlier
decision was right) | a court quashes/overturns sth
courseware /'ko:swea $ ‘ko:rswer/ n [U] computer
(=says that an earlier decision was wrong) |a court
software that is designed to teach people a particular
adjourns a case/trial etc (=stops dealing with it for
subject
a period of time) |a court dismisses/throws out
course-work /‘ko:sws:k $ ‘koirswa:rk/ n [U] work stu- sth (=refuses to allow or consider something)
dents do during a course of study rather than in examina-
tions, and that forms part of their final mark | ADJECTIVES/NOUN + court
a criminal court (=for cases about crime) Two
court? iy (i /ko:t $ koirt/ n French magistrates ruled that he should stand trial in a
1 ESP [C,U] the place where criminal court.
a trial is held, or the people there, especially the judge a civil court (=for cases about disagreements) |
and the JuRY who examine the evidence and decide a Crown Court (=a British court for cases about
whether someone is guilty or not guilty: It could not be serious crimes) | a High Court (=an important court,
proved in a court of law. | The court case lasted six weeks. | with more power than an ordinary court) |an
Four people will appear in court today, charged with fraud. | appeals court/court of appeal (=dealing with cases
The court ruled that no compensation was due. |She threat- in which people are not satisfied with a decision) |
ened to take the magazine to court (=take legal action the Supreme Court (=the most important court in
against them) jf they didn’t publish an immediate apology. some countries or US states) |a federal court (=a
2a «=C] an area made for playing national court rather than a state court) | a county
games such as tennis — field, pitch: squash/tennis/ court (=a local court) |a magistrates’ court (=a
basketball etc court Can you book a squash court for court in each area in England and Wales that deals
tomorrow? |on court The players are due on court in an hour. with less serious crimes)
— see picture at TENNIS a kangaroo court (=an unofficial court that punishes
3 MITTS +a) [C] the place where a king or queen people unfairly) The army reportedly held kangaroo
lives and works: the royal courts of Europe b) the court the courts and executed alleged rebels.
king, queen, their family, and their friends, advisers etc:
Several members of the court were under suspicion. | There court? y [T] 1 to try hard to please someone, especially
was a taste in court circles for romantic verse. |Court officials because you want something from them: His campaign
denied the rumours. team have assiduously courted the media. 2 court danger/
A hold court formal to speak in an interesting, amusing, or death etc formal to behave in a way that makes danger etc
forceful way so that people gather to listen: [+to] Dylan more likely: To have admitted this would have courted politi-
was holding court upstairs to a group of fans. cal disaster. 3 be courting old-fashioned if a man and a
5 pay court to sb old-fashioned to give someone a lot of woman are courting, they are having a romantic relation-
attention to try and make them like you ship and may get married: That was back in the 1960s _
6 LEMS [C] a couRTYARD — the ball is when we were courting. 4 old-fashioned if a man courts a |
—X3 = words from the Academic Word List cover

woman, he spends time being nice to her because he ‘court shoe n [C] BrE a type of plain formal shoe worn
hopes to marry her by women [SYN| pump AmE — see picture at SHOE!
‘court card n [C] BrE the king, queen, or JACK in a set of court-yard /‘ko:tja:d $ 'ko:rtja:rrd/ n [C] an open space
playing cards face card AmE that is completely or partly surrounded by buildings: the
court corre'spondent n [c] BrE someone who castle courtyard
reports the news relating to a royal family for a news- cous:cous /'kuskus/ n [U] a type of North African food
paper or television company made of crushed wheat
‘court costs n [plural] the costs of taking a case to cous:in Gy /‘kazan/ n [C]
court: You could be ordered to pay court costs. athe child of your UNCLE or AUNT — FIRST COUSIN, KISSING
cour-te-ous /‘ks:tias $ ‘k3:r-/ adj polite and showing COUSIN, SECOND COUSIN
respect for other people [opp] discourteous: The staff are 2 something that has the same origins as something else:
always courteous and helpful. | a courteous reply [+of/to] a drug that is a chemical cousin to amphetamines |
POLITE close/distant cousin The Alaskan brown bear is a close
cousin of the grizzly bear.
cour-te-san /ko:t3zen $ 'ko:rtizan/ n [C] a woman who 3someone or something that is similar to someone or
had sex with rich or important men for money in the past
something else: His avant-garde music, sometime cousin to
— prostitute
jazz, had limited appeal.
cour-te:sy’ /'ksrtisi $ ‘k3:r-/ n (plural courtesies) cou-ture /ku:'tjva $ -'tur/ (also haute-couture) n [U] the
1[U] polite behaviour and respect for other people design and production of expensive and fashionable
politeness discourtesy: /t’s a matter of common clothes, or the clothes themselves: a couture collection
courtesy to acknowledge letters. |have the courtesy to do sth
cove /kauv $ kouv/ n [C] 1 part of the coast where the
He didn't even have the courtesy to call and say he couldn't
land curves round so that the sea is partly surrounded by
come, 2 [C] something you do or say to be polite: The two
land — bay: The last fishing boats left the cove. 2 BrE
men exchanged courtesies before getting down to business.
old-fashioned a man
3 (by) courtesy of sb by someone's permission or kind-
ness, rather than by paying them: photographs supplied cov-en /'kavan/ n [C] a group or meeting of witcHes
courtesy of Blenheim Palace 4 (by) courtesy of sth if one cov-e-nant /‘kavanant/ n [C] a legal agreement in
thing happens courtesy of another, the second thing which someone promises to pay a person or organization
caused the first: Healy received a deep cut on his left hand, an amount of money regularly +> endowment —covenant
courtesy of Nicole’s ice skate. 5 do sb the courtesy of doing v [,7]: He covenanted to pay £30 a month into the fund.
sth to be polite enough to do something for someone: At Cov-en-try /‘kovantri, 'kav- $ 'kav-, 'karv-/ 1 an industrial
least do me the courtesy of telling the truth. city in central England 2 send sb to Coventry BrE to refuse
courtesy” adj [only before noun] 1 provided free to a to speak to someone in order to punish them, show
customer by a company: courtesy bus/taxi/car/phone etc disapproval etc
The hotel runs a courtesy bus from the airport. | Most cov-er" Gy Oy ‘kava $ -ar/ v [T]
reviewers receive a courtesy copy of the book. IMSL (also cover up) to put something over or
2 courtesy visit/call a visit etc done to be polite or show be over something in order to hide, close, or protect it:
respect: Our captain put in a courtesy visit during dinner. Cover the pot and bake for an hour. | She wore a low-cut
court-house /‘ko:thaus $ ‘ko:rt-/ n [C] AmE a building dress, partly covered by a thin shawl. |cover sth with sth Dan
containing law courts and government offices covered his face with his hands.
court-ier /‘ko:tta $ 'ko:rtrr/ n [C] someone in the past 2({@yGa if something covers a surface, it forms a layer
with an important position at a royal court over it: Grey mould covered the walls. | Much of the country
is covered by snow. |cover sth with/in sth The bulletin board
court-ly /‘ko:tli $ 'ko:rtli/ adj graceful and polite: a tall was covered with messages. | The eruption of the volcano
man with courtly manners —courtliness n [U]
covered states as far away as Montana in a fine layer of ash.
\court-'martial" / $ '. ../ n [C,U] a court that judges 3 (DTD to include or deal with a particular subject or
soldiers etc who may have broken military law, or an group of things: a course covering business law | Are there
occasion when this judgment is made: Navy commanders any areas you feel are not covered adequately in the book? |
recommended that he be tried by court-martial. ‘Exercise’ is a word which covers a vast range of activities. |
court-martial? v (court-martialled, court-martialling We need more time to cover so much ground (=include so
BrE, court-martialed, court-martialing AmE) [T] to hear and many things). |pollutants that are not covered by the Kyoto
judge someone's case in a military court: The drill instruc- agreement
tor was court-martialled for having sex with a trainee. ADs@ured to travel a particular distance: They were
(Court of Ap'peal n [singular] the highest law court in hoping to cover 40 miles yesterday. | A leopard can cover a
Britain apart from the HOUSE OF LORDS lot of ground very quickly.
5 £73 to spread over an area: The city covers 25 square
(Court of Ap'peals n [singular] one of 12 law courts in miles.
the US that deals with cases when people are not satis- 6 {US08) to report the details of an event for a newspaper
fied with the judgment given by a lower court — appellate or a television or radio programme: I'd just returned from
court
covering the Cambodian war.
court of in'quiry n (plural courts of inquiry) [C] BrE a 7 [Ia if a sum of money covers the cost of something,
group of people chosen to discover the facts about some- it is enough to pay for it: The award should be enough to
thing such as a serious accident — grand jury cover her tuition fees. |Airlines are raising fares to cover the
\court of ‘law (also law court) n (plural courts of law) rising costs of fuel.
[C] a place where law cases are judged [SYN] court 8 (Deum if your insurance covers you or your pos-
court ‘order n (C] an order or decision made by a law sessions, it promises to pay you money if you have an
court: His computer was seized under a court order. accident, something is stolen etc: Most policies cover
accidental damage to pipes. | The treatment wasn't covered
court re'porter n [C] someone whose job is to record by her health care insurance. | cover sb against/for sth Are
everything that is said during a court case we covered for theft? |cover sb to do sth He thought he was
court-room /‘ko:tru:m, -rum $ 'ko:rt-/ n [C] a room ina covered to drive the vehicle.
law court where cases are judged 9M a) to protect someone by being ready to shoot
court-ship /‘ko:t-{1p $ 'ko:rt-/ 1 1[C,U] the period of anyone who attacks them: I'll make for the door - cover me,
time during which a man and woman have a romantic will you? b) to aim a gun at a person or a place where
relationship before marrying 2[U] special behaviour people might be, in order to prevent them from moving or
used by animals to attract each other for sex: courtship escaping: He stepped into the doorway and swung the gun
rituals up to cover the corridor.
cover = 390 SJ & GS = the most frequent words in spoken English

10 Gay to stay close to a member of the opposing provide a service, especially because the people who
team or a part of the field in order to prevent your normally do it are not there — backup: It’s your responsibil-
opponents from gaining points ity to arrange adequate cover for holiday periods. |night-time
11 {84 to perform or record a song that was originally ambulance cover
recorded by another artist: They've covered several hits 10 {53 [C] (also cover version) a new recording of a
from the 1980s. song, piece of music etc that was originally recorded by a
12 cover (all) the bases to make sure you can deal with any different artist: She’s opted to do a cover version for her first
situation or problem so that nothing bad happens: Parents single.
are already stressed trying to cover the bases at home and at 18a [C usually singular] behaviour or activities that
work. seem normal or honest but are being used to hide some-
13 cover yourself (against sth) (also cover your back, cover thing bad or illegal: [+for] The gang used the shop as a
your butt/ass AmE) to do things in a way that will prevent cover for drug deals. |All that toughness is just a cover for his
people from blaming or criticizing you: Doctors are con- inability to show affection.
cerned to cover themselves against charges of negligence. | 12 under cover a) pretending to be someone else in order
He copied Stella in on the email just to cover his back. to do something secretly: She was working under cover to
14 cover your tracks to try to hide something you have get information on drug gangs. b) under a roof or other
done so that other people do not find out: He started to structure: The aircraft is displayed under cover in the USAF
destroy documents to cover his tracks. Gallery.
cover for sb phr v 13 under (the) cover of darkness nicht literary hidden by
1to do the work that someone else usually does, because the darkness of night: They escaped under cover of dark-
they are not there: Who's covering for you while you're ness.
away? 14 under plain cover/under separate cover if a letter etc is
2 to prevent someone from getting into trouble by lying sent under plain cover or under separate cover, it is sent
for them, especially about where they are or what they in a plain envelope or a separate envelope: The bill will be
are doing sent to you later under separate cover.
cover sth «* over phr v to put something on top of cov-er-age /'kavaridz/ n [U] 1 when a subject or event
something else so that it is completely hidden: The female is reported on television or radio, or in newspapers:
lays a single egg and covers it over. media/press etc coverage The allegations received wide-
cover up phr v spread media coverage. | live coverage of the match (=the
1 cover sth <> up to put something over something else so match is broadcast at the same time that it is happening)
that it cannot be seen: Her legs were so swollen she had to 2 Ame the protection an insurance company gives you,
cover them up. so that it pays you money if you are injured, something is
2 cover sth <> up to prevent people from discovering mis- stolen etc [SYN] cover BrE: health care coverage 3 the range
takes or unpleasant facts — whitewash: The affair was of subjects and facts included in a book, programme,
covered up and never reached the papers. | Mum's worried, class etc: [tof] Prestel’s website provides good coverage of
but she covers it up by joking. ++ COVER-UP the subject. 4.when something affects or covers a particu-
3 cover up for sb to protect someone by hiding unpleasant lar area or group of things: More satellites are needed to
facts about them: They covered up for Kirk by refusing to provide telephone coverage in remote areas.
answer any questions.
cov-er-alls /kavara:lz $ -p:lz/ n [plural] AmE a piece of
4to put clothes, BLANKETS etc over yourself in order to
clothing that you wear over all your clothes to protect
protect or hide your body, or to keep yourself warm: Cover
them overalls BrE
up, or stay out of the sun. | cover yourself up Hastily, she
covered herself up with the towel. ‘cover charge n [C] money that you have to pay ina
restaurant in addition to the cost of the food and drinks,
cover? §] [a n especially when there is a band or dancing
IGS) [C] something that is put on top of some-
thing else to protect it > lid: a blue duvet cover |a plastic
cov-ered /'kavad $ -ard/ adj 1 having a roof: a covered
cover | A dust cover (=to keep dirt etc off) hung over the arena 2 having a layer of something on top: snow-covered
painting. hills
2 2TH) [C] the outer front or back part of a magazine, ‘cover girl n [C] an attractive young woman whose
book etc: His photo’s on the cover of ‘Newsweek’ again. | photograph is on the front cover of a magazine
front/back cover an advertisement on the back cover || read cov-er-ing /'kavarin/ n1 [singular] something that cov-
the magazine from cover to cover (=all of it). |cover photo/ ers or hides something: a light covering of snow
shot/picture (=picture on the front cover) The cover shot 2 coverings [plural] a layer of something such as paper,
was of three guys in army kit. wood, or cloth used to cover walls, floors etc: colourful
3 (2) the covers [plural] the sheets etc that you put over wall coverings
yourself when you are in bed: The covers had slipped off in covering ‘letter n [Cc] BrE a letter that you send with
the night. documents or a package that gives information about its
4 2599 [VU] shelter or protection from bad weather or contents [SYN] cover letter AmE: Send your CV and a cover-
attack: run/dive for cover He was shot in the head as he ran ing letter to the address below.
for cover. | We were forced to take cover in a barn. | Three
soldiers broke cover (=left the place where they were cov-er-let /*kavalit $ -var-/ n [C] old-fashioned a cloth
hiding). cover for a bed [SYN] bedspread
5 DSUs [VU] BrE the protection insurance gives you, ‘cover letter n [Cc] AmE a covering letter
so that it pays you money if you are injured, something is cov-er-mount /'kavamaont $ -ar-/ adj [only before aise
stolen etc [SYN|coverage AmE: medical cover | a covermount CD, DVD etc is one which is attached to
[+against/for] cover against fire and theft the cover of a magazine, and which you get free when
6 (ZZ) [U] military protection and support given to air- you buy the magazine —covermount n [C]
craft, ships etc that are likely to be attacked: fighters used ‘cover note n [C] BrE a document that proves you have:
as cover for ground troops
car insurance
7 (209 [Uv] trees and plants that grow in large num-
bers on a piece of land: Once the forest cover is felled, rains ‘cover \price n [C, usually singular] the price int on
wash away the soil. | With its spreading stems, ivy makes the front of a book, magazine etc: Ten pence of the cover
good ground cover. price goes directly to charity.
8 (NEY [U] clouds, snow etc that partly hide the sky ‘cover Story n [C]1 the main story that appears with a
or the ground: cloud/snow/fog etc cover Cloud cover in the picture on the front cover of a newspaper or magazine
morning should clear later. 2 false information that you give people about who you
9 (eT LU] an arrangement in which people do a job or are, what you are doing somewhere etc
(0 (2 DS = the most frequent words in written English 391 crack
cov-ert! /kavat, 'kavva:t $ 'kouvart/ adj secret or hidden cow-poke /‘kaupauk $ -pouk/ n [C] AmE old-fashioned a
overt: covert operations SECRET COWBOY
covert? n [C] a group of thick bushes where animals cow:rie /‘kavri/ n [C] a small shiny shell that was used
can hide in the past as money in parts of Africa and Asia
‘cover-up n [C] an attempt to prevent the public from cennee /‘kavfed/ n [C] a building where cows are
discovering the truth about something — whitewash: He ept
accused the government of a cover-up. —> COVER UP(2) cow:'slip /‘kausltp/ n [C] a small European wild plant
cov-et /'kavit/ v [T] formal to have a very strong desire with sweet-smelling yellow flowers
to have something that someone else has: The Michelin COX /kpks $ ka:ks/ n [C] someone who controls the
Awards are coveted by restaurants all over the world. direction of a rowing boat, especially in races —cox v [T]
cov-et-ous /‘kavitas/ adj formal having a very strong cox-comb /‘kokskaum $ 'kazkskoum/ n [C] old-fashioned
desire to have something that someone else has: They a stupid man who is too proud of his clothes and appear- <9
began to cast covetous eyes on their neighbours’ fields. ance
—covetously adv —covetousness n [U] cox:swain /‘kpksan, -swetn $ 'ka:k-/ n [C] a cox
cow’ By /kav/ n [C] coy /ko1/ adj 1 shy or pretending to be shy in order to
1a large female animal that is kept on farms and used to attract people’s interest: She gave him a coy smile.
produce milk or meat — bull 2 unwilling to give information about something —
2a male or female animal of this type — bull: a herd of [OPP] open: [+about] Tania was always coy about her age.
cows —coyly adv —coyness n [U]
3 the female of some large animals, such as the ELEPHANT coy-ote /kor-avt, koravti $ 'kar-out, kat'outi/ n [C] a
or the WHALE — bull small wild dog that lives in North West America and
4 BrE spoken not polite an offensive word for a woman Mexico
who you think is stupid or unpleasant coy:pu /‘ko1pu:/ n [C] an animal like a BEAVER, kept on
5 have a cow informal to be very angry or surprised about farms for its fur
something COZ, cos /kaz, kaz $ kp:z, kaz/ conjunction BrE informal
6 till the cows come home informal for a very long time, or because
for ever + CASH COW, MAD COW DISEASE, SACRED COW
coz-en /'knzan/ v [T] old-fashioned to trick or deceive
cow? v [T usually passive] to frighten someone in order to someone
make them do something: cow sb into sth The protesters Co:zy /'kauzi $ 'kou-/ adj the usual American spelling of
had been cowed into submission by the police.
COSY
coward /‘kaved $ -ard/ n [C] someone who is not at all cozmzie /‘kpzi $ 'ka:-/ n [C] BrE informal a swimMiNG
brave: Try it. Don’t be such a coward. —cowardly adj: a COSTUME
cowardly attack on a defenceless man
CPA /ssi: pi: 'er/ n [C] AmE (Certified Public Accountant)
cowardice /‘kavadis $ -ar-/ (also cow-ard-li-ness an ACCOUNTANT who has passed all his or her examina-
/‘kavadlinis $ -ard-/) n [U] lack of courage [OPP] bravery: tions
cowardice in the face of danger CPR /si: pi: 'a: $ -'a:r/ n [U] (cardiopulmonary resuscita-
cow:bell /‘kaubel/ n [C] a small bell — see picture at tion) when you breathe into someone's mouth and press
BELL repeatedly on their chest in order to make them breathe
cow-boy /‘kaubo1/ n[C] 1 in the US, a man who rides a again and make their heart start beating again after it has
horse and whose job is to care for cattle 2 BrE someone stopped
who is dishonest in business, or who produces very bad CPS, the /si: pi: 'es/ (the Crown Prosecution Service) the
quality work: a firm of cowboy builders 3 cowboys and government organization in England and Wales which is
Indians a game played by children who fight while pre- responsible for bringing legal charges against criminals
tending to be cowboys and Native Americans CPU /si: pi: ju:/ n [C] technical (central processing unit)
‘cowboy hat n [Cc] a hat with a wide circular edge and a the part of a computer that controls what it does
soft round top — Stetson crab /kreb/ n1[C] a sea animal with a hard shell, five
cow-catch-er /kauket{a $ -ar/ n [C] a piece of metal legs on each side, and two large CLAWs — crustacean
on the front of a train that pushes things off the track 2 [U] the flesh of this animal that you can cook and eat:
‘cow chip n [Cc] AmE a round flat mass of dry solid waste crab meat | dressed crab (=prepared for eating)
from a cow [SYN] cowpat 3 crabs [plural] informal a medical condition in which a
cow-er /'kava $ -ar/ v [I] to bend low and move back type of LOUSE (=insect) is in the hair around sexual organs
because you are frightened: [+back/against/under etc] A [singular] AmE informal someone who becomes
He cowered against the wall. annoyed easily about unimportant things
cow:girl /kaug3:! $ -g3:rl/ n [C] in the US, a woman ‘crab apple n [c] a small sour apple, or the tree it
who rides a horse and whose job is to care for cattle grows on
cow-hand /kavhend/ n [C] someone whose job is to crab-bed /‘krebid/ adj literary writing which is crabbed
is small, untidy, and difficult to read
care for cattle + rancher
cow-hide /kavhard/ n [C,U] the skin of a cow or the crab-by /‘krebi/ adj easily annoyed by unimportant
things [SYN] bad-tempered: a crabby old man | You're a bit
leather made from it
crabby this morning.
cowl /kavl/ n [C] 1a large HOOD that covers your head
and shoulders: a monk in a dark habit and cowl 2 a cover
crabgrass /‘krebgra:s $ -gres/ n [U] AmE a kind of
rough grass
for a CHIMNEY
cow:lick /‘kav,tk/ n [C] hair that sticks up on your head crab-wise /krabwaiz/ (also crab-ways /-we1z/) adv
sideways: | moved crabwise along the edge of the cliff.
cow-ling /‘kavltn/ n [C] a metal cover for an aircraft
engine crack" By /krak/ v
1 EGLE9 [1,7] to break or to make something break, either
,cowl ‘neck n [c] the neck on a piece of clothing that so that it gets lines on its surface, or so that it breaks into
falls in folds at the front pieces: Don't put boiling water in the glass or it will crack. |
co-work-er /kao ‘w3ka $ 'kou w3:rkar/ n [C] someone Concrete is liable to crack in very cold weather. |He picked up
who works with you and has a similar position a piece of rock and cracked it in half. | She fell and cracked a
[SYN| colleague bone in her leg. | He cracked a couple of eggs into a pan.
cow:pat /kaupet/ n [C] a round flat mass of solid BREAK —+ see picture at DAMAGE!
waste from a cow [SYN] cow chip AmE 2 GeEnP) [1,7] to make a quick loud sound like the sound
cow ‘pie n [C] Ame informal a cow cHIP of something breaking, or to make something do this:
 392 4 = words from the Academic Word List

Thunder cracked overhead. | He cracked his whip and gal- or organization: [+in] The cracks in their relationship were
loped off. |Dennis rubbed his hands together and cracked his starting to show. | The first cracks are beginning to appear in
knuckles. the economic policy.
3 fg [7] to hit someone or something hard: crack sth on 4@mp) [C] a sudden loud sound like the sound of a
sth | slipped and cracked my head on the door. |She cracked stick being broken; loud/sharp crack There was a sharp
him over the head with a hammer. crack as the branch broke off. |[+of] We could hear the crack
ACME [1] to be unable to continue of gunfire in the distance. | a crack of thunder
doing something because there is too much pressure and 5g ([C] informal a clever joke or rude remark:
you do not have the mental strength to continue: [+about] | didn’t like his crack about her being overweight. |
[+under] Some young executives crack under the pressure of He's always making cracks about how stupid | am.
having to meet tough sales targets every month. |He cracked 6[Sauaad (C] informal an attempt to do something
under interrogation and confessed. [SYN] shot: [+at] /’d like a crack at climbing that mountain. |
) 5 (org [1] if your voice cracks, it starts to sound differ- The competition's open to anyone - why don’t you have a
ent because you are feeling strong emotions: His voice crack?
cracked slightly as he tried to explain. 7a ([U] an illegal drug that some people take for
| 6RITRLLEEEEOE) [7] to find the answer to a prob- pleasure: crack addicts
~ lem or manage to understand something that is difficult 8[Eby" [C] informal the space between someone's BUT-
~ to understand [SYN] solve: | think we've cracked the problem TOCKS :
of the computer crashing all the time. | It took them nearly 9 a crack on the head a hard hit on the head: You've had a
two months to crack the code. | This new evidence could help nasty crack on the head and you need to rest.
detectives to crack the case. 10a crack in sb’s voice a change in someone's voice
7 Gay [T] informal to stop a person from being suc- because they are feeling very upset: He noticed the crack
cessful: Political enemies have tried to crack me. in her voice as she tried to continue.
8 (Ea [T] to open a sare illegally in order to steal 11 the crack of dawn very early in the morning: at the crack
the things inside it of dawn We were up at the crack of dawn.
9@ ws [T] to illegally copy computer software or 12 (Gia ~LC] a piece of information or computer
change free software which may lack certain features of cope that lets you illegally change free software which
the full VERSION, so that the free software works in the may lack certain features of the full VERSION, so that the
same way as the full version: You can find out how to crack free software works in the same way as the full version
any kind of software on the web. 13 a fair crack of the whip BrE informal the same chance as
10 crack it BrE informal to manage to do something suc- other people to do something: They feel they haven't been
cessfully: | think we've cracked it! | He seems to have got it given a fair crack of the whip.
cracked. 14 another spelling of CRAIC
11 crack a joke to tell a joke: He kept cracking jokes about my crack? adj [only before noun] 1 with a lot of experience
appearance. and skill: crack troops |a crack regiment |a crack sportsman
12 crack a smile to smile, usually only slightly or unwill- 2 crack shot someone who is able to shoot a weapon very
ingly: Even Mr Motts managed to crack a smile at that joke. well and hit the thing they are aiming at
13 crack open a bottle Br informal to open a bottle of crackberry /'krekbari $ -beri/ n (plural crackberries)
alcohol for drinking: We cracked open a few bottles. [C] informal a BLACKBERRY™ - used humorously when
14 get cracking informal to start doing something or going someone uses their BlackBerry all the time, as if they are
somewhere quickly: | think we need to get cracking if we're ADDICTED to it like a drug
going to catch this train. crack-down /‘krekdaun/ n [EC usually singular] action
15 crack the whip informal to make people work very hard that is taken to deal more strictly with crime, a problem,
16 sth is not all/everything it's cracked up to be informal protests etc: [+on/against] a military crackdown on pro-
used to say that something is not as good as people say it democracy demonstrations | the government's crackdown
is: |thought the film was OK, but it’s not all it's cracked up to against drugs — crack down at CRACK’
be. cracked /krekt/ adj 1 something that is cracked has
crack down phr v to become more strict in dealing with a one or more lines on the surface because it is damaged
problem and punishing the people involved: [+on] The but not completely broken: The mirror was cracked and
government is determined to crack down on terrorism. | The dirty. | dry cracked lips | He escaped with a cracked rib and
police are cracking down hard on violent crime. bruising. + see picture at DAMAGE! 2 someone's voice that
—> CRACKDOWN is cracked sounds rough and uncontrolled 3 [not before
crack into sth phr v to secretly enter someone else's noun] informal slightly crazy
computer system, especially in order to damage the
system or steal the information stored on it —+ hack: A
crack-er /‘kreka $ -ar/ n [C] 1a hard dry type of bread
teenager was accused of cracking into the company’s net-
in small flat shapes, that is often eaten with cheese
2 (also Christmas cracker) a decorated paper tube that
work.
crack on phr v BrE informal to continue working hard at
makes a small exploding sound when you pull it apart.
something in order to finish it: [+with] / need to crack on Crackers contain a small gift, a paper hat, and a joke, and
with my project work this weekend. are used at Christmas in Britain. 3 a FIRECRACKER 4 BrE
spoken something that is very good or funny: That was a
crack up phr v informal
1crack (sb) up to laugh a lot at something, or to make
cracker of a goal. 5 someone who illegally breaks into a
someone laugh a lot: Everyone in the class just cracked up. | computer system in order to steal information or stop the
She's so funny. She cracks me up. system from working properly hacker: computer
2 to become unable to think or behave sensibly because crackers 6 BrE old-fashioned informal a very attractive
you have too many problems or too much work: | was woman
beginning to think | was cracking up! crack-ers /‘kraekez $ -arz/ adj [not before noun] crazy: You
lent him all that money? You must be crackers!
crack? n crack-head /‘krekhed/ n [C] informal someone who
1(%g [C] a very narrow space between two things or uses the illegal drug CRACK
two parts of something: [+between] He squeezed into a
crack between two rocks. | [+in] He could see them through ‘crack house n [Cc] a place where the illegal drug CRACK
acrack in the door. |She opened the door a crack and peeped is sold, bought, and smoked é é
into the room. HOLE — see picture at HOLE! crack-ing /‘krekin/ adj [only before noun] BrE informal
2 Gaaa@ [C] a thin line on the surface of something when very good, exciting etc great: We've got two cracking
it is broken but has not actually come apart: [+in] There games to look forward to.
were several small cracks in the glass. crack-le /‘krekal/ v [I] to make repeated short sounds
3 (oss [C] a weakness or fault in an idea, system, like something burning in a fire: logs crackling on the fire |
 EX = words from the Academic Word List 393

An announcement crackled over the tannoy. —crackle n [C] crag /kreg/ n [C] a high and very steep rough rock or
—crackly adj mass of rocks
crack-ling /‘kreklin/ n1 [singular, U] the sound made by crag-gy /‘kregi/ adj 1a mountain that is craggy is very
something when it crackles: There was silence except for steep and covered in rough rocks: the craggy peaks of the
the crackling of the fire. 2 [U] BrE the hard skin on a piece Sierra Madre 2 having a face with many deep lines on it:
of pig meat when it has been cooked for a long time his thin craggy face
3 cracklings [plural] AmE pieces of skin, usually from a pig
craic, crack /krek/ n [singular U] informal enjoyable
or chicken, that have been cooked in hot oil and are eaten
conversation or fun with other people - used especially in
cold
Ireland
crack-pot /'krekpot $ -pa:t/ n [C] someone who is
slightly crazy —crackpot adj: crackpot schemes cram / krem / v (crammed, cramming) 1[T always +
‘crack-up n [C] 1a NERVOUS BREAKDOWN 2 Ame an acci- adv/prep] to force something into a small space: cram sth
dent involving one or more vehicles — crack up at CRACK’ into/onto etc sth Jil] crammed her clothes into the bag. |A lot
of information has been crammed into this book.
cra-dle" /kreidl/ n 1[C] a small bed for a baby, espe- GOEL Fit — see picture at FILL’ 2 [I always + adv/
cially one that moves gently from side to side — cot: She
prep] if a lot of people cram into a place or vehicle, they
rocked the cradle to quieten the child. 2 the cradle of sth
go into it so it is then full: [+in/into] We all crammed in
formal the place where something important began: Ath-
and Pete started the car. | 36,000 spectators crammed into
ens is often regarded as the cradle of democracy.
the stadium to see the game. 3 [T] especially AmE if a lot of
3 from (the) cradle to (the) grave all through your life: From
people cram a place, they fill it: Thousands of people
cradle to grave, the car marks every rite ofAmerican passage.
crammed the mall Sunday. 4 [|] to prepare yourself for an
4 [singular] the beginning of something: Like most Catholic
examination by learning a lot of information quickly
children, he had heard stories of Ireland from the cradle.
swot BrE: She’s been cramming hard all week. |[+for] |
5 [C] a structure that is used to lift something heavy up
have to cram for my chemistry test tomorrow.
or down: a window-cleaner’s cradle 6 [C] the part of a
STUDY
telephone where you put the RECEIVER when you are not
cram sth <> in (also cram sth into sth) phr v to do a lot of
using it: She replaced the receiver on the cradle. + CAT'S
activities in a short period of time [SYN]pack in: We
CRADLE, — rob the cradle at ROB(S)
crammed in as much sightseeing as possible during our stay
cradle? y [1] 1 to hold something gently, as if to protect in New York.
it: John cradled the baby in his arms. HUG
2 to hold a telephone receiver by putting it between your crammed /kremd/ adj crammed with/crammed full of
ear and your shoulder: She hunched over the desk, tele- sth completely full of things or people [SYN] packed: The
phone cradled at her neck. guide is crammed full of useful information. |The streets were
‘cradle- robber (also 'cradle-snatcher BrE) n [C] some- crammed with people. BREETS> Fut
one who has a romantic relationship with someone who cram-mer /‘krema § -er/ n [C] BrE a specia school that
is much younger - used to show disapproval — sugar prepares people quickly for examinations
daddy, toy boy —cradle-rob (also cradle-snatch BrE) v [1] cramp! /kremp/ n1([C,U] a severe pain that you get in
craft" [Fy /kra:ft $ kraft/ n part of your body when a muscle becomes too tight,
1 (plural crafts) [C] a job or activity in which you make making it difficult for you to move that part of your body:
things with your hands, and that you usually need skill to Several players were suffering from cramp. |muscle cramps |
do — handicraft: traditional rural crafts |arts and crafts have/get (a) cramp One of the swimmers got cramp and had
2 (plural craft) [C] a) a small boat b) an aircraft or to drop out of the race. —+ WRITER'S CRAMP 2 (stomach)
spacecraft cramps [plural] severe pains in the stomach, especially the
3 [singular] formal the skills needed for a particular profes- ones that women get when they MENSTRUATE
sion: The musician spends years perfecting his craft. cramp? v1[T] to prevent the development of someone
4[U] skill in deceiving people: Craft and cunning were or something [SYN] hinder, restrict: Stricter anti-pollution
necessary for the scheme to work. + LANDING CRAFT laws may cramp economic growth. 2 cramp sb's style infor-
craft? y [T usually passive] to make something using a mal to prevent someone from behaving in the way they
' special skill, especially with your hands: Each doll is want to: Paul said he didn’t want Sarah to come along
crafted individually by specialists. | a hand-crafted silver cigar because she cramps his style. 3 [1,7] (also cramp up) to get
case or cause cramp in a muscle: He cramped in the last 200
=craft /kra:ft $ kreft/ suffix [in nouns] 1 vehicle of a metres of the race. |Sitting still for so long had cramped her
particular type: a spacecraft | a hovercraft |several aircraft muscles.
2 skill of a particular kind: statecraft (=skill in cramped /krempt/ adj 1a cramped room, building etc
_ government) |stagecraft (=skill in acting, directing etc in does not have enough space for the people in it
» Plays) : — crowded: The kitchen was small and cramped. |a cramped
‘craft knife n (plural craft knives) [C] BrE a very sharp apartment |The troops slept in cramped conditions with up to
knife used for cutting paper, thin wood etc — see picture 20 in a single room. SMALL 2 (also cramped
at KNIFE" up) unable to move properly and feeling uncomfortable
_ crafts-man /‘kra:ftsman $ ‘krafts-/ n (plural craftsmen because there is not enough space: cramped muscles
_ /-man/) [C] someone who is very skilled at a particular 3 writing that is cramped is very small and difficult to
;CRAFT read
crafts-man-ship /‘kra:ftsmanfip $ ‘krefts-/ n [U] cram-pon /'krempon $ -pa:n/ n [C usually plural] a piece
1 very detailed work that has been done using a lot of of metal with sharp points that mountain climbers fasten
skill, so that the result is beautiful: The carving is a superb under their boots to stop them slipping on ice or snow
piece of craftsmanship. 2 the special skill that someone
uses to make something beautiful with their hands: high
cran-ber-ry /‘krenbari $ -beri/ n (plural cranberries) [C]
a small red sour fruit: cranberry sauce — see picture at
standards of craftsmanship
FRUIT!
crafts‘wom-an /‘kra:ftswoman $ 'krefts-/ n (plural
craftswomen /-wimin/) [C] a woman who is very skilled crane" /kretn/ n [C] 1a large tall machine used by
at a particular CRAFT builders for lifting heavy things — hoist 2 a tall water bird
craft-y /kra:fti $ 'kraf-/ adj (comparative craftier, super- with very long legs
lative craftiest) good at getting what you want by clever crane? y [\, T always + adv/prep] to look around or over
planning and by secretly deceiving people [SYN] cunning, something by stretching or leaning: crane forward/over etc
sly: He's a crafty old devil. INTELLIGENT The children craned forward to see what was happening. |He
—craftily adv —craftiness n [U] craned his neck above the crowd to get a better view.
 crane fly 394 iS} 2]a== the most frequent words in spoken English

‘crane fly n (plural crane flies) [C] BrE a flying insect went crashing to the ground. |A large branch came crashing
with long legs [SYN] daddy-longlegs down.
cra-ni-um /‘kretniam/ n (plural craniums or crania 3 DROSS [1] to make a sudden loud noise: Thunder
/-nia/) (C] technical the part of your head that is made of crashed and boomed outside.
bone and covers your brain —cranial adj 4s [1,7] if a computer crashes, or if you crash
crank’ /krenk/ n [C] 1a handle on a piece of equip- the computer, it suddenly stops working: The system
ment, that you can turn in order to move something crashed and | lost three hours’ worth of work.
2 informal someone who has unusual ideas and behaves 5 GOEOS [1] if a STOCK MARKET or SHARES crash, they
strangely: Zoff was originally dismissed as a crank, but his suddenly lose a lot of value
theories later became very influential. 3 crank call/letter a 6Gaaru [1] BrE to lose very badly in a sports event:
telephone call or letter in which someone says annoying Liverpool crashed to their worst defeat of the season.
things 4 AmE informal someone who easily gets angry or 7 {Gea [1] spoken a) to stay at someone's house for the
= annoyed with people night: Can | crash at your place on Saturday night? b) (also
crash out) to go to bed, or go to sleep very quickly,
crank? (also crank up) v [T] to make something move by because you are very tired: | crashed out on the sofa this
turning a crank: Try cranking the engine. afternoon.
> out phr v to produce a lot of something very
8 e879 [T] informal to go to a party that you have not
» quickly: He cranked out three novels last year.
been invited to: We crashed Joe’s party yesterday.
crank sth <> up phr v informal to make the sound of
9 crashing bore BrE old-fashioned someone who is very
something, especially music, louder: We cranked up the boring
volume.
crank-shaft /‘krankja:tt $ -feft/ n [C] a long piece of crash? § n [c]
metal in a vehicle that is connected to the engine and Tan accident in which a vehicle violently hits something
else — collision: plane/car/rail crash Forty-one people were
helps to turn the wheels
killed in a plane crash. | a fatal crash (=one in which
crank-y /'kreenki/ adj 1 BrE informal strange —> eccentric, someone is killed) |[+between/with] She was involved ina
weird: Organic farming is no longer thought of as cranky. head-on crash with a motorbike (=in which the front of one
2 informal bad-tempered: | was feeling tired and cranky. vehicle directly hits the front of another). | a motorway
—crankiness n [U] crash between a coach and a lorry | a crash victim
cranny /'kreni/ n (plural crannies) [C] a small narrow GOLD AcciDENT
hole in a wall or rock: The toad hid itself in a cranny in the 2a sudden loud noise made by something falling, break-
wall. + nook and cranny at NOOK(3) ing etc: | heard a loud crash. |with a crash The branch came
crap" /krep/ n 1 spoken not polite [U] something some- down with a crash. | [+of] a crash of thunder FEELS
one says that you think is completely wrong or untrue SOUND
SYN| rubbish; You don't believe all that crap, do you? | 3an occasion when a computer or computer system
load/pile of crap (also bunch of crap AmE): That's a bunch of suddenly stops working
crap! | never said that. |He came out with a load of crap 4 an occasion on which the stocks and SHARES in a STOCK
about how he’d tried to call me yesterday. |Greg’s full of crap MARKET suddenly lose a lot of value: the stock market crash
(=often says things that are completely wrong). | cut the of October 1987
crap (=used to tell someone to stop saying things that are crash and burn, crash-and-burn n [C] informal an
completely wrong) Just cut the crap and tell me what really occasion when something fails very quickly or suddenly,
happened. 2 spoken not polite [U] something that is very especially in a DRAMATIC way: His bid for the presidency
bad or is of bad quality [SYN] rubbish: They sell a lot of stuff finally did its crash-and-burn. —crash-and-burn adj [only
cheap, but most of it is crap. |load/pile of crap (also bunch of before noun]
crap AmE): The game was a load of crap. 3 spoken not polite ‘crash barrier n [Cc] BrE a strong fence or wall built to
[U] things that are useless or unimportant: What is all this keep cars apart or to keep them away from people, in
crap doing on my desk? 4 spoken not polite [U] bad or order to prevent an accident — see picture at RAIL!
unfair treatment: take/stand for/put up with crap (=to
‘crash course n [C] a course in which you learn a lot
allow someone to treat you badly) I’m not going to take
any more of this crap! | | don’t need this kind of crap (=used about a particular subject in a very short period of time:
when you are angry about the way someone is behaving [+in] a crash course in Spanish
owards you). |I’m tired of you giving me crap (=saying bad ‘crash diet n [c] an attempt to lose a lot of weight
things) about my long hair. 5 spoken not polite [U] solid quickly by strictly limiting how much you eat
waste that is passed from your BOWELS 6 spoken not polite ‘crash helmet n [c] a very strong hard hat that pro-
[singular] the act of passing solid waste from your BOWELS: tects your head, and is worn by racing car drivers, people
take a crap (also have a crap BrE) 7 craps [plural] AmE a riding MOTORCYCLES etc
game played for money in the US, using two DICE: shoot .crash ‘landing, crash-landing n [C] an occasion when
craps (=to play this game) a pilot has to bring a plane down to the ground in a
crap? adj BrE spoken not polite very bad: a crap film |I've sudden and dangerous way because the plane has a
had such a crap day. |[+at] I’m really crap at tennis. problem: He was forced to make a crash-landing in the
crap? v (crapped, crapping) [1] spoken not polite to pass desert. —crash-land yv [I,T]
waste matter from your BOWELS Crass /kres/ adj behaving in a stupid and offensive way
c¥ap-per /'krepa $ -ar/ n spoken not polite the crapper a which shows that you do not understand or care about
toilet other people's feelings — insensitive: a crass remark | an
act of crass stupidity —crassly adv
Crap:py /'krepi/ adj spoken not polite very bad: a crappy
hotel =Crat /kret/ suffix [in nouns] another form of the suffix
-OCRAT
crash’ /kreef/ v
1G
WATTS [1,7] to have an accident in a car, plane crate" /kreit/ n [C] 1a large box made of wood or
etc by violently hitting something else — collide: The jet plastic that is used for carrying fruit, bottles etc: [+of] a
crashed after take-off. |[+into/onto etc] The plane crashed crate of beer + see picture at Box'2 old-fashioned a very
into a mountain. | crash a car/bus/plane ete He was drunk old car or plane that does not work very well
when he crashed the car. crate? (also crate up) v [T] to pack things into a crate .
2 [|, T always + adv/prep] to hit something cra-ter /‘kretta $ -ar/ n [C] 1a round hole in the ground
or someone extremely hard while moving, in a way that made by something that has fallen on it or by an explo-
causes a lot of damage or makes a lot of noise: [+into/ sion: craters on the moon's surface HOLE
through etc] A brick crashed through the window. | We 2 the round open top of a VOLCANO —» see picture at
watched the waves crashing against the rocks. | The plates VOLCANO
(@ (2 GS = the most frequent words in written English crease

cra-vat /kra'vet/ n [C] a wide piece of loosely folded usual or sensible, especially because you are excited:
material that men wear around their necks — tie Don't go crazy and spend it all at once.
Crave /kretv/ v [T] to have an extremely strong desire 6 Teas Mentally ill [Syn] mad:
|fee! so alone, some-
for something: an insecure child who craves attention times | wonder if I’m going crazy. —crazily adv —craziness
n{U]
craven /‘kretvan/ adj formal completely lacking courage crazy” n (plural crazies) [C] especially AmE informal
[SYN] cowardly: He had a craven fear of flying. —cravenly someone who is crazy
adv
crazy ‘golf n [U] BrE a golf game, played for fun
crav-ing /‘krewvin/ n [C] an extremely strong desire for outdoors, in which you hit a small ball through passages,
something — longing: [+for] She had a craving for some over bridges and small hills etc [SYN] miniature golf
chocolate. crazy ‘paving n [U] BrE pieces of stone of different
craw /kro: $ kro:/ — stick in your craw at sTICK'(11) shapes fitted together to make a path or flat area
craw:fish /‘krs:fif $ 'kro:-/ n (plural crawfish) [C] a
\crazy ‘quilt n [Cc] a cover for a bed, made from small
pieces of cloth of different shapes and colours that have ~
CRAYFISH
been sewn together [SYN] patchwork quilt
crawl! /kro:l $ kro:l/ v [1] 1 to move along on your hands creak /kritk/ v [1] if something such as a door, wooden —
and knees with your body close to the ground: [+along/ floor, old bed, or stair creaks, it makes a long high noise —
across etc] The baby crawled across the floor. 2 if an insect when someone opens it, walks on it, sits on it etc: The
crawls, it moves using its legs: [+over/up etc] There's a floorboards creaked as she walked across the room. | The
bug crawling up your leg. 3 crawl into/out of bed to get into door creaked open. (LTE sound —creak n [C]
or out of bed slowly because you are very tired: We creak-y /‘kri:ki/ adj 1 something such as a door, floor, or
crawled into bed at 2 am. 4 if a vehicle crawls, it moves bed that is creaky creaks when you open it, walk on it, sit
forward very slowly: [+by/along etc] The traffic was crawl- on it etc, especially because it is old and not in good
ing along. 5 BrE informal to be too pleasant or helpful to condition: creaky stairs 2 an organization, company etc
someone in authority, especially because you want them that is creaky uses old-fashioned methods and does not
to help you - used in order to show disapproval: [+to] work very well: creaky state-owned factories —creakily adv
She’s always crawling to the boss. 6 be crawling with sth to
—creakiness n [U]
be completely covered with insects, people etc: The floor
was crawling with ants. | The whole place was crawling with
cream! /kri:m/ n1[U] a thick yellow-white liquid that
rises to the top of milk: fresh cream | strawberries and
cops. 7 crawl the Net/web if a computer program crawls
cream 2 [U] a pale yellow-white colour 3 [C,U] used in
the Net, it quickly searches the Internet to find the
the names of foods containing cream or something simi-
particular information you need — spider: robots that
lar to it: cream of chicken soup 4 [C,U] a thick smooth
crawl the net searching out e-mail addresses for junk mailing
substance that you put on your skin to make it feel soft,
crawl? n [singular] 1a very slow speed: The traffic had treat a medical condition etc — lotion: sun cream | face
slowed to a crawl. 2 the crawl a way of swimming in which cream 5 the cream of sth the best people or things from a
you lie on your stomach and move one arm, and then the group: the cream of Europe's athletes | The students at this
other, over your head — backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly college are the cream of the crop (=the best of all).
— see picture at SWIM cream? adj pale yellow-white in colour: a cream-coloured
‘crawler lane n [c] BrE a special part of a road that can carpet
be used by slow vehicles so that other vehicles can go cream? v [T] 1 to mix foods together until they become
past — fast lane a thick soft mixture: Cream the butter and sugar together.
crayfish /‘kretfy{/ n (plural crayfish) [C,U] a small ani- 2 AmE informal to easily defeat someone in a game,
mal like a LOBSTER that lives in rivers and streams, or the competition etc: We got creamed 45-6. 3 to hit a ball very
meat from this animal hard, for example in a game of tennis or cricket
4 Ame informal to hit someone very hard
cray-on' /‘kretan, -on $ -a:n, -an/ n [C] a stick of cream sb/sth <> off phr v especially BrE to choose the
coloured WAX or CHALK that children use to draw pictures best people or things from a group, especially so that you
crayon? v [1,7] to draw something with a crayon can use them for your own advantage: The best students
are creamed off by the large companies.
craze /kreiz/ n [C] a fashion, game, type of music etc
that becomes very popular for a short time [syn] fad: cream ‘cheese / $ '. ./ n [U] a type of soft white
[+for] She started a craze for this type of jewellery. |At that smooth cheese
time, scooters were the latest craze. |fitness/dance/fashion cream ‘cracker n [C] Bré a light siscuit often eaten
etc craze The jogging craze began in the 1970s. with cheese
creamer /‘kri:ma $ -ar/ n1 [U] a white liquid or powder
crazed /kreizd/ adj behaving in a wild and uncontrolled that you can use instead of milk or cream in coffee or tea
way like someone who is mentally ill: crazed with grief/ 2 [C] a small container for holding cream
’ pain/fear etc He was crazed with grief after the death of his
mother. | The old woman had a crazed expression on her cream-e-ry /‘krismari/ n (plural creameries) [C] old-
face. |a crazed killer fashioned a place where milk, butter, cream, and cheese
are produced or sold — dairy
cra-zy" Gy /‘kreizi/ adj (comparative crazier, superlative cream ‘tea n [C,U] BrE a small meal eaten in Britain,
craziest) with small cakes and tea
1GimeTas very strange or not sensible mad: The
creamy /‘kri:mi/ adj (comparative creamier, superlative
neighbours must think we're crazy. | It’s an absolutely crazy
creamiest) 1 thick and smooth like cream: Beat the mixture
idea. | | know this idea sounds crazy, but it may be worth a
until smooth and creamy. | a soft cheese with a creamy
try. |crazy to do sth It'd be crazy to go out in this rain. | |must
texture 2 containing cream: creamy milk 3 pale yellow-
have been crazy to agree to this. |He often works 12 hours a
white in colour
day - it’s crazy. STUPID
2crazy about sb/sth liking someone very much, or very crease’ /kriss/ n1[C] a line on a piece of cloth, paper
interested in something: He’s crazy about her. |Dan's crazy etc where it has been folded, crushed, or pressed: She
about football. smoothed the creases from her skirt. |I'll have to iron out the
3 EQ%y angry or annoyed: Turn that music down. It’s creases. 2 [C] a fold in someone's skin — wrinkle: the
driving me crazy (=really annoying me)! |Dad will go crazy creases on his forehead 3 [singular] the line where the
when he hears about this. player has to stand to hit the ball in CRICKET
4 like crazy very much or very quickly: We're going to have crease? v [I,T] to become marked with a line or lines, or
to work like crazy to get this finished on time. to make a line appear on cloth, paper etc by folding or
5 go crazy to do something too much, in a way that is not crushing it —> crumple: Don’t sit on my newspaper. You'll
 create 396 EX = words from the Academic Word List

crease it! | These trousers crease really easily. | A worried who has a particular character or quality: He was the most
frown creased her forehead. —creased adj: This shirt is too beautiful creature Dot had ever seen.
creased to wear. creature ‘comforts n [plural] all the things that make
crease (sb) up phr v BrE spoken to laugh a lot, or to make life more comfortable and enjoyable, such as good food, a
someone laugh a lot [SYN] crack up: She really creases me warm house, and comfortable furniture + mod cons
up!
creche, créche /kref $ kref, krer{/ n [C] 1 BrE a place
cre-ate (0 LG /kri'ert/ v [7] where babies are looked after while their parents are at
1to make something exist that did not exist before: Some work [SyN]day care center AmE 2 AmE a model of the
people believe the universe was created by a big explosion. | scene of Jesus Christ's birth, placed in churches and
Her behaviour is creating a lot of problems. | The new factory homes at Christmas [SYN] crib BrE
is expected to create more than 400 new jobs.
MAKE cre-dence /‘kri:dans/ n [U] formal the acceptance of
something as true: give credence to sth (=to believe or
aS 2 to invent or design something: This dish was created by
accept something as true) | don’t give any credence to
__ our chef Jean Richard. | Philip Glass created a new kind of
these rumors. | gain credence (=to become more widely
music. | The software makes it easy to create colourful
graphs. CETTE INVENT accepted or believed) His ideas quickly gained credence
among economists. | lend credence to sth (=to make some-
- 3create sb sth BrE to officially give someone a special rank
thing more believable) The DNA results lend credence to
~ or title: James | created him Duke of Buckingham.
Hausmann’s claims of innocence.
cre-a-tion [@ Lg /kri'erfan/ n
1[U] the act of creating something: [+of] the creation of cre-den-tialed /kr'denjald/ adj someone who is cre-
2,000 new jobs | the creation of a single European currency |
dentialed is legally allowed to do a particular
job, because
a job creation scheme they have done the right type of training [SYN] qualified: a
newly credentialed teacher
2[C] something that has been created: The dress is a
stunning creation in green, gold, and white. |Most countries cre-:den-tials /krr'denfalz/ n [plural] 1 someone's edu-
have systems of government that are relatively modern crea- cation, achievements, experience etc that prove they
tions, have the ability to do something: [+for/as] She had excel-
3 the Creation the act by God, according to the Bible, of lent credentials for the job. | There are doubts over his
making the universe, including the world and everything credentials as a future Prime Minister. |He spent the first part
in it of the interview trying to establish his credentials as a finan-
4[U] literary the whole universe and all living things cial expert. | Her academic credentials include an MA anda
cre-a-tion-ist /kri'erjanist/ n [C] someone who believes PhD. 2. a letter or other document which proves your
that God created the universe in the way described in the good character or your right to have a particular position:
Bible —creationism n [U] —creationist adj The commissioner presented his credentials to the State
Department.
cre-a-tive! [ /kri'etrv/ adj
Tinvolving the use of imagination to produce new ideas cred-i-bil-i-ty /kredsbisti/ n [U] 1the quality of
or things: This job is so boring. | wish | could do something deserving to be believed and trusted: damage/undermine
more creative. | | teach creative writing at Trinity College. | sb's credibility (as sth) The scandal has damaged his credibil-
the creative process of writing a poem | Diaghilev did his ity as a leader. | [+of] There are serious questions about the
great creative work in France. | a creative solution to the credibility of these reports. | gain/lose credibility Predictions
problem of economic recovery have now lost all credibility.
2someone who is creative is very good at using their 2 credibility gap the difference between what someone
imagination to make things — inventive: You're so creative! says and what they do: a credibility gap between the
! could never make my own clothes. —creatively adv government's promises and their achievements
—creativeness n [U] cred-i-ble /‘kredibal/ adj deserving or able to be
creative? n [C] informal someone such as a writer or believed or trusted — incredible: credible explanation/
artist who uses their imagination or skills to make things story/account etc He was unable to give a credible explana-
creative ac'counting n [U] the process of using tion for his behaviour. | Her excuse was barely credible. |
unusual but not illegal ways to change business accounts credible threat/challenge/force etc Can Thompson make a
to make them look better than they really are credible challenge for the party leadership? |a credible alter-
native to nuclear power —credibly adv
cre-a-tiv-i-ty [Yq /krizer'trviti/ n [U] the ability to use
your imagination to produce new ideas, make things etc: cred-it! Gy (4 Ba /‘kredit/ n
artistic creativity | Teachers have been attacked for stifling 1DPSTSTWAT ad «CU] an arrangement with a shop,
creativity in their pupils. | Editors complain about the lack of bank etc that allows you to buy something and pay for it
creativity in the ideas put to them. later: on credit Most new cars are bought on credit. | The
store agreed to let him have credit. | What's the credit limit
cre:a-tor Eq /kri'etta $ -ar/ n 1 [C] someone who made on your Visa card?
or invented a particular thing — inventor: [+of] Walt
2 (83 LU] approval or praise that you give to someone
Disney, the creator of Mickey Mouse 2 the Creator God
for something they have done: [+for] Credit for this win
crea-ture [q /kri:tja $ -ar/ n [C] goes to everybody in the team. | They never give Gene any
1{MITskInT| anything that is living, such as an animal, credit for all the extra work he does. |take/claim/deserve etc
fish, or insect, but not a plant: all the living creatures in the (the) credit She deserves credit for trying her best. |to sb's
sea | creatures of the deep (=animals and fish that live in credit (=used to say that someone has done something
the ocean) STEEL ANIMAL good) To Jamie's credit, he remained calm. | Credit must go
2 MERA TST an imaginary animal or person, to Fiona for making sure everything ran smoothly.
or one that is very strange and frightening: creatures from 3 be a credit to sb/sth (also do sb/sth credit) to behave so
outer space well or be so successful that your family, team etc are
3a creature of habit someone who always does things in proud of you: She's a credit to her profession. | Your children:
the same way or at the same time really do you credit.
46C
DUE) ©formal something, especially 4 have sth to your credit to have achieved something: She
something bad, that was made or invented by a particular already has two successful novels to her credit. ;
person or organization: [+of] The poll tax was a creature of 5 in credit if you are in credit, there is money in your bank
the government. account: There are no bank charges ifyou stay in credit.
5 SX Aw] ~someone who is controlled or 6 the credits [plural] a list of all the people involved in
influenced a lot by something: [+of] He was a creature of making a film or television programme, which is shown at
the military government. the beginning or end of it
6 beautiful/stupid/adorable etc creature literary someone 7 on the credit side used to talk about the good things
GX = words from the Academic Word List 397 creep

about someone or something: On the credit side, the book money becomes difficult because banks reduce the
is extremely well researched. amount they lend and charge high INTEREST RATES
8 (give) credit where credit is due used to say that someone ‘credit note n [Cc] BrE a document given to a customer
deserves to be praised for the good things they have done who is owed money, for example because they have
9 [C] a successfully completed part of a returned goods
course at a university or college: | don’t have enough cred-i-tor fq /kredsta $ -ar/ n [C] a person, bank, or
credits to graduate. company that you owe money to [opp] debtor
10 Mere aed [C] an amount of money that is put ‘credit rating n [C] a judgment made by a bank or
into someone's bank account or added to another other company about how likely a person or business is
amount [ope] debit: The company promised to provide cred-
to pay their debts
its to customers who had been charged too much.
Nhseciag [U] the belief that something is true or ‘credit voucher n [Cc] a credit note
correct: The witness's story gained credit with the jury. cred-it-wor-thy /‘kredst.w3:0i $ -w3:r-/ adj formal con- |
sidered to be able to pay debts: creditworthy borrowers
(elo) iKoley-y
ale) —creditworthiness n [U] :
POWMERBS cc ue eat ‘ : cre:do /‘kri:dau, ‘kret- $ -dou/ n (plural credos) [C] a
buy/get sth on credit They bought all their furniture formal statement of the beliefs of a particular person,
on credit. group, religion etc: American Express is emphasizing its ‘the
use credit The survey showed only 15% of people had customer is first’ credo.
never used credit. cre-du:li-ty /krr'djuzlti $ -'du:-/ n [U] formal willingness
get/obtain credit (=be allowed to buy sth on credit) or ability to believe that something is true — incredulity:
The economic situation is making it more difficult for Advertisers were accused of exploiting consumers’ credulity. |
people to get credit. strain/stretch credulity (=seem very difficult to believe) It
give/offer credit (=allow customers to buy things strained credulity to believe that a nuclear war would not
on credit) A business may lose customers if it does not lead to the destruction of the planet.
give credit. cred-u-lous /‘kredjglas $ -dza-/ adj formal always believ-
refuse sb credit You may be refused credit if you have
ing what you are told, and therefore easily deceived
a bad financial record. [SYN] gullible: Quinn charmed credulous investors out of mil-
| credit + NOUN ei ae lions of dollars.
a credit card (=a plastic card that you use to buy creed /kri:d/ n [C] 1a set of beliefs or principles:
things and pay for them later) Can | pay by credit Marxism has never been weaker as a political creed. | a
card? religious creed |people of all colours and creeds 2 the Creed
credit facilities (=the opportunity to buy something a formal statement of belief spoken in certain Christian
on credit) Credit facilities are available ifyou are over churches
18. creek /krisk/ n [C] 1 AmE, AusE a small narrow stream
a credit agreement (=an arrangement to allow or or river 2 BrE a long narrow area of water that flows from
receive credit) | credit terms (=how much you must the sea into the land 3 be up the creek (without a paddle)
pay back and when) |sb's credit rating (=how likely (also be up shit creek (without a paddle) not polite) spoken
a bank etc thinks someone is to pay their debts) | to be in a very difficult situation: If |don’t get my passport
a credit risk (=a risk that a bank etc may not get by Friday, I'll be up the creek.
back the money it lends) |a credit limit (=the most creel /kri:|/ n [C] a FISHERMAN's basket for carrying fish
someone can spend using credit) |a credit
crunch/squeeze (=a situation in which people are creep" /krip/ v (past tense and past participle crept
/krept/) [| always + adv/prep] 1 to move in a quiet, careful
not allowed as much credit as before)
way, especially to avoid attracting attention: [+into/over/
| ADJECTIVES/NOUN + credit around etc] Johann would creep into the gallery to listen to
consumer credit (=the amount of credit used by the singers. | He crept back up the stairs, trying to avoid the
consumers) Consumer credit has risen substantially ones that creaked. FREEEULUE> WALK 2 if something such
during this period. as an insect, small animal, or car creeps, it moves slowly
interest-free credit (=with no interest added to it) and quietly > crawl: [+down/along/away etc] a caterpillar
We offer interest-free credit for up to 50 weeks. creeping down my arm 3 to gradually enter something and
change it: [+in/into/over etc] Funny how religion is creep-
credit? fq v [7 not in progressive] 1 to add money to a ing into the environmental debate. 4 if a plant creeps, it
bank account debit: [+to] The cheque has been cred- grows or climbs up or along a particular place: [+up/
ited to your account. |[+with] For some reason my account's over/around etc] ivy creeping up the walls of the building
been credited with an extra $76. 2 credit sb with (doing) sth 5 if mist, clouds etc creep, they gradually fill or cover a
‘to believe or admit that someone has a quality, or has place: [+into/over etc] Fog was creeping into the valley.
done something good: Do credit me with a little 6 Br informal to be insincerely nice to someone, espe-
intelligence! | Evans is credited with inventing the system. cially someone in authority, in order to gain an advantage
3 be credited to sb/sth if something is credited to some- for yourself: creep (up) to sb /’m not the kind of person to
one or something, they have achieved it or are the reason creep to anybody. 7 sb/sth makes my flesh creep used to
for it: Much of Manchester United's success can be credited say that someone or something makes you feel strong
to their manager. 4 formal to believe that something is dislike or fear: His glassy stare made my flesh creep.
true: difficult/hard/impossible etc to credit We found his creep up on sb/sth phr v1 to surprise someone by walk-
statement hard to credit. ing up behind them silently: Don’t yell - let's creep up on
cred-it-a-ble /kreditabal/ adj [usually before noun] them and scare them. 2 if a feeling or idea creeps up on
deserving praise or approval: The team produced a credit- you, it gradually increases: The feeling she had for Malcolm
able performance. |She did a creditable job of impersonating had crept up on her and taken her by surprise. 3 to seem to
come sooner than you expect: Somehow, the end of term
the singer. —creditably adv
had crept up on us.
‘credit ac,count n [Cc] BrE an account with a shop creep? n [C] 1 especially AmE informal someone who
which allows you to take goods and pay for them later
you dislike extremely: Get Jost, you little creep! 2 Bré
[SYN] charge account AmE informal someone who tries to make you like them or do
‘credit card § [8 n [Cc] a small plastic card that you things for them by being insincerely nice to'you: Don't try
use to buy goods or services and pay for them later: We and flatter her - she doesn't approve of creeps. 3 give sb the
accept all major credit cards. creeps if a person or place gives you the creeps, they
‘credit crunch n [singular] a time when borrowing make you feel nervous and a little frightened, especially
 creeper
because they are strange: That house gives me the creeps. crest of a wave to be very successful: a young film director
4 mission/cost/grade etc creep when something gradually who is on the crest of a wave at the moment
starts to go beyond what it was intended to deal with or crest? v [T] formal to reach the top of a hill or mountain:
include: He denied that giving civilian tasks to the NATO They crested a wooded hill shortly before sunset.
forces was a case of mission creep.
crest-ed /‘krestid/ adj1a crested bird has a crest on its
creep-er /‘krizpa $ -ar/ n [C] a plant that grows up trees head 2 marked by the crest of a family, town, school, or
or walls, or along the ground — VIRGINIA CREEPER organization: crested notepaper
creepry /‘kri:pi/ adj informal making you feel nervous crest-fal-len /*krestfo:lan $ -fo:l-/ adj looking disap-
and slightly frightened: There's something creepy about the pointed and upset [SYN] downcast: He came back looking
way he looks at me. | The whole place feels creepy. crestfallen. FRENTE DISAPPOINTED
ERESULTD> FRIGHTENING Cre-ta-ceous /krs'tetfas/ adj the Cretaceous period was
. creepy='crawly n (plural creepy-crawlies) [C] informal the time long ago when rocks containing CHALK were
an insect, especially one that you are frightened of formed
cre-mate /krsmert $ 'kri:zmert/ v [T] to burn the body of cretin /‘kretin $ 'kriztn/ n [C] informal an offensive word
a dead person at a funeral ceremony —cremation for someone who is extremely stupid
— /kri'merfan/ n [C,U] Creutz-feldt-Jak-ob dis-ease /kroitsfelt. jekob
crem-a-to-ri-um =/krema'torriam = $ kriz-/ (also drzi:z $ -'ja:zkoub-/ n [U] (abbreviation CJD) a very serious
crem-a-to-ry /'krematari $ ‘krizmato:ri/) n (plural crematori- disease that kills people and that may be caused by
ums or crematoria /-rie/) [C] a building in which the eating BEEF that is infected with BsE
bodies of dead people are burned at a funeral ceremony cre-vasse /kri'ves/ n [C] a deep open crack in the thick
creme car-a-mel /krem ‘keramal, -mel/ n (plural ice on a mountain
crémes caramels) [C,U] BrE a sweet food made from milk, crevice /‘krevis/ n [C] a narrow crack in the surface of
eggs, and sugar something, especially in rock: small creatures that hide in
creme de la créme, creme de la creme /krem da la: crevices in the rock
‘krem/ n [singular] the very best of a kind of thing or group crew' gy [A /kru:/ n
of people: Oxford and Cambridge are often seen as the 1[C] all the people who work ona ship or plane: The plane
créme de la creme of British universities. crashed, killing two of the crew and four passengers. | [+of]
créme de menthe /krem da 'moné $ -'ma:nt/ n [U] a He joined the crew of a large fishing boat. | a crew member
strong sweet green alcoholic drink EET croup
cre-ole /‘kri:aul $ -oul/ n 1[C,U] a language that is a 2{[C] a group of people working together with special
combination of a European language with one or more skills: a TV camera crew + GROUND CREW
other languages — pidgin 2 Creole [C] a) someone whose 3[C] a team of people who compete in ROWING races:
family were originally from both Europe and Africa Who will be on the college crew?
b) someone whose family were originally French SETTLERS 4 [singular] a group of people or friends - often used to
in the southern US 3 [U] food prepared in the spicy show disapproval: The volunteers were q motley crew
strong-tasting style of the southern US: shrimp creole (=very mixed group of people). |Do you still hang out with
—creole adj the same crew?
5[C] informal a) a group of musicians, especially ones
cre-o-sote /‘krizasaut $ -sout/ n [U] a thick brown oily
playing HIP HOP, RAP, Or GARAGE music b) a group of HIP HOP
liquid used for preserving wood —creosote v [T]
dancers
crepe, crépe /kre1p/ n 1[U] a type of light soft thin 6[C] informal a group of young people who spend time
cloth, with very small folded lines on its surface, made together, often one that is involved in crime, drugs, or
from cotton, silk, wool etc 2 [C] a very thin PANCAKE violence [SYN] gang
3 [U] tightly pressed rubber used especially for making
crew? v [IT] to be part of the crew on a boat: The boat is
the bottoms of shoes: crepe-soled shoes
crewed by ten men.
crepe ‘paper / $'.../n (ula type of thin brightly ‘crew cut n [C] a very short hairstyle for men —» see
coloured paper that stretches slightly and is used for picture at HAIRSTYLE
making decorations
crew-man /‘kru:man/ n (plural crewmen /-man/) [C] a
crept /krept/ the past tense and past participle of CREEP member of the crew on a boat or ship
crescendo /krifendas $ -dow/ n (plural crescendos) ‘crew neck n [Cc] a plain round neck on a SWEATER or
[C] 1 if a sound or a piece of music rises to a crescendo, it shirt, or a sweater or shirt with this type of neck + see
gradually becomes louder until it is very loud picture at NECK!
opp|diminuendo: The shouting rose to a deafening crib’ /krtb/ n1[C] AmE a bed for a baby or young child,
crescendo. | The curtains opened as the music reached a with bars on the side to stop the baby from falling out
crescendo, 2 if an activity or feeling reaches a crescendo, [SYN]cot BrE 2 [C] BrE a bed with high sides for a very
it_ gradually becomes stronger until it is very strong young baby, which you can move gently from side to side
[SYN] climax: The campaign reached its crescendo in the week [SYN] cradle 3 [C] a wooden frame in which you put food
of the election,
for animals such as cows and horses 4 [C] BrE amodel of
cres-cent /‘kresant, 'krez-/ n [C] 1 a curved shape that is the scene of Jesus’ birth, often placed in churches and
wider in the middle and pointed at the ends: a small homesat Christmas — Nativity 5 [C] BrE informal a book
crescent of pastry topped with cheese | a crescent moon or piece of paper with information or answers to ques-
2 the curved shape that is used as a sign of the Muslim tions, which students sometimes use dishonestly in
religion 3 a street with a curved shape - often used in the examinations 6 [C] AmE spoken the place where some-
names of streets one lives: sb's crib I’m not at my crib, I'm at Jed's house.
creSs /kres/ n [U] a small plant with round green leaves 7 [U] the card game of cribbage
that are eaten raw — mustard: Sprinkle some finely crib? v (cribbed, cribbing) [i,t] especially BrE to copy,
chopped cress over the top. school or college work dishonestly from someone else:
crest® /krest/ n [C] 1 the top or highest point of some- crib sth off/from sb He didn’t want anyone to crib the
thing such as a hill or a wave: [+of] /t took us over an hour answers from him.
to reach the crest of the hill. 2 a special picture that is used crib-bage /‘krib1d3/ (also erib) n [U] a card game in
as a sign of a family, town, school, or organization + coat which players show how many points they have by
of arms: school/family crest 3 a group of feathers that stick putting small pieces of wood in holes in a small board
up on the top of a bird's head: exotic birds with colourful ‘crib death n [(c] Am the sudden and unexpected
crests 4 a decoration of long bright feathers that soldiers death of a baby while it is asleep [SYN] cot death BrE
wore in the past on top of their hats 5 be on/riding the crick" /krk/ n [C] a pain in the muscles in your neck or
[i (2 OH = the most frequent words in written English 399 criminal law
back that is caused by the muscles becoming stiff: a crick organizations of criminals) |ear crime BrE (=stealing
in your back/neck He was getting a crick in his neck from cars) |street crime (=crimes such as robbery
leaning out of the window for so long. committed on the streets) |corporate crime
crick? v [T] to hurt your back or neck by bending or (=involving businesses) | property crime (=stealing
moving in a way that makes the muscles become stiff: | from or damaging property) |computer crime
cricked my back bending to pick up the suitcase. (=committed using computers) |war crimes
crick-et /krkst/ n 1 [U] a game between two teams of (=serious crimes committed during a war) |a sex
11 players in which players try to get points by hitting a crime (=in which someone is sexually attacked) |
ball and running between two sets of three sticks 2 [C] a a hate crime (=committed against someone
small brown insect that can jump, and that makes a because of their race, religion etc)
rough sound by rubbing its wings together | PHRASES Puna
crick-et-er /krkte $ -ar/ n [C] BrE someone who plays a victim of crime Victims of crime do not a lways
cricket + batsman, bowler, fielder: Her father was a very report the offence.
good cricketer. a crackdown on crime (=strong action to fight
cri-er /‘krata $ -ar/ n [C] a TOWN CRIER crime) The government has promised a crackdown on
cri-key /‘kratki/ interjection BrE spoken used to show that crime.
you are surprised or annoyed: Crikey, I'm late! the scene of the crime (also the crime scene) (=the
place where a crime has happened) Detectives were
crime Gy (1 /kratm/ n already at the scene of the crime.
1[U] illegal activities in general: We moved here because be tough on crime (=punish crime severely )
there was very little crime. | Police officers are being given
Politicians want to appear tough on crime.
new powers to help combat crime. | a police crackdown on
car crime | a town with a relatively low crime rate + see |crime + NOL
Thesaurus box on p. 400 a crime wave ( a sudden increase in crime in an
2[C] an illegal action, which can be punished by law: He area) Larger cities have been the worst hit by the crime
insisted that he had not committed any crime. | men who wave.
have been found guilty of violent crimes | [+against] Crimes crime prevention The police can give you advice on
against the elderly are becoming more common. | Police are crime prevention.
still busy hunting for clues at the scene of the crime (=where the crime rate The crime rate has gone up.
the crime happened). crime figures/statistics |a crime writer (=someone
3. life of crime when someone spends their life stealing who writes stories about crimes, especially murder)
and committing crimes, in order to get money to live
4 the perfect crime a crime that no one knows has been _COMMONERRORS |
committed, so no one can be punished for it /\ Do not say ‘do a crime’. Say commit a crime or
5 crime of passion a crime, especially murder, caused by carry out a crime. »)
sexual jealousy
6 crime against humanity a crime of cruelty against large ‘crime Wave n [singular] a sudden large increase in the
numbers of people, especially in a war amount of crime in an area: More police officers are being
7 crime doesn't pay used to say that crime does not give brought in to help tackle the current crime wave.
you any advantage, because you will be caught and crim-i-nal! gy [ /'kraiminal/ adj
punished - used when warning people not to get involved 1relating to crime: Experts cannot agree on the causes of
in crime criminal behaviour. | | was sure he was involved in some kind
8 [singular] something that someone is blamed or criti- of criminal activity. | She has not committed a criminal
cized for doing - use this when you think someone is offence (=a crime). | He was arrested and charged with
treated very unfairly > sin: My only crime is that | fell in criminal damage (=damaging someone's — property
love with another girl. |Johnson's biggest crime was that he illegally). |The doctor was found guilty of criminal negligence
told the truth. (=not taking enough care to protect people you are
9 it's a crime spoken said when you think something is very responsible for).
wrong, and someone should not do it: It would be a crime 2 relating to the part of the legal system that is concerned
to waste all that good food. — partners in crime at with crime — civil: The case will be tried in a criminal court. |
PARTNER(5), —> WHITE-COLLAR(2) We have no faith in the criminal justice system. | The police
COLLOCATIONS - MEANINGS 1 & 2 are investigating the matter, and he may face criminal
VERBS charges (=be officially accused of a crime). | She usually
deals with serious criminal cases. |a criminal lawyer
commit (a) crime Most crime is committed by young
3wrong, dishonest, and unacceptable [SYN] wicked: /t
men. seems criminal that teachers are paid so little money.
carry out a crime The boy admitted that he'd carried
—criminally adv: a hospital for the criminally insane
out the crime.
—criminality /krimsnelsti/ n LU]
fight/combat/tackle crime There are a number of
ways in which the public can help the police to fight criminal? n [C] someone who is involved in illegal
crime. activities or has been proved guilty of a crime — offender:
turn to crime (=start committing crimes) Youngsters Police have described the man as a violent and dangerous
who are bored sometimes turn to crime. criminal. | a convicted criminal (=someone who has been
solve a crime /t took ten years for the police to solve found guilty of a crime) | The new law will ensure that
the crime. habitual criminals (=criminals who commit crimes repeat-
report a crime | immediately telephoned the police to edly) receive tougher ,punishments than __ first-time
report the crime. offenders. | Teenagers should not be sent to prison to mix
with hardened criminals (=criminals who have committed
ADJECTIVES/NOUN + crime and will continue to commit a lot of crimes).
(a) serious crime Kidnapping is a very serious crime.
crim-i-nal-ize (also -ise BrE) /‘kriminal-aiz/ v [T] to
(a) violent crime Figures show a 19% rise in violent
make something illegal, or to say that someone is a
crime. criminal because of something they have done
a terrible/horrific crime (also a dreadful crime BrE) [opP]decriminalize: The government has introduced new
What made him commit such a terrible crime?
legislation to criminalize computer hacking.
petty crime (=crime that is not very serious)
Immigrants were blamed for the increase in petty crime. criminal ‘law n [U] laws concerning crimes and their
juvenile/youth crime (=committed by children and punishments — civil law, common law: There was not
teenagers) |organized crime (=committed by large enough evidence to bring a prosecution under criminal law.
 criminal record 400 EX = words from the Academic Word List

.criminal ‘record n [Cc] an official record kept by the nice crinkly smile. | The paper was brown and crinkly at the
police of any crimes a person has committed: He already edges. 2 hair that is crinkly is stiff and curly: He had blue
had a criminal record. eyes and crinkly fair hair.
crim-i-nol-o-gy /krim$nplad3i $ -'na:-/ n [U] the scien- crin-o-line /krnakn/ n [C] a round frame that was
tific study of crime and criminals —criminologist n [C] worn in the past under a woman’s skirt to support it and
crimp /krimp/ v [T] 1to press cloth, paper etc into hold it away from her body
small regular folds: Use a hot iron to crimp the edges. cripes /krarps/ interjection old-fashioned used to express
2 to make your hair slightly curly by using a special surprise or anger
heated tool: crimped blonde hair crip-ple' /kripal/ n[C] 1 old-fashioned someone who is
Crimp:lene /‘krimplizn/ n [U] BrE trademark a type of unable to walk properly because their legs are damaged
artificial cloth that does not easily get lines when it is or injured - now considered offensive — disabled
_ folded or crushed 2 emotional cripple informal someone who cannot express
crim-son' /‘krimzan/ adj1 deep red in colour: The leaves their feelings to other people - used to show disapproval
turn crimson in autumn. | a crimson dress 2 if you go cripple? v [1] 1 old-fashioned to hurt someone badly so
crimson, your face becomes red because you are very
that they cannot walk properly [SYN] disable: She was crip-
angry or embarrassed: go/turn/flush/blush crimson The pled in a car accident. 2 to damage something badly so
boy blushed crimson. | [+with] Her face was crimson with that it no longer works or is no longer effective: Industry is
embarrassment. —crimson n [U]
being crippled by high interest rates. —crippled adj: landing
crimson? y [1] literary if your face crimsons, it becomes the crippled plane
red because you are embarrassed [SYN] blush: Rachel crim-
soned and sat down. crip:pling /kriplin/ adj 1causing so much damage or
harm that something no longer works or is no longer
cringe /krind3/ v [I] 1 to move away from someone or effective: the crippling effects of war on the economy
something because you are afraid: A stray dog was cring- 2 a crippling disease or condition causes severe pain and
ing by the door. | She cringed away from him. 2 to feel makes it difficult or impossible for someone to walk
embarrassed by something you have said or done — disabling
because you think it makes you seem silly + wince: [+at]
She cringed at the sound of her own voice. | It makes me cri-sis § 0H /‘kratsis/ n (plural crises /-si:z/) [CU]
cringe when | think how stupid | was. Ta situation in which there are a lot of problems that
crin-kle* /‘krinkal/ (also crinkle up) v [1,1] 1 if you crin- must be dealt with quickly:so that the situation does not
kle part of your face, or if it crinkles, you move it so that get worse or more dangerous — emergency: The country
small lines appear on it: His mouth crinkled into a smile. | now faces an economic crisis. | The Prime Minister was
He smiled boyishly, crinkling his eyes. |Her face crinkled up in criticized for the way in which he handled the crisis. | the
disgust. 2 to become covered with small folds, or make current debt crisis | aqmajor political crisis | |was relieved that
something do this: The heat was beginning to make the we had averted yet another financial crisis. | Oil companies
cellophane crinkle. —crinkled adj: The pages were brown were heavily criticized when they made large profits during
and crinkled. the oil crisis of the 1970s. | The car industry is now in crisis. |
He doesn't seem to be very good at crisis management.
crinkle? n [Cc] a thin fold, especially in your skin or on
2a time when a personal emotional problem or situation
cloth, paper etc — crease: The first crinkles of age were
beginning to appear round her eyes.
has reached its worst point: an emotional crisis |In times of
crisis, you find out who your real friends are. |He seems to be
‘crinkle-cut adj crinkle-cut vegetables have been cut going through a crisis. |She has reached a crisis point in her
into long pieces with gentle curves along the edges: a bag career. | Both parties experienced an identity crisis (=feeling
of frozen crinkle-cut chips of uncertainty about their purpose) at the end of the '90s.
crin-kly /‘krinkli7 adj 1 having a lot of small lines or 3 crisis of confidence a situation in which people no longer
folds: She looked fondly at his crinkly face. | He smiled his believe that a government or an economic system is
_ THESAURUS: crime
| ILLEGAL ACTIONS
crime n [C,U] an illegal act ion or activity, or these actions in general: The police need the public’s help to solve
crimes. | Crime is on the increase. | It was a horrific crime.
offence BrE, offense AmE n [C] a crime, especially one that has a particular description and name in law: It is an
offence to drive while using a mobile phone. |a minor offence (=one that is not serious) |a parking offence
misdemeanor n [C] AmE law a crime that is not very serious: They pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor and were fined.
felony n [C,U] especially AmE law a serious crime: Fewer than 25 percent of the people arrested on felony charges are
convicted.
| CRIMES OF STEALING eS
robbery n [C,U] the crime of stealing from a bank, shop etc: £700,000 was stolen in the robbery. | The gang carried
out a string of daring robberies.
burglary n [C,U] the crime of breaking into someone's home in order to steal things: There have been several x
burglaries in our area.
theft n [C,U] the crime of stealing something: Car theft is a big problem. |thefts of credit cards
shoplifting n [U] the crime of taking things from shops without paying for them: They get money for drugs from
shoplifting.
fraud n [C,U] the crime of getting money from people by tricking them: He’s been charged with tax fraud. | credit
card fraud
| VIOLENT CRIMES
assault n [C,U] the crime of physically attacking someone: He was arrested for an assault on a policeman.
mugging n [C,U] the crime of attacking and robbing someone in a public place: Muggings usually happen at night.
murder n [C,U] the crime of deliberately killing someone: He is accused of the murder of five women. .
homicide n [C,U] especially AmE law murder: Homicide rates are rising fastest amongst 15 to19-year-olds.
rape n [C,U] the crime of forcing someone to have sex: In most cases of rape, the victim knows her attacker.
| CRIMES AGAINST PROPERTY
arson n[U] the crime of deliberately setting fire to a building: The school was completely destroyed in an arson attack.
vandalism n [U] the crime of deliberately damaging things, especially public property: He often got into fights and:
committed acts of vandalism. 1
EXq = words from the Academic Word List CFiticisi

working properly, and will no longer support it or work 2 [kay something that is critical is very important
with it: There seems to be a crisis of confidence in the because what happens in the future depends on it
economy. SyN| crucial: [+to] These talks are critical to the future of the
Acrisis of conscience a situation in which someone feels peace process. | It is absolutely critical for us to know the
worried or uncomfortable because they have done some- truth. |Foreign trade is of critical importance to the economy.
thing which they think is wrong or immoral — MIDLIFE 3 EIA a critical time or situation is seri-
CRISIS ous and worrying because things might suddenly become
crisp" /krsp/ n [C] BrE a very thin flat round piece of much worse: The fighting has stopped, but the situation is
potato that is cooked in oil and eaten cold — chip still critical. | changes that took place during the critical
[SYN] potato chip Ame: a packet of crisps period at the end of the war SERIOUS
A so ill that you might die: He is still in a critical
crisp? adj condition in hospital. | She is in intensive care, where she
1E7Ep] something that is crisp is hard, and makes a remains critical but stable.
pleasant sound when you break it or crush it: She kicked at 5 the critical list a) the list of patients in a hospital who are Be Ben
the crisp leaves at her feet. |He stepped carefully through the
so ill that they might die: on the critical list Two of the
crisp deep snow. HARD victims were still on the critical list Sunday night. |take sb off _
2 [Za food that is crisp is pleasantly hard or firm when the critical list He was taken off the critical list and is now ina
you bite it [Syn] crispy [opp] soggy: a crisp green salad | a stable condition. b) if a system, plan, company etc is on ~
crisp juicy apple |Cook the pastry until it is crisp and golden. | the critical list, it is having severe problems and might fail
The meat should be nice and crisp on the outside.
soon
3 TALI paper or cloth that is crisp is fresh, clean, 6 TET «~making careful judgments about
and new [syn] fresh: a crisp new five-dollar bill |crisp cotton how good or bad something is: His book provides a critical
sheets analysis of the television industry in Britain. | She looked
Afi weather that is crisp is cold and dry round the room with a critical eye.
fopp]humid: The air was fresh and crisp. | a crisp clear 7 (wy «according to critics who give judg-
autumn day | The weather remained crisp and dry. ments about art, films, theatre, and books: The book came
EEE cord out last year to great critical acclaim (=critics said it was
5 [alata if someone behaves or speaks in a crisp way, very good). | Her first play was a critical success (=critics
they are confident, polite, and firm, but not very friendly:
said it was good).
Her tone was crisp and businesslike.
6 GEthge a picture or sound that is crisp is clear crit-i-cally /krittkli/ adv
[SYN] sharp: an old recording that still sounds remarkably 1 critically ill/injured so ill or so badly injured that you
crisp —crisply adv: ‘Take a seat,’ she said crisply. might die — fatally: Ten people died and thirty were critically
—crispness n [U] injured in a rail crash yesterday, | She is still critically ill in
crisp? v [IT] to become crisp or make something hospital.
become crisp by cooking or heating it: Cook the chicken 2a «in a way that is very important
until the skin is nicely crisped. [Syn] crucially: The success of the project depends critically
on the continuation of this funding. | This is a critically
crisp-bread /‘krspbred/ n [C,U] a thin dry Biscuit with
important meeting.
a salty taste
3 BGI in a way that is very serious and
crisp-y /‘knspi/ adj food that is crispy is pleasantly hard worrying [SYN] dangerously: Food supplies are at a critically
on the outside: a piece of crispy fried bread low level.
HARD AG in a way that shows you are criticizing
criss-cross’, criss-cross /‘kriskros $ -kro:s/ v 1 [I,T] to someone or something: Mike looked at her critically. | He
make a pattern of straight lines that cross each other: has spoken critically of the government's refusal to support
Railway lines crisscross the countryside. 2 [1] to travel the industry.
many. times from one side of an area to another: They 5 Maas thinking about something and giv-
spent the next two years crisscrossing the country by bus. ing a careful judgment about how good or bad it is: We
crisscross%, criss-cross n [C] a pattern made up of a teach students to think critically about the texts they are
lot of straight lines that cross each other —» zigzag: Inside reading.
the box was a crisscross of wires. —crisscross adj: a criss- 6 Law according to critics who give judg-
cross pattern of streets ments about art, films, theatre, and books: The play was
cri-te-ri-on [4 LQ /krar'trarian $ -'trr-/ n (plural criteria critically acclaimed (=praised by critics) when it opened in
/-tia/) [C usually plural] a standard that you use to judge London last month.
something or make a decision about something: the crite- critical ‘mass n [C,U]1 the amount of a substance that
ria we use to select candidates | [+for] the criteria for is necessary for a NUCLEAR CHAIN REACTION to start
measuring how good schools are |Academic ability is not the 2 the smallest number of people or things that are
sole criterion for admission to the college. |a universal set of needed in order for something to happen or be possible:
criteria for diagnosing patients | meet/satisfy/fulfil criteria How can we get a critical mass of people involved to keep the
To qualify for a grant, students must satisfy certain criteria. club running?
crit-ic (R /*krttrk/ n [C] critical ‘path n [C] a way of planning and organizing a
1someone whose job is to make judgments about the large piece of work so that there will be few delays and
good and bad qualities of art, music, films etc the cost will be as low as possible: Costs can be calculated
[SYN] reviewer: music/art/film/theatre/literary critic a review once the critical path has been established.
by the theatre critic of the ‘Sunday Times’
2 someone who criticizes a person, organization, or idea: crit-i-cis-m EE (Q /‘kritisizam/ n {C,U]
[+of] Critics of the scheme have said that it will not solve the 1remarks that say what you think is bad about someone
problem of teenage crime. | fierce/outspoken critic an out- or something [opp] praise: [+of] My main criticism of the
spoken critic of the government scheme is that it does nothing to help families on low
3 armchair critic someone who criticizes other people but incomes. | Despite strong criticism, the new system is still in
who does not have any proper experience of the activity place. | There has been widespread criticism of the decision. |
the other people are doing We try to give students constructive criticism. | Another
crit-i-cal 6 [1 /‘kritikal/ adj criticism levelled at him was that his teaching methods were
1@uen if you are critical, you criticize someone or old-fashioned. | The government's economic strategy has
something: [tof] Many economists are critical of the gov- attracted a lot of criticism. | You must learn to accept
ernment's economic policies. | Many parents are strongly criticism. | Many employees find it hard to take even mild
critical of the school. |He made some highly critical remarks, criticism. | His actions provoked severe criticism from civil
 criticize A402 Sil & & = the most frequent words in spoken English

rights groups. | the storm of criticism that followed his croak? n [C] 1the sound that a FRoG makes 2 a low
announcement rough sound made in a person's or animal's throat: The
2 writing which expresses judgments about the good or words came out as a dry croak. —croaky adj
bad qualities of books, films, music etc: literary criticism cro-chet /‘kravfer $ krouer/ v [I,7] to make clothes etc
crit-i-cize [JQ (also -ise BrE) /‘kritisaiz/ v from wool or cotton, using a special needle with a hook at
1[1,T] to express your disapproval of someone or some- one end — knit —crochet n [U] —crocheting n [U]
thing, or to talk about their faults [OPP] praise: Ron does crock /krok $ krazk/ n [C] 1 old use a clay pot
nothing but criticize and complain all the time. | be strongly/ 2 crocks BrE informal old-fashioned cups, dishes, plates etc
sharply/heavily criticized The decision has been strongly 3 acrock (of shit) AmE spoken something that is unbeliev-
criticized by teachers. | The new law has been widely able, unfair, untrue etc
criticized. | criticize sb/sth for (doing) sth He has been crocked /krokt $ kra:kt/ adj [not before noun] 1 BrE
criticized for incompetence. | Doctors have criticized the old-fashioned injured or broken 2 AmE spoken drunk: Kitty
government for failing to invest enough in the health service. | got totally crocked last night.
criticize sb/sth as sth The report has been criticized as crock-e-ry /'krokeri $ 'kra:-/ n [U] BrE cups, dishes,
_ inaccurate and incomplete. plates etc — cutlery: a stack of dirty crockery
_ 2[T] formal to express judgments about the good and
_ bad qualities of something: We look at each other's work
croc-o-dile /‘krokadatl $ ‘kra:-/ n 1[C] a large REPTILE
and criticize it.
with a long mouth and many sharp teeth that lives in
lakes and rivers in hot wet parts of the world — alligator
THESAURUS — see picture at REPTILE 2 [U] the skin ofthis animal, used
criticize to say what you think is bad about someone for making things such as shoes: a crocodile briefcase
or something: He was criticized for not being tough 3 [C] BrE a long line of people, especially school children,
enough with the terrorists. |Stop criticizing my friends! walking in pairs 4 crocodile tears if someone sheds croco-
be critical of sb/sth to criticize someone or dile tears, they seem sad, sorry, or upset, but they do not
something, especially by giving detailed reasons for really feel this way
this: The report was highly critical of the police crocus /‘kraukes $ ‘krou-/ n [C] a small purple, yellow,
investigation. | The press have been critical of his or white flower that appears in early spring — see picture
leadership style. at FLOWER'
attack to criticize someone or something very Croesus /‘krissas/ (?-546 BC) a king of Lydia in Asia
strongly, especially publicly in the newspapers, on Minor, known for being very rich. People sometimes say
TV etc: They attacked the government's decision to that someone is ‘as rich as Croesus’ to mean that they
undertake nuclear weapons tests. are extremely rich.
lay into sb/tear into sb to criticize someone very croft /kroft $ kro:ft/ n [C] BrE a very small farm in
strongly for something they have done, especially by Scotland
shouting at them: He started laying into one of his staff
for being late. croft-er /‘krofta $ 'kro:ftar/ n [C] BrE someone who lives
and works on a croft in Scotland
tear sb/sth to shreds to find a lot of things wrong
with someone's arguments or ideas and make them croft-ing /‘kroftrn $ 'kro:f-/ n [U] BrE the system of
seem very weak: The prosecution will tear him to farming on crofts in Scotland
shreds. crois:sant /‘kwa:son $ kro:'sa:nt/ n [C] a piece of
pan to strongly criticize a film, play etc in the bread, shaped in a curve and usually eaten for breakfast
newspapers, on TV etc: Her first movie was panned by — see picture at BREAD
the critics. crone /kraun $ kroun/ n [C] not polite an ugly or
be pilloried especially written to be strongly criticized unpleasant old woman
by a lot of people in the newspapers, on TV etc: He cro-ny /‘krauni $ 'krooni/ n (plural cronies) [C usually
was pilloried in the right-wing press. plural] one of a group of people who spend a lot of time
condemn to say very strongly in public that you do with each other - used to show disapproval: sb’s cronies
not approve of something or someone, especially the senator's political cronies GREELULYE> FRIEND
because you think they are morally wrong: Politicians
were quick to condemn the bombing. cro-ny*i«sm /‘krauni-1zam $ 'krou-/ n [U] the practice of
unfairly giving the best jobs to your friends when you are
| TO CRITICIZE UNFAIRLY Peele aul in a position of power - used to show disapproval
find fault with sb/sth to criticize things that you crook! /krok/ n [C] 1 informal a dishonest person or a
think are wrong with something, especially small criminal: The crooks got away across the park. 2 a long stick
and unimportant things: He's quick to find fault with with a curved end, used by people who look after sheep
other people's work, 3 the crook of your arm the part of your arm where it bends
pick holes in sth informal to criticize something by crook? v [7] if you crook your finger or your arm, you
finding many small faults in it, ina way that seems bend it
unreasonable and unfair: Why are you always picking
holes in my work? crook-ed /krokid/ adj 1 bent, twisted, or not in a
Straight line [OPP] straight: crooked smile/grin His lips
knock to criticize someone or something, in an
curled into a crooked smile. | Your tie's crooked. | narrow
unfair and unreasonable way: | know it’s fashionable
crooked streets > see picture at STRAIGHT2 2 dishonest: a
to knock Tony Blair, but | think he did a good job.
crooked cop —crookedly adv —crookedness n [U] f
cri-tique’ /krrti:k/ n [C,U] a detailed explanation of the croon /kru:n/ v [1,7] to sing or speak in a soft gentle
problems of something such as a set of political ideas voice, especially about love: Sinatra crooning mellow
~»+ evaluation: [+of] a major new critique of his work | a tunes | ‘My child,’ Sarah crooned. —crooner n [C]
critique of modern economic theory crop? (gy /krop $ kra:p/ n [C]
critique? v [T] formal to say how good or bad a book, Ta plant such as wheat, rice, or fruit that is grown by
play, painting, or set of ideas is > evaluate: He offered to farmers and used as food + GM: The main crops were oats
critique our plans. and barley. | crop production | crops grown for market
—> CASH CROP
crit-ter /‘krita $ -ar/ n [C] AmE spoken a creature,
especially an animal 2 the amount of wheat, rice, fruit etc that is produced in a
season [SYN] harvest: [+of] this season's crop of quality
croak’ /krauk $ krouk/ v1 [I] to make a deep low sound pears |Fruit growers are gathering in a bumper crop (=a very
like the sound a FROG makes 2 [1,T] to speak in a low large amount of something produced in a season). |
rough voice, as if you have a sore throat: ‘Help!’ she increased crop yields
croaked, her throat dry with fear. 3 [1] informal to die 3 crop of sb/sth a group of people who arrive or things
(W (2 GB = the most frequent words in written English 403

that happen at the same time: [+of] South Korea’s present

crop of elected politicians
4a short whip used in horse-riding
5 the part under a bird’s throat where food is stored
6a very short HAIRSTYLE
7 crop of dark hair/blonde curls ete hair that is short, thick,
and attractive: his reddish crop of shining hair
crop2 v (cropped, cropping) 1 [T] to cut someone's hair
short: Stella’s had her hair closely cropped. 2 [T] to cut apart
off a photograph or picture so that it is a particular size or
shape 3 [T] if an animal crops grass or other plants, it
makes them short by eating them 4 [1] BrEifaplant crops, it
produces fruit, grain etc: My strawberries crop in June orJuly.
crop up phrv1 ifaproblem crops up, it happens or appears
suddenly and in an unexpected way [SYN] arise 2 if some-
thing such as a name or a subject crops up, it appears in
something you read or hear [SYN] come up: Your name kept
cropping up in conversation.
‘crop circle n [C] a pattern that appeared in British with your legs crossed
farm fields, which some people believe was made by ¥
creatures from another world
‘crop- dusting n [U] AmE crop-sprAYING mind that she might be doing something illegal. |the thought
has (never) crossed my mind (=used to tell someone you
crop-per /‘kropea $ ‘kra:par/ come a cropper BrE informal have thought of the thing they are suggesting, or have
a) to fail in something, especially unexpectedly: Swedish
never thought of it)
investors have come a cropper in London. b) to accidentally
6cross sb's face written if an expression crosses some-
fall from a horse, bicycle etc: She came a cropper on the ski
one’s face, it appears on their face: A look of surprise
slopes.
crossed her face.
‘crop ro tation n [U] the practice of changing the crops 7 cross your fingers used to say that you hope something
that you grow in a field each year to preserve the good
will happen in the way you want: She hung the washing
qualities in the soil
out, then crossed her fingers for a dry day. | The exam’s at
‘crop- Spraying n [U] BrE the practice of dropping two. Will you keep your fingers crossed for me?
chemicals from a plane onto crops in order to kill insects 8 HEAT ~4[T] to mix two or more differ-
crop-dusting AmE ent breeds of animal or plant to form a new breed
‘crop top n [Cc] a type of women’s shirt that does not — crossbreed: a flower produced by crossing several different
cover the stomach varieties |cross sth with sth These cattle were crossed with a
cro-quet /‘krouker, -ki $ @d-Yefe\t)-ay breed from the highlands.
krou'ker/ n [U] a game 9 sb’s paths cross (also cross paths) if two people's paths
played on grass in which cross, or if they cross paths, they meet, usually without
players hit balls with expecting it: /f our paths crossed | usually ignored her. | We
wooden MAiLeTs (=long- didn't cross paths again until 2001.
handled hammers) so that 10 cross that bridge when you come to it used to say that
they roll under curved you will not think or worry about something until it
wires actually happens
cro-quette /krav'ket $ 11 cross my heart (and hope to die) spoken informal used to
krou-/ n [C] a piece of say that you promise that you will do something, or that
crushed meat, fish, potato what you are saying is true
etc that is made into a 12 (eeerad [T] to make someone angry by oppos-
small round piece, covered ing their plans or orders: He hated anyone who crossed him.
in BREADCRUMBS, and
13a [1,1] to kick, throw, or hit the ball across the
cooked in oil
playing area in a sport such as football, HOCKEY etc
cro-Si-er /‘krauzia, -3a $
14@00 [7] BrE to draw two lines across a cheque to
-3ar/ n [C] a CROZIER
show that it must be paid into the bank account of the
cross’ & (@ /kros $ person whose name is on it
krors/ v 15 (ag ([!] if two letters about the same subject cross
ITT Esa bead [1,7] to go or stretch from in the post, each was sent before the other was received
one side of something such as a road, river, room etc to
16 cross swords (with sb) to argue with someone: I’ve
the other: [+to] He crossed to the window. |cross (over) the
crossed swords with him on a number of issues.
road/street/river etc /t’s easy to have an accident just cross-
ing the road. |He was hit by a car when he tried to cross over 17 cross yourself to move your hand across your upper
the road near Euston station. |cross the Atlantic/the Channel body in the shape of across as a sign of the Christian faith
etc the first steamship to cross the Atlantic | An old bridge 18 cross sb's palm with silver especially BrE to give money to
crosses the river. |[tover] She crossed over to sit beside Dot. someone when you want them to tell your FORTUNE — dot
the i's and cross the t's at DOT*(4), — cross the Rubicon at
EEE TRAVEL
2GSowa [7] if you cross a line, track etc, you go RUBICON
over and beyond it: He raised his arms in triumph as he cross sth <> off (also cross sth off sth) phr v to draw a line
crossed the line for his 100-metres win. through one or more things on a list because you have
3 MPSsta (L[I,1] if two or more roads, lines, dealt with them or they are not needed any more: When-
etc cross, or if one crosses another, they go across each ever | buy something, | cross it off the list.
other: The by-pass crosses Wilton Lane shortly after a cross sth <> out phr v to draw a line or lines through
roundabout. something you have written or drawn, usually because it
4(SZTTZ0re =([T] if you cross your legs, arms, or is wrong: | crossed out ‘Miss’ and wrote ‘Ms’.
ANKLES, you put one on top of the other: She was sitting on cross over phrv
the floor with her legs crossed. 1if an entertainer crosses over from one area of entertain-
5ccross sb's mind [usually in negatives] if you say that an ment to another, they become successful in the second
idea, thought etc never crossed your mind, you mean that one as well as the first +> CROSSOVER(2)
you did not think of it [SYN] occur to sb: It didn't cross her 2 BrE old use to die
 cross Gq = words from the Academic Word List

cross? fy [An [Cc] involving two or more different societies, countries, or

1 a mixture of two things, breeds, or CULTURES — multicultural: cross-cultural exchanges
qualities: [+between] The tour manager's role is a cross ‘cross-,current n [C] a current in the sea, a river etc
between hostess and courier. | Their dog is a cross between that moves across the general direction of the main
two well-known breeds. current
2M especially BrE a) a mark (x or +) used cross-dressing n [U] BrE the practice of wearing the
on paper, to represent where something is, or where clothes of the opposite sex, especially for sexual pleasure
something should be: /’ve put a cross on the map to mark — transvestite —cross-dresser n [C]
where our street is. |Please sign your name by the cross. b) a
mark (x) used on paper to show that something that has crossed /krost $ kro:st/ adj if a telephone line is
crossed, it is connected by mistake to two or more
been written or printed is not correct: My homework got a
telephones, so that you can hear other people's conver-
lot more ticks than crosses. ¢) a mark (x or +) used by
sations: | phoned him up and got a crossed line.
someone who cannot write, in order to sign their name
3 GELISGEWSTay a) the cross the cross that Jesus Christ crossed ‘cheque n [Cc] a cheque in Britain that has
_ died on: Christians believe that Jesus died on the cross for two lines across it showing that it must be paid into a
our sins. b) an object, picture, or mark in the shape of a bank account
- cross, used as a sign of the Christian faith or for decora- \cross-ex'amine v [T] to ask someone questions about
tion: Pauline wore a tiny gold cross. something that they have just said, to see if they are
40ers 4an upright post of wood with another telling the truth, especially in a court of law SEE
crossing it near the top, that people in the past were ASK —cross-exami'nation n [C,U]: He broke down under
fastened to with nails and left to die on as a punishment cross-examination.
5 TUE) a decoration in the shape of a cross .cross- eyed / $'. ./ adj having eyes that both look in
that is given to someone as an honour, especially for towards the nose
military courage: He was awarded the George Cross. \cross= fertilize (also -ise BrE) v [T] 1 to combine the
6 Gia a) a kick or hit of the ball in a sport such as male sex cells from one type of plant with female sex
football, HOCKEY etc, that goes across the field b) a way of cells from another 2 to influence someone or something
hitting someone in the sport of BOXING, in which your arm with ideas from other areas: In a university students live
goes over theirs as they try to hit you: He caught his together, encourage, support, and cross-fertilise each other.
opponent with a right cross to the chin. —cross-fertili'zation n [U]
7 Gees) if you describe something as the cross that
cross:fire /‘krosfate $ ‘kro:sfarr/ n [U] 1 bullets from
someone has to bear, you mean it is a problem that
two or more opposite directions that pass through the
makes them very unhappy or worried, and that continues
same area: Doctors who tried to help the wounded were
for a long time: | feel sorry for you, but we all have our
caught in the crossfire. |in crossfire Many civilians were killed
crosses to bear. — the sign of the Cross at SIGN'(10)
in crossfire. 2 a situation in which people are arguing, and
CrOSS? § adj [usually before noun] especially BrE angry or the results of this affect other people who are not directly
annoyed: get/be cross (with sb) She gets cross when he involved: During a divorce, kids often get caught in the
goes out drinking. | Sometimes | get very cross with the crossfire.
children. | [+at/about] She was cross at being interrupted.
\cross-'grained adj wood that is cross-grained has
ANGRY —crossly adv lines that go across it instead of along it
cross= /kros $ kro:s/ prefix 1going from one side to the
other: a cross-Channel ferry (=sailing from Britain to
‘cross-,hatching n [v] lines drawn across part of a
picture, DIAGRAM etc to show that something is made of
France) 2 going between two things and joining them: different material, or to produce the effect of shade
cross-cultural influences
cross-ing /'‘krosin $ 'kro:-/ n [C] 1a place where you
cross-bar /'krosba: $ 'kro:sbazr/ n [C] 1 a bar that joins can safely cross a road, railway, river etc: You must give
two upright posts, especially two GOALPOSTS — see pic-
way to any pedestrians on the crossing. + LEVEL CROSSING,
ture at FOOTBALL 2 the metal bar between the seat and PEDESTRIAN CROSSING, PELICAN CROSSING, ZEBRA CROSSING
the HANDLEBARS on a man’s bicycle — see picture at
2 a place where two lines, roads, tracks etc cross: Turn left
BICYCLE at the first crossing. 3 a journey across the sea, a lake, or a
cross-bones /‘krosbaunz $ ‘kroisbounz/ n_ [plural] river: The crossing was rough. BLEUE JOURNEY
—> SKULL AND CROSSBONES
cross-legged /kros ‘legid<, -legd« $ ‘kro:s_legd,
‘cross- border adj [only before noun] relating to activity -legd/ adv in a sitting position with your knees wide apart
across a border between two countries: cross-border and one foot on top of the other: We sat cross-legged on
trade/business etc |cross-border attack/raid the floor. +> see picture at cross' —cross-legged adj
cross:bow /‘krosbau $ ‘kro:sbou/ n [C] a weapon like a cross-0:ver /‘krosauva §$ 'kro:souvar/ n1 [C] the change
small Bow attached to a longer piece of wood, used for a popular performer makes from working in one area of
shooting ARROWS with a lot of force entertainment to another: J-Lo has made a crossover from
cross:breed" /‘krosbri:d $ 'krozs-/ v (past tense and past music to the movies. 2 [C,U] the fact of liking, using, or
participle crossbred /-bred/) [1,1] if one breed of plant or supporting different types of things or groups: There’s
animal crossbreeds with another, or if you crossbreed some crossover between the musical genres. + CROSS OVER(1)
them, they breed, producing a new type of plant or cross-piece /‘krospis $ 'kro:s-/ n [C] something that
animal —crossbred /-bred/ adj lies across another thing, especially in a building, on a
crossbreed? n [Cc] an animal or plant that is a mixture railway track etc <
of breeds — hybrid ,CrOSS- purposes nat cross-purposes if two people are
,cross-'check v [1,7] to make certain that something is at cross-purposes, they do not understand each other
correct by using a different method to check it again because they are talking about different things but fail to
—'cross-check n [C] realize this: | think we're talking at cross-purposes.
cross-country" adj [only before noun] 1 across fields or ,cross-'question v [T] Br to ask someone many
not along main roads: cross-country running | We took a detailed questions about something: Ministers were cross-
cross-country route instead of the motorway. 2 from one questioned by the committee about their expenses.
part of the country to the other: cross-country flights ,cross-re'fer v (cross-referred, cross-referring) [|,1] to
—cross-country adv: We rode cross-country to the village. tell a reader to look in another place in the book they are
cross-country? n (plural cross-countries) [C,U] a race reading, so that they can get further information: [+to/
that involves running or SKIING across countryside and from] The author cross-refers to his other books. ;
fields, not on a track, or the sport of doing this ,cross-'reference/ $ .. ,.../7 [C,U] a note that tells the
icross- cultural adj [only before noun] belonging to or reader of a book to go to another place in the book, to get -
EX3 = words from the Academic Word List 405 crowd puller
further information: The book has clear cross-references and completely — squat: He crouched in the shadows near the
a good index. —cross-reference v [T] doorway. | Paula crouched down and held her hands out to
cross-roads /‘krosraudz $ ‘kroisroudz/ n (plural cross- the fire. 2 to bend over something so that you are very
roads) [C] 1a place where two roads meet and cross near to it — lean: [+tover] a young girl crouched over a book
each other — junction, T-junction: at the crossroads Turn —crouch n [C]: She dropped to the ground in.a crouch.
left at the next crossroads. | The car was approaching the croup /kruzp/ n ([U] an illness in children which makes
crossroads. 2 a time when someone has to make very them cough and have difficulty breathing
important decisions which will affect their future: at a Crou-pi-er /'krurpia $ -ar/ n [C] someone whose job is
crossroads Now farming is at a crossroads in the European to collect and pay out money where people play cards,
Community. |a career crossroads 3 an important or central ROULETTE etc for money at a CASINO
place: at the crossroads The city was ideally situated at the
crou-ton /‘kru:ton $ -ta:n/ n [C usually plural] a small
crossroads to the great trade centres of Europe.
square piece of crisp bread that is served with soup or on
‘cross-section n [Cc] 1 something that has been cut in SALAD
half so that you can look at the inside, or a drawing of
crow’ /krav $ krov/ n1 [C] a large shiny black bird with
this: [+of] a cross-section of a plant stem | in cross-section
a loud cry 2 [singular] the loud sound a cock makes
The roof beams were 50 centimetres square in cross-section.
3 as the crow flies in a straight line: ten miles from here as
2 a group of people or things that is typical of a much
the crow flies + eat crow at EAT(7)
larger group — sample: [+of] a wide cross-section of the
taxpaying population crow? v [1] 1 if a cock crows, it makes a loud high sound
\cross-'selling n (U] when one company helps to sell 2 to talk about what you have done in a very proud way -
another company’s products by, for example, advertising used to show disapproval: [+over/about] He was crowing
the second company’s products at the same time as its over winning the bet. 3 written if someone, especially a
own baby, crows, they make a noise that shows they are
happy: Ben rushed to his father, crowing with pleasure.
‘cross-stitch n [C,U] a stitch in a cross shape used in
decorative sewing crow:bar /'krauba: $ 'krouba:r/ n [C] a heavy iron bar
used to lift something or force it open
‘cross street n [C] a smaller street that crosses
another street crowd! gy [H /kraud/ n
cross-town, cross-town /‘krostaun $ ‘kro:s-/ adj [only 1[C] a large group of people who have gathered together
before noun] moving in a direction across a town or city: a to do something, for example to watch something or
crosstown bus protest about something: [+of] a crowd of angry
\cross- trainer n [C usually plural] a type of shoe that protesters | a crowd of 30,000 spectators | There were
can be worn for playing different types of sports + see crowds of shoppers in the street. |A vast crowd gathered in
picture at GYM
the main square. | She mingled with the crowd of guests,
exchanging greetings. | Saturday's game was watched by a
\cross- training n [U] 1 an exercise programme that capacity crowd (=the maximum number of people that a
includes many different kinds of exercise, so that all of sports ground etc can hold). | Troops fired tear gas and
your muscles are used 2 when people in a company learn shots to disperse a crowd of 15,000 demonstrators.
about each other's jobs, so that they understand each
other better and work together better as a team: Cross-
ECESTETS> croup
2 [singular] informal a group of people who know each
training is a vital part of job rotation. —cross-train v [|] other, work together etc: | didn’t know him; he wasn’t one of
cross:walk /‘kroswo:k $ ‘kro:swo:k/ n [C] AmE a spe- the usual crowd.
cially marked place for people to walk across a street 3 the crowd ordinary people, not unusual in any way: You
[SYN] pedestrian crossing BrE have to do things exceptionally well to stand out from the
cross-wind /‘kroswind §$ 'kro:s-/ n [C] a wind that crowd (=be different from ordinary people). |He wanted to
blows across the direction that you are moving in go unnoticed, to be one of the crowd.
croSs:WiSe /‘kroswazz $ 'krois-/ adv 1 from one corner crowd? v 1[I always + adv/prep] if people crowd some-
of something to the opposite corner: Halve the potatoes where, they gather together in large numbers, filling a
crosswise. 2 two things that are placed crosswise are particular place: [+into] Hundreds of people crowded into
arranged to form the shape of an ‘x’ the church for the funeral. | [+round/around] We all
cross-word /‘kroswaid $ ‘kro:swaird/ (also ‘crossword crowded round the table. | be crowded together the rapid
puzzle) n [C] a word game in which you write the spread of infection in areas where people are crowded
answers to questions in a pattern of numbered boxes: | together 2 [T] if people or things crowd a place, there are
like to sit down and do the crossword. a lot of them there: Holidaymakers crowded the beaches. |
crotch /krot{ $ kra:t{/ (also crutch BrE) n [C] the part of Range after range of mountains crowd the horizon. 3 [T] if
your body between the tops of your legs, or the part of a thoughts or ideas crowd your mind or memory, they fill it,
piece of clothing that covers this — groin not allowing you to think of anything else: Strange
thoughts and worries were crowding his mind. 4 [T]
crotch-et /‘krotft $ 'kra:-/ n [C] BrE a musical note a) to make someone angry by moving too close to them:
which continues for a quarter of the length of a SEMIBREVE Stop crowding me - there’s plenty of room. b) especially AmE
[SYN] quarter note AmE —+ minim, quaver
to make someone angry or upset by making too many
crotch-et-y /krotsti $ 'krar-/ adj easily annoyed or unfair demands on them
made slightly angry [SYN] grumpy: a crotchety old man crowd in phr v if problems or thoughts crowd in on you,
CROUCH you cannot stop thinking about them: [+on] She shut her
mind against the fears that crowded in on her.
crowd sb/sth <> out phr v to force someone or something
out of a place or situation: Supermarket chains have
crowded out the smaller shops.
crowd-ed /‘kraudid/ adj too full of people or things
—+ empty: a crowded room |a crowded street |The train was
very crowded, and we had to stand. | [+with] The narrow
roads were crowded with holiday traffic.
‘crowd pleaser, crowd-pleaser n [C] an actor, politi-
cian, or sportswoman etc who always pleases an AUDI-
ENCE (=people watching a performance)
crouch / kravt{/ v [1] 1 (also crouch down) to lower your ‘crowd puller, crowd-puller n [C] a performer who a
body close to the ground by bending your knees lot of people want to see, or something that a lot of
crowd-“surfing | Gi is2= = the mostdik inl words in spoken avelsD

people want to visit: The exhibition has been a big crowd cru-cial [9 La /‘kru:fal/ adj something that is crucial is
puller. extremely important, because everything else depends
crowd- surfing n (U] the act of letting yourself be held on it [SyN]vital: [+to] This aid money is crucial to the
up and moved along by a crowd holding their hands up government's economic policies. |crucial in/to doing sth The
high at a ROCK concert work of monks was crucial in spreading Christianity. | play a
crucial role/part in sth The city of Mycenae played a crucial
crown’ (8 /kraon/ n
role in the history of Greece. | The conservation of tropical
1 fees [C] a) a circle made of gold and forests is of crucial importance. GREAT imPporRTANT
decorated with jewels, worn by kings and queens on their
—crucially adv
heads b) a circle, sometimes made of things such as
leaves or flowers, worn by someone who has won a cru-ci-ate lig-a-ment /‘krusfiert Itgamant/ n [C] medi-
special honour
cal one of two LIGAMENTS (=bands of strong material) in
2 @aliswaTa «the crown a) the position of being the knee that cross each other and connect the bones
king or queen: The treaty of Troyes made Henry V heir to the above and below the knee: The Chelsea player suffered a
torn cruciate ligament.
crown of France. b) the government of a country such as
Britain that is officially led by a king or queen: He has cru-ci-ble /krurssbal/ n [C] a container in which sub-
retired from the service of the Crown. stances are heated to very high temperatures
3 Gey [C] an artificial top for a damaged tooth crurchfix /'kru:siftks/ n [C] a cross with a figure of
4 (2) [usually singular] the top part of a hat or some- Christ on it
one’s head: [+of] auburn hair piled high on the crown of her cru-ci-fix-ion /kru:s$ftkfan/ n 1 [C,U] in past times, the
head | a hat with a high crown act of killing someone by fastening them to a cross and
5 C089 [usually singular] the top of a hill or something leaving them to die 2 the Crucifixion the death of Christ on
shaped like a hill: [+of] They drove to the crown of Zion hill the cross 3 [C] (also Crucifixion) a picture or other object
and on into town. | The masonry at the crown of the arch is representing Christ on the cross
paler than on either curve. cru-ci-form /‘krursifa:m $ -forrm/ adj formal shaped like
6 Gr [usually singular] the position you have if you a cross
have won an important sports competition: Can she retain crucci-fy /‘kru:sifar/ v (crucified, crucifying, crucifies) [T]
her Wimbledon crown? |He went on-to win the world crown 1 to kill someone by fastening them to a cross 2 to criti-
in 2001. cize someone severely and cruelly for something they
7 (easy «[C] a) the standard unit of money in some have done, especially in public
European countries: Swedish crowns b) an old British coin.
Four crowns made a pound.
crud /krad/ n [U] informal something unpleasant to look
8 Graaug [C] a mark, sign, BADGE etc in the shape of a at, smell, taste etc: / can’t eat this crud! —cruddy adj
crown, used especially to show rank or quality crude? /kru:d/ adj1 not exact or without any detail, but
generally correct and useful — approximate: a crude esti-
crown? v [T] 1 to place a crown on the head of a new
king or queen as part of an official ceremony in which mate of the population available for work 2 not developed
they become king or queen —+ coronation; Louis was to a high standard, or made with little skill: a crude
crowned at Reims in 814. |crown sb (as) king/queen etc /n wooden bridge | crude workmanship 3 offensive or rude,
1896 Nicholas was crowned as Tsar. 2 to give someone a
especially in a sexual way [SYN] vulgar: crude pictures | His
title for winning a competition: She was crowned Wimble- language was often crude. 4 [only before noun] crude oil,
don champion. 3 to make something perfect or complete, rubber etc is in its natural or raw condition before it is
by adding an achievement etc: crown sb with sth a /ong treated with chemicals 5 in crude terms expressed in a
career crowned with a peaceful retirement 4 be crowned simple way: Private morality, in crude terms, is not the law’s
with sth literary having something on top: every hill is business. —crudely adv: crudely built shacks —crudeness n
crowned with a walled village 5 to put a protective top ona [U] —crudity n [C,U]
damaged tooth 6 informal to hit someone on the head crude? (also crude 'oil) n [U] oil that is in its natural
condition, as it comes out of an Oil WELL, before it is made
crown ‘colony n [C] a colony controlled by the British
more pure or separated into different products: 1,000
government
barrels of crude
‘Crown Court n [CU] a court of law in Britain that deals
with serious criminal cases and is higher than a MAGIS- cru-el Gy /‘krusal/ adj
TRATE COURT 1making someone suffer or feel unhappy: His death was a
cruel blow. | Sometimes life seems unbearably cruel.
crowned ‘head n [Cc usually plural] a king or queen: All
the crowned heads of Europe were present.
EEE unkind
2 deliberately hurting people or animals [opp|kind: The
crowning /‘kraonin/ adj [always before noun] used to prisoner was a hard crue! man. | cruel jokes about
describe something that makes something complete or mothers-in-law | It was a cruel tactless thing to say. | [+to]
perfect, or is the best feature of something: The hotel's She was often cruel to her sister.
crowning glory was a stunning roof garden. | his crowning 3 be cruel to be kind to do something to someone that will
achievement make them upset or unhappy in order to help them in
crown ‘jewel n [Cc] 1 the crown jewels the crown, another way —cruelly adv: He was cruelly neglected.
sword, jewels etc worn by a king or queen for official
ceremonies 2 the best or most valuable thing that a
cruel deliberately hurting people or making them
person or place has: Innsbruck’s crown jewel is the old town
centre.
suffer: It was cruel to lock him in there all day. |Her
father had been very cruel to her when she was a child. We
a
(Crown ‘Prince n [Cc] the son of a king or queen, who is cruel, selfish woman
expected to become the next king heartless not feeling any pity and not caring about
(Crown Prin'cess/ ¢ ..'../n [C] the daughter of a king other people or their problems: How could you be so
or queen, who is expected to become the next queen heartless! |He was cold and heartless and had no concern *}
‘crow’s feet n [plural] the very small lines that form in for the welfare of his employees.
the skin near the eyes of older people sadistic getting pleasure from making other people
‘crow's nest n [C] a small box at the top of a ship's suffer: a sadistic killer |a sadistic thing to do i ee
barbaric extremely cruel, ina way that shocks people:
MAST from which someone can watch for danger, land etc
a barbaric punishment |a barbaric sport
cro:zi-er, crosier /‘krauzia, -3a $ -zar/ n [C] a long stick vicious very violent and cruel, especially by suddenly
with a decorative curved end, carried by a BISHOP attacking someone and causing injury to them: a
CRT /ssi: a: 'ti: $ -axr-/ n [C] the abbreviation of cathode vicious attack on an innocent man |Some dogs can be
ray tube vicious.
 (i G2 GS = the most frequent words in written English crush
brutal very cruel and violent, in a way that shows no dry mixture of flour, butter, and sugar and baked: apple
human feelings: a brutal dictator |the brutal methods crumble
used by the secret police crum-bly /krambli/ adj something that is crumbly
inhumane inhumane conditions, treatment etc are breaks easily into small pieces: a nice crumbly cheese | the
not considered acceptable because they cause too garden’s crumbly black soil
much suffering: the inhumane treatment of prisoners crumbs /kramz/ interjection BrE old-fashioned used to
cold-blooded a cold-blooded murder, attack etc is express surprise
done without showing any feeling or pity for the
crummy /'krami/ adj informal of bad quality or
person who is attacked. A cold-blooded killer kills
unpleasant: a crummy hotel |a crummy job
people without showing any pity: a woman 's
cold-blooded murder of her devoted husband |a crum-pet /'krampit/ n BrE 1[C] a small round bread
cold-blooded psychopath with holes in one side, eaten hot with butter
2 [U] informal not polite an offensive word for someone
cru-el-ty /‘kru:alti/ n (plural cruelties) 1 [C,U] behaviour who is sexually attractive
or actions that deliberately cause pain to people or crum:ple /‘krampal/ v1 [1,T] (also crumple up) to crush
animals [OPP] kindness: The children had suffered cruelty something so that it becomes smaller and bent, or to be
and neglect. | There was a hint of cruelty in Brian’s smile. | crushed in this way: Dan tore the page out, crumpled it, and
[+to] cruelty to animals | [+of] the cruelty of the slave threw it in the wastepaper basket. 2 [1] if your face crum-
trade | The deliberate cruelty of his words cut her like a ples, you suddenly look sad or disappointed, as if you
knife. | the cruelties of war 2 [U] the unfairness of some- might cry 3 [1] if your body crumples, you fall down in an
thing that happens: the cruelty of life uncontrolled way: [+to] The blow hit him on the head and
cru-et /‘kruzt/ n [C] a thing that holds the containers for he crumpled to the ground.
salt, pepper, oil, or VINEGAR on a table crum-pled /krampald/ adj 1 (also crumpled up)
cruise’ /kru:z/ v 1[1,T] to sail along slowly, especially crushed into a smaller bent shape: Tom flattened the
for pleasure: We were cruising in the Caribbean all winter. | crumpled paper against his knee. 2 cloth or clothing that is
an evening spent cruising the River Seine 2 [1 usually + adv/ crumpled has a lot of lines or folds in it: an old man with
prep] to move at a steady speed in a car, aircraft etc: We untidy hair and a crumpled suit 3 someone who is crum-
were cruising along at SO miles per hour. | We fly at a pled somewhere is lying still in a strange position after
cruising speed of SOO mph. 3 [1,1] to drive a car slowly they have fallen
through a place with no particular purpose: They cruised crunch! /krant{/ n 1 [singular] a noise like the sound of
up and down the coast road. 4 [1] informal to do something something being crushed: The only sound was the crunch of
well or successfully, without too much effort: [+to] The tyres on gravel. 2 [C, singular] AmE a difficult situation
horse cruised to a three-length win. 5 [1,T] informal to go to caused by a lack of something, especially money or time:
a bar or other public place, looking for a sexual partner: Three new teachers were hired to help ease the crunch. |
We went cruising the singles bars. cash/budget/financial etc crunch Cost cutting had enabled
cruise? n[C]1 a holiday ona large ship: a Mediterranean the organization to survive a previous cash crunch.
cruise | [taround] a cruise around the world GIES 3 the crunch (also crunch time AmE) an important time,
JOURNEY 2 a journey by boat for pleasure especially one when a difficult decision has to be made:
‘cruise con,trol n [c] a piece of equipment in a car that The crunch came when my bank asked for my credit card
makes it go at a steady speed back. | When it came to the crunch, she couldn't agree to
‘cruise liner n [Cc] a large ship for cruising marry him. 4 [C] an exercise in which you lie on your back
and lift your head and shoulders off the ground to make
cruise ‘missile n [c] a large explosive weapon that your stomach muscles strong [SYN] sit-up
flies close to the ground and can be aimed at something
hundreds of kilometres away crunch? y 1[I] to make a sound like something being
crushed: Their boots crunched loudly on the frozen snow.
cruis-er /‘kru:ze $ -ar/ n [C] 1 large fast ship used by 2 [I always + adv/prep, T] to eat hard food in a way that
the navy: a battle cruiser 2 a boat used for pleasure makes a noise: [ton] The dog was crunching on a bone.
3 Ame a police car
3 crunch (the) numbers to do a lot of calculations in order
cruis-er-weight /‘kru:zawert $ -zar-/ n [C] a BOXER who to find an answer: The computer will crunch all the numbers
weighs less than 86.18 kilograms, and who is heavier to determine the final score.
than a LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT but lighter than a HEAVYWEIGHT
crunch-y /‘krantfi/ adj food that is crunchy is firm and
‘cruise ship n [Cc] a large ship with restaurants, bars etc makes a noise when you bite it - usually used to show
that people have holidays on approval: a delicious crunchy salad HARD
cruis-ing /‘kruzzin/ n [U] 1 the activity of taking a —crunchiness n [U]
holiday on a cruise ship 2 AmE when young people drive cru:sade" /kru:'serd/ n [C] 1a determined attempt to
cars slowly down a particular street as a way of being change something because you think you are morally
‘with their friends: a sign saying ‘No cruising’ 3 when some- right ++ campaign: [+against/for] He seems to be running a
one looks for sexual partners in bars, restaurants, on the one-man crusade against cigarette smoking. 2 (also Cru-
street etc sade) one of a series of wars fought in the 11th, 12th, and
crumb /kram/ n [C] 1a very small piece of dry food, 13th centuries by Christian armies trying to take Palestine
especially bread or cake: She stood up to brush the crumbs from the Muslims
off her uniform. | Coat with bread crumbs and_ bake. crusade? y [1] to take part in a crusade [SYN] campaign:
PIECE 2 a very small amount of something: [+against/for] He continued to crusade for free education
crumb of comfort/hope/affection etc There was only one for all. —crusader n [C]
crumb of comfort - Alex hadn't said anything to Jeff. crush* /krj/ vv s[T]
crum:-ble? /‘krambal/ v 1 [I] (also crumble away) if 1to press something so
something, especially something made of stone or rock, hard that it breaks or is
is crumbling, small pieces are breaking off it: The old damaged: His leg was
stonework was crumbling away. | crumbling colonial crushed in the accident. |
buildings BREAK 2 [I,T] to break apart into Two people were crushed to
lots of little pieces, or make something do this: The fall death in the rush to escape.
leaves crumbled in my fingers. | % cup crumbled goat's 2to press something in
cheese 3 [1] (also crumble away) to lose power, become order to break it into very
weak, or fail [SYN] disintegrate: The Empire began to crumble small pieces or into a pow-
during the 13th century. | our crumbling economy — that's der: Crush two cloves of
the way the cookie crumbles at COOKIE(3) garlic. 3 crush a rebellion/
crumble? n [u] Br£ a sweet dish of fruit covered with a uprising/revolt etc to use
 crush 408 £G = words from the Academic Word List

severe methods to stop people from fighting you or cry a lot) | Oliver, alone, began to cry bitterly (=cry a lot). |
opposing you [SYN|put down: The revolution was crushed cry yourself to sleep (=cry until you fall asleep)
within days. 4 crush sb's hopes/enthusiasm/confidence etc 29NatrDIs7 [T] written to shout or say something
to make someone lose all hope, confidence etc 5 to make loudly [SYN]cry out: ‘Stop!’ she cried. | It was painful, and
someone feel extremely upset or shocked: Sara was made me cry aloud. | [+to] ‘Goodbye then!’ he cried to her. |
crushed by their insults. [+for] | could hear voices crying for help.
crush on sb phr v AmE informal to have a feeling of 3 cry over spilt milk to waste time feeling sorry about an
romantic love for someone, especially someone you do earlier mistake or problem that cannot be changed: It’s no
not know well: a guy in my class that I'm crushing on use crying over spilt milk.
crush? n1 [singular] a crowd of people pressed so close 4 for crying out loud spoken used when you feel annoyed or
together that it is difficult for them to move: There's impatient with someone: For crying out loud, stop nagging!
always such a crush on the train in the mornings. 2 [C] a 5 cry foul to protest because you think something is
- strong feeling of romantic love for someone, especially wrong or not fair: When the ads appeared, it was the
one that a young person has for someone older who they Democrats’ turn to cry foul.
do not know well — infatuation: She had a huge crush on 6 LILLE [1] if animals or birds cry, they make a
her geography teacher. | It’s just a schoolgirl crush. loud sound: | could hear gulls crying and the soft whisper of
3 [C] AmE informal someone who you have a feeling of the sea.
romantic love for, but who you do not know well: a first 7 cry wolf to ask for help when you do not need it, so that
date with your crush people do not believe you when you really need help
8 cry into your beer informal to feel too much pity for
crushing /'kraftn/ adj [usually before noun] 1 very hard
yourself, especially because you think you have been
to deal with, and making you lose hope and confidence:
treated unfairly + not know whether to laugh or cry at
The Eighth Army had suffered a crushing defeat. | Failing his
LAUGH'(3), — cry for the moon at MOON‘(4), —+ a shoulder to
final exams was a crushing blow (=made him lose hope and
cry on at SHOULDER\5)
confidence). | the crushing burden of debt 2 a crushing
remark, reply etc contains a very strong criticism THESAURUS
—crushingly adv: ‘That's fairly obvious,’ she replied crush- cry to produce tears from your eyes: Don’t cry -
ingly. everything will be all right! |Men aren't supposed to cry.
Crusoe, Robinson — rosinson CRUSOE cry your eyes out especially spoken to cry a lot and
crust /krast/ n [C,U] 1 the hard brown outer surface of for a long time: | cried my eyes out when | watched
bread: sandwiches with the crusts cut off 2 the baked outer ‘Titanic’.
part of foods such as Pies or PIZZAs: a thin-crust pizza be in tears to be crying: By the end of his story, we
3 a thin hard dry layer on the surface of something: A were all in tears.
hard gray crust had formed on the bottom of the tea kettle. be close to tears to be almost crying: You could see
4 the hard outer layer of the Earth: deep within the Earth’s that she was close to tears.
crust + see picture at EARTH' > earn a crust at EARN(1), weep literary to cry, especially for a long time: His
—» UPPER CRUST mother put her head on the table and wept.
crus:ta:cean /kra'sterfjan/ n [C] technical an animal sob to cry, taking sudden loud breaths: | could hear
such as a LOBSTER Or a CRAB that has a hard outer shell and someone sobbing in the next room.
several pairs of legs, and usually lives in water wail /werl/ to cry very loudly in a high voice: The
—crustacean adj baby started wailing for its mother.
whimper /'wimpa $ -ar/ to cry quietly and weakly:
crust-ed /'krastid/ adj having a thin hard dry layer on
She began rocking to and fro, whimpering softly.
the surface: [+with] old boots crusted with mud
hold/fight back the tears to make a big effort not to
crust-y' /‘krasti/ adj 1 bread that is crusty is pleasant to cry: She told her story, struggling to hold back the tears.
eat because it has a hard crust: a crusty baguette your eyes water if your eyes water, they have tears
2 informal someone who is crusty is bad-tempered in them, for example because of smoke, wind, or
SYN| grumpy: a crusty old man 3 having a thin dry hard when you are cutting onions: The onions were making
layer of something on the surface: The lake was ringed by my eyes water.
crusty salt deposits.
crusty? n (plural crusties) [C] BrE informal a young TO START CRYING |
person with a dirty and untidy appearance, usually one burst into tears to Sisbealy start crying: tha man
who has no permanent job or home and takes part in shouted at her and she burst into tears.
protests about protecting the environment break down to start crying after trying hard not to
cry, especially when talking about something very
crutch /krat{/ n [C] 1 [usually plural] one of a pair of long upsetting: He broke down and begged for forgiveness.
sticks that you put under your arms to help you walk
when you have hurt your leg: on crutches (=using cry off phr v BrE to say that you cannot do something that
crutches) | was on crutches for three months after the you have already promised to do — cancel: Leah and |
operation. 2 something that gives someone support or were going to go to Morocco together, but at the last moment
help, especially something that is not really good for she cried off.
them: As things got worse at work, he began to use alcohol cry out phrv
as a crutch. 3 BrE the part of your body between the tops 1to make a loud sound of fear, shock, pain etc: [+in/with]
of your legs crotch Even the smallest movement made him cry out in pain. |John
Crux /kraks/ n the crux the most important part of a tightened his grip until she cried out.
problem, question, argument etc: [+of] The crux of the 2to shout or say something loudly: ‘Why are you doing
matter is how do we prevent a flood occurring again? | The this?’ she cried out suddenly. | [+for] | felt too terrified to
crux of the problem lay in the lack of equipment. even cry out for help.
cry" §& @@ /krat/ v (past tense and past participle cried, 3 be crying out for sth informal to need something urgently:
present participle crying, third person singular cries) The kitchen is crying out for a coat of paint. |My parents had
12S ([1,T] to produce tears from your eyes, divorced and | was crying out for love.
usually because you are unhappy or hurt: Don’t cry, Laura: cry? (J n (plural cries)
It'll be OK. |Upstairs, a baby began to cry. |Jamie looked like IRIS SS ǤC] a loud sound express-
he'd been crying. | | just couldn't stop crying. | That film ing a strong emotion such as pain, fear, or pleasure: a
always makes me cry. | [+over/about] | am too old to be baby's cry |cry of pain/alarm/delight etc Alice let out a cry
crying over some young guy. | [+with/in] She felt like crying of alarm. | let out/give a cry The stone hit him on the
with frustration. | [+for] She could hear him crying for his forehead and he gave a sharp cry. :
mother. | cry your eyes/heart out (=be extremely sad and 28a [C] a shouted word or phrase: [+of] At last, ©
EX = words from the Academic Word List 409
ecnne
there was a cry of ‘Silence!’, and everyone looked towards the C-section /'si: sekjan/ n [C] AmE informal a CAESAREAN
door. | [+for] Fortunately, a passerby heard his cries for help. CS gas /si: es 'gees/ n [U] BrE TEAR GAS
3 G29) [singular] especially BrE a period of time during ct BrE, ct. AmE the written abbreviation of carat: a 24 ct
which tears come out of your eyes, usually because you gold necklace
are unhappy: It’s good to have a cry sometimes. || felt much
CT scan / ssi: ‘tir skeen, ‘ket skeen/ n [C] another name for
better after I'd had a good cry (=cried for a long time).
a CAT SCAN
4 cry for help something someone says or does that
shows that they are very unhappy and need help: | think cu BrE, cu. AmE the written abbreviation of cubic
taking the pills was a cry for help. cub /kab/ n [C] 1 the baby of a wild animal such as a
5 Gores [C] a phrase that is used to unite people in lion or a bear: a five-month-old lion cub | a tiger and her
support of a particular action or idea [SYN] slogan: ‘Land cubs 2 the Cubs the cus scout organization 3 a member
and Liberty’ was the rallying cry of revolutionary Mexico. of the CuB SCOUTS organization —+ CUB REPORTER
—> BATTLE CRY(1), WAR CRY Cu-ban mis:sile cri-sis, the /kju:ban ‘misatl rarsis
6 ENT) [C] a sound made by a particular animal $ -'misal-/ a dangerous situation which developed in 1962
call: the cries of seagulls overhead — be a far cry from when the Soviet Union began to build bases for NUCLEAR
sth at FAR7(5), — in full cry at FULL"(22), > HUE AND CRY MISSILES in Cuba, and US President John F. Kennedy
cry:ba-by /‘kratberbi/ n (plural crybabies) [C] some- threatened to take military action. It caused a lot of
one, especially a child, who cries too often without good international anxiety until the Soviet Union agreed to
reason - used to show disapproval: Don't be such a remove the missile bases.
crybaby! cub-by-hole /kabihaul $ -houl/ n [C] a very small
cry-ing" /‘krat-1n/ adj1 it's a crying shame spoken used to space or room, used especially for storing things
say that something is very sad or upsetting: It would be a cube" /kju:b/ n [C] 1 a solid object with six equal square
crying shame if the village shop closed down. 2 crying need sides: a sugar cube | an ice cube | Cut the meat into small
for sth a serious need for something: There is a crying need cubes. PIECE —+ see picture at SHAPE’
for doctors. 2 the cube of sth the number you get when you multiply a
crying? n [U] when someone produces tears from their number by itself twice, for example 4 x 4 x 4 = 64, so the
eyes, usually because they are unhappy or hurt: As he cube of 4 is 643 AmE spoken a CUBICLE
neared her tent he heard the sound of crying. cube? vy [1] 1to multiply a number by itself twice: 4
cry-0-gen-ics /krata'dzentks/ n [U] the scientific study cubed is 64 2 to cut food into cubes
of very low temperatures —cryogenic adj cube ‘root / $'. ./ n [C] the cube root of a particular
crypt /kript/ n [C] a room under a church, used in the number is the number that, when multiplied by itself
past for burying people — vault twice, will give that number: 4 is the cube root of 64
cryptic /krpttk/ adj having a meaning that is mysteri- cubic /‘kju:brk/ adj relating to a measurement of space
ous or not easily understood: cryptic remark/comment/ which is calculated by multiplying the length of some-
statement etc a cryptic note at the end of the letter thing by its width and height — square: cubic centimetre/
—cryptically /-kli/ adv metre/inch etc 75,000 million cubic metres of gas |the cubic
crypto= /kripteu, -ta $ -tou, -ta/ prefix formal secret or capacity of an engine
hidden: a crypto-Communist cu-bi-cle /‘kju:brkal/ n [C] a small part of a room that is
cryp-tog-ra-phy /krip'tografi $ -'ta:-/ n [U] the study separated from the rest of the room: a shower cubicle |
of secret writing and coDes —cryptographer n [C] office workers in their cubicles
crys-tal /‘kristl/ n 1 [U] very high quality clear glass: a cub-is«m /‘kju:bizam/ n [U] a 20th-century style of art,
set ofsix crystal glasses 2 [C] a small regular-shaped piece in which objects and people are represented by GEOMETRIC
of a substance, formed naturally when this substance shapes —cubist adj: cubist paintings —cubist n [C]
becomes solid: ice crystals | copper sulphate crystals cu-bit /'kju:bit/ n [C] an ancient unit for measuring
3 [CU] rock that is clear, or a piece of this 4 [C] AmE the
length, equal to the length of your arm between your
clear cover on a clock or watch wrist and your elbow
crystal ‘ball n [Cc] a glass ball that you can look into, cub re'porter n [C] a young newspaper or television
which some people believe can show what is going to
REPORTER without much experience
happen in the future
crystal ‘clear adj 1very clearly stated and easy to ‘Cub Scout n [Cc] 1 the Cub Scouts the part of the scout
understand: | want to make one thing crystal clear - | do not organization for younger children 2 a young child who is a
agree with these proposals. 2 completely clean and clear:
member of this organization — Girl Scout, Boy Scout
the crystal clear water of the lake cuck:old! /‘kakald, 'kakauld $ -kald/ n [C] old use an
crys-tal-line /‘knistalain, -liin $ -lan/ adj 1 made of insulting word for a man whose wife has been having sex
crystals 2 very clear or transparent, like crystal with another man
‘crys-tal-lize (also -ise BrE) /‘kristalatz/ v 1 [1,7] if a cuckold? v [7] old use if a wife and her Lover cuckold
liquid crystallizes, it forms CRYSTALS: The liquid will crystal- her husband, they have sex with each other
lize at 50 degrees centigrade. 2 [1,1] if an idea, plan etc cuck-00! /koku: $ ‘kuzkuz, 'ko-/ n [C] a grey European
crystallizes or is crystallized, it becomes very clear in bird that puts its eggs in other birds’ Nests and that
your mind: Inside her a thought was. crystallizing. makes a sound that sounds like its name
—crystallization / kristalar'zerfan $ -la-/ n [U] cuckoo? adj [not before noun] informal crazy or silly:
crys-tal-lized (also crystallised BrE) /‘kristalatzd/ adj You're completely cuckoo!
crystallized fruit, GINGER, or flowers are made by a special ‘cuckoo clock n [Cc] a clock with a wooden bird inside
process which covers them with sugar that comes out every hour and makes a sound
crystal meth /krist! 'meth/ n [U] informal the illegal cu-cum-ber /‘kju:zkamba $ -ar/ n [C,U] a long thin round
drug METHAMPHETAMINE vegetable with a dark green skin and a light green inside,
CSA, the /si: es 'er/ (the Child Support Agency) a British usually eaten raw — cool as a cucumber at CooL':3)
government department which deals with CHILD SUPPORT. cud /kad/ n [U] food that a cow or similar animal has
It can decide, for example, how much money a father chewed, swallowed, and brought back into its mouth to
should pay to support his children if he no longer lives chew a second time: a cow chewing its cud
with them, cud-dle? /kadl/ v [1,7] to hold someone or something
CSE /si: es ‘i:/ n [C,U] (Certificate of Secondary Educa- very close to you with your arms around them, especially
tion) an examination in a range of subjects that was done to show that you love them — hug: Dawn and her boyfriend
by students in schools in England and Wales before 1988, were cuddling on the sofa. GEERT HuG
usually at the age of 15 or 16 — GCSE cuddle up phr v to lie or sit very close to someone or
 ole we Sl &) & = the most frequent words in spoken English

something: [+to/together] The children cuddled up to each events for teachers and students will culminate in a Shake-
other for warmth. speare festival next year.
cuddle? n [singular] an act of cuddling someone — hug: cul-mi-na-tion /kalmsnerfan/ n [U] the culmination of
Come over here and let me give you a cuddle. sth something, especially something important, that hap-
cud-dly /‘kadli/ adj 1a person or animal that is cuddly pens at the end of a long period of effort or development:
makes you want to cuddle them: He is the most affection- This little book represented the culmination of 15 years’ work.
ate and cuddly dog | have ever known. 2 [only before noun] cu-lottes /kju:lots $ kju'la:ts/ n [plural] women’s trou-
cuddly toys are soft toys designed for children to cuddle sers which stop at the knee and are shaped to look like a
cud-gel /‘kadzal/ n 1[C] a short thick stick used as a skirt
weapon 2 take up the cudgels (on behalf of sb/sth) formal cul-pa-ble /‘kalpabal/ adj 1 formal deserving blame:
to start to fight for an idea that you believe in Both parties were held to be to some extent culpable.
cue! /kju:/ n [C] 1 an action or event that is a signal for ECOLEZULD> cuitty 2 law a culpable action is one that is
_ something else to happen: [+for] Our success was the cue considered criminal: culpable homicide/negligence etc He
for other companies to press ahead with new investment. | pleaded guilty to culpable homicide. —culpably adv
_ sb's cue to do sth / think that’s my cue to explain why I’m —culpability /kalpe'brlsti/7 n [U]
here. 2 a word, phrase, or action in a play that is a signal cul-prit /‘kalprst/ n [C] 1 the person who is guilty of a
for the next person to speak or act: She stood nervously in crime or doing something wrong -> victim: Police finally
the wings waiting for her cue. |miss your cue (=not speak or managed to catch the culprit. 2 informal the reason for a
act when you are supposed to) 3 (right/as if) on cue particular problem or difficulty: High production costs are
happening or done at exactly the right moment: And then, the main culprit.
on cue, the weather changed. | As if on cue, Sam arrived. cult! /kalt/ n1 [C] an extreme religious group that is not
4 take your cue from sb to use someone else's actions or part of an established religion 2 [C] a fashionable belief,
behaviour to show you what you should do or how you idea, or attitude that influences people's lives: [+of] Diet,
should behave: With interest rates, the smaller banks will exercise ... It's all part of this cult of self-improvement.
take their cue from the Federal Bank. 5 a long straight 3 [singular] a group of people who are very interested in a
wooden stick used for hitting the ball in games such as particular thing: O'Brien has a cult of devoted readers.
BILLIARDS and POOL — see picture at POOL' 4 [C,U] formal a system of religious beliefs and practices
cue? v [T] to give someone a sign that it is the right —+ PERSONALITY CULT
moment for them to speak or do something, especially cult? adj [only before noun] cult film/band/figure etc a film,
during a performance: The studio manager will cue you music group etc that has become very popular but only
when it's your turn to come on. among a particular group of people: the 1980s cult movie
cue sth <> up phr v to make a CASSETTE, VIDEO, or CD be ‘The Gods Must Be Crazy’ | The actor James Dean acquired
exactly in the position you want it to be in, so that you the status of a cult hero.
can play something immediately when you are ready: The cul-ti-va-ble /‘kaltivabal/ adj land which is cultivable
videotape’s cued up and ready to go! can be used to grow crops
‘cue ball n [c] the ball which a player hits with the cue cul-ti-vate /‘kaltivert/ v [T] 1 to prepare and use land
in a game such as BILLIARDS —> see picture at POOL" for growing crops and plants: The land was too rocky to
cuff? /kaf/ n [C] 1 the end of a sleeve 2 AmE a narrow cultivate. 2 formal to plant and take care of a particular
piece of cloth turned upwards at the bottom of a trouser crop grow: We cultivated maize and watermelons.
leg [SYN] turn-up BrE3 an action in which you hit someone
lightly on the head with your hand open 4. cuffs [plural] REGISTER
HANDCUFFS —> OFF-THE-CUFF In everyday English, people usually say someone
grows a crop rather than cultivates it: They have been
cuff? v [T] 1to hit someone lightly, especially in a
friendly way: She cuffed him playfully on the side of the growing grapes there for hundreds of years.
head. 2 to put HANDCUFFS On someone 3 to work hard to develop a particular skill, attitude, or
‘cuff link n [Cc] a small piece of jewellery that a man can quality: Try to cultivate a more relaxed and positive approach
use to fasten his shirt cuffs — see picture at JEWELLERY to life. | The company has been successful in cultivating a
cuisine /kwrzi:n/ n [U] 1a particular style of cooking: very professional image. 4 to make an effort to develop a
French cuisine | vegetarian cuisine | [+of] the traditional friendly relationship with someone, especially someone
cuisine of the Southwest FOOD2 the food who can help you: Professor Gladwyn would be an acquaint-
cooked in a particular restaurant or hotel, especially ance worth cultivating.
when it is very good: Enjoy the delicious cuisine created by cul-ti-vat-ed /‘kaltivertid/ adj 1 someone who is culti-
our award-winning chef. + HAUTE CUISINE vated is intelligent and knows a lot about music, art,
cul-de-sac /'kal da sek, 'kul- $ kal da ‘sek, kul-/ n literature etc: a highly cultivated man 2 cultivated land is
[singular] 1a road which is closed at one end, so that land that is used for growing crops or plants: cultivated
there is only one way in and out 2 an unhelpful situation fields 3 [only before noun] cultivated crops or plants are
in which you cannot make any more progress [SYN] dead ones grown by people [opp] wild: cultivated mushrooms
end: These ideas lead us into a philosophical cul-de-sac. cul-ti-va-tion /kalt'verfan/ n [U] 1 the preparation and
use of land for growing crops: soil cultivation | under
cul:i-emasry /'kaknari $ 'kaneri, 'kjul-/ adj [only before
noun] formal relating to cooking: culinary skills |mushrooms cultivation These fields have been under cultivation (=used
for growing crops) for years. 2 the planting and growing of
dried for culinary use | the region's culinary delights (=food
that tastes very good)
plants and crops: Terraces for rice cultivation covered the
hillsides. | [+f] the cultivation of tobacco 3 the deliberate
cull! /kal/ v [7] 1 to kill animals so that there are not too development of a particular quality or skill
many of them, or so that a disease does not spread
2 formal to find or choose information from many differ-
cul-ti-va-tor /‘kaltiverta $ -ar/ n [C] 1 formal someone
who grows crops or plants, especially a farmer 2 a tool or
ent places [SYN]collate: cull sth from sth The data had been
machine that is used to prepare land for growing crops
culled from a variety of sources.
cull? n [C] the act of killing animals so that there are not cul-tu-ral [ B@ /‘kaltfaral/ adj [usually before noun]
too many of them, or so that a disease does not spread 1 belonging or relating to a particular society and its way
of life —+ multicultural: the very real historical and cultural
cul-len-der /'kalinda $ -ar/ n [C] another spelling of differences between our two societies |the desire to maintain
COLANDER a distinct cultural identity | It is important to look at the
cul-mi-nate /‘kalminert/ v political and cultural context in which the novel was written. |
culminate in/with sth phr v if a process culminates in or people who share the same cultural background | cultural _
with a particular event, it ends with that event: A series of heritage/traditions etc (=ideas, customs etc that have ©
 an cup

existed in a particular society for a long time) Japan's bureaucratic. | cumbersome procedures 2 heavy and diffi-
unique cultural heritage —+ MULTICULTURAL cult to move: a large cumbersome machine 3 words or
2 relating to art, literature, music etc: the city’s rich and phrases that are cumbersome are long or complicated
varied cultural life |Students need to have time for relaxation cumin /kamin, 'kjuz- $ 'kaméin, 'kur-, 'kjur-/ n [U] the
and cultural activities, as well as for academic work. | In the seeds of a plant that have a sweet smell and are used
later Middle Ages, Prague was an important cultural centre especially in Mexican and Indian cooking, or the plant
(=a place, usually a big city, where a lot of artistic and that they grow on
musical events happen). cum lau-de /kom ‘lauder, kam ‘'b:di $ kum ‘laudi/ adv
cul-tu-ral-ly
2g /‘kaltfarali/ adv1 in a way that is related AimE (with honours) if you GRADUATE cum laude, you finish
to the ideas, beliefs, or customs of a society: Teaching a university degree and are given official praise for special
materials need to be culturally appropriate. | [sentence achievement —> MAGNA CUM LAUDE, SUMMA CUM LAUDE
adverb] Historically and culturally, Britain has always been cum-mer-bund /kamaband $ -ar-/ n [C] a wide piece
linked to the continent. 2 in a way that is related to art, of cloth that a man wears around his waist as part of a
music, literature etc: The French are a culturally sophisti- special suit worn on very formal occasions
cated people. | [sentence adverb] Culturally, the city has a lot cu-mu-la-tive /‘kju:mjslattv $ -lertiv/ adj increasing ©
to offer. gradually as more of something is added or happens: ©
cul-ture’ 3 0 BG /‘kalt/a $ -ar/ n Learning is a cumulative process. | cumulative effect (of sth) — _
1a [CU] the beliefs, way of life, art, and cus- Depression is often caused by the cumulative effects of stress
toms that are shared and accepted by people in a particu- and overwork.
lar society: We speak Danish at home so that the boys don’t cu-mu-lus /‘kju:mjglas/ n [C,U] a thick white cloud with
lose touch with their language and culture. | In our culture, it a flat bottom edge
is rude to ask someone how much they earn. | | love working cu-nei-form /‘kjuinifaim, ‘kjurni-sfaim $ kjur'nizaforrm/
abroad and meeting people from different cultures. | adj relating to the writing used by the people of ancient
Western/American/Japanese etc culture A brief history of Mesopotamia —cuneiform n [U]
Western culture. |modern/contemporary culture Business is cun-ni-lin-gus /kanrlmjgas/ n [U] technical the act of
one of the major forces in modern culture. touching the female sex organs with the lips and tongue
2 (EYEE [Cu] the attitudes and beliefs about some- in order to give sexual pleasure — fellatio
thing that are shared by a particular group of people or in cun-ning" /‘kantn/ adj 1 someone who is cunning is
a particular organization: Every government department clever and good at deceiving people in order to get what
has its own particular culture. | corporate/business/ they want [SYN] crafty: a cunning opponent
company culture Changing the corporate culture is a long INTELLIGENT 2 behaviour or actions that are cunning are
and difficult process. | [+of] In the field of drug development, clever but dishonest and unfair, and are used to get what
the culture of secrecy is deep and strong. |modern American you want: a cunning plan 3 a cunning object or piece of
youth culture | the drug culture that is destroying so many equipment is clever and unusual: a cunning little device for
young lives today | the German political culture keeping out draughts 4 AmE old-fashioned attractive: a
—>+ SUBCULTURE
cunning little dress —cunningly adv
3 LWA PREAT TS [U] activities that are related to
cunning” n[U] the ability to achieve what you want by
art, music, literature etc: /f it’s culture you're looking for, the
deceiving people in a clever way: the tiger's ferocity and
city has plenty of museums and art galleries. | the Italian
cunning | She would use low cunning (=unpleasant dishon-
Ministry of Culture | popular culture (=the music, books,
est methods) to win people’s sympathy.
films etc that are liked by a lot of people) |culture vulture
informal (=someone who is very interested in art, music, cunt /kant/ n [C] taboo informal1 a stupid or unpleasant
literature etc) person 2 a woman's VAGINA (=sex organ)
48a” [C] a society that existed at a particular time
in history: This technique was then adapted and refined by
the more sophisticated cultures of the ancient world. |primi- handle cup
tive cultures
STEXGRVAas «[C,U] technical BActerRIA or cells saucer

grown for medical or scientific use, or the process of

growing them: It takes two to three weeks to grow the
culture. |tissue cultures
658 [U] technical the practice of growing crops
[SYN] cultivation: clearing forest for rice culture coffee cup
paper cup
culture? y [1] technical to grow BACTERIA or cells for
medical or scientific use =

cul-tured /kaltjad $ -ard/ adj intelligent, polite, and

interested in art, literature, music etc [SYN] cultivated: a
well-read and cultured woman | His voice was cultured and
unmistakably English.
cultured ‘pearl n [c] a pear. that has been grown
artificially :
plastic cup
culture shock pn (singular, UJ the feeling of being con-
fused or anxious that you get when you visit a foreign
country or a place that is very different from the one you cup! 0 Ol /kap/n
are used to: India is where | first experienced real culture 1G2QENTIT| [C].a small round container, usually with
shock. |Moving to London was a bit of a culture shock after a handle, that you use to drink tea, coffee etc —> saucer:
ten years of living in the country. Mathew picked up the cup and sipped his coffee. | She put
cul-vert /kalvat $ -art/ n [C] a pipe that takes a stream her cup and saucer down on the table. |tea/coffee cup Helen
under a road, railway line etc took the coffee cups into the kitchen. | paper/plastic/china
etc cup They drank cheap wine from plastic cups.
cum /koum, kam/ prep used between two nouns to show 2G030T9 [C] the liquid contained inside a cup: [+of] Let’s
that something has two purposes: a kifchen-cum-dining go and have a cup of coffee. | Will you stay for a cup of tea? |
room |a Junch-cum-business meeting Would you like another cup?
cum-ber-some /‘kambasam $ -bar-/ adj 1a process or SRI) [C] a) a unit used in the US for
system that is cumbersome is slow and difficult: Doctors measuring food or liquid in cooking, equal to eight FLUID
are complaining that the system is cumbersome and OUNCES or 237 MILLILITRES: Mix the butter with one cup of
 cup 412 EX = words from the Academic Word List

powdered sugar until light and fluffy. b) (also cupful cuFa'Cao /’kjvarasau $ 'kjorasou/ n [U] a strong thick
/‘kapfol/) the amount of liquid or food that a cup can alcoholic drink that tastes of oranges
hold: Breakfast consisted of half a cup of milk and a dry CUrrarcy /'kjuarasi $ 'kjor-/ n (plural curacies) [C] the job
biscuit. or position of a curate, or the period of time that some-
46a ae «~6a) LC] a specially shaped silver one has this position
container, often with two handles, that is given as a prize cu-rate /'kjuarit $ 'kjur-/ n [C] 1a priest of the lowest
in a competition, especially a sports competition: The rank, whose job is to help the priest who is in charge of an
president of the club came to present the cup to the winners. area 2 curate’s egg BrE something that has good and bad
b) [singular] a sports competition in which a cup is given parts: The book is something of a curate’s egg.
as a prize: They've won the European Cup twice. | Germany's cu-ra:tive /‘kjvarativ $ 'kjur-/ adj able to or intended to
World Cup team
cure illness — heal: the spring's alleged curative properties
5 for ers [C] something round and hollow that is —curative n [C]: This herb was once thought to be a
» shaped like a cup: The flowers’ white petals contrast hand- curative.
somely with their lemon-yellow cups. |acorn cups |[+of] She
held it in the cup of her hand. cu-ra-tor /kju'retta $ -ar/ n [C] someone who is in
6J LC] AmE a hole in the ground that you have to try charge of a MUSEUM or zoo: He’s Curator of Prints at the
«to hit the ball into in the game of golf Metropolitan.
ws 7S [C] a) the part of a Bra that covers a wom- curb! /ka:b $ kairb/ v [T] to controlor limit something in
an's breast b) AmE a JOCKSTRAP order to prevent it from having a harmful effect: measures
8 LTT [C,U] BrE a mixed alcoholic drink: He’s gone to to curb the spread of the virus
get me some fruit cup. curb? n [C]1 an influence which helps to control or limit
9 not be your cup of tea spoken to not be the type of thing something: [ton] We are trying to keep a curb on their
that you like: Jazz just isn’t my cup of tea - | prefer classical activities. 2 AmE the raised edge of a road, between where
music. people can walk and cars can drive [SYN] kerb BrE—+ pave-
10 in your cups BrE old-fashioned drunk, or when drunk: By ment, sidewalk
the time Anthony arrived, Richard was already deep in his curd /k3:d $ kaird/ n [U] (also curds) [plural] the thick
cups. —> EGGCUP substance that forms in milk when it becomes sour
Cup? v (cupped, cupping) [T] 1 to hold something in your —> whey, BEAN CURD
hands, so that your hands form part of a circle around it: cur-dle /'ka:dl $ 'ksirdl/ v [1,1] 1 to become thicker or
He cupped her face in his hands and kissed her. | Luke was form curd, or to make a liquid do this: Milk may curdle in
sitting at his desk, one hand cupping his chin. 2 cup your warm weather. 2 make your blood curdle to make you very
hand(s) to make a shape like a cup with your hand or frightened —+ BLOODCURDLING
hands: He struck a match and cupped his hand around the cure! /kjoe $ kjor/ n [C] 1a medicine or medical treat-
flame. ment that makes an illness go away: [+for] There is still no
cup-board 6 /‘kabad $ -ard/ n [C] cure for AIDS. 2 something that solves a problem, or
1a piece of furniture with doors, and sometimes shelves, improves a bad situation — solution: [+for] There is no
used for storing clothes, plates, food etc — closet, ward- easy cure for loneliness. 3 the act of making someone well
robe, cabinet: /t’s in the kitchen cupboard. | The cupboard again after an illness: The new treatment effected a miracu-
doors were open. lous cure.
2 the cupboard is bare used to say that there is no money cure? y [T] 1 to make an illness or medical condition go
etc left that can be used: The workers have been told not to away: Many types of cancer can now be cured. |an operation
expect a pay rise because the cupboard is bare. > AIRING that can cure short-sightedness in 15 minutes 2 to make
CUPBOARD, —> skeleton in the cupboard at SKELETON(5) someone well again after they have been ill + heal: She
cup-cake /kapkerk/ n [C] a small round cake had some acupuncture treatment which seems to have cured
‘cup final n [C] the last and most important game ina her. | cure sb of sth 90% of patients can be cured of the
competition, especially a football competition disease. 3 to solve a problem, or improve a bad situation:
Attempts to cure unemployment have so far failed. 4 cure sb
cup-full /*kapfol/ n [C] the amount that a cup can hold of sth to make someone stop behaving in a particular way
cupid /*kju:pid/ n 1 Cupid [singular] the Roman god of or stop them having a particular feeling or attitude:
sexual love, represented as a beautiful boy with wings Nothing could cure her of her impatience with Anna.
who is carrying a BOW and ARROW 2 [C] an image of this 5 to preserve food, tobacco etc by drying it, hanging it in
god, used to represent love 3 play cupid to try to arrange smoke, or covering it with salt: cured ham
for two people to fall in love with each other: She vowed ‘cure-all n [C] something that people think will cure any
never to play cupid again. problem or illness: [+for] Investment is not a cure-all for
cu-pid-i-ty /kju'prdsti/ n [U] formal very strong desire every economic problem.
for something, especially money or property [SYN] greed: cur-few /‘ka:fju: $ 'k3ir-/ n [CU] 1a law that forces
the cupidity of some businessmen people to stay indoors after a particular time at night, or
cu-poela /‘kju:pala/ n [C] a round structure on the top of the time people must be indoors: The government imposed
a building, that is shaped like an upside down bowl: a a night-time curfew throughout the country. |The curfew was
golden edifice with an onion-shaped cupola lifted (=ended) on May 6th. | The whole town was placed
CUp-pa /‘knpa/ n [C] BrE spoken a cup of tea: I'm dying for under curfew. |Anyone found in the streets after curfew was
a cuppa! shot. 2 AmE the time, decided by a parent, by which a
child must be home or asleep in the evening
cup-ping /kaptn/ n [U] a medical treatment that
involves putting special glass cups onto parts of the body CUF-O /*kjvariau $ 'kjuriov/ n (plural curios) [C] a small
and then heating the cup, causing the skin to rise gently object that is interesting because it is beautiful or rare
upwards inside the cup. This treatment is done by an curiosity /kjvariositi $ kjurias-/ nn (plural
ACUPUNCTURIST Or Someone giving you a MASSAGE, not a curiosities) 1 [singular, U] the desire to know about some-’
doctor. thing: | opened the packet just to satisfy my curiosity. | The
‘cup tie n [Cc] a game between two teams in a competi- news aroused a lot of curiosity among local people. | She
tion in which only the winning team will play any more decided to follow him out of curiosity. |Margaret looked at
games: Saturday's FA Cup tie against Spurs him with curiosity. |[+about] Children have a natural curios-
ity about the world around them. | a man of immense
cur /k3: $ k3ir/ n [C] old-fashioned an unfriendly dog, intellectual curiosity |It was idle curiosity that made me ask.
especially one that is a mix of several breeds 2 [C] someone or something that is interesting because
cur-a:ble /kjvarabal $ 'kjur-/ adj an illness that is cur- they are unusual or strange: a house full of old maps and
able can be cured [OPP] incurable other curiosities | In the past, men who wanted to work with
 [X4 = words from the Academic Word List 413 cursive

children were regarded as something of a curiosity. | It's not current’ Gy [A /‘karent $ 'ks:r-/ adj [only before noun]
worth much, but | kept it for its curiosity value. 3 curios- happening or existing now [SYN|present: the current
ity killed the cat used to tell someone not to ask too many President | In its current state, the car is worth £1,000.
questions about something current? gg n[c]
CUFi-ouS Gy /‘kjvarias $ 'kjur-/ adj 1a continuous movement of water in a river, lake, or sea
1 wanting to know about something — inquisitive: Puppies | —> tide: ocean/sea/tidal etc current |Strong currents can be
are naturally curious. | [+about] He was curious about how very dangerous for swimmers.
she would react. |curious to know/see/hear etc Mandy was ~=_2.a continuous movement of air: Some birds use warm air
curious to know what happened. | curious look/glance Her currents to help them fly. | [+of] currents of warm air rising
shouting attracted some curious glances from other people in _ from the plain
the restaurant. 3. flow of electricity through a wire: an electrical current
2 strange or unusual: He felt a curious mixture of excitement | — ALTERNATING CURRENT, DIRECT CURRENT
and panic. | a curious coincidence | It's curious that she left | 4an idea, feeling, or opinion that a particular group of
without saying goodbye. EXEAAL> STRANGE —curiously people has: The committee reflects the different political
adv: ‘What have you got in there?’ Felix asked curiously. |She — currents within the organization. |[+of] There was an under-
felt curiously calm. lying current of discontent among teachers. “\ Do not con- |
curl™ /ks:! $ ka:rl/ v [1,1] 1 to form a twisted or curved _ fuse with currant (=a dried grape or a type of berry). ;
shape, or to make something do this: Mary was busy ‘current ac,count n [C] BrE a bank account that you
curling her hair. |[+around/round] Ivy curled round the tree. | can take money out of at any time [Syn] checking account
2 [always + adv/prep] to move, forming atwisted or curved AmE
shape, or to make something do this: [tacross/along etc] current affairs n [U] important political events or
Morning mists curled across the river. | curl sth around/ other events in society that are happening now
round/over etc sth He curled his arm around Claudia’‘s waist. :
: : ; ~ currently Gy 0 /‘karentli $ 'ks:r-/ adv at the present
See ee lage your ip “curls, you move Tt time: the products that are currently available | He is cur-
upwards and sideways, to show that you disapprove of : iat
someone or something: Her lip curled in contempt. + make rently working on his first novel. ATTE>
TT now
sb's toes curl at TOES), + make your hair curl at HAIR(9) cur-ric-u-lar /ka'rkjsla $ -at/ adj [only before noun] relat-
curl up phr v 1to move so that you are lying or sitting "8 to the curriculum of a school: curricular changes
with your arms and legs bent close to your body: / just Curric-u-lum /ka'rkjSlam/ n (plural curricula /-la/ or
wanted to curl up and go to sleep. | Sarah was curled up on _ curriculums) [C] the subjects that are taught by a school,
the sofa. 2 if something flat curls up, its edges start to college etc, or the things that are studied in a particular
become curved and point upwards: The letter was now subject: Languages are an essential part of the school
yellow and beginning to curl up. curriculum. | curriculum planning |on the curriculum BrE: /T
curl? n1[C] apiece of hair that hangs ina curved shape: _/S 10W on the curriculum in most schools, | in the curriculum
a little boy with beautiful blonde curls 2 [singular, U] the |AME: Students are exempt from some classes in the curricu-
ability of your hair to form curls: Use a diffuser to maximise [4M for religious reasons. —» syllabus
the volume and curl of your hair. |hair that has a natural curl +=curriculum vi-tae /kartkj3lem ‘vi:tar/ n [C] 1a formal
3 [C] something in the shape of a curve: Decorate the cake _ British expression for cv[SYN] resume AmE 2 AmE a short
with chocolate curls. | [+of] A curl of smoke rose from her written description of a university teacher's previous jobs
cigarette. 4 [C] an exercise in which you repeatedly bend —_and work, that they send when looking for a new teaching
your arms, legs, or stomach in order to make your mus- —_job
cles strong — see picture at GYM 5 curl of sb's lip/moutha curried /‘karid $'k3:-/ adj [only before noun] cooked with
sideways and upwards movement of your lip or mouth, hot spices: curried lamb
showing that you disapprove of someone or something cur-ry’ /'kari $ ‘k3iti/ n (plural curries) [C,U] a type of
curl-er /‘ks:la $ 'ksirlar/ n [C] a small plastic or metal food from India, consisting of meat or vegetables in a
tube used for making hair curl [SYN] roller: Her hair was in spicy sauce: chicken curry
curlers. curry v (curried, currying, curries) curry favour (with sb)
cur-lew /‘ksilju: $ 'kairlu:/n (C] a bird with long legs and __to try to make someone like you or notice you in order to
a long beak that lives near water get something that you want - used to show disapproval:
curling /‘k3iltn $ 'k3:r-/ n [U] a sport played on ice, in a businessman who made several attempts to curry favour
which players slide flat heavy stones towards a marked __ with politicians
place ‘curry powder n [U] a mixture of spices, used in
curling tongs BrE [plural], ‘curling iron AmE [C] n a cooking to give food a spicy taste
piece of electrical equipment that you heat anduse to put —eyrse™ /k3:s $ kairs/ v 1 [I] to swear: Gilbert was cursing
curls in your hair under his breath. 2 [T] to say or think bad things about
curly /'ks:li $ ‘ksrrli/ adj Thaving a lot of curls someone or something because they have made you
fopp| straight: Jong dark curly hair —+ see picture at angry: He cursed his bad luck in arriving just after she'd left. |
HAIRSTYLE 2 BrE curved in shape: cows with curly horns curse sb/sth for (doing) sth Elsa cursed herself for believing
—curliness n [U] his lies. 3 [T] to ask God or a magical power to harm
cur-mud-geon /k3:'madzan $ k3:r-/ n [C] old-fashioned | someone
someone who is often annoyed or angry, especially an old curse sb «> out phr v Ame informal to swear at someone
person who has made you angry
currant /‘karant $ 'k3:r-/ n [C] 1a small dried GRAPE curse? n [C] 1a swear word or words that you say
used especially in baking cakes — raisin, sultana 2 asmall because you are very angry: He muttered a curse under his
round red or black BERRY > BLACKCURRANT, REDCURRANT breath. 2 a word or sentence used to ask God or a magical
ie ; Sea pe power to do something bad to someone or something: He
be ihMoc seAdatartsianey caus esuntey ape believed that someone had put a curse on the house.
The bank can supply you with foreign currency. | There are ee ee een fats Sy ees
moves towards a single currency in Europe. | The local cur- VAS
: ; hioned a MENSTRUAL PERIOD
rency is the Swiss franc. ++ HARD CURRENCY Ge fas
reel : cursed /'k3:sid $ 'ka:r-/ adj 1 be cursed with/by sth to be
2[U] the state of being accepted or used by a lot of affected by something bad: The museum has been cursed
people: The argument has received wide currency. |Marxism _ Y financial problems since it opened. 2 literary suffering as
began to gain currency. | The idea was common currency in 2 result of a punishment by God or a god
European political life. cursive /‘ks:s1v $ 'k3:r-/ adj written in a style of writing
 cursor 44 SI & & = the most frequent words in spoken English

with the letters joined together: cursive script —cursively 6 ahead of/behind the curve informal more advanced than
adv other people in what you do or think, or less advanced
cur-sor /'k3:sa $ 'katrsar/ n [C] a mark that can be moved than other people + LEARNING CURVE
around a computer screen to show where you are work- curve? v [1,7] to bend or move in the shape of a curve, or
ing to make something do this: The track curved round the side
cur-so-ry /‘k3isari $ 'k3:r-/ adj done very quickly without of the hill. | A smile curved her lips.
much attention to details: cursory glance/look Even a cur-
sory glance at the figures will tell you that sales are down. |
cursory examination/inspection a cursory examination of the
evidence —cursorily adv
curt /ka:t $ k3:rt/ adj using very few words in a way that
seems rude [SYN]abrupt: With a curt nod, he turned away
and sat down. | a curt note —curtly adv —curtness n [U]
cur-tail /k3:'terl $ ka:r-/ v [T] formal to reduce or limit
_ something [SyN] cut: The new law will curtail police powers. |
severely/drastically curtail Budget cuts have drastically cur-
tailed training programs. —curtailment n [C,U]
cur-tain" Gy (A /kaitn $ 'ka:rtn/ n [C]
1a piece of hanging cloth that can be pulled across to
cover a window, divide a room etc: red velvet curtains |
draw/close/pull the curtains Ella drew the curtains and
switched the light on. | draw back/open the curtains Shall |
open the curtains? | curtain rail/pole/rod (=for hanging a
curtain on)
2a sheet of heavy material that comes down at the front
of the stage in a theatre: the curtain goes up/rises Before
the curtain went up, the dancers took their places on stage. |
the curtain comes down/falls —> see picture at THEATRE
3 written a thick layer of something that stops anything
behind it from being seen: [+of] a curtain of smoke twisted
4 bring down the curtain on sth informal to cause or mark
the end of a situation or period of time: The decision
brought down the curtain on a 30-year career.
5 (it'll) be curtains for sb/sth informal used to say that curved /ks:vd $ ka:rvd/ adj having a shape that is like a
someone will die or that something will end curve and not straight: a curved wall
curtain? y cur-vi-lin-e-ar /ka:vr'ltnia $ 'ksirvalliniar/ adj formal hav-
curtain sth <> off phr v to separate one area, room etc ing curved lines or a curved shape: curvilinear patterns
from another by hanging a curtain between them: The curvy /'k3ivi $ 'kairvi/ adj 1having a shape with several
room was curtained off by red drapes. curves: a curvy line 2a woman who is curvy is attractive
‘curtain call n [Cc] the time at the end of a performance because her body has a lot of curves
when the actors come to the front of the stage to receive cush-ion" gy /‘kofan/ n [C]
APPLAUSE 1a cloth bag filled with soft material that you put on a
cur-tained /k3:tnd $ ‘k3:r-/ adj [only before noun] a chair or the floor to make it more comfortable — pillow: a
curtained window or door has a curtain hanging across it velvet cushion |a cushion cover
‘curtain hook n [c] a small hook that is joined to the 2something that stops one thing from hitting another
top of a curtain so that you can hang it up thing: Good sports shoes should provide a cushion when
‘curtain raiser n [C] an event such as a performance running.
or sports event that happens before a more important 3 [usually singular] something, especially money, that pre-
one: A local team are playing as a curtain raiser to the game vents you from being immediately affected by a bad
between England and Italy. situation: [+against] Savings can act as a cushion against
unemployment.
curt-sy, curtsey /‘k3:tsi $ 'k3:r-/ v (curtsied, curtsying,
4the soft rubber edge of the table used for playing
curtsies) [1] if a woman curtsies, she bends her knees
BILLIARDS Or SNOOKER — see picture at PooL!
with one foot in front of the other as a sign of respect for
an important person — bow —curtsy n [C] cushion? v [T] 1 to’make the effect of a fall or hit less
cUurVa-ceous /k3:'verfas $ k3ir-/ adj having an attrac- painful, for example by having something soft in the way:
tively curved body shape - used about women: a tall His landing was cushioned by the fresh snow that had fallen.
curvaceous young woman 2 to protect someone from an unpleasant situation or the
unpleasant effects of something: cushion the blow/impact
cur-va-ture /‘ks:vatfa $ 'k3:rvatfar/ n [C,U] technical the
(of sth) generous leaving allowances to help cushion the blow
state of being curved, or the degree to which something
of redundancy | cushion sb from/against sth Parents today
is curved: [+of] the curvature of the Earth's surface | He
often feel their children should be cushioned from the outside
suffered from curvature of the spine.
world.
curve! Ey (1) /ks:v $ ksirv/ n [C] cush-ion-ing /‘kofanin/ n [U] something soft that pro-
1a line that gradually bends like part of a circle: [+of] the
tects someone or something when they hit a surface: a
curve of her hips |a sweeping curve of railroad track
lightweight cushioning material
2.a line on a GRAPH that gradually bends and represents a
change in the amount or level of something: The curve cush-y /'‘kvfi/ adj a cushy job or life is very easy and ,
illustrates costs per capita. |demand/supply curve The mar- does not need much effort: | wish | had a nice cushy job like
ket demand curve has increased. her. | a very cushy number (=an easy job or life)
3a bend in a road, river etc: The car took the curve much BE EASY
too quickly. cusp /kasp/ n 1[C] technical the point formed where
4 (also ‘curve ball) in baseball, a ball that spins and two curves join 2 be on the cusp of sth [singular] to be at
moves in a curve when it is thrown, so that it is difficult to the time when a situation or state is going to change: The
hit country was on the cusp of economic expansion. 3 on the
5 throw sb a curve AmE to surprise someone with a ques- cusp someone who was born on the cusp was born near
tion or problem that is difficult to deal with the time when one STAR SIGN ends and another begins
(i (2 GS = the most frequent words in written English ais Customs and Excise
CUSS /kas/ v [I,T] BrE old-fashioned, AmE spoken to swear custom- /kastam/ prefix custom-made/custom-built/
because you are annoyed by something custom-designed etc made, built etc for a particular per-
cuss sb <> out phr v AmE spoken to swear and shout at son: custom-made suit | custom-ordered vehicles
someone because you are angry: She got mad and started cus-tom-a-ry /'kastameri $ -meri/ adj 1something that
cussing him out. is customary is normal because it is the way something is
‘cuss word n [C] old-fashioned a rude word that you use usually done [SYN] usual: it is customary (for sb) to do sth /n
because you are angry some cultures it is customary for the bride to wear white.
cus-tard /kastad $ -ard/ n 1 [U] a sweet yellow sauce 2 [only before noun] someone's customary behaviour is
that is made with milk, sugar, eggs, and flour 2 [CU] a the way they usually do things [SYN]usual: Barbara
soft baked mixture of milk, sugar, and eggs answered with her customary enthusiasm. —customarily
/‘kastamarsli $ |kasta'mersli/ adv
custard ‘pie n [Cc] a pie filled with a substance that
looks like custard, which people throw at each other as a cus-tom-er J (i /‘kastamea $ -ar/ n [C] ‘
joke in films, on television etc 1someone who buys goods or services from a shop, —
company etc: We aim to offer good value and service to all
cus:to-di-al /ka'staudial $ -'stou-/ adj relating to the our customers. | We've had several letters from satisfied
custody of someone, especially a child: custodial care customers, | customer service/care Many of the banks offer
custodial ‘sentence n [C] Br a period of time that a poor level of customer service. | He's one of our regular
someone has to spend in prison as a punishment customers. |best/biggest/largest customer (=the person or
company who uses a shop or company the most)
cus-to-di-an /ka'staudion $ -'stou-/ n [C] 1some-
2 awkward/tricky/tough etc customer someone who is dif-
one who is responsible for looking after something
ficult to deal with because they behave in a deliberately
important or valuable: [+of] Farmers are custodians of the
unhelpful way — cool customer at COOL'(3)
land for the next generation. 2 especially AmE someone
who looks after a public building: a custodian at the
stadium 3 custodian of tradition/moral values etc someone customer someone who buys goods or services
who tries to protect a traditional set of beliefs, attitudes from a shop or company: Customers were waiting for
etc the shop to open. | The bank is one of our biggest
cus-to-dy /‘kastadi/ n [U] 1 the right to take care of a customers.
child, given to one of their parents when they have client someone who pays for a service from a
DIVORCED: [+of] He got custody of his son after the divorce. | professional person or company: He has a meeting
The mother is usually awarded custody (=legally allowed to with one of his clients. |The company buys and sells
have custody). | a dispute over who should have custody of shares on behalf of their clients
the children | The couple will retain joint custody (=they will shopper someone who goes to the shops looking for
both have custody) of their daughters. | Allen is fighting a things to buy: The streets were full of Christmas
bitter custody battle over his three children. 2 when some- shoppers.
one is kept in prison until they go to court, because the guest someone who pays to stay in a hotel: Guests
police think they have committed a crime: The committee must leave their rooms by 10 am.
is looking at alternatives to custody. |in custody the death of patron /'peitran/ formal a customer of a particular
aman in custody | hold/keep sb in custody A man is being shop, restaurant or hotel - usually written on signs:
held in police custody in connection with the murder. | The notice said ‘Parking for Patrons Only’.
remand sb in custody BrE (=send someone to prison to patient someone who is getting medical treatment
wait until they go to court) A man has been remanded in from a doctor, or in a hospital: He is a patient of Dr
custody charged with the murder of a schoolgirl. | She was Williams.
taken into custody as a suspect. 3 formal when someone is consumer anyone who buys goods or uses services
responsible for keeping and looking after something: - used when considering these people as a group
Managers are responsible for the safe custody and retention who have particular rights, needs, or behaviour:
of records. | The collection of art books is now in the custody Consumers are demanding more
of the university. environmentally-friendly products. |the rights of the
consumer
cus-tom' [ /‘kastam/ n market the number of people who want to buy a
1[C,U] something that is done by people in a particular product, or the type of people who want to buy it:
society because it is traditional — tradition: local/ancient/ The market for organic food is growing all the time. |a
French etc custom The guide offers information on local magazine aimed at the youth market
customs. | it is the custom (for sb) to do sth /t’s the custom clientele /klizan'tel $ klaran'tel, kliz-/ formal the type
for the bride’s father to pay for the wedding. |the custom of of customers that a particular shop, restaurant etc
doing sth The custom of naming women after flowers is gets: The hotel has a very upmarket clientele. |They
. becoming less common. HABIT have a wealthy international clientele.
2 [singular] formal something that you usually do every
day, or in a particular situation habit: He awoke early, customer ‘services n [U] the part of a company or
as was his custom. business that deals with questions, problems etc that
3customs [plural] a) the place where your bags are customers have: You should call customer services and
checked for illegal goods when you go into a country complain. |He’s customer services manager at the store.
—+ immigration; She was stopped at customs and
cus-tom-iz:‘a-ble (also -isable Br£) /'kastamazzabal
questioned. | It took ages to clear customs (=be allowed
$ kasta'maiz-/ adj able to be changed in order to be
through customs) but then we were out of the airport quite
suitable for a particular object or situation: Download free
quickly. | You won't be able to take that through customs.
customizable business forms from Entrepreneur.com.
b) the government department that checks goods com-
ing into a country and collects any taxes on them: cus- cus:tomize (also -ise BrE) /‘kastamaiz/ v [T] to change
toms officers |the US customs service something to make it more suitable for you, or to make it
4[U] formal the practice of regularly using a particular look special or different from things of a similar type: a
shop or business: an advertisement to attract more custom | customized car
Smaller shops lose a lot of custom when supermarkets open Customs and ‘Excise n the former department of the
nearby. British government that was responsible for collecting tax
custom? adj [only before noun] especially AmE custom on goods that were being bought or sold, or on goods
products or services are specially designed and made for that had been brought into the country. The department
a particular person [SYN] bespoke: His son operates a cus- MeRGEd with the Inland Revenue to form Her Majesty's
tom furniture business. Revenue and Customs in 2005.
 cut 416 EX = words from the Academic Word List

cut’ GO /kat/ v (past tense and past participle cut, 13 DIVE [1,7] to divide an area into two or more
present participle cutting) parts: cut sth in/into sth The river cuts the whole region in
1(7s3 [T] to reduce the amount of something: They're two. | [+through] The new road will cut through a conserva-
introducing CCTV cameras in an attempt to cut street crime tion area.
in the area. | You need to cut the amount of fat and sugar in 14 PVN [1,7] to divide a pack of cards into two:
your diet. | Scientists are warning that unless carbon emis- First cut the pack, and then deal the cards
sions are cut, we could be heading for an environmental 15 [3573 [T] to produce a cb, song etc for people to buy:
catastrophe. |Seven hundred jobs will be lost in order to cut The band cut their first single in 2001.
costs and boost profits. | The major aviation companies need 16 (~y [T] to take the top part off crops such as wheat
to cut prices if they are to compete with budget airlines. |cut before gathering them
sth by £1 million/$5 billion/half etc The welfare budget has 17 cut a deal to make a business deal: A French company
been cut by $56 billion. | cut sth off sth A new direct service has reportedly cut a deal to produce software for government
» will cut two hours off the flying time between London and agencies.
Seoul. | Staffing levels had already been cut to the bone 18 cut (sb) a check AmE informal to write a CHECK for a
_ (=reduced to the lowest level possible). particular amount of money and give it to someone:
REDUCE When the damage assessor called, he cut a check for $139.
| 2 TST
OES | [,T] to divide 19 cut! spoken said by the DiRECTOR of a film to tell people
something or separate something from its main part, to stop acting, filming etc
using scissors, a knife etc: Do you want me to cut the 20 DNAs) (T] to put the parts of a film
cake? | The telephone wires had been cut minutes before the together so that they make a continuous story, and get
assault. |cut sth with sth Jane cut the cord with a knife. |cut rid of the parts you do not want
sb sth Can you cut me a piece of bread, please? | 21 cut in line AmE to unfairly go in front of other people
[+along/across/round etc] Using a pair of scissors, cut who are waiting to do something
carefully along the dotted lines. | [+through] We'll need a 22 cut class/school AmE informal to deliberately not go to
saw that will cut through metal. | cut sth in half/in two Cut a Class that you should go to: She started cutting classes.
the orange in half. | cut sth into slices/chunks/pieces etc 23 cut your teeth (on sth) to get your first experience of
(=make something into a particular shape by cutting) Cut doing something and learn the basic skills: Both reporters
the carrots into thin strips. | cut sth to size/length (=cut cut their journalistic teeth on the same provincial newspaper.
something so that it is the size you need) The curtain pole 24 cut corners to do something in a way that saves time,
can be cut to length. ++ CUT AWAY, CUT OFF, CUT OUT, CUT UP effort, or money, but that also results in it not being done
3 CEO
SS Oaary [1] to make some- properly: There's a temptation to cut corners when you're
thing shorter with a knife, scissors etc, especially in order pushed for time, but it’s not worth it.
to make it neater: For reasons of hygiene, we had to cut our 25 cut sth short to stop doing something earlier than you
fingernails really short. | cut the lawn/grass/hedge etc From planned: The band has cut short its US concert tour. | Her
outside came the sound of someone cutting the hedge. | athletic career was cut short by a leg injury.
have/get your hair cut /t’s about time you got your hair cut. 26 cut sb short to stop someone from finishing what they
4a aay [T] to remove parts from wanted to say: | tried to explain, but he cut me short. :
a film, book, speech etc, for example because it is too 27 cut the ... spoken an impolite way of telling someone to
long or might offend people: The original version was cut by stop doing something because it is annoying you: Cut the
more than 30 minutes. REMOVE sarcasm, Jane, and tell me what really happened! | Cut the
5 DGS ([1,T] to make a hole or mark in the crap (=stop saying something that is not true)! | saw his
surface of something, or to open it using a sharp tool: car outside your house.
[+into] The blade cut deep into the wood. | cut sth into sth 28 cut sb dead to deliberately ignore someone when you
Strange letters had been cut into the stone. |Cut a hole in the meet them: / saw lan in town but he cut me dead.
middle of the paper. | Cut open the chillies and remove the 29 cut your losses to stop doing something that is failing,
seeds. so that you do not waste any more money, time, or effort:
6 (TT [7] to injure yourself on something sharp that He decided to cut his losses and sell the business.
breaks the skin and makes you bleed: cut your finger/ 30(G [7] if a line cuts another line, they cross each
knee/hand etc | noticed he'd cut his finger quite badly. |cut other at a particular point
yourself (on sth) Marcie said she‘d cut herself on a broken 3150) [T] if a baby cuts a tooth, the tooth starts to
glass. | That knife’s extremely sharp! Mind you don't cut grow
yourself. | On Eric's chin was a scrap of cotton wool where 32 cut sb to the quick/bone literary to upset someone very
he'd cut himself shaving. |She fell and cut her head open. much by saying something cruel: His mockery frightened
7 TXGRTEST Eset [7] to make or form some- her and cut her to the bone.
thing from a solid piece of wood, metal etc using a sharp 33 cut to the chase informal to immediately start dealing
tool: I'll get a spare key cut for you. | cut sth from sth The with the most important part of something
chair had been cut from the trunk of a tree. 34 cut a fine/strange etc figure literary to have an impres-
8 (Sse ~[T] to cut something such as metal or sive, strange etc appearance: Mason cuts a battered but
rope in order to let someone escape from where they are defiant figure.
trapped: cut sb from sth She had to be cut from the wreckage 35 cut your own throat to behave in a way that will cause
of her car. | He was in the vehicle for an hour before he was harm to yourself, especially because you are very
cut free. offended or angry about something: He’d just be cutting
9 ATTY [1] if a tool cuts well, badly etc, it cuts his own throat if he left now. ;
things well or badly etc: professional quality tools that cut 36 (it) cuts both ways spoken used to say that something
efficiently and smoothly has two effects, especially a good effect and a bad one:
10 GX} TY [T usually passive] if a piece of clothing is cut The higher the interest rate, the greater the financial risk -
in a particular way, that is the way it is designed and which, of course, cuts both ways.
made: The T-shirt is cut fairly low at the neck, 37 cut the ground from under sb's feet to make someone or
NOY [1,7] to remove something from a docu- their ideas seem less impressive by having better ideas’
ment or FILE On a computer: To cut text, press Control + C. | yourself or doing something before they do
Cut and paste the picture into a new file (=remove it and 38 cut and run informal to avoid a difficult situation by
then make it appear in a new file). leaving suddenly: Although the company has faced financial
12 OETA [| always + adv/prep] to get to some- difficulties, they do not intend to cut and run.
where by a quicker and more direct way than the usual 39 cut no ice/not cut much ice if something cuts no ice with
way —> shortcut: [+through/down/across etc] / usually cut someone, it will not persuade them to change their opin-
oe the car park to get to work. | Let’s cut across the ion or decision: It’s unlikely that these arguments will cut
ield, much ice with Democrats.
EG = words from the Academic Word List 417 cut

40 cut the (umbilical) cord to stop being too dependent on cut down phr v
someone, especially your parents 102074 to reduce the amount of something: cut sth <>
A1not cut the mustard informal to not be good enough: down Installing double-glazing will cut down the noise from
Other magazines have tried to copy the formula but have traffic. |[+on] By getting the design right, you can cut down
never quite cut the mustard. on accidents.
42 GLUE [T usually passive] to mix an illegal drug such as 2 G37 SES to eat, drink, or use less of something,
HEROIN with another substance especially in order to improve your health: I've always
43 cut your coat according to your cloth to spend only as smoked, but I’m trying to cut down. | [ton] Cut down on
much money as you can afford fatty foods if you want to lose weight.
44 to cut a long story short spoken used to say that you are 3 a4 cut sth <> down to cut through the main part of a
only going to mention the main facts of something: Jo cut tree so that it falls on the ground
along story short, he threw them out of the house. 4 {a3 cut sb <> down literary to kill or injure someone,
45 cut it/things fine (also cut it close AmE) to leave yourself especially in a battle: Hundreds of men were cut down by ©
just enough time to do something: Even in normal traffic, crossbow fire.
20 minutes to get to the airport is cutting it fine. 5 (aa cut sth <> down to reduce the length of ~
46 not cut it informal to not be good enough to do some- something such as a piece of writing: Your essay’s too long
thing: Players who can’t cut it soon quit the team. - it needs cutting down a little.
47 cut a swathe through sth literary to cause a lot of dam- 6 cut sb down to size to make someone realize that they ~
age in a place or among a group of people: A series of are not as important, successful etc as they think they are
bribery scandals has cut a swathe through the government. cut in phr v
48 you could cut the atmosphere with a knife informal used 1{DueLLTa to interrupt someone who is speaking by
to say that everyone in a place is very annoyed or angry saying something: ‘What shall | do?’ Patrick cut in again. |
with each other and this is very easy to notice [+on] Sorry to cut in on you, but there are one or two things
| don’t understand.
THESAURUS
2 HET to suddenly drive in front of a moving car ina
cut to divide something into two or more pieces, dangerous way: [+on] She cut in on a red Ford, forcing the
especially using a knife or scissors: Do you want me driver to brake heavily.
to cut the cake? | He cut off the lower branches. 3 (In if a part of a machine cuts in, it starts to
snip to quickly cut something, especially using operate when it is needed: The safety device cuts in auto-
scissors: | snipped the label off. |The hairdresser matically.
snipped away at her hair. A{QW"L459 cut sb in informal to allow someone to take
slit to make a long narrow cut through something, part in a plan or to make money from it: [ton] Come on,
especially using a knife: He slit the envelope open with Joey, you promised to cut me in on this one!
a penknife. |She slit through the plastic covering. cut sb/sth off phr v
slash to cut something quickly and violently with a 18a200 cut sth <> off to separate something by cut-
knife, making a long thin cut: Someone had slashed ting it away from the main part: One of his fingers was cut
the tyres on his car. |He tried to slash his wrists. off in the accident. |cut sth off sth Cut the fat off the meat.
saw to cut wood, using a SAW (=a tool with a row of 2 Goes «cut sth < off to stop the supply of some-
sharp points): Saw the wood to the correct length. thing such as electricity, gas, water etc: The gas had been
chop to cut wood, vegetables, or meat into pieces: cut off. | The US has threatened to cut off economic and
Bill was outside chopping up firewood with an axe. | military aid.
They chopped down the old tree. |finely chopped onion 3 get cut off to suddenly not be able to hear someone that
slice to cut bread, meat, or vegetables into thin you were speaking to on the telephone: | don’t know what
pieces: I'll slice the cucumber. | Slice the bread thinly. happened - we just got cut off.
dice to cut vegetables or meat into small square 4 be cut off a) if a place is cut off, people cannot leave it or
pieces: First dice the apple into cubes. reach it: In winter, the town is often cut off by snow. b) to be
grate to cut cheese or a hard vegetable by rubbing it a long way from other places and be difficult to get to:
against a special tool: Grate the cheese and sprinkle it Accessible only by air, the town is cut off from the rest of the
over the vegetables. country. ¢) if someone is cut off, they are lonely and not
peel to cut the outside part off something such as a able to meet many other people: Many older people feel
potato or apple: | peeled the potatoes and put them in cut off and isolated.
a saucepan. SHelundaiarsd cut sb <> off to stop having a
carve to cut thin pieces from a large piece of meat: friendly relationship with someone: Julia had been com-
Uncle Ray carved the turkey. pletely cut off by all her family and friends. |cut yourself off
mow to cut the grass in a garden, park etc: A (from sb) After his wife died, he cut himself off completely
gardener was mowing the lawn. from the rest of the world.
trim (also clip) to cut a small amount off something, 6 (ba to interrupt someone and stop them from
especially to make it look neater: He was trimming his finishing what they were saying: Emma cut him off in
beard. | Trim the excess fat off the meat. mid-sentence.
cut across sth phr v if a problem or feeling cuts across 7 GGG) cut sb off from sth to prevent someone
different groups of people, they. are all affected by it: from having something that they need or want: The
Domestic violence seems to cut across most social divisions. project aims to ensure that poorer people are not cut off from
cut sth <> away phr v to remove unwanted or unneces- the benefits of computer technology.
sary parts from something by cutting it: Cut away all the 8TMMEWaand to refuse to let someone receive
dead wood. your money or property, especially when you die: My
cut back phr v parents threatened to cut me off without a penny if | married
1to reduce the amount, size, cost etc of something: [+on] him.
Several major hospitals are cutting back on staff at the 9 PNT cut sb «> off AmE to suddenly drive in front of a
moment. |cut sth +> back Education spending cannot be cut moving car in a dangerous way: A man in a station wagon
back any further. |Richer countries must do more to cut back cut me off on the freeway.
carbon emissions. +>CUTBACK 10 cut off your nose to spite your face to do something
2 cut sth <> back to remove the top part of a plant in order because you are angry, even though it will harm you
to help it to grow: Cut back the shoots in spring to encour- cut out phr v
age bushier growth. 1G) «cut sth <> out to remove something by
3to eat, drink, or use less of something, especially in cutting round it: The cancerous cells had to be cut out. |
order to improve your health: [+on] Try to cut back on [+of] Billy showed me the article he'd cut out of the maga-
foods containing wheat and dairy products. zine.
 cut Gi] &2 &) = the most frequent words in spoken English

2 SOW cut sth <> out to cut a shape from a piece of 4 {7M} [usually singular] a) an act of cutting someone's
paper, cloth etc: The children were cutting out squares from hair [SYN] haircut: How much do they charge for a cut and
the scraps of material. blow-dry? b) the style in which your hair is cut
3 BESTE cut sth < out to stop something [SYN] haircut: a short stylish cut
from happening or existing: The idea behind these forms is 5 GET [usually singular] the style in which clothes
to cut out fraud. | A catalytic converter will cut out 90% of have been made: | could tell by the cut of his suit that he
carbon monoxide emissions. wasn’t a poor man.
45D LOTS EIST) cut sth <> out to stop doing or 6 SES) [usually singular] someone's share of
eating something, especially because it might be bad for something, especially money: [+of] She was determined to
your health: The current advice to pregnant women is to cut claim her cut of the winnings.
out alcohol. 7 EET «an act of removing a part froma
5 GET cut sth < out to remove something from film, play, piece of writing etc, or a part that has been
a piece of writing, especially because it might offend removed
people: Cut out the bit about racial prejudice. 8 FM [usually singular] the process of putting together
6 cut it/that out spoken used to tell someone to stop doing the different parts of a film and removing the parts that
something because it is annoying you: Hey, you guys, cut it will not be shown: Spielberg himself oversaw the final cut.
out - Mom's trying to get some sleep. 9 (TST one of the songs or pieces of music on a record,
7 CSTs cut sb <> out to stop someone from CASSETTE, or CD :
doing something or being involved in something: The new 10 the cut and thrust of sth the exciting but sometimes
rules will cut out 25% of people who were previously eligible difficult or unpleasant way that something is done: the cut
to vote. and thrust of political debate
8 be cut out for sth (also be cut out to be sth) [usually in 11 be a cut above sb/sth to be much better than someone
questions and negatives] to have the qualities that you need else or something else: The movie is a cut above recent
for a particular job or activity: In the end, | decided | wasn’t thrillers. |He proved himself to be a cut above the rest.
cut out for the army. |Are you sure you're really cut out to be 12 {MG a piece of meat that has been cut to a size
a teacher? suitable for cooking or eating: Long slow cooking is more
9 G50 if an engine.or machine cuts out, it suddenly suitable for cheaper cuts of meat.
stops working: The engine cut out halfway across the lake. 13 EE) Ame a road that has been made through a hill
10 MISVATISY cut sth <> out to prevent light, sound etc —+ COLD CUTS, POWER CUT, SHORT CUT
from reaching somewhere: You'll need sunglasses that will cut and ‘dried adj a situation, decision, result etc that
cut out harmful UV rays from the sun. is cut and dried cannot now be changed: | don’t think the
11 cut sb out to prevent someone from getting something, plan is as cut and dried as people think.
especially your money after your death: Em's father cut-a-way /‘katawer/ adj a cutaway model, drawing etc
decided to cut her out of his will. + have your work cut out at is open on one side so that you can see the details inside
WORK“(15), —> cut out the middleman at MIDDLEMAN it —cutaway n [C]
cut through sth phr v
cut-back /katbek/ n [Cc usually plural] a reduction in
1written to move or pass easily through water or air: The
boat cut effortlessly through the water. something, such as the number of workers in a company
or the amount of money a government or company
2to quickly and easily deal with something that is con-
fusing or difficult: You need someone to help you cut
spends: The shortage of teachers was blamed on govern-
through all the irritating legal jargon. ment cutbacks. |[+in] cutbacks in funding for libraries |A fall
3 literary if a sound cuts through silence or noise, it is
in donations has forced the charity to make cutbacks. |
heard because it is loud: A piercing shriek cut through the
sharp/drastic/severe cutback sharp cutbacks in the military
silence. budget — CUT BACK(1)
cut up phr v cute /kju:t/ adj
1G ATSTSS cut sth < up to cut something into 1 very pretty or attractive: a cute little puppy | The baby’s so
small pieces: Could you cut the pizza up, please? | [+into] cute. | That's a really cute outfit. BEAUTIFUL
He cut the paper up into little pieces. 2 especially AmE sexually attractive: Tell us about this cute
2 DEIN cut sb/sth <> up BrE to suddenly drive in front guy you met!
of a moving vehicle in a dangerous way: Some idiot cut me 3 especially AmE clever in a way that can seem rude: Their
up on the motorway. lawyer tried a cute trick. —cutely adv —cuteness n [U]
3 AmE informal to behave in a noisy or cutesy /‘kju:tsi/ adj too pretty or clever in a way you
rude way think is annoying: She spoke in a tiny cutesy voice.
4 cut up rough BrE informal to react in an angry or violent cute-y /‘kju:ti/ n [C] another spelling of cutie
way: Careful how you approach him - he can cut up a bit cut ‘glass n [U] glass that has patterns cut into its
rough if he’s got a mind to. surface: a cut glass decanter
5 TS cut sb < up informal to criticize someone in
an unpleasant way — CUT UP curti-cle /kju:trkal/ n [C] the area of hard skin around
the base of your nails
cut? Ry fan [cl cut-ie, cutey /‘kju:ti/ n [C] spoken someone who is
1G2E07SIEM [usually plural] a reduction in the size or attractive and nice: Mark is such a cutie! :
amount of something, especially the amount of money cutlass /'katlas/ n [C] a short sword with a curved
that is spent by a government or company: There will be blade, used by sailors or pirATes in the past
cuts across all levels of the company. | [+in] Cuts in public
spending mean that fewer people can go on to higher cutler /katls $ -ar/ n [C] old-fashioned someone who
education. | The decision to make cuts in health care provi- makes or sells cutlery
sion has been widely criticized. | tax/pay/job etc cuts A cut-le-ry /*katlari/ n [U] especially BrE knives, forks, and
shorter working week will mean pay cuts for millions of spoons that you use for eating and serving food
workers. | The building plans could be hit by possible spend- — crockery [SYN] silverware AmE
ing cuts. |[+of] A cut of 1% in interest rates was announced cut-let /katlit/ n [C] 1a small flat piece of meat on a’
yesterday. bone: a lamb cutlet 2 vegetable/nut etc cutlet BrE small
2 SOM) a wound that is caused when something pieces of vegetables, nuts etc that are pressed together
sharp cuts your skin: That's quite a nasty cut - you ought to into a flat piece and cooked :
get it seen to by a doctor. | The driver escaped with minor cut-off, cut-off /‘katof $ -o:f/ n 1[C usually singular] a
cuts and bruises. INJURY limit or level at which you stop doing something —> dead-
3 EEESLWTY a narrow hole or mark in the surface of line: cut-off date/point/score etc (=the date etc when you
something, made by a sharp tool or object: Make a small stop doing something) The cut-off date for registration is
cut in the paper. July 2. 2 [C usually singular] when you completely stop
({ (2 GB = the most frequent words in written English 419 cycleway
doing something or supplying something: [+of] A full- cy-ber-bul-ly-ing /'‘satba,bolitn $ -bar-/ n [U] the activ-
scale cut-off of US aid would be a disaster. 3 cutoffs (also ity of sending Internet or TEXT messages that threaten or
cut-off jeans/trousers etc) [plural] short trousers that you insult someone —cyberbully n [C]
make by cutting off the bottom part of a pair of trousers cy-ber-crime, cyber crime /'satbakraim $ -bar-/ n [C,U]
cut-out /kataot/ n [C] 1 the shape of a person, object criminal activity that involves the use of computers or the
etc that has been cut out of wood or paper — silhouette Internet
2 a piece of equipment that stops a machine that is not cy-ber-fraud /‘satbafra:d $ -barfro:d/ n [U] the illegal
working properly act of deceiving people on the Internet in order to gain
\cut-'price (also cut-‘rate especially AmE) adj 1 cut- money, power etc
price goods or services are cheaper than usual: cut-price cy-be-ri-a /sar'btaria $ -'bir-/ n [U] CYBERSPACE
toys |a travel operator offering cut-price deals 2 a cut-price cy-ber-land /'satbalend $ -bar-/ n [U] activity that
shop sells goods at reduced prices: cut-price supermarkets involves the Internet and the people who use it
cut-ter /'kata $ -ar/ n [C] 1 [often plural] a tool that is cy-ber-net-ics /satba'nettks $ -bar-/ n [U] the scientific
used for cutting something: wire cutters | a pastry cutter study of the way in which information is moved and
2 someone whose job is to cut something: a diamond controlled in machines, the brain, and the NERVOUS SYSTEM
cutter 3 a small ship —cybernetic adj
‘cut-throat, cut-throat /katOraut $ -Orout/ adj [usually cy-ber-punk /‘sarbapank $ -bar-/ n [U] stories about
before noun] a cut-throat activity or business involves imaginary events relating to computer science, usually
people competing with each other in an unpleasant way: set in the future —cyberpunk adj [only before noun]
Cut-throat competition is keeping prices low. |the cut-throat cy-ber-sick-ness /'sarbastknis $ -bar-/ n [U] a feeling
world of advertising of illness caused by using a computer for long periods of
cut-throat ‘razor n [C] Br£ a RAzoR with a very long time or being in a room with a lot of computers - used
sharp blade, used especially in the past humorously
cut-ting? /‘kattn/ n [C] 1a stem or leaf that is cut from cy-ber-space /‘sarbaspers $ -bar-/ n [U] all the connec-
a plant and put in soil or water to grow into a new plant tions between computers in different places, considered
2 BrE an article that has been cut from a newspaper or as areal place where information, messages, pictures etc
magazine [SYN|clipping: press/newspaper cuttings Margot exist: Students are discovering the endless amount of infor-
sent him some press cuttings about the wedding. 3 BrE a mation in cyberspace.
passage that has been dug through high ground for a cy-ber-squat-ter /‘satbaskwota $ -barskwa:tar/ n [C]
railway, road etc [SYN] cut AmE someone who officially records the names of companies
cutting? adj unkind and intended to upset someone: a that they do not own or work for as DOMAIN NAMEs on the
cutting remark Internet in order to sell these names to companies for
‘cutting board n [C] BrE a piece of wood or plastic that profit —cybersquatting n [U]
you cut meat or vegetables on [SYN] chopping board cy-ber-stalk-ing /‘satbasto:kin $ -barstozk-/ n [U] the
cutting ‘edge n1 the cutting edge (of sth) the newest illegal use of the Internet, email, or other electronic
and most exciting stage in the development of some- communication systems to follow someone or threaten
thing: at the cutting edge (of sth) research that’s at the them: The state's first cyberstalking laws went into effect a
cutting edge of genetic science | The deck represents the little over a year ago. —cyberstalker n [C]
cutting edge in CD reproduction. 2 [singular] an advantage cy-ber-ter-ror-ist /'satbaterarist $ -bar-/ n [C] some-
over other people or things: The team are relying on Gregg one who uses the Internet to damage computer systems,
to give them a cutting edge. —‘cutting-edge adj: cutting- especially for political purposes: Such a strategic attack,
edge scientific discoveries mounted by cyberterrorists, would shut down everything
‘cutting room n[C] a room where the different parts of from power stations to air traffic control centres.
a film are cut apart and put into the correct order, to —cyberterrorism n [U]
make the final form of the film cy-ber-wid-ow /‘satbawidau $ -barwidou/ n [C] infor-
cut-tle-fish /*katlf{/ n (plural cuttlefish) [C] a sea crea- mal the wife of aman who spends a lot of time working or
ture with ten soft arms playing on his computer - used humorously
cut ‘UP, cut-up adj [not before noun] 1 informal very upset cy-borg /'satbo:g $ -b>:rg/ n [C] a creature that is partly
about something that has happened: [+about] He was human and partly machine
very cut up about Stephen dying. 2 be badly cut up to have a cyc-la-‘men /'stkiaman/ n (plural cyclamen) [C] a plant
lot of injuries because you have been in an accident or with pink, red, or white flowers
fight cy-cle’ Fy 0H Lg /‘satkal/ n [Cc]
‘cut-up n [C] Ame informal someone who makes other 1a number of related events that happen again and again
people laugh by doing amusing things, especially in a in the same order — cyclic: a woman's menstrual cycle |
situation when they should not do this [+of] the cycle of the seasons | Sometimes the only way to
Cuz /kaz, kaz/ conjunction AmE spoken a short form of break the cycle of violence in the home is for the wife to leave.
‘because’ [SYN] cos BrE: ‘Why?’ ‘Cuz | said so!’ —> LIFE CYCLE, —+ vicious cycle at VICIOUS CIRCLE
2 especially BrE a bicycle or MOTORCYCLE: cycle routes
CV /siz ‘vi:/ n [C] (curriculum vitae) a short written 3the period of time needed for a machine to finish a
document that lists your education and previous jobs,
process: This washing machine has a 50-minute cycle.
which you send to employers when you are looking for a
4 a group of songs, poems etc that are all about a particu-
job [SYN] resume AmE
lar important event
cwt BrE, cwt. AmE the written abbreviation of hundred- cycle? fq v 1[1] especially BrE to travel by bicycle
weight bike AmE: [+to/down/home etc] Do you cycle to
=cy /si/ suffix [in nouns] 1 the state or quality of being work? 2 [1,1] AmE to go through a series of related events
something: accuracy | bankruptcy 2 a particular rank or again and again, or to make something do this: The water
position: a baronetcy is cycled through the machine and reused.
cy-ani /'satan §$ 'sat-en, -an/ adj technical having a dark ‘cycle lane n [C] BrE a part of a wide road that only
greenish-blue colour —cyan n [U] bicycles are allowed to use
cy-a-nide /'saranaid/ n [U] a very strong poison ‘cycle path n [Cc] Br a path for bicycles, for example
cyber- /satba $ -ar/ prefix relating to computers, espe- beside a road or in a park
cially to messages and information on the Internet: cyber- cy-cle-way /‘satkalwer/ n [C] BrE a road or path, some-
shoppers times a long one, for bicycles
cyclic 420 EQ = words from the Academic Word List

cy-clic fq /'satkltk/ (also cyclical /'stkltkal, 'sar-/) adj cyni-cal /'stntkal/ adj 1unwilling to believe that people
happening in cycles: cyclical changes in the economy have good, honest, or sincere reasons for doing some-
—cyclically /-kli/ adv thing: a cynical view of human nature | [+about] The public
cy-cling /'satklin/ n [U] especially BrE the activity of is cynical about election promises. 2 not caring that some-
riding a bicycle thing might not be morally right, might hurt someone etc,
‘cycling shorts n [plural] especially BrE a pair of short when you are trying to get something for yourself: a
trousers made out of cloth that stretches cynical disregard for international agreements —cynically
cy-clist /sarklist/ n [C] someone who rides a bicycle /-kli/ adv
cy-clone /‘sarklaun $ -kloun/ n [C] a very strong wind cy:pher /‘sarfa $ -ar/ n [C, U] another spelling of CIPHER
that moves very fast in a circle — hurricane, typhoon cy-press /'satpris/ n [C] a tree with dark green leaves
STORM, WIND and hard wood, which does not lose its leaves in winter
Cy-clops /‘sarklops $ -kla:ps/ n [singular] a very big man Cy-rilslic /s$rittk/ adj the Cyrillic alphabet is the one
in ancient Greek stories who only had one eye in the used for Russian, Bulgarian, and some other Slavonic
middle of his forehead languages
cyg-net /'signit/ n [C] a young SWAN cyst /stst/ n [C] a lump containing liquid that grows in
cyl-in-der /'stlinda $ -ar/ n [C] 1a shape, object, or your body or under your skin, and that sometimes needs
container with circular ends and long straight sides to be removed — boil .
— tube: The gases are stored in cylinders. + see picture at cystic fi-bro-sis /sisttk far'brausis $ -'brov-/ n [U] a
SHAPE! 2 the tube within which a PISTON moves forwards serious medical condition, especially affecting children, in
and backwards in an engine: a four-cylinder engine 3 be fir- which breathing and Dicesting food is very difficult
ing/running on all cylinders informal to be operating or cyst-i-tis /st'startis/ n [U] an infection of the BLADDER
performing very well: The team is firing on all cylinders. that especially affects women
cy-lin-dri-cal /s$itndrikal/ adj in the shape of a cylin-
der: a cylindrical oil tank
cy-tol-o-gy /sar'toladzi $ -'ta:-/ n [U]. the scientific
study of cells from living things —cytologist n [C]
cym:bal /‘stmbal/ n [C] a musical instrument in the
form of a thin round metal plate, which you play by cy-to-plasm /‘sattauplezam $ -tou-/ n [U] technical all
hitting it with a stick or by hitting two of them together: the material in the cell of a living thing except the NUCLEUS
the clash of cymbals (=central part)
cyn-ic /'stntk/ n [C] someone who is not willing to czar /za: $ za:r/ n[C] 1 another spelling of TSAR 2 bank-
believe that people have good, honest, or sincere reasons ing/drug/health etc czar AmE someone who is very pow-
for doing something: Even hardened cynics believe the erful in a particular job or activity
meeting is a step towards peace. —cynicism /-sizam/ n [U] €Za-Fi-na /zar'ri:na/ n [C] another spelling of TSARINA
 dad:-dy §] /‘dedi/ n (plural daddies) [Cc]
1 informal father - used especially by children or when
speaking to children: Daddy's home!
2 the daddy/your daddy informal the best, most important,
or most respected person: Damon won the game for us -
he’s the daddy! + SUGAR DADDY
daddy long-legs /deedi 'lonlegz $ -'lo:n-/ n [C] a flying
insect with six long legs
D, d /di:/ (plural D's, d's) n1 [C,U] the fourth letter of the da-do /de1dau $ -dov/ n (plural dadoes) [C] the lower
English alphabet 2 [C,U] the second note in the musical part of a wall in a room, especially when it is decorated
SCALE of C MAJOR or the musical Key based on this note differently from the upper part of the wall
3 [C] a mark given to a student's work to show that it is dae-mon /‘di:man/ n [C] a creature in ancient Greek
not very good: | got a D in history last semester. stories that is half a god and half a man —> demon
4 the number 500 in the system of ROMAN NUMERALS — D daf-fo-dil /'defadi/ n [C] a tall yellow spring flower
AND C with a tube-shaped part in the middle — see picture at
d. (also d BrE) 1the written abbreviation of died: John FLOWER"
Keats d. 1827 2 the written abbreviation of penny or pence daf-fy /‘defi/ adj informal silly or crazy in an amusing
in the system of money used in Britain before 1971 way
dl" /d/ the short form of ‘do’: D'you know how many people daft Gy /da:ft $ deft/ adj especially BrE
are going to be there? 1silly: a daft idea | Me, jealous? Don’t be daft (=that is a
="d /d/ 1the short form of ‘would’: | asked if she’d be silly idea). | She's as daft as a brush (=extremely silly).
willing to help. 2 the short form of ‘had’: Nobody knew STUPID
where he’d gone. 3 the short form of ‘did’: Where'd you get 2 be daft about sth to be extremely interested in some-
that? thing: Tony’s still daft about cars! —daftness n [U]
D.A. /di:'er/ n [C] the abbreviation of district attorney dag-ger /‘dega $ -ar/ n[C] 1 a short pointed knife used
dab" /deb/ n [C] 1a small amount of something that as a weapon 2 look daggers at sb informal to look at
you put onto a surface: [+of] a dab of butter 2 a light someone angrily 3 be at daggers drawn if two people are
touch with your hand, a cloth etc: She wiped her tears at daggers drawn, they are extremely angry with each
away with a dab of her handkerchief. 3 be a dab hand at/with other —> CLOAK-AND-DAGGER
sth BrE informal to be very good at a particular activity dag-gy /degi/ adj AusE informal 1dirty or untidy
4a small flat fish 5 dabs [plural] BrE old-fashioned your 2 unfashionable
FINGERPRINTS da-go /‘detgav $ -gou/ n (plural dagos) [C] taboo a very
offensive word for someone from Spain, Italy, or Portugal.
Do not use this word.
da-guer-ro-type /da'geravtaip $ -ra-/ n [C,U] an old
type of photograph, or the process used to make it
dahl /da:l/ n [C,U] an Indian dish made with beans,
PEAS, OF LENTILS
dah:li-a /detlia $ ‘delia/ n [C] a large garden flower with
a bright colour ;
dai-ly* 0 /'detli/ adj Lonly before noun]
Thappening or done every day: daily flights to Miami
2 daily life the ordinary things that you usually do or
experience
She dabbed some She dabbed her eyes 3 relating to a single day: the daily rate of pay
cream on her face. with a handkerchief. daily” adv happening or done every day: The zoo is open
daily.
dab? v (dabbed, dabbing) 1[/,T] to touch something daily® n (plural dailies) [C] 1 (also daily paper) a news-
lightly several times, usually with something such as a paper that is printed and sold every day, or every day
cloth: She dabbed her eyes with a handkerchief. | [+at] He except Sunday 2 Br old-fashioned (also daily ‘help)
dabbed at-his bleeding lip. 2 [T] to put a substance onto someone, especially a woman, who is employed to clean
something with quick light movements of your hand: dab someone's house 3 dailies [plural] AmE the prints of a film
sth on/onto etc sth She dabbed some cream on her face. as it is being made, which are looked at every day after
DAB /di: ex 'bi:/ n (U] (digital audio broadcasting) a filming ends [SYN] rushes BrE
system of broadcasting radio programmes using DIGITAL dain-ty* /‘demnti/ adj (comparative daintier, superlative
technology \ daintiest) 1 small, pretty, and delicate: a dainty gold chain |
dab-ble /debal/ v 1-{1] to.do something or be involved a child with dainty features 2 moving or done in a careful
in something in a way that is not very serious: [t+in/at/ way, using small movements: a dainty walk —daintily adv
with] people who dabble in painting as a way of relaxing —daintiness n[U] ~ :
2 [7] BrE to move your hands, feet etc about in water: dainty? n (plural dainties) [C] old-fashioned something
dabble sth in sth children dabbling their feet in the sea small that is good to eat, especially something sweet
dach-a /‘detja $ ‘da:-/ n [C] a large country house in such as a cake
Russia | dai-quirri /‘datkiri, 'dek-/ n [C] a sweet alcoholic drink
dachs-hund /‘deksand, -sund/ n [C] a type of small made with RUM and fruit juice
dog with short legs and a long body dai-ry /‘deari $ 'deri/ n (plural dairies) [C] 1 a place on a
Dac-ron /‘dekron $ 'detkra:n/ n [U] a type of cloth that farm where milk is kept and butter and cheese are made
is not made from natural materials ‘ 2a company which sells milk and sometimes makes
dac-tyl /deektil $ -tl/ n [C] a repeated sound pattern in other things from milk, such as cheese
poetry, consisting of one long sound followed by two 3 dairy products/produce milk, butter, cheese etc
short sounds, as in the word ‘carefully’ —dactylic ‘dairy cattle n [plural] cattle that are kept to produce
/dek'tltk/ adj milk rather than for their meat
dad §] (4 /ded/ n [C] informal father: She lives with her ‘dairy farm n [Cc] a farm that has cows and produces
mom and dad. | Dad, will you help me?- and sells milk i
dairymaid 422 a a & = the mostStrirequent wordedin spoken Briglisn

dai-ry-maid /‘dearimerd $ ‘der-/ n [C] a woman who suffer/sustain damage formal She has suffered
worked in a dairy in the past damage to her hearing.
dai-ry-man /‘deariman $ 'deriman, -men/ n (plural repair the damage The cost of repairing the damage
dairymen /-man $ -man, -men/) [C] aman who works for could be around £300 million.
a dairy prevent/avoid damage Young trees need protecting to
dais /'dets, dets/ n [singular] a low stage in a room that prevent damage from the wind.
you stand on when you are making a speech or perform- _ ADJECTIVES/NOUN -+‘damage _
ing, so that people can see and hear you
serious/severe The earthquake RTT severe danuige
daisy /‘derzi/ n (plural daisies) [C] 1 a white flower with to a number of buildings.
a yellow centre —+ see picture,at FLOWER’ 2 be pushing up extensive/widespread (=covering a large area)
(the) daisies to be dead - used humorously — fresh as a Because of the size of the bomb, the damage was
daisy at FRESH(11) extensive.
‘daisy chain n [C] daisies attached together into a permanent/irreparable/irreversible damage (=that
string that you can wear around your neck or wrist cannot be repaired) By smoking for so long, she may
Dal-ai La-ma, the /,delat ‘la:ma $ da:-/ the leader of have suffered irreversible damage to her health.
the Tibetan Buddhist religion minor damage Fortunately, the fire caused only minor
dale /deil/ n [C] a valley - used in the past or in the damage.
names of places, especially in the North of England: the physical damage There is considerable evidence that
Yorkshire Dales National Park the drug can cause physical damage.
dal-li-ance /‘delians/ n [C,U] literary a romantic or structural damage (=to the structure of a building)
sexual relationship between two people that is not con- The building was checked for structural damage.
sidered serious [SYN] fling environmental damage The programme will
dal-ly /‘deli/ v (dallied, dallying, dallies) [1] 1 to take too concentrate on reducing environmental damage and
long to do something, especially to make a decision: After pollution.
months of dallying, the government has finally agreed to fire/storm/flood etc damage (=caused by fire,
allow the plan to go ahead. 2 to spend some time in a storm, flood etc) The campsite suffered extensive flood
place, on your way to somewhere-else: He dallied in the damage.
Lake District for a while, then crossed to Belgium. brain/liver/nerve etc damage /f you drink a lot of
dally with sb/sth phr v 1 to do something or think about alcohol it can cause liver damage.
something, but not in a very serious way: They've dallied accidental damage (=caused by an accident) |
with the idea of touring round the world. 2 old-fashioned to criminal damage (=caused by someone committing
have a romantic relationship with someone, but not in a a crime)
serious way
Dal-ma-tian, dalmatian /del'merfan/ n [C] a large dog
with short white hair and black or brown spots
dam! /dem/ n [C] 1a special wall built across a river or
stream to stop the water from flowing, especially in order
to make a lake or produce electricity 2 technical the
mother of a four-legged animal, especially a horse
dam? v (dammed, damming) [T] (also dam up) 1 to stop
the water in a river or stream from flowing by building a
special wall across it 2 to stop something from being
expressed or continuing: Once she allowed her anger to
show, it could not be dammed up again.
dam-age' & (Q /‘demidz/ n
IGA LU] physical harm that is done to some-
thing or to a part of someone's body, so that it is broken
or injured: [+to] damage to property | These chemicals have scratched
been found to cause serious environmental damage. | There
may be permanent brain damage. brain . | His eyesight
suffered irreparable damage.
2A ~[U] harm caused to someone's emo-
tions or mind: The death of a parent can cause long-lasting
psychological damage.
3 GRD [U] a bad effect on something: [+to] The
damage to his reputation was considerable. | The closure of
the factory will cause severe damage to the local economy. |
damage limitation/control the attempts at political damage broken
control during the scandal
4 damages [plural] law money that a court orders some- damage? &) 1 v [7]
one to pay to someone else as a punishment for harming 1to cause physical harm to something or to part of
them or their property —+ compensation: The court someone's body: insects that damage crops | badly/
awarded him £15,000 in damages. severely/seriously damage Smoking can severely damage
5 the damage is done used to say that something bad has your health. (IES > Harm
happened which makes it impossible to go back to the 2 to have a bad effect on something or someone in a way
way things were before it happened: She immediately that makes them weaker or less successful: The changes
apologized, but the damage was done. in share values have damaged investor confidence.
6 what's the damage? spoken used humorously to ask how
much you have to pay for something
damage to cause physical harm to something or
COLLOCATIONS
someone, or have a bad effect on them: Several
| VERBS” buildings were damaged by the earthquake. | The
do damage Too ruc sun can dg severepaldaridge to scandal could damage his career.
your skin. harm to have a bad effect on something: They use
cause damage We surveyed the damage caused by the chemicals that will harm the environment. | The oil crisis
bomb. could harm the economy.
( (2 G8= the most sc buntaielwords in written Englisn

spoil to have a bad effect on something and make it are surprised: Well, I'll be damned! | haven't seen him for
less successful, enjoyable, useful etc: We didn’t let years! 4 damn the consequences/expense/calories etc spo-
the rain spoil our holiday. | Local people say the new ken used to say that you are going to do something, even
buildings will spoil the view. though it might have bad results: The time has come for me
vandalize to deliberately damage buildings, vehicles, to speak out, and damn the consequences. 5 be damned to
or public property: All the public telephones in the area be given the punishment of going to HELL after you die
had been vandalized. 6 to state that something is very bad: The critics damned
sabotage /'sebata:z/ to secretly damage machines the play on the first night. |damn (sb/sth) with faint praise
or equipment so that they cannot be used, especially (=show that you think someone or something is hot good
in order to harm an enemy: There is evidence that the by only praising them a little) 7 damned if you do, damned
airplane was sabotaged. if you don’t spoken used to say that whatever you say or do
tamper with sth to deliberately and illegally damage will be considered wrong — (as) near as damn it at
or change a part of something in order to prevent it NEAR\(8)
from working properly: The car's brakes had been damn?® n spoken not polite 1 not give a damn (about
tampered with. sb/sth) to not care at all about someone or something: |
desecrate to damage a church or other a place: don’t give a damn about her. 2 be not worth a damn to have
The church had been desecrated by vandals. no value at all: Her promise isn’t worth a damn.
deface /drfets/ to deliberately spoil the appearance dam-na-ble /‘demnabal/ adj old-fashioned very bad or
of something by writing on it, spraying paint on it annoying: This damnable heat! —damnably adv f
etc: Someone had defaced the statue and painted it
dam-na-tion' /dem'nerfan/ n [U] when someone is
bright orange.
punished by being sent to HELL after their death, or the
damaged /‘demid3d/ adj 1something that is damaged state of being in hell for ever + Purgatory
has been harmed or injured: a damaged leg | The ship is damnation? interjection old-fashioned used when you
badly damaged. |a shampoo for dry or damaged hair (=hair are very angry or annoyed
that is in bad condition) 2 a damaged person has emo- damned! /demd/ adj, adv another form of ‘damn’
tional problems because of bad things that have hap- damned? n the damned [plural] the people who God will
pened to them in the past: She works with emotionally send to HELL when they die because they have been so
damaged children. bad
dam-ag-ing /‘demidzin/ adj 1 causing physical harm damned-est /‘demdist/ adj spoken not polite 1 do/
to someone or something: the damaging effects of sunlight try your damnedest to try very hard to do something: I'll do
HARMFUL 2 affecting someone or something my damnedest to fix it, but | can’t promise anything.
in a bad way: damaging criticism of his policies | [+to] The 2 [only before noun] used to emphasize that something is
loss of jobs was damaging to morale. unusual, surprising etc: /t was the damnedest thing you ever
dam-ask /‘demask/ n [U] a type of cloth with a pattern saw!
woven into it, often used to cover furniture: a damask ‘damn-fool adj [only before noun] very stupid: a damn-
tablecloth fool mistake
dame /detm/ n [C] 1 Ame old-fashioned informal a
damning /‘demin/ adj proving or showing that some-
woman 2 BrE a humorous female character in a PANTO-
one has done something very bad or wrong: damning
MIME (=a Special play at Christmas) who is played by a
evidence of her treachery |a damning report
man
Dam-o-cles /demokli:z/ — sword of Damocles at
Dame n [C] a British title given to a woman as an
SWORD(2)
honour for achievement or for doing good things, or a
woman who has this title + Sir: Dame Judi Dench | She damp! /demp/ adj1 slightly wet, often in an unpleas-
was made a Dame in 1992. ant way: Wipe the leather with a damp cloth. |a cold, damp
day EESTI wet 2 damp squib BrE informal some-
Dame-hood, damehood /‘detmhud/ n [C] the rank of thing that is intended to be exciting, effective etc, but
being a Dame: | think she should be given a Damehood. which is disappointing —dampness n [U] —damply adv
dam-mit /‘demit/ interjection not polite a way of spell-
ing ‘damn it’ THESAURUS
damn" /dem/ interjection not polite1 used when you are 5THINGS ©
very annoyed or disappointed: Damn! I've left my keys in damp eerily wet: Iron the ai vuhilesi it is still damp: |
the office. 2 used when something is impressive or sur- a damp cloth
prising: Damn, she's old. moist slightly wet, especially when this is pleasant
damn? adv [+ adj/adv] informal not polite 1used to or how something should be: a moist chocolate cake |
emphasize a statement: Everything was so damn The cream helps to keep your skin moist. |Make sure
expensive. | The band sounded pretty damn good. | ll damn that the soil is moist.
well do as | please. | You know damn well what I'm talking clammy slightly wet and sticky, in an unpleasant
about. | He damn near (=almost) drowned. | ‘It isn't easy.’ way - used especially about someone's skin: His
‘Damn right, it’s not.’2 damn all especially BrE nothing at all: hands were cold and clammy.
He knows damn all about cars. AIR/ WEATHER: | nae Ea mera ini
damn? adj [only before noun] spoken not polite damp slightly wet, especially in acold TADIaESanE
1 used when you are angry or annoyed with someone or way: It was a cold damp morning.
something: Turn off the damn TV! 2 used to emphasize humid hot and damp in an unpleasant way: Florida
something negative: It’s a damn shame he left her. 3 not a can be very humid in the summer.
damn thing nothing at all: There’s not a damn thing you can muggy warm and damp and making you feel
do about it. 4 a damn sight more/better etc a lot more, a lot uncomfortable: This muggy weather gives me a
better etc: He’s a damn sight tougher than you or me. headache.
damn?‘ y [7] 1damn it/you etc! spoken not polite used dank dank air is cold and damp and smells
when you are extremely angry or annoyed with someone unpleasant - used especially about the air inside a
or something: Damn it, be careful with that! | Stop, damn room: The dank air smelled of stale sweat.
you! | Damn that telephone! 2 (I'll be/I'm) damned if ...
spoken not polite used to make a negative statement in a damp? n [U] BrE water in walls or in the air that causes
strong way: ‘Where's Wally?’ ‘Damned if | know.’ (=| don't things to be slightly wet: Damp had stained the walls.
know) | /ll be damned if | can find my keys (=| can't find damp? v [T] to dampen something
them). |I'll be damned if | let him in the house (=| won't let damp sth <> down phr v to make. a fire burn more slowly,
him in). 3 I'll be damned spoken not polite used when you often by covering it with ASH
 damp course 424 EG = words from the Academic Word List

‘damp course n [C] Br£ a layer of material which is put ‘dandelion clock n [c] Bré the soft ball of white seeds
into the bottom of a wall to prevent water rising through that grows on the dandelion plant
it dan-der /denda $ -ar/ n get sb’s dander up to make
damp-en /'dempan/ v [T] 1 to make something slightly someone angry - often used humorously
wet [SYN|moisten 2 (also dampen down BrF) to make
something such as a feeling or activity less strong: The dan-di-fied /‘dendzfatd/ adj old-fashioned a man who is
light rain dampened the crowd's enthusiasm. | Raising inter- dandified wears very fashionable clothes in a way that
est rates might dampen the economy. 3 to make a sound or shows he cares too much about his appearance
movement less loud or strong: The spring dampens the dan-dle /‘dendl/ v [T] old-fashioned to play with a baby
shock of the impact. or small child by moving them up and down in your arms
damp-er /‘dempa $ -ar/ n [C] 1 put a damper on sth to or on your knee
make something less enjoyable, active, or great than it dan-druff /dendraf, -draf/ n [U] small pieces of dead
could have been: A couple of knee injuries put a damper on skin from someone's head that can be seen in their hair
his football career. 2. a type of small metal door that is or on their shoulders
opened or closed in a STOVE or FURNACE, to control the air
reaching the fire so that it burns more or less strongly dan-dy" /dendi/ n (plural dandies) [C] old-fashioned a
3a piece of equipment that stops a movement from man who spends a lot of time and money on his clothes
being too strong 4a piece of equipment that stops a and appearance :
piano string from making a sound dandy? adj informal especially AmE very good - often
‘'damp-proof course n [C] BrE a DAMP COURSE used in a slightly humorous way: We're at our hotel, and
dam-sel /'demzal/ n [C] old use 1 damsel in distress a everything is fine and dandy.
young woman who needs help or protection - used Dane /detn/ n [C] someone from Denmark
humorously 2 a young woman who is not married, espe-
cially a pretty young woman in an old story dang /den/ interjection especially AmE a word meaning
DAMN that people use because it is less offensive —dang
dam:son /‘demzan/ n [C] a small bitter purple PLUM adj, adv —dang v [T]
dance’ & (BH /dains $ dens/ n
dan-ger §] (4 /‘deindza $ -ar/ n
1[£C] a special set of mevements performed to a particu-
1[U] the possibility that someone or something will be
lar type of music: The waltz is an easy dance to learn. |
harmed, destroyed, or killed: Danger! No boats beyond this
folk/traditional dance the traditional dances and music of
point. | The refugees believe that their lives are in danger. |
Russia
[+of] The danger of a fire in the home increases. during the
2[C] a social event or party where you dance: Are you
holidays. | [+from] The public was not aware of the danger
going to the dance this weekend? | the schoo! dance
from nuclear tests in Nevada.
3[C] an act of dancing: Claire did a little dance of
2[C,U] the possibility that something bad will happen: be
excitement. |have a dance especially BrE: Let's have another
in danger of (doing) sth The party is in danger of being
dance.
defeated in the next election. |danger that There is a danger
4[C] a piece of music which you can dance to: The band
that museums will attempt to entertain rather than educate. |
was playing a slow dance.
the danger of (doing) sth to guard against the danger of
5 [U] the activity or art of dancing: modern dance | dance
becoming isolated | a danger sign/signal He didn't look
and movement classes —+ song and dance about sth at
pleased, but she ignored the danger signals.
SONG(4), + lead sb a dance at LEAD'(19)
3[C] something or someone that may harm or kill you:
dance? fH v the dangers that abound in the region | [+of] the dangers of
11,7] to move your feet and body in a way that matches drug use | be a danger to sb/sth The wreck is a danger to
the style and speed of music: Come on, let’s dance. | [+to] other ships.
They danced to Ruby Newman’s orchestra (=the orchestra 4 there's no danger of sth used to say that something will
was playing). | [+with] The bride danced with her father. | not happen: There’s no danger of confusion. | There’s no
dance a waltz/rumba/tango etc danger of Darren ever getting up early.
2 [1,1] to dance in performances, especially in BALLET: He 5 be on the danger list BrE to be so ill that you may die
danced with the Boston Repertory Ballet. |Nakamura dances
several solos in this production.
COLLOCATIONS
3 [1] literary to move up, down, and around quickly: Pink PHRASES 2 eae
and white balloons danced in the wind. be in danger The puleenwas not indane at any time...
4 dance to sb's tune to do what someone wants you to do be in danger of doing sth /t was clear that the ship
- used to show disapproval: At that time, Eastern bloc was in grave danger of sinking.
countries danced to the Soviet tune. be out of danger (=no longer be in danger) John is
5 dance attendance on sb to do everything possible in still in hospital but he is out of danger.
order to please someone: a movie star with several young put sb/sb's life in danger Firemen put their own lives
men dancing attendance on her —dancing n [U]: the beauty in danger as part of their job.
of her dancing be fraught with danger (=involve a lot of danger) ,
‘dance band n [C] a group of musicians who play music Their journey was long and fraught with danger.
that you dance to ADJECTIVES
‘dance floor n [Cc] a special floor in a restaurant, hotel great danger | knew | was in great danger. \
etc for people to dance on grave/serious danger (=very great) You have put us
‘dance hall n [Cc] a large public room where people paid all in grave danger. ~
to go and dance in the past mortal danger /iterary (=danger of death) The plane’s
danc-er /‘da:insa $ ‘densar/ n [C] 1someone who crew were now in mortal danger.
dances as a profession: The dancer's technique is strong. | immediate/imminent danger (=likely to happen
ballet/ballroom/flamenco etc dancer Margot Fonteyn, the very soon) The passengers on the boat were not in
famous British ballet dancer 2 someone who dances: the immediate danger.
dancers on the floor |good/bad dancer Dave's a good dancer. potential danger (=possible but not definite) Gloves
should be worn because of the potential danger of
D and C /qdi: an 'si:/ n [C] a medical operation to clean infection.
out the inside of a woman's UTERUS constant danger (=continuing all the time) They are
dan-de-li-on /‘dendilatan/ n [C] a wild plant with a in constant danger of attack. ;
bright yellow flower which later becomes a white ball of physical danger (=danger to your body Many sports |
seeds that are blown away in the wind involve some physical danger. 1-
EQ = words from the Academic Word List 425

face danger Today's police officers face danger every

day.
sense danger (=feel that there is danger) The animal
lifted its head, sensing danger.
danger threatens (=seems likely) Most birds will
warn other birds when danger threatens.
danger passes (=there is no longer any danger) At
last the sound of bombing had stopped and the danger
had passed.
| danger + NOUN » Thekeys
a danger area/zone (=an area that could be ; J © are dangling
dangerous) People living in the danger area have been Their legs are dangling At igelaamaas
i
told to leave. from the ski lift. ] beam.
at
J wee” }
‘danger money Br€, ‘danger pay AmE n [U] additional
money that you are paid for doing dangerous work Danish? adj relating to Denmark, its people, or its
language
dan-ger-ous §] [1 /‘detndzaras/ adj
Table or likely to harm or kill you — harmful: laws about Danish ‘pastry n [Cc] a small fairly flat sweet cake,
dangerous dogs | Some of these prisoners are extremely often with fruit inside
dangerous. | highly/very dangerous it was a highly danger- dank /denk/ adj unpleasantly wet and cold: a dank
ous situation. | [+for] The crumbling sidewalks are danger- prison cell fiz DAMP —dankness n [U] ps
ous for old people. | [+to] The virus is probably not dap-per /‘depa $ -ar/ adj a man who is dapper is nicely
dangerous to humans. | it is dangerous for sb to do sth It’s dressed, has a neat appearance, and is usually small or
dangerous for a woman to walk alone at night. | The pow- thin: a dapper little man in a grey suit
dered milk was not as good as breast milk, and was down- dap-ple /‘depal/ v [T] literary to mark something with
right dangerous (=actually dangerous) when it was mixed spots of colour, light, or shade
with unclean water. dap-pled /depald/ adj marked with spots of colour,
Zinvolving a lot of risk, or likely to cause problems light, or shade: the dappled shade of the trees
[SYN] risky: The business is in a dangerous financial position. | dapple-'grey BrE, dapple-gray AmE n [C] a horse that
a politically dangerous strategy is grey with spots of darker grey
3 dangerous ground/territory a situation or subject that DAR /di: er ‘a: $ -'a:r/ n [U] (digital audio radio) a
could make someone very angry or upset: Teachers can be system of broadcasting radio programmes using DIGITAL
on dangerous ground if they discuss religion. —dangerously technology
adv: people who drive dangerously
dar-bou:ka /da:'burka $ da:r-/ n [C] a type of drum
THESAURUS played in Northern Africa and the Middle East
dangerous likely to cause death or serious harm, or Dar-by and Joan /da:bi an ‘dgaun $ darrbi an
cause something bad to happen: Snow and ice are 'dgoun/ n Br€ like Darby and Joan used humorously when
making driving conditions very dangerous. | dangerous talking about an old husband and wife who live very
drugs |a dangerous criminal happily together
risky if something is risky, something bad could dare’ & [1H /dea $ der/ v, modal verb
easily happen or you could easily make a mistake: 1[| not in progressive] to be brave enough to do something
Doctors said it was too risky to operate. | a risky that is risky or that you are afraid to do - used especially
situation in questions or negative sentences: He wanted to ask her,
hazardous /'hezedas $ -zar-/ especially written but he didn’t dare. | ‘I'll tell Dad.’ ‘You wouldn't dare!’ |dare
dangerous - used especially about substances, jobs, (to) do sth | daren’t go home. | Only a few journalists dared
and journeys: hazardous waste |hazardous chemicals to cover the story. |She hardly dared hope that he was alive. |
|hazardous occupations | The expedition was extremely Dare we admit this?
hazardous.
unsafe dangerous because someone is very likely to GRAMMAR *)
be hurt - used especially about places or conditions: Dare can be used like a modal verb, followed by an
The roads are unsafe for cyclists. |unsafe working infinitive without ‘to’, in negative sentences and
conditions questions: | am so afraid that | dare not move. | Dare
treacherous /'tretfaras/ formal or literary places or she ring him at the office?
conditions that are treacherous are very dangerous It can also be used as an ordinary verb, followed by
’ for anyone who is walking, driving, climbing etc in an infinitive with or without ‘to’: Nobody dared to ask
them: The snow turned to ice, making conditions any questions. |No wonder the party did not dare
treacherous for walkers. |the island's treacherous publish that document.
coastline The past form is dared for both uses. )
perilous /'perslas/ literary a perilous journey,
situation etc is very dangerous: a perilous journey 2 how dare you spoken said to show that you are very
across the sea angry and shocked about what someone has done or
high-risk [only before noun] a high-risk job, situation, said: How dare you accuse me of lying!
or behaviour is likely to be dangerous: Drug users 3 don't you dare! spoken said to warn someone not to do
need to know that sharing needles is high-risk behaviour. something because it makes you angry: Don’t you dare
talk to me like that!
dan-gle /‘dengeal/ v 1 [1,7] to hang or swing loosely, or 4[T] to try to persuade someone to do something dan-
to make something do this: [+from] A light bulb dangled gerous or embarrassing as a way of proving that they are
from a wire in the ceiling. | dangle sth in/over etc sth | brave: dare sb to do sth They dared Ed to steal a bottle of his
dangled my feet in the clear blue water. 2 dangle sth in front father’s whiskey. |So jump, then. I dare you.
of sb/before sb to offer something good to someone, in Sdare | say/suggest spoken formal used when saying
order to persuade them to do something: A good pay something that you think people may not accept or
package and a company car were dangled in front:of her. believe: | thought the play was, dare |say it, boring.
Danish’ /deimzf/ n 1[U] the language used in 61 dare say (also | daresay) spoken especially BrE used
Denmark 2 [C] a very sweet cake made of light PASTRY when saying or agreeing that something may be true: |
[SYN] Danish pastry dare say things will improve.
dare 426 SJ & & = the most frequent words in spoken English

dare? n [C] something dangerous that you have dared because the sun has gone down: my childish fear of the
someone to do: for a dare BrE, on a dare AmE (=because dark | in the dark | turned off the light and lay there in the
someone has dared you to) She ran across a busy road for a dark. | We stood outside in the pitch dark (=when there is
dare. no light at all). GEGEN cotour 2 after/before/
dare-dev-il /‘deadeval $ 'der-/ n [C] someone who likes until dark after, before, or until the sun goes down at
doing dangerous things —daredevil adj night: | want you home before dark. 3 in the dark informal
daren’t /deant $ dernt/ especially BrE the short form of knowing nothing about something important, because
‘dare not’ you have not been told about it: We're in the dark just as
dare-say / dea'ser $ 'derser/ — | daresay at DARE'(6) much as you are. | College officials were kept in the dark
about the investigation. — a shot in the dark at SHOT'(10)
dar-ing! /‘deartn $ ‘der-/ adj1involving a lot of risk or
danger, or brave enough to do risky things: a daring rescue ‘Dark Ages n1 the Dark Ages the period in European
attempt GEESE BRAVE2 new or unusual in a way history from the 6th to the 10th centuries, after the end
that may shock people: a daring new building —daringly of the Roman Empire 2 a time when attitudes, know-
adv ledge, technology etc were not as modern or developed
daring? n [U] courage that makes you willing to take as they are now: Ed is stuck in the Dark Ages when it comes
risks: a plan of great daring to his attitudes towards women.
dark" § [i /da:k $ da:rk/ adj (comparative darker, dark-en /‘dazkan $ ‘da:r-/ v 1 [|,T} to become dark, or to
superlative darkest) make something dark: The sky darkened and a few drops of
Qe if it is dark, there is little or no light [opp] light: rain fell. |a darkened theater | The evening shadows dark-
The church was dark and quiet. | the dark winter days | ened the room. 2 [|,T] to become less hopeful or positive,
Suddenly, the room went dark (=became dark). |It gets dark or to make something like this: As he got drunker, his mood
(=night begins) about ten o'clock. | It was still dark (=was darkened. 3 [|] if someone's face darkens, they start to
night) when we boarded the train. |It was pitch dark (=com- look angry: The captain's face darkened as he read.
pletely dark) in the attic. 4 never darken my door again old-fashioned said when you
2@aRITY quite close to black in colour {opp} light, pale: do not want to see someone again - now used humor-
There were dark clouds in the sky. | men in dark suits | a ously
slightly darker colour | dark blue/green/pink ete a dark blue dark ‘glasses n [plural] glasses with dark glass in them
dress LI COLOUR that you wear to protect your eyes from the sun or to hide
3 DELIA) someone who is dark has hair, eyes, or your eyes — sunglasses
skin that is brown or black in colour [opp] fair: a tall, dark
man |John’s dark skin and eyes dark ‘horse n [C] 1 someone who is not well known,
4a mysterious or secret: a dark secret | keep and who surprises people by winning a competition: /n
sth dark BrE (=keep something secret) Apparently, he has the 1955 golf championship, dark horse Jack Fleck defeated
a son, but he’s kept that very dark. Ben Hogan. 2 BrE someone who does not tell people much
579 evil or threatening: There was a darker side to his about themselves, but who has surprising qualities or
character. | a place where so many dark deeds had been abilities: She's a dark horse. | didn't know shed written a
committed | the dark forces of the universe novel.
6 {LTE aa a dark time is unhappy or without hope: dark-ie /da:ki $ ‘da:r-/ n [C] taboo old-fashioned a very
the dark days of the war |Even in the darkest moments, | still offensive word for a black person. Do not use this word.
had you, my love.
dark-ly /‘da:kli $ 'da:rk-/ adv1 in a sad, angry, or threat-
7 GSesarras «if you have dark feelings or ening way: Fred scowled darkly at her. 2 having a dark
thoughts, you are very sad or worried: a dark depression |
colour: a darkly handsome man
her darkest fears
3 darkly funny/humorous/comic dealing with something
8 Ete dark humour deals with things that are bad or
that is bad or upsetting in a funny way: a darkly comic look
upsetting in a funny way [SYN] black: the dark humor com- at illness
mon in difficult situations
9 darkest Africa/South America etc old-fashioned the parts ‘dark matter n [U] technical a type of matter that
of Africa etc about which we know very little - this use is scientists think may exist. It cannot be seen but seems to
now often considered offensive affect the movements of stars
a SOS dark-ness [W /‘dazknis $ 'da:rk-/ n [UJ
dark if a place is dark, there is little or no light: The 1when there is no light: the long hours of darkness during
room was very dark. | It was a dark night with clouds winter | in darkness The lamp suddenly went out, leaving us
covering the moon. in darkness. | total/pitch/complete darkness The room was
dimly-lit a dimly-lit building or place is fairly dark in total darkness. | We lit our campfire as darkness fell (=it
because the lights there are not very bright: a became night). |He stared out the window at the gathering
dimly-lit restaurant | The church was dimly lit. darkness (=the night slowly coming).
dim a dim light is fairly dark: The camera can take 2 evil or the devil: His smooth manner covered a heartof
good pictures even in dim lighting. |The evening sky darkness. |the forces/powers of darkness (=the devil or evil
grew dim. people)
darkened a darkened room or building is darker than 3 the dark quality of a colour: the darkness of the lenses
usual, especially because its lights have been turned dark-room /‘da:kru:m, -rom $ ‘da:rk-/ n [C] a special )
off or the curtains have been drawn: The prisoner lay room with only red light or no light, where film from a
in a darkened room. camera is made into photographs
gloomy a gloomy place or room is not at all bright or
cheerful: The bar was gloomy and smelled of stale cigar dar-ling’ By /‘da:ltn $ ‘da:r-/ n
smoke. 1 spoken used when speaking to someone you love: Look,
murky dark and difficult to see through - used darling, there’s Mary. .
especially about water: the murky waters of the lake 2[C] someone who is very nice: You really are a darling,
Barney.
pitch-dark/pitch-black completely dark, so that
nothing can be seen: It was pitch-dark inside the shed. 3 the darling of sth the most popular person or thing in a
shady a shady place is cooler and darker than the particular group or area of activity: She’s the darling of the
fashion world.
area around it, because the light of the sun cannot
reach it: It was nice and shady under the trees. | They darling? adj [only before noun] 1 used of someone you
found a shady spot for a picnic. love very much: my two darling daughters 2 spoken used
when you think someone or something is attractive: ~
dark? n 1the dark when there is no light, especially What a darling little house! ;
(i (2 GS = the most frequent words in written English

darn" /da:n $ da:rn/ (also darn it/him/them etc) inter- 7 cut a dash old-fashioned to look very impressive and
jection AmE informal used to show that you are annoyed attractive in particular clothes: With her new image, she'll
or disappointed [SYN|damn: Darn! | forgot my keys! | Darn certainly cut a dash on her holiday cruise.
it! Ill have to do it all myself!
dash-board /‘de{bo:d $ -bo:rd/ n [C] the part of a car
darn? (also darned) adj spoken informal 1used to in front of the driver, which has controls on it + see
emphasize how bad, stupid, unfair etc someone or some- picture at CAR
thing is [S¥N|damn: The darn fool got lost on the way.
2 a darn sight better/harder etc a lot better, harder etc dash-i /‘defi/ n [U] a clear liquid made with SEAWEED,
{S¥N|damn: He’d earn a darn sight more money there. dried TUNA, or MUSHROOMS which is used in Japanese
—darn, darned adv: It was a darned good movie. cooking, for example to make soup
darn® v [T] to repair a hole in a piece of clothing by dash-ing /'de{tn/ adj a man who is dashing wears nice
stitching wool over it: Her cardigan had been darned at the clothes and is very attractive and confident: a dashing
elbows. GEEEULI> REPAIR young doctor —dashingly adv
darn* n [c] a place where a hole in a piece of clothing
has been repaired neatly with wool dast-ard-ly /‘destadli $ -ard-/ adj old-fashioned very
cruel or evil: tales of pirates and their dastardly deeds
darned /daind $ da:rnd/ adj spoken informal 11'l be
darned! used when you are surprised about something: DAT /det/ n [U] (digital audio tape) a system used to
Did they really? I'll be darned! 2 \'ll be darned if ... used to record sound or information in DIGITAL form
emphasize that you will not allow something to happen
3 darned if | know used to emphasize that you do not da-ta GJ (0 EG /‘detta, ‘da:ta/ n
know something 1[plural,U] information or facts: The research involves col-
lecting data from two random samples. | [ton] data on
dart! /da:t $ da:rt/ v 1[I always + adv/prep] to move pesticide use | experimental/historical/statistical etc data
suddenly and quickly in a particular direction: Jill darted detailed research data
forward and pulled him away from the fire. 2 [|,T] literary to
look at someone or something very quickly: Tom darted a GRAMMAR }
terrified glance over his shoulder at his pursuers. After data, you can use a singular verb or, in formal
dart? n1[C] a small pointed object that is thrown or or technical English, a plural verb: The data is
shot as a weapon, or one that is thrown in the game of collected by trained interviewers. | These data are
darts: a poisoned dart 2 darts [U] a game in which darts summarized in Table 5.
are thrown at a round board with numbers’ on it /\ Do not say ‘datas’ or ‘a data’.
3 [singular] a sudden quick movement in a particular
direction: The prisoner made a dart for the door. 4 dart of 2 [U] information in a form that can be stored and used,
guilt/panic/pain etc a very sudden, sharp feeling: It sent a especially on a computer: It’s possible to store a lot more
dart of terror through her. 5 [C] a small fold put into a piece data on a DVD. |data storage/transfer/ retrieval
of clothing to make it fit better ‘data bank n [c] a database
dart-board /da:tbo:d $ ‘da:rtba:rd/ n [C] a round
board used in the game of darts da-ta-base § (Fy /‘dertabeis/ n [C] a large amount of
data stored in a computer system so that you can find
dash" /da{/ v1 [I always + adv/prep] to go or run some- and use it easily: customer details held on a database |
where very quickly: Olive dashed into the room, grabbed her
database system/software/application etc
bag, and ran out again. HURRY, RUN 2 dash sb's
hopes to disappoint someone by telling them that what ‘data mining n [U] the process of using a computer to
they want is not possible: Hopkins’ hopes were dashed examine large amounts of information, for example about
when his appeal was denied. 3 (1) must dash/(I) have to customers, in order to discover things that are not easily
dash BrE spoken used to tell someone that you must leave seen or noticed
quickly: Anyway, | must dash - | said I’d meet Daniel at
eight. 4 [|,T always + adv/prep] written to throw or push data ‘processing n [U] the use of computers to store
something violently against something, especially so that and organize information, especially in business
it breaks: dash sth against/on sth The ship was dashed date’ §] Ml /dett/ n [c]
against the rocks. | [tagainst] Waves were dashing against 1009 a particular day of the month or year, especially
the sea wall. 5 dash it (all)! BrE old-fashioned used to show shown by a number: The date on the letter was 30th August
that you are slightly annoyed or angry about something 1962. | What's today’s date? | [+of] What's the date of the
dash off phr v 1 to leave somewhere very quickly: Harry next meeting? | You should apply at least 8 weeks before
dashed off before she had a chance to thank him. 2 dash sth your date of departure. | [+for] Have you set a date for the
< off to write or draw something very quickly: She dashed wedding yet?
off a quick letter. 2 at a later/future date formal at some time in the future
dash? n later: The details will be agreed at a later date.
1A [singular] a)a small amount of a sub- 3 to date up to now: The cost of the work to date has been
stance that is added to something else: [+of] Add salt, about £150 million. | Her best performance to date was her
pepper anda dash of vinegar. b) a small amount of a quality third place.at the World Junior Championships.
that is added to something else: [+of] Add a dash of 4 (Osa 4a) an occasion when you go out
romance to your life with a trip to Paris. with someone that you like in a romantic way: [+with] I’ve
2GURRWraey ([C usually singular] an occasion when got a date with Andrea tomorrow night. || felt like a teenager
someone runs somewhere very quickly in order to get going out on a first date. > BLIND DATE b) AmE someone
away from something or someone, or in order to reach that you have a date with: sb’s date Can | bring my date to
them: make a dash for sth He made a dash for the door. |The the party?
prisoners made a dash for freedom. | It’s pouring with rain - 5 Rika 4a time arranged to meet
we'll have to make a dash for it. |When the alarm went there someone, especially socially: Let’s make a date to come
was a mad dash for the exit. over and visit.
3 (0G [Cc] a line [ - ] used in writing to separate two 6 Gad a sweet sticky brown fruit with a long hard seed
closely related parts of a sentence, as for example, in the inside —* CLOSING DATE, — expiry date at EXPIRY(2),
sentence ‘Go home = they're waiting for you.’ —» OUT-OF-DATE, SELL-BY DATE, UP-TO-DATE
46a) [c] a long sound or flash of light used for
COLLOCATIONS
sending messages in MORSE CODE — dot
5 Gy (C] AmE a DASHBOARD | ADJECTIVES/NOUN + date
6fia0%4 [U] old-fashioned style, energy, and courage in the exact/precise date / can’t remember the exact
someone such as a soldier date we moved into this house.
date 428 EX3 = words from the Academic Word List

the agreed date BrE, agreed upon date AmE (=one daub" /do:b $ do:b/ v [7] to put paint or a soft sub-
that people have agreed on) The work was not stance on something without being very careful: soldiers’
finished by the agreed date. faces daubed with black mud
the closing date (=the last day you can officially do daub* n1[Cc] a small amount of a soft or sticky sub-
something) The closing date for applications is April stance: [+of] a daub of paint 2 [U] technical mud or clay
30th. used for making walls — wattle and daub at WATTLE(1)
the due date (=the date by which something is due daugh-ter &] (i /‘do:te $ ‘do:tar/ n [C] someone's
to happen) Payment must be made by the due date. female child — filial: She’s got two daughters and one son. |
the delivery date (=a date on which goods will be
our eldest daughter | [+of] the daughter of an English king
delivered) The delivery date should be around 23rd
August.
‘daughter-in-law n (plural daughters-in-law) [C] your
son's wife
the publication date (=the date when something is
published) We are aiming at a publication date of daugh-ter-ly /do:tali $ 'do:tar-/ adj behaving in a way
mid-November. that a daughter is expected to behave
the departure date (=the date when someone daunt /do:nt $ do:nt/ v [T usually passive] 1 to make
leaves) My departure date was only a few days away. someone feel afraid or less confident about something:
the expiry date Br£, expiration date AmE (=a date He felt utterly daunted by the prospect of moving to another
on a product after which it cannot be used) Check country. | Don't be daunted by. all the technology.
the expiry date on your credit card. 2 nothing daunted. old-fashioned used to say that someone
the sell-by date BrE (=a date on a food product continues or starts to do something in spite of difficulties:
after which it should not be sold) It was steep but, nothing daunted, he started climbing.
daunt-ing /‘do:ntin $ ‘doin-/ adj frightening in a way
that makes you feel less confident: The trip seemed rather
decide on a date (=choose the date when daunting for a young girl. | He's got the daunting task of
something will happen) Have you decided-on a date following in Ferguson's footsteps. | the daunting prospect of
for the wedding yet? asking for a loan GTA > vIFFICULT ’
set/fix a date (=decide the date when something
will happen) They haven't set-a date for the election daunt-less /‘do:ntlas $-'doint-/ adj confident and not
yet. easily frightened: dauntless optimism
daw-dle /do:dl $ 'do:-/ v [I] to take a long time to do
something or walk somewhere: Don’t dawdle - we're late
today's date Don’t forget to put today’s date at thé top already! | [+over] | dawdled over a second cup of coffee.
of the letter. —dawdler n [C]
sb's date of birth (also sb’s birth date) (=the day dawn’ /doin $ doin/ n [C,U] 1 the time at the beginning
and year when someone was born) What's your date of the day when light first appears daybreak — dusk:
of birth? at dawn The boats set off at dawn. |When dawn broke (=the
the date of publication/issue/departure etc formal first light of the day appeared), we were still SO miles from
The insurance will only cover costs incurred on or after Calcutta. | | was up at the crack of dawn (=very early in the
the date of departure. morning) to get the plane. | We worked from dawn to dusk
(=through the whole day while it is light). |the cold light of
date? & TA v dawn 2 the dawn of civilization/time etc the time when
1 {ELE [T] to write or print the date on something: something began or first appeared: People have been fall-
a newspaper dated November 23, 1963 |Make sure you sign
ing in love since the dawn of time. BEGEATIE> BEGINNING
and date it at the bottom.
3 a false dawn something that seems positive or hopeful
2 GARDE [7] to find out when something old was made but really is not: There was talk of share prices recovering,
or formed: The rocks are dated by examining. the fossils but that was just a false dawn.
found in the same layer. |radiocarbon dating
3 ODS [1] if clothing, art etc dates, it begins to dawn? v [1] 1 if day or morning dawns, it begins: The
look old-fashioned: His designs are so classic, they've hardly morning dawned fresh and clear after the storm. 2 if a period
dated at all. + DATED of time or situation dawns, it begins: The age of Darwin
4 [IT] AmE to have a romantic relationship had dawned. 3 if a feeling or idea dawns, you have it for
with someone [SYN]go out with: /s he still dating Sarah? | the first time: It began to dawn that something was wrong.
Are Chris and Liz dating? dawn on sb phr v if a fact dawns on you, you realize it for
5 [T] if something that you say, do, or the first time: The ghastly truth dawned on me. |It dawned
wear dates you, it shows that you are fairly old: Yes, | on me that Jo had been right all along.
remember the moon landings - that dates me, doesn’t it? dawn ‘chorus n the dawn chorus the sound of many
date from sth (also date back to sth) phr v to have existed birds singing at dawn
since a particular time in the past: The church dates from dawn ‘raid n [Cc] an attack or operation by soldiers or
the 13th century. police that happens very early in the morning
date-book /‘dertbuk/ n [C] AmE a small book in which day &] Oi /der/ n
you write things you must do, addresses, telephone num- 12ETTTY [C] a period of 24 hours: We spent three days
bers etc [SYN] diary : in Paris. | ‘What day is it today?’ ‘Friday.’ | He left two days
dat-ed /‘dettid/ adj old-fashioned — out-of-date: That ago. |I'll call you in a couple of days. |ona... day We'll have
dress looks a bit dated now. OLD-FASHIONED to hold the party on-a different day. | (on) that/the
following/the previous day (=during a particular day)
date-line /‘dettlain/ n [singular] the INTERNATIONAL DATE What really happened on that day so long ago? | Over
LINE
10,000 soldiers died on that one day in January. | The
‘date rape n [C,U] a rape that is committed by someone following day, a letter arrived. | | saw Jane the day before
the woman has met in a social situation yesterday. | We're leaving for New York the day after
‘date stamip n [Cc] a) an object used for printing the tomorrow. | | got an email from Sue the other day (=a few
date on documents b) the mark that it makes days ago). |Women generally use up about 2,000 calories a
day (=each day).
‘dating agency (also ‘dating service) n [C] a business 2 (eae [C,U] the period of time between when it
that helps people to meet other people in order to have a
gets light in the morning and when it gets dark [OPP] night:
romantic relationship
She only leaves her house during the day. | It was a cold
da-tive /‘dettrv/ n [C usually singular] a particular form of blustery day. | Kept in that dark cell, | could no longer tell
a noun in some languages such as Latin and German, whether it was day or night. |ona... day She first met Steve :
which shows that tke noun is the INDIRECT OBJECT of a verb on a cold but sunny day in March. | by day (=during the
EG = words from the Academic Word List 429 daydream
day) Owls usually sleep by day and hunt by night. | The day particular day: A visit to the caves makes a fascinating and
dawned (=started) bright and clear. exciting day out for all the family.
3 [C usually singular] the time during 18 have an off day to be less successful or happy than
the day when you are awake and active: His day begins at usual, for no particular reason: Even the greatest athletes
six. | Jackie starts the day with a few gentle exercises. | have their off days.
Sometimes | feel | just can’t face another day. | It’s been a 19 make sb's day to make someone very happy: Hearing
long day (=used when you have been awake and busy for her voice on the phone really made my day.
a long time). |all day (long) (=during the whole time you 20 soup/dish/fish etc of the day a soup, meal etc that a
are awake) I’ve been studying all day. I’m beat! A\ Do not restaurant serves on a particular day in addition to the
say ‘all the day’. Say all day. meals they always offer
4a [C] the time you spend doing your job 21be all in a day's work if something difficult, unpleasant,
during a 24-hour period: | work a ten-hour day. | Rail or unusual is all in a day's work for someone, it is a
workers are campaigning for a shorter working day. | I’ve got normal part of their job
a day off (=a day when | do not have to go to work) 22 take each day as it comes (also take it one day at a time)
tomorrow. to deal with something as it happens and not worry about
5 G5q [C] used to talk about a time in the past: | knew the future: Since | had the accident, I’ve learned to take each
him pretty well from his days as a DJ in the Bounty Club day as it comes.
(=from when he was a DJ). | | always used to do the 23 the day of reckoning a time when you have to deal with
cooking in the early days of our marriage. | Not much was the bad results of something you did in the past
known about the dangers of smoking in those days (=then). SPOKEN PHRASES
They were very much opposed to the government of the day 24 it's (just) one of those days used to say that everything
(=that existed then). | One day (=on a day in the past), a seems to be going wrong
mysterious stranger called at the house. | From day one 25 it's not sb’s day used when several unpleasant things
(=from the beginning), | knew | wouldn't get on with him. have happened to someone in one day: It wasn’t Chris's
In my day (=in the past, when | was young), kids used to day - he overslept and then his car broke down.
have some respect for their elders. | in sb’s student/army/ 26 make a day of it BrE to spend all day doing something
childhood etc days (=in the past when someone was a for pleasure: If the weather's nice, we'll make a day of it and
student etc) | used to run six miles a day in my army days. take a picnic.
those were the days spoken (=used to talk about a time in 27 make my day used when warning someone that if they
the past you think was better than now) We used to stay try to do something, you will enjoy stopping, defeating, or
in bed all morning and party all night. Those were the days! punishing them etc. This phrase was made popular by
6{l [C] used to talk about the situation that exists Clint Eastwood in the film ‘Dirty Harry’.
now: | don’t do much exercise these days (=now). | It’s 28 that'll be the day used to say that you think something
incredible that such attitudes still exist in this day and age is very unlikely to happen: ‘Bill says he’s going to start going
(=used to express disapproval that something still exists to the gym.’ ‘That'll be the day!’
now). | To this day (=until and including now), he denies 291/we don't have all day used to say that you want
any involvement in the crime. |up to/until/to the present day someone to do something faster because you do not
(=until and including now) This tradition has continued have enough time to wait for them to finish: Hurry up! |
right up until the present day. haven't got all day!
7 Guu [Cc] used to talk about a time in the future: one ‘30 it's not every day (that) used to say that something
day/some day (=some time in the future) I’d like to go and does not happen often and is therefore very special: Let’s
visit the States one day. |Some day we might get him to see go out and celebrate. After all, it’s not every day you get a
sense. | One of these days (=some time soon) I’m going to new job.
walk right out of here and never come back. | Kelly's expect- 31 back in the day a long time ago, when you were much
ing the baby any day now (=very soon). | The day will come younger
(=the time will come) when he won't be able to care for 32 be on days to work during the day at a job you some-
himself any more. times have to do at night: I’m on days this week.
8 sb's/sth’'s day a successful period of time in someone's 33 40/50/60 etc if he's/she’s a day used to emphasize
life or in something's existence: My uncle was a famous that someone is at least as old as you are saying: She’s
radio personality in his day (=at the time he was most ninety if she’s a day.
successful). | Don’t be too disappointed you didn't win -
your day will come (=you will be successful in the future). | —+ at the end of the day at END'(12), — call it a day at
Game shows like-that have had their day (=were successful CALL"(10), —> carry the day at CARRY'(22), —> the early days at
in the past, but are not any more). EARLY'(1), — every dog (has) its day at DoG'(11), > the good
9 Independence/election/Christmas etc day a day on which old days at OLD(8), > HALF DAY, — have a field day at FIELD
a particular event or celebration takes place: Rioting broke DAY(1), — it’s early days at EARLY'(3), — it's (a little) late in
_out just three days before polling day. the day at LATE'(8), — it's sb’s lucky day at LUCKY(5), — (live
‘10 five/three/nine etc years to the day exactly five years to) see the day at SEE'(23), > name the day at NAME%<6),
etc: It’s two years to the day since he died. —+ OPEN DAY, — save the day at SAVE'(12), > SPEECH DAY,
1sb's days someone’ life: She ended her days in poverty. SPORTS DAY
12 sb's/sth’s days are numbered used to say that someone ‘day boy n [Cc] BrE a boy Day purit
or something will not exist for much longer: It seems that day-break /‘derbretk/ n [U] the time of day when light
the hospital's days are numbered. first appears [SYN] dawn: We arrived in Cairo at daybreak.
13 day after day (also day in day out) continuously for a ‘day camp n [Cc] Ame a place where children can go in
long time in a way that is annoying or boring: | couldn't the day during the school holidays to do sports, art etc
stand sitting at a desk day after day.
14 from day to day (also from one day to the next) if a ‘day care, day-care /‘derkea $ -ker/ n [U] when babies or
situation changes from day to day or from one day to the young children, or sick or old people are looked after
during the day, especially while their family members are
next, it changes often: | never know from day to day. what
at work: day care centre/services/facilities subsidized day
I'm going to be doing. |His moods swung wildly from one day
care facilities | [+for] Local authorities may provide day care
to the next. + DAY-TO-DAY, — live from day to day at LIVE"(5)
for under fives. |a day care centre for the elderly
15 day by day slowly and gradually: Her health was improv-
ing day by day. ‘day ,centre n [Cc] Br£ a place where sick or old people
16night and day (also day and night) all the time or people who have a particular problem can go during
[SYN] continuously: Being together night and day can put a the day to be looked after, to meet other people, or to get
great pressure on any relationship. help: [+for] a local day centre for homeless people
17 day out especially BrE a trip you make for pleasure on a day-dream! /‘derdrizm/ v [1] to think about something
 dayeee 430 Si] & & = the most frequent words in spoken English

pleasant, especially when this makes you forget what you grandparents took me on a day trip to Blackpool. —day
should be doing — dream: [+about] What are you day- tripper n [C]
dreaming about? There's work to be done. GIESIE> daze /de1z/ n ina daze feeling confused and not able to
IMAGINE —daydreamer n [C] think clearly: She wandered round in a daze, not quite sure
daydream? n [Cc] pleasant thoughts you have while what to do.
you are awake that make you forget what you are doing
— dream
dazed /detzd/ adj unable to think clearly, especially
because of a shock, accident etc: Dazed survivors stag-
‘day girl n [C] BrE a girl DAY PUPIL gered from the wreckage. | dazed look/expression etc Her
Day-Glo /derglau $ -glou/ adj trademark having a very face was very pale and she wore a dazed expression.
bright orange, green, yellow, or pink colour: Day-Glo ECE sHockeD
orange posters
daz-zle /‘dezal/ v [T] 1 if a very bright light dazzles you,
‘day job n [c] your normal job which you earn most of it stops you from seeing properly for a short time: a deer
your money from doing, especially as opposed to another
dazzled by the headlights 2 to make someone feel strong
interest: I’d love to be a professional writer, but I'm not giving
admiration: As children, we were dazzled by my uncle's good
up my day job just yet.
looks and charm. —dazzle n [U]
day-light /‘detlatt/ n 1[U] the light produced by the
sun during the day: in daylight They're shy animals and daz-zling /‘dezalin/ adj1a light that is dazzling is very
don't often come out in daylight. | The park is open to the bright and makes you unable to see properly for a short
public during daylight hours. |If possible, it’s better to work in time EEESNTTS> sricHt 2 very impressive and attrac-
natural daylight. —+ in broad daylight at BROAD‘(7) tive: a dazzling display of football skills
2 (put) daylight between yourself and sb informal if you put dB the written abbreviation of decibel or decibels
_ daylight between yourself and someone else, you make DC /di: 'si:/ the abbreviation of direct current + AC
_ the distance or difference between you larger: Now the
team need to put some daylight between themselves and D.C. the abbreviation of District of Columbia in the US
their rivals for the championship. 3 scare/frighten the (liv- D-Day /‘di: det/ 6th June, 1944; in World War Il, the
ing) daylights out of sb:informal to frighten someone a lot: day the Allies landed in France to begin the spread of
It scared the living daylights out of me when the flames shot their forces through Europe, under the command of Gen-
out. 4 beat/knock the (living) daylights out of sb informal to eral Eisenhower. D-Day is sometimes used to describe
hit someone a lot and seriously hurt them 5. daylight the day on which an important operation or planned
robbery BrE informal a situation in which something costs action will begin.
you a lot more than is reasonable: £2.50 for a cup of DDT / qi: di: 'ti:/ n [U] a chemical formerly used to kill
coffee? It’s daylight robbery! insects that harm crops
daylight ‘saving time (also daylight 'savings) n [U] de /di:, di/ prefix 1 shows an opposite: deindustrializa-
the time during the summer when clocks are one hour
tion (=becoming less industrial) 2 shows that something
ahead of standard time — BRITISH SUMMER TIME
is removed: Debone the fish (=remove its bones). | The
‘day nursery n [C] a place where small children can be king was dethroned (=removed from power). 3 shows that
looked after while their parents are at work something is reduced: The government have devalued the
day ‘off n (plural days off) [C] a day when you do not go currency.
to work, school etc because you have a holiday or
because you are sick: On my days off, you'll usually find me deacon /‘di:kan/ n [C] a religious official, in some
out in the back garden. |take/have a day off |’m taking a few
Christian churches, who is just below the rank of a priest
days off before the wedding. dea-con-ess /ditka'nes $ ‘di:kanas/ n [C] a female reli-
day of judgement n the day of judgement JUDGMENT
ie G
gious official, in some Christian churches, who is just
AY below the rank of a priest
‘day pupil n [c] BrE a student who goes to a BOARDING de-ac-ti-vate /di:'ektivert/ v [T] to switch something
SCHOOL but who lives at home off, especially a piece of equipment, or to stop it from
day re'lease n [U] Br£ a system that allows workers to being used any more [opp] activate: You need to type in a
spend one day a week studying a subject at a college code number to deactivate the alarm.
day re'turn n [C] BrE a train or bus ticket that lets you dead" §] [i /ded/ adj [no comparative]
go somewhere at a cheaper price than usual, if you go * 1Q@GZTN no longer alive: Her mother had been dead for
there and back on the same day ten years. |Police are trying to contact the family of the dead
‘day room n[C] a room ina hospital where patients can man. | a pile of dead leaves | the dead body of a young
go to read, watch television etc soldier |Two men were shot dead by terrorists. |Magnus was
‘day school n [cu] a school where the students go found dead in his car. | One man is still missing, presumed
home in the evening rather than one where they live dead. | He suddenly had a heart attack and dropped dead. |
—+ BOARDING SCHOOL She was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital. | His
day-time /‘deitarm/ n [U] the time during the day fellow climbers had left him for dead on the mountain. | We
between the time when it gets light and the time when it didn’t know if she was dead or alive. |When they found him
gets dark: in/during the daytime | can’t sleep in the he was more dead than alive. | Her parents were long dead.
daytime. | Can | take your daytime telephone number (=the A\ Do not confuse dead, which is an adjective, with died,
number of the telephone you use during the day)? | which is the past tense and past participle of the verb die:
daytime television The man was already dead (NOT The man was already died).
\day-to-'day adj [usually before noun] 1 day-to-day work/ 2 PST [not before noun] not working because
business/life etc day-to-day jobs or activities are ones there is no power: | picked up the phone but discovered the
that you do every day as a normal part of your life, your line was dead. | Suddenly the radio went dead. | |-think the
batteries are dead.
job etc: The manager is responsible for the day-to-day run-
ning of the hotel. 2 planning for only one day at a time, 3 ATA) «already used: a small pile of dead:
usually because you are unable to plan for longer: | see a matches | dead glass/bottle (=one that someone has fin-
counsellor and can now handle life on a day-to-day basis. ished drinking from in a bar or restaurant)
4 GOR [not before noun] a place that is dead is boring
‘day trading n [U] the activity of using a computer to because there is nothing interesting or exciting happen-
buy and sell sHAREs on the Internet, often buying and ing there: This place is dead after nine o'clock.
selling very quickly to make a profit out of small price 5 TORS) not active or being used: The luxury
changes —day trader n [C]
car market has been dead in recent months.
‘day trip n [C] BrE a visit to an interesting place when 6 STS a part of your body that is dead has no
you go there and come back the same day: [+to] My feeling in it, especially because the blood supply to it has
(1 (2 OS= the most frequent words in written Eilon 431 a deadly
been stopped: When | got up my foot had gone dead where dead-bolt /‘dedbault $ -boult/ n [C] a strong lock often
I'd been sitting on it. used on doors — see picture at Lock?
7 (OEE) [not before noun] showing no emotion or dead ‘duck na dead duck informal a plan, idea etc that is
sympathy: Jennie’s eyes were cold and dead. not worth considering because it is very likely to fail: He
8 GLE) [not before noun] spoken very tired: | can’t go out admitted that the whole project was a dead duck.
tonight. I'm absolutely dead! |She was dead on her feet and dead-en /dedn/ v [T] to make a feeling or sound less
didn’t have the energy to argue (=used when someone
strong: medicine to deaden the pain
keeps going even though they are very tired).
EET TiRED dead ‘end n [Cc] 1a street with no way out at one end
9 be dead to the world to be very deeply asleep or uncon- 2 a situation where no more progress is possible: come
scious: Better leave Craig - he’s dead to the world. to/reach a dead end The negotiations have reached a dead
10 (SES [only before noun] completely or end. 3 dead-end job a job with low wages and no chance
exactly - used to emphasize what you are saying: We all of progress
sat waiting in dead silence (=complete silence). | The train dead-head /dedhed/ v [T] to remove the dead or
came to a dead stop (=it stopped completely). | The arrow dying flowers from a plant
hit the dead centre of the target (=the exact centre). | I’ve dead ‘heat n [c] a situation during or at the end of a
given the whole thing up as a dead loss (=completely race or competition in which two or more competitors
useless or a complete failure). | John tells me it’s a dead have the same number of points etc, have reached the
cert, we can’t lose (=something which will certainly hap- same level, or have taken the same time to complete a
pen, win, succeed etc). | He fell to the floor in a dead faint particular distance
(=completely unconscious). dead ‘letter n [Cc] 1 law, idea etc that still exists but
Tl over my dead body spoken used to say that you are
that people no longer obey 2 a letter that cannot be
determined not to allow something to happen: You'll
delivered or returned
marry him over my dead body!
12 | wouldn't be seen/caught dead spoken used to say that dead-line /dedlain/ n [C] a date or time by which you
you would never wear particular clothes, go to particular have to do or complete something: [+for] He missed the
places, or do particular things, because you would feel deadline for applications. | [+of] It has to be in before the
embarrassed: [+in/on/with etc] | wouldn't be seen dead in deadline of July 1st. | I'm always working under pressure to
a dress like that! meet deadlines (=finish something on time). |set/impose a
13 Dees informal in serious trouble: if ... I'm deadline They've set a deadline of 12 noon. | a tight/strict
dead/you're dead etc If Mum finds out about this, I’mdead. | deadline (=one that must be met but is difficult)
You're in dead trouble now (=in very serious trouble)! |One COLLOCATIONS
word of this to Sam and you're dead meat (=you are in
serious trouble and someone is very angry with you)!
have a deadline /t's easier to work hard ifyou have a
14 be dead and buried an argument, problem, plan etc that
is dead and buried is not worth considering again: The old deadline.
work to a deadline (=have to finish something by a
argument about whether the UK should be a member of the
deadline) We're all under pressure and working to
EU should now be dead.and buried.
15 be dead in the water informal if a plan or idea is dead in deadlines.
the water, it is unlikely to continue successfully meet a deadline (=finish something by a deadline)
Everyone's working extremely hard to meet the
16 drop dead! spoken used to rudely and angrily tell some-
one to go away and leave you alone deadline.
miss a deadline (=fail to finish something by a
17 dead language a dead language, for example Latin or
deadline) There will be penalties if the government
Ancient Greek, is no longer used by ordinary people
misses the deadline to cut air pollution.
— living language at LIVING"()
set a deadline (=decide on a date when something
18 the dead hand of sth something which stops or slows
must be finished) The deadline has been set at
your progress, especially a strong influence: the dead hand
January 31st.
of local government bureaucracy
extend a deadline (=make the date or time later
19 (JWT a dead PLANET has no life on it
than it was before) My editor agreed to extend the
20 (XS when the ball is dead in some games, it is no
longer on the playing area —+ (as) dead as a dodo at deadline by two weeks.
a deadline approaches/looms Things began to get
DODO(3), + dead ringer —deadness n [U]
more frantic as the deadline loomed.
dead? gy adv informal a deadline passes (=the date or time by which you
1completely: dead right/wrong ‘It’s a crazy idea.’ ‘You're must do something goes past) The deadline had
dead right!’ |dead straight/flat The road was dead straight. | already passed for him to raise the money,
dead quiet/calm/still Everything suddenly went dead still. |
| ADJECTIVES/NOUN + deadline_
be dead (set) against sth (=completely disagree with
something) Her family were dead against the marriage. |He a strict deadline (=a time or date when vaiething
was obviously dead drunk. | When he saw her, he stopped must definitely be finished)
dead in his tracks (=suddenly stopped moving com- a tight deadline (=one that is difficult because it
pletely). does not allow much time to do something) As a
2 very: He was dead good-looking. |It sounded dead boring. | journalist, you have to be able to work to tight
dead beat/tired (=very tired) deadlines.
3 [+ adj/adv] directly or exactly: | stared dead ahead at the the Friday/December etc deadline The project went
doorway. | The bus arrived dead on time. on long after the December deadline.
dead? n 1 the dead [plural] people who have died: Fami- deadlock /dedipk $ -la:k/ n [singular, U] 1 a situation in
lies on both sides buried their dead. |the dead and injured/ which a disagreement cannot be settled [SYN] stalemate:
wounded/dying Most of the dead and injured had been The talks have reached a complete deadlock. | a last-ditch
passengers on the bus. 2 the dead of night/winter the mid- effort to break the deadlock |Negotiations ended in deadlock.
dle of the night or the middle of the winter: creeping PROGRESS 2. BrE a DEADBOLT —deadlocked
around in the dead of night 3 rise/come back/return from adj: Talks between management and unions remain dead-
the dead to become alive again after dying: Christ rose locked.
from the dead. dead-ly" /‘dedli/ adj
dead:-beat /‘dedbi:t/ n [C] 1 someone who is lazy and 1fGaeLuas likely to cause death [SYN]lethal: a
has no plans in life 2 someone who avoids paying their deadly poison |:a deadly weapon |deadly disease/virus
debts 2 deadly enemy someone who will always be your enemy
 432 £4 = words from the Academic Word List

and will try to harm you as much as possible: The two better deal for nurses | The prime minister promised farmers
rapidly became deadly enemies. a new deal (=a new and fairer system). | a rough/raw deal
3 Fas complete or total: We sat in deadly silence. | (=unfair treatment) Women tend to get a raw deal from
He was in deadly earnest (=completely serious). employers.
4 (Gowan «scausing harm in a very effective way: 4it's a deal spoken used to say that you agree to do
She hit the target with deadly accuracy. something: OK, it’s a deal.
5 (GEL) [only before noun] like death in appearance: 5 what's the deal? AmE spoken used when you want to
His face had a deadly paleness. — seven deadly sins at siN‘(1) know about a problem or something strange that is
deadly? adv deadly serious/dull/boring etc very serious, happening: So what's the deal? Why is he so mad?
dull etc: I’m deadly serious, this isn’t a game! 6 @TDS [singular] when you give out cards to players ina
deadly ‘nightshade n [C,U] a poisonous European card game — dealer: t's your deal, Alison.
plant |SYN] belladonna 7 (EE) [U] BrE Fir or PINE wood used for making things:
dead-pan /‘dedpen/ adj sounding and looking com- a deal table
pletely serious when you are saying or doing something 8 a deal of sth old-fashioned a large amount of something
funny: deadpan voice/expression etc deadpan humour — BIG DEAL
dead ‘reckoning n [U] calculating the position of a
ship or aircraft without using the sun, moon, or stars
dead ‘ringer n [Cc] someone who looks exactly like _ VERB ree
someone else: [+for] Dave's a dead ringer for Paul McCart- do a deal The two companies have recently done a
ney. major deal.
dead-weight, dead weight /‘dedwert/ n [singular] make a deal informal Why don't we make a deal to
1something that is very heavy and difficult to carry stay out of each other's way? .
~ 2 someone or something that prevents you from making reach/strike a deal (=agree a deal after a lot of
progress or being successful discussions) The US and North Korea reached a deal
dead ‘wood, dead-wood /‘dedwud/ n [U] 1 people or about North Korea's nuclear development program.
things within an organization which are no longer useful sign a deal The singer has signed a $20 million deal
or needed 2 branches of a tree which are no longer alive with an American TV network.
negotiate a deal (=agree a deal by discussing over a
deaf [Hy /det/ adj
1physically unable to hear anything or unable to hear long period) We have negotiated a special deal with
well — hearing impaired: communication between deaf and
one of the world’s leading car hire companies.
hearing people | | think Mum's going a bit deaf. |She's deaf close/conclude a deal formal (=agree a deal
and dumb (=unable to hear or speak) and communicates formally) A deal between the two companies has now
using sign language. | Tom was born profoundly deaf (=hav- been concluded.
ing great difficulty hearing). | stone deaf/deaf as a post clinch a deal (=finally agree on a deal, especially
informal (=completely deaf) —+ HARD OF HEARING, one that is good for you) The salesman was eager to
TONE-DEAF clinch the deal.
2 the deaf [plural] people who are deaf: a school for the deaf cut a deal informal (=agree a deal, especially when it
3 be deaf to sth literary to be unwilling to hear or listen to is difficult or you have to accept some things you
something: She was deaf to his pleas. would rather not accept) In they end, they had to cut
4 turn a deaf ear (to sth) to be unwilling to listen to what a deal with the Communinsts.
someone is saying or asking: The factory owners turned a have a deal informal (=have made or agreed ona
deaf ear to the demands of the workers. deal) Do we have a deal?
5 fall on deaf ears if advice or a warning falls on deaf ears, get a good deal (=buy something at a good price)
everyone ignores it —deafness n [U] He thought he had got a good deal.
deaf-en /‘defan/ v [T usually passive] 1 if a noise deafens back out of/pull out of a deal (=decide not to make
you, it is so loud that you cannot hear anything else a deal after discussing one) Twenty-five jobs were lost
2 to make someone go deaf after their partner pulled out of the deal.
deaf-en-ing /‘defanin/ adj 1 very loud: a deafening roar a deal goes through/ahead (=it happens as
GEESE Loup 2 deafening silence a complete silence, arranged) It's 99% certain that the deal will go
when it is uncomfortable or you are expecting someone through.
to say something a deal falls through (=does not happen as
arranged) The cost was simply too high, so the deal fell
deaf ‘mute n [c] old-fashioned, not polite someone who through. :
is unable to hear or speak
deal" gf /di:l/ n _ ADJECTIVES/NOUN + deal
1X «[C] an agreement or arrangement, espe- a good deal (=a good price, offer, or arrangement)
cially in business or politics, that helps both sides You can buy two for £10, which sounds like a good deal.
involved: They made a deal to sell the land to a property a business deal He lost a fortune in an unwise \
developer. | [+with] rumors that the company had done a business deal.
deal with Microsoft to market its products | [+between] a pay deal (=one that involves an agreement about
Twelve US soldiers were released after a deal between the how much people will be paid) They are currently
army and the guerillas. negotiating a new pay deal.
2a great/good deal a large quantity of something [S¥Nja a peace deal (=an agreement to end fighting
lot: [+of] /t took a great deal of time and effort. | His work between countries) Hopes of a peace deal are fading.
has been attracting a great deal of attention. |a great/good a financial/political etc deal After weeks of
deal more/less etc (=a lot more, less etc) He knew a good negotiation the prospect of a political deal seemed
deal more than | did. | She’s married to a man a good deal increasingly unlikely, :
older than herself. an arms/weapons deal (=one which involves selling
GRAMMAR ; weapons) A number of recent arms deals have
Use a great/good deal of only with uncountable embarrassed the government. : :
nouns: a great dea] of time/money/work a record deal (=one between a singer or band anda
With nouns in the plural, use a lot of: a Jot of recording company) It’s hard for a band to get a
people/animals/shops record deal. :
a one-year/two-year etc deal (=one that will be
3 (LEE CC usually singular] treatment of a particular fixed for one year, two years etc) The five-year deal is
type that is given or received: a better/fairer etc deal a estimated to be worth $17.2 million.
EX3 = words from the Academic Word List 433 aear

a shady deal (=dishonest or illegal) Some senior someone else so that they do not have to worry
members of the party were involved in shady deals and about it: My secretary takes care of all the paperwork.
bribery. process if a company or organization processes a
letter, form etc, they do the things that are usually
| PHRASES — done as part of their official system, in order to deal
part of the deal / got free accommodation as part of with it: /t will take a minimum of 14 days to process
the deal. your passport application.
the terms of a deal (=the details or conditions in it)
The hotel group refused to release the financial terms of deal-break-er, deal breaker /‘di:lbretka $ -ar/ n [C]
the deal. informal something that makes you decide that you do
a done deal informal (=something that has been not want a product, relationship, job etc, because you
completely agreed) The takeover has been described cannot accept that part of it: The benefits package became
as a done deal. a dealbreaker in the negotiations.
deal-er [ /‘di:la $ -ar/ n [C]
deal? &] Ml v (past tense and past participle dealt /delt/) 1someone who buys and sells a particular product, espe-
1[1,T] (also deal sth <> out) to give playing cards to each cially an expensive one: car/antique/art etc dealer |[+in] a
of the players in a game: Whose turn is it to deal? dealer in modern art
2 [1] informal to buy and sell illegal drugs: Many users end 2 someone who sells illegal drugs
up dealing to support their habit. 3 someone who gives out playing cards in a game
3 deal a blow (to sb/sth) to cause harm to someone or
deal-er-ship /‘di:laftp $ -ar-/ n [C] a business that sells
something - used in news reports: deal a heavy/severe/
a particular company’s product, especially cars
serious etc blow The sanctions have dealt a severe blow to
the local tourism industry. | This will deal a blow to consumer deal-ing /di:lin/ n 1dealings [plural] the business
activities or relationships that someone is involved in: his _
confidence.
deal in phr v financial dealings | [+with] She is ruthless in her dealings
1deal in sth to buy and sell a particular type of product with competitors. | We've had dealings with him in the past.
~» dealer: deal in shares/securities etc investors dealing in 2 [U] the activity of buying, selling, or doing business
stocks and shares | deal in drugs/stolen goods etc He then with people: penalties for drug dealing | plain/honest/fair
began dealing in heroin. | deal in antiques/second-hand dealing (=a particular way of doing business) a reputation
books etc for fair dealing —> insider dealing at INSIDER TRADING,
2 deal in sth to be interested or involved in something: As —> WHEELING AND DEALING
a scientist, | do not deal in speculation. dealt /delt/ the past tense and past participle of DEAL
3 deal sb in to include someone in a game of cards dean /di:n/ n [C] 1 priest of high rank in the Christian
deal sth <> out phr v church who is in charge of several priests or churches
1to give playing cards to each of the players in a game: | 2 someone in a university who is responsible for a par-
began dealing out the cards. ‘ ticular area of work: the admissions dean 3 AmE someone
2 to decide what kind of punishment someone will get with a lot of experience of a particular job or subject
deal with sb/sth phr v [SYN| doyen BrE: [+of] Neier is the dean of American human
1to take the necessary action, especially in order to solve rights activism.
a problem [SYN] handle: a strategy for dealing with disruptive deame-ry /‘di:nari/ n (plural deaneries) [C] the area
pupils |Don’t worry, I'll deal with this. |deal with a problem/ controlled by a dean or the place where a dean lives
issue/matter etc The council has failed to deal with the
‘dean's fist n [Cc] Amé a list of the best students at a
problem of homelessness in the city. | deal effectively/
university
adequately etc with sth They should deal properly and fairly
with any complaint. dear? § /dia $ dir/ interjection Oh dear!/Dear oh dear!
2 if a book, speech etc deals with a particular subject, it is (also Dear me! old-fashioned) used to show that you are
about that subject: These ideas are dealt with more fully in surprised, upset, or annoyed because something bad has
Chapter Four. happened: Oh dear, I’ve broken the lamp. | ‘I think I'm
3to do business with someone or have a business con- getting a cold.’ ‘Dear oh dear!’
nection with someone: Most travel agents do not deal dear? G4 n [c]
directly with these companies. Tused when speaking to someone you love: How did the
4to succeed in controlling your feelings about an emo- interview go, dear?
tional problem so that it does not affect your life 2 spoken used when speaking in a friendly way to some-
[SYN] cope with: How’s he dealing with the whole thing? one, especially someone who is much younger or much
older than you. This use can sometimes sound rather
PATRONIZING: Can | help you, dear? | Come along, my dear,
deal with sth to take the necessary action, especially
take a seat.
in order to solve a problem: We need to deal with
3 BrE spoken someone who is kind and helpful: Be a dear
problems like pollution and climate change. | | spend
most of my day dealing with customer enquiries. and make me a coffee.
4old dear BrE a fairly rude expression meaning an old
handle to deal with a problem or difficult situation
by making particular decisions. Used especially woman
when talking about how well or badly someone does dear? §) 1 adj (comparative dearer, superlative dearest)
this: He handled the situation very well. |Most 1Dear used before someone's name or title to begin a
customers were happy with the way their complaints letter: Dear Sir or Madam, ... | Dear Mrs. Wilson, ... |Dear
had been handled. © : Meg, ...
tackle to start to deal with a problem, especially one 2 BrE expensive cheap: Cars are 59% dearer in Britain
that is complicated: We need to tackle the issue of than in Europe. EXPENSIVE
drugs in schools. | The government is introducing new 3 formal a dear friend or relative is very important to you
measures to tackle online crime. and you love them a lot: Mark became a dear friend. | be
see to/attend to sb/sth to deal with all the practical dear to sb His sister was very dear to him.
details of something that needs to be done or 4hold sth dear to think that something is very important:
organized. Attend to is more formal than see to: My Household economy was something my mother held very
son saw to all the funeral arrangements. | | have some dear.
business to attend to. 5 dear old ... BrE spoken used to describe someone or
take care of sth to do the work or make the something in a way that shows your love or liking of them
- arrangements that are necessary for something to [SYN] good old: Here we are, back in dear old Manchester!
happen. Used especially when you do this for 6 for dear life written if you run, fight, hold on etc for dear
dedtity 434 a) a & = the most ieanemaywords in spoken English

life, you do it as fast or as well as you can because you —» kiss of death at Kiss2(3), — life and death at LIFE(O)
are afraid: She grasped the side of the boat and hung on for death-bed /deObed/ n [C usually singular] the bed on
dear life. which someone dies or is dying: on your deathbed On her
7 the dear departed BrE literary a person you love who has deathbed, Miriam's mother reveals that she never knew her
died father. |deathbed confession/conversion etc (=made when
dear* adv cost sb dear written to cause a lot of trouble you are dying) The disease allowed no time for a deathbed
and suffering for someone: Carolyn’s marriage to Pete cost repentance.
her dear. ‘death blow n [singular] an action or event that makes
dear-est /‘drarist $ ‘dir-/ n spoken used when speaking something fail or end — death knell: His decision to leave
to someone you love the show has delivered a death blow to the series.
dear-ie, deary /‘drari $ ‘dir-/ n old-fashioned informal ‘death camp n [C] a place where large numbers of
used when speaking in a friendly way to someone prisoners are killed or die, usually in a war
dearly /‘drali $ ‘dirli/ adv 1 very much: James loved her ‘death certificate n [c] a legal document, signed by a
dearly. | | would dearly like to know what she said. 2 in a way doctor, that states the time and cause of someone's
that involves a lot of suffering, damage, trouble etc: The death — birth certificate
weakness in their defense has already cost them dearly this ‘death-de fying adj [only before noun] a death-defying
season. | Ordinary people are paying dearly for the mistakes action is very dangerous: death-defying film stunts
of this administration. 3 dearly beloved spoken used by a ‘death duties n [plural] BrE old-fashioned INHERITANCE
priest or minister at the beginning of a Christian service TAX
dearth /d3:0 $ d3:r®/ n [singular] a situation in which ‘death knell n [singular] a sign that something will soon
there are very few of something that people want or fail or stop existing — death blow: (sound/strike/toll) the
need: [+of] a dearth of job opportunities death knell for/of sth The loss of Georgia would sound the
dear-y /‘dtari $ ‘diri/ n another spelling of DEARIE death knell of Republican hopes.
death gy fi /de@/ n death-less /‘deQlas/ adj deathless prose/verse/lines etc
1 a) [U] the end of the life of a person or animal: [+of] writing that is very bad or boring - used humorously
The death of his mother came as_a tremendous shock. | death-ly /de@li/ adj, adv reminding you of death or of a
Cancer is the leading cause of death in women. | How dead body: deathly cold/white/pale She was deathly pale,
Danielle met her death (=died) will probably never be and looked as if she might faint. | a deathly hush/silence
known. | His friend was close to death. | His family are still (=complete silence) A deathly hush fell over the room.
mourning John’s tragic death. | the anniversary of Lenin’s ‘death mask n [Cc] a model of a dead person's face,
death |bleed/burn/starve etc to death a homeless man who made by covering their face with a soft substance and
froze to death | beat/stab/shoot etc sb to death The letting it become hard
76-year-old pensioner was beaten to death. |put/sentence/ ‘death penalty n [singular] the legal punishment of
condemn sb to death (=kill someone or decide they should death — capital punishment: Three Britons are facing the
be killed as an official punishment) Legend has it that death penalty for spying.
Sarah was put to death for practising witchcraft. |Members ‘death rate n [c] 1 the number of deaths for every 100
of the family have received death threats. | He remained or every 1,000 people in a particular year and in a
president until his untimely death (=death at a surprisingly particular place — birth rate 2 the number of deaths each
young age). | Two of the passengers managed to escape year from a particular disease or in a particular group:
death (=avoid being killed). b) [C] a particular case when childhood death rates
someone dies [OPP] birth: a campaign to reduce the number
of traffic deaths | [+from] deaths from cancer | | heard ‘death rattle n (c] a noise that sometimes comes from
there'd been a death in the family. the throat or chest of someone who is dying
2 the death of sth the permanent end of something death row /de0 ‘rau $ -'rov/ n [U] the part of a prison
[OPP] birth: The latest bombing is the death of all our hopes. | where prisoners who will be punished by being killed are
These regulations could spell the death (=lead to the end) of kept: on death row a murderer on death row
the American car industry. ‘death sentence n [Cc] 1 the official punishment of
3 to death informal a) used to emphasize that a feeling or death, ordered by a judge: He received a death sentence. |
emotion is very strong: be bored/scared/frightened etc to Premeditated murder carries (=is punished by) the death
death She was scared to death of what might happen next. | sentence, 2 something such as an illness that makes you
I'm absolutely sick to death of it (=very angry, bored, or sure you will die: Cancer is no longer a death sentence.
unhappy about something). | bore/scare/love etc sb to 3 an action or decision that is very harmful to someone
death He drove at a speed which frightened Leonora to or something: In 1987, the government passed a death
death. |She used to worry me to death. b) used to say that sentence on the river by granting permission for the new dam.
an action is continued with a lot of effort and for as long ‘death's head n [c] literary a human skULL, used as a
as possible: They just work you to death in that place. sign of death
4 do sth to death informal to perform or present an idea, ‘death squad n [c] a group of people who have been
joke etc so often that people become tired of it: Most of ordered to kill someone's political opponents
his material has been done to death by numerous comedians.
5 to the death a) until someone is dead: They will fight to
‘death throes n [plural] 1 the final stages before some-
the death rather than give an inch of ground. |soldiers locked thing fails or ends: The peace pact seems to be in its death
in a struggle to the death b) until you achieve something throes. 2 sudden violent movements that people some-
times make when they are dying
even if it means that you suffer: The leadership election has
become a fight to the death. ‘death toll n [c usually singular] the total number of
6 Death a creature that looks like a human SKELETON, used people who die in an accident, war etc: As the unrest
in paintings, stories etc to represent the fact that people continued, the death toll rose. | The official death toll stands
die at 53.
7 be at death's door to be very ill and likely to die ‘death trap n [Cc] informal a vehicle, building, piece of
8 look/feel like death warmed up Br, look/feel like death equipment etc that is in very bad condition and might
warmed over AmE informal to look or feel very ill or tired injure or kill someone: A car with tires in this condition is
9 you'll catch your death (of cold) spoken old-fashioned used simply a death trap.
to warn someone that they are likely to become ill ‘death warrant n [Cc] 1n official document stating
because they are wet or cold that someone is to be killed as a punishment 2 some- _
10 sb will be the death of me spoken old-fashioned used to thing that is likely to cause you very serious trouble, or
say that someone is causing you a lot of worry and even your death: By indulging in casual sex, many teenagers _
problems: That boy will be the death of me! + BLACK DEATH, could be signing their own death warrants. ;
(i @2 GS = the most frequent words in written English 435 _ debt
‘death wish n [singular] a desire to die: Before | did the de-bil-i-tate /dr'bulstert/ v [T] formal 1 to make some-
jump, people would ask if|had a death wish. one ill and weak: He was debilitated by his illness.
deb /deb/ n [C] informal a DEBUTANTE 2 to make an organization or system less effective or
powerful: The state is debilitated by inefficiency and corrup-
de-ba-cle, débacle /derba:kal, di-/ n [C] an event or tion. debilitating adj: a debilitating disease
situation that is a complete failure: the debacle of the 1994
elections
de-bil-i-ty /dr'brsti/ n (plural debilities) [C,U] formal
weakness, especially as the result of illness —> disability:
de-bar /dr'ba: $ -ba:r/ v (debarred, debarring) [T usually physical and mental debility
passive] formal to officially prevent someone from doing
deb-it" /deb:t/ n [C] 1 technical a decrease in the
something [SYN] ban: debar sb from (doing) sth All five men
amount of money in a bank account, for example because
were debarred from entering France for three years.
you have taken money out of it [OPP] credit — direct debit
de-bark /dr'batk $ -'ba:rk/ v [1] to pisemBarK (=get off a 2 technical a record in financial accounts that shows
ship): [+from] | remember how glad | felt debarking from a money that has been spent or that is owed [OPP] credit
ship in Bremerhaven after six days on the ocean. 3 on the debit side used to say that something is a disad-
de-base /dr'bets/ v [T] formal to make someone or vantage in a particular situation, especially after you have
something lose its value or people's respect: The medical described the advantages: Bikes are easy to park, but on the
profession has been debased by these revelations. | debase debit side they can be dangerous in traffic.
yourself actors who debased themselves by participating in debit? y [1] technical 1 to take money out of a bank
the show | debase a currency/coinage (=reduce its value) account [OPP] credit: debit sth from sth The sum of £25 has
—debasement n [C,U]: currency debasement been debited from your account. 2 to record in financial
de-bat-a-ble fg /dr'bettabal/ adj things that are debat- accounts the money that has been spent or that is owed:
able are not certain because people have different opin- debit sth against/to sth Purchases are debited against the
ions about them [SYN] arguable: a debatable point | it is client's account. 2
debatable whether/how etc /t’s debatable whether this book ‘debit card n [Cc] a plastic card with your signature on
is as good as her last. | Whether the object was used for that you can use to pay for things. The money is taken
rituals is highly debatable. directly from your bank account —> CASH CARD, CHEQUE
de-bate' & 1 LG /drbert/ n CARD, CREDIT CARD
1[C,U] discussion of a particular subject that often con- ‘debit note (also ‘debit receipt AmE) n [C] a written
tinues for a long time and in which people express differ- record showing that a customer owes money to a com-
ent opinions: the gun-control debate in the US | The new pany
drug has become the subject of heated debate within the deb-o-nair /deba'nea< $ -'ner</ adj old-fashioned a man
medical profession. | [+over/about] There has been wide- who is debonair is fashionable and confident
spread public debate over the introduction of genetically de-brief /di:'brisf/ v [T] to ask someone questions
modified food. |There was much lively debate about whether about a job they have just done or an experience they
women should spend more time in the home. | A fierce have just had, in order to gather information — brief: The
debate raged over which artist’s work should be chosen for returning bomber crews were debriefed. —debriefing n [U]:
the prize. |[+between] the ongoing debate between environ- a debriefing session
mentalists and the road-building lobby over the future of our
deb-ris /debri:, 'der- $ da'bri:, der-/ n [U] 1 the pieces of
countryside |Nuclear power has always been a topic that has something that are left after it has been destroyed in an
sparked off considerable debate.
accident, explosion etc: She was hit by flying debris from
2[C,U] a formal discussion of a particular problem, sub- the blast. 2 technical pieces of waste material, paper etc:
ject etc in which people express different opinions, and
plant/garden/industrial etc debris Clean the ventilation
sometimes vote on them: [+on/over/about] a debate on
ducts to remove dust and insect debris.
legalized gambling |a televised debate | have/hold/conduct
a debate /t would have been better to hold the debate during debt &] (1 /det/ n
the day. | be under debate What topics are under debate in 1[C] a sum of money that a person or organization owes:
Congress this week? [+of] She had debts of over £100,000. | He had enough
3 be open to debate (also be a matter for debate) if an idea money to pay off his outstanding debts. |students who run up
is open to debate, no one has proved yet whether it is huge debts
true or false [SYN] debatable: Whether that would have 2[U] when you owe money to someone [OPP] credit: in
made any difference is open to debate. debt (to sb) Nearly half the students said they were in debt. |
The band will be in debt to the record company for years. |
debate? fq v [1,1] 1 to discuss a subject formally when £200/$1,000 etc in debt A rash business decision left him
you are trying to make a decision or find a solution: The $600 in debt. | get/run/fall etc into debt The club sank
issue will be debated on Tuesday. | debate whether/what/ deeper into debt. | be heavily/deeply in debt (=owe a lot of
how etc Meanwhile, philosophers debate whether it’s right to
money)
‘clone an individual. | debate (sth) with sb an invitation to 3 [C usually singular] the degree to which you have learned
debate with William on the future of democracy |His conclu- from or been influenced by someone or something else:
sions are hotly debated (=argued about strongly). [+to] Braque acknowledged his debt to Impressionist paint-
TALK 2 to consider something carefully ing.
before making a decision: debate with yourself | debated 4 debt of gratitude/thanks the fact of being grateful to
with myself whether | should tell anyone. | debate who/
someone who has helped you: | owe a debt of gratitude to
what/how etc /'m still debating what to do. | debate doing
my tutors.
sth For.a moment Mary debated telling Rick the truth.
COLLOCATIONS
de-bat-er /drbeita $ -ar/ n [C] someone who speaks in
a formal debate | VERBS a
de-bauched /ar'bo:t{t $ -'bo:t{t, -'ba:t{t/ adj formal have debts Fortunately, | have no debts.
‘someone who is debauched behaves in a bad or immoral run up debts (a/so amass debts formal) (=borrow
way, for example by drinking too much alcohol, taking more and more money) At that time he was drinking
drugs, or having sex with many people a lot and running up debts.
pay off a debt (=pay the money back) The first thing
de-bauch-e-ry /dr'bs:tfari $ di'bo:-, dr'bar-/ n [U] for- I'm going to do is pay off my debts.
mal immoral behaviour involving drugs, alcohol, sex etc: a repay/settle a debt formal (=pay the money back)
life of debauchery He was hoping he would soon have enough money to
de-ben-ture /dr'bentja $ -ar/ n [C] technical an official settle his debts.
document produced by a company showing how much clear your debts (=repay all of them) /t took him
INTEREST it will pay on a LOAN three years to clear his bank debts.
 debt collector 436 EX = words from the Academic Word List

service a debt (=pay the interest on a debt, but not de-caf-fein-a-ted /dirkefinertid/ adj coffee or tea that
pay it back) By then, she was borrowing more money is decaffeinated does not contain CAFFEINE (=the sub-
just to service her debts. stance that keeps you awake)
write off/cancel a debt (=say officially that it does de-cal /‘dizkel, 'de- $ dir kel, 'dekal/ n [C] AmE a piece of
not have to be paid) The bank finally agreed to write paper with a pattern or picture on it that you stick on a
off the debt. surface transfer BrE
be burdened with/saddled with debts (=have big
de-camp /d1'kemp/ v [1] formal to leave a place quickly:
debts) Many poor countries are saddled with huge
[+to/from] The wealthier inhabitants decamped to the sub-
debts.
urbs.
reduce a debt
de-cant /dikent/ v [T] to pour liquid, especially wine,
A ES/NOUN + debt from one container into another: decant sth into sth Never
big/large The debts got bigger and bigger. decant cleaning products into old pop bottles.
huge (=very big) Young people often leave university de-cant-er /drkenta $ -er/ n [C] a container used for
with huge debts. serving alcoholic drinks: a crystal decanter + see picture
unpaid/outstanding (=not yet paid) The average at JUG
outstanding debt on credit cards in Britain is now over
£3,000. de-cap-i-tate /drkepitert/ v [T] to cut off someone's
heavy debts (=big debts) The company wanted to
head —+ behead: a decapitated: body —decapitation
/drikep3'terfan/ n [C,U]
reduce its heavy debts.
a bad debt (=one that is unlikely to be paid back) de-cath-lon /dr'ke@lon, -lan $ -lain, -lan/ n [singular] a
Companies lose millions of pounds each year from sports competition with 10 different events — pentathlon,
having to write off bad debts. triathlon
_ | a bank debt (=one that you owe to a bank) |the de-cay' /drker/ v 1[1,7] to be slowly destroyed by a
national debt (=the total amount that is owed by natural chemical process, or to make something do this:
{thegovernment of a country) Her body was already starting to decay. |Most archaeologi-
24
cal finds are broken, damaged, or decayed. |decaying organic
‘debt col lector n [c] someone whose job is to get matter
back the money that people owe
debt-or /‘deta $ -ar/ n [C] technical a person, group, or REGISTER
organization that owes money [OPP] creditor In everyday English, people usually say rot rather
‘debt relief n [U] an arrangement in which very poor than decay when talking about food: There was a
countries do not have to pay back all the money that has smell of rotting vegetables.
been lent to them by richer countries 2 [1] if buildings, structures, or areas decay, their condi-
‘debt- ridden adj [usually before noun] debt-ridden coun- tion gradually becomes worse: Hundreds of historic build-
tries or organizations owe so much money that they ings are being allowed to decay. | Britain's decaying inner
cannot pay the money back cities 3 [I] if traditional beliefs, standards etc decay,
de-bug /di:'bag/ v (debugged, debugging) [T] people do not believe in them or support them any more
1 to remove the BUGs (=mistakes) from a computer pro- [SYN] decline: /n Orthodox Europe, mass religion seems to
gram — disinfect 2 to remove secret listening equipment have decayed less.
from a place —debugging n [U] decay? n [U] 1 the natural chemical change that causes
de-bunk /di:'bank/ v [T] to show that an idea or belief the slow destruction of something: old cars in various
is false: His claims were later debunked by fellow academics. stages of decay | tooth decay 2 the gradual destruction of
—debunker n [C] buildings, structures etc because they have not been
de-but" /derbju:, 'deb- $ der'bju:, di-/ n [C] the first cared for: poverty and urban decay | fall into (a state of)
public appearance of an entertainer, sports player etc or decay During the war, the area fell into decay. 3 the gradual
of something new and important: sb's debut He made his destruction of ideas, beliefs, social or political systems
Major League debut as shortstop. | film/acting/directorial etc: moral decay
etc debut His Broadway debut was ‘The Scarlet Pimpernel. | de-cease /dr'sits/ n [U] law death: On your decease, the
debut album/CD/single ete Their debut album was recorded house passes to your wife.
in 1991. | debut match/performance etc He scored in his
debut match for the club. de-ceased /dr'si:st/ n law the deceased someone who
has died, especially recently: The deceased left a large sum
debut? y 1 [1] to appear in public or become available of money to his children.
for the first time: The show will debut next Monday at 8.00
pm, 2 [T] to introduce a product to the public for the first de-ceit /dr'si:t/ n [C,U] behaviour that is intended to
time — release [SYN|launch: Ralph Lauren debuted his make someone believe something that is not true: an
autumn collection in Paris last week. atmosphere of hypocrisy and deceit | deliberate/calculated/
outright deceit
deb-w-tante /‘debjuta:nt/ (also deb informal) n [C] a
young rich UPPER-CLASS woman who starts going to fash- de-ceit-full /dr'si:tfal/ adj someone who is deceitful tells
ionable events as a way of being introduced to upper- lies in order to get what they want: His manner was sly and
class society deceitful. —deceitfully adv: His lawyer argued that his client
Dec. (also Dec Br£) the written abbreviation of December had not acted deceitfully. —deceitfulness n [U]
deca= /deka/ prefix [in nouns] ten: a decalitre (=10 deceive /dr'siv/ v [T] 1to make someone believe
litres) | the decathlon (=a sports competition with 10 something that is not true —+ deception: He had been
different events) — DECI- deceived by a young man claiming to be the son of a
dec-ade [1 LG /‘dekerd, de'kerd/ n [C] a period of 10 millionaire. |deceive sb into doing sth He tried to deceive the
years public into thinking the war could still be won. | deceive sb
about sth / wouldn't deceive you about anything as important
dec-a-dence /‘dekadans/ n [U] behaviour that shows as this.
that someone has low moral standards and is more
concerned with pleasure than serious matters REGISTER
dec-a-dent /‘dekadant/ adj having low moral standards In everyday English, people usually say trick rather
and being more concerned with pleasure than serious than deceive: She thought they were trying to trick her.
matters: Pop music was condemned as decadent and crude. 2 deceive yourself to refuse to believe that something is
—decadently adv
true because the truth is unpleasant: | thought she loved
de-caf, decaff /‘di:kef/ n [U] informal. decaffeinated me, but | was deceiving myself. | deceive yourself that He _
coffee didn't deceive himself that he and Ruth could remain friends. —
E@ = words from the Academic Word List 437 decimalization
3 to give someone a wrong belief or opinion about some- (=make your own decision) You must decide for yourself. |
thing: Don’t be deceived by the new cover - this is a rehash of The trainees decide among themselves what programs to
old hits. —deceiver n [C] take. | decide against/in favour of (doing) sth He eventually
de-cel-e-rate /dir'selarert/ v [1] formal to go slower, decided against telling her. | After a long discussion, they
especially in a vehicle [SYN|slow down [opP| accelerate decided in favour of (=chose) the older applicant.
—deceleration / di:sela'retjan/ n [U]: a deceleration in eco- 2 [T] to influence a situation or event so that a particular
nomic growth result is produced: /t was the penalty kick that decided the
De-cem:ber /dt'semba $ -ar/ n [C,U] (written abbrevia- match.
tion Dec.) the 12th month of the year, between November 3[T] to be the reason for someone making a particular
and January: next/last December Last December they vis- choice: Taxes could be the deciding factor for millions of
ited Prague. |in December We got married in December. |on floating voters. | decide sb to do sth The look he gave her
December 6th Jake’s birthday is on December 6th. | on 6th decided her not to ask.
December BrE: The event was to take place on 6th A4[I,7] law to make an official or legal judgment: The
December, | December 6 AmE: Her letter arrived December Commission will have the power to decide disputes. | decide
6. in favour of/against sb /f the Parole Board decides in his
favour, the prisoner will be released.
de-cen-cy /‘disansi/ n 1 [U] polite, honest, and moral
behaviour and attitudes that show respect for other THESAURUS
people: a judgment reflecting the decency and good sense of decide to make a choice to do something: We
the American people | common/human/public decency decided to send our son to a boarding school. | | decided
(=standards of behaviour that are expected of everyone) to go home early.
The film was banned on the grounds of public decency. | Is make up your mind to decide something, especially
there no sense of decency left in this country? | If they're after thinking about it for a long time. Make up your
going to charge people a fee, they ought to at least have the mind is less formal than decide and is mainly used
decency to tell them in advance. 2 decencies [plural] old- in spoken English: Have you made up your mind about
fashioned standards of acceptable behaviour where you'll go on holiday?
de-cent §3 /di:sant/ adj choose to do sth to decide to do something -
1 [usually before noun] of a good enough standard or qual- especially when this is different from what people
ity: a decent salary | Don't you have a decent jacket? | a expect or tell you to do: She chose to ignore my
house with a decent-sized yard | Their in-flight magazine is advice. | More young couples are choosing not to marry.
halfway decent (=quite good). SATISFACTORY make a decision to decide after thinking carefully
2 following moral standards that are acceptable to soci- about something, especially about something that is
ety — decency: decent citizens/people/folk etc The majority very important: They made a decision not to have
of residents here are decent citizens. | a decent burial | Paul children.
visited the local bars more frequently than was decent for a resolve formal to decide that you will definitely do
senior lecturer. | The chairman did the decent thing (=did something, especially because you think it will be
what people thought he ought to) and resigned. better for you, or because of your past experiences:
3 [usually before noun] treating people in a fair and kind She resolved to work hard at school.
way: | decided her father was a decent guy after all. | It was determine formal to officially decide what something
decent of you to show up today. shall be: Each hospital can determine its own pay rates.
4wearing enough clothes so that you do not show too come down in favour of sth Br£, come down in favor
much of your body - used humorously: Are you decent? of sth AmE to decide to support a particular plan,
Can | come in? —decently adv argument etc - used especially about groups of
de-cen-tral-ize (also -ise BrE) / di:'sentralatz/ v [1,1] to people: Eight of the ten committee members came
move parts of a government, organization etc from a down in favour of the changes.
central place to several different smaller ones come to/reach a decision to officially decide about
centralize: Many firms are decentralizing their opera- something important after discussing and carefully
tions. —decentralized adj: a decentralized economy considering it - used especially about groups of
—decentralization /di:sentralar'zerfan $ -la-/ n [U] people: After two hours of discussion, the comittee had
de-cep-tion /dr'sepfan/ n [C,U] the act of deliberately still not come to a decision on any of the proposals.
making someone believe something that is not true
decide on/upon sth phr v to choose something or some-
—» deceive: She didn’t have the courage to admit to her
one after thinking carefully: Have you decided on a date for
deception. | He was convicted of obtaining money by decep-
the wedding?
tion.
de-cep-tive /dr'septrv/ adj 1 something that is decep- de-cid-ed /dr'sardid/ adj [only before noun] formal defi-
tive seems to be one thing but is in fact very different: nite and easily noticed: a decided change for the better
‘Some snakes move with deceptive speed (=move faster de-cid-ed-ly /dr'satdidli/ adv 1 [+ adj/adv] definitely or
than you think or expect). | Gwen's students may look in a way that is easily noticed: Cole's style is decidedly more
angelic, but appearances can be deceptive. 2 intended to formal than the previous manager's. 2. BrE written in a way
make someone believe something that is not true: mis- that shows that you are very sure about a decision: ‘I’m
leading and deceptive adverts | deceptive practices not going to do it,’ said Margaret decidedly.
—deceptively adv de-cid-er /dr'satda $ -ar/ n [C usually singular] the last
deci- /dest/ prefix [in nouns] a 10th part of a unit: a part of a game or competition, which will show who the
decilitre (=0.1 litres) —+ DECA- winner is: This next round will be the decider.
dec:i-bel /desibel, -bal/ n [C] (written abbreviation dB) a de-cid-u-ous /dt'stdzuas/ adj deciduous trees lose their
unit for measuring the loudness of sound: noise levels leaves in winter evergreen
exceeding 85 decibels dec-i-mal™ /desimal/ n [C] a FRACTION (=a number less
de-cide 5 Oi /dr'sard/ v than 1) that is shown as a FULL stop followed by the
1[I,T] to make a choice or judgment about something, number of TENTHS, HUNDREDTHS etc. The numbers 0.5,
especially after considering all the possibilities or argu- 0.175, and 0.661 are decimals.
ments —> decision: Has anything been decided yet? |decide
to do sth Tina's decided to go to Rome for her holidays. |
decimal? adj a decimal system is based on the number
10: changing to a decimal system | calculations accurate to
decide (that) It was decided that four hospitals should close. |
decide who/what/whether etc | can't decide whether | like
three decimal places (=one of the numbers after the full
him or not. |People have a right to decide how to spend their stop in a decimal)
own money. | decide between sth A meeting was called to dec:i-mal-ization (also -isation BrE) /,dessmalar'zerfan
decide between the three candidates. | decide for yourself $ desamala-/ n [U] the process of changing to a decimal
 decimal point 438 Si] & & = the most frequent words in spoken English

system of money or measurement —decimalize a snap decision (=one that you make extremely
/‘desimalaiz $ 'desamea-/ v [I,T] quickly) Police officers often have to make snap
decimal ‘pointn [C] the Futt stop in a decimal, used to decisions on how to act.
separate whole numbers from TENTHS, HUNDREDTHS etc a controversial decision (=that people disagree
about) The history of the law is full of controversial
dec-i-mate /‘desimert/ v [T] to destroy a large part of decisions.
something: The population has been decimated by disease. a hasty decision (=one that you make without
—decimation /,des3mezfan/ n [U] enough thought) Don't let yourself be forced into
de-ci-pher /dr'sarfa $ -ar/ v [1] 1 to find the meaning of making hasty decisions.
something that is difficult to read or understand — inde- a joint decision (=one that two people make
cipherable: She studied the envelope, trying to decipher the together) Jo and | made a joint decision that we should
handwriting. 2 to change a message written in a CODE into separate,
Ns
ordinary language so that you can read it [S¥N|decode
—decipherment n [U]
de'cision=,makern [C usually plural] a person ina large
organization who is responsible for making important
de-ci-sion &] (a /di'srzan/ n decisions: the corporation's key decision-makers
1[C] a choice or judgment that you make after a period of de'cision-,making n [U] the process of making
discussion or thought: Do you ever wonder if you made the important decisions: attempts to involve workers in
right decision? |decision to do sth She refused to discuss her decision-making
decision to quit the group. | [tabout/on] We finally came to de-ci-Sive /dr'sarstv/ adj 1 an action, event etc that is
a firm decision on the matter. | [tas to which/whether/who decisive has a big effect on the way that something
etc] Viewers make the final decision as to who should be develops: decisive factor/effect/influence etc Women can
_ eliminated from the competition. | The judges’ decision is play a decisive role in the debate over cloning. | decisive
final (=it will not be changed). action/steps We will take decisive steps towards political
2 U] the quality someone has that makes them able to union with Europe. 2 someone who is decisive is good at
make choices or judgments quickly and confidently making decisions quickly and with confidence
[opp |indecision: the ability to act with speed and decision OpP|indecisive: a decisive leader |a talent for quick decisive
3[U] the act of deciding something: The Court has the action 3 definite and clear in a way that leaves no doubt
ultimate power of decision. [oppjindecisive: decisive victory/result/defeat etc | The
| COLLOCATIONS answer was a decisive no. —decisively adv: Yet again, we
have failed to act decisively. —decisiveness n [U]: military
decisiveness | the speed and decisiveness of his victory
want to think about it a bi longer
before | make a decision.
deck’ /dek/ n [C]
1 GET a) the outside top level of a ship that you can
take a decision Br£ (=make an important or formal
walk or sit on: Let’s go up on deck. |above/below deck Peter
decision) | fully accept the decision taken by the
stayed below deck. b) one of the different levels on a ship:
committee.
main/passenger/car etc deck a staircase leading to the pas-
reach/come to/arrive at a decision (=make a senger deck (EAUE> FLOOR
decision after a lot of thought) We hope they will
2 EXT Sa one of the levels on a bus, plane
reach their decision as soon as possible.
etc: lower/upper etc deck | managed to find a seat on the
regret a decision (=wish you had not made a upper deck. |Eddie returned to the flight deck (=the part of
particular decision) | was already regretting my
an aircraft where the pilot sits). —+ DOUBLE-DECKER(),
decision to go on holiday with him. SINGLE-DECKER
reconsider a decision (=think about changing a
3 areas AmE a wooden floor built out
decision you have made) He said he wasn't prepared
from the back of a house, where you can sit and relax
to reconsider his decision.
outdoors — decking: deck furniture
reverse a decision (=change a decision) They want
4 [ST4y a piece of equipment used for playing music
him to reverse his decision to quit.
tapes, records etc: cassette/tape/record deck
overrule/overturn a decision (=officially change a 5 GDS a set of playing cards [SYN]pack BrE: Irene shuf-
decision by another person or group) A director of
fled the deck. | a deck of cards —» all hands on deck at
the company had overruled that decision.
HAND '(38), > clear the decks at CLEAR?(17), —> hit the deck at
postpone a decision (=not make a decision until HIT"(17)
later) The government has postponed its decision about
when to hold the election. deck? v [1] 1 (also deck sth out) [usually passive] to
decorate something with flowers, flags etc: deck sth (out)
| ADJECTIVES ue with sth The street was decked with flags for the royal
an important decision My father made all the wedding. 2 informal to hit someone so hard that they fall
important decisions, over: Gerry just swung round and decked him.
a big decision (=an important decision) Marriage is deck-chair /‘dektfea $ -tfer/ n [C] BrE a folding chair
a big decision, with a long seat made of cloth, used especially on the
a major decision (=very important) The government beach — see picture at CHAIR"
now has some major decisions to make. deck-hand /‘dekhend/ n [C] someone who works on a
a difficult/hard/tough decision /n the end | took the ship, cleaning and doing small repairs
difficult decision to retire early.
deck-ing /‘dekrn/ n [U] a wooden floor next to a house
a good decision /t was a good decision to change the or in a garden
name of the product.
a bad decision | think he made a bad decision. ‘deck shoe n [C] a flat shoe made of canvas (=heavy
the right decision She chose to study Engineering and
cloth)
it was definitely the right decision. de-claim /drklerm/ v [1,7] written to speak loudly,
the wrong decision | thought I'd made the wrong sometimes with actions, so that people notice you
decision marrying Jeff. —declamation /dekla'metjfan/ n [C,U]
a conscious/deliberate decision (=one that you de-clam-a-to-ry /drklematari $ -to:ri/ adj declamatory
have thought about clearly) Belinda had made a speech or writing expresses feelings and opinions very
conscious decision to have a baby. strongly: a declamatory style
a clear/firm decision (=a definite one) It's now time dec-la-ra-tion /dekla'rerfan/ n [C,U] 1an important
to come to a clear decision on this. official statement about a particular situation or plan, or
a final decision (=one that will not be changed) The the act of making this statement: a ceasefire declaration | _
council will make a final decision in four months. Under Islamic law it was possible to divorce by simple —
 439 deconstruction
declaration. | [+of] the declaration of war 2. an official or have declined by a quarter. |After the war, the city declined in
serious statement of what someone believes: [+of] the importance. BREE > DECREASE
United Nations Declaration of Human Rights |declarations of 2 NOY) [1,7] formal to say no politely when someone
undying love 3. a statement in which you officially give invites you somewhere, offers you something, or wants
information about yourself: a declaration of taxable earn- you to do something: Offered the position of chairman,
ings Smith declined, preferring to keep his current job. | Mary
de-clar-a-tive /drklerativ/ adj a declarative sentence declined a hot drink and went to her room. | decline an
has the form of a statement offer/invitation ete Mary declined Jay's invitation to dinner. |
decline to do sth The court declined to review her case. | The
de-clare fF /drklea $ -'kler/ v minister declined to comment (=refused to speak to people
1 [T] to state officially and publicly that who report the news) about the progress of the peace talks.
a particular situation exists or that something is true: A
state of emergency has been declared. | declare that The ELE reruse
3 [1] to become gradually worse in quality
court declared that Brown’s case should be reviewed. | SyN |deteriorate: Her health has been declining progressively
declare sb/sth (to be) sb/sth Several countries wanted Ant-
for several months. |Qualified staff are leaving and standards
arctica to be declared a ‘world park’. | The city was declared
are declining.
to be in a state of siege. | | declare you man and wife. | Asb's declining years formal the last years of someone's
declare sth illegal/invalid etc The war was declared illegal by
ife
the International Court of Justice. | Mr Steel has been
5 wey a) [I] if a noun, PRONOUN, or adjective
declared bankrupt (=it has been officially stated that he
declines, its form changes according to whether it is the
cannot pay his debts). | We celebrate September 16, the SUBJECT, OBJECT etc of a sentence b) [T] if you decline a
day when Mexico declared independence from Spain (=offi-
noun, PRONOUN, or adjective, you show the various forms
cially stated that it was no longer ruled by Spain). that it can take —declining adj: declining attendance at
EELEULTED
say baseball games
2 GENULEVECUECING (T] to say publicly what you de-clut-ter /di:'klata $ -ar/ v [1,1] to make a place tidy
think or feel: ‘It’s not fair,’ Jane declared. | He declared his
intention to stand for president. | declare that Caro! held a by removing things you do not want or need: | decided it
press conference and declared that she was innocent. | was time to declutter my bedroom.
declare yourself (to be) sth Edward declared himself angry de-code /di:kaud $ -koud/ v [T] 1to discover the
and frustrated. meaning of a message written in a CODE (=a set of secret
3 declare war (on sb/sth) a) to state officially that you are signs or letters) [SyN|decipher 2 if a computer decodes
at war with another country b) informal to say that some- DATA, it receives it and changes it into a form that can be
thing is wrong and that you will do everything you can to used by the computer or understood by a person
stop it: Angry residents have declared war on the owners of [opplencode: The software decodes the information embed-
the factory. ded in the satellite broadcasts. 3 to receive electronic or
4 [T] a) to state on an official gov- DIGITAL signals and change them into a picture and sound
ernment form how much money you have earned, what for a television or radio [opp|encode: decoding boxes for
property you own etc: All tips are counted as part of your your TV set 4 technical to understand the meaning of a
earnings and must be declared. b) to tell a CUSTOMS official word [opP]encode
that you are carrying goods on which you should pay tax de-cod:-er /di:'koude $ -koudar/ n [C] a piece of elec-
when you enter a country tronic equipment that receives a signal and changes it for
5 declare an interest to tell people that you are connected another machine to use, for example to put pictures and
with something that is being discussed: | should, at this sound onto your television
point, declare an interest: | own shares in the company. dé-colle-:tage
/ derkol'ta:z $ derka:le'ta:z/ n [U] the top
6 [IJ to choose to end your team’s turn before all edge of a woman's dress that is cut very low to show part
your players have BATTED of her shoulders and breasts —décolleté /der'kolter $
declare against sb/sth phr v to state publicly that you detkarla'ter/ adj
oppose someone or something de:-col-o-nize (also -ise BrE) /di:'kolanarz $ -ka:-/ v [T]
declare for sb/sth phr v to state publicly that you support to make a former COLONY politically independent
someone or something —decolonization /di:kolanar'zerjan $ -karlana-/ n [U]
de-clared /drklead $ -klerd/ adj stated officially and de-com-miss-ion /ditka'mifan/ v [T] to stop using a
publicly: declared aim/objective/intention etc /t is their ship, weapon, or NUCLEAR REACTOR and to take it to pieces
declared intention to increase taxes. de-com:pose /di:kam'pauz $ -'pouz/ v [1,1] 1 to decay
de-clas:si-fied /dirklesifaid/ adj official information or make something decay: a partially decomposed body
that is declassified was secret but is not secret any more 2 technical to divide into smaller parts, or to make
— classified —declassify v [T] something do this —décomposition /ditkompe'zrjan $
de-clen-sion /drklenfan/ n [C] 1the set of various -ka:m-/ n [U]
forms that a noun, PRONOUN, or adjective can have de-com:press /di:kam'pres/ v [T] 1 to reduce the pres-
according to whether it is the suBJECT, OBJECT etc of a sure of air on something 2 technical to change the infor-
sentence in a language such as Latin or German 2 a par- mation in a computer document back into a form that
ticular set of nouns etc that all have the same set of can be easily read or used, when the information was
forms stored on the computer in a special form that used less
de-cline’ (4 Lg /drklamn/ n [singular, U] a decrease in space in the computer's memory: Most Macintosh com-
the quality, quantity, or importance of something: [+in] puters can decompress files automatically. —decompression
There has been a decline in the size of families. | [+of] the /-'prefan/ n [U]
decline of manufacturing | rapid/sharp/steep/dramatic ,decom'pression ,chamber n [C].a special room
decline a rapid decline in unemployment | steady/gradual/ where people go after they have been deep under the
long-term decline The island's population initially numbered sea, so that their bodies can slowly return to normal air
180, but there was a gradual decline until only 40 people pressure
were left. | the economic decline faced by many cities | in \decom'pression sickness n [U] a dangerous medi-
decline/on the decline (=falling) the widely held belief that cal condition that people get when they come up from
educational standards are in decline |fall/go etc into decline deep under the sea too quickly [syN]the bends
(=become less important, successful etc) The port fell into de-con-gest-ant / di:kan'dzestant</ n [C,U] medicine
decline in the 1950s. that you can take if you have a cold, to help you breathe
decline? [a Eav more easily
1s [!] to decrease in quantity or importance: de-con:struc-tion /dizken'strakjan/ n [U] a method
Spending on information technology has declined. |Car sales used in PHILOSOPHY and the criticism of literature which
 decontaminate EX3 = words from the Academic Word List

claims that there is no single explanation of the meaning decrease from 70% to 60%. | [+in] Attacks of asthma
of a piece of writing —deconstruct /'strakt/ v [T] decrease in frequency through early adult life.
de-con-tam-i-nate /di:kan'teminert/ v [T] to remove
a dangerous substance from somewhere — contamina-
tion, contaminate: /t may cost over $5 million to decontami- decrease to become less in number or amount: The
nate the whole site. —decontamination average rainfall has decreased by around 30 percent.
/ ditkantems'nerfan/ n [U] go down to decrease. Go down is less formal than
decrease and is the usual word to use in
decor /derks: $ -ko:r/ n [C usually singular, U] the way conversation: Unemployment has gone down in the
that the inside of a building is decorated: The decor is a past few months.
mix of antique and modern.
decline formal to decrease - used with numbers or
DECORATE amounts, or about the level or standard of
f
something: The standard of living has declined. |
Support for the government is steadily declining. |
Salaries have declined by around 4.5%.
*
for = |
f
diminish to become smaller or less important: Union
aa. membership diminished from 30,000 at its height to
just 2,000 today. (
fall/drop to decrease, especially by a large amount.
Fall and drop are less formal than decrease: The
number of tigers in the wild has fallen to just over
10,000, |At night, the temperature drops to minus 20
degrees.
plunge /pland3//plummet /'plamit/ to suddenly
decrease very quickly and by a very large amount:
Share prices have plummeted 29% in the last four
months, | Climate change could cause global
temperatures to plummet.
dec-o-rate /‘dekarert7 v1 [1,7] BrE to paint the inside of
a room, put special paper on the walls etc: The bathroom slide if a price or value slides, it gradually decreases
is decorated in green and yellow. | We plan to spend the in a way that causes problems - used especially in
weekend decorating. 2 [T] to make something look more news reports: The dollar fell in late trading in New York
attractive by putting something pretty on it: Children’s yesterday and slid further this morning.
pictures decorated the walls of the classroom. |decorate sth dwindle /‘dwindl/ to gradually decrease until there
with sth an old-fashioned dress decorated with ribbons and is very little left of something, especially numbers or
lace 3 [T] to give someone a MEDAL as an official sign of amounts, popularity, or importance: Support for the
theory is dwindling.
honour: decorate sb for sth soldiers decorated for bravery
—decorating n [U] taper off /'terpa $ -ar/ if a number or the amount of
an activity that is happening tapers off, it gradually
dec-o-ra-tion /deka'rerfan/ n 1 [C usually plural] some- decreases, especially so that it stops completely:
thing pretty that you put in a place or on top of something Political violence tapered off after the elections.
to make it look attractive: Christmas decorations | cake
decorations 2 [U] the style in which something is deco- de-crease? /‘di:kri:s/ n [C,U] the process of becoming
rated: He is an expert on Islamic decoration. |for decoration less, or the amount by which something becomes less
a box with paper flowers glued to it for decoration 3 [U] BrE [OPPjincrease [SYN]reduction: [tin] Teachers reported
when you paint or put special paper on the inside walls, decreases in drug use and verbal abuse of teachers. | [+of]
ceiling etc of a house or building 4 [C] something such as There has been a steady decrease of temperature.
a MEDAL that is given to someone as an official sign of de-cree™ /drkri:/ n [C] 1 an official order or decision,
honour
especially one made by the ruler of a country: The
dec-o-ra-tive /dekarativ $ 'dekara-, 'dekarer-/ adj pretty Emperor issued the decree repealing martial law. 2 a judg-
or attractive, but not always necessary or useful: a deco- ment in a court of law
rative panel above the door —decoratively adv decree? y [T] to make an official judgment or give an
dec-o-ra-tor /‘dekarerta $ -ar/ n [C] especially BrE official order: decree (that) The King decreed that there
someone who paints houses and puts paper on the walls should be an end to the fighting.
as their job de.cree ‘absolute n [singular] BrE an order by a court
dec-o-rous /‘dekaras/ adj formal having the correct of law which officially ends a marriage
appearance or behaviour for a particular occasion decree nisi /drkri: ‘narsat/ n [singular] BrE an order by
—decorously adv: A servant was hovering decorously behind a court of law that a marriage will end at a particular time
them. in the future unless there is a good reason not to end it
de-co-rum /di'ko:ram/_n [U] formal behaviour that de-crep-it /dr'krepit/ adj old and in bad condition: The
shows respect and is correct for a particular situation, buildings were in a decrepit state. |He was a rather decrepit
especially a formal occasion: He was disciplined for breach- old man. —decrepitude n [U]
ing the Senate's rules of decorum. de-crim-in-a-lize (also -ise BrE) /di:'krrminalaiz/ v [1]
de-coy /‘di:ka1/ n [C] 1 someone or something that is to state officially that something is not illegal any more: a
used to trick someone into going somewhere or doing campaign to decriminalize cannabis —decriminalization
something, so that you can catch them, attack them etc: /di:,krimanealarzerfan $ -la-/ n [U]
Officer Langley acted as a decoy to catch the rapist. de-cry /drkrat/ v (decried, decrying, decries) [T] formal
2 a model of a bird used to attract wild birds so that you to state publicly that you do not approve of something
can watch them or shoot them —decoy /d1'ko1/ v [T] [SYN] condemn
de-crease" /drkri:s/ v [1,7] to become less or go down de-crypt /di:'kript/ v [T] to change a message or infor-
to a lower level, or to make something do this > reduce mation on a computer back into a form that can be read,
[OPP] increase: The number of people who have the disease when someone has sent it to you in a type of computer
has decreased significantly in recent years. | They want to CODE — encrypt: Only certain employees will be able to
decrease their reliance on oil. |[+by] Average house prices decrypt sensitive documents. —decryption /di:'kripfan/ n
decreased by 13% last year. |[+to] By 1881, the population of (U]
Ireland had decreased to 5.2 million. | [+from] The North's ded-i-cate /‘dedskert/ v [7] 1 to give all your attention P
share of the world’s energy consumption is expected to and effort to one particular thing: dedicate yourself/your
EX = words from the Academic Word List 441
vce
life to sth The actress now dedicates herself to children’s and a shallow end for kids. | We'll take the boat out into deep
charity work. 2 to say at the beginning of a book or film, or water where we can dive. | a deep narrow valley b) you use
before a piece of music, that it has been written, made, or deep to say what distance something goes down from
performed for someone that you love or respect: dedicate the top or surface: 2 metres/6 feet etc deep Dig a hole
sth to sb The book was dedicatedto her husband. 3 to state around 12 inches deep. | ankle-deep/waist-deep etc /n
in an official ceremony that a building will be given places, the snow was waist-deep (=deep enough to reach a
someone’s name in order to show respect for them person's waist), —> KNEE-DEEP
4 to use a place, time, money etc only for a particular 2 GNI) going far in from the outside or from the
purpose: dedicate sth to/for sth The company dedicated front edge of something: a deep wound | She was sitting in
$50,000 for the study. a deep leather chair.
ded-i-cat-ed /‘dedikertid/ adj 1 someone who is dedi- 3 Gade serious or severe: Despite the peace process,
cated works very hard at what they do because they care there are deep divisions in the community. | The country is in
a lot about it: a dedicated and thoughtful teacher | She is a a deep recession. | Evan would be in deep trouble if he was
dedicated socialist. |[+to] The Woodland Trust is dedicated caught.
to preserving our native woodland. 2 [only before noun] Afi) a deep breath or SIGH is one in which you
made for or used for only one particular purpose: a breathe a lot of air in or out: She stopped and took a deep
dedicated graphics processor breath. | Tom gave a deep sigh of relief.
ded-i-ca-tion /dedskerfan/ n 1 [U] hard work or effort 5 Goainazad a deep feeling, belief etc is very strong
that someone puts into a particular activity because they and sincere [SYN|profound: May | express my deepest
care about it a lot: To reach a high level of skill requires sympathy. | The letters show her deep affection for him. | He
talent, dedication, and a lot of hard work. | [+to] | admire his has a deep understanding of the environment.
dedication to the job. 2 [C] an act of dedicating something 6GalD) a deep sound is very low: Her laugh was deep
to someone, or a ceremony where this is done 3 [C] the and loud. | | love that deep bass line.
words used at the beginning of a book, film, or piece of 7 @eT} a deep colour is dark and strong [opp light,
music, thanking someone or saying that book etc has pale: She gazed at him with wide deep blue eyes. | The
been written to show respect for them berries are a deep, red colour. COLOUR
de-duce £@ /drdju:s $ drdu:s/ v [T] formal to use the 8 Dame Pe) important but complicated
knowledge and information you have in order to under- or difficult to understand: These problems are too deep for
stand something or form an opinion about it: deduce that me. | There is a deep issue of principle involved.
From her son’s age, | deduced that her husband must be at 9 GW if someone is in a deep sleep, it is difficult to
least 60. | [+from] What did Darwin deduce from the wake them: He lay down and fell into a deep sleep.
presence of these species? —deducible adj 10 deep in thought/conversation etc thinking so hard or
paying attention to something so much that you do not
de-duct /drdakt/ v [T] to take away an amount or part
from a total [SYN]|subtract: deduct sth from sth The pay- notice anything else that is happening around you
ments will be deducted from your salary. —deductible adj: 11 deep in debt owing a lot of money
Interest charges are tax deductible. 12a deep impression a strong effect or influence that
de-duc-tion [gq /di'dakfan/ n [CU] 1the process of remains for a long time: What he said made a deep impres-
using the knowledge or information you have in order to sion on me.
understand something or form an opinion, or the opinion 13 [een a deep person is serious and intelligent, but is
that you form: Children will soon make deductions about the hard to know well: Henry has always been a deep one. He
meaning of a word. 2 the process of taking away an keeps his views to himself.
amount from a total, or the amount that is taken away: 14 be in deep shit spoken not polite to be in a bad situation
After deductions for tax etc, your salary is about £700 a because of something you have done
month. 15 be in deep water to be in trouble or in a difficult or
de-duc-tive /dr'daktiv/ adj using the knowledge and serious situation: The company is in deep water over their
information you have in order to understand or form an refusal to reduce prices.
opinion about something: deductive reasoning 16 [EYRE a deep ball is hit, thrown, or kicked to a far
deed /di:d/ n [C] 1 formal something someone does, part of the sports field
especially something that is very good or very bad: After 17 jump/be thrown in at the deep end to choose to do or be
the morning's good deeds he deserved a rest. | She tried to made to do a very difficult job without having prepared
strangle her baby and her lover helped her finish the evil deed. for it: She decided to jump in at the deep end, buy a farm, and
2 law an official paper that is a record of an agreement, teach herself.
especially an agreement concerning who owns property: 18 go off at the deep end informal to become angry sud-
a mortgage deed 3 in deed in what you do: Everyone sins at denly and violently, usually when there is not a good
some time, in thought if not in deed. 4 your.good deed for the reason
‘day something kind or helpful that you do - used humor-
deep? [1H adv
ously 1 [always + adv/prep] a long way into or below the surface
‘deed poll n [c.U] a legal document signed by only one of something: Some bones were hidden deep beneath the
person, for example in order to officially change your ground, | The tunnel led deep under the mountains. | We
name: Steve changed his name by deed poll to Elvis Presley- were deep in a tropical rainforest (=far from the edge of the
Smith. forest). | Tom stared deep into her eyes. | They talked deep
dee-jay /‘di:dze1/ n [C] informal a pisc JocKEY —deejay v into the night (=very late).
[1] 2 deep down a) if you know or feel something deep down,
deem /di:m/ v [7 not in progressive] formal to think of you secretly know or feel it even though you do not admit
something in a particular way or as having a particular it: He knew, deep down, that he would have to apologise.
quality [SYN] consider: deem that They deemed that he was b) if someone is good, evil etc deep down, that is what
no longer capable of managing the business. | deem sth they are really like even though they usually hide it: Deep
necessary/appropriate etc They were told to take whatever down, she is a caring person.
action they deemed necessary. | be deemed to be sth They 3 two/three etc deep if things or people are two deep,
were deemed to be illegal immigrants. |be deemed to do sth three deep etc, there are two, three etc rows or layers of
UK plans were deemed to infringe EU law. things or people: People were standing four deep at the bar.
deep’ 64) [i /di:p/ adj (comparative deeper, superlative 4run/go deep if a feeling such as hatred or anger runs
deepest) deep in someone, they feel it very strongly, especially
1 GENS a) going far down from the top or from because of something that has happened in the past: The
the surface [opP|shallow: The castle is on an island sur- prejudice runs deep and we need to understand the fears
rounded by a deep lake. | The swimming pool has a deep end behind it.
 GJ & & = the most frequent words in spoken English

5 be in (too) deep informal to be very involved in a situa- it: Most of the monuments had been broken or defaced.
tion, especially so that it causes you problems — still DAMAGE —defacement n [U]
waters run deep at STILL7(5)
de fac-to /der 'fektau $ di fektou, der-/ adj formal
deep® n the deep literary the sea really existing although not legally stated to exist > de
deep-en /'dizpan/ v jure: a de facto state of war —de facto adv
IESE [1] if a serious situation deepens, it gets
def-a-ma-tion /defa'merjan/ n [U] the act of defaming
worse - used especially in news reports: The recession
someone: He sued the newspaper for defamation of charac-
continues to deepen. |a deepening international crisis ter.
2ESTESTERTEA [1,7] to become stronger or greater,
or to make something stronger or greater: Jeanne liked de-fame /drferm/ v [T] to write or say bad or untrue
Simon as a friend but she did not want the relationship to things about someone or something, so that people will
deepen. | The idea only deepened his gloom. | The mystery have a bad opinion of them —defamatory /dr'fematari
deepened (=became even more mysterious). | Students $ -torri/ adj
explore new ideas as they deepen their understanding default? /drfo:it $ -fo:It/ n 1 by default a) if you win a
(=understand more) of the subject. game, competition etc by default, you win it because your
3ETOSSES [1] literary if someone's smile opponent did not play or because there were no other
Or FROWN deepens, they smile even more or frown even competitors b) if something happens by default, it hap-
more: Her worried frown deepened. pens because you did not do anything to change it
473739 [1,7] if water deepens, or if someone deepens it, 2 [C,U] formal failure to pay money that you owe at the
it becomes deeper: The river deepens beyond the town. | right time: in default The company is in default on its loan
The harbour was deepened to take bigger boats. agreement. | [+in] The bank can seize the asset in the event
50079 [1] literary if light or a colour deepens, it of a default in payment. | the risk of default by borrowers
becomes darker: The twilight deepened. 3 [U] law failure to do something that you are supposed
6820) [1] if a sound deepens, it becomes lower: His to do according to the law or because it is your duty
voice deepened as he relaxed. 4 [C usually singular] technical the way in which things are
7330) [1] if your breathing deepens, you take more air arranged on a computer screen unless you decide to
into your lungs tf change them: You can change the default settings to suit
deep ‘freeze / $'../.n [Cc] a large metal box in which your needs. 5 [singular] the usual and expected way in
food can be stored at very low temperatures for a long which something is done, unless you decide to do some-
time|SYN] freezer thing different: This way of working seems to be the default
‘deep fry v [T] to cook food under the surface of hot fat these days. 6 in default of sth formal because of the lack or
or oil absence of something: In default of any other instructions,
they decided to use the same system as before.
deep-ly 1H /‘di:pli/ adv
1used to emphasize that a belief, feeling, opinion etc is default? v [1] 1 to fail to pay money that you owe at the
very strong, important, or sincere: Her lies hurt my father right time: [+on] He defaulted on his child support
deeply. |She is deeply upset. |He loves her deeply. | Teachers payments. 2 to not do something that you are supposed
are deeply divided on this issue. |deeply held religious beliefs to do, especially that you are legally supposed to do
2 in a serious, careful way: Most doctors think deeply about —defaulter n [C]
what their patients want, de-feat? [9 /dr'fist/ n [CU]
3a long way into something: [+into] John kept sinking Tfailure to win or succeed: [tin] The socialist party suf-
more deeply into the mud. fered a crushing defeat in the elections. |She was a woman
4 breathe deeply to take a large breath of air into your who hated to admit defeat.
lungs 2 victory over someone or something: [+of] The defeat of
5 sleep deeply to be in a deep sleep, from which it is hard the army was followed by the establishment of constitutional
to wake up government.
deep-'rooted (also deeply 'rooted) adj a deep-rooted COLLOCATIONS
habit, idea, belief etc is so strong in a person or society
that it is very difficult to change or destroy it > deep- EvERGS
seated: a deep-rooted suspicion of lawyers suffer a defeat (=be defeated) The party suffered a
‘deep-sea adj [only before noun] deep-sea fishing or
defeat in the state elections.
DIVING is done in the deep part of the sea, far away from
inflict a defeat on sb (=defeat someone, especially
land easily) The army inflicted a heavy defeat on the English.
deep-'seated adj a deep-seated attitude, feeling, or admit defeat /f / left my job, | would be admitting
defeat.
idea is strong and is very difficult to change deep- accept defeat /t can be very hard to accept defeat.
rooted: a deep-seated fear of failure
concede defeat (=formally accept that you have lost
deep-'set adj deep-set eyes seem to be further back in a game, election etc) His opponent conceded
into the face than most people's defeat.
deep ‘six v [T] Ame informal to decide not to use face defeat (=be likely to be defeated) In May 1945 ,
something such as a plan Germany faced defeat at the hands of the Allies.
deep vein throm'bosis n [(U] medical (abbreviation | ADJECTIVES/NOUN + defeat
DVT) a serious illness which happens when a small a big/bad defeat (also a heavy defeat Br£) (=by a
amount of blood becomes very thick and causes the large amount) The polls were forecasting a heavy
heart to stop beating properly. This sometimes happens
defeat for the President.
to people who have been on long plane journeys, because
a crushing/resounding defeat (=a complete defeat,
they have been sitting still for so long by a very large amount) He quit as Prime Minister
deep ‘Web n [singular] information available on the following a crushing defeat in regional elections.
Internet that SEARCH ENGINEs do not find a humiliating defeat (=very embarrassing) They are
deer /dta $ dir/ n (plural deer) [C] a large wild animal still bitter about their humiliating defeat.
that can run very fast, eats grass, and has horns — see a disastrous defeat (=very big, and with a very bad
picture at MOOSE result) The party suffered a disastrous defeat in the
deer-stalk-er /‘diasto:ka $ ‘dirstozkar/ n [C] a type of 2006 election.
soft hat with pieces of cloth that cover your ears a narrow defeat (=by a small amount) The
goalkeeper was blamed for the team’s narrow defeat,
deface /drfers/ v [T] to spoil the surface or appear-
an election/electoral defeat /t was their worst
ance of something, especially by writing on it or breaking
general election defeat since 1982,
 443 aefense
a military defeat The president resigned following a de-fence-less BrE, defenseless AmE /dr'fenslas/ adj
series of military defeats. weak and unable to protect yourself from attack or harm:
a shock defeat Br£ (=very unexpected) Arsenal are a defenceless old lady
now out of the competition, following their shock defeat de'fence mechanism BrE, defense mechanism AmE
by Torquay Town. n [C] 1a process in your brain that makes you forget
things that are painful for you to think about 2 a reaction
defeat? [qv [T] in your body that protects you from an illness or danger
1to win a victory over someone in a war, competition,
game etc [SyN|beat: They hoped to defeat the enemy at de-fend Gy (E /dr'fend/ v
sea. | defeat sb by sth We were defeated by 3 goals to 2. 1[I,T] to do something in order to protect someone or
ye BEAT
something from being attacked: a struggle to defend our
homeland | defend sth against/from sth the need to defend
REGISTER democracy against fascism | defend yourself (against/from
In everyday English, people usually say beat rather sb/sth) advice on how women can defend themselves from
than defeat when talking about sport, games, or sex attackers | [+against] We need to defend against mili-
elections: We were beaten by 3 goals to 2. tary aggression.
2 [T] to use arguments to protect something or someone
2 if something defeats you, you cannot understand it and
from criticism, or to prove that something is right
therefore cannot answer or deal with it [SyN|beat: /t was
fopplattack: She was always defending her husband in front
the last question on the paper that defeated me. of their daughter. | Students should be ready to explain and
3 to make something fail: defeat the object/purpose (of the
defend their views. | defend sb against/from sb/sth He
exercise) Don’t let your arms relax as that would defeat the
defended his wife against rumours and allegations. | defend
object of the exercise. yourself (against/from sth) | Cooper wrote to the journal —
de-feat-ed /drfi:tid/ adj sad and unable to deal with immediately, defending himself.
problems: He looked lost and defeated.
REGISTER
de:feat-ist /drfi:tist/ n [C] someone who believes that In everyday English, people usually say stand up for |
they will not succeed —defeatist adj: a defeatist attitude
someone rather than defend someone: She was the
—defeatism n [U] only person who stood up for me at the meeting. }
def-e-cate /‘defikert/ v [I] formal to get rid of waste
matter from your BOWELS — defecation /defs'kerfan/ n [U] 3[T] to do something in order to stop something from
being taken away or in order to make it possible for
de-fect® /drfekt, ‘di:fekt/ n [C] a fault or a lack of something to continue: the workers’ attempts to defend
something that means that something or someone Is not their interests | We are defending the right to demonstrate.
perfect: All the cars are tested for defects before they leave 4[1,T] to protect your own team's end of the field in a
the factory. |a genetic defect PREETI FAULT game such as football, in order to prevent your oppo-
defect? /drfekt/ v [1] to leave your own country or nents from getting points [opplattack: Bournemouth
group in order to go to or join an opposing one: [+to/ defended well throughout the game.
from] a Russian actor who defected to the West —defector 5 [7] to take part in a competition that you won the last
n (C] —defection /dr'fekjan/ n [C,U] time it was held, and try to win it again: The world
de-fec-tive /drfektrv/ adj not made properly, or not champion was defending his title. |the defending champion |
working properly [syn]faulty: The disease is caused by a He is defending a Labour majority of 5,000.
defective gene. |defective products 6 [I,T] to be a lawyer for someone who has been charged
with a crime [opP|prosecute: He had top lawyers to defend
de-fence § (i Br, defense AmE /difens/ n him.
1 Geka a) [U] the act of protecting something or
someone from attack: [+of] In Britain, the defence of the
country has historically been left to the navy. |a firm commit- defend to say something to support an idea or
ment to the defense of human rights |The first line of defence person when other people are criticizing them: The
is a smoke detector. b) [C] something that can be used to mayor defended the action, saying that it was the best
protect something or someone from attack: The area's option.
flood defences need repair. |[tagainst] The immune system stand up for sb/sth to strongly defend someone
is the body's defence against infection, > SELF-DEFENCE who is being criticized, or strongly defend your ideas
2 [mag a) [U] all the systems, people, materials etc or your rights: My grandfather would always stand up
that a country uses to protect itself from attack: calls for a for what was right. | | don't want him fighting, but | do
national debate on defence |the Defense Department b) de- want him to stand up for himself.
fences BrE, defenses AmE [plural] all the armies, weapons, stick up for sb informal to strongly defend someone
structures etc that are available to defend a place: The who is being criticized, especially when no one else
invading army easily overcame the town’s defences. will defend them: The other kids tease her, but Sarah
3 Ia) [CU] something that you say or do often sticks up for her.
in order to support someone or something that is being come to sb's defence BrE (also come to sb's defense
criticized: in sb’s/sth's defence Jean wrote a letter to the AmE) to say something to defend someone who is
paper in Angela’s defense. | [+of] a philosophical defence of being criticized: Aitken’s colleagues quickly came to his
nationalism |come/leap to sb's defence Evelyn Waugh came defence.
to Wilson’s defence and acknowledged the brilliance of the
book's themes. de-fen-dant /dr'fendant/ n [C] the person in a court of
4 a) [C] the things that are said in a court law who has been ACCUSED of doing something illegal
of Jaw to prove that someone is not guilty of a crime: — plaintiff [SyN]|prisoner AmE: We find the defendant not
Major has a good defence and believes he will win the case. | guilty.
a defence lawyer b) the defence all the lawyers who try to de-fend-er /drfenda $ -ar/ n [C] 1 one of the players in
prove in a court of law that someone is not guilty of a a game such as football who have to defend their team’s
crime: The defense called only one _ witness. GOAL from the opposing team: It’s his fourth season as an
—> PROSECUTION(2) Arsenal defender. 2 someone who defends a particular
5 [C] something you do or a way of behaving idea, belief, person etc: He presented himself as a defender
that prevents you from seeming weak or being hurt by of democracy.
others: Liz dropped her defences and began to relax.
6 Gana [C] BrE the players in a game whose main job is
defense! /drfens/ n [C, U] the American spelling of
to try to prevent the other team from getting points DEFENCE
[opp|offense de-fense? /drfens $ ‘di:fens/ n [C,U] AmE the players in
 defensible : 444

a game of football etc whose main job is to try to prevent pure and good, especially by showing no respect: Hal-
the other team from getting points lam's tomb had been defiled and looted.
de-fen-si-ble /drfenstbal/ adj 1a defensible opinion, de-file? /drfail, ‘di:farl/ n [C] formal a narrow passage,
idea, or action seems reasonable, and you can easily especially through mountains
support it [OPP|indefensible: a morally defensible prison de-fine §] (1 Bg /drfatn/ v [7]
system 2 a defensible building or area is easy to protect 1to describe something correctly and thoroughly, and to
against attack —defensibly adv say what standards, limits, qualities etc it has that make
de-fen-sive’ /drfensiv/ adj 1 used or intended to pro- it different from other things: the ability to define clients’
tect someone or something against attack [OPP] offensive: needs | The duties of the post are difficult to define. |
The prince drew up his forces in a strong defensive position. | clearly/well defined The tasks will be clearly defined by the
The rockets are a purely defensive measure against nuclear tutor. |define sth as sth 70% of the workers can be defined as
attack. 2 behaving in a way that shows you think some- low-paid.
one is criticizing you even if they are not: She despised 2 to explain exactly the meaning of a particular word or
herself for sounding so defensive. | a reserved and defensive idea — definition: //] now try to define the term ‘popular
manner 3 AmE relating to stopping the other team from culture’. | define sth as sth A budget is defined as ‘a plan of
getting points in a game [opPP]offensive: defensive play action expressed in money terms’. |Define precisely what you
—defensively adv —defensiveness n [U] mean by ‘crime’.
defensive? n1 on/onto the defensive behaving in a way 3 to show the edge or shape of something clearly — defi-
that shows that you think that someone is criticizing you nition: The bird has sharply defined black and rust markings.
even if they are not: In his presence, she was constantly on —definable adj
_ the defensive. 2 put/force sb on the defensive if you put def-i-nite Gy Eq /‘definit, 'defanit/ adj
~ someone on the defensive in an argument, you attack 1clearly known, seen, or stated [SYN] clear [OPP] indefinite:
them so that they are in a weaker position — go on the It's impossible for me to give you a definite answer. |We need
offensive: an issue that put the White House on the defensive to record sufficient data to enable definite conclusions to be
de-fer /dr'fs: $ -fs:r/ v (deferred, deferring) [T] to delay reached. | He’d shown definite signs of resigning himself to
something until a later date [SYN] put back: defer sth the situation. GOEL CERTAIN
until/to sth Further discussion on the proposal will be 2a definite arrangement, promise etc will happen in the
deferred until April. |The committee deferred their decision. way that someone has said — indefinite: Fix a definite date
DELAY —deferment n [C,U] —deferral n for the delivery of your computer.
[C,U] 3 [not before noun] saying something very firmly so that
defer to sb/sth phr v formal to agree to accept someone's people understand exactly what you mean: [+about]
opinion or decision because you have respect for that She's not definite about retiring from the game.
person: | will defer to your wishes. definite ‘article n [¢ usually singular] 1 the word ‘the’ in
def-er-ence /‘deferans/ n [U] formal polite behaviour English —> INDEFINITE ARTICLE 2 a word in another language
that shows that you respect someone and are therefore that is like ‘the’
willing to accept their opinions or judgment: [+to] Lewis
def-i-nite-ly GJ La /definitli, ‘defanstli/ adv without
was annoyed that Adam did not show enough respect and
any doubt [SYN]certainly: ‘Do you reckon Margot will be
deference to him. |out of/in deference to sth (=because you
there?’ ‘Definitely not.’ | The hotel fitness centre is definitely
respect someone's beliefs, opinions etc) They were mar-
worth a visit. || definitely need a holiday.
ried in church out of deference to their parents’ wishes.
—deferential /defa'renfal</ adj: deferential treatment def-i-ni-tion & (LG /defs'inyjan/ n
—deferentially adv 1[C] a phrase or sentence that says exactly what a word,
de-fi-ance /drfatans/ n [U] behaviour that shows you phrase, or idea means —+ define: a dictionary definition |
refuse to do what someone tells you to do, especially [+of] There are many definitions of the word ‘feminism’. |
because you do not respect them — defy: act/gesture of definition of sth as sth the definition of God as infinite
defiance Running away was an act of defiance against his 2 by definition if something has a particular quality by
parents. | in defiance (of sth) Many people were drinking in definition, it must have that quality because all things of
the streets, in flagrant defiance of the ban. | Her fists that type have it: People say that students are by definition
clenched in defiance. idealistic and impatient.
3[U] the clear edges, shapes, or sound that something
de-fi-ant /drfatant/ adj clearly refusing to do what has: technologies such as high definition television | good
someone tells you to do: Mark smashed a fist on the desk in muscle definition
a defiant gesture. —defiantly adv
de-fin:i-tive EQ /drfinstiv/ adj1 [usually before noun] a
de-fib-ril-la-tor /di:'frbrsletta $ -ar/ n [C] a machine definitive book, description etc is considered to be the
that gives the heart an electric shock to make it start
best and cannot be improved: definitive study/work/guide
beating again after a heart attack
etc the definitive study of Victorian railway stations
de-fi-cien-cy /drfrfansi/ n (plural deficiencies) [CU] 2 a definitive agreement, statement etc is one that will
formal 1a lack of something that is necessary not be changed: a definitive agreement to buy the company
[SYN] shortage: [+of] a deficiency of safe play areas for —definitively adv {
children | iron/vitamin etc deficiency Some elderly people
suffer from iron deficiency in their diet. 2 a weakness or
de-flate /qi:fleit, di-/ v 1[1,1] if a tyre, BALLOON etc
deflates, or if you deflate it, it gets smaller because the .
fault in something: [+in] There are deep deficiencies in this
law. gas inside it comes out inflate + go down, let down

de-fi-cient /drfijant/ adj formal 1not containing or hav- REGISTER

ing enough of something: Women who are dieting can In everyday British English, people usually say an
become iron deficient. | [+in] patients who were deficient in object goes down rather than deflates: /t looks like the
vitamin C 2 not good enough: Our prisons are our most air bed has gone down.
deficient social service.
2 [T] to make someone feel less important or less confi-
def-i-cit /‘defisit/ n [C] the difference between the dent: She was deflated when Fen made no comment on her
amount of something that you have and the higher achievement. 3 [T] to show that a statement, argument
amount that you need — shortfall: the country’s widening etc is wrong: Simkin hoped to find a way to deflate his
budget deficit |the US's foreign trade deficit |[+of] a deficit opponent's argument. 4 [1,7] technical to change economic
of £2.5 million | [+in] Many countries have a big deficit in rules or conditions in a country so that prices fall or stop
food supply. | in deficit The US balance of payments was in rising a
deficit.
de-fla-tion /di:'flerjan/ n [U] technical a reduction in the
de-file’ /dr'fatl/ v [T] formal to make something less amount of money in a country’s ECONOMY, so that prices ©
EX = words from the Academic Word List degree
fall or stop rising — inflation —deflationary adj: the gov- inside it melts 3 [T] AmE to remove ice from inside the
ernment’s deflationary policies windows of a car by using heat or warm air
de-flect /drflekt/ v 1[I,17] if someone or something deft /deft/ adj written 1a deft movement is skilful, and
deflects something that is moving, or if it deflects, it turns often quick: He sketched her with quick, deft strokes. | deft
in a different direction: He deflected the blow with his footwork 2 skilful at doing something [SYN] adept: his deft
forearm. 2 [T] to do something to stop people paying chairmanship of the company —deftly adv —deftness n [U]
attention to you, criticizing you etc: deflect sth (away) defunct /dr'fankt/ adj formal not existing any more, or
from sth his attempts to deflect attention away from his not useful any more: the now-defunct nuclear reactor
private life |The committee is seeking to deflect criticism by de-fuse /di:'fju:z/ v [T] 1 to improve a difficult or dan-
blaming me. 3 [T] to take someone's attention away from gerous situation, for example by making people less
something: deflect sb from (doing) sth Nothing can deflect angry or by dealing with the causes of a problem: defuse a
me from reaching my goal. situation/crisis/row etc Beth’s quiet voice helped to defuse
de-flec-tion /dr'flekjan/ n [CU] 1 the action of making the situation. |defuse tension/anger etc The agreement was
something change its direction: [+of] the deflection of the regarded as a means of defusing ethnic tensions.
missile away from its target 2 technical the degree to 2 to remove the FUSE from a bomb in order to prevent it
which the moving part on a measuring instrument moves from exploding
away from zero de-fy /drfar/ v (defied, defying, defies) [T] 1 to refuse to
de-flow-er / di:flava, dr- $ -ar/ v [T] literary to have sex obey a law or rule, or refuse to do what someone in
with a woman who has never had sex before authority tells you to do — defiance: people who openly
de-fog /di:fog $ -fa:g, -fo:g/ v (defogged, defogging) defy the law GENTS oisosey 2 defy description/
[T] AmE to remove mist from the windows inside a car, analysis/belief etc to be almost impossible to describe or
by using heat [SYN|demist BrE understand: The beauty of the scene defies description.
3 defy logic/the odds etc to not happen according to the
de-fo-li-ant /di:fauliant $ -fou-/ n [C,U] formal a chemi-
principles you would expect: a 16-week premature baby
cal substance, used especially in war, that makes all the
who defied the odds and survived 4 | defy sb to do sth spoken
leaves of plants drop off
formal used when you ask someone to do something that
de-fo-li-ate /di:favliett $ -‘fou-/ v [T] formal to use you think is impossible: | defy anyone to prove otherwise.
defoliant on a plant or tree
deg. (also deg Br£) the written abbreviation of degree or
de-for-es-ta-tion /di:fors'sterjan $ -fo:-,-fa:-/ n [U] the degrees
cutting or burning down of all the trees in an area: the
de-gen-e-rate! /drdzenarert/ v [1] to become worse:
deforestation of the tropics —deforest /di:forist $ -'for-,
[+into] The conference degenerated into a complete fiasco.
-'far-/ v [T usually passive]
—degeneration /d1dzena'rerfan/ n [U]
de-form /drform $ -sirm/ v [1,7] if you deform some-
de-gen-e-rate? /dr'dzenarst/ adj formal morally unac-
thing, or if it deforms, its usual shape changes so that its
ceptable: The painting was condemned as ‘degenerate’.
usefulness or appearance is spoiled: Wearing badly-fitting
shoes can deform your feet. degenerate? n [C] someone whose behaviour is con-
de-for-ma-tion / di:fo:merfan $ -d:r-/ n [C,U] technical sidered to be morally unacceptable
a change in the usual shape of something, especially one de-gen-e-ra-tive /dr'dzenarattv/ adj a degenerative ill-
that makes it worse, or the process of changing some- ness gradually gets worse and cannot be stopped — pro-
thing's shape gressive
de-formed /d1fo:md $ -2:rmd/ adj something that is deg-ra-da-tion /degra'derjan/ n 1 [C,U] an experience
deformed has the wrong shape, especially because it has or situation that makes you feel ashamed and angry: a life
grown or developed wrongly: deformed toe of poverty and degradation 2 [U] the process by which
something changes to a worse condition
de-for-mi-ty /drfo:miti $ -s:r-/ n (plural deformities)
[C,U] a condition in which part of someone's body is not de-grade /dr'gretd/ v 1 [T] to treat someone without
the normal shape: a hip deformity respect and make them lose respect for themselves: a
movie that degrades women |degrade yourself (by doing sth)
DEFRA /defra/ (Department for Environment, Food, and
How can you degrade yourself by writing such trash? 2 [T] to
Rural Affairs) the British government department which is
make a situation or the condition of something worse:
responsible for farming, food production, and the safety
The dolphin's habitat is being rapidly degraded.
of food products. It is also responsible for protecting the
3 [IT] technical if a substance, chemical etc degrades, or
environment in the UK. if something degrades it, it changes to a simpler form
de-frag-ment /di:fregiment $ — di:fraegment, —degradable adj
di:fraegiment/ (also de-frag /di:'freg/ informal) v [T] to
de-grad-ing /dr'gretdin/ adj a degrading experience,
change the way in which the FiLes on a computer's HARD
event etc is unpleasant and makes you lose respect for
DRIVE are stored and organized, by putting related infor-
yourself: [+to] Pornography is degrading to women and to
mation together so that the computer works more effec-
the men that look at it. | the degrading treatment that the
tively: It should start working faster after we defrag your disk.
prisoners receive in jail
—defrag /'di:freg/ n [C]
defraud /dtfr:d $ -froid/ v [T] to trick a person or de-gree G] ( /drgri:/ n
organization in order to get money from them: defraud sb 1[C] (written abbreviation deg.) a unit for measuring tem-
of sth She defrauded her employers of thousands of pounds. | perature. It can be shown as.a symbol after a number. For
He faces charges of theft and conspiracy to defraud (=a example, 70° means 70 degrees: Preheat the oven to 425
secret plan to cheat someone, made by two or more degrees. | 20 degrees Celsius/70 degrees Fahrenheit/1
degree Centigrade etc The temperature dropped to five
people).
degrees Centigrade.
de-fray /drfret/ v defray costs/expenses formal to give 2[C] (written abbreviation deg.) a unit for measuring the
someone back the money that they have spent on some- size of an angle. It can be shown as a symbol after a
thing: The proceeds from the competition help to defray the number. For example, 18° means 18 degrees: Then the
expenses of the evening. cylinder is rotated 180 degrees.
de-frock /di:'frok $ -fra:k/ v [T] to officially remove a 3[C,U] the level or amount of something: [+of] 1960s
priest from his or her job because he or she did some- Britain was characterised by a greater degree of freedom
thing wrong —defrocked adj than before. |Newspapers vary in the degree to which they
de-frost /qi:frost $ -fro:st/ v 1[I,T] if frozen food emphasize propaganda rather than information.
defrosts, or if you defrost it, it gets warmer until it is not Ato a degree (also to some degree/to a certain degree)
frozen — melt, thaw 2 [1,1] if a FREEZER OF REFRIGERATOR partly: To a degree, it is possible to educate oneself. | We're
defrosts, or if you defrost it, it is turned off so that the ice all willing to support him to some degree.
 aqehumanize 446 SJ & & = the most frequent words in spoken English

5[C] a course of study at a university or college, or the defer formal to delay doing something until a later
QUALIFICATION that is given to you when you have success- date, usually because something else needs to
fully completed the course: [+in] a degree in Economics | happen first: The decision had been deferred until after
Applicants must have a degree in Engineering. |an Honours a meeting of the directors.
degree procrastinate /pra‘krestinert/ formal to delay doing
6 by degrees very slowly [SYN] gradually: By degrees, he something that you ought to do: Don't procrastinate -
forced himself into.a sitting position. make a start on your assignments as soon as you get
de-hu-man-ize (also -ise BrE) /,di:'hju:manaiz/ v [T] to them.
treat people so badly that they lose their good human
qualities: War dehumanizes people. —dehumanizing adj de layed-'action adj [only before noun] designed to
—dehumanization /di:hju:manarzerfan $ -na-/ n [U] work or start only after a fixed period of time has passed:
a delayed-action bomb
de-hy-drate / dishar'drert $ di:'hardrert/ v 1[T] to
remove the liquid from a substance such as food or a de'laying tactic n [c usually plural] something you do
chemical — rehydrate, hydrate: The substance is dehydrated deliberately in order to delay something so that you gain
and stored as powder. 2 [1,1] to lose too much water from an advantage for yourself
your body, or to make this happen: Alcohol dehydrates the de-lec-ta-ble /dr'lektabal/ adj formal 1extremely pleas-
body. —dehydrated adj —dehydration / di:har'dretfan/ n ant to taste or smell [SYN] delicious: Delectable smells rose
[U] from the kitchen. 2 used, often humorously, to describe a
de-ice /di:'a1s/ v [T] to remove the ice from something, very attractive woman —delectably adv
especially a Car WINDSCREEN or the wings of an aircraft de-lec-ta-tion /qi:lek'terfan/ n [U] formal if you do
_ de-iefy /di:sfar, 'der-/ v (deified, deifying, deifies) [T] to something for someone's delectation, you do it to give
_ treat someone or something with extreme respect and them enjoyment, pleasure, or amusement
admiration —deification /di:sf'kerfan, det-/ n [U] del-e-gate" /‘deligit/ n [C] someone who has been
deign /dein/ v deign to do sth to do something that you elected or chosen to speak, vote, or take decisions for a
think you are really too important to do - often used group — representative: Around 350 delegates attended the
humorously: Travis called after her, but she didn't deign to conference.
answer. del-e-gate* /deligert/ v 1[I,T] to give part of your
de-is-m /‘der-1zam, ‘di:-/ n [U] the belief in a God who power or work to someone in a lower position than you: A
made the world but has no influence on human lives good manager knows when to delegate. |It takes experience
de-i-ty /dexti, ‘di-/ n (plural deities) [C] a god or to judge correctly how much power should be delegated. |
GODDESS: the deities of ancient Greece delegate sth to sb Minor tasks should be delegated to your
assistant. 2 [T] to choose someone to do a particular job,
d@ja vu /derza: 'vjur $ -'vu:/ n [U] the feeling that what or to be a representative of a group, organization etc:
is happening now has happened before in exactly the
delegate sb to do sth / was delegated to find a suitable
same way: a strange sense of déja vu
conference venue.
de-jec-ted /dr'dzektid/ adj unhappy, disappointed, or
del-e-ga-tion /del'gerjan/ n 1[C] a group of people
sad: The unemployed stood at street corners, dejected.
who represent a company, organization etc: [+to] the
SAD —dejectediy adv —dejection
head of the American delegation to the United Nations |
/di'dzekfan/ n [U]
[+of] a delegation of government officials |A trade delega-
de ju-re /di: 'dguari, der 'dguarer $ -'dzur-/ adj, adv tion will visit Kuwait. 2 [U] the process of giving power or
technical true or right because of a law — de facto work to. someone else so that they are responsible for
de-lay" [Ey /drler/ n part of what you normally do: [+of] the delegation of
1[C] when someone or something has to wait, or the authority
length of the waiting time: Sorry for the delay, Mr Weaver. | delete /drli:t/ v [T] to remove something that has
[+in] Why was there a delay in warning the public? |[+of] a been written down or stored in a computer: His name was
delay of about an hour | long/considerable/slight etc delay deleted from the list. | | deleted the file by mistake.
Long delays are expected on the motorways. REMOVE
2 [U] when something does not happen or start when it del-e-ter-i-ous / delstrarias< $ -'trr-/ adj formal damag-
should do: without delay They must restore normal services ing or harmful [SYN] detrimental: the deleterious effects of
without delay. | There can be no excuse for any further delay. smoking
delay? ty v de-le-tion /drli:jan/ n 1[U] when you remove some-
1[1,T] to wait until a later time to do something: Don’t thing from a piece of writing or from a computer's
delay - send off for the information now. | He delayed his memory: [+of] the deletion of unwanted files 2 [C] a letter
decision on whether to call an election, | delay sth until sth or word that has been removed from a piece of writing
The opening of this section of the road is delayed until del-i /deli/ n [C] a DELICATESSEN
September. | delay sth for sth Our meeting was delayed for
ten minutes. | delay doing sth Big companies often delay de-lib-e-rate’ /drltbarit/ adj 1 intended or planned
paying their bills. unintentional [SYN] intentional: a deliberate attempt to
2[T] to make someone or something late: seriously/ humiliate her | The attack on him was quite deliberate.
badly/slightly etc delayed The flight was badly delayed 2 deliberate speech, thought, or movement is slow and
because of fog. —delayed adj careful: He approached her with slow, deliberate steps.
—deliberateness n [U] :
de-lib-e-rate? /dritbarert/ v [1] to think about some-
delay to wait until a later time to do something: He thing very carefully: The jury deliberated for four days before
decided to delay his decision until he had seen the full acquitting him. | [+on/about/over] There was silence while
report. she deliberated on his words.
postpone to change an event to a later time or date: de-lib-er-ate-ly GY /dr'ibaritli/ adv
The meeting was postponed.
1done in a way that is intended or planned: He deliber-
put off to delay doing something. Put off is less
ately upset her. :
formal than delay or postpone, and is the usual
2 done or said in a slow careful way: He shook his head
phrase to use in everyday English: / used to put off slowly and deliberately.
making difficult decisions. |The game has been put off
till next week.
hold off to delay doing something, especially while deliberately if you do something deliberately, you do
you are waiting for more information or for it because you want to: He upset her deliberately. | |
something else to happen: House buyers seem to be deliberately kept the letter short.
holding off until interest rates drop. on purpose especially spoken deliberately, especially
( (2 OS = the most frequent words in written English AAT aeliver

in order to annoy someone or get an advantage for de-light-ed /drlartid/ adj very pleased and happy:
yourself: | didn’t push her on purpose; it was an delighted to do sth Sandy will be delighted to see you. |
accident. delighted (that) /’m delighted that we have settled the
intentionally deliberately, especially in order to have matter, | [+with/by/at] She was delighted with her new
a particular result or effect: Very few teenagers home. | | am delighted by the result. | Her screams of
become pregnant intentionally. delighted laughter filled the air. Z\ Do not say ‘very
consciously /‘konfasli/ done after thinking carefully delighted’. Say absolutely delighted. HAPPY
about what you are doing, especially because you —delightedly adv
know what the results of your actions might be: de-light-ful /drlattfal/ adj very pleasant: a delightful
Parents pass their values to their children, though not little girl |The whole house is delightful. LIETTE> nice
always consciously. —delightfully adv: a movie that's full of delightfully comic
knowingly if you knowingly do something wrong or moments
illegal, you do it even though you know it is wrong: de:lim:-it /drirmit/ v [7] formal to set or say exactly
FBI agents arrested Dillon for ‘knowingly making a false what the limits of something are —delimitation
statement on a passport application’. /dritms'terfan/ n [C,U]
de-lib-e-ra-tion /diiba'rerfan/ n 1 [C,U] careful con- de-lin-e-ate /drltniett/ v [1] formal 1to describe or
sideration or discussion of something: After much delib- draw something carefully so that people can understand
eration, first prize was awarded to Derek Murray. | [+of] the it: The document delineates your rights and your obligations.
deliberations of committee meetings 2 [U] formal if you 2 to make the borders between two areas very clear: The
speak or move with deliberation, you speak or move boundaries of these areas should be clearly delineated.
slowly and carefully —delineation /dilini'etfan/ n [UJ :
de-lib-e-ra-tive /drltberativ $ -barertrv/ adj formal de-lin:quen-cy /drlinkwansi/ n (plural delinquencies) —
existing for the purpose of discussing or planning some- [C,U] illegal or immoral behaviour or actions, especially ©
by young people: the ever-rising statistics of delinquency
thing
and crime
delicacy = /deltkasi/ on (plural delicacies)
1[C] something good to eat that is expensive or rare:
de-lin-quent" /drlinkwant/ adj 1 behaving in a way
Snails are considered a delicacy in France. FOOD that is illegal or that society does not approve of — crimi-
2 [U] a careful and sensitive way of speaking or behav- nal: delinquent girls/boys/children/teenagers 2 technical a
ing so that you do not upset anyone [SYN] tact: He carried delinquent debt, account etc has not been paid on time:
out his duties with great delicacy and understanding. the recovery of delinquent loans
3 [U] the quality of being easy to harm or damage delinquent? n [Cc] someone, especially a young per-
delicate /deltkit/ adj 1 needing to be dealt with care- son, who breaks the law or behaves in ways their society
fully or sensitively in order to avoid problems or failure: does not approve of: Deanes writes and lectures about
There's something | have to speak to you qbout - it’s a teenage delinquents. + JUVENILE DELINQUENT
delicate matter. | delicate negotiations DEES NLTE> delirious /drtrias/ adj 1 talking continuously in an
DIFFICULT 2 easily damaged or broken[SYN] fragile: delicate excited or anxious way, especially because you are ill: He
hand-cut glass | The sun can easily damage a child's delicate suffered an attack of malaria and was delirious.
skin. 3 old-fashioned someone who is delicate is hurt 2 extremely excited or happy: [+with] He was delirious
easily or easily becomes ill: a delicate child EEEEUITE> with joy, —deliriously adv
ILL, WEAK. 4 a part of the body that is delicate is attractive delirium /dr'triam/ n1 [U] a state in which someone
and graceful: Her wrists and ankles were slim and delicate. | is delirious, especially because they are very ill: Before she
her delicate features 5 made skilfully and with attention to died she had fits of delirium. 2 [singular, U] extreme excite-
the smallest details: a plate with a delicate pattern of leaves ment
6 a taste, smell, or colour that is delicate is pleasant and delirium trem-ens /diliriam 'tremanz §$ ~'triz-/ n [U]
not strong: The wine has a dry delicate flavour. | a delicate
medical the DT's
pink —delicately adv — INDELICATE
del-i-cates /delrkts/ n [plural] clothes that are made de-liv-er Ey [2 /dr'iwva $ -ar/ v
from material that needs careful treatment IPVGR Lead [1,1] to take goods, letters, pack-
ages etc to a particular place or person: The morning mail
del-i-ca-tes-sen /deltka'tesan/ n [C] a shop that sells has just been delivered. | Do you deliver on Saturdays? |
high quality cheeses, SALADS, cooked meats etc deliver sth to sb They set off to deliver supplies to an isolated
delicious /dr't{as/ adj 1 very pleasant to taste or village. | I'm having some flowers delivered for her birthday.
smell: ‘The meal was absolutely delicious,’ she said politely. | EET Take
’ the delicious smell of new-mown grass LEEULE> TASTE 2deliver a speech/lecture/address etc to make a speech
2 literary extremely pleasant or enjoyable —deliciously etc to a lot of people: The king delivered a televised speech
adv: deliciously spicy meat to the nation on November 5.
delight! /drlatt/ n1 [U] a feeling of great pleasure and
satisfaction: with/in delight The kids were screaming with REGISTER
delight. |to sb's delight/to the delight of sb To the delight of In everyday English, people usually say give a
his proud parents, he has made a full recovery. | squeal/ speech/lecture/talk rather than deliver a
gasp/cry etc of delight She gave a little gasp of delight. speech/lecture/talk.
PLEASURE 2 [C] something that makes you 3D [1,7] to do or provide the things
feel very happy or satisfied: the delights of sth a chance to you are expected to, because you are responsible for
sample the delights of nearby Vienna |it is a delight to do sth them or they are part of your job: the costs of delivering
It was a delight to see him so fit and healthy, 3 take delight in adequate nursing care |the failure of some services to deliver
(doing) sth to enjoy something very much, especially the goods (=do what they have promised) | The company
something you should not do: Chris takes great delight in will deliver on its promises.
teasing his sister. 4(207 [T] to help a woman give birth to her baby, or to
delight? y [1] to give someone great satisfaction and give birth to a baby: They rushed her to hospital where
enjoyment: Her fabulous recipes will delight anyone who doctors delivered her baby.
loves chocolate. | delight sb with sth He is delighting audi- 5Hmveeeang [1] to give something such as a blow,
ences with his wit and humour. shock, or warning to someone or something: He delivered
delight in sth phr v [T not in passive] to enjoy something a strong warning about the dangers facing the government.
very much, especially something that other people think 6 deliver a judgment/verdict to officially state a formal
is not nice: He delights in complicating everything. | She decision or judgment: The jury delivered a verdict of unlaw-
delighted in interesting conversation. ful killing.
 deliverable 448 [Xa = words from the Academic Word List

7 GES [7] formal to put someone into someone else’s de-luxe /d$laks $ -'luks/ adj [usually before noun] of better
control: deliver sb to sb Sharett had betrayed him and deliy- quality and more expensive than other things of the same
ered him to the enemy. type — luxury: a deluxe hotel | The deluxe model costs a lot
8 {09 [T] especially AmE to get the votes or support of more.
a particular group of people in an election: He cannot
deliver the Latino vote.
delve /delv/ v [1] 1 to try to find more information about
someone or something: [+into] research that delves deeply
9 TGS LT] literary or biblical to help some-
into this issue 2 [always + adv/prep] to search for some-
one escape from something bad or evil: deliver sb from sth
thing by putting your hand deeply into a bag, container
‘Deliver us from evil,’ she prayed. —deliverer n [C]
etc: [t+into/in] He delved into his pocket and brought out a
deliver sth <> up phr v formal to give something to
notebook.
someone else: A bankrupt must deliver up all his books,
papers and records. Dem. the written abbreviation of Democrat or Demo-
cratic
de-liv-er-a-ble /dr'ltverabal/ n [C usually plural] technical
something that a company has promised to have ready de-mag-ne-tize (also -ise BrE) /,di:magnatatz/ v [T] to
for a customer, especially parts of computer systems: take away the MAGNETIC qualities of something
software deliverables
dem-a-gogue /‘demagng $ -gaig/ n [C] a political
de-liv-er-ance /drlnvarans/ n [U + from] formal the leader who tries to make people fee! strong emotions in
state of being saved from harm or danger — salvation order to influence their opinions = used to show disap-
de-liv-er-y & [8 /driivori/ n (plural deliveries) proval —demagogy, demagoguery n [U] —demagogic
1[C,U] the act of bringing goods, letters etc to a particu- / demea'gogtk< $ -'ga:-/ adj
lar person or place, or the things that are brought: Most de-mand' & Oy /dr'ma:nd $ di'mend/ n
_ Indian restaurants offer free delivery. | You can expect deliv- 1[singular, U] the need or desire that people have for
ery in a week to ten days. | fresh milk deliveries | [+of] particular goods and services: Production is increasing
deliveries of food and supplies | on delivery (=when some- faster than demand. |[+for] the demand for new housing |in
thing is delivered) The restaurant pays cash on delivery for demand (=wanted) As a speaker he was always in demand.
fish, which the local fishermen like. —> SUPPLY AND DEMAND
2 take delivery of sth to officially accept something large 2[C] a very firm request for something that you believe
that you have bought:-We expect to take delivery of the you have the right to get: demonstrations in support of the
aircraft sometime in June. nationalists’ demands | [+for] their demand for higher
3C] the process of giving birth to a child > labour; Mrs salaries |demand that demands that he should resign
Howell had an easy delivery. | Liz was taken to the delivery 3 demands [plural] the difficult, annoying, or tiring things
room (=a room in a hospital for births) immediately. that you need to do, or a skill you need to have: [+of] the
4[U] the way in which someone speaks in public: You'll demands of modern life | [ton] The curriculum makes great
have to work on your delivery. demands on the teacher. | There are heavy demands on
de'livery man n [Cc] a man who delivers goods to people's time these days. | place/put demands on/upon
people sb/sth the increased demands placed on police officers
dell /del/ n [c] literary a small valley with grass and 4 popular demand when a lot of people have asked for
trees something to be done, performed etc: by/due to popular
de-louse /di:'laus/ v [T] to remove lice (Louse) or demand (=because of popular demand) The exhibition will
run for an extra week, due to popular demand.
similar animals from someone's hair, clothes etc
5 on demand formal whenever someone asks: Should you
Del-phic or-a-cle, the /delftk 'prakol $ -'5:- -'ar-/ a feed your baby on demand, or stick to a timetable?
TEMPLE (=a holy building) in Delphi in ancient Greece
where a PRIESTESS gave answers from the god Apollo to
questions people asked him. The answer was often in the
form of a mysterious RIDDLE (=a deliberately confusing
question with a clever answer). Someone who is a
respected authority on a particular subject is sometimes low (=not many people want something) Recently
called a Delphic oracle: Mrs Thatcher was regarded as the the demand for new cars has been relatively low.
Delphic oracle of modern conservatism. a big demand There's always a big demand for
del-ta /‘delta/ n [C] 1the fourth letter of the Greek photographs of celebrities.
alphabet 2 an area of low land where a river spreads into a great/huge demand (=very big) There is a huge
many smaller rivers near the sea: the Nile delta demand for business software and services.
increased/increasing/growing demand One of the
de-lude /dr'lu:d/ v [T] to make someone believe some-
problems is the growing demand for housing.
thing that is not true [SYN] deceive: | was angry with him for
falling demand (=decreasing) the falling demand for
trying to delude me. | delude sb/yourself into doing sth It is
coal
easy to delude yourself into believing you're in love. |Don’t be
consumer demand (=the desire of consumers to
deluded into thinking your house is burglarproof,
buy goods) Consumer demand for new technology is
del-uge’ /delju:dz/ n [C] 1 [usually singular] a large strong.
amount of something such as letters or questions that
someone gets at the same time [SYN] flood: [+of] Viewers
sent a deluge of complaints about the show. 2 formal a large meet/satisfy demand (=supply as much as people
flood, or period when there is a lot of rain [SYN] flood need or want) There are reports that the company —
cannot produce enough to meet demand.
deluge? v [T] 1 [usually passive] to send a very large
number of letters, questions etc to someone all at the keep up with demand (also keep pace with demand)
(=satisfy the demand) Public funding for higher
same time [SYN] flood: be deluged with sth He was deluged
with phone calls from friends and colleagues, congratulating education has not kept up with demand.
him. 2 formal to cover something with a lot of water cope with demand (=satisfy demand) The existing
[SYN] flood services were not capable of coping with the demand for
advice.
de-lu-sion /drlu:zan/ n 1[C,U] a false belief about increase/boost demand A very hard winter boosted
yourself or the situation you are in: under a delusion (that) the demand for natural gas.
He is under the delusion that | am going to cheat him. reduce demand Higher interest rates reduces the
2 delusions of grandeur the belief that you are much more demand for credit.
important or powerful than you really are —delusive demand rises/increases Demand for energy has
/-s1v/ adj —delusional adj continued to rise.
EX = words from the Academic Word List 449 democratic
demand falls (=becomes lower) Demand for the feature of something: [+of] The merits and demerits (=the
products has fallen in the last six months. good and bad qualities) of this argument have been
explored. 2 AmE a mark showing that a student has
PHRASES ~ behaved badly at school —> merit
be much in demand (also be in great demand) (=be de-mesne /d1'mein/ n [C] in the past, a very big house
wanted by a lot of people) Fuel-efficient cars are now and all the land that belonged to it
much in demand.
supply outstrips/exceeds demand (=more is
deimi= /demt1/ prefix half — semi-: a demisemiquaver
available than people need or want) In the 1980s, the (=very short musical note)
supply of grain far exceeded the demand. dem-i-god /‘demignd $ -ga:d/ n [C] 1 someone who is
a lack of demand Many factories closed through lack so important and powerful that they are treated like a god
of demand. 2 a man in ancient stories, who is half god and half
a surge in demand (=a sudden increase) There's human: demigods such as Hercules
often a surge in demand for the Internet at the weekend. dem-i-john /‘demidzon $ -dza:n/ n [C] BrE a large
bottle with a short narrow neck, used for making wine
demand? q@ v [7] de-mil-i-ta-rize (also -ise BrE) /,di:'milstararz/ v [T usu-
1to ask for something very firmly, especially because you ally passive] to remove the weapons, soldiers etc from a
think you have a right to do this: Angry demonstrators country or area so that there can be no fighting there: the
demanded the resignation of two senior officials. |demand to demilitarized zone between the two _ countries
know/see/have etc sth | demand to know what's going on. | —demilitarization /di:,multarar'zerfan $ -ra-/ n [U] :
demand that They demanded that the military government
free all political prisoners. |demand sth of sb /t seemed that de-mim ing /di:imatnin/ n [U] the process of removing
no matter what she did, more was demanded of her. | ‘Where LANDMINEs from an area of land 2
are you going?’ she demanded angrily. A\ Do not say demise /d1'maiz/ n [U] 1 formal the end of something
‘demand for something’. Say demand something: / that used to exist: [+of] the imminent demise (=happening
demand my money back! (NOT | demand for my money soon) of the local newspaper 2 formal or law death: the
back!) ASK, INSIST mystery surrounding Elena’s untimely demise (=when death
2if one thing demands another, it needs that thing in happens sooner than is normal or expected) —demise y
order to happen or be done successfully: Too many things C1
demanded his attention at the same time. | It’s a desperate de-mist /di:'mist/ v [7] BrE to remove mist from a car
situation demanding a desperate remedy. window, by using heat [SYN] defog AmE —demister n [C]
de-mand-ing /di'maindin $ dt'men-/ adj 1 needing a dem-o' /demav $ -mouv/ n (plural demos) [C]
lot of ability, effort, or skill: a demanding job | physically/ 1 a recording containing an example of someone's music
emotionally/intellectually etc demanding Climbing is physi- that is sent to a record company so that they can decide
cally demanding. GEEGNTTE> oirricutt 2 expecting a lot whether to produce it or not: a demo tape 2 BrE informal
of attention or expecting to have things exactly the way an event at which a large group of people publicly protest
you want them, especially in a way that is not fair: Her about something [SYN] demonstration: pro-independence
mother could be very demanding at times. demos 3 an explanation of how something works
demar-cate /‘di:ma:kert $ dr'ma:r-/ v [T] formal to [SYN] demonstration 4 a) AmE an example of a product
decide or mark the limits of an area, system etc that is used to show what it is like or how it works: demo
de-mar-ca-tion /di:markerfan $ -a:r-/ n [U] formal homes on the new development b) a computer program
1 the point at which one area of work, responsibility etc that shows what a new piece of software will be able to
ends and another begins: [+between] traditional lines of do when it is ready to be sold: Click here to download a
demarcation between medicine and surgery 2 the process of demo of the new version of our personal finance software.
deciding on or marking the border between two areas of demo? y [7] informal to show or explain how something
land: [+of] the exact demarcation of the north-south bound- works or is done, especially new computer equipment
ary [SYN] demonstrate: They're going to demo some of the new
de.mean /drmi:n/ v [T] to do something that makes software at this year's Mac convention.
people lose respect for someone or something de-mob /di:'mob $ -'ma:b/ v (demobbed, demobbing)
—» degrade: language that demeans women | demean your- [T] BrE to demobilize soldiers etc
self (by doing sth) | wouldn't demean myself by begging him ,demob ‘happy adj BrE informal happy or behaving in a
for a job. careless way because you are soon going to be leaving
de:mean-ing /dr'mi:nin/ adj showing less respect for your job
someone than they deserve, or making someone feel de-mo-bi-lize (also -ise BrE) /di:'maubilaiz $ -'mou-/ v
embarrassed or ashamed —> degrading: [+to] policies [T usually passive] to send home the members of an army,
demeaning to women | | refuse to do demeaning work. navy etc, especially at the end of a war: programmes to
de-mea-nour Br£, demeanor AmE /di'mi:na $ -ar/ n help demobilized soldiers fit into civilian _life
[singular, U] formal the way someone behaves, dresses, —demobilization /di:maubilarzerfan $ -;moubala-/ n [U]
speaks etc that shows what their character is like: his de-moc-ra:cy [@ /di'mokrasi $ di'ma:-/ n (plural
quiet, reserved demeanour
Fixe LUE BEHAVIOUR democracies)
de-men:ted /dirmentid/ adj 1 crazy or behaving in a 1[U] a system of government in which every citizen in the
very strange way: She was almost demented with grief. country can vote to elect its government officials: a return
2 old-fashioned suffering from dementia to democracy after 16 years of military rule FOESAUTE>
de-men-tia /dr'menfo, -fia $ -tfa/ n [U] an illness that GOVERNMENT
affects the brain and memory, and makes you gradually 2[C] a country that has a government which has been
lose the ability to think and behave normally elected by the people of the country: a parliamentary
dem-e-ra-ra sug-ar /demareara fuga $ -rera 'fugar/ n democracy | Western democracies
[U] BrE a type of rough brown sugar 3[U] a situation or system in which everyone is equal and
de-merge /di:'m3:dz $ -'m3:rd3/ v [I,T] technical to has the right to vote, make decisions etc —+ democratic:
make one part of a large company into a separate com- democracy within the trade unions
pany: After the takeover, several subsidiary companies were dem-ocrat /‘demakret/ n [C] someone who believes in
demerged. democracy, or works to achieve it
de-merg-er /di:'ms:dza $ -'ms:rd3ar/ n [C,U] the action Democrat n [C] a member or supporter of the Demo-
of making one part of a large company into a separate cratic Party of the US
company: The demerger of the textile division is to go ahead. dem-o-crat-ic [ /dema'krattk</ adj
de-mer-it /di:mert/ n [C] 1 formal a bad quality or 1controlled by representatives who are elected by the
 democratize 450 SJ & & = the most frequent words in spoken English

people of a country: a democratic government | the role of the Bank of England operates. | The government now has an
the media in the democratic process opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to reform.
2 organized according to the principle that everyone has a 2[T] to show or describe how to do something or how
right to be involved in making decisions: a democratic something works: demonstrate how They'll be demonstrat-
management style ing how to handle modern, high performance cars. | Instruc-
3 organized according to the principle that everyone in a tors should demonstrate new movements before letting the
society is equally important, no matter how much money class try them. GEESAUET> ExPLain, SHOw
they have or what social class they come from: a demo- 3 [|] to protest or support something in public with a lot
cratic society of other people: Supporters demonstrated outside the court-
4 (also Democratic) belonging to or supporting the room during the trial. | [+against] What are they demon-
Democratic Party of the US > republican: the Democratic strating against?
nominee for the presidency —democratically /-kli/ adv: 4 [T] to show that you have a particular ability, quality, or
democratically elected councils feeling: He has demonstrated an ability to meet deadlines.
de-moc-ra:tize (also -ise BrE) /d1'mokratarz $ dr'ma:-/
v [T] to change the way in which a government, company dem-on-stra-tion [g Lg /deman'strerfan/ n [C]
etc is organized, so that it is more democratic: efforts to Tan event at which a large group of people meet to
democratize school management structures protest or to support something in public — protest:
—democratization /dimopkratar'zerfan $ dtmazkrate-/ n Supporters staged a demonstration outside the US embassy. |
[U] Police opened fire on a peaceful demonstration. | [+against]
dem-o-graph-ic /dema'greftk</ n 1 demographics a demonstration against the government's educational poli-
[plural] information about a group such as the people who cies
live in a particular area: the demographics of anewspaper's 2 an act of explaining and showing how to do something
_ readership 2 [C] a part of the population that is consid- or how something works: [+of] He gave a practical demon-
ered as a group, especially by advertisers who want to stration of the boat's military potential. | a cookery demon-
stration
sell things to that group: the 21-40 demographic
—demographic adj: demographic change 3 formal an action that proves that someone or something
has a particular ability, quality, or feeling: [+of] The high
de-mog:-ra-phy /di'mpgrafi $ -'maz-/ n [U] the study of level of calls is a clear demonstration of the need for this
human populations and the ways in which they change,
service. | a physical demonstration of affection
for example the study of how many births, marriages and
deaths happen in a particular place at a particular time -COLLOCATIONS
—demographer n [C]
de-mol-ish /di'moli{ $ di'ma:-/ v [T] 1 to completely hold/stage a demonstration (=organize and take
destroy a building: The entire east wing of the building was part in one) In April, students began holding
demolished in the fire. DESTROY 2 to prove that demonstrations to demand more freedom.
an idea or opinion is completely wrong: He demolished my
organize a demonstration A /arge demonstration was
argument in minutes. 3 to end or ruin something com-
organized by the opposition.
pletely: These ants can demolish large areas of forest.
4 to defeat someone very easily: Miami demolished Texas take part in a demonstration (also participate in a
demonstration formal) As many as 400,000 people
46-3.5 especially BrE informal to eat all of something very
took part in the demonstration.
quickly: He demolished a second helping of pie.
—demolition /,dema'lyjan/ n [C,U] go on a demonstration BrE (=take part ina
demonstration) I've never been on a demonstration
demolition job n [c] 1 an act of criticizing someone before.
severely or telling other people things about them which
may be unfair or untrue, in order to harm them or to join a demonstration They were prevented by police
from joining the demonstration.
cause people to have a bad opinion of them: He accused
opposition leaders of doing a demolition job on the President. break up a demonstration (=prevent it from
2 an event, especially a sports event, in which one person continuing) Police moved in to break up the
or team defeats the other one very easily: [+against] demonstration.
Currie led the team with 55 points in the demolition job provoke/spark a demonstration (=cause it) The
against Ireland. incident sparked a demonstration of 2,000 people.
de-mon /‘di:man/ n [C] 1 an evil spirit or force: He was a demonstration takes place Violent street
speeding down the motorway as if pursued by a demon. demonstrations took place in the capital.
2 [usually plural] something that makes you anxious and | ADJECTIVES/NOUN + demonstration
causes you problems: She struggled with her husband's a big/large demonstration Opponents of the new law
demons of addiction’ and alcoholism. 3 someone who is are planning a big demonstration next week.
very good at something - often used humorously: a
a huge/massive demonstration (=very big) a series
demon cook 4 the demon drink BrE alcoholic drink - often
of massive demonstrations against the war
used humorously + DAEMON
a mass demonstration (=involving a very large
de-mo-niva-cal /di:ma'natakal</ (also de-mosni-ac number of people) There have been mass
/di'meaouniek $ -'mov-/) adj formal wild, uncontrolled, and demonstrations in some American cities.
evil: the demoniacal glint in his dark eyes —demoniacally
a peaceful demonstration Everyone has the right to
/-kli7 adv
take part in peaceful demonstrations. .
de-mon-ic /dimontk $ di'ma:-/ adj 1 wild and cruel: a violent demonstration Nine people have been killed
demonic laughter 2 relating to a demon: the demonic forces during violent demonstrations.
in the universe —demonically /-kli/ adv
a street demonstration (=in the streets of a city) A
de-mon-stra:ble fq /di'monstrabal, ‘deman- $ street demonstration completely blocked the centre of
di'ma:n-/ adj formal able to be shown or proved: We must the city.
provide demonstrable improvements in health services. a student demonstration (=by students) /n France,
—demonstrably adv: These conclusions are demonstrably student demonstrations were disrupting university
wrong. teaching.
dem-on-strate Gy (1 Lg /‘demanstreit/ v a public demonstration (=by members of the
1[T] to show or prove something clearly: The study dem- public) A series of public demonstrations have been
onstrates the link between poverty and malnutrition. | dem- held in cities across the country.
onstrate that Hitchcock's films demonstrate that a British a protest demonstration (=in which people protest’
filmmaker could learn from Hollywood. | demonstrate how/ against something) The price increases were met by a
what/why ete This section will attempt to demonstrate how series of strikes and protest demonstrations.
(0 (2 GS = the most frequent words in written English 451 density
a political demonstration (=to protest about the with the illness have a fever and pain in their head,
government or a political policy) She was arrested muscles, and joints.
twice for her part in political demonstrations. de:ni-al [4 /dr'naral/ n 1 [C,U] a statement saying that
an anti-government/pro-democracy etc something is not true — deny: [+of] The government
demonstration There have been further violent issued an official denial of the rumour. | denial that denials
anti-government demonstrations this week. that border security had not been strict enough 2 [U] when
| PHRASES Eo cae ae ee someone refuses to allow someone else to have or to do
something: [+of] protests against the denial of human
a demonstration in support of sth/sb public rights 3 [U] a condition in which you refuse to admit or
demonstrations in support of the rebels believe that something bad exists or has happened: in
a demonstration in protest at sth There were denial His girlfriend is in denial, and refuses to admit that he
demonstrations in protest at the food shortages. will soon die.
de-mon:stra-tive [4 /di'monstrativ $ dr'ma:n-/ adj denial of ‘service at,tack n [Cc] an attempt to make
willing to show that you care about someone: My mother a company’s website stop working. This is done by send-
wasn't demonstrative; she never hugged me. ing so much DATA to the website that the company’s
—demonstratively adv computers become unable to work properly. The result is
that customers of the company cannot use the online
demonstrative ‘pronoun n [Cc] one of the words services that the company provides.
‘this’, ‘that’, ‘these’, and ‘those’
den-i-er /‘denia $ -ar/ n [U] a unit for measuring how
dem-on-stra:tor — /demanstrerta $ -er/ n [C] thin NYLON, silk etc thread is: 10-/15-/20- etc denier a pair
1 someone who takes part in a demonstration: anti-war
of 15-denier tights
demonstrators 2 someone who shows people how to do
den-i-grate /‘denigrett/ v [T] to say things to make
something or how something works
someone or something seem less important or good:
de:mor-al-ize (also -ise BrE) /drmoralaiz $ di'mo:-, people who denigrate their own country —denigration
dr'ma:-/ v [T] to reduce or destroy someone's courage or / dens'gretfan/ n [U]
confidence: The illness demoralized him and recovery took den-im /denim/ n [U] a type of strong cotton cloth
several weeks, —demoralized adj: The refugees were cold,
used especially to make JEANS
hungry, and demoralized. —demoralizing adj: the demoral-
izing effects of unemployment —demoralization den-i-zen /'denizan/ n [C + of] literary an animal, plant,
/di,moralatzerfan $ -,mo:reala-, -mai-/ n [U] or person that lives or is found in a particular place
de-mote /di'meaot $ -'mout/ v [T usually in passive] to de-nom-i-nate /dr'nominet $ dr'na:-/ v [T usually pas-
make someone’s rank or position lower or less important sive] technical to officially set the value of something
[OPP|promote: The sergeant was demoted to private. according to one system or type of money
—demotion /-'mavfen $ -'mov-/ n [C,U] de-nom-i-na-tion /dinom$nerfan $ dina:-/ n [C]
de-motsi¢ /di'mottk $ -'ma:-/ adj formal used by or 1a religious group that has different beliefs from other
popular with most ordinary people groups within the same religion: Christians of all
denominations 2 technical the value shown on a coin,
de-mo-ti-vat-ing /di:'mavtivertin $ -'mou-/ adj making paper money, or a stamp
someone less eager or willing to do their job: Tasks that do
de-nomi-na-tion-al /dinomsnerzanal $ drnaz-/ adj
not challenge you can be very demotivating. —demotivate v
relating or belonging to a particular religious denomina-
[T] tion
de-mur! /dr'ms: $ -'m3:r/ v (demurred, demurring) [1] to
de-nom-i-na-tor /di'nominerta $ di'na:minertar/ n [C]
express doubt about or opposition to a plan or sugges-
technical the number below the line in a FRACTION
tion: They demurred politely, but finally agreed to stay.
—> numerator — lowest common denominator at COMMON
demur? n [U] disagreement or disapproval: without DENOMINATOR(2)
demur | agreed to this without demur. de-note Lg /dinevt $ -'nout/ v [T] formal 1 to mean
de-mure /dr'mjua $ -!mjur/ adj 1 quiet, serious, and something — connote: What does the word ‘curriculum’
well-behaved - used especially about women in the past: denote that ‘course’ does not? 2 to represent or be a sign of
Old photos of Maggie show her young and demure. something [SYN]indicate: Crosses on the map denote vil-
2 demure clothes do not show much of a woman's body: lages. —denotative adj —denotation /di:nau'terfan
a demure white dress —demurely adv $ -nov-/ n[C]
de-mys-ti-fy /,di:'mistifar/ v (demystified, demystifying, de-noue-ment /der'nu:mnn $ detnu:'ma:n/ n [C] for-
demystifies) [T] to make a subject that seems difficult or mal the exciting last part of a story or play: The plot takes
complicated easier to understand, especially by explain- us to Paris for the denouement of the story.
ing it in simpler language: This book demystifies the male de-nounce /dr'nauns/ v [7] 1 to express strong disap-
worlds of plumbing and carpentry. —demystification proval of someone or something, especially in public
/dimistsf'kerfen/ n [U] —» denunciation: Amnesty International denounced the fail-
den /den/ n [Cc] 1 the home of some animals, for exam- ure by the authorities to take action. |denounce sb/sth as sth
ple lionsor Foxes 2 a place where secret or illegal activi- He denounced the election as a farce. 2 to give information
ties take place: corrupt gambling dens | a den of thieves to the police or another authority about someone's illegal
3 an enclosed and secret place where children play political activities: denounce sb to sb She denounced him to
4 especially AmE a room in a house where people relax, the police.
watch television etc 5 BrE old-fashioned a small room ina dense /dens/ adj 1made of or containing a lot of things
house where people can work, read etc without being or people that are very close together [SYN] thick: dense
interrupted: Father retreated to his den. 6 den of iniquity a undergrowth/forest/woodland/jungle etc A narrow track
place where activities that you think are immoral or evil wound steeply up through dense forest. | a dense rurally-
happen - often used humorously: Her mother was con- based population 2 difficult to see through or breathe in:
vinced that London was a den of iniquity. dense fog/smoke/cloud dense black smoke 3 informal not
de-na-tion-al-ize (also -ise BrE) /di:'nzfanalaiz/ v [T] able to understand things easily [SYN] stupid: Am | being
to sell a business or industry that is owned by the state, dense? | don't quite understand. 4 a dense piece of writing
so that it is then owned privately [SYN] privatize is difficult to understand because it contains a lot of
[OPP] nationalize —denationalization /di:nefenalar'zefan information or uses complicated language 5 technical a
$ -la-/ n [U] substance that is dense has a lot of MASS in relation to its
den-gue fe-ver /‘dengi ‘five $ ar/ n [U] an illness size: Water is eight hundred times denser than air.
commonly found in hot countries, caused by the bite of a —densely adv: adensely populated area —denseness n [U]
MOSQUITO which has been infected with a virus. People den:si-ty /‘densiti/ n [U] 1 the degree to which an area
 EX = words from the Academic Word List

is filled with people or things: [+of] the size and density of substance that you put on the skin under your arms to
settlements | areas of high population density 2 technical stop you from smelling bad — antiperspirant
the relationship between the MASS of something and its de-o-do-rize (also -ise BrE) /di:'asudearaiz $ -'ou-/ v [T]
size to remove a bad smell or to make it less noticeable
dent! /dent/ n [C] 1a hollow area in the surface of de-part /dr'pa:t $ -a:rt/ v 1[1,7] to leave, especially
something, usually made by something hitting it: [+in] when you are starting a journey — departure: [+from]
There was a large dent in the passenger door. 2 a reduction ocean liners arriving at and departing from the island |[+for]
in the amount of something: [+in] The trip made a big dent Dorothy departed for Germany last week. | Flights by Air
in our savings. |Eight years of effort have hardly put a dent in Europe depart Gatwick on Tuesdays.
drug trafficking.
dent? v1 [/,7] if you dent something, or if it dents, you REGISTER
hit or press it so that its surface is bent inwards: No one In everyday English, people usually say leave or go
was injured, but the car was scratched and dented. — see rather than depart: What time does the next plane
picture at DAMAGE! 2 [T] to damage or harm something: leave/go? |She left for Germany last week. |Flights
The scandal has dented his reputation. leave from Gatwick on Tuesdays.
den-tal /dentl/ adj [only before noun] relating to your 2 depart this life formal to die 3 [I] to start to use new
teeth: dental treatment/care Dental care was free in the ideas or do something in a different way — departure:
60s, |dental disease/problems/decay etc [+from] It's revolutionary music; it departs from the old form
dental ‘floss n [u] thin strong string that you use for and structures. | In his speech, the President departed from
cleaning between your teeth his text only once. 4 [1,1] to leave an organization or job
dental ‘hygienist n [c] someone who works with a —» departure: the company’s departing chairman
_ dentist and cleans people's teeth, or gives them advice de-part-ed /di'pa:tsd $ -a:r-/ adj [only before noun] dead
about how to look after their/teeth - used in order to avoid saying the word ‘dead’: his dear
‘dental nurse n [Cc] someone whose job is to help a departed wife
dentist de-part-ment § [i /dr'pa:tmant $ -a:r-/ n [C]
‘dental surgeon n [c] a dentist who can perform lone of the groups of people who work together in a
operations in the mouth particular part of a large organization such as a hospital,
den-tine /denti:n/ (also dentin /'dentin/) n [U] the university, company, or government: the personnel
type of bone that your teeth are made of department |the English department |[+of] the Department
of the Environment
den-tist Gy /‘dentist/ n [C] someone whose job is to
2an area in a large shop where a particular type of
treat people's teeth: the dentist/the dentist's (=the place
product is sold: the toy department
where a dentist works) I’m going to the dentist this after-
3 be sb's department spoken if something is someone's
noon.
department, they are responsible for it or know a lot
den-tis-try /dentistri/ n [U] the medical study of the about it: I'll see what | can do, but it’s not really my
mouth and teeth, or the work of a dentist department.
den-tures /‘dentfaz $ -arz/ n [plural] a set of artificial 4 spoken a particular part of someone's character, or a
teeth worn by someone who does not have their own particular part of a larger activity or subject: Dave was
teeth any longer [SYN] false teeth lacking in the trustworthiness department. —departmental
de-nude /dinjuid $ di'nu:d/ v [T usually passive] formal / dizpa:t'mentl< $ -a:r-/ adj: a departmental meeting
1 to remove the plants and trees that cover an area of de-part-men-ta-lize (also -ise BrE) /,dizpa:t'mentl-aiz
land: a hillside denuded in a fire 2 to take something away $ -arr-/ v [T] to divide something into different depart-
from someone or something: denude sb/sth of sth The fact ments
that people have left farm work has denuded many villages of de'partment store n [Cc] a large shop that is divided
their working populations. —denudation /di:nju:'derfen $ into separate departments, each selling a different type
-nu:-/ n [U] of goods
de-nun-ci-a-tion /drnansi'erfan/ n [C] a public state-
ment in which you criticize someone or something
de-par-ture [Q /drpattfa $ -'pazrtfar/ n
—»+ denounce 1[C,U] an act of leaving a place, especially at the start of
a journey arrival: [+for] | saw Simon shortly before his
de-ny §}) ( GG /drnar/ v (denied, denying, denies) [T] departure for Russia. | [+of] There was a delay in the
IG
YECISLT
AT to say that something is not true, departure of our plane. | [+from] Mozart's departure from
or that you do not believe something — denial: deny (that) Paris in September 1778
I've never denied that there is a housing problem. | | can't 2[C,U] an act of leaving an organization or position:
deny her remarks hurt me. | deny doing sth Two men have [+from] He refused to discuss his departure from the govern-
denied murdering a woman at a remote picnic spot. | ment.
strongly/vehemently/strenuously etc deny sth Jackson vehe- 3[C] a flight, train etc that leaves at a particular time:
mently denied the allegations. | The government denied the There are several departures for New York every day.
existence of poverty among 16- and 17-year-olds. | deny a 4[C] a way of doing something that is different from the
charge/allegation/claim The men have denied charges of usual, traditional, or expected way: [+from] Their new
theft. designs represent a departure from their usual style. |
2 (GET) to refuse to allow someone to have or do radical/major/significant etc departure (=a big change)
something: landowners who deny access to the countryside | This would be a radical departure from the subsidy system.
deny sb sth She could deny her son nothing. |deny sth to sb
Thisisthe only country in Europe to deny cancer screening to
de'parture Jounge n [c] the place at an airport
where people wait until their plane is ready to leave
its citizens. REFUSE
3 there’s no denying (that/sth) spoken used to say that it is de'partures board n [c] a big screen at an airport or
very clear that something is true: There's no denying that station that shows the times at which planes or trains
this is an important event. leave
4 (S009 to refuse to admit that you are feeling some- de-pend G1 /dr' pend/ v it/that depends spoken used
thing: Emotions can become destructive if they are sup- to say that you cannot give a definite answer to some-
pressed and denied. thing because your answer will be affected by something
5 deny yourself (sth) to decide not to have something that else: ‘How long are you staying?’ ‘| don’t know; it depends.’ |
you would like, especially for moral or religious reasons: it depends who/what/how/whether etc You may take sev-
He denied himself all pleasures and Juxuries. eral months to reach your target weight - it depends how
de-o-do-rant /di:audarant $ -ov-/ n [CU] a chemical much you want to lose. C
 t
EX = words from the Academic Word List 453
_ deposi
depend on/upon sb/sth phr v were held in deplorable conditions. | His conduct was deplor-
1if something depends on something else, it is directly able. —deplorably adv
affected or decided by that thing: The length of time spent deplore /dr'plo: $ -'pla:r/ v [T] formal to disapprove of
exercising depends on the sport you are training for. |depend something very strongly and criticize it severely, espe-
on how/what/whether etc Choosing the right bike depends cially publicly: The UN deplored the invasion as a ‘violation
on what you want to use it for. | depending on sth The of international law’.
expenses you claim can vary enormously, depending on travel de-ploy /dr'pls1/ v 1 [1,7] to organize or move soldiers,
distances involved, /\ Do not say that one thing ‘is depend military equipment etc so that they are in the right place
on’ another. Say that one thing depends on or is depend- and ready to be used: deploy forces/troops/weapons etc
ent on another. NATO’s decision to deploy cruise missiles 2 [T] formal to use
2 to need the support, help, or existence of someone or something for a particular purpose, especially ideas,
something in order to exist, be healthy, be successful etc arguments etc: a job in which a variety of professional skills
[SYN]rely on: The country depends heavily on its tourist will be deployed —deployment n [C,U]
trade. | We depend entirely on donations from the public. |
depend on sb/sth for sth Many women have to depend on de-po-lic-ing, depolicing /,di:pa'lissm/ n [U] a way of
their husbands for their state pension. | depend on sb/sth to keeping contro! over an area in which the police deliber-
do sth |’m depending on you to tell me everything. | depend ately ignore small crimes by members of ethnic minori-
on sb/sth doing sth We're depending on him finishing the job ties (ETHNIC MINORITY) so that they are not Accused of
by Friday. RACISM (=treating members of a particular race unfairly)
3 to trust or have confidence in someone or something: de-po-lit-i-cize (also -ise BrE) /di:pa'lttisaiz/ v [T] to
You can depend on Jane - she always keeps her promises. remove political influence or control from a situation
de-pend:a-ble /di'pendabal/ adj able to be trusted to —depoliticization /di:pa|itisar'zerfan $ -sa-/ n [U]
do what you need or expect: our most depéndable ally | a de-pop-u-late /di:'popjglert $ -'pa:p-/ v [T usually pas-
dependable source of income -—dependably adv sive] to greatly reduce the number of people living in a
—dependability /d1pende'brlsti/ n [U] particular area: Disease depopulated the whole region.
de-pen-dant Br£, dependent AmE /drpendant/ n [C] —depopulation /di:popj$'letfan $ -pazp-/ n [U]
someone, especially a child, who depends on you for de-port /dr'po:t $ -s:rt/ v [T] to make someone leave a
food, clothes, money etc country and return to the country they came from, espe-
de-pen-dence /dr'pendans/ (also dependency) n [U] cially because they do not have a legal right to stay
1 when you depend on the help and support of someone — export: deport sb from/to sth He was deported from
or something else in order to exist or be successful Ecuador when his visa expired. —deportation /di:p>:'terfan
independence: [+on/upon] our dependence on oil as a $ -po:r-/ n [C,U]: the deportation of illegal immigrants
source of energy | the financial dependency of some women de-por-tee /di:po:'ti: $ -po:r-/ n [C] formal someone
on men 2 drug/alcohol dependence when someone is who has been deported or is going to be deported
ADDICTED to drugs or alcohol 3 technical when one thing is de-port-ment /dripo:tmant $ -a:r-/ n [U] 1 BrE the way
strongly affected by another thing: [+of] the mutual that someone stands and walks: lessons in manners and
dependence of profit and growth deportment 2 old-fashioned especially AmE the way that
de-pen-den-cy /dr'pendansi/ n (plural dependencies) someone behaves in public
1 [U] DEPENDENCE: drug dependency 2 [C] a country that is de-pose /dr'pauz §$ -'pouwz/ v [T] to remove a leader or
controlled by another country — colony: Britain's Carib- ruler from a position of power
bean dependencies
de-pos-it! 4 /dr'pozit $ dr'pa:-/ n [C]
de-pen-dent' ( /dr'pendant/ adj
1a part of the cost of something you are buying that you
ineeding someone or something in order to exist, be
pay some time before you pay the rest of it: [+of] A
successful, be healthy etc independent: [+on/upon]
deposit of 10% is required. | put down a deposit (on sth)
Norway's economy is heavily dependent on natural
(=pay a deposit) We put down a deposit on a house.
resources. |Jan’s mother was dependent on her for physical
2 money that you pay when you rent something such as
care. |Do you have any dependent children (=who you are an apartment or car, which will be given back if you do
still supporting financially)? not damage it: [+of] We ask for one month's rent in
2 ADDICTED to drugs, alcohol etc: [+on/upon] the needs of
advance, plus a deposit of $500.
people dependent on drugs | a danger of becoming alcohol
3.an amount of money that is paid into a bank account
dependent [opp] withdrawal: [+into] /'d like to make a deposit (=pay
3 be dependent on/upon sth to be directly affected or
some money) into my savings account.
decided by something else: Your pay is dependent on how 4a layer of a mineral, metal etc that is left in soil or rocks
much you produce. through a natural process: [+of] rich deposits of gold in the
dependent? n [Cc] the American spelling of DEPENDANT hills
‘de pendent ‘clause n [C] a clause in a sentence that 5 an amount or layer of a substance that gradually devel-
gives information related to the main clause, but cannot ops in a particular place: fatty deposits on the heart
exist alone 6an amount of money paid by a CANDIDATE in a political
de-pict /dr'prkt/ v [7] formal to describe something or election in Britain, that is returned to them if they get
someone in writing or speech, or to show them in a enough votes: lose your deposit (=not get enough votes)
painting, picture etc: a book depicting life in pre- deposit? v 1 [7 always + adv/prep] formal to put some-
revolutionary Russia | depict sb/sth as sth The god is thing down in a particular place: The female deposits her
depicted as a bird with a human head. (TEAL UE} DESCRIBE eggs directly into the water. 2 [T] to leave a layer of a
—depiction /di'pikjan/ n [C,U] substance on the surface of something, especially gradu-
de-pil-a-to-ry /drprlatari $ -to:ri/ n (plural depilatories) ally; As the river slows down, it deposits a layer of soil.
[C] formal a substance that gets rid of unwanted hair 3 [T] to put money or something valuable in a bank or
from your body —depilatory adj [only before noun]: depila- other place where it will be safe: deposit sth in sth You are
tory creams advised to deposit your valuables in the hotel safe. | deposit
de-plane /di:'plen/ v [!] to get off a plane sth with sb/sth The dollars are then deposited with banks
de-plete /drpli:t/ v [7 usually passive] to reduce the outside the USA.
amount of something that is present or available: Salmon REGISTER
populations have been severely depleted. —depletion In everyday English, people usually say they put in or
/dr'plixfen/ n [UJ]: the depletion of the ozone layer pay in money, rather than deposit money: | paid/put
de-plor:a-ble /dr'plo:rabal/ adj formal very bad, $100 into his account. | You should put your valuables in
unpleasant, and shocking [SYN] appalling: The prisoners the hotel safe.
 deposit account & & & = the most frequent words in spoken English

de'posit ac,count n [C] especially BrE a bank account de-press:ing /dr'presin/ adj making you feel very sad:
that pays INTEREST on the money that you leave in it It’s a depressing thought. | The whole experience was very
—> CHECKING ACCOUNT, CURRENT ACCOUNT depressing. —depressingly adv: depressingly poor results
dep-o-si-tion /depa'zrfan, di:-/ n 1[U] technical the de-pres:sion [Ey LQ /dr'prefan/ n
natural process of depositing a substance on rocks or 1[C,U] a) a medical condition that makes you very
soil: the deposition of marine sediments 2 [C] law a state- unhappy and anxious and often prevents you from living
ment written or recorded for a court of law, by someone a normal life: women who suffer from post-natal depression
who has promised to tell the truth 3 [C,U] the act of (=that sometimes happens after the birth of a baby) b) a
removing someone from a position of power feeling of sadness that makes you think there is no hope
de-pos--tor /dr'ppzita $ di'pa:zitar/ n [C] someone for the future: Lucy’s mood was one of deep depression.
who puts money in a bank or other financial organization 2the (Great) Depression the period during the 1930s
de-pos-i-to-ry /di'pozitari $ dr'pa:zitorri/ n (plural when there was not much business activity and not many
depositories) [C] a place where something can be safely jobs
kept —depository adj 3[C,U] a long period during which there is very little
dep-ot /depau $ ‘dipou/ n [C] 1a place where goods business activity and a lot of people do not have jobs
are stored until they are needed: the company’s distribu- —+ recession: the devastating effects of economic depression
tion depot |a fuel storage depot 2 bus/tram etc depot BrE a 4[C] a part of a surface that is lower than the other parts:
place where buses etc are kept and repaired 3 AmE a depressions in the ground
_ railway station or bus station, especially a small one 5[C] technical a mass of air under low pressure, that
de-prave /drpreiv/ v [T] formal to be an evil influence usually causes rain
on someone, especially someone who is young or not de-press-ive' /di'presiv/ adj relating to or suffering
very experienced from DEPRESSION: patients with depressive symptoms
de-praved /dr'pretvd/ adj completely evil or morally depressive? n [C] someone who suffers from DEPRES-
unacceptable: a_ killer's depraved mind —depravity SION
/di'prevsti/ n [U] dep-ri-va-tion /depriverfan/ n [C usually plural, U] the
dep-re-cate /deprikert/ v [T] formal to strongly disap- lack of something that you need in order to be healthy,
prove of or criticize something —deprecation comfortable, or happy: Sleep deprivation can result in men-
/ deprikerfan/ n [U] tal disorders. | social/economic/emotional etc deprivation
Low birth weight is related to economic deprivation. | [+of]
dep-re-cat-ing /‘deprskertin/ (also dep-re-ca-to-ry
the deprivations of prison life
/‘deprikertari $ 'deprskato:ri/) adj formal 1 expressing criti-
cism or disapproval: She glanced at me in a deprecating de-prive /di'praiv/ v
way. 2 BrE intended to make someone feel less annoyed deprive sb of sth phr v to prevent someone from having
or disapproving: a deprecating smile — SELF-DEPRECATING something, especially something that they need or
—deprecatingly adv should have: A lot of these children have been deprived of a
normal home life.
de-pre:ci-ate /dr'prisfiett/ v1 [1] to decrease in value or
price [OPP] appreciate: New cars depreciate in value quickly. deprived /dtiprarvd/ adj not having the things that are
2 [T] technical to reduce the value of something over necessary for a comfortable or happy life: Deprived chil-
time, especially for tax purposes: Company computers are dren tend to do less well at school. | deprived areas/
depreciated at 50% per year. 3 [T] formal to make some- neighbourhoods etc (=where a lot of deprived people live)
thing seem unimportant: those who depreciate the impor- our deprived inner cities POOR
tance of art in education Dept. (also Dept BrE) the written abbreviation of depart-
de-pre-ci-a-tion /drprisf'erfan/ n [U] a reduction in the ment
value or price of something: the depreciation of the dollar depth § [Hl /depe/ n
dep-re-da-tion /depriderjan/ n [C usually plural] formal 1[C usually singular, U] a) the distance from the top surface
an act of taking or destroying something of something such as a river or hole to the bottom of it
de-press [@ /dripres/ v [T] 1to make someone feel —+ deep: a sea with an average depth of 35 metres |to/at a
very unhappy —> depression: The thought of taking the depth of sth The cave descends to a depth of 340 feet. |Plant
exam again depressed him. | It depresses me that nobody the beans at a depth of about six inches. |a metre/foot etc in
seems to care. 2 to prevent an ECONOMY from being as depth (=deep) a channel of two feet in depth b) the dis-
active and successful as it usually is +> depression: Several tance from the front to the back of an object: The depth of
factors combined to depress the American economy. the shelves is about 35 cm. — see picture at DIMENSION
3 formal to press something down, especially a part of a 2 [U] how strong an emotion is or how serious a situation
machine: Depress the clutch fully. is: [+of] the depth of public feeling on this issue | People
need to realize the depth of the problem.
REGISTER 3[U] a) (also depths) the quality of having a lot of
In everyday English, people usually say they push knowledge, understanding, or experience: depth of
(down) or press (down) a button rather than depress knowledge/understanding/experience | was impressed by
it: Push this button for cold water. |Push the clutch the depth of her knowledge. | a man of great depth and
down fully. insight | She's quiet, but perhaps she has hidden depths.
b) when a lot of details about a subject are provided or
4 formal to reduce the value of prices or wages: High
interest rates may depress share prices.
considered: Network news coverage often lacks depth. | The
subject was discussed in great depth.
de-press-ant /dr'presant/ n [C] a substance or drug 4 be out of your depth a) to be involved in a situation or
that makes your body processes slower and makes you activity that is too difficult for you to understand or deal
feel'very relaxed or sleepy — stimulant —depressant adj with: | felt completely out of my depth at the meeting. b) BrE
de-pressed /dr'prest/ adj 1 a) very unhappy: She felt to be in water that is too deep for you to stand in ;
lonely and depressed. | [+about] Don't get depressed about 5 the depths of sth when a bad feeling or situation is at its
it. |The divorce left him deeply depressed. | | was depressed worst level: She was in the depths of despair. | The country
at the thought of all the hard work ahead. b) suffering from was recovering from the depths of recession.
a medical condition in which you are so unhappy that you 6 the depths of the ocean/countryside/forest etc the part
cannot live a normal life: patients who are clinically that is furthest away from people, and most difficult to
depressed GRIEVE SAD 2 an area, industry etc that is reach: Astronomers may one day travel to the depths of
depressed does not have enough economic or business space.
activity: Britain's depressed housing market 3 formal a 7 the depths of winter the middle of winter, especially
depressed level or amount is lower than normal: a when it is very cold
depressed appetite 8 the depths literary the deepest parts of the sea
({ (2 GS = the most frequent words in written English 455 descend

‘depth charge n [Cc] a bomb that explodes at a particu- der-i-va-tion [gq /deriverfan/ n [CU +of] technical the
lar depth under water origin of something, especially a word
dep-u-ta-tion /depjs'terfan/ n [C] formal a small group de-riv-a-tive’ fq /drrvettv/ n [C] 1 something that
of people who are sent to talk to someone in authority, as has developed or been produced from something else:
representatives of a larger group [+of] Heroin is a derivative of morphine. 2 a type of finan-
de-pute /dr'pju:t/ v depute sb to do sth formal to tell or cial INVESTMENT: the derivatives market
allow someone to do something instead of you derivative? adj not new or invented, but copied or
dep-u-tize (also -ise BrE) /‘depjstarz/ v 1 [1] BrE to do taken from something else - used to show disapproval: a
the work of someone of a higher rank than you for a short derivative text
time because they are unable to do it: [+for] Jed could de-rive [LQ /drratv/ v
deputise for Stewart, if necessary. 2 [T] AmE to give some- 1[T] to get something, especially an advantage or a
one below you in rank the authority to do your work for a pleasant feeling, from something: derive sth from sth
short time, usually because you are unable to do it Medically, we will derive great benefit from this technique. |
—» delegate derive pleasure/enjoyment etc Many students derived enor-
dep-u-ty /‘depjsti/ n (plural deputies) [C] 1 (also mous satisfaction from the course.
Deputy) someone who is directly below another person 2 (also be derived) [1,7] to develop or come from some-
in rank, and who is officially in charge when that person is thing else — derivation: [+from] This word is derived from
not there: deputy director/chairman/governor etc the Latin. |patterns of behaviour that derive from basic beliefs
Deputy Secretary of State 2 someone whose job is to help
REGISTER
a SHERIFF in the US 3 a member of parliament in some
In everyday English, people usually say that
countries, for example France
something comes from something rather than is
de-rail /,ir'rerl, di-/ v 1 [1,7] if a train derails or some- derived from something: This word comes from Latin.
thing derails it, it goes off the tracks 2 [T] to spoil or
interrupt a plan, agreement etc: a mistake that might derail 3 [T] technical to get a chemical substance from another
the negotiations —derailment n [C,U] substance: be derived from sth The enzyme is derived from
de-ranged /dr'retnd3d/ adj someone who is deranged human blood.
behaves in a crazy or dangerous way, usually because derm-a-brade /‘d3:mabreid §$ ‘d3:r-/ v [T] medical to
they are mentally ill: a deranged gunman —derangement n remove something from a surface, using the edge of a
[C,U] SCALPEL or knife etc [SYN] scrape
der-by /‘dazbi $ ‘d3:rbi/ n (plural derbies) [C] 1 Derby der-ma-bra:sion /,d3:ma'brerzan $ ,dair-/ n [C,U] medi-
used in the names of some well-known horse races: the cal a type of SURGERY that removes the top layers of
Kentucky Derby | the Derby BrE (=a famous race in someone's skin in order to make the skin below look
England) 2 BrE a sports match between two teams from smoother and to make new skin healthier. This is often
the same area or city 3 especially AmE a man's hard done to repair SCARS caused by an accident or by previous
round hat that is usually black [SYN|bowler BrE 4 a par- surgery.
ticular type of race or competition: a donkey derby der-ma-ti-tis /,dsime'tartis $ d3:-/ n [U] a disease of
Derby, the a very important yearly horse race held at the skin that causes redness, swelling, and pain
Epsom in England in May or June, on a day which is der-ma-tol-o-gy /,3:ma'toladzi $ d3:rma'ta:-/ n [U]
known as Derby Day the part of medical science that deals with skin diseases
de-reg-u-late / di:'regjslett/_ v [T usually passive] to and their treatment —dermatologist n [C]
remove government rules and controls from some types de-rog-ate /‘derageit/ v law to state officially that a
of business activity: industries that have been deregulated part of a law or agreement has ended and that it no
—deregulation /di:,regj3'lerfan/ n [U] longer has any legal authority
der-e-lict™ /‘dersitkt/ adj a derelict building or piece of derogate from sth phr v formal 1to make something
land is in very bad condition because it has not been used seem less important or less good: Louis XIV clearly
for a long time thought it derogated from his dignity as a ruler. 2 to ignore a
derelict? n [Cc] someone who has no money or home, responsibility or duty
lives on the streets, and is very dirty - used to show de-rog-a-to-ry /dr'rogeatari $ dr'ra:gato:ri/ adj deroga-
disapproval tory remarks, attitudes etc are insulting and disapproving:
Their conversation contained a number of derogatory racial
der-e-lic-tion /deritkjan/ n 1 dereliction of duty formal
when someone fails to do what they should do as part of remarks,
their job 2 [U] the state of being derelict: areas of indus- der-rick /dertk/ n [C] 1 tall machine used for lifting
trial dereliction heavy weights, especially on ships 2 a tall tower built
over an oil well, used to raise and lower the DRILL
.de-ride /drratd/ v [T] formal to make remarks or jokes
that show you think someone or something is silly or der-riére /‘deriea $ deri'er/ n [C] your BUTTOCKs - used
useless [SYN]mock —+ derisive: You shouldn't deride their humorously
efforts. |deride sb as sth The party was derided as totally der-ring-do / derin ‘du:/ n deeds/acts etc of derring-do
lacking in ideas. : very brave actions like the ones that happen in adventure
de ri-gueur /da risig3: $ -'g3:r/ adj [not before noun] stories - used humorously
considered to be necessary if you want to be accepted, der-vish /‘da:vyf $ 'd3:r-/ n [C] a member of a Muslim
fashionable etc - used humorously: the gleaming white religious group, some of whom dance fast and spin
teeth that are de rigueur for movie stars around as part of a religious ceremony
de-ri-sion /di'rrzan/ n [U] when you show that you de-sal-i:ma-tion /di:selnerjan/ n [U] technical the
think someone or something is stupid or silly: His speech process of removing salt from sea water so that people
was greeted with derision by opposition leaders. can use it —desalinate /di:'selinett/ v [T]
de-ri-sive /drratsiv/ adj showing that you think some- de-scale /di:'ske1|/ v [T] BrE to remove the white sub-
one or something is stupid or silly: derisive laughter stance that forms on the inside of pipes, KETTLES etc
—derisively adv des-cant /‘deskent/ n [C,U] a tune that is played or
de-ri-So-ry /dr'ratsari/ adj 1an. amount of money that is sung above the main tune in a piece of music
derisory is so small that it is not worth considering de-scend /dr'send/ v 1[1,7] formal to move from a
seriously: Unions described the pay offer as derisory. 2 DERI- higher level to a lower one [OPP]ascend —» descent: Our
SIVE plane started to descend. | | heard his footsteps descending
de-riv-a-ble /drratvabal/ adj [+from] something that is the stairs. |[+to/from/into etc] The path continues for some
derivable can be calculated from something else way before descending to Garsdale Head.
 456 £3 = words from the Academic Word List

commonly used than describe in everyday spoken

REGISTER
English: So, tell me about your holiday! |My friends
In everyday English, people usually say go down or have told me all about you!
come down rather than descend: They went down into depict formal to describe someone or something in a
the lobby. | | heard his footsteps coming down the stairs. piece of writing: His stories depict life in Trinidad as
2 [1] literary if darkness, silence, a feeling etc descends, it seen through the eyes of a young boy. |In this new
becomes dark etc or you start to feel something, espe- biography she is depicted as a lonely and unhappy
cially suddenly: [+on/upon/over] Total silence descended woman.
on the room. | An air of gloom descended over the party portray/represent formal to describe someone or
headquarters. 3 in descending order (of sth) numbers, something in a particular way: College teachers are
choices etc that are in descending order are arranged often represented on television shows as slightly
from the highest or most important to the lowest or least eccentric. |The magazine has been criticized for the
important: The hotels are listed in descending order of price. way it portrays women.
descend from sb/sth phr v 1 be descended from sb to be characterize sb/sth as sth formal to describe
related to a person or group who lived a long time ago: someone or something by emphasizing one
She claims to be descended from Abraham Lincoln. | The particular quality or feature about them: He
people here are descended from the Vikings. 2 to have characterized himself as ‘an average American’. | The
developed from something that existed in the past successful schools were characterized as innovative and
[SYN| come from: ideas that descend from those of ancient creative.
philosophers paint sb/sth as sth to describe someone or
descend on/upon sb/sth phr v if a large number of something, especially in a way that makes people
people descend on a person or a place, they come to visit believe something that is not true: Not all young
or stay, especially when they are not very welcome: people are as bad as they're painted in the press. | We
Millions of tourists descend on the area every year. won, yet the media is painting it as a victory for our
descend to sth phr v to behave or speak in an unpleasant opponents,
way, which is not the.way you usually behave [SYN] stoop paint a picture to describe a situation, so that
to: Surely he wouldn't descend to such a mean trick? | people can get a general idea of what it is like: Can
descend to sb's level (=behave or speak as badly as some- you paint a picture of life in Japan for us? | My uncle’s
one else) Other people may gossip, but don't descend to letters generally painted a rosy picture of how things
their level. were.
ee
de-scen-dant /dr'sendant/ n [C] 1someone who is
related to a person who lived a long time ago, or to a de-scrip-tion § [Q /dr'skripfan/ n [CU]
family, group of people etc that existed in the past Ta piece of writing or speech that gives details about
—+ ancestor: sb’s descendants/the descendants of sb The what someone or something is like: [+of] an accurate
coastal areas were occupied by the descendants of Greek description of the event | The booklet gives a brief description
colonists. | He was a direct descendant of Napoleon of each place. | Berlin sounds fascinating from your descrip-
Bonaparte. (XENI RELATIVE 2 something that has tion. —+ JOB DESCRIPTION
developed from something else: [+of] Quechua is a 2 be beyond/past description to be too good, bad, big etc
descendant of the Inca language. to be described easily: The death and destruction were
de-scent /dr'sent/ n 1 [C,U] formal the process of going beyond description.
down ascent: Passengers must fasten their seat belts 3 of every/some/any etc description (also of all descrip-
prior to descent. | [+from/to] The descent to Base Camp tions) people or things of every type, some type etc:
took about two days. 2 [U] your family origins, especially People of all descriptions came to see the show.
your nationality or relationship to someone important
(ole) Kole Wale)hy
who lived a long time ago: of Russian/Italian etc descent
young men and women of Asian descent | [+from] The NERO ee
emperor claimed descent from David. | by descent They're give (sb) a description She was unable to give the
Irish by descent. 3 [C] a path or road that goes down a police a description of her attacker.
slope [OPP] ascent: [+from/to] There is no direct descent provide a description formal The diary provides a
from the summit. 4 [singular] a gradual change towards clear description of farming life in the 1850s.
behaviour or a situation that is very bad: descent into issue a description (=formally give a description of
alcoholism/chaos/madness etc his descent into drug abuse someone to the public) Police have issued a
5 [singular] BrE a sudden unwanted visit or attack: the description of the two men they are looking for.
descent on the town by a motorcycle gang fit/match a description (=be like the person in a
de-scribe Gy [ /dr'skratb/ v [T] police description) The first man they arrested did not
1to say what something or someone is like by giving fit the description given by the victim.
details about them: The police asked her to describe the sb answering a description (=a person who looks
man. | Another approach to the problem is described in like someone in a police description) A young girl
Chapter 3. |describe sb/sth as (being/having) sth After the answering this description has been seen in Spain.
operation her condition was described as comfortable. | The | ADJECTIVES Pe eee
youth is described as being 18 to 19 years old. | describe
good Her descriptions of the natural world are very
how/why/what etc /t’s difficult to describe how | feel. |
good.
describe sb/sth to sb So describe this new boyfriend to me! |
clear He gave us a clear description of the situation in
describe doing sth He described finding his mother lying on
the floor. the city.
2 describe a circle/an arc etc formal to make a movement detailed Some of his descriptions of the island are very
which forms the shape of a circle etc: Her hand described a detailed.
circle in the air. accurate | don't think the hotel's description of its
facilities was very accurate.
vivid (=very clear and interesting) The book contains
describe to talk or write about a person, place, event some vivid descriptions of his childhood.
etc, in order to show what they are like: Could you try perfect We have a perfect description of the man we
and describe the man you saw? |In her book, she are looking for.
describes her journey across the Sahara. | Police a full description formal (=detailed) Please give a full
described the attack as particularly violent. description of your responsibilities in your present job.
tell sb about sb/sth to describe someone or a long/lengthy description | didn't want to hear a
something to someone. This phrase is more lengthy-description of their holiday.
EG = words from the Academic Word List 457 design
a brief/short description There's only a brief behaviour; What have | done to deserve this? |deserve to do
description of the hotel on the Internet. sth We didn’t deserve to win. | richly/fully/thoroughly etc
a general description (=not detailed) He started by deserve sth the success he so richly deserves | I’m sorry for
giving us a general description of the manufacturing the kids. They deserve better (=deserve to be treated in a
process. better way). | deserve a rest/break/holiday etc / think we
a graphic description (=very clear and containing a deserve a rest after all that hard work. | Ledley deserves a
lot of details, usually about something unpleasant) place in the team: | Paula deserves a special mention for all
The book has some graphic descriptions of life in the the help she has given us. | | would never hit anyone, even if
prison camp. they deserved it. | What has he done to deserve this
punishment? |deserve all/everything you get (=deserve any
de-scrip-tive /dr'skriptiv/ adj1 giving a description of bad things that happen to you) He deserves all he gets for
something: the descriptive passages in the novel 2 technical being so dishonest. | People who are sent to prison for
describing how the words of a language are actually used, drunk-driving get what they deserve.
rather than saying how they ought to be used 2 deserve consideration/attention etc if a suggestion, idea,
prescriptive —descriptively adv or plan deserves consideration, attention etc, it is good
des-e-crate /‘destkreit/ v [T] to spoil or damage some- enough to be considered, paid attention to etc [SYN] merit:
thing holy or respected DAMAGE This proposal deserves serious consideration.
—desecration / desr'krerfan/ n [U] 3 sb deserves a medal spoken used to say that you admire
de-seg-re-gate /di:'segrigett/ v [T] to end a system in the way someone dealt with a situation or problem:
which people of different races are kept separate [+for] You deserve a medal for putting up with lan’s constant
<i) integrate [OPP] segregate —desegregation demands.
/ dissegrsgerfan $ di:seg-/ n [U] de-served /drz3vd $ -z3:rvd/ adj earned because of ©
de-sel-ect / disa'lekt/ v [T] 1to remove something good or bad behaviour, skill, work etc: He has a well- —
from a list of choices on a computer 2 BrE if members of a deserved reputation as a reliable worker. | a deserved win/
political party deselect an existing Member of Parlia- victory/success etc Larsson’s goal gave Celtic a deserved
ment, they refuse to choose him or her as a CANDIDATE at victory.
the next election —deselection /-lekjan/ n [U] de-serv-ed-ly /drzsividli $ -3:1r-/ adv 1 in a way that is
de-sen-si-tize (also -ise BrE) /di:'sensstaiz/ v [T] to right or deserved: deservedly popular/well-known/famous
make someone react less strongly to something by mak- etc Bistro Roti is a deservedly popular restaurant. | Arsenal
ing them become used to it: desensitize sb to sth Does TV were deservedly beaten 2-1 by Leeds. 2 (and) deservedly so
desensitize people to violence? —desensitization used to say that you agree that something is right and
/dit,sensstar'zerfan $ -ta-/ n [U] deserved: She is widely respected in the music world, and
des-ert! (5 /‘dezat $ -art/ n deservedly so.
1[C,U] a large area of land where it is always very dry, de-serv-ing /dr'z3:vin $ -3:r-/ adj 1 needing help and
and there is a lot of sand: the Sahara Desert | This area of support, especially financial support: deserving causes/
the country is mostly desert. | in the desert The plane crash- cases The National Lottery provides extra money for deserv-
landed in the desert. ing causes. 2 be deserving of sth formal to deserve
2[C] a place where there is no activity or where nothing something: Some criminals are more deserving of their pun-
interesting happens: The railroad yard was a desert now. ishment than others.
/\ Do not confuse with dessert (=the sweet part of a des:ic-cat-ed /‘desikertid/ adj technical 1 desic-
meal). cated food has been dried in order to preserve it
de-sert? /dr'z3:t $ -'z3:rt/ v 1[T] to leave someone or 2 completely dry: desiccated soil
something and no longer help or support them des-ic-ca-tion /des!kerfan/ n [U] technical the process
[SYN] abandon: Helen was deserted by her husband. | Many of becoming completely dry
of the party's traditional voters deserted it at the last
election. | The price rise caused many readers to desert the de:sid-e-ra‘tum /dizida'ra:tam, -'rer-, -std- $
magazine. | desert sb for sb He deserted her for another drsida'rertam, -'ra:-/ n (plural desiderata /-ta/) [C] formal
woman. 2. [T] to leave a place so that it is completely something that is wanted or needed
empty [SYN]abandon: The birds have deserted their nest. de-sign' & Od Ga /dizain/ n
3 [1] to leave the army, navy etc without permission: 1 Giese [U] the art or process of making a
Several hundred soldiers have deserted. 4 [T] if a feeling, drawing of something to show how you will make it or
quality, or skill deserts you, you no longer have it, espe- what it will look like: The new plane is in its final design
cially at a time when you need it: Mike’s confidence stage. | the design process | the design team | a course in
seemed to have deserted him. graphic design |computer-aided design
de-sert-ed /drzs:tid $ -31r-/ adj 1empty and quiet 2G aes [C,U] the way that something
' because no people are there: The streets were deserted. | has been planned and made, including its appearance,
The old mine now stands completely deserted. EALIE>
FE how it works etc: The car's design has been greatly
EMPTY 2 deserted wife/husband/child etc a wife etc who improved. | [+of] the design of the new building | Some
has been left by her husband etc changes have been made to the computer's basic design. | a
de-sert-er /dr'zz:ta $ -z3irtar/ n [C] a soldier who design fault | The electric windows are an important design
leaves the army, navy etc without permission feature of this model.
de-sert-i-fi-ca-tion /drza:tifkerfan $ -z3r-/ n [U] 3G [C] a pattern for decorating something: a
technical the process by which useful land, especially floral design | Vinyl flooring is available in a wide range of
farmland, changes into desert designs.
ADL [C] a drawing that shows how something will
de:ser-tion /dx'z3:fan $ -31r-/ 11 [C,U] the act of leaving
be made or what it will look like: [+for] the design for the
the army, navy etc without permission 2 [U] law the act
new sports centre
of leaving your wife or husband because you do not want
5 [keke [CU] a plan that someone has in their mind:
to live with them any longer by design (=intentionally) We shall never know whether this
desert ‘island n [c] a small tropical island that is far happened by accident or by design. | He has some grand
away from other places and has no people living on it designs for the company.
deserts /drz3ts $ -'z3:rts/ n get/receive your (just) 6have designs on sth to want something for yourself,
deserts to be punished in a way that you deserve: Offend- especially because it will bring you money: Several devel-
ers should receive their just deserts. opers have designs on the property.
de-serve G3 (5) /drz3:v $ -3:rv/ v [7] 7 have designs on sb formal to want a sexual relationship
1to have earned something by good or bad actions or with someone: He had designs on her.
 design Gi] G2] &) = the most frequent words in spoken English

design? § 0 Gg v [7]
1to make a drawing or plan of something that will be REGISTER
made or built: The tower was designed by Gilbert Scott. | In everyday English, people usually say want rather
design sth for sth She designed a new logo for the company. | than desire, although the meaning of desire is
well/badly etc designed a badly designed office | specially stronger than want: You can have anything you want. |
designed software | wanted to meet her.
2 [usually passive] to plan or develop something for a 2 literary to want to have sex with someone —desired
specific purpose: design sth to do sth These exercises are adj: His remarks had the desired effect.
designed to strengthen muscles. |be designed for sb/sth The
de-sir-ous /drzararas $ -'zarr-/ adj [not before noun]
course is designed for beginners. | be designed as sth The
formal wanting something very much: [+of] He became
book is designed as a reference manual.
restless and desirous of change.
des-ig-nate' /‘deztgnett/. v [T usually passive]
1 to choose someone or something for a particular job or
desist /drztst, dr'stst/ v [1] formal to stop doing some-
purpose: be designated sth The lake was recently designated
thing: We hope that the military regime will desist from its
a conservation area. | designate sth as/for sth Funds were acts of violence. + cease and desist at CEASE(2)
designated for projects in low-income areas. |designate sb to desk 8) 1D /desk/ n [c]
do sth She has been designated to take over the position of 1a piece of furniture like a table, usually with drawers in
,. treasurer. 2 to represent or refer to something using a it, that you sit at to write and work: Marie was sitting at
particular sign, name etc: Buildings are designated by red her desk. + see picture at TABLE!
_ squares on the map. 2 a place where you can get information or use a particu-
/ des-ig-nate? /‘dezignit,-nert/ adj [only after noun] for- lar service in a hotel, airport etc: the reception desk | the
_ mal used after the name of an official job to show that check-in desk
someone has been chosen for that job but has not yet 3 an office that deals with a particular subject, especially
officially started work: the director designate in newspapers or television: the news/sports desk
designated ‘driver n [c] someone who agrees not to ‘desk clerk n (c] someone who works at the main desk
drink alcohol when a group of friends go out together to a in a hotel
party, bar etc so that he or she can drive the others safely de-skill /di:'skl/ v [1] to remove or reduce the need for
home : skill in a job, usually by changing to machinery
designated ‘hitter n (c] a baseball player who —deskilling n [U]
replaces the PITCHER when it is the pitcher's turn to hit the ‘desk job n{cla job that involves working mostly at a
ball desk in an office
des-ig-na-tion /dezrg'inerfan/ n formal 1[U] the act of ‘desk jockey n (c] AmE informal someone who works
choosing someone or something for a particular purpose, in an office, sitting at a desk all or most of the day - used
or of giving them a particular description: [+as] the humorously
designation of Stansted as the third London airport 2 [C] a ‘desk tidy n (plural desk tidies) [C] BrE a container for
name or title: Her official designation is Systems Manager. putting pens, pencils etc in, that you keep on your desk
de-sign-er' [ /dr'zaina $ -ar/ n [C] someone whose desk-top /desktop $ -ta:p/ n [C] 1 the main area on a
job is to make plans or patterns for clothes, furniture, computer where you can find the icons that represent
equipment etc: an interior designer | a software designer | programs, and where you can do things to manage the
dress/fashion designer information on the computer 2 the top surface of a desk
designer? adj [only before noun] made by a well-known desktop com'puter n [c] a computer that is small
and fashionable designer: designer clothes/jeans/suits enough to be used on a desk —> LAPTOP
etc | designer label (=an expensive brand from a well-
known designer) desktop ‘publishing n [u] (abbreviation DTP) the
work of arranging the writing and pictures for a maga-
de'signer baby n (c] a baby whose cenes have been zine, small book etc, using a computer and special soft-
selected by GENETIC ENGINEERING, because its parents want ware
to be able to choose things like the colour of its eyes or
hair, or to be sure what sex the baby will be - used to des-o-late’ /desalat/ adj 1a place that is desolate is
show disapproval empty and looks sad because there are no people there: a
‘designer drug n [c] an illegal drug that has an desolate landscape 2 someone who is desolate feels very
sad and lonely —desolately ady —desolation
exciting or relaxing effect, and is taken for pleasure / desa'lerfan/ n [U]
de-sir-a-ble /dr'zatarabal $ -'zarr-/ adj
des-o-late? /desalett/ v [T usually passive] literary to
1 formal something that is desirable is worth having or
make someone feel very sad and lonely [SYN] devastate:
doing: The ability to speak a foreign language is highly
David was desolated by his wife's death. —desolated adj
desirable. |a desirable neighborhood | It is desirable that you
should have some familiarity with computers. | It is desirable de-spair’ /drspea $ -'sper/ n [U] 1 feeling that you
to keep the cost as low as possible. 2 literary sexually have no hope at all: in despair She killed herself in despair. |
attractive: a desirable young woman —desirably adv the depths of despair (=very strong feelings of despair), |
—desirability /dizatra'brlsti $ -zarr-/ n [U] The noise from the neighbours used to drive him to despair. |
to the. despair of sb To the despair of the workers, the
de:sire' (4 /dr'zata $ -'zatr/ n
company announced the closure of the factory. 2 be the
1[C,U] a strong hope or wish: desire to do sth a strong
despair of sb old-fashioned to make someone feel very
desire to win | [+for] a desire for knowledge | desire that It worried, upset, or unhappy: She is the despair of her
was Harold's desire that he should be buried next to his teachers.
wife. |express/show a desire She expressed a desire to visit
despair? y [1] formal to feel that there is no hope at all:
us. |have no desire to do sth (=used to emphasize that you
do not want to do something) / have no desire to cause any Despite his illness, Ron never despaired. | despair of (doing)
trouble. | overwhelming/burning desire (=very strong sth He despaired of ever finding her. | despair of sb My
desire) Paul had a burning desire to visit India. teachers began to despair of me.
2[U] formal a strong wish to have sex with someone: de-spair-ing /dr'speartn $ -'sper-/ adj showing a feeling
female sexual desire | [+for] He tried to hide his desire for that you have no hope at all: despairing cry/look/sigh etc
her. — your heart's desire at HEART(24) ; She gave me a last despairing look. —despairingly adv
desire? y [T not in progressive] 1 formal to want some- de-spatch /dr'spet{/ another spelling of DISPATCH
thing very much: The hotel has everything you could possibly des-pe-ra-do /despa'raidau $ -dou/ n (plural despera-
desire. |desire to do sth He desired to return to Mexico. |Add does or desperados) [C] old-fashioned a violent criminal _
lemon juice if desired. who is not afraid of danger *
[0 (2 0S = the most frequent words in written English
—
des-per-ate Fy (5) /‘desparit/ adj
Iwilling to do anything to change a very bad situation,
and not caring about danger: | had no money left and was
desperate. | Time was running out and we were getting
desperate. | the missing teenager's desperate parents |
[+with] She was desperate with fear.
2needing or wanting something very much: [+for] The
team is desperate for a win. | | was desperate for a cigarette. |
desperate to do sth He was desperate to get a job.
3 a desperate situation is very bad or serious: a desperate
shortage of doctors | We're in desperate need of help.
ELESUETD> serious
4a desperate action is something that you only do
because you are in a very bad situation: desperate
attempt/bid/effort a desperate attempt to escape | We
resorted to desperate measures. |desperate battle/struggle/
fight a desperate struggle to rescue the men
des-pe-rate-ly /‘desparitli/ adv 1in a desperate way:
The doctors tried desperately to save her life. | He looked
round desperately for someone to help him. 2 very or very sh EE cohrebsiacd sda ee
much; desperately want/need The crops desperately need
rain. | desperately poor/ill/tired etc He was desperately ill des-sert-spoon /drz3:tspuin $ -z3irt-/ n [C] BrE
with a fever. |desperately unhappy/lonely/worried etc 1 a spoon that is larger than a TEASPOON but smaller than
a TABLESPOON 2 (also dessertspoonful /-ful/) the amount ~~
des:-per-a-tion /despa'rerjan/ n [U] the state of being that a dessertspoon can hold, used as a unit for measur-
desperate: a look of desperation | in/out of desperation She
ing food or liquid in cooking: [+of] Add a dessertspoonful
resorted to stealing food out of desperation. | In desperation,
of dry mustard.
we had to borrow the money.
des'sert wine n [CU] a sweet wine served with des-
des-pic-a-ble /dr'sprkabal, 'despr-/ adj extremely bad,
sert
immoral, or cruel: It’s despicable the way he treats those
kids. | a despicable act of terrorism | a despicable crime de-sta-bil-ize (also -ise BrE) /di:'stetbilaiz/ v [T] to
—despicably adv make something such as a government or ECONOMY
become less successful or powerful, or less able to con-
de-spise /dt'spaiz/ v [T not in progressive] to dislike and
trol events: an attempt to destabilize the government
have a low opinion of someone or something: She
despised her neighbours. GEA> HATE —destabilization /di:sterbilar'zerfan $ -le-/ n [U]
des-ti-na-tion /destsnerfan/ n [C] the place that
de-spite fy Ma Lg /di'spait/ prep someone or something is going to: sb’s destination Allow
1used to say that something happens or is true even
plenty of time to get to your destination. | holiday/tourist
though something else might have prevented it [SyN]in
destination Maui is a popular tourist destination.
spite of: Despite all our efforts to save the school, the authori-
ties decided to close it. | despite the fact (that) She went to des:tined /‘destind/ adj 1[not before noun] seeming
Spain despite the fact that her doctor had told her to rest. certain to happen at some time in the future: [+for] She
2 despite yourself if you do something despite yourself, seemed destined for a successful career. |destined to do sth
you do it although you did not intend to: Liz realized that, We were destined never to meet again. 2 destined for sth to
despite herself, she cared about Edward. be travelling to a particular place, or intended to go there:
The flight was destined for Cairo. 3 Lonly before noun] literary
GRAMMAR a destined person or thing is one that you will have in the
Do not use despite to introduce a clause. Instead, future: the King’s destined bride
use despite with a present participle, despite the fact des-ti:my /‘destini/ n (plural destinies) 1 [C usually singu-
that, or a clause beginning with although: Despite ar] the things that will happen to someone in the future,
neglecting his studies, he got his degree (NOT Despite especially those that cannot be changed or controlled
he neglected his studies ...). |She seemed no happier, [SYN] fate: sb's destiny Nancy wondered whether it was her
despite the fact that her physical condition had destiny to live in England and marry Melvyn.
improved. |Although | learned a great deal, | thought FUTURE 2 [U] the power that some people believe decides
the course was too narrowly based. what will happen to them in the future: She always had a
/\ Despite is not followed by ‘of’, although it means strong sense of destiny.
the same as ‘in spite of’.
des:ti-tute /‘deststju:t $ -tu:t/ adj 1 having no money,
‘de-spoill /dr'spor// v [T] literary1to make a place much no food, no home etc: The floods left many people destitute.
less attractive by removing or damaging things — spoil POOR 2 be destitute of sth literary to be com-
2 to steal from a place or people using force, especially in pletely without something: a man who is destitute of mercy
a war —destitution /dests'tjusfan $ -'tu:-/ n [U]
de-spon-dent /di'spondant $ dr'spain-/ adj extremely de-stroy &y ( /drstror/ v [7]
unhappy and without hope: Gill had been out of work for a 1to damage something so badly that it no longer exists or
year and was getting very despondent. | [+about] He was cannot be used or repaired — destruction: completely/
becoming increasingly despondent about the way things totally destroy The school was completely destroyed by fire. |
were going. —despondency n [U] —despondently adv companies that are polluting and destroying the environment |
des-pot /‘despot, -at $ ‘despat, -ait/ n [C] someone, destroy sb’s confidence/hope/faith etc
especially a ruler, who uses power in a cruel and unfair 2if something destroys someone, it ruins their life com-
way [S¥N]tyrant —despotic /de'spottk $ -'spa:-/ adj pletely; The scandal destroyed Simmons and ended his politi-
—despotically /-kli/ adv cal career.
3 informal to defeat an opponent easily: The Bears destroyed
des-pot-is-m /‘despatizam/ n [U] rule by a despot
the Detroit Lions 35-3.
des res /,ez 'rez/ n [C] BrE informal a house that a lot 4to kill an animal, especially because it is ill or dangerous:
of people admire and would like to live in - often used One of the bulls had to be destroyed.
humorously. Des res is short for ‘desirable residence’.
des-sert /dr'zsit $ -airt/ n [C,U] sweet food served after
the main part of a meal: for dessert What are we having for destroy to damage something so badly that it no
dessert? longer exists or cannot be used or repaired: The
destroyer ee 460 Eq = words from the Academic Word List

earthquake almost completely destroyed the city. | The to the smallest/last detail (=completely) Todd had planned
twin towers were destroyed in a terrorist attack. the journey down to the smallest detail.
devastate to damage a large area very badly and 2[U] all the separate features and pieces of information
destroy many things in it: Allied bombings in 1943 about something: in detail He described the process in detail
devastated the city. (=using a lot of details). | This issue will be discussed in
demolish to completely destroy a building, either more detail in Chapter 5. |McDougal was reluctant to go into
deliberately or by accident: The original 15th century detail (=give a lot of details) about the new deal. | Editing
house was demolished in Victorian times. requires great attention to detail. |the fine detail of the plan |
flatten to destroy a building or town by knocking it have an eye for detail (=be skilled at noticing details)
down, bombing it etc, so that nothing is left Photographers need to have an eye for detail.
standing: The town centre was flattened by a 500 Ib 3 details [plural] information that helps to complete what
bomb. you know about something: [+of] Full details of the inci-
wreck to deliberately damage something very badly, dent were recently revealed. | [+about] She refused to give
especially a room or building: The toilets had been any details about what had happened. | Details of the course
wrecked by vandals. can be found on our website. | further/more details For
trash informal to deliberately destroy a lot of the further details, contact the personne! department.
things in a room, house etc: Apparently, he trashed his 4 [singular, U] technical a specific duty in the army, or the
hotel room while on drugs. person or group with that duty: the security detail
obliterate formal to destroy a place so completely detail? v [7] 1to list things or give all the facts or
that nothing remains: The nuclear blast obliterated information about something: The report details the
most of Hiroshima. progress we have made over the last year. 2 detail sb to (do)
reduce sth to ruins/rubble/ashes to destroy a sth to officially order someone, especially soldiers, to doa
building or town completely: The town was reduced to particular job: Four soldiers were detailed to guard duty.
rubble in the First World War. 3 AmE to clean a car very thoroughly, inside and out
ruin to spoil something completely, so that it cannot SYN] valet BrE
\ be used or enjoyed: Fungus may ruin the crop. )
de-tailed [ /‘ditterld $ dr'terld/ adj
de-stroy-er /dr'strota $ -ar/ n [C}-1-a small fast military 1containing or including a lot of information or details:
ship with guns 2 soméone or something that destroys detailed description/account/analysis etc a detailed study of
things or people crime in Seattle | More detailed information is available on
request.
de-struc-tion [g /dr'strakjan/ n [U] the act or process 2having a lot of decorations or small features that are
of destroying something or of being destroyed — destroy: difficult to produce [SyNJintricate: a beautifully detailed
[+of] the destruction of the rainforest | weapons of mass carving
destruction | the environmental destruction caused by the de-tail-ing /‘di:terlry $ drtetlin/ n [U] 1 decora-
road building programme | The floods brought death and tions that are added to something such as a car or piece
destruction to the area. of clothing 2 AmE the process of cleaning a car very
de-struc-tive /dr'straktiv/ adj causing damage to thoroughly, inside and out [SYN] valeting BrE
people or things — destroy: the destructive power of mod- de-tain /dr'tern/ v [1] 1 to officially prevent someone
ern weapons | [+to] What is good for the individual can be from leaving a place: Two suspects have been detained by
destructive to the family. —destructively adv the police for questioning. |She was detained in hospital with
— destructiveness n [U] a suspected broken leg. 2 [usually passive] formal to stop
des-ul-to-ry /‘desaltari, 'dez- $ -to:ri/ adj formal done someone from leaving as soon as they expected
without any particular plan or purpose: They talked briefly [SYN] delay: He was detained in Washington on urgent busi-
in a desultory manner. —desultorily /'desaltarili, 'dez- $ ness.
-torrsli/ adv de-tain-ee /di:terni:/ n [C] formal someone who is
Det. (also Det Br£) 1the written abbreviation of officially kept in a prison, usually because of their political
detective 2 the written abbreviation of determiner views
de-tach /dr'tet{/ v1 [1,T] if you detach something, or if de-tect [4] Gq /dr'tekt/ v [T] to notice or discover
it detaches, it becomes separated from the thing it was something, especially something that is not easy to see,
attached to [opp] attach: detach sth from sth You can detach hear etc: Many forms of cancer can be cured if detected
the hood from the jacket. | Please detach and fill out the early. | difficult/impossible/easy/possible etc to detect |
application form. 2 detach yourself from sb/sth to try to be detect a change/difference Dan detected a change in her
less involved in or less concerned about a situation: mood. |detect a note of sarcasm/irony/excitement etc Do |
Doctors have to detach themselves from their feelings. detect a note of sarcasm in your voice? NOTICE
— detectable adj
de-tach-a-ble /dr'tetjabal/ adj able to be removed and
put back [SYN]removable: The coat has a detachable lining. de-tec-tion [gj /dr'tekjan/ n [U] when something is
found that is not easy to see, hear etc, or the process of
de-tached /drtet{t/ adj 1not reacting to or becoming looking for it: [tof] Early detection of the disease is vital. |
involved in something in an emotional way [opP]involved:
escape/avoid detection By flying low, the plane avoided
Try to take a more detached view. | [+from] He appeared
detection by enemy radar.
totally detached from the horrific nature of his crimes. |
detached way/manner She described what had happened in de-tec-tive
fq /dr'tektrv/ n [C] 1 a police officer whose ~
a cold and detached manner. 2 especially BrE a detached job is to discover information about crimes and catch
house or garage is not joined to another building criminals —+ STORE DETECTIVE 2 (also private detective)
—> SEMI-DETACHED someone who is paid to discover information about
someone or something: She hired a detective to find out if
de-tach-ment /dr'tet/mant/ n 1[U] the state of not her husband was having an affair. 3 detective work efforts to
reacting to or being involved in something in an emo- discover information, find out how something works,
tional way [opP]involvement: [+from] He felt a sense of answer a difficult question etc: It took a lot of detective
detachment from what was happening around him. 2 [C] a work to discover the cause of the problem. 4 detective story/
group of soldiers who are sent away from a larger group novel etc a story etc about a crime, often a murder, and a
to do a special job 3 [singular, U] formal when something detective who tries to find out who did it
becomes separated from something else: [+of] detach-
ment of the retina de-tec-tor Lg /dr'tekta $ -ar/ n [C] a machine or piece
of equipment that finds or measures something: a smoke
de-tail" 5 MM /ditten $ dr'terl/ n detector | a metal detector + LIE DETECTOR
1[C] a single feature, fact, or piece of information about dé-tente, detente /‘dertont, derta:nt $ derta:nt/n[U]a _
something: [+of] She told me every detail of her trip. |down time or situation in which two countries that are-not ~
EQ = words from the Academic Word List 461 deterrent

friendly towards each other agree to behave in a more cause of something: [+of] accurate determination of the
friendly way temperature
de-ten-tion /drtenfan/ n 1 [U] the state of being kept de-ter-mine [1 /dr'ts:min $ -3:r-/ v [7]
in prison: in detention Willis was held in detention for five 1to find out the facts about something [SYN] establish:
years. 2 [C,U] a punishment in which children who have Investigators are still trying to determine the cause of the
behaved badly are forced to stay at school for a short fire. | determine how/what/who etc The aim of the inquiry
time after the others have gone home: in detention She was to determine what had caused the accident. |determine
was always getting put in detention. that Experts have determined that the signature was forged.
de'tention centre BrE, detention center AmE n [C] a 2if something determines something else, it directly
place where people are kept and prevented from escap- influences or decides it: The amount of available water
ing, especially people who have entered the country determines the number of houses that can be built. |The age
illegally, or young people who have committed crimes of a wine is a determining factor as to how it tastes. |
de-ter /dr'ts: $ -'tsir/ v (deterred, deterring) [T] to stop determine how/whether/what etc How hard the swimmers
someone from doing something, by making them realize work now will determine how they perform in the Olympics.
it will be difficult or have bad results —+ deterrent: The 3 to officially decide something: The date of the court case
company’s financial difficulties have deterred potential has not yet been determined. |determine how/what/who etc
investors. | deter sb from (doing) sth The security camera The tests will help the doctors determine what treatment to
was installed to deter people from stealing. use. MELEE LI DECIDE
4 determine to do sth formal to decide to do something
REGISTER We determined to leave at once.
In everyday English, people usually say put someone
off rather than deter someone: Don't let a few de-ter-mined (1 /dr'tsimind $ -3:r-/ adj
thaving a strong desire to do something, so that you will
problems put you off.
not let anyone stop you: Gwen is a very determined
de-ter-gent /dr'ts:dzant $ -31r-/ n [C,U] a liquid or woman. |determined to do sth She was determined to win. |
powder used for washing clothes, dishes etc determined (that) He was determined that the same mis-
de-te-ri-o-rate /drtiariarert $ -'trr-/ v [1] 1 to become takes would not be repeated.
2 showing determination, especially in a difficult situa-
worse: Ethel’s health has deteriorated. | America's deterio-
tion: determined attempt/effort She was making a deter-
rating economy 2 deteriorate into sth to develop into a bad
mined effort to give up smoking. | The library was closed
or worse situation: The argument deteriorated into a fight.
down despite determined opposition.
—deterioration /dittert'rerfan $ -t1r-/ n [U]
de-ter-mi-nant /dr'ts:minant $ -3r-/ n [C] formal de-ter-min-er /dr'ts:mina $ -'tairminar/ n [C] technical
something that strongly influences what you do or how a word that is used before a noun in order to show which
you behave: [tof] Social class is a major determinant of thing you mean. In the phrases ‘the car’ and ‘some cars’,
consumer spending patterns. ‘the’ and ‘some’ are determiners
de-ter-mi-nate /dr'ts:minit $ -3:r-/ adj formal definite de:ter-min-is:m /dr't3:minizam $ -3:r-/ n [U] the belief
or with an exact limit [opP] indeterminate: a determinate that what you do and what happens to you are caused by
prison sentence of five years things that you, cannot control —deterministic
/dit3imsnisttk< $ -3:r-/ adj
de-ter-mi-na-tion [qj /dit3:minerjan $ -3:r-/ n
1[U] the quality of trying to do something even when it is de-ter-rent /drterant $ -'t3:ir-/ n [C] 1 something that
difficult: determination to do sth Yuri shows great determi- makes someone less likely to do something, by making
nation to learn English. | his dogged determination (=very them realize it will be difficult or have bad results: The
strong determination) to succeed small fines for this type of crime do not act as much of a
2[C,U] formal the act of deciding something officially: deterrent. | [+to/for/against] Window locks are an effective
[+of] the determination of government policy deterrent against burglars. | the deterrent effect of prison
3[C] formal the act of finding the exact level, amount, or sentences 2 nuclear deterrent the NUCLEAR weapons that a

THESAURUS: determined
determined if you are determined to do something, you have decided that you are definitely going to do it, and
you will not let anything stop you. Determined is also used about someone's character, when they usually behave
in this way: | was determined to be a doctor. |She's a very determined woman.
stubborn determined not to change what you are doing, especially when other people think you are behaving in
an unreasonable way. Stubborn is often used when you disapprove of someone. It is also sometimes used when
you admire them: | wish you would stop being so stubborn! | Churchill's stubborn refusal to surrender
single-minded someone who is single-minded works very hard in order to achieve one particular thing, and
thinks that everything else is much less important: During a war, a leader must be single-minded and, if necessary,
ruthless. |her single-minded pursuit of power
tough /tf/ determined to succeed, even if a situation is difficult or frightening: In competitive sports, it is as
important to be mentally tough as it is to be physically fit. |Gorelick is known as a tough manager.
firm showing by your behaviour that you are determined not to change your mind, especially when you are
telling someone what to do: What this country needs is firm leadership. | You have to be firm with young children.
feisty determined and full of energy, and not afraid to say what you think and argue with people - used
especially when you admire this person. Feisty is often used about women: In the film she plays a feisty young
woman who is smarter than all the men put together.
headstrong determined to do what you want, without listening to other people's advice or thinking about the
results of your actions - used especially about young people: Her sister was headstrong and impulsive, and made a
point of going out whenever and wherever she liked.
_ resolute formal doing something in a very determined way because you have very strong beliefs, aims etc: the
soldiers’ resolute defence of the town
tenacious formal determined and refusing to give up: McTaggart was seen by many in the environment movement as
a tenacious hero. |his tenacious grip on power
dogged [only before noun] dogged behaviour shows that you are very determined and that you will not give up -
used especially in the following phrases: dogged determination/persistence/resistance/refusal: The team played with
dogged determination. |his dogged refusal to admit defeat
_ruthless /'ru:@las/ someone who is ruthless is so determined to get what they want, that they do not care if they
harm other people: a ruthless dictator |He was ruthless in his ambition. 7
 detest 462 i &) & = the most frequent words in spoken English

country has in order to prevent other countries from contributions of women. —devaluation /di:veelju'erfan/ n
attacking it —deterrence n [U] [C,U]: the devaluation of the pound
de-test /dr'test/ v [T not in progressive] to hate some- dev-a-state /‘devastert/ v [T] 1 to make someone feel
thing or someone very much: The two men detested each extremely shocked and sad: Rob was devastated by the
other. POLAT HATE —detestation /di:te'sterfan/ n news of her death. 2 to damage something very badly or
[U] completely: The city centre was devastated by the bomb.
de-test-a-ble /dr'testabal/ adj very bad, and deserving DESTROY —devastation /deve'sterfan/ n [U]
to be criticized or hated: a detestable little man dev-a-stat-ed /devastertid/ adj feeling extremely
—detestably adv shocked and sad: She was left feeling totally devastated.
de-throne /dr'éraun $ -'Sroun/ v [T] 1 to remove a king EOLSUTUD> sap, SHOCKED
or queen from power 2 to remove someone from a posi- dev-a:stat-ing /‘devastertin/ adj 1 badly damaging or
tion of authority or importance: an attempt to dethrone the destroying something: devastating effect/impact Acid rain
senator |He dethroned Tyson in a fight that shook the boxing has a devastating effect on the forest. |devastating results/
world. —dethronement n [U] consequences The oil spill had devastating consequences for
det-o-nate /‘detanert/ v [1,7] to explode or to make wildlife. | It will be a devastating blow for the town if the
something explode EEGSNTITE expLope —detonation factory closes. 2 making someone feel extremely sad or
/ deta'nerfan/ n [U] shocked: He was in Nice when he heard the devastating
det-o-na-tor /‘detanerta $ -ar/ n [C] a piece of equip- news, | Long-term unemployment can be devastating.
ment used to make a bomb etc explode 3 very impressive or effective: In a devastating display of
de-tour™ /‘di:tua $ -tur/ n [C] 1 a way of going from one military muscle, soldiers seized the town. 4 _ literary
place to another that is longer than the usual way: make/ extremely attractive: a devastating smile —devastatingly
take a detour We took a detour to avoid the town centre. adv: a devastatingly attractive man
2 AmE a different road for traffic when the usual road de-vel-op & i /dr'velap/ v
cannot be used [SYN] diversion BrE 1{G30) [1,7] to grow or change into something bigger,
detour? v [1,7] AmE to make a detour stronger, or more advanced, or to make someone or
de-tox" /‘di:toks $ -tazks/ n [U] informal 1 special treat- something do this + advance: Knowledge in the field of
ment to help people stop drinking alcohol or taking drugs genetics has been developing very rapidly. | Corsica has
[SYN]rehab: in detox She spent a month in detox. developed its economy around the tourist industry. | [+into]
2 when you do not eat solid food or only drink special Chicago developed into a big city in the late 1800s, |[+from]
iquids for a period of time, which is thought to remove It's hard to believe that a tree can develop from a small seed. |
harmful substances from your body exercises to develop muscle strength
detox? v [1] informal 1 if someone detoxes, they are 2 EaT
SEW Taga [TT] to design or make a new idea,
given special treatment at a hospital to help them stop product, system etc over a period of time: Scientists are
drinking alcohol or taking drugs 2 to not eat solid food or developing new drugs to treat arthritis. | She should have
only drink special liquids for a period of time, which is developed her own style instead of copying him. |Researchers
thought to remove harmful substances from your body are developing technology for the US military.
MAKE
de-tox-i-fi-ca-tion / di:toksifkerfan $ -tark-/ n [U] 3 Gan [7] to start to have a feeling or quality that
1 the process of removing harmful chemicals or poison
then becomes stronger: He had developed a certain affec-
from something 2 detox —detoxify /di:'toksifar $ -'tazk-/ v
tion for me. | develop a sense/awareness/knowledge of sth
ital ; The children are beginning to develop a sense of
de-tract /dr'trakt/ v responsibility. |It was in college that he developed a taste for
detract from sth phr v [not in progressive] to make some- (=started to like) rugby football.
thing seem less good [opP]enhance: One mistake is not 4 So [1,7] if you develop a skill or ability, or if it
going to detract from your achievement. develops, it becomes stronger or more advanced: The
de-trac-tor /dr'trekta $ -ar/ n [C] someone who says course is designed to help students develop their speaking
bad things about someone or something, in order to skills.
make them seem less good than they really are 5 DS3283 [1,7] if you develop a disease or illness, or if it
(SYN| critic: sb's detractors Even the President's detractors develops, you start to have it: Some alcoholics develop liver
admit that the decision was the right one. disease. |Pneumonia can develop very quickly.
det-ri-ment /‘detrimant/ n [U] formal harm or damage: 6 TET ~[T] to begin to have a physical fault:
to the detriment of sth (=resulting in harm or damage to The oil tank had developed a small crack. | The plane devel-
something) He worked very long hours, to the detriment of oped engine trouble and was forced to land.
his marriage. 7 RELA [1] if a problem or difficult situa-
det-ri-men-tal /detrimentl</ adj formal causing harm tion develops, it begins to happen or exist, or it gets
or damage harmful, damaging: [+to] Smoking is detri- worse: Trouble is developing in the cities. | [+into] Regional
mental to your health. |the detrimental effect of pollution on clashes could develop into larger quarrels.
the environment EXESNTI> Harmrut —detrimentally 8 PWNS «[T] to make an argument or idea
adv clearer, by studying it more or by speaking or writing
aboutit in more detail: We will develop a few of these
de-tri-tus /drtrattas/ n [U] formal pieces of waste that points in the seminar.
remain after something has been broken up or used
9 (ZX) [T] to use land for the things that people need,
deuce /dju:s $ du:s/ n 1 [U] the situation in tennis when for example by taking minerals out of it or by building on
both players have 40 points, after which one of the it: The land was developed for low-cost housing.
players must win two more points to win the game 10 (LTT INIA [1,7] to make a photograph out of a
2 [C] AmE a playing card with the number two on it photographic film, using chemicals: Did you ever get the
3 what/how etc the deuce ...? old-fashioned spoken used to pictures developed?
add force to a question: What the deuce is going on?
de-vel-oped /drvelapt/ adj 1a developed country is
Deutsch-mark /dortjmazk $ -mazrk/ (also mark) n [C] one of the rich countries of the world with many indus-
the standard unit of money used in Germany before the
EURO tries, comfortable living for most people, and usually an
elected government — developing, underdeveloped: energy
de-val-ue /di:'velju:/ v 1 [1,1] technical to reduce the consumption in the developed world | developed
value of one country’s money when it is exchanged for countries/nations | The charity works with children in less
another country’s money: Nigeria has just devalued its developed countries, 2 a developed sense, system etc, is
currency. 2 [T] to make someone or something seem less better, larger, or more advanced than others: Dogs havea _
important or valuable: History has tended to devalue the highly developed sense of smell. |plants with well developed
(i (2 OS = the most frequent words in written English 163 devise
root systems |Labour has a more fully developed programme 4a bomb or other explosive weapon: explosive/nuclear/
for the unemployed. incendiary etc device
de-vel-op-er /dr'velapa $ -ar/ n 1 [C] a person or com- 5 the special use of words in literature, or of words, lights
pany that makes money by buying land and then building etc in a play, to achieve an effect: Metaphor is a common
houses, factories etc on it: a Florida property developer literary device. — leave sb to their own devices at LEAVE'(4)
2 [C] a person or an organization that works on a new dev-il G3 /deval/ n
idea, product etc to make it successful: software 1 the devil (also the Devil) the most powerful evil sPiRIT in
developers 3 [C,U] a chemical substance used for making some religions, especially in Christianity [SYN] Satan
images appear on film or photographic paper — late 2 [C] an evil spirit [SYN] demon: The villagers believed a devil
developer at LATE'(7) had taken control of his body.
de-vel-op-ing /dr'velaptn/ adj1 a developing country is 3 speak of the devil (also talk of the devil BrE) spoken used
a poor country that is trying to increase its industry and when someone you have just been talking about walks
trade and improve life for its people + developed, under- into the room where you are
developed: developing countries/nations aid to developing 4 poor/lucky/handsome etc devil spoken used to talk about
countries | poverty and hunger in the developing world | someone who you feel sorry for, who is lucky etc: What
developing economies/markets the developing economies in on earth is wrong with the poor devil?
Eastern Europe 2 growing or changing: the growth of the 5 little/old devil spoken used to talk about a child or an
developing embryo |a developing crisis in Washington older man who behaves badly, but who you like: He’s a
de-vel-op-:ment §] [i] /dr'velapmeant/ n naughty little devil. | | really miss the old devil.
1b [U] the process of gradually becoming bigger, 6 be a devil Br£ spoken used to persuade someone to do
better, stronger, or more advanced: child development | something they are not sure they should do: Go on, be a
[+of] a course on the development of Greek thought | devil, have another gin and tonic.
professional/personal development opportunities for profes- 7 what/who/why etc the devil? old-fashioned spoken used ~
sional development to show that you are surprised or annoyed: How the devil
2 Gxirervaiaiad [U] the process of increasing busi- should | know what she’s thinking?
ness, trade, and industrial activity: economic/industrial/ 8 a devil of a time/job etc old-fashioned spoken a difficult or
business etc development economic development in Russia unpleasant time, job etc: We had a devil of a job trying to
3 Gta [C] a new event or piece of news that changes a get the carpet clean again.
situation: recent political developments in the former Soviet 9 go to the devil! old-fashioned spoken used to tell someone
Union | We will keep you informed of developments. rudely to go away or stop annoying you
4CGae wae iad [U] the process of working on a 10 do sth like the devil old-fashioned spoken to do some-
new product, plan, idea etc to make it successful: The thing very fast or using a lot of force: They rang the bell
funds will be used for marketing and product development. | and ran like the devil.
under/in development Spielberg has several interesting 11 better the devil you know (than the devil you don't) used
projects under development. to say that it is better to deal with someone or something
5 Manda [C] a change that makes a product, plan, you know, even if you do not like them, than to deal with
idea etc better: There have been significant computer devel- someone or something new that might be worse
opments during the last decade. 12 between the devil and the deep blue sea in a difficult
6 Eaters] 4[U] the process of planning and situation because there are only two choices you can
building new houses, streets etc on land: for development make and both of them are unpleasant
The land was sold for development. 13... and the devil take the hindmost used to say that
7 Peas (C] a group of new buildings that everyone in a situation only cares about what happens to
have all been planned and built together on the same themselves and does not care about other people
piece of land: a new housing development 14 the devil makes/finds work for idle hands used to say
de-vel-op-men-tal /diyvelap'mentl/ adj relating to the that people who do not have enough to do will start to do
development of someone or something: the developmen- bad things — DEVIL'S ADVOCATE
tal stages of childhood | Higher education is a continuing dev-il-ish /devalt{/ adj 1 literary very bad, difficult, or
developmental process. —developmentally adv unpleasant: devilish schemes to cheat people 2 seem-
de-vi-ance /‘diviens/ (also de-vi-an-cy /‘di:viensi/) n [U] ing likely to cause trouble, but in-a way that is amusing or
when something is different, especially in a bad way, from attractive: Dalton looked at her with a devilish grin.
what is considered normal: sexual deviance dev-il-ish:ly /devalrfli/ adv [+ adj/adv] old-fashioned
de-vi-ant /‘di:viant/ adj different, in a bad way, from very - used to show that you think something is annoying
what is considered normal: deviant behaviour —deviant n or bad: a devilishly difficult task
[C]: a sexual deviant
de-vi-ate! [J /‘di:viert/ v [1] to change what you are dev-ilied BrE, deviled AmE /‘devald/ adj devilled food is
doing so that you are not following an expected plan, cooked with very hot pepper: deviled eggs
idea, or type of behaviour: [+from] The plane had to devil-may-'‘care adj happy and willing to take risks: a
deviate from its normal flight path. devil-may-care attitude to life
de-vi-ate? /di:viit/ adj formal DEVIANT dev-il-ment /devalmant/ (also dev-ilry /'devalri/) n
de-vi-a-tion [q /di:vi'erfan/ n 1 [C,U] a noticeable dif- [U] literary wild or bad behaviour that causes trouble:
ference from what is expected or acceptable: [+from] eyes blazing with devilment
deviation from the normal procedure 2 [C] technical the
difference between a number or measurement in a SET devil's ‘advocate n [Cc] someone who pretends to
and the average of all the numbers or measurements in disagree with you in order to have a good discussion
that set ++STANDARD DEVIATION about something: He would play devil's advocate with any-
de-vice Fy 1H Hg /drvats/ n [Cc] one.
1a machine or tool that does a special job [SYN] gadget: ‘devil's food cake n [c,U] Ame a type of chocolate
modern labour-saving devices |device for doing sth a device cake
for separating metal from garbage | device to do sth The de-vi-ous /‘disvies/ adj 1using dishonest tricks and
company makes devices to detect carbon monoxide. deceiving people in order to get what you want — deceit-
2 a special way of doing something that makes it easier to ful: a devious politician DISHONEST 2 formal not
do: device for doing sth Testing yourself with information on going in the most direct way to get to a place
cards is a useful device for studying. | a memory device [SyN]circuitous: a devious route —deviously adv
3a plan or trick, especially for a dishonest purpose: —deviousness n [U]
device to do sth Their proposal was only a device to confuse
the opposition. de-vise /dt'vaiz/ v [T] to plan or invent a new way of
 EX = words from the Academic Word List

doing something: She devised a method for quicker commu- dew-y /‘dju:i $ 'du:i/ adj wet with drops of Dew: The dewy
nications between offices. INVENT woodland was solitary and still.
de-void /dr'void/ adj formal be devoid of sth to be com- dewy-'eyed adj having eyes that are slightly wet with
pletely lacking in something: His face was devoid of any tears
warmth or humour. dex-ter-i-ty /dek'stersti/ n [U] 1 skill and speed in doing
de-vo-lu-tion / di:vallujan/ n [U] when a national gov- something with your hands: Computer games can improve
ernment gives power to a group or organization at a children’s manual dexterity. 2 skill in using words or your
lower or more local level —devolutionist adj mind: his charm and verbal dexterity
—devolutionist n [C] dex-ter-ous /‘dekstaras/ (also dextrous) adj 1 skil-
devolve /dr'volv $ dr'va:lv/ v formal [I,T] 1if you ful and quick when using your hands: dextrous use of the
devolve responsibility, power etc to a person or group at a needle 2 skilful in using words or your mind: his dexterous
lower level, or if it devolves on them, it is given to them: accounting abilities —dexterously adv
devolve sth to sb/sth The federal government has devolved dex-trose /dekstrauz, -straus $ -strouz, -strous/ n [U] a
responsibility for welfare to the states. | [+on/upon] Half of type of sugar that is in many sweet fruits
the cost of the study will devolve upon the firm. 2 if land, dex-trous /‘dekstras/ adj another spelling of DEXTEROUS
money etc devolves to someone, it becomes their prop- dho-ti /‘dauti $ 'dov-/ n [C] a piece of clothing worn by
erty when someone else dies [SYN] pass some Hindu men, consisting of a-piece of cloth that is
de-vote Lg /dr'veut $ -'vout/ v [T] 1 to use all or most wrapped around the waist and between the legs
of your time, effort etc in order to do something or help di-= /dat, dt/ prefix two, twice, or double: A diphthong is a
someone |SYN| dedicate: devote your time/energy/attention vowel made up of two sounds. — SEMI-, BI-, TRI-
etc to sth He devoted his energies to writing films. | devote
- yourself to sth She devoted herself full-time to her business.
di-a-be-si-ty /datalbi:siti/ n [U] a type of diabetes that
is caused by being very fat
REGISTER di-a-be-tes / databittizz, -tis/ n [U] a serious disease in
In everyday English, people usually say put which there is too much sugar in your blood
time/energy etc into something rather than devote di-a-bet-ic! /date'bettk</ adj 1having diabetes: Sarah is
time/energy etc to something: He put a lot of time diabetic. 2 caused by diabetes: a diabetic coma 3 pro-
into the project. x duced for people who have diabetes: diabetic chocolate
2 to use a particular area, period of time, or amount of diabetic? n [Cc] someone who has diabetes
space for a specific purpose: devote sth to sth The meeting di-a-bol-i-cal /data'boltkale $ -'ba:-/ adj 1 (also
will be devoted to health and safety issues. di-a-bol-ic /,data'bo<ltk $ -'ba:-/) evil or cruel: diabolical
de-vot-ed [ /drvautid $ -'vou-/ adj 1 giving someone abuse 2 BrE informal extremely unpleasant or bad: The
or something a lot of love and attention: a devoted father | toilets were in a diabolical state. —diabolically /-kli/ adv
[+to] Isabella was devoted to her brother. 2 dealing with, di-a-crit-ic /data'krituk/ n [C] technical a mark placed
containing, or being used for only one _ thing over, under, or through a letter in some languages, to
[SYN] dedicated: [+to] a museum devoted to photography show that the letter should be pronounced differently
3 strongly supporting someone or something because from the same letter without a mark —diacritical adj:
you admire or enjoy them: Beckham's devoted fans | The diacritical marks
journal had a devoted following of around 1,000 subscribers. di-a-dem /‘datadem/ n [C] literary a circle of jewels that
—devotedly adv : a queen, princess etc wears on her head
dev-o-tee /devo'ti:/ n [C] 1someone who enjoys or di-ag-nose /‘datagnauz $ -nous/ v [T] to find out what
admires someone or something very much: [+of] a devo- illness someone has, or what the cause of a fault is, after
tee of 1930s films 2. a very religious person: a Sikh devotee doing tests, examinations etc: diagnose sb as (having) sth
de-vo-tion EQ /dt'vaujan $ -'vou-/ n 1[U] the strong Joe struggled in school before he was diagnosed as dyslexic. |
love that you show when you pay a lot of attention to diagnose sth as sth The illness was diagnosed as mumps. |
someone or something: [+to] Alanna has always shown diagnose sb with sth She was diagnosed with breast cancer,
intense devotion to her children. 2 [U] the loyalty that you di-ag-no-sis /datag'nausis $ -inov-/_n (plural diagnoses
show towards a person, job etc, especially by working /-si:z/) [C,U] the process of discovering exactly what is
hard — dedication: [+to] the soldier's courage and devotion wrong with someone or something, by examining them
to duty | his integrity and devotion to his patients closely —+ prognosis: [+of] diagnosis of kidney disease |An
3 [U] strong religious feeling 4 devotions [plural] prayers exact diagnosis can only be made by obtaining a blood
and other religious acts sample.
de-vo-tion-al /dr'vavfanal $ -'vou-/ adj relating to or di-ag-nos-tic /datag'nostik< $ -'na:-/ adj relating to or
used in religious services: devotional music used for discovering what is wrong with someone or
de-vour /dr'vava $ -'vaur/ v [T] 1to eat something something: diagnostic tests/tools Doctors depend on accu-
quickly because you are very hungry: The boys devoured rate diagnostic tools.
their pancakes. EAT 2 to read something di-ag-o-nal /dar'eganal/ adj1 a diagonal line is straight
quickly and eagerly, or watch something with great inter- and joins two opposite corners of a flat shape, usually'a
est: He devoured science fiction books. 3 be devoured by sth square —> horizontal, vertical 2 following a sloping angle:
to be filled with a strong feeling that seems to control diagonal parking spaces —diagonal n [C] —diagonally adv:
you: Cindy felt devoured by jealousy. 4 literary to destroy The path goes diagonally across the field. \
someone or something: Her body had been almost entirely
devoured by the disease. 5 to use up all of something: a job
di-a-gram' § /‘datagrem/ n [C] a simple drawing or
that devours all my energy plan that shows exactly where something is, what some-
thing looks like, or how something works: [+of] a diagram
de-wout /dr'vaut/ adj 1 someone who is devout has a of the heating system —diagrammatic /datagraimettk</
very strong belief in a religion: a devout Catholic adj —diagrammatically /-kli/ adv ;
RELIGIOUS 2 formal a devout hope or wish is
one that you feel very strongly: It is my devout hope that
diagram? v (diagrammed, diagramming) [T] to show or
represent something in a diagram
we can work together in peace. —devoutly adv
dew /dju: $ du:/ n [U] the small drops of water that dial" /datal/ n [C] 1 the round part of a clock, watch,
form on outdoor surfaces during the night machine etc that has numbers that show you the time or
a measurement: The lighted dial of her watch said 1.20. |
dew:-drop /‘dju:drop $ ‘du:dra:p/ n [C] a single drop of She looked at the dial to check her speed. 2 the part of a
dew: dewdrops sparkling in the morning sunlight piece of equipment such as a radio or THERMOSTAT that
dew-fall /dju:fo:1 $ ‘dusfo:l/ n [U] AmE the forming of you turn around to do something, such as find a different —
dew or the time when dew begins to appear station or change the temperature: The dial on the heater
fq = words from the Academic Word List 465 dice

was set to ‘HOT’. 3 the wheel on an older telephone with behaves in a slightly rude way, but is really kind and
numbered holes for your fingers that you move around in generous [SYN|rough diamond BrE
order to make a call diamond ‘jubilee n [c] the date that is exactly 60
dial? v (dialled, dialling BrE, dialed, dialing AmE) [1,1] to years after the date of an important event, especially of
press the buttons or turn the dial on a telephone in order someone becoming a king or queen —>+ GOLDEN JUBILEE,
to make a telephone call: | think | dialed the wrong number. SILVER JUBILEE
di-a-lect /‘datalekt/ n [C,U] a form of a language which ‘diamond lane n [Cc] AmE a special LANE on a road or
is spoken only in one area, with words or grammar that street that is marked with a diamond shape and can be
are slightly different from other forms of the same lan- used only by buses, taxis etc and sometimes private cars
guage — accent: Chinese/Yorkshire etc dialect The people with more than one passenger
up. there speak a Tibetan dialect. |the local dialect diamond ‘wedding n [Cc] BrE the date that is exactly
di-a-lec-tic /data'lektik/ (also dialectics) n [U] formal a ‘60 years after the date when two people were married
method of examining and discussing ideas in order to di-a-per /‘datepe $ ‘datpar/ n [C] Ame a piece of soft
find the truth, in which two opposing ideas are compared cloth or soft paper that is put between a baby’s legs and
in order to find a solution that includes them both fastened around its waist to hold liquid and solid waste
—dialectical adj SYN|nappy Br€: | changed her diaper.
‘dialling code n [Cc] BrE the numbers at the beginning ‘diaper rashn [U] AmE sore skin between a baby's legs
of a telephone number that represent a specific area of a and on its BUTTOCKS, caused by a wet diaper [SYN|nappy
city or country [SYN]area code AmE rash BrE ;
‘dialling tone n [Cc] BrE the sound you hear when you di-aph-“anmous /datefanas/ adj literary diaphanous
pick up the telephone that lets you know that you can cloth is so thin that you can almost see through it
make a call [SYN|dial tone AmE di-a-phragm /‘datefrem/ n [C] 1the muscle that is
di-a-logue (also dialog AmE) /'datalog $ -ln:g, -laig/ n between your lungs and your stomach, and that you use
{C,U] 1a conversation in a book, play, or film: a boring when you breathe 2 a round rubber object that a woman
movie full of bad dialog |Students were asked to read simple can put inside her VAGINA to stop her from getting
dialogues out loud. 2 formal a discussion between two PREGNANT 3. technical a thin round object, especially in a
groups, countries etc: [+between/with] There is a need for telephone or LOUDSPEAKER, that is moved by sound or that
constructive dialogue between leaders. -- MONOLOGUE moves when it produces sound 4 technical a round flat _
part inside a camera that controls the amount of light
‘dialogue box BrE, dialog box AmE n [C] a box that that enters the camera
appears on your computer screen when the program you
are using needs to ask you a question before it can di-a-rist /‘datarist $ 'darr-/ n [C] someone who writes a
continue to do something. You CLICK on one part of the diary, especially one that is later sold
box to give your answer. di-ar-rhoea BrE, diarrhea AmE /data'r1e/ n [U] an ill-
ness in which waste from the BOWELS is watery and
‘dial tone n [Cc] AmE the sound you hear when you pick comes out often
up the telephone that lets you know that you can make a
call [SYN] dialling tone BrE di-a-ry EE) /‘darari $ ‘darri/ n (plural diaries) [C]
1a book in which you write down the things that happen
‘dial-up adj [only before noun] relating to a telephone line
to you each day [SYN] journal: Inge kept a diary (=wrote in a
that is used to send information from one computer to
diary) during the war years. | diary entry (=what you have
another: a dial-up connection —dial-up n [C]
written for a particular day)
di-al-y-sis /dar'elisis/ n [U] the process of taking harm- 2 especially BrE a book with separate spaces for each day
ful substances out of someone's blood using a special of the year, in which you write down the meetings, events
machine, because their KIDNEYS do not work properly: a etc that are planned for each day [SYN] calendar AmE: Did
dialysis machine |on dialysis He has been on dialysis for the you put the meeting date in your diary?
past three years.
di-as-po-ra /dar'espere/ n [C] 1 the Diaspora the move-
di-a-‘mant:-é /di:a'mpnter< $ disama:n'ter</ adj deco- ment of the Jewish people away from ancient Palestine,
rated with artificial DIAMONDs: a diamanté necklace to settle in other countries 2 the spreading of people
di-am-e-ter /dat'emita $ -ar/ n [C] a straight line from from a national group or culture to other areas: the
one side of a circle to the other side, passing through the African diaspora
centre of the circle, or the length of this line: 3 inches/1 di-a-ton-ic scale / daratontk 'skerl $ -ta:-/ n the diatonic
metre etc in diameter Draw a circle six centimetres in scale a set of eight musical notes that uses a particular
diameter. | [+of] The diameter of the Earth is about 13,000 pattern of spaces between the notes
km. — see picture at CIRCLE" di-a-tribe /‘datatratb/ n [C] formal a long speech or
di-a-met-ri-cally /,data'metrtkli/ adv diametrically piece of writing that criticizes someone or something
opposed/opposite completely different and opposite: The very severely: [tagainst] a diatribe against contemporary
two ideas are diametrically opposed. American civilization
di-a-‘mond § /‘datamand/ n dibs /dtbz/ n [plural] AmE informal the right to have, use,
1[C,U] a clear, very hard valuable stone, used in jewellery or do something: Freshmen have first dibs on dormitory
and in industry: a diamond engagement ring + see picture rooms.
at JEWELLERY dice’ /das/ n (plural dice) 1 [C] (also die) a small block
2 [C] a shape with four straight but sloping sides of equal of wood, plastic etc that has six sides with a different
length, with one point facing directly up and the other number of spots on each side, used in games: throw/roll
directly down: Cut the cookie dough into diamonds. the dice /t’s your turn to roll the dice. + see picture at BOARD
3 a) diamonds one of the four suits (=types of cards) ina GAME 2. [U] any game of chance that is played with dice
set of playing cards, which has the design of a red 3 the dice are loaded the situation is arranged so that a
diamond shape on it: two/queen etc of diamonds the ace of particular person will win or gain an advantage 4 no dice
diamonds b) [C] a card from this suit: You have to play a especially AmE old-fashioned spoken used to refuse to do
diamond. something or to say that something is not possible: ‘Can |
4[C] a) the area in a baseball field that is within the borrow some cash?’ ‘Sorry, no dice.’ 5 a throw of the dice
diamond shape formed by the four BAses b) the whole something you do that you hope will have an effect on a
playing field used in baseball situation, but is not certain to do so: a last desperate throw
diamond anni'versary n [C] the date that is exactly of the dice to try and win his wife back
60 years after the date when two people were married or dice? v1 (also dice sth <> up) [T] to cut food into small
after some other important date square pieces: diced carrots (EAN CcuT 2 dice with
diamond in the ‘rough n [Cc] AmE someone who death to put yourself in a very dangerous situation
 he 466 Si] & & = the most frequent words in spoken English

dic-ey /‘datsi/ adj informal slightly dangerous and uncer- dictator 2 someone who tells other people what they
tain: The future looks pretty dicey for small businesses. should do, in a way that seems unreasonable: a real little
di-chot-o-my /dar'kotami $ -'ka:-/ n (plural dichoto- dictator
mies) [C] formal the difference between two things or dic-ta-to-ri-al /drkta'to:rial</ adj 1a dictatorial govern-
ideas that are completely opposite: [+between] a ment or ruler has complete power over a country: dicta-
dichotomy between his public and private lives torial regimes 2 a dictatorial person tells other people
dick? /dtk/ n [C] 1 informal not polite a PENIS 2 spoken not what to do in an unreasonable way: Professor Clement's
polite an offensive word for a stupid annoying person, dictatorial attitude —dictatorially adv
especially a man: He’s acting like a complete dick. 3.AmE dic-ta-tor-ship — /dik'tertafip =»$ ~~ -'tertar-/ on
old-fashioned a PRIVATE DETECTIVE —> clever dick at CLEVER(6), 1[C,U] government by a ruler who has complete power
—>+ SPOTTED DICK GOVERNMENT 2 [C] a country that is ruled by
dick? v one person who has complete power
dick sb around phr v AmE spoken not polite to cause a lot dic-tion /‘dikjan/ n [U] 1the way in which someone
of problems for someone, especially by changing your pronounces words: clear/perfect/good etc diction She had
mind a lot or preventing them from getting what they perfect diction. 2 the choice and use of words and phrases
want: The phone company’s been dicking me around for to express meaning, especially in literature
three months.
dic-tion-a-ty /‘drkfanari $ -neri/_n (plural dictionaries)
» dick-ens /'dikinz/ n spoken old-fashioned 1 what/who/ [C]1 a book that gives a list of words in alphabetical order
_ where the dickens ...? used when asking a question to and explains their meanings in the same language, or
_ show that you are very surprised or angry: What the another language: a German-English dictionary 2 a book
dickens is the matter with her? 2 as pretty/smart etc as the that explains the words and phrases used in a particular
_ dickens AmE very pretty, clever etc: /sn’t she as cute as the subject: a science dictionary
dickens!
dic-tum /‘diktam/ n (plural dictums or dicta /-ta/) [C]
Dic-ken-si-an /dr'kenzian/ adj Dickensian buildings, 1a formal statement of opinion by someone who is
living conditions etc are poor, dirty, and unpleasant: a respected or has authority 2a short phrase that
single mother living in a Dickensian block of flats expresses a general rule or truth: Descartes’ famous dic-
dick-er /‘dika $ -ar/ v [I] informal especially AmE to tum: ‘| think; therefore, | am’
argue about or discuss the details of a sale, agreement did /did/ the past tense of po
etc: [+about/over] Politicians in Washington are still dicker-
ing over the budget. di-dac-tic /dar'dektrk, d3-/ adj 1 speech or writing that
is didactic is intended to teach people a moral lesson: His
dick-ey /‘dtki/ n [C] another spelling of picky2 novel has a didactic tone. 2 someone who is didactic is too
dick-head /‘dikhed/ n [C] spoken not polite an offensive eager to teach people things or give instructions
word for a stupid annoying person, especially a man: —didactically /-kli/ adv
Don’t be such a dickhead!
did-dle /‘didl/ v [1] BrE informal to get money from
dick-y" /‘drki/ adj BrE old-fashioned weak, and likely to someone by deceiving them [SYN] swindle: diddle sb out of
break or not work properly: dicky heart/ticker (=a heart sth They'll diddle you out of your last penny if you let them.
that is weak and not very healthy)
did-dly /‘drdli/ (also did-dly-squat / didii'skwot $
dicky?, dickey n [C] a false shirt front or collar worn
under a suit or dress ‘didliskwa:t/) AmE informal n not know/mean diddly to
know or mean nothing at all: Brad? He doesn’t know diddly
dick-y-bird /‘dikibs:d $ -ba:rd/ n [C] BrE informal about baseball.
1a small bird - used by or when speaking to children
2 not hear a dickybird to not hear any news about some- did-ge-ri-doo /didzari'du:/ n [C] a long wooden musi-
one or something: ‘Have you heard from them since they cal instrument, played especially in Australia
moved?’ ‘No, not a dickybird.’ did-n't /‘didnt/ the short form of ‘did not’: You saw him,
dic-ta /‘drkta/ a plural of pictum didn't you? | | didn’t want to go.
Dic-ta-phone /‘diktafaun $ -foun/ n [C] trademark an didst /drdst/ thou didst old use you did
office machine on which you can record speech so that die" & (i /dar/ v (died, dying, dies) [1]
someone can listen to it and Type it later 1EEZ TEE to stop living and become dead: He died in
dic-tate™ /drk'tert $ ‘diktert/ v 1[I,T] to say words for 1985 at the age of 76. | Her father died suddenly in an
someone else to write down: dictate a letter/memo etc to accident when she was only ten. | [+of/from] The animals
sb She's dictating a letter to her secretary right now. died of starvation in the snow. |patients who are dying from
2 [1,T] to tell someone exactly what they must do or how cancer |She died peacefully in her sleep at the age of 98. |die
they must behave: [+to] The media cannot be allowed to for sth (=be killed while fighting to defend something) Do
dictate to the government. |dictate who/what/how etc Can you believe in anything enough to die for it? | die young/
they dictate how the money will be spent? | Federal funds happy/poor She died young, at the age of 27. | The bullet
have to be used as dictated by Washington. | dictate that went straight through his head, and he died instantly. | to
Islamic custom dictates that women should be fully covered. | your dying day/until the day you die (=until you die) /t must
The US government attempted to dictate the terms of the remain a secret until the day | die. | sb's dying breath/wish
agreement. 3[T] to control or influence something (=someone's last breath or wish) It was his dying wish that
[SYN] determine: dictate what/how etc Funds dictate what the house be opened to the public. | die a hero/martyr/rich
we can do. | dictate that The laws of physics dictate that man etc My uncle died a hero. | die a natural/violent/
what goes up must come down. | The massive publicity agonizing death Did she die a natural death? (=did she die
dictated a response from the city government. naturally, or did someone kill her?)
dic-tate? /‘diktert/ n [C] an order, rule, or principle that 2 D830) to disappear or stop existing: Our love will
you have to obey: [+of] teenagers following the dictates of never die. | The family name will die with him (=disappear
fashion when he dies). | He’s one of a dying breed (=a type of
person that is no longer common), :
dic-ta-tion /dik'ter{an/ n 1 [U] when you say words for 3 (ETRE informal to stop working [SYN] break down:
someone to write down: There were no secretaries available The engine spluttered and died. | die on sb (=stop working
to take dictation (=write down what someone is saying). while they are using it) The mower just died on me.
2 [C] a piece of writing that a teacher reads out to test 4 be dying for sth/to do sth spoken to want something very
your ability to hear and write the words correctly: | hate
much: I'm dying for a cup of tea. | She was dying to ask
doing French dictations.
where he’d got it. |I'm dying to see what it is.
dic-ta-tor /drk'terta $ ‘diktertar/ n [C] 1 a ruler who has 5 be dying of hunger/thirst/boredom spoken to be very
complete power over a country, especially one whose hungry, thirsty, bored etc: Do you fancy a cup of tea? I’m <
power has been gained by force: the downfall of the hated dying of thirst. *g
(a (2 OS = the most frequent words in written English 467
Bhan
61 nearly died/I could have died spoken used to say that di-et! By TB /‘datat/ n
you felt very surprised or embarrassed: | nearly died when 1[C] a way of eating in which you only eat certain foods,
| saw it was my ex-husband! in order to lose weight, or to improve your health: Lyn
7 die of embarrassment/shame to be very embarrassed or always seems to be on a diet. |a salt-free diet | Not all diets
ashamed: The room was such a mess, | just died of embar- are good for you.
rassment. 2 [C,U] the kind of food that a person or animal eats each
8 I'd rather die spoken used to say very strongly that you day: |She doesn't eat a very healthy diet. | It is important to
do not want to do something: I’d rather die than work for have a balanced diet. | the effects of poor diet and lack of
him! exercise | Rice is the staple diet (=the main food that a
9in the dying minutes/seconds/moments (of sth) during group of people usually eat). | Studies have shown the
the last minutes or seconds before the end of something: benefits of a vegetarian diet. | [+of] They exist on a diet of
United scored an equaliser in the dying minutes of the game. fish. | in sb's diet the importance of vitamins and minerals in
10 old habits/traditions/customs die hard used to say that your diet
it takes a long time to change to a new way of doing 3a diet of sth too much of an activity that you think is
something boring or has bad effects: Kids today are raised on a
Tinever say die spoken used to encourage someone to constant diet of pop music and television.
continue doing something that is difficult 4 [C] old-fashioned an official meeting to discuss political
12 die a/the death informal to gradually fail or be forgotten: or church matters
The rumour gradually died a death. foo] AKoley vated ky
13 die laughing spoken to laugh a lot: We nearly died laugh-
ing when he told us.
14 to die for informal extremely nice, attractive, or desir- be on a diet (=to only eat certain foods in order to
able: She had hair to die for. lose weight) No cake, thanks - I'm on a diet.
go on a diet (=start eating less or only some types
THESAURUS of food) | really ought to go on a diet.
die to stop being alive, as a result of old age or follow a diet (=only eat certain types of food) You
illness: | want to see Ireland again before | die. |No will feel better if you follow a low-fat diet.
wonder your plants always die - you don’t water them stick to a diet (=continue to follow a diet)
enough.
pass away to die - used when you want to avoid
using the word ‘die’, in order to show respect or to a strict diet (=in which you eat a very limited
avoid upsetting someone: My wife had just passed amount or range of food) She followed a strict diet for
away, and | didn’t want to be around people. several weeks.
lose your life to be killed in a terrible event: a crash diet (=a very sudden and strict attempt to
Hundreds of people lost their lives when,the ship lose weight) It’s better to lose weight gradually than to
overturned in a storm. go ona crash diet.
perish /iterary to die in a terrible event - used a low-calorie/low-fat etc diet
especially in literature and news reports: Five children
perished before firefighters could put out the blaze.
i .
/A\ Do not say ‘she’s doing a diet’. Say she’s on
give your life/lay down your life formal to die in
diet.
order to save someone, or because of something
Do not say ‘keep a diet’. Say stick to a diet.
that you believe in: We honor the men and women
who have given their lives in service of their country. diet? v [1] to limit the amount and type of food that you
drop dead informal to suddenly die, when people do eat, in order to become thinner [S¥N] slim
not expect you to: One day, he came home from work diet? adj [only before noun] diet drinks or foods contain
and dropped dead of a heart attack. less sugar or fat than ordinary ones: a diet soda
die away phr v if sound, wind, or light dies away, it di-e-ta-ry /‘daratari $ -teri/ adj related to the food some-
becomes gradually weaker until you cannot hear, feel, or one eats — nutritional: special dietary requirements
see it: Her voice died away as she saw the look on David's di-et-er /‘datata $ -ar/ n [C] someone who is trying to
face. |She waited until the footsteps had died away. become thinner by controlling what they eat
die back phr v if a plant dies back, it dies above the di-e-tet-ics /,date'tettks/ n [U] the science that is con-
ground but remains alive at its roots cerned with what people eat and drink and how this
die down phr v if something dies down, it becomes less affects their health
strong, active, or violent: Don’t worry, the gossip will soon di-e-ti-cian, dietitian /data'tijan/ n [C] someone who is
die down. | when the excitement had died down trained to give people advice about what it is healthy for
die off phr v if a group of people or animals die off, they them to eat and drink
‘die one by one until there are no more of them
die out phr v to disappear or stop existing completely: dif-fer [Fy /‘difa $ -ar/ v [1]
The wild population of koalas is in danger of dying out. | 1to be different from something in some way: The two
There will be outbreaks of rain, gradually dying out later. systems differ in many respects, | [+from] People differ from
one another in their ability to handle stress. | [+between]
die? n [Cc] 1a metal block used to press or cut some-
The symptoms did not differ between the two groups. |differ
thing into a particular shape 2 a DICE 3 the die is cast used
widely/greatly/significantly etc We soon found that prices
to say that a decision has been taken and cannot now be
differed enormously. | Experts have differing views on the
changed
subject.
‘die casting n [U] the process of making metal objects 2if two people or groups differ about something, they
by forcing liquid metal into a hollow container with a have opposite opinions [SYN] disagree; [+about/on/over]
particular shape, and then allowing it to become hard The two lawyers differed about how to present the case.
die-hard /‘datha:d $ -hard/ n [C] someone who DISAGREE
opposes change and refuses to accept new ideas 3 agree to differ to stop arguing with someone and accept
—diehard adj: a few diehard fans — old habits die hard at that you will never agree
DIE'(9) 4| beg to differ spoken formal used to say that you disa-
die-sel /‘di:zal/ n 1 [U] a type of heavy oil used instead gree with someone
of petrol in engines, especially in trucks, buses, and dif-fe-rence &] (i /‘drfarans/ n
trains: a 1.9 litre diesel engine | diesel car/truck etc 1[C,U] a way in which two or more people or things are
2 [C] informal a vehicle that uses diesel not like each other [OPP] similarity: [+between] There's a
‘diesel fuel (also ‘diesel oil) n [U] DIESEL big difference between knowing that something is true, and
 is 468 GQ = words from the Academic Word List

being able to prove it. | There is very little difference between ~

the parties on green issues. |Do children know the difference GRAMMAR
between right and wrong? | [+in] Researchers found a In spoken British English, different from and different
number of important differences in the way boys and girls to are both common. Different than is also used in
learn. | There's a world of difference (=there's a very big American English and occasionally in British English,
difference) between being alone and being lonely. especially when it is followed by a clause: He looks
2 (singular, U] the amount by which one thing is greater or no different than when he was 20. Teachers prefer
smaller than another: difference in age/size etc There’s not different from, so from is the preposition to use in
much difference in price. | There's a five-hour time difference writing: Their homes are completely different from ours.
between London and New York, — split the difference at leg/A\ Do not say ‘different of".
SPLIT'(9) 2 [only before noun] used to talk about two or more sepa-
3 make a/the difference to have an important effect or
rate things of the same basic kind [SYN] various: Different
influence on something or someone: Whatever she did, it people reacted in different ways. | different types/kinds etc
made no difference. | [+to] One more person wouldn't make
There are many different types of fabric. | | looked in lots of
any difference to the arrangements. | [+between] /t could
different books but couldn't find anything about it.
make the difference between missing your train and getting
3 [only before noun] another: | think she’s moved to a differ-
to work on time. | Having a good teacher has made all the ent job now. ,
difference for Alex (=had an important influence).
4 spoken unusual, often in a way that you do not like:
4 it makes no difference to sb used to say that it does not
‘What did. you think of the film?’ ‘Well, it was certainly
_ matter to someone which thing happens, is chosen etc:
different.’ — differently adv: | didn’t expect to be treated any
_ Morning or afternoon. It makes no difference to me.
differently from anyone else. | Things could have turned out
_ 5 our/your/their differences disagreements: We've had our quite differently.
differences in the past. | settle/resolve your differences
(=agree not to argue any more) THESAURUS
6 difference of opinion a slight disagreement: There have different if something or someone is different, they
been some differences of opinion as to exactly how the are not like something or someone else, or they are
money should be spent. not like they were before: You look different. Have you
7 with a difference informal used to describe something had your hair cut? | We've painted the door a different
which is interesting or unusual, especially in a good way: colour. | The cultures of the two countries are very
an adventure holiday with a difference different.
unique very different, special, or unusual and the
feo} Role vale) hy only one of its kind. Don't use words such as very
before unique: The book is certainly very rare, and
a big/major/huge difference / think you'll notice a possibly unique. |the unique wildlife of the Galapagos
big difference. Islands
an important/significant/crucial difference A study distinctive having a special feature or appearance
of the two groups of students showed a significant that makes something different from other things,
difference. and makes it easy to recognize: Male birds have
a slight/small/minor difference There’s only a slight distinctive blue and yellow markings.
difference between the male and the female bird. unlike [prep] completely different from a particular
a marked/dramatic difference (=very noticeable) person or thing: In Britain, unlike the United States, the
There was a marked difference between the two sets of government provides health care.
results. have nothing in common if two people have nothing
a subtle difference (=not obvious) |an essential/ in common, they do not have the same interests or
fundamental difference (=a very basic one) | opinions and therefore cannot form a friendly
cultural/political/regional etc differences |class relationship: Apart from the fact that we went to the
differences (=between different classes of society) | same school, we have absolutely nothing in common.
sex/gender differences (=between men and there's no/little resemblance used when saying
women) | individual differences (=between one that two people or things seem very different: There's
person and another) no resemblance between the two sisters at all. |The
final product bore no resemblance to the original
| VERB er proposal (=it was very different).
show a difference Our data showed considerable dissimilar formal not the same as something else:
national differences. These four politically dissimilar states have all signed a
know the difference (=know how two things are treaty of friendship and cooperation.
different) If you don’t know the difference between two be like chalk and cheese BrE informal if two people
words, your dictionary can help. are like chalk and cheese, they are completely
can tell/see the difference (=can recognize how different: It’s hard to believe that they’re brothers -
two things are different) | can’t really see the they're like chalk and cheese!
difference between these two colours. be (like) apples and oranges AmE informal used
when saying that two people or things are very
notice a difference |spot the difference (=see the
different: You can't compare residential and commercial
difference)
real estate markets. It's apples and oranges.

dif-fe-rent &] (a /‘difarant/ adj dif-fe-ren-tial" /difa'renfal</ n [C] 1 formal a differ-

Tnot like something or someone else, or not like before ence between things, especially between the wages of
[opP|similar: [+from] Our sons are very different from each people doing differemt types of jobs in the same industry
other. | [+to] Her jacket's different to mine. | [+than] AmE: or profession: pay/wage/salary differential 2. technical a
He seemed different than he did in New York. | The place differential gear
looks completely different now. | They decided to try a radi- differential? adj based on or depending on a differ-
cally different approach. | We found women had significantly ence: differential rates of pay | differential treatment of
different political views from men. |a slightly different way of part-time and full-time staff ,
doing things | What actually happened was subtly different
from the PR people's version. | The show is refreshingly . differential ‘calculus n [U] a way of measuring the
different from most exhibitions of modern art. | The publish- speed at which an object is moving at a particular
ing business is no different from any other business in this moment
respect. |It’s a different world here in London. differential ‘gear n [Cc] technical an arrangement of ©
GG = words from the Academic Word List 469
_ diffuse
GEARS that allows one back wheel of a car to turn faster demanding work/schedule/course
than the other when the car goes around a corner daunting task/challenge/prospect
delicate subject/matter/issue
dif-fe-ren-ti-ate [gq /,drfa'renfiert/ v 1[1,T] to recog-
nize or express the difference between things or people dif-fi-cul-ty G4 (iy /‘drftkalti/ n (plural difficulties)
{SYN] distinguish: [+between] /t's important to differentiate 1[U] if you have difficulty doing something, it is difficult
between fact and opinion. | differentiate sth from sth /t’s for you to do: have/experience difficulty (in) doing sth They
sometimes hard to differentiate one sample from another. had great difficulty in finding a replacement. | with/without
2 [7] to be the quality, feature etc that makes one thing difficulty He got to his feet with difficulty. A\ Do not say
or person Clearly different from another [SYN] distinguish: that someone ‘has difficulty to do something’. Say that
What differentiates these two periods of history? |differenti- someone has difficulty doing something or has difficulty in
ate sth from sth /ts unusual nesting habits differentiate this doing something.
bird from others. 3 [|] to behave differently towards some- 2C usually plural] a problem or something that causes
one or something, especially in an unfair way trouble: [+with] There are several difficulties with this
[SYN] discriminate: [+between] a policy which differentiates theory. | If you have any difficulties, give me a call. | The
between men and women —differentiation project soon ran into difficulties. | Difficulties can arise when
/ difarenfi'erfan/ n [U]: socio-economic differentiation there is more than one defendant.
3 [U] if you are in difficulty, you are in a situation in which
dif-fi-cult §) [g /drftkalt/ adj you have problems: in difficulty The business is in financial
thard to do, understand, or deal with easy: a difficult
difficulty. |get/run into difficulty (=get into a difficult situ-
question | an immensely difficult task | Was the exam very
difficult? | It's difficult to see how more savings can be
ation) She soon got into difficulty with debt.
A[U] the quality of being difficult to do: the difficulty of
made. |difficult (for sb) to understand/find/obtain etc That's
(doing) sth the difficulty of solving such problems
rather difficult for me to explain. | He's finding it difficult to
5 [U] how difficult something is: The tests vary in difficulty.
get a job.
2 involving a lot of problems and causing a lot of trouble —> LEARNING DIFFICULTIES
or worry: a difficult situation | Things are a bit difficult at (ole)Holey.
fo) aNLh Cep4
home at the moment. | There could be difficult times ahead. |
make life/things difficult for sb (=cause problems for have difficulties By the age of eight, Robbie was
someone) She's doing everything she can to make life diffi- having difficulties at school.
cult for him. run into/get into difficulties (=find yourself in a
3someone who is difficult never seems pleased or difficult situation) Three people were rescued from a
satisfied [SYN] awkward: Don’t be so difficult! | a difficult boat that had got into difficulties.
customer experience/encounter difficulties formal (=have
THESAURUS difficulties) Graduates often experience considerable
difficult not easy to do, understand, or deal with: a difficulties in getting their first job.
difficult question |The homework was really difficult. |it face difficulties The hotel's owners were facing
is difficult to see how peace can be achieved in the financial difficulties.
overcome/resolve difficulties (=deal with them
region.
hard difficult. Hard is less formal than difficult and is successfully) We are confident that we can overcome
very common in spoken English: The test was really these difficulties.
hard. | a hard decision | It was hard to forgive him. present/pose difficulties formal (=be something
tough /taf/ very difficult, because you have to use a that is difficult to deal with) English spelling may
lot of effort, or because it affects you emotionally: a present some difficulties for learners.
tough race |Doctors have to make tough decisions be fraught with difficulties (=involve a lot of
about who to treat first. them) |cause/lead to difficulties
tricky difficult because it is complicated and full of give rise to difficulties formal (=cause them) The
problems: She had helped him out of a tricky stormy weather gave rise to difficulties for many of the
situation. |Merging the two companies was bound to be competitors in the yacht race.
difficulties arise (=happen)
tricky. Rs
awkward /'d:kwad $ 'p:kward/ rather difficult to deal _ ADJECTIVE
‘with - used especially when something could be major/serious/severe difficulties By then, we were
embarrassing: You've put me in a very awkward having serious financial difficulties.
position. considerable difficulties (=a lot of problems) They
challenging difficult in an interesting or enjoyable had considerable difficulties in getting funding for their
way: | wanted a job that was more challenging. | a research.
challenging piece of music technical difficulties The flight was delayed due to
demanding difficult and tiring, because it takes a lot technical difficulties.
of effort: Being a nurse in a busy hospital is a practical difficulties (=problems with doing
demanding job. something)
daunting /'do:ntin $ ‘do:n-/ if something seems financial/economic difficulties The company is
daunting, you think that it will be difficult and you do facing serious financial difficulties.
not feel confident about being able to do it: a breathing difficulties
daunting challenge | The task seemed a little daunting
at first. dif-fi-dent /drfidant/ adj shy and not wanting to make
delicate needing to be dealt with carefully or people notice you or talk about you: diffident manner/
sensitively, especially in order to avoid offending smile/voice etc | [+about] He was diffident about his own
people or causing problems: This is a very delicate success. —diffidently adv —diffidence n [U]
subject, and it can be difficult to talk about it with your dif-fract /dr'frekt/ v [7] technical to bend light or sound
parents. waves as they pass around something or through.a hole
COLLOCATIONS CHECK — refract —diffraction /dr'frekjan/ n [U]
difficult question/decision/situation/problem etc dif-fuse? /drifjuxz/ v1 [1,7] to make heat, light, liquid etc
hard question/decision/test spread through something, or to spread like this:
tough question/decision/job/game/race [+through/into/across] The pollutants diffuse into the soil.
tricky question/situation/position/moment 2 [1,7] to spread ideas or information among a lot of
_awkward question/situation/position/moment people, or to spread like this: Their ideas diffused quickly
challenging job across Europe. 3 [T] to make a bad feeling or situation less
NES &] & GS = the most frequent words in spoken English

strong or serious: an attempt to diffuse his anger dig in phr v

— diffusion /drfju:zen/ n (U) 1 dig sth <> in (also dig sth into sth) to mix something into
soil by digging: Dig some fertilizer into the soil first.
diffuse? /dr'fiu:s/ adj 1 spread over a large area: The 2 (also dig (sth) into sth) to push a hard or pointed object
organization is large and diffuse. 2 using a lot of words and into something, especially someone's body, or to press
not explaining things clearly and directly: His writing is into something: She dug her fingernails into his arm. | dig
diffuse and difficult to understand. —diffuseness n [U] sth <> in He dug his spurs in and urged his horse on. | | could
feel one of the hooks digging in.
3if a group of people, especially soldiers, dig in, they
make a protected place for themselves or prepare for a
difficult situation: The troops dug in along the defensive
line. | We just have to dig in and hope we can turn things
around.
4 (also dig into sth) informal to start eating food that is in
front of you: Go on - dig in! |He was already digging into his
pie and chips.
dig into sth phrv
1to start using a supply of something, especially money:
I'm going to have to dig into my savings again.
2 to try to find out about something unknown or secret:
He had been digging into her past. — DIG IN
dig sth <> out phr v
1to get something out of earth, snow etc using a SPADE or
excavate
your hands: [+of] We had to dig the car out of a snow drift.
2 to find something you have not seen for a long time, or
dig’ § /dt1d/ v (past tense and past participle dug /dag/, that is not easy to find: | must remember to dig out that
present participle digging) book for you.
1[1,T] to move earth, snow etc, or to make a hole in the dig sth «> up phrv
ground, using a SPADE or your hands: dig a hole/trench/ 1to remove something from the earth using a SPADE: /'/I
grave etc They dig a small hole in the sand to bury their dig up that plant and move it.
eggs. | [+down] Dig down about 6 inches. | [+for] birds 2 to remove the surface of an area of ground, road etc, or
digging for worms to make holes in it: They're digging up the road just outside
2[T] to remove something, especially vegetables, from my flat.
the ground using a SPADE: freshly dug carrots 3to find hidden or forgotten information by careful
3 [1,T always + adv/prep] to put your hand into something, searching: They tried to dig up something from his past to
especially in order to search for something: She dug spoil his chances of being elected.
around in her bag for a pen. |He dug his hands deep into his dig? n [C] 1a joke or remark that you make to annoy or
pockets. criticize someone: [+at] He couldn't resist a dig at the
4 dig your heels in to refuse to do something in spite of referee. |Here was a chance to have a dig at trade unionists,
other people's efforts to persuade you COMMENT 2 give sb a dig to push someone
5 dig deep to use something which you have, especially quickly and lightly with your finger or elbow: Ginnie gave
money or effort, which you would not normally need: her sister a dig in the ribs. 3 an organized process of
With one man sent off, the team had to dig deep and hang on digging in order to find ancient objects for study: an
for a draw. archaeological dig 4 digs [plural] BrE old-fashioned a room
6 dig a hole for yourself (a/so dig yourself into a hole) to get that you pay rent to live in: in digs He’s 42 and still living in
yourself into a difficult situation by doing or saying the digs.
wrong thing
di-gest" /dar'dzest, di-/ v [T] 1 to change food that you
7 dig sb out of trouble/a mess/a hole etc to help a person or
have just eaten into substances that your body can use:
organization get out of trouble
Most babies can digest a wide range of food easily. + INGEST
8 dig your own grave to do something that will cause
2 to understand new information, especially when there
serious problems for you in the future
is a lot of it or it is difficult to understand [SYN] take in: /
9 [T] old-fashioned to like something: | dig that hat!
struggled to digest the news. :
di-gest? /‘dardzest/ n [C] a short piece of writing that
gives the most important facts from a book, report etc
dig to make a hole in the ground using your hands, a
tool, or a machine: Some workmen were digging a di-gest-i-ble /dar'dzestibal, d3-/ adj food that is digest-
trench at the side of the road. |In Africa, the people ible can be easily digested [oppjindigestible
know where to dig for water. di-ges-tion /dar'dzestjan, di-/ n 1[U] the process of
make a hole to dig a hole in the ground, using your digesting food 2 [C] your ability to digest food easily
hands or a tool: Make a hole just big enough for the — indigestion: Too much tea is bad for your digestion.
plant’s roots. di-ges-tive /dar'dzestiy, d3-/ adj [only before noun] con-
burrow /'barau §$ 'b3:rou/ if an animal burrows, it nected with the process of digestion: digestive system/
makes a hole or a passage in the ground by digging organs/juices etc
the earth with its feet, nose etc: The rabbits had di gestive ‘biscuit (also digestive) n [C] a type of
burrowed a hole under the fence. plain slightly sweet Biscuit that is popular in Britain
plough BrE, plow AmE /plau/ to turn over the soil
using a machine or a tool pulled by animals, to
dig-ger /‘diga $ -ar/ n[C] a large machine that digs and
moves earth — GOLD DIGGER é
prepare the soil for planting seeds: The farmers here
still plough their fields using buffaloes. dig-gings /‘diginz/ n [plural] a place where people are
excavate /'ekskavert/ formal to dig a large hole in the digging holes in the ground
ground, especially as a preparation for building Di-gi-box /‘didziboks $ -bazks/ n [C] trademark a piece
something: The men began excavating the hole for the of electronic equipment which people in Britain put on
pool. top of their televisions if they want to receive DIGITAL
bore to make a deep round hole in the ground using programmes broadcast by the SATELLITE TV company
a special machine, especially in order to look for oil BSkyB. A Digibox can also connecta television to the
or water: Companies need a special licence to bore for Internet + SET-TOP BOX
oil. di-gi-cam /‘did3zikem/ n [C] a type of camera that can -
(Wd (2 (8= the most tacit words in written eneleh an dimension
store pictures in a DIGITAL form which can be put into a di-lem-ma /d3lema, dat-/ n [C] a situation in which it is
computer, rather than on film very difficult to decide what to do, because all the
di-gi-pack /‘didzipek/ n [C] a CARDBOARD container for choices seem equally good or equally bad: a moral
a CD which folds out from the centre dilemma | in a dilemma |'’m in a dilemma about this job
di-git /‘didzit/ n [C] 1 one of the written signs that offer. | This placed Robert Kennedy in a dilemma. | Many
represent the numbers O to 9: three-digit/four-digit etc women are faced with the dilemma of choosing between work
number 4305 is a four-digit number. 2 technical a finger or and family commitments. — be on the horns of a dilemma at
toe HORN'(6)
di-gi-tal /‘didz:tl/ adj 1 using a system in which infor- dil-et-tan-te /dils'tenti $ -“ta:nti/ n [C] someone who is
mation is recorded or sent out electronically in the form not serious about what they are doing or does not study a
of numbers, usually ones and zeros: digital TV | a digital subject thoroughly —dilettante adj [only before noun]
signal |a digital camera |digital recording | digital cassette/ dil-i-gent /dildzent/ adj someone who is diligent
audiotape etc a recording on digital audiotape — see picture works hard and is careful and thorough: a diligent student
at TECHNOLOGY 2 giving information in the form of num- —diligently adv: They worked diligently all morning.
bers — analogue: a digital watch 3 formal relating to the —diligence n [U]
fingers and toes —digitally adv dill /dil/ n [U] a type of herb
digital di'vide n [singular] the differences of opportu- dill ‘pickle n [Cc] a whole cucumser which has been
nity that exist between people who can regularly and preserved in VINEGAR
easily use the Internet and email, and people who cannot dil-ly-dal-ly /‘dili deli/ v (dilly-dallied, dilly-dallying,
do this dilly-dallies) [|] to waste time, because you cannot decide
digital ‘signature n [Cc] information on an electronic about something: Don’t dilly-dally, just get on with it!
message that proves who the person sending the mes- di-lute"™ /darlu:t $ dr'lu:t, dar-/ v [1] 1 to make a liquid
sage
is
weaker by adding water or another liquid —+ water down:
digital ‘television n1 (also digital) [U] a system of diluted fruit juice |dilute sth with/in sth Dilute the paint with
broadcasting using digital signals —+ analogue, cable alittle oil. MIX 2 to make a quality, belief etc
2 [C] a television which can receive digital broadcasts weaker or less effective [SYN] water down: an attempt to
di-gi-tize (also -ise BrE) /‘didz3taiz/ v [T] to put infor- dilute the proposals —dilution /dar'luxfan/ n [C,U]: Any
mation into a digital form dilution of standards must be resisted.
dig-ni-fied /‘dignifatd/ adj behaving in a calm and di-lute? adj a dilute liquid has been made weaker by the
serious way, even in a difficult situation, which makes addition of water or another liquid [OPP] concentrated:
people respect you: a dignified old lady | She made a dilute hydrochloric acid
dignified departure. dim" /dim/ adj (comparative dimmer, superlative dim-
dig-ni-fy /‘dignsfar/ v (dignified, dignifying, dignifies) [T] mest)
to make something or someone seem better or more 120" fairly dark or not giving much light, so that you
important than they really are, especially by using a cannot see well [OPP] bright: in the dim light of the early
particular word to describe them: dignify sb/sth with sth | dawn |a dim glow HXLESALTE> park
cannot dignify him with the name ‘physician’. 2 fg a dim shape is one which is not easy to see
dig-ni-ta-ry /‘dignitari $ -teri/ n (plural dignitaries) [C] because it is too far away, or there is not enough light:
someone who has an important official position [SYN] VIP: The dim outline of a building loomed up out of the mist.
Flowers were presented to visiting dignitaries. 3 take a dim view of sth to disapprove of something: Miss
dig-ni-ty /‘digniti/ n [U] 1 the ability to behave in a Watson took a dim view of Paul’s behaviour.
calm controlled way even in a difficult situation: with 4 dim recollection/awareness etc a memory or understand-
dignity The family faced their ordeal with dignity. | an ing of something that is not clear in your mind
appearance of quiet dignity 2 your dignity your sense of SYN] vague: Laura had a dim recollection of someone telling
your own value or importance: retain/lose your dignity Old her this before.
people need to retain their dignity and independence. |Argu- 5g literary dim eyes are weak and cannot see well:
ing was beneath her dignity (=was something she thought Isaac was old and his eyes were dim.
she was too important to do). 3 the fact of being 6 Mass «if your chances of success in the
respected or deserving respect: with dignity Patients future are dim, they are not good: Prospects for an early
should be allowed to die with dignity. | Prisoners should be settlement of the dispute are dim.
treated with regard for human dignity. 4 a calm and serious 7 in the dim and distant past a very long time ago - used
quality: [+of] the dignity of the occasion 5 stand on your humorously
dignity formal to demand to be treated with proper 8H natsky informal not intelligent: You can be
respect really dim sometimes! —dimly adv: a dimly lit room | She
di-gress /dargres/ v [1] to talk or write about some- was only dimly aware of the risk. —dimness n [U]
_thing that is not your main subject: Do you mind if | digress dim? v (dimmed, dimming) 1 [1,7] if a light dims, or if you
for a moment? —digression /dar'grefan/ n [C,U]: After dim it, it becomes less bright: The lights in the theatre
several long digressions he finally reached the interesting part began to dim. 2 [1,1] if a feeling, quality etc dims or is
of the story. dimmed, it grows weaker or less: Even the rain could not
dike /dark/ n [C] another spelling of DYKE dim their enthusiasm. | Hopes of a peaceful settlement have
dik-tat /drk'tet/ n [C,U] an order that is forced on dimmed. 3 dim your headlights/lights AmE to lower the
people by a ruler or government: government by diktat angle of the front lights of your car, especially when
di-lap-i-dat-ed /dslepidertid/ adj a dilapidated build- someone is driving towards you [SYN] dip BrE
ing, vehicle etc is old and in very bad condition — derelict dime /datm/ n[C]1 a coin of the US and Canada, worth
—dilapidation /d3lep3idetfan/ n [U] one tenth of a dollar 2 a dime a dozen AmE informal very
di-late /darlett/ v [1,1] if a hollow part of your Bry common and not valuable [SYN] ten a penny BrE: PhDs are
dilates or if something dilates it, it becomes wider a dime a dozen nowadays.
[opr] contract: dilated pupils —dilation /dar'lerjan/ n [U] ‘dime ,novel n (c] AmE a cheap book with a story that
dilate on/upon sth phr v formal to speak or write a lot contains a lot of exciting events
about something: He dilated upon their heroism. di-men-sion [4 Ea /dat'menfan, d3-/ n [C]
dil-a-to-ry /‘dilatari $ -to:ri/ adj formal slow in doing 1a part of a situation or a quality involved in it
aa [SYN] aspect: [+of] the moral dimension of world politics |
dil-do /dildev $ -dov/ n (plural dildos) [C] an object add a new/an extra/another etc dimension (to sth) His
shaped like a male sex organ that a woman can use for coaching has added another dimension to my game. |
sexual pleasure political/social/economic etc dimension /t is important to
 dime store EX = words from the Academic Word List

deafening. | above the din Ged was trying to make himself

heard above the din.
din? v (dinned, dinning)
din sth into sb phr v to make someone learn and remem-
ber something by saying it to them many times: Respect
for our elders was dinned into us at school.
di-nar /di:na: $ dr'narr, ‘di:na:r/ n [C] the standard unit
of money in Macedonia, Serbia and some North African
and Middle Eastern countries
dine /darn/ v [1] formal to eat dinner: He was dining with
friends at the Ritz. + wine and dine sb at WINE?
dine on/off sth phr v formal to eat a particular kind of
food for dinner, especially expensive food: We dined on
lobster and strawberries.
dine out phr v1 formal to eat dinner in a restaurant or in
someone else’s house —+ eat out: They would dine out
together once a month. 2 dine out on-sth BrE informal to
keep using a story about something that has happened to
you, in order to entertain people at meals
L ») din-er /‘datna $ -ar/ n [C] 1 someone who is eating in a
_ keep in mind the historical dimension to these issues. | You restaurant 2 especially AmE a small restaurant that serves
can have a spiritual dimension to your life without being cheap meals
religious. di-nette /dar'net/ n [C] AmE a small area, usually in or
2 [usually plural] the length, height, width, depth, or DIA- near the kitchen, where people eat meals
METER of something [SYN| measurement: a rectangle with ding-a-ling /‘din a Itn/ (also ding-bat /‘dinbet/) n [C]
the dimensions 5cm x 2cm | [+of] We'll need to know the AmE spoken a stupid person: Some ding-a-ling parked too
exact dimensions of the room. close to us.
3 a direction in space that is at an angle of 90 degrees to ding-dong /‘din don $ -do:n/ n 1 [U] the noise made
two other directions: A diagram represents things in only by a bell 2 [singular] BrE spoken a noisy argument: They
two dimensions. —+ FOURTH DIMENSION, THREE-DIMEN- were having a real ding-dong in the kitchen. 3 [C] AmE
SIONAL(1), TWO-DIMENSIONAL(1) spoken a stupid person
4 dimensions [plural] how great or serious a problem is: a
catastrophe of enormous dimensions din-ghy /‘dingi, ‘dini/ n (plural dinghies) [C] a small
open boat used for pleasure, or for taking people between
‘dime store n [Cc] AmE a shop that sells many different a ship and the shore — RUBBER DINGHY
kinds of cheap goods, especially for the house
di-min-ish £ /dmini/ v 1 [1,7] to become or make din-go /‘dingav $ -gou/ n (plural dingoes) [C] an Aus-
something become smaller or less [SYN] reduce: The par- tralian wild dog
ty’s share of the electorate has diminished steadily. | These din-gy /‘dindzi/ adj (comparative dingier, superlative din-
drugs diminish blood flow to the brain. giest) dark, dirty, and in bad condition: a dingy room | a
DECREASE 2 [T] to deliberately make someone or some- dingy side-street FLEEULTE> pirty —dinginess n [U]
thing appear less important or valuable than they really ‘dining car n [C] a carriage on a train where meals are
are: Don't let him diminish your achievements. | But that's served |SYN| restaurant car
not to diminish the importance of his discoveries. ‘dining room n [Cc] a room where you eat meals in a
3 diminishing returns when the profits or advantages you house or hotel
are getting from something stop increasing in relation to
the effort you are making ‘dining table n [c] a table at which you eat meals
diminished responsi'bility (also diminished —+ DINNER TABLE —+ see picture at TABLE"
ca'pacity AmE) n [U] law when someone is not consid- din-kum /‘dinkam/ adj fair dinkum spoken informal fair or
ered to be responsible for their actions because they are honest - used in Australian English
mentally ill din-ky /‘dinki/ adj informal1 BrE small and attractive: a
di-min-u-en-do /diminju'endav $ -dov/ n (plural dinky little bag 2 AmE too small and often not very nice: It
diminuendos) [C] a part in a piece of music where it was a really dinky hotel room.
becomes gradually quieter crescendo —diminuendo din-ner Gd] 2 ‘dina $ -ar/ n
adj, adv 1[C,U] the main meal of the day, eaten in the middle of
dim-i-nu-tion Lg /dimsnju:fen $ -'nu:-/ n [C,U] formal the day or the evening: What time do you usually have
a reduction in the size, number, or amount of something: dinner? | We're having fish for dinner tonight. | What's for
[+of/in] a diminution in value dinner?
di-min-u-tive! /ds\minjstrv/ adj small: a shy diminutive 2[C] a formal occasion when an evening meal is eaten,
man ESLTS>
GE sHort often to celebrate something: the Club’s annual dinner
diminutive? n [c] a word formed by adding a diminu- —» dog's dinner at DoG'(9), + more sth than you "ve had hot
tive suffix dinners at HOT'30)
diminutive ‘suffix n (c] technical an ending that is feo) Holter Wale).
added to a word to express smallness, for example ‘ling’
added to ‘duck’ to make ‘duckling’
| VERBS.
have/eat dinner Why aa t you come and have dinner
dim-mer /‘dima $ -ar/ (also 'dimmer switch) n [C] an
with us?
electric light switch that can change the brightness of the
light
make/cook dinner | offered to cook dinner.
have sth for dinner / thought we might have pasta for
dim-ple /‘dimpal/ n [C] 1a small hollow place on your dinner tonight.
skin, especially one on your cheek or chin when you smile have sb for/to dinner We're having a few friends
2 asmall hollow place in a surface —dimpled adj: dimpled round to dinner.
cheeks ask/invite sb to dinner Let's ask Kate and Mike to
dim-wit /‘dimwst/ n [C] spoken a stupid person —dim- dinner.
witted adj come for/to dinner |go out for/to dinner (==g0 and
din™ /din/ n [singular] a loud unpleasant noise that eat in a restaurant) |serve dinner (=start giving
continues for a long time: [+of] The din of the engines was: people food)
[Xq = words from the Academic Word List diplomatic bag
sun dip below the horizon. | She dipped her head and spoke
ADJECTIVES/NO! |
into the microphone.
a three-course/four-course etc
3 Gaeaes ([1] if an amount or level dips, it becomes
the hotel includes a three-course dinner.
less, usually for just a short time [SyNj fall: Profits dipped
Sunday/Christmas/Thanksgiving dinner (=a
slightly last year. |Temperatures dipped to -10°C last night.
special meal eaten on Sunday etc) We usually have a
4 fw) (CC) if land or a road or path dips, it slopes
walk after Christmas dinner.
down and then goes up again
a romantic dinner (=for two people in a romantic
5 dip your headlights/lights BrE to lower the angle of the
relationship) Clive and Denise were enjoying a
front lights of your car when someone is driving towards
romantic dinner for two in a quiet French restaurant.
a candle-lit dinner (=with only candles for lighting) you
6 £00 ([T] to put animals in a chemical that kills
Chris treated his girlfriend to a candle-lit dinner.
insects on their skin + SKINNY-DIPPING
a black-tie dinner (=where people wear special
dip into sth phr v
formal clothes) He was invited to a black-tie dinner at
1to read short parts of a book, magazine etc, but not the
one of the Oxford colleges. whole thing: /t’s the kind of book you can dip into now and
school dinners Br£ (=meals provided at school in
again.
the middle of the day) School dinners are served in the
2to use some of an amount of money that you have:
canteen. Medical bills forced her to dip into her savings. | Parents are
TV dinners (=meals that you eat while watching
being asked to dip into their pockets for new school books
TV) TV dinners in aluminium containers can be found
(=use their own money to pay for them).
in the freezer departments of many supermarkets.
3 to put your hand into a bag or box in order to take out
| dinner + NOU one of the things inside: On her lap was a bag of candy
a dinner party which she kept dipping into.
invited for a special evening meal) We are having a dip? n
dinner party on Saturday. 1§w700 (C] informal a quick swim: Are you coming in for a
a dinner guest The dinner guests began arriving at dip? |take/have a dip Let's take a dip in the lake.
about seven o'clock. 2 Peas ([C] a slight decrease in the amount of some-
thing: [+in] an unexpected dip in profits
‘dinner dance n [C] a social event in the evening, that 3 Gre) [CU] a thick mixture that you can dip food into
includes a formal meal and music for dancing before you eat it: sour cream and onion dip
‘dinner jacket n [C] BrE a black or white jacket worn 4 [C] a place where the surface of some-
by men on very formal occasions, usually with a BOW TIE thing goes down suddenly, then goes up again: [+in] a dip
[S¥N]tuxedo in the road
5 Genes (C,U] a chemical that kills insects on
‘dinner lady n (Cc) BrE a woman who serves meals to sheep and other animals: sheep dip
children at school
6 fee) (C] Ame spoken a stupid person
‘dinner party n [Cc] a social event when people are 7a dip into sth a quick look at information, a book, maga-
invited to someone's house for an evening meal zine etc: People interested in history would enjoy a dip into
‘dinner service (also ‘dinner set) n [C] a complete set this book. — LUCKY DIP
of plates, dishes etc, used for serving a meal Dip BrE the written abbreviation of diploma
‘dinner ,table n the dinner table a) an occasion when diph-ther-i-a /difreria, dip- $ -'@1r-/ n [U] a serious
people are eating dinner together: /t wasn’t a very suitable infectious throat disease that makes breathing difficult
conversation for the dinner table. b) the table at which diph-thong /‘dif6on, ‘drp- $ -O0:n/ n [C] technical a
people eat dinner — DINING TABLE vowel sound made by pronouncing two vowels quickly
‘dinner theater n [C,U] AmE a restaurant in which you one after the other. For example, the vowel sound in
see a play after your meal, or this type of entertainment ‘main’ is a diphthong.
din-ner-time /‘dinatarm $ -ar-/ n [U] the time when di-plo-ma /ds'plauma $ -'plou-/ n [C] 1 BrE a document
you usually have dinner, especially in the middle of the showing that someone has successfully completed a
day: Do you want to-go for a drink at dinnertime? course of study or passed an examination: I’m hoping to
get my teaching diploma this year. | [+in] a diploma in
di-no-saur /‘datnaso: $ -sa:r/ n [C] 1 one of a group of
REPTILES that lived millions of years ago catering 2 AmE a document showing that a student has
2 informal someone or something that is old-fashioned successfully completed their HIGH SCHOOL or university
and no longer effective or suitable for modern times: education: high school/college diploma
lengthy speeches by some of the party's dinosaurs di-plo-ma:cy /d3plaumasi $ -\plou-/ n [U] 1 the job or
activity of managing the relationships between countries:
dint /dint/ n by dint of (doing) sth by using a particular international diplomacy 2 skill in dealing with people with-
method: By dint of hard work and persistence, she had got
out upsetting them: The job requires tact and diplomacy.
the job of manager.
— gunboat diplomacy at GUNBOAT(2)
di-o-cese /‘datasis/ n [C] the area under the control of a dip-lo-mat /‘diplamet/ n [C] 1 someone who officially
BISHOP in some Christian churches —diocesan /dar'psisan represents their government in a foreign country
$ -'a:-/ adj —+ ambassador: French diplomats 2 someone who is good
di-ode /dateud $ -oud/ n [C] technical a piece of elec- at dealing with people without upsetting them
trical equipment that makes an electrical current flow in dip-lo-mat-ic /dipla'mattk</ adj1 relating to or involy-
one direction ing the work of diplomats: Diplomatic efforts to end the
di-ox-ide /dar'pksard $ -'azk-/ n [C,U] a chemical com- fighting began on October 25. 2 diplomatic relations/ties
POUND that contains two atoms of oxygen and one atom the arrangement between two countries that each should
of another chemical ELEMENT —+ CARBON DIOXIDE keep representatives at an emBAssy in the other's country:
di-ox-in /daroksin $ -'azk-/ n [C,U] a very poisonous establish/break off diplomatic relations The two countries
chemical used in industry and farming established diplomatic relations last year. 3 dealing with
people politely and skilfully without upsetting them
dip" /drp/ v (dipped, dipping)
[Syn]tactful: They were always very diplomatic with awk-
1 Ep) [T] to put something into a liquid and
lift it out again: dip sth in/into sth He dipped his hand in the ward clients. | a diplomatic answer —diplomatically /-kli/
water. | Dip the strawberries into melted chocolate. adv: Maria handled the situation very diplomatically.
PUT diplomatic 'bag n [Cc] a bag or container used for
2i [I,T] to move down, or to make something * sending official government documents to diplomats
move down, usually for just a short time: We watched the working abroad
 diplomatic corps Si] & & = the most frequent words in spoken English

diplo'matic corps n [U] all the diplomats working in 2 Paneer [T] to be in charge of something or con-
a particular country trol it: Mr Turner was directing the investigation from a very
diplomatic im'munity n [U] a diplomat's special early stage. | The choir was directed by Sir David Willcocks.
rights in the country where they are working, which 3 [IT] to give the actors in a play, film, or
protect them from local taxes and PROSECUTION television programme instructions about what they
Diplo'matic Service n the Diplomatic Service the Brit- should do: The play was directed by Frank Hauser.
ish government department that sends people to repre- 4 (2700 [T] formal to tell someone how to get to a
sent Britain in other countries place: direct sb to sth Could you direct me to Trafalgar
Square, please? ETE UTIE> LEAD
di-plo-ma-tist /d3'plaumatist $ -'plou-/ n [C] old-
fashioned a DIPLOMAT
5 (eee) [7] formal to tell someone what they
should do [Syn] order: direct sb to do sth The judge directed
dip-per /‘dipa $ -ar/ n [C] 1a small bird that finds its the jury to find Mr Baggs not guilty. |direct that He directed
food in streams 2 a large spoon with a long handle, used that his body should be buried in Upton. ORDER
for taking liquid out of a container — BIG DIPPER
direct? adv 1 without stopping or changing direction
dip-py /‘dipi/ adj informal silly or crazy [SYN] directly: Can we fly direct to Chicago, or do we stop in
dip-shit /‘dipfit/ n [Cc] AmE spoken not polite an offen- Salt Lake City first? 2 without dealing with anyone else
sive word for a stupid person first [SYN]directly: Esther decided to contact the manager
_ dip-so-ma-ni-ac /dipsaimemiek/ n [C] BrE old- direct. |It is usually cheaper to buy the goods direct from the
- fashioned someone who has a very strong desire for wholesaler.
alcohol, which they cannot control [Syn] alcoholic
ee:
direct ‘access n[U] technical the ability to obtain DATA
_ dip-stick /dipstik/ n [C] 1 stick for measuring the directly from a computer FILE without starting from the
amount of liquid in a container, especially the amount of beginning
- oil in a car's engine 2 spoken a stupid person direct ‘action n [U] an action such as a STRIKE or a
dip-tych /‘drpttk/ n [C] a picture made in two parts protest that is intended to make a government or com-
which can be closed like a book —> TRIPTYCH pany change something immediately: Peaceful direct
dire /data $ dair/ adj 1 extremely serious or terrible: action by pressure groups has a powerful effect on public
warnings of dire consequences that often don’t come true | opinion.
The country is in dire need of food aid. | The situation looked direct ‘current n [U] (abbreviation DC) a flow of
dire. 2 be in dire straits to be in an extremely difficult or electricity that moves in one direction only — alternating
serious situation: Everyone agrees the sport is in dire straits. current
3 dire warning/prediction/forecast a warning about some-
thing terrible that will happen in the future: Last night
direct ‘debit n [cu] BrE an instruction you give your
bank to pay money directly out of your account regularly
there were dire warnings of civil war.
to a particular person or organization
di-rect" Gy (iy /ds'rekt, dar'rekt</ adj
1 Tala «4done without any other
direct de'posit n [U] a method of paying someone's
wages directly into their bank account —direct deposit v
people, actions, processes etc coming between
opp|indirect: Experienced users have direct access to the [T]
main data files. | I'm not in direct contact with them. | Few direct ‘discourse n (U] Ame technical pirect SPEECH
policy-makers have had direct experience of business. |direct di-rec-tion &] (i /di'rekjan, dar-/ n
effect/impact/influence etc Educational level has a sizeable 1yZTy [Cc] the way something or someone moves,
direct effect on income. | direct link/connection/relationship faces, or is aimed: Which direction did they go in? | in the
etc There is a direct link between poverty and ill-health. | direction of sth The suspects were last seen heading in the
direct result/consequence The decision to close the hospital direction of Miami. | in sb's direction Tony glanced in her
is a direct result of Government health policy. direction and their eyes met. | The girls pointed in the
2 TOE «going straight from one opposite direction. |On seeing me, Maurice changed direction
place to another without stopping or changing direction and went along the wharf instead. | As shots rang out, the
[opp|indirect: Which is the most direct route to London? | a crowd ran screaming in all directions. |from the direction of
direct flight to New York sth There was a loud scream from the direction of the
3 Lonly before noun] exact or total: Weight increases children’s pool. | in a southerly/easterly etc direction Con-
in direct proportion to mass. |For Lawrence, in direct contrast tinue in a southerly direction until you reach the road.
to Adam, everything seemed to come so easily. | a direct
quote (=exact words) from the book REGISTER
4 saying exactly what you mean in In everyday English, people usually use which way ...?
an honest clear way [oppP]indirect: Women often feel men when asking where something is rather than using
are too direct and not sympathetic enough. |Now, let me ask the noun direction: Which direction did they go in?
you a direct question, and | expect a direct answer. — Which way did they go? | Which direction is north?
EEE HONEST —+ Which way is north?
5 direct descendant someone who is related to someone
2 directions [plural] a) instructions about how to get from
else through their parents and grandparents, not through
one place to another: A very helpful woman gave me
their AUNTS, UNCLES etc: [+of] She claimed to be a direct
descendant of Wordsworth. directions to the police station. b) instructions about what
to do: Be sure you read the directions before using any piece
6 direct hit an occasion on which something such as a of equipment.
bomb hits a place exactly, causing a lot of damage: During
3 [C] the general way in which some-
the war, the cathedral suffered many direct hits. |One of the
one or something changes or develops: We are happy with
bombers scored a direct hit.
the direction the club is taking. |move/head/go in the right
7 direct heat/sunlight strong heat or light that someone or
direction | believe that things are heading in the right direc-
something is not protected from [opplindirect: Never
tion in South Africa. | new/different/exciting etc direction
change the film in direct sunlight. + DIRECTLY, DIRECTNESS
The company is hoping to extend its operations in new
direct? & Ta v directions.
1£N) [7 always + adv/prep] to aim something in a particu- 4 qm [U] control, management, or advice: under
lar direction or at a particular person, group etc: direct sth sb’s direction Under Thompson’s direction, the college has
at/towards etc sth The machine directs an X-ray beam at the developed an international reputation.
patient's body. | The new route directs lorries away from the 5 TRE) [C] where something comes
town centre. | I'd like to direct your attention to paragraph from or where something leads: in a direction The evidence
four. | | want to direct my efforts more towards my own all points in this direction. |from a direction Help came from .
projects. a wholly unexpected direction. ;
(@ (2 GS = the most frequent words in written English 475 dirt track
6 ETS [U] a general purpose or aim: Her mother felt relating to the work of a film or theatre director: De Niro’s
that Rachel's life lacked direction. directorial debut
7 GOWAN =U] the instructions given to the actors and Director of ‘Studies n [c] a teacher in a British
other people working on a film, play etc + a step in the university or language school who is in charge of organiz-
right direction at sTEP"(2) ing the students’ programmes of study
di-rec-tion-al /dsrekjanal, dat-/ adj technical 1 relat- director's chair n (Cc) a folding wooden chair with
ing to the direction in which something is pointing or arms, which has pieces of cloth as the seat and the back
moving 2 a directional piece of equipment receives or — see picture at CHAIR’
gives out radio signals from some directions more di'rector’s cut n [C] a film containing all the parts
strongly than others that the director wanted to include, that usually appears
di-rec-tion-less /direkfanias, dat-/ adj lacking a clear after the film has been shown in cinemas without those
direction or aim: | felt directionless and lost. parts
di-rec-tive’ /ds'rektrv, dat-/ n [C] an official order or di-rec-tor-ship /d:'rektafp, dar- $ -ar-/ n [C] the posi-
instruction: [+on] proposals for implementing the EU direc- tion of being a director of a company or organization:
tive on paternity leave under the directorship of sb The Institute was established
directive? adj formal giving instructions: The team under the directorship of Professor Gray.
leader will have a less directive role. di-rec-to-ry GE /dar'rektari, di-/ n (plural directories)
di-rect-ly’ Gy 1 /ds'rektli, dar-/ adv [C]
1Iwith no other person, action, process etc between 1a book or list of names, facts etc, usually arranged in
{OPPlindirectly: The new property tax law won't directly alphabetical order: | couldn't find your number in the tele-
affect us. | We hope to bring together the countries directly phone directory. |a new business directory
involved in the conflict. |[+to/from] Application for admis- 2a place in a computer where FILES or programs are
sion to this course should be made directly to the University. organized
EXACTLY directory en'quiries Br, directory as'sistance AmE
2 exactly in a particular position or direction [SYN] right: n [U] a service on the telephone network that you can
directly in front of/behind/under etc sth /t was a small house, use to find out someone's telephone number
directly behind the church. | The girl was sitting directly direct ‘speech n [U] speech reported using the actual
opposite him. | Have you noticed how he never looks directly words spoken, as in ‘ ‘| don’t want to go,’ said Julie.’
at you? —+ INDIRECT SPEECH, REPORTED SPEECH
3 speak/ask/answer etc directly to say exactly what you
direct ‘tax n [CU] a tax, such as income tax, which is
mean without trying to hide anything: Jeff has a job in
mind, but refuses to say directly what it is. collected from the person who pays it, rather than a tax
on goods or services — indirect tax —direct taxation n [U]
4 BrE old-fashioned very soon: He should be here directly, if
you don’t mind waiting. direct-to-con'sumer adj [only before noun] direct-to-
5 BrE old-fashioned immediately consumer advertising is aimed at the customer who will
directly? conjunction BrE old-fashioned as soon as: | buy the product rather than the shops where it will be
sold
came directly | got your message.
direct ‘mail n [U] advertisements that are sent by post dirge /d3:dz $ d3ird3/ n [C] 1a slow sad song sung at a
funeral 2 a song or piece of music that is too slow and
to many people
boring
direct ‘marketing n [U] the business of selling things
directly to people by post or telephone rather than in
dir-i-gi-ble /diridz3bal, d3r1-/ n [C] an AIRSHIP
shops dirk /d3:k $ da:rk/ n [C] a heavy pointed knife used as a
direct ‘method n (singular, U] a method of teaching a weapon in Scotland in the past
foreign language without using the student's own lan- dirt Gy /da:t $ da:rt/ n [U]
guage lany substance that makes things dirty, such as mud or
di-rect-mess /d#rektnis, dat-/ n [U] the quality of being dust: You should have seen the dirt on that car! |His face and
clear, plain, or easy to understand: She has a childlike hands were black with dirt. | a patch of grass, covered in dog
enthusiasm and directness. | [+of] The directness of the dirt (=waste from a dog's bowels)
question startled me. 2 especially AmE earth or soil: Michael threw his handful of
dirt onto the coffin. | in (the) dirt The children had been
direct ‘object n (c] technical in grammar, the person or sitting in the dirt.
thing that is affected by the action of a TRANSITIVE verb, for 3 informal information about someone's private life or
example ‘Mary’ in the statement ‘| saw Mary’ — INDIRECT activities which could give people a bad opinion of them
OBJECT if it became known: The newspapers had been digging up
di-rec-tor Gy Tl /ds'rekta, dat- $ -ar/ n [C] dirt on the President.
1someone who controls or manages a company — execu- Atalk, writing, a film etc that is considered bad or
tive: [+of] a former director of Gartmore Pensions Ltd | The immoral because it is about sex —> dish the dirt at DIsH?,
company is run by a board of directors (=a group of direc- — hit/strike paydirt at PAYDIRT, —> hit the dirt at HIT'17),
tors). — treat sb like dirt at TREAT'()
2someone who is in charge of a particular activity or dirt-bag /‘ds:tbeg $ ‘dairt-/ n [C] informal especially
organization: [+of] the director of education | finance/ AmE someone who is very unpleasant and immoral
marketing/sales etc director (=the person in charge of the ‘dirt bike n [(c] a small motorcycte for young people,
financial department etc) usually ridden on rough paths or fields
3the person who gives instructions to the actors and
other people working on a film or play — producer
dirt ‘cheap adj, adv informal extremely cheap or
cheaply: Such cheap goods obviously rely on dirt cheap
—+ MANAGING DIRECTOR, NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
labor. | |got these shoes dirt cheap.
di-rec-tor-ate /dsrektarst, dat-/ n [C] 1the group of '‘dirt-disher n (c] AmE informal a DIsHER
directors who run a company [SYN] board 2 a department
of a government or large organization in charge of a ‘dirt farmer n [C] AmE a poor farmer who works to
particular area or activity: the regional directorate of educa- feed himself and his family, without paying anyone else to
tion help
di rector-'general n [C] Br£ the person in charge of a dirt ‘poor adj informal extremely poor
large public organization: the Director-General of Fair Trad- ‘dirt road n [Cc] a road made of hard earth
ing ‘dirt track n [Cc] 1a road or path made of hard earth
di-rec-to-ri-al /datrek'to:rial</ adj [only before noun] 2 a track used for MOTORCYCLE races
dirty 476 E@ = words from the Academic Word List

dirt-y’ 4 [) /ds:ti $ ‘d3r-/ adj (comparative dirtier, disease, especially conditions in kitchens,
superlative dirtiest) restaurants, and hospitals: The food was prepared
1fes} «covered in or marked by an unwanted under unhygienic conditions.
substance [ope|clean: a stack of dirty dishes in the sink | unsanitary (a/so insanitary BrE) formal used about
How did you get so dirty? | dirty clothes/washing/laundry dirty conditions that are likely to cause disease,
She circled the bedroom, picking up dirty clothes. especially because there is not a good system for
2 Sg relating to sex, in a way that is considered immoral getting rid of waste: People’s health is being
or unpleasant: kids telling dirty jokes |a dirty magazine |She threatened by overcrowded and insanitary homes. | They
looked at me as if | had said a dirty word. |have a dirty mind work for long hours in unsanitary conditions.
BrE (=think about sex a lot) | dirty weekend BrE (=a soiled formal made dirty, especially by waste from
weekend when a man and woman who are not married to your body: Soiled nappies should be changed as quickly
each other go away to have sex) (as possible.
3 EDL «used to emphasize that you think some-
one or something is bad, dishonest, or immoral: You're a dirty? adv informal1 play dirty to behave in a very unfair
dirty liar! | a dirty fighter |you and your dirty little deals |do and dishonest way, especially in a competition or game: a
the dirty on sb BrE (=treat someone in a way that is unfair team that plays dirty 2 talk dirty to talk about sex using
or dishonest) | What a dirty trick! offensive words 3dirty great/dirty big BrE spoken
4 sth is a dirty word if something is a dirty word, people extremely big: a dirty great snake
believe it is a bad thing even if they do not know or think dirty® v (dirtied, dirtying, dirties) [1,7] 1 to make some-
much about it [SYN|swear word: ‘Liberal’ has somehow thing dirty 2 to make someone feel or seem bad, dishon-
become a dirty word in America. est, or immoral: The army's actions dirtied its reputation.
5 give sb a dirty look to look at someone in a very disap- 3 dirty your hands to do hard physical work, in which your
proving way: Susan gave her brother a dirty look. hands become dirty
6 dirty trick a dishonest or unfair action, especially done dirty old ‘man n [Cc] informal an older man who is too
by a government, company, or organization: political dirty
sexually interested in younger women - used to show
tricks disapproval
7 wash your dirty linen/laundry (also air your dirty laundry
AmE) to discuss something embarrassing or bad about dis /dts/ v [T] another spelling of piss
yourself where everyone can see, know, or hear: The dis= /d1s/ prefix 1shows an opposite or negative: |
divorce has meant airing their dirty laundry in court. disapprove (=do not approve) | dishonesty (=lack of
8 do sb’s dirty work to do an unpleasant or dishonest action honesty) 2 [in verbs] shows the stopping or removing of a
for someone, so that they do not have to do it themselves: condition: Disconnect the machine. | Disinfect the wound.
I'm not talking to him; you do your own dirty work! dis-a-bil-i-ty /disa'brsti/ n (plural disabilities) 1 [C] a
9 it’s a dirty job, but someone has to do it used to say that physical or mental condition that makes it difficult for
something is unpleasant to do, but that it is necessary - someone to use a part of their body properly, or to learn
often used humorously normally: with a disability Public places are becoming more
10 fT Ame informal containing or possessing illegal accessible to people with disabilities. | learning/physical/
drugs mental etc disability children with severe earning disabilities
Ni dirty bomb a bomb that contains a RADIOACTIVE sub- 2 [U] when you have a physical or mental disability:
stance which makes the bomb more dangerous than learning to cope with disability 3 [U] AmE money that is
bombs containing only traditional explosives given by the government to people who have physical
12 Garay 4a dirty sports event is one in which people disabilities: on disability Evans lives on disability because of
competing in the event have illegally used drugs to an accident that left her paralyzed. ;
improve their performance: Many people think that the race
has been a dirty event for years. —dirtily adv dis-a-:ble /dis'etbal/ v [17] 1 [usually passive] to make
someone unable to use a part of their body properly:
Carter was permanently disabled in the war. 2 to deliber-
dirty not clean: His clothes were untidy and he had ately make a machine or piece of equipment impossible
dirty hands. to use: The virus will disable your computer. —disablement
filthy very dirty: Each year filthy water causes millions n [C,U] —disabling adj: a disabling injury
of cases of illness. dis-a-bled §} [ /dis'erbald/ adj
muddy covered with mud: It had been raining hard 1someone who is disabled cannot use a part of their
and the path was muddy. body properly, or cannot learn easily —+ handicapped: a
dusty covered with dust: the dusty shelves in the attic support group for parents of disabled children | a severely
greasy covered with oil or grease: Greasy food is bad disabled polio patient | physically/mentally disabled If you
for your health. are elderly or physically disabled, massage can be beneficial. |
grubby (also mucky Br) informal fairly dirty and teachers who work with learning disabled children (=chil-
needing to be cleaned or washed: He was wearing a dren who have problems learning) | disabled parking/
grubby white T-shirt. |mucky fingers toilet/access etc (=for physically disabled people)
grimy covered with thick dirt or dirt that has been 2 the disabled [plural] people who are disabled: The theatre
there a long time: | couldn’t see much out of the grimy has good access for the disabled.
windows of the train. dis-a-buse / disa'bju:z/ v [T] formal to persuade some-
dingy /‘dindzi/ looking dark, dirty, and unpleasant. one that what they believe is not true: disabuse sb of sth /
Used about rooms, houses, and buildings: We worked tried to disabuse him of that notion.
in a dingy little office behind the station.
dis-ad-van-tage" /disad'va:ntid3 $ -'ven-/ n [CU]
polluted used about land, water, or air that has been
something that causes problems, or that makes someone
made dirty: 85% of city dwellers breathe heavily
or something less likely to be successful or effective
polluted air.
[OPP] advantage: [+of] The disadvantage of the material fs
contaminated made dirty by a dangerous substance that it fades in strong sunlight. | [+to] There are some big
or bacteria: The virus is mainly spread through disadvantages to marriage - you do lose a lot of your
contaminated food. freedom. | Criminal behaviour can be linked to economic
squalid /'skwol3d $ 'skwa:-/ formal extremely dirty disadvantage. é
and unpleasant. Used about the place or conditions
in which someone lives: People are living in squalid Lolo] ReleyWale)ky
conditions, with little water and no sanitation. | ADJECTIVES ©
unhygienic /anhar'dzi:ntk< $ -'dze-, -'d3i:-/ formal the main disadvantage The main disadvantage of iron
used about dirty conditions that are likely to cause as a material is its weight.
fq = words from the Academic Word List 477 | _ disa ppear
a big/great/major disadvantage This method has event or situation disagree, they are different from each
one major disadvantage: its cost. other [opp] agree: The statements of several witnesses disa-
a serious/severe disadvantage Public transport is gree.
very bad here, which is a serious disadvantage.
a slight/minor disadvantage |a further/
additional/added disadvantage | social/ disagree/not agree to have a different opinion from
economic/educational disadvantage someone else about something: Scholars disagree
about the meaning of the poem. | | don’t agree with a
|WERBS. word of what she says.
have a disadvantage Cheap air travel has considerable be divided/split if a group of people is divided or
environmental disadvantages. split on something, some of them have one opinion
suffer (from) a disadvantage formal Working-class and others have a completely different opinion: The
boys suffer disadvantages in the educational system. party is divided on this issue.
overcome a disadvantage (=succeed in spite of a differ if two or more people differ about something,
disadvantage) they have different opinions from each other about
it: The two men differed on how to handle the crisis.
| PHRASES not see eye to eye used to say that two people have
sb is at a disadvantage (=someone has a different opinions and ideas so that it is difficult for
disadvantage) The company was at a disadvantage them to be friends or work together: Some of the
compared with its competitors. teachers don't see eye to eye with the principal of the
put/place sb at a disadvantage (=make someone school.
less likely to be successful than others) Not speaking be mistaken used to say that you disagree with
English might put you at a disadvantage. someone's opinion and that you think they are
be/work to the disadvantage of sb (=make wrong: People are mistaken if they think that this
someone unlikely to be successful) This system works problem will go away on its own.
to the disadvantage of women. take issue with sb/sth formal to express strong
advantages and disadvantages (=the good and bad disagreement with an idea or with what someone
features of something) |the advantages outweigh has said or done: A number of people took issue with
the disadvantages (=there are more advantages the mayor's decision.
than disadvantages) dissent formal to say publicly that you disagree with
an official opinion or one that most people accept:
THESAURUS Two members of the jury dissented from the majority
disadvantage n [C] a bad feature that something verdict.
sek
ae sy
has, which makes it less good or less useful than
disagree with sb phr v if something such as food or
other things: What do you think are the disadvantages
weather disagrees with you, it has a bad effect on you or
of nuclear energy?
makes you ill: Seafood always disagrees with me.
drawback n [C] a bad feature that something has,
although it has advantages that are usually more dis-a:gree-a-ble / disa'gri:zabal</ adj formal 1 not at all
important: One of the main drawbacks is the price. enjoyable or pleasant [opp] agreeable: a disagreeable job |
bad point n [C] especially spoken a bad feature that [+to] The conversation was disagreeable to him.
something has: All of these designs have both their
REGISTER
good points and bad points.
In everyday English, people usually say someone or
the downside n [singular] the disadvantage of a
something is not very nice rather than disagreeable:
situation that in most other ways seems good or
It’s not a very nice job.
enjoyable: It’s a great job. The only downside is that |
don’t get much free time. 2 unfriendly and bad-tempered [opp] agreeable: a rude,
disagreeable woman —disagreeably adv
disadvantage? v [T] to make someone less likely to dis-a-gree-ment /disa'gri:mant/ n 1 (C,U] a situation
be successful or to put them in a worse situation than in which people express different opinions about some-
others thing and sometimes argue [opp] agreement: We've had a
dis-ad-van-taged /disad'va:ntidzgd« $ —'ven-/ adj few disagreements, but we're still good friends. |
1 having social problems, such as a lack of money or [+about/over/as to/on] disagreements about who will be
education, which make it difficult for you to succeed: allowed to vote | [+among/between] There were disagree-
disadvantaged areas of the city ments among doctors about the best way to treat the
POOR 2 the disadvantaged [plural] people who are disad- disease. | [+with] Connor's disagreements with school
vantaged: health programs for the disadvantaged administrators | sharp/fundamental/profound etc disagree-
ment (=serious disagreement) | be in disagreement
dis-ad-van-ta-geous / disedvan'terdzas, -vaen-/ adj [+ (=disagree) Scientists are in disagreement about the signifi-
to/for] formal unfavourable and likely to cause problems
cance of the data. GEGEN arcument2 [U] diffe-
for you advantageous —disadvantageously adv
rences between two statements, reports, numbers etc
dis-af-fec-ted /,disafektid<«/ adj formal not satisfied that ought to be similar [opp]agreement: [+between]
with your government, leader etc, and therefore no longer There is considerable disagreement between these two esti-
loyal to them or no longer believing they can help you: the mates.
disaffected youth from poor neighborhoods —disaffection dis-al-low /disa'lav/ v [7] to officially refuse to accept
/-fekfan/ n (UJ something, because a rule has been broken [opp] allow:
dis-af-fil-i-ate /,disafiliert/ v [1,7 + from] formal if an Manchester United had a goal disallowed.
organization disaffiliates from another organization or is REFUSE
disaffiliated from it, it breaks the official connection it has
with it [opp] affiliate —disaffiliation /,disoftli'erfan/ n [U] dis-ap-pear Gy ( /,dise'pre $ -'prr/ v [1]
1to become impossible to see any longer [SYN] vanish
dis-a-gree Gy /disa'gri:/ v [1] appear: [+behind/under/into etc] The sun had disap-
1to have or express a different opinion from someone peared behind a cloud. | disappear from view/sight David
else [Opp] agree: [+with] He is tolerant of those who disa- watched her car until it disappeared from view. |At this point
gree with him. | [+about/on/over] Experts disagree on how the path seemed to disappear altogether (=disappear com-
much the program will cost. | Barr strongly disagreed with pletely).
Kronfeld’s statement. 2 to be lost, or to become impossible to find vanish:
2if statements, numbers, or reports about the same The two girls disappeared while walking home from school. |
disappearance 478 SJ & & = the most frequent words in spoken English

My keys have disappeared again. | disappear without trace Disillusioned voters are turning against the government.
BrE, without a trace AmE (=without any way of finding disenchanted no longer feeling enthusiastic,
them) 75,000 soldiers simply disappeared without trace. especially so that you do not think you should be
3 to stop existing: The rain forest may disappear forever. involved in something, or give someone your
support: Americans have grown increasingly
disenchanted with politics. | a disenchanted workforce
disappear if something disappears, you cannot see it be/feel sorry spoken used when telling someone
any longer, or it does not exist any longer: The sun that you feel disappointed and wish that the
slowly disappeared over the horizon. |Millions of people situation was different: I’m sorry you can’t come to the
saw their savings disappear. party. |She always felt sorry that she hadn't got to
vanish to completely disappear, especially suddenly: know him better.
The boat vanished without trace off the coast of
Australia. |All hopes of finding the boy alive have
vanished. gutted [not before noun] BrE informal extremely
go away to stop existing - used about something disappointed, especially because you were
bad such as a pain or a problem: | wish this headache unsuccessful: | was gutted when we lost the game.
would go away. | I’m afraid the problem won't just go crestfallen /iterary looking very disappointed and
away. sad, especially when you suddenly realise that
fade away to gradually become less clear, strong, or something you want cannot happen: Gary looked
bright, and finally disappear: Her voice began to fade crestfallen as they calculated how much money they
away. | His anger slowly faded away. would need. |a crestfallen look
melt away especially literary to disappear, especially
gradually - used about feelings or groups of people: dis-ap-point-ing /disa'pointin</ adj not as good as
The crowd began to melt away. | His initial excitement you hoped or expected: disappointing profit figures | The
had melted away. Lakers’ loss in the playoffs was very disappointing.
die out to stop existing after gradually becoming MOLE Bad — disappointingly adv
more and more rare - used about a type of animal or dis-ap-point-ment /disa'pointmant/ n 1 [U] a feeling
plant, a disease, or a custom: Wolves had died out in of unhappiness because something is not as good as you
much of Europe. | Many of the old childhood diseases expected, or has not happened in the way you hoped: He
have almost died out. could see the disappointment in her eyes. | to sb’s (great)
become extinct if a type of animal or plant becomes disappointment To Edward's disappointment, Gina never
extinct, it stops existing: Dinosaurs became extinct turned up at the party. | [+at/with/over etc] the managers’
millions of years ago. disappointment with the results | Several people expressed
disappointment at the delay. |disappointment that her disap-
dis-ap-pear-ance /qdisa'prerans $ -'pir-/ n [CU] pointment that she hadn't been picked | She hid her bitter
1 when someone or something becomes impossible to disappointment. 2 [C] someone or something that is not
see or find: Police are investigating the woman's as good as you hoped or expected: The movie was kind of a
disappearance. 2 when something stops existing — extinc- disappointment. |great/bitter disappointment The loss was
tion: the disappearance of ancient forests a bitter disappointment. | [+to] She felt she was a disap-
pointment to her family. |[+for] The team’s performance has
dis-ap-point [1 /disa'pomt/ v [1,7] been a disappointment for the fans.
1to make someone feel unhappy because something they
dis-ap-pro-ba-tion /disepra'berjan/ n [U] formal dis-
hoped for did not happen or was not as good as they
approval of someone or something because you think
expected: | hated to disappoint her. | Great things were
they are morally wrong [OPP] approbation
expected of this band, and they didn’t disappoint.
2 disappoint sb's hopes/expectations/plans to prevent dis-ap-prov-al /,disa'prusval/ n [U] an attitude that
something from happening that someone hoped for or shows you think that someone or their behaviour, ideas
expected: The Berlin settlement of 1878 disappointed Rus- etc are bad or not suitable [opP|approval: [+of] strong
sian hopes in the Balkans. disapproval of the country’s human rights record | with/in
disapproval Baxter eyed our clothes with obvious
dis-ap:point-ed § [A /diss'pointid</ adj unhappy disapproval. |Clarissa shook her head in disapproval.
because something you hoped for did not happen, or dis-ap-prove /disa'pru:v/ v 1 [1] to think that someone
because someone or something was not as good as you or their behaviour, ideas etc are bad or wrong
expected: Dad seemed more disappointed than angry. | [OPP|approve: | knew my parents would disapprove, but |
disappointed customers | [+at/with/about] Local residents went anyway. | [+of] | disapprove of diets; it’s better to eat
were disappointed with the decision. | disappointed (that) | sensibly. |Her family strongly disapproved of her behaviour.
was disappointed that we played so well yet still lost. |[+in]
I'm very disappointed in you. | bitterly/deeply/terribly disap- REGISTER .
pointed The girl's parents were bitterly disappointed at the In everyday English, people often say they don't
jury's verdict. | disappointed to hear/see/find etc Visitors agree with an idea rather than disapprove of it: | don’t
were disappointed to find the museum closed. agree with capital punishment. 1
2 [T] formal to not agree to something that has been
disappointed unhappy because something you suggested [opp|approve: The board of directors disapproved
hoped for did not happen, or because something the sale. .
was not as good as you expected: Hundreds of dis-ap-prov-ing /dtsa'pru:vin</ adj showing that you
disappointed fans were unable to get tickets for the think someone or something is bad or wrong
game. || was disappointed with the grade | got in my [OPP]approving: a disapproving frown —disapprovingly adv
Maths exam. dis-arm /dis'a:m $ -'a:rm/ v 1 [I] to reduce the size of
feel let down to feel disappointed because your army, navy etc, and the number of your weapons
something was not as good as you expected, or [opPjarm: Getting the rebels to disarm will not be easy.
someone did not do what you expected them to do 2 [T] to take away someone's weapons [opPjarm: Cap-
for you - a rather informal use: | felt let down when | tured soldiers were disarmed and put into camps. 3 [T] to
saw the film. |Nurses feel badly let down - they were make someone feel less angry or disapproving of you,
promised a pay increase months ago. and more friendly — disarming: His tact and political skills
disillusioned / dis3'lu:zand</ disappointed because disarmed his critics. 4 [T] to take the explosives out of a
you have lost your belief that an idea is right, or that bomb, MISSILE etc
something or someone is good: Their leaders are dis-ar-ma-ment /dis'a:mament $ -‘a:r-/ n [U] when a _
deeply disillusioned with the peace process. | country reduces the number of weapons it has, or the
[0 (2 GS = the most frequent words in written English 479 disciple

size of its army, navy etc: a commitment to worldwide back: He retired early because of a slipped disc (=one that
nuclear disarmament has moved out of its correct place). —+ DISC BRAKES, DISC
dis-arm-ing /dts'‘a:min $ -'a:r-/ adj making you feel less JOCKEY, DISK DRIVE, LASER DISK
angry or disapproving towards someone, and more discard" /dtska:d $ -arrd/ v 1[T] to get rid of
friendly: a disarming sense of humor —disarmingly adv something [SYN|throw away: Discard any old cleaning
dis-ar-range /drsa'retnd3/ v [T] formal to make some- materials, | discarded paper 2 [1,1] to put down unwanted
thing untidy cards in a card game
dis-ar-ray /disa'rer/ n [U] formal the state of being dis-card? /‘diska:zd $ -a:rd/ n [C] an unwanted card that
untidy or not organized: in disarray This left the Liberal is put down in a card game
Party in total disarray. | throw sth into disarray/fall into ‘disc brakes n [plural] Brakes that work by two hard
disarray The delay threw the entire timetable into disarray. surfaces pressing against a DISC in the centre of a car
dis-as-so-ci-ate / disa'savfiert, -siett $ -'sou-/ v [T] wheel
another form of DISSOCIATE di-scern /d1's3:n $ -3:rn/ v [T not in progressive] formal
di-sas-ter § [H /drza:sta $ dr'zester/ n [C,U] 1 to notice or understand something by thinking about it
1a sudden event such as a flood, storm, or accident carefully: discern what/where/why etc Officials were keen
which causes great damage or suffering — catastrophe: to discern how much public support there was.
One. hundred and twenty people died in China's worst air RECOGNIZE 2 to be able to see something by looking
disaster. | the economic consequences of the Chernobyl carefully [SYN] perceive: We could just discern a town in the Se am
nuclear disaster | [+for] The oil spill was a disaster for distance. —discernible adj —discernibly adv
Alaskan sea animals. | The 1987 hurricane was the worst di-scern-ing /dr'ssintn $ -3:r-/ adj showing the ability to —
natural disaster to hit England for decades. | Their expedition make good judgments, especially about art, music, style —
nearly ended in disaster, when one of the climbers slid off the etc [SYN|discriminating: an ideal tour for the discerning —
mountain. | The drought could spell disaster for wildlife. | traveller | the discerning eye/ear (=someone who can
Disaster struck when two men were killed during their para- make good judgments about art or music)
chute jumps. | The peace process was on the brink of
disaster. | Luckily the pilot saw the other plane just in time, di-scern-ment /dr'ss:inmant $ -3:r-/ n [U] formal
and a disaster was narrowly averted. GREG. ACCIDENT 1 the ability to make good judgments about people or
2 something that is very bad or a failure, especially when about art, music, style etc: the woman's taste and
this is very annoying or disappointing: sth is a complete/ discernment 2 when you notice or understand something:
total/disaster Because of the weather, the parade was a total the discernment of opportunities
disaster. | The evening was an unmitigated disaster (=a dis-charge'’ /dis'tfa:dz $ -a:r-/ v
complete failure). | [+for] The cuts in funding will be a ISELIN [T] to officially allow someone to leave
disaster for the schools. |Five small boys on skis is a recipe for somewhere, especially the hospital or the army, navy etc,
disaster (=is very likely to end badly). or to tell them that they must leave: Hospitals now tend to
disaster area n [C] 1a place where a flood, storm, discharge patients earlier than in the past. | The judge
fire etc has happened and caused a lot of damage: The discharged the jury. | discharge sb from sth Several of the
town was declared a disaster area (=officially called a dis- recruits were discharged from the Army due to medical
aster area) after the floods. 2 informal a place that is very problems, | discharge yourself BrE (=leave hospital before
untidy or dirty: The kitchen is a disaster area. your treatment is complete) | conditionally discharge sb
di'saster re,covery n [U] a system or process that a BrE (=let someone leave prison if they obey particular
company has and which it will use if something goes rules) Dunning was conditionally discharged for two years.
seriously wrong, for example if it loses large amounts of 2 ESA Aaa [| always + adv/prep, T] to send
DATA from its computer system: We need to increase the out gas, liquid, smoke etc, or to allow it to escape:
budget allocation for disaster recovery. discharge sth into sth Sewage is discharged directly into the
di-sas-trous /dr'zaistras $ dr'ze-/ adj very bad, or end- sea. | [+into] Rainwater collects here and then discharges
ing in failure: a disastrous first marriage |disastrous effects/ into the river Kennett.
3 See [7] formal to fire a gun or shoot an ARROW etc: A
consequences/results Climate change could have disastrous
soldier accidentally discharged his weapon.
effects on Earth. |The move proved disastrous (=was disas-
trous) for the company. —disastrously adv 4 eas
D7 [7] formal to do or pay
what you have a duty to do or pay: discharge your duties/
dis:a-VOw /<isa'vav/ v [T] formal to say that you are responsibilities/obligations etc The trustees failed to dis-
not responsible for something, that you do not know charge their duties properly.
about it, or that you are not involved with it —disavowal n 5 Gianiehad [1,1] if a piece of electrical equipment
[C,U] discharges, or if it is discharged, it sends out electricity
dis-band /dis'bend/ v [1,7] to stop existing as an 6EMeLnr) [1,1] if a wound or body part dischargesa
organization, or to make something do this substance such as PUS (=infected liquid), the substance
‘dis-bar /dts'ba: $ -'ba:r/ v (disbarred, disbarring) [T] to slowly comes out of it
make a lawyer leave the legal profession — debar TELESALES [T] formal to take goods or passen-
dis-be-lief /disb3'li:f/ n [U] a feeling that something is gers off a ship, plane etc
not true or does not exist — unbelief, belief: The reaction to dis-charge? /‘dist{a:dz $ -tfa:rd3/ n formal 1 [U] when
the murders was one of shock and disbelief. |in/with disbelief you officially allow someone to leave somewhere, espe-
Rosie stared in disbelief. cially the hospital or their job in the army, navy etc:
dis-be-lieve /disb3li:v/ v [1,1] formal to not believe [+from] Nurses visit the mother and baby for two weeks
something or someone —+ doubt: | see no reason to disbe- after their discharge from the hospital. + DISHONOURABLE
lieve him. —disbelieving adj DISCHARGE, HONORABLE DISCHARGE 2 [C,U] when gas, liquid,
dis-burse /dis'b3:is $ -3:1rs/ v [T] formal to pay out smoke etc is sent out, or the substance that is sent out:
money, especially from a large sum that is available for a [+of] the discharge of toxic waste into the sea 3 [C,U] when
special purpose —disbursement n [C,U] a substance slowly comes out of a wound or part of your
body, or the substance that comes out 4 [C,U] electricity
disc G4 [8 (also disk especially AmE) /disk/ n [C] that is sent out by a piece of equipment, a storm etc
1a round flat shape or object: three keys attached to a
5 [U] when someone performs a duty or pays a debt:
metal disc [+of] the discharge of the college's legal responsibilities
2 a COMPACT DISC 6 [U] when someone shoots a gun
3a record that you play on a RECORD PLAYER
4 BrE a computer Disk: on disc The report form is available di-sci-ple /dr'sarpal/ n [C] 1 someone who believes in
on disc from Personnel. the ideas of a great teacher or leader, especially a reli-
5a flat piece of CARTILAGE between the bones of your gious one: [+of] He was also an avid reader and a disciple of
 disciplinarian EX3 = words from the Academic Word List

Tolstoy. 2 one of the first 12 men to follow Christ dis-comefit /drs'kamft/ v [T] formal to make someone
—discipleship n (U] feel slightly uncomfortable, annoyed, or embarrassed: He
dis-ci-pli-nar-i-an /disip\inearian $ -'ner-/ n [C] some- was discomfited by her silence. —discomfiture n [U]
one who believes people should obey orders and rules, dis:com-fort /dis'kamfat $ -art/ n 1[U] a feeling of
and who makes them do this: Dad was a strict disciplinar- slight pain or of being physically uncomfortable: If the
ian. exercise Causes discomfort, stop immediately.
dis-ci-pli-na-ry /‘disiplinari, disspl1- $ ‘drssplsneri/ adj PAIN 2 [U] a feeling of embarrassment, shame, or worry:
relating to the punishment of someone who has not To her discomfort, he laughed. 3 [C] something that makes
obeyed rules, or to trying to make people obey rules: The you feel uncomfortable or gives you a slight pain: the
investigation led to disciplinary action (=things you do to discomforts of air travel
punish someone) against two officers. | disciplinary dis-com-pose /diskam'pauz $ -'pouz/ v [T] formal to
hearing/committee (=a meeting or group that decides if make someone feel worried and no longer calm
someone should be punished) [SYN] disturb —discomposure /-'pauza $ -'pouzar/ n [U]
dis-ci-pline’ B ( /‘disipin/ n dis-con-cert /,diskan'sa:t $ -airt/ v [T] to make some-
1[U] a way of training someone so that they learn to one feel slightly confused, embarrassed, or worried
control their behaviour and obey rules: The book gives —disconcerted adj: a disconcerted look
parents advice on discipline. | serious discipline problems in
the police force
dis-con-cert-ing /diskan'sa:tin< $ -3:r-/ adj making you
feel slightly confused, embarrassed, or worried: a discon-
2([U] the ability to contro! your own behaviour, so that
certing question —disconcertingly adv
you do what you are expected to do: Working from home
requires a good deal of discipline. + SELF-DISCIPLINE dis-con-nect? / diska'nekt/ v1 [T] to remove the supply
3 [CU] a way of training your mind or learning to control of power, gas, water etc from a machine or piece of
- your behaviour: Martial arts teach respect, discipline, and equipment [OPP] connect: disconnect sth from sth Always
cooperation. | [+for] Learning poetry is a good discipline for disconnect the machine from the mains first. | The family
the memory. agreed to disconnect her life support system. 2 [1,T] to sepa-
4[C] an area of knowledge or teaching, especially one rate something from the thing it is connected to, or to
such as history, chemistry, mathematics etc that is stud- become separated [OPP] connect: [+from] Two freight cars
ied at a university disconnected from the train engine. |-disconnect sth from sth
discipline? v [1] 1 to punish someone in order to keep Disconnect part A from part D. 3 [T] to officially stop
order and control: The officers were later disciplined. supplying a service, such as water, telephone, electricity,
2 to teach someone to obey rules and control their or gas, to a house or other building [opP] connect: Eleven
behaviour: Different cultures have different ways of disciplin- percent of households were disconnected for non-payment of
ing their children. 3 discipline yourself (to do sth) to control bills. 4 [|,T] if you disconnect or become disconnected
the way you work, how regularly you do something etc, from your feelings, family, society etc, you no longer feel
because you know it is good for you: Try to discipline as though you belong or have a relationship with them:
yourself to write every day. [+from] Divorced men can too easily become disconnected
dis-ci-plined /‘dissplind/ adj obeying rules and control- from their children. 5 [T] to break the telephone connec-
ling your behaviour: skilled and disciplined workers tion between two people [OPP] connect —disconnection
/-'nekfan/ n [C,U]
‘disc jockey n [Cc] (abbreviation DJ) someone whose job
is to play the music on a radio show or in a club where disconnect? n [singular] when two people or groups no
you can dance longer understand or have a relationship with each other:
dis-claim /dis'klerm/ v [T] formal to state, especially the disconnect between the ordinary public and the concerns
of politicians
officially, that you are not responsible for something, that
you do not know about it, or that you are not involved dis-con-nect-ed /diska'nektid«/ adj disconnected
with it [S¥N|deny: disclaim responsibility/knowledge etc thoughts or ideas do not seem to be related to each other
Martin disclaimed any responsibility for his son’s actions. unrelated
dis-claim-er /dis'kletma $ -ar/ n [C] a statement that dis-con-so-late /diskonsalst_ $ -ka:n-/ adj formal
you are not responsible for or involved with something, or extremely sad and hopeless: He was disconsolate after his
that you do not know about it - used especially in divorce. —disconsolately adv
advertising or legal agreements dis-con-tent /diskan'tent/ (also dis-con-tent-ment
dis-close /drs'klauz $ -'klovz/ v [T] formal 1 to make /-'tentmant/) n [U] a feeling of being unhappy and not
something publicly known, especially after it has been satisfied with the situation you are in [opp] contentment:
kept secret reveal: Some companies have already vol- [+with] Discontent with the current government is strong. |
untarily disclosed similar information. |He refused to disclose [+at/over] There is widespread discontent at the quality of
the identity of the politician. | disclose that It was disclosed ‘education. |Perhaps she sensed my growing discontent.
that £3.5 million was needed to modernize the building. dis-con-tent-ed /diskan'tentid</ adj unhappy or not
GEEEUETE> REVEAL 2 to show something by removing satisfied with the situation you are in [OPP] contented:
the thing that covers it reveal [+with] She became increasingly discontented with her
dis-clo-sure /disklavza $ -klouzar/ n [C,U] a secret work. —discontentedly adv
that someone tells people, or the act of telling this secret: dis-con-tin-ue /diskan'tinju:/ v [T] to stop doing, pro-
the disclosure of private medical information ducing, or providing something: Bus route 51 is being
dis:co /‘diskau $ -kou/ n (plural discos) 1 [C] a place or discontinued. | a discontinued china pattern
social event at which people dance to recorded popular —discontinuation / diskantinju'erfan/ n {U]
music: the school disco 2 [U] a type of dance music that —discontinuance / diskan'tinjuans/ n [U]
‘was first popular in the 1970s
dis-con-ti-nu-i-ty /diskonts'njussti $ -kantinu:-/ n (plu-
dis-col-or /dis'kala $ -ar/ v [I, T] the American spelling ral discontinuities) 1 [C] a sudden change or pause in a
of DISCOLOUR process: [+between] the policy discontinuities between the
dis-col-o-ra-tion /diskala'rerfan/ 1 [U] the process of present and previous governments 2 [U] when a process is
becoming discoloured 2 [C] a place on the surface of not continuous: discontinuity in economic development
something where it has become discoloured dis-con-tin-u-ous /,diskan'tinjuas</ adj formal not con-
dis-col-our BrE, discolor AmE /dis'kala $ -ar/ v [1,1] to tinuous
change colour, or to make something change colour, so dis-cord /‘drsks:d $ -s:rd/ n 1 [U] formal disagreement
that it looks unattractive: Once cut, apples quickly discolour. or arguing between people: marital discord |discord within
dis-com-bob-wlat-ed /,diskam'bobjslertid $ -ba:b-/ NATO 2 [C,U] an unpleasant sound made by a group of —
adj completely confused - used humorously musical notes that do not go together well + harmony
EX = words from the Academic Word List 481 discretion

dis-cord-ant /dts'ko:dant $ -2:r-/ adj1 formal a discord- because you were looking for them: The body was discov-
ant sound is unpleasant because it is made up of musical ered ina field. |Forest Service crews often discover campfires
notes that do not go together well 2 literary strange, that have not been put out completely. FIND
wrong, or unsuitable in relation to everything around 2to find out something that you did not know about
{OPP} harmonious: The modern decor strikes a discordant before: The exercises let students discover math concepts on
note in this old building. 3. formal not in agreement: dis- their own. | discover (that) She discovered that she was
cordant results from the experiment pregnant. | discover who/what/how etc His friends were
dis-co-theque /‘diskatek, \diska'tek/ n [C] especially BrE shocked to discover how ill he was.
a DISCO 3 if someone discovers a new place, fact, substance etc,
they are the first person to find it or know that it exists:
dis-count! By /‘diskaunt/ n [C] a reduction in the usual The Curies are best known for discovering radium.
price of something: 10% discount/discount of 25% etc 4 to notice or try something for the first time and start to
Members get a 15% discount. | at a discount Employees can enjoy it: At fourteen, Louise discovered boys.
buy books at a discount. | [+on] The Young Persons Railcard 5 to notice someone who is very good at something and
gives you a discount on rail travel. |offer/give sb a discount | help them to become successful and well-known: a band
discount price/fare discount airfares to Europe | discount that’s waiting to be discovered —discoverer n [C]
store/shop/warehouse (=a place where you can buy
goods cheaply) dis-cov-e-ry [A /dis'kavari/ n (plural discoveries)
1[C] a fact or thing that someone finds out about, when it
dis-count? /dis'kaunt $ ‘diskaunt/ v [T] 1to regard
was not known about before: [+about] The Hubble Tele-
something as unlikely to be true or important: Experts
scope allowed astronomers to make significant discoveries
discounted the accuracy of the polls. |General Hausken had
about our galaxy, |discovery that the discovery that bees can
not discounted the possibility of an aerial attack. 2 to reduce
communicate with each other
the price of something: Games were discounted to as little
2 [U] when someone discovers something: [tof] the dis- — ~
as $5. covery of oil in Alaska
dis-count-er /‘diskaunta $ -ar/ n [C] a shop or person
that sells goods cheaply (elo) iKoley-Wale)
(by
‘discount rate n (Cc usually singular] the interest rate ERB Si 2
that a country’s CENTRAL BANK charges to other banks make a discovery By making new discoveries we
dis-cour-age /dis'karidz $ -ksir-/ v [T] 1 to persuade expand our understanding of the natural world.
someone not to do something, especially by making it lead to a discovery /t was pure chance that led to the
seem difficult or bad [OPP] encourage: attempts to discour- discovery.
age illegal immigration | discourage sb from doing sth My
father is a lawyer, and he discouraged me from entering the a new discovery New discoveries are being made al
field. A\ Do not say ‘discourage someone to do some- the time.
thing’. Say discourage someone from doing something. a recent discovery the recent discovery of frozen water
2 to make someone less confident or less willing to do on the moon
something demoralize[OPP| encourage: You should not a great/major/important discovery [he
let one failure discourage you. 3 to make something less archaeologists had made an important discovery.
likely to happen [OPP] encourage: Aspirin may discourage a scientific/medical etc discovery The book covers
tumour growth in some types of cancer. the major scientific discoveries of the last century.
dis-cour-aged /dis'karidzd $ -'k3:r-/ adj no longer hav- an exciting discovery |a surprising/unexpected
ing the confidence you need to continue doing something discovery
[SYN] demoralized encouraged: A /ot of players get dis-
couraged and quit. FRESE CONFIDENT dis-cred-it' /dis'kredit/ v [T] 1to make people stop
dis-cour-age-ment /dis'karidgmant $ -k3ir-/ on respecting or trusting someone or something: The compa-
ny’s lawyers tried to discredit her testimony, 2 to make
1 [U] when you no longer feel confident or willing to do
something: In research, times of discouragement alternate people stop believing in a particular idea: His theories have
with times of great achievement. 2 [U] when you try to now been discredited.
persuade someone not to do something, especially by discredit? pn [u] the loss of other people's respect or
making it seem difficult or bad: the discouragement of trust: to sb’s discredit To his discredit, he knew about the
smoking 3 [C] something that discourages you problem but said nothing. | bring discredit on/upon/to
sb/sth The behaviour of fans has brought discredit on English
dis-cour-a-ging /diskaridgin $ -kair-/ adj making you football.
lose the confidence or determination you need to con-
tinue doing something encouraging: The results were
dis-cred-it-a-ble /dis'kreditabal/ adj formal bad or
wrong, and making people lose respect for you or trust in
discouraging. —discouragingly adv
you: discreditable dealings
_dis-course’ /‘disko:s $ -s:rs/ n formal 1[C] a serious
di-screet /dr'skri:t/ adj 1 careful about what you say or
speech or piece of writing on a particular subject: [ton/
do, so that you do not offend, upset, or embarrass people
upon] a discourse on art 2 [U] serious conversation or
or tell secrets indiscreet: He assured her that he would
discussion between people: Candidates should engage in
be discreet. | |stood back at a discreet distance. 2 small and
serious political discourse. 3 [U] the language used in par-
showing good taste or judgment - use this to show
ticular types of speech or writing: a study of spoken
approval: discreet jewelry —discreetly adv
discourse
di-screp-an-cy /dr'skrepansi/ n (plural discrepancies)
dis-course? /dis'ko:s $ -o:rs/ v [C,U] a difference between two amounts, details, reports
discourse on/upon sth phr v formal to make a long formal
etc that should be the same: [tin] Police found discrepan-
speech about something, or to discuss something seri- cies in the two men’s reports. | [+between] There is a large
ously discrepancy between the ideal image of motherhood and the
dis-cour-te-ous /dis\ks:tias $ -3:r-/ adj formal not polite, reality.
and not showing respect for other people [SYN] rude, di-screte [4 /dr'skri:t/ adj clearly separate: The change
impolite: /t would be discourteous to ignore his request. happens in a series of discrete steps. —discretely adv
RUDE —discourteously adv —discreteness n [U]
dis-cour-te-sy /dis'k3:tasi $ -3:r-/ n (plural discourte- di-scre-tion Lg /dr'skrefan/ n [U] 1 the ability and right
sies) [C,U] formal an action or behaviour that is not polite to decide exactly what should be done in a particular
or does not show respect situation: at sb’s discretion (=according to someone's
dis-cov-er & [i /dis'kava $ -ar/ v [T] decision) The awards are made at the discretion of the
1to find someone or something, either by accident or committee. | Promotions are left to the discretion of the
discretionary Gil &3 & = the most frequent words in spoken English

supervisor. | [tover/as to] People want to have more discre- about her legal situation. | under discussion (=being dis-
tion over their working hours. | use/exercise your discretion cussed) The project is under discussion as a possible joint
The judge exercised his discretion rightly to admit the venture.
evidence. |discretion to do sth The committee has the abso- 2a piece of writing about a subject that considers differ-
lute discretion to refuse applications. 2 the ability to deal ent ideas or opinions about it: [+of] the report's discussion
with situations in a way that does not offend, upset, or of the legislation
embarrass people or tell any of their secrets — indiscre-
tion: British newspapers no longer feel they must treat the
di'scussion ist n [Cc] a place on the Internet where
people can write and receive messages in order to share
royal family with discretion. 3 discretion is the better part of
ideas and information about a particular subject: the
valour used to say that it is better to be careful than to
Mercedes-Benz discussion list
take unnecessary risks
di-scre-tion-a-ry [ /dr'skrefanari $ -neri/ adj not con- dis-dain" /dis'detn/ n [U] formal a complete lack of
trolled by strict rules, but decided on by someone in a respect that you show for someone or something
position of authority: the court's discretionary powers | because you think they are not important or good
discretionary award/grant/fund etc enough: with disdain She watched me with disdain. | a look
of complete disdain | [+for] his disdain for capitalism
dis,cretionary ‘income n [U] the money remaining
from your income after your bills have been paid, which disdain? v formal 1 [7] to have no respect for someone
can be spent on entertainment, holidays etc or something, because you think they are not important
di-scrim-i-nate [gq /dr'skrimineit/ v 1 [I] to treat a or good enough: Childcare was seen as women’s work, and
person or group differently from another in an unfair way: men disdained it. 2 disdain to do sth to refuse to do some-
[+against] Under federal law, it is illegal to discriminate thing because you are too proud to do it: Butler disdained
to reply.
against minorities and women. | discriminate on the
grounds/basis of sth /t was found that the company still dis-dain-ful /dts'detnfal/ adj formal showing that you
discriminated on the basis of race in promotions. 2 [1,T] to do not respect someone or something, because you think
recognize a difference between things [SYN] differentiate: that they are not important or good enough: a disdainful
[+between] Newborn .babies can discriminate between a look | [+of] professors who are disdainful of popular enter-
man’s and a woman's voice. | discriminate sth from sth the tainment —disdainfully adv
process of learning to discriminate fact from opinion
dis-ease BY /arzi:z/ n
di-scrim-i-nat-ing /dr'skriminextin/ adj able to judge 1[C,U] an illness which affects a person, animal, or plant:
what is of good quality and what is not [SYN] discerning: [+of] She suffers from a rare disease of the brain. |His father
discriminating readers died of heart disease. | She contracted the disease while she
di-scrim-i-na-tion /diskrimsnerjan/ n [U] 1 the prac- was abroad on holiday. FEES NTETD> i-iness
tice of treating one person or group differently from 2[C] something that is seriously wrong with society or
another in an unfair way: laws to prevent discrimination | with someone's mind, behaviour etc: Loneliness is a dis-
[+against] widespread discrimination against older people in ease of our urban communities. —diseased adj: diseased
the job market | [+in favour of] discrimination in favour of muscles |a diseased plant
university graduates |racial/sex/religious etc discrimination COLLOCATIONS
(=treating someone unfairly because of their race, sex
etc) —> POSITIVE DISCRIMINATION, REVERSE DISCRIMINATION _ VERBS
GEESE presupice 2 the ability to recognize the dif- have a disease How long have you had the disease?
ference between two or more things, especially the differ- suffer from a disease About three million people
ence in their quality: shape discrimination suffer from the disease.
catch/get a disease (also contract a disease formal)
di-scrim-in-a-to-ry /dr'skriminatari $ -to:ri/ adj treat-
He caught the disease while travelling in Africa.
ing a person or a group of people differently from other
develop a disease A few years ago, she developed a
people, in an unfair way: discriminatory hiring practices
serious lung disease.
di-scur-Sive /dr'sks:s1v $ -3:r-/ adj formal discussing pass on a disease (also transmit a disease formal)
many different ideas, facts etc, without always having a They may pass the disease on to their children.
clear purpose: a long, discursive article —discursively adv cause a disease Smoking is probably the major factor
dis-cus /‘diskas/ n [C] 1a heavy flat circular object causing heart disease.
which is thrown as far as possible as a sport 2 the discus prevent a disease | treat a disease |cure a
the sport of throwing this object disease |fight (a) disease (=try to stop it
continuing) |a disease spreads
di-scuss Gy (i /dt'skas/ v [7]
1to talk about something with another person or a group | ADJECTIVES/NOUN + disease
in order to exchange ideas or decide something: Littman common common childhood diseases
refused to discuss the case publicly. | If you would like to rare She suffers from a rare bone disease.
discuss the matter further, please call me. | discuss sth with serious vaccines against serious diseases like hepatitis
sb Pupils should be given time to discuss the book with their and meningitis
classmates. | discuss what/who/where ete Your accountant fatal/deadly (=that causes death) /f left untreated,
will discuss with you how to complete these forms. the disease can be fatal.
[THESAURUS Ai incurable (=that cannot be cured) Diseases that were |
REGISTER once thought incurable can be treated with antibiotics.
infectious/contagious (=that spreads quickly from
In everyday English, people usually say talk about
one person to another) The disease is highly
rather than discuss: It’s good to be able to talk about
contagious.
these things. ;
a skin/brain/lung etc disease The fumes have
2 to talk or write about something in detail and consider caused skin diseases among the villagers. :
different ideas or opinions about it: This topic will be heart/liver/kidney disease He is being treated for
discussed in Chapter 4. kidney disease.
di-scus:sion § (i /dr'skafan/ n [C,U] a hereditary/inherited disease (=that is passed
from parent to child) |a sexually-transmitted
Twhen you discuss something: class discussions | the top-
disease (=that is spread by having sex)
ics suggested for discussion | [+of] the discussion of impor-
tant issues |[+about] high-level discussions about trade and PHRASES
commerce | [+with] The embassy will continue discussions a cure for a disease There is no known cure for this
with the Chinese government. | We have had discussions disease.
 (i (2 GS = the most frequent words in written English 483
hat we
an outbreak of a disease (=when a disease appears Chimneys were disgorging smoke into the air. 3 [1,7] if a river
in a number of people or animals) There has been an disgorges, it flows into the sea: The Mississippi disgorges
outbreak of the disease in Wales. its waters into the Gulf of Mexico. 4 [T] formal to give back
the spread of a disease Knowing the facts about AIDS something that you have taken illegally 5 [T] formal to
can prevent the spread of the disease. bring food back up from your stomach through your
the symptoms of a disease (=physical signs that mouth
someone has a disease) dis-:grace' /dis'grets/ n 1 [U] the loss of other people’s
respect because you have done something they strongly
dis-em-bark /disim'bazk $ -a:rk/ v1 [1] to get off a ship
disapprove of: Smith faced total public disgrace after the
or aircraft [opp|embark 2 [T] to put people or goods onto
incident. | in disgrace Toranaga sent us away in disgrace. |
the shore from a ship —disembarkation /,disembaz'kerfan
His actions brought disgrace on the family. | There was no
$ -barr-/ n LU]
disgrace in finishing fourth. GEE SHAME 2 be a dis-
dis-em-bod-ied /,d1sim'bodid« $ -'ba:-/ adj 1 exist- grace used to say that something or someone is so bad or
ing without a body or separated from a body: disembodied unacceptable that the people involved with them should
spirits 2 a disembodied sound or voice comes from some- feel ashamed: The UK rail system is a national disgrace. |
one who cannot be seen [+to] You are a disgrace to the medical profession. |
dis-em:bow-el / disim'baval/ v (disembowelled, disem- absolute/utter disgrace It’s an absolute disgrace, the way he
bowelling) [T] to remove someone's BOWELS treats his wife.
—disembowelment n [U]
disgrace? v [7] to do something so bad that you make
dis-en-chant-ed /disin'tfa:ntid $ -'tfent-/ adj disap- other people feel ashamed: How could you disgrace us all
pointed with someone or something, and no longer like that? | disgrace yourself (by doing sth) /’m not the one
believing that they are good [SyN|disillusioned: [+with] By who disgraced herself at the wedding! | be (publicly) dis-
that time | was becoming disenchanted with the whole idea. graced (=be made to feel ashamed, especially in public)
ECESZULT> DIsappointeD — disenchantment n [U]: Vot-
ers expressed growing disenchantment with the government. dis-grace-ful /dts'\gretsfal/ adj bad, embarrassing, or
unacceptable: It’s a disgraceful waste of taxpayers’ money. |
dis-en-fran-chise / disin freentfaiz/ v [T] to take away
absolutely/utterly etc disgraceful Their behaviour was abso-
someone's rights, especially their right to vote
lutely disgraceful. | It is disgraceful that anyone should have
—disenfranchisement /-t{izmant $ -tfaiz-/ n [U]
to live in such conditions. —disgracefully adv
dis-en-fran-chised /distn'frentfaizd/ adj not having
any rights, especially the right to vote, and not feeling dis-grun-tled /dis'grantld/ adj annoyed or disap-
part of society pointed, especially because things have not happened in
the way that you wanted: a disgruntled client
dis-en-gage /disin'gerd3/ v 1 [T] to move so that you
are not touching or holding someone: disengage yourself dis:guise’ /dis'gaiz/ v [T] 1to change someone's
Sally found it difficult to disengage herself from his embrace. appearance so that people cannot recognize them: dis-
2 [1,1] if you disengage something, especially a part of a guise yourself as sb/sth Maybe you could disguise yourself as
machine, or if it disengages, you make it move away from a waiter and sneak in there. |He escaped across the border
another part that it was connected to [oppjengage: Disen- disguised as a priest. BRERNU> HIDE 2 to change the
gage the gears when you park the car. |He tapped in the code appearance, sound, taste etc of something so that people
and the lock disengaged. 3 [|] to stop being involved or do not recognize it: There’s no way you can disguise that
interested in something: [+from] Too many young people southern accent. |disguise sth as sth a letter bomb disguised
disengage from learning. 4 [|,1] if two armies disengage, as a musical greetings card 3 to hide a fact or feeling so
they stop fighting [oppjengage — disengagement n [U] that people will not notice it: Try as he might, Dan couldn't
dis-en-gaged /,distn'getd3d/ adj not involved with or disguise his feelings for Katie. | disguise the fact (that)
interested in something or someone, and feeling separate There's no disguising the fact that business is bad. | The
from them [Opp|engaged: teenagers who are depressed or speech was seen by many as a thinly disguised attack on the
disengaged from their families president.
dis-en-tam-gle /disin'tengal/ v [T] 1 to separate dif- disguise? n1 [CU] something that you wear to change
ferent ideas or pieces of information that have become your appearance and hide who you are, or the act of
confused together: It’s very difficult to disentangle fact from wearing this: His disguise didn’t fool'anyone. |She wore dark
fiction in what she’s saying. 2 disentangle yourself (from glasses in an absurd attempt at disguise. 2 in disguise
sb/sth) to escape from a difficult situation that you are a) wearing a disguise: The woman in the park turned out to
involved in: She had just disentangled herself from a long be a police officer in disguise. b) made to seem like some-
relationship. 3 to remove knots. from ropes, strings etc thing else that is better: ‘Tax reform’ is just a tax increase in
that have become twisted or tied together 4 to separate disguise. + blessing in disguise at BLESSING(4)
something from the things that are twisted around it dis-gust" /dis'gast, diz-/ n [U] 1a strong feeling of
, dis-e-qui-lib-ri-um /disekws\tbriam, disiz-/ n [U] a dislike, annoyance, or disapproval: with disgust Joan looked
lack of balance in something at him with disgust. |in disgust Sam threw his books down in
dis-es-tab-lish [iq /,dis!steblr{// v [7] formal to offi- disgust and stormed out of the room. | to sb’s disgust Much
cially decide that a particular church is no longer the to my disgust, | found that there were no toilets for the
official church of your country disabled. | [+with] Nelson’s disgust with US politics | [+at]
dis-fa-vour BrE, disfavor AmE /dis‘ferva $ -ar/ n [U] a The fans didn’t hide their disgust at the umpire’s decision.
feeling of dislike and disapproval [opp|favour: with disfa- 2 a very strong feeling of dislike that almost makes you
vour The job creation programme is looked upon with disfa- sick, caused by something unpleasant: He reached into the
vour by the local community. |Coal fell into disfavour because bin with a look of disgust on his face. |with disgust Edward
burning it caused pollution. tasted the thin, sour wines with disgust.
dis-fig-ure /disfiga $ -figjar/ v [T] to spoil the appear- disgust? v [T] 1 to make someone feel very annoyed or
ance that something naturally has: His face had been upset about something that is not acceptable: Many
disfigured in an accident. —disfigured adj — disfigurement parents claimed to be disgusted by the amount of violence in
n [C,U] —disfiguring adj: a disfiguring disease the film. | be disgusted to find/hear/see etc Dear Sir, | was
dis-fran-chise /disfrent{atz/ v [T] to DISENFRANCHISE disgusted to see the picture on page one of Sunday's feature
someone section. 2 to be so unpleasant that it makes you feel
almost sick: The thought of dissecting a frog disgusts me.
dis-gorge /dis'go:dz $ -d:rd3/ v 1 [T] literary if a vehicle
or building disgorges people, they come out of it ina large dis-gust-ed /drs'gastid, diz-/ adj very annoyed or upset
group: Cars drew up to disgorge a wedding party. 2 [T] if by something that is not acceptable: Disgusted onlookers
something disgorges what was inside it, it lets it pour out: claimed the driver was more concerned about his car than
 disgusting EQ = words from the Academic Word List

about the victim. | [+at/by/with] Most locals are disgusted di-shev-elled Br, disheveled AmE /drfevald/ adj if
by the anti-foreigner violence. | disgusted that Animal wel- someone's appearance or their clothes, hair etc is dishev-
fare workers were disgusted that anyone could do this to a elled, they look very untidy: Pam arrived late, dishevelled
puppy. and out of breath.
Disgusted of Tunbridge ‘Wells BrE a humorous dis-hon-est /dts'onist $ -'a:-/ adj not honest, and so
name for a typical old-fashioned MIDDLE-CLASS person deceiving or cheating people [OPP]honest: dishonest
living in the town of Tunbridge Wells in southeast Eng- traders | People on welfare are wrongly seen as lazy or
land, who writes letters to newspapers strongly criticizing dishonest. —dishonestly adv: A person is guilty of theft if he
things about modern behaviour or modern life which they or she dishonestly obtains property.
find shocking
dis-gust-ing /dis'gastin, diz-/ adj dishonest behaving in a way that is intended to
lextremely unpleasant and making you feel sick deceive people, for example by lying, cheating, or
[SYN]revolting: Rubbish was piled everywhere - it was stealing: Are you accusing me of being dishonest? | The
disgusting. | Smoking is a_ really disgusting habit. money was acquired through dishonest means.
GEESTTTD> BAD, HORRIBLE, TASTE corrupt using your power in a dishonest way for
2shocking and unacceptable: Sixty pounds for a thirty- your own advantage - used about people in official
minute consultation. | think that’s disgusting! | That's a positions: corrupt politicians |Law and order has
disgusting thing to say. —disgustingly adv: They’re disgust- broken down, and most government officials are corrupt.
ingly rich. devious /'di:vias/ good at secretly thinking of clever
plans to trick people in order to get what you want:
. dish’ § 0B /ay/ n [c] You. have a very devious mind! | They use all kinds of
1a flat container with low sides, for serving food from or
devious methods to find out your personal details.
cooking food in —+ bowl: a serving dish |an ovenproof dish |
underhand BrE£, underhanded AmE underhand
[+of] a large dish of spaghetti
methods involve secretly deceiving people in order
2 the dishes all the plates, cups, bowls etc that have been
to get what you want: /n a series of underhand moves,
used to eat a meal and need to be washed: do/wash the
Browne managed to gain control of the company.
dishes |'/] just do the dishes before we go. — see picture at
sneaky doing or saying things secretly, in a way that
CLEAN?
seems wrong because it is slightly dishonest or
REGISTER unfair: It was pretty sneaky when the bank charged me
In everyday English, people often use the expression interest on my account without telling me.
do the washing-up (BrE) or do the dishes (AmE), sly deliberately behaving in a way that hides what
rather than wash the dishes. you are really thinking or doing, in a way that is
slightly dishonest: Lucy decided not to tell him where
3 food cooked or prepared in a particular way as a meal: a she was going. She was often a bit sly like that. |He’s a
wonderful pasta dish | The menu includes a wide selection of sly old fox.
vegetarian dishes. | This soup is substantial enough to serve unscrupulous /an'skruzpjglas/ using dishonest and
as a main dish (=the biggest part of a meal). GEESE unfair methods to get what you want, without caring
FOOD if you harm other people: Some unscrupulous
4 something that is shaped like a dish: a soap dish companies try to persuade people to borrow huge sums
5 informal old-fashioned someone who is sexually attrac- of money.
tive —+ SIDE DISH, SATELLITE DISH fraudulent /fro:djslant $ 'fro:dza-/ formal deliberately
dish? y [1,7] informal to give a lot of information about Lamers people in an illegal way in order to gain
something or someone, especially something that would money or power: You will be prosecuted if you make a
usually be secret or private: [ton] She’s ready to dish on fraudulent claim on your insurance policy.
boys, beauty, and break-ups in her new column. |dish the dirt
(Stell people shocking things about someone's private dis-hon-est-y /dis'pnisti $ -‘a:-/ n [U] behaviour in
life) which you deceive or cheat people [OPP] honesty
dish sth <> out phr v 1to give something to various dis:hon-our' BrE, dishonor AmE /dtsiona $ -la:nar/ n
people in a careless way: We dished out some leaflets there [U] loss of respect from other people, because you have
too. | Paul tends to dish out unwanted advice. 2 to serve behaved in a morally unacceptable way [OPP] honour:
food to people: Sam's dishing out sandwiches if you want You've brought enough dishonour on your family already
one. 3 sb can dish it out but they can’t take it used to say without causing any more trouble. (IEE SHAME
that someone often criticizes other people, but does not
like being criticized
dishonour? Br£, dishonor AmE v [T] 1 formal to make
dish sth <> up phr v to put food for a meal into dishes,
your family, country, profession etc lose the respect of
other people: He dishonored the uniform and did not deserve
ready to be eaten: Could you dish up the vegetables?
to be a marine. 2 if a bank dishonours a cheque, it refuses
dis-har-mo-ny /disha:mani $ -a:r-/ n [U] disagree- to pay out money for it honour 3 to refuse to keep an
ment about important things which makes people be agreement or promise honour: Union leaders accused
unfriendly to each other management of dishonouring existing pay agreements.
dish-cloth /‘dikln@ $ -klp:6/ n [C] a cloth used for dis-hon-our-a-ble Br£, dishonorable AmE /dts'pnarabal
washing dishes $ -'a-/ adj not morally correct or acceptable
honourable: Surrender was seen as dishonourable. ~~
dis-heart-ened /dis'ha:tnd $ -a:rtnd/ adj formal disap-
pointed, so that you lose hope and the determination to dis honourable ‘discharge Br£, dishonorable dis-
continue doing something: Ifyoung children don’t see quick charge AmE n [C,U] an order to someone to leave the
results they grow disheartened. —dishearten v [T] army, navy etc, because they have behaved in a morally
unacceptable way
dis-heart-en-ing /dis'ha:tn-1n $ -a:r-/ adj making you
lose hope and determination: it is disheartening to hear/ dish-pan /‘dyfpen/ n [C] AmE a large bowl in which you"
see etc sth It’s disheartening to see what little progress has wash dishes, plates etc
been made. —dishearteningly adv dish-rag /‘difreg/ n [C] AmE a DISHCLOTH
dish-er /‘dya $ -ar/ (also dirt-disher) n [C] AmE informal ‘dish towel n [c] AmE a cloth used for drying dishes
someone who enjoys telling people a lot of information dish-wash-er /dywofa $ -woyer, -war-/ n [C]
about other people's behaviour and private lives 1a machine that washes dishes 2 especially AmE some-
sent gessip. the movie role of the light-hearted Hollywood one whose job is to wash dirty dishes, plates etc, espe-
isher cially in a restaurant
EX = words from the Academic Word List 485
wectalsn.
dish-wash-ing liq-uid /‘dijwoftn kwid $ -wor, dis-in-vest-ment /,disin'vestmant/ n [C,U] technical
-war-/ n [U] AmE liquid soap used to wash dishes the process of taking your money out of a company by
[SYN|washing-up liquid BrE selling your SHARES in it investment
dish-wa-ter /‘difwo:ta $ -wo:ter, =war-/ n [UJ dis-joint-ed /dis'dzsintid/ adj 1 something, especially
1dirty water that dishes have been washed in a speech or piece of writing, that is disjointed has parts
2 informal if you say that tea or coffee tastes like dishwa- that do not seem well connected or are not arranged well:
ter, you mean that it tastes unpleasantly weak disjointed fragments of information 2 a disjointed activity
dish-y /‘drfi/ adj old-fashioned informal sexually attrac- or system is one in which the different parts do not work
tive well together: Burley was critical of his team's disjointed
dis:il-lu-sion / dis3lu:zan/ v [T] to make someone real- performance.
ize that something which they thought was true or good dis-junc-tion /drs'dzankfan/, dis-junc-ture /dis'dzanktfa
is not really true or good: | hate to disillusion you, but | don't $ -ar/ n [C usually singular] formal a difference between
think she’s coming back. two things that you would expect to be in agreement: a
dis-il-lu-sioned /,drts!lu:zand«/_ adj _—_disappointed disjunction between the skills taught in schools and the skills
because you have lost your belief that someone is good, demanded by employers
or that an idea is right [Syn] disenchanted: [+by/with] As dis-june-tive /dis'dzankttv/ adj technical a disjunctive
she grew older, Laura became increasingly disillusioned with CONJUNCTION expresses a choice or opposition between
politics. [REGU DISAPPOINTED —disillusionment (also two ideas. For example, ‘or’ is a disjunctive conjunction.
disillusion) n [U] disk 4 (H /atsk/ n [Cc]
dis-in-cen-tive /drsin'senttv/ n [C] something that 1a small flat piece of plastic or metal which is used for
makes people less willing to do something [oP] incentive: storing computer or electronic information
disincentive to (doing/do) sth High interest rates can be a 2the usual American spelling of DISC —* COMPACT DISC,
disincentive to expanding a business. FLOPPY DISK, HARD DISK, LASER DISK
dis-in-cli-na-tion / distnklsnerjan/ n [U] a lack of will- ‘disk drive n [Cc] a piece of equipment in a computer
ingness to do something [opp] inclination: a natural disin- system that is used to get information from a disk or to
clination to distrust politicians store information on it
dis-in-clined /disin'klatnd/ adj be/feel disinclined to do dis-kette /dis'ket $ ‘disket/ n [C] a FLOPPY DISK
sth formal to be unwilling to do something [SYN] reluctant: /
was disinclined to talk to Sam about it. dis-like" /dts'latk/ v [T not in progressive] to think some-
one or something is unpleasant and not like them
dis-in-fect /,drsin'fekt/ v [T] 1 to clean something with
oppP|like: Why do you dislike her so much? |dislike doing sth
a chemical that destroys BACTERIA: First use some iodine to
| dislike being the centre of attention.
disinfect the wound. | Disinfect the area thoroughly. 2 to run
a special computer program to get rid of a computer (REGISTER
VIRUS In everyday English, people usually say don't like
dis-in-fec-tant /,disin'fektant/ n [C,U] a chemical or a rather than dislike: Why don’t you like her? |He doesn’t
cleaning product that destroys BACTERIA —+ antiseptic \_like being criticized. )
dis-in-for-ma-tion / disinfa'merjan $ -far-/ n [U] false
information which is given deliberately in order to hide
the truth or confuse people, especially in political situa- dislike to not like someone or something. Dislike is
tions — misinformation: government disinformation about stronger than not like, and is used especially in
the effects of nuclear testing written English: She disliked him as soon as she met
dis-in-gen-u-ous / disin'dzenjues</ adj formal not sin- him. |Chemistry was the only subject he disliked at
cere and slightly dishonest [opp|ingenuous: Keeping the school.
details of the tax changes vague is disingenuous. not like: Why did you invite Claire? You know | don’t
—disingenuously adv like her. | | don’t like getting up early in the morning.
dis-‘in-her-it /,dtsin'herit/ v [T] to take away from not be very keen on sth informal (also not be very
someone, especially your son or daughter, their legal fond of sth) especially BrE used to say that you do
right to receive your money or property after your death not like something, but in a polite or gentle way: I'm
—» inherit, will not very keen on Chinese food. |She's never been very
dis-in-te-grate /dis'ntigreit/ v 1[|,T] to break up, or fond of his books.
make something break up, into very small pieces: The not think much of sb/sth to not like someone or
plane just disintegrated in mid-air, 2 [|] to become weaker something because you do not have a good opinion
or less united and be gradually destroyed: a society disin- of them: We've tried that restaurant twice and we don’t
tegrating under economic pressures —disintegration think much of it. | |worked with him for years and |
/disintsgrerfan/ n [UJ]: the disintegration of the Soviet didn’t think much of him.
empire into separate republics not be sb’s kind of thing (a/so not be sb’s cup of tea)
dis-in-ter /,disin'ts: $ -'t3:r/ v (disinterred, disinterring) informal to not be the kind of thing you enjoy - used
[T] formal1 to dig and remove a dead body from a GRAVE about activities, films, books etc: Detective stories
{OPP]inter2 to find or use something that has been lost or aren't really my kind of thing.
not used for a long time: She disinterred two frozen TV go off sb/sth BrE informal to stop liking someone or
dinners from the freezer. something that you used to like: Dan and | went out
together for six months and then |just went off him.
dis-in-terest /dis'ntrist/ n [U] 1a lack of interest: put sb off sb/sth BrE to make you stop liking
{+in] The exception to Balfour's disinterest in social issues someone or something: | was terrible at sport at
was education. 2 when you are able to judge a situation school and it totally put me off doing any kind of exercise.
fairly because you are not involved in it
dis-in-terest-ed /dis'ntristid/ adj 1 able to judge a dis-like? /dts'lark, ‘dislatk/ n 1[C,U] a feeling of not
situation fairly because you are not concerned with gain- liking someone or something liking: [+of] She shared
ing any personal advantage from it [SYN] objective, her mother's dislike of housework. | [+for] Truman had a
impartial, unbiased: A /awyer should provide disinterested strong dislike for communism. | intense/acute/violent etc
advice. 2 not interested. Many teachers think that this is dislike (=very strong dislike) His colleagues regarded him
not correct English + uninterested —disinterestedly adv with intense dislike. | They took an instant dislike to each
dis-in-ter-me-di-a-tion /disintami:di'er{an $ -tar-/ n other (=they disliked each other immediately).
[U] the practice of selling a product directly to customers 2 dislikes [plural] the things that you do not like: A good
using the Internet, rather than first selling the product to hotel manager should know his regular guests’ likes and
a shop dislikes.
 dislocate 486 i & & = the most frequent words in spoken English

dis-lo-cate /dislakert $ -lou-/-v [T] 1 to move a bone 2 [U] when someone decides or says that something is
out of its normal position in a joint, usually in an accident: not important, serious, or true: Gill's dismissal of the book
| dislocated my shoulder playing football. (EANIT> Hurt as ‘386 pages of rubbish’ 3 [C,U] a decision by a judge to
2 formal to spoil the way in which a plan, system, or stop a court case
service is arranged, so that it cannot work normally dis-miss-ive /dis'mistv/ adj refusing to consider some-
[SYN] disrupt: Communications were temporarily dislocated one or something seriously: [+of] Some historians have
by the bad weather. —dislocated adj: a dislocated elbow been dismissive of this argument. |dismissive gesture/wave/
—dislocation /disla'kerfan $ -lou-/ n [C,U]: a period of shrug etc Cath spread both hands in a dismissive gesture.
economic dislocation —dismissively adv
dis-lodge /drs'lodz $ -lla:d3/ v [T] 1 to force or knock dis-mount /dis'maunt/ v formal 1 [| + from] to get off a
something out of its position: lan dislodged a few stones as horse, bicycle, or MOTORCYCLE mount 2 [T] to take
he climbed up the rock. 2 to make someone leave a place something, especially a gun, out of its base or support
or lose a position of power: the revolution that failed to dis-o-be-di-ent / disa'bi:diant«, disau- $ disa-, disou-/
dislodge the British in 1919 adj deliberately not doing what you are told to do by your
dis-loy-al /dis'10l/ adj doing or saying things that do parents, teacher, etc [OPP] obedient —disobedience n [U]
not support your friends, your country, or the group you —> CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE
belong to [OPP] loyal: [+to] He felt he had been disloyal to dis-o-bey /drsa'ber, disau- $ disa-, ,disou-/ v [I,T] to
his friends. —disloyalty n [U] refuse to do what someone with authority tells you to do,
_ dis-mal /‘dizmal/ adj1 if a situation or a place is dismal, or refuse to obey a rule or law [OPP] obey: You disobeyed
it is so bad that it makes you feel very unhappy and my orders.
hopeless: The future looks pretty dismal right now. | a THESAURUS
dismal, grey afternoon 2 bad and unsuccessful: The team’s
record so far is pretty dismal. | Her scheme was a dismal disobey to not obey a person, order, rule, or law: In
failure. —dismally adv the army, it is a crime to disobey a superior officer. |He
had disobeyed the schoo! rules.
dis-man-tle /dis'mentl/ v [T] 1to take a machine or
break a law/rule to not obey a law or rule: Anyone
piece of equipment apart so that it is in separate pieces:
who breaks the law must expect to be punished.
Chris dismantled the bike in five minutes. 2 to gradually get
defy formal to deliberately refuse to obey a rule or
rid of a system or organization: an election promise to
dismantle the existing tax legislation law, or what someone in authority tells you to do:
The police arrested the youth for defying a court order.
dis-may" /dis'mer/ n [U] the worry, disappointment, or flout /flavot/ formal to deliberately disobey a rule or
unhappiness you feel when something unpleasant hap- law in a very public way: Timber companies are
pens: with/in dismay They stared at each other in dismay. | continuing to flout environmental laws.
to sb's dismay | found to my dismay that | had left my notes violate formal to disobey a law, or do something that
behind. | The thought of leaving filled him with dismay. is against an agreement or principle: Both countries
dismay? v [T] to make someone feel worried, disap- have accused each other of violating the treaty. |
pointed, and upset: The poor election turnout dismayed Technically he had violated the law.
politicians. contravene formal to be against a law, rule, or
dis-mayed /dismerd/ adj worried, disappointed, and agreement, or to do something that is against a law,
upset when something unpleasant happens: dismayed to rule, or agreement: The British government's actions
see/discover/learn etc Ruth was dismayed to see how thin contravened the European Convention on Human Rights.
he had grown. | [+at/by] They were dismayed at the cost of
the repairs. | dismayed that We are dismayed that the dis-or-der /dis'>:da $ -'s:rdar/ n 1 [C] medical a mental
demonstration was allowed to take place. or physical illness which prevents part of your body from
working properly: a disorder of the brain/liver/digestive
dis‘:mem-ber /dis'memba $ -ar/ v [T] 1 to cut a body system etc He suffers from a rare disorder of the liver.’| a
into pieces or tear it apart 2 formal to divide a country, stomach/lung/heart etc disorder |a mental/psychiatric dis-
area, or organization into smaller parts [SYN] break up order people with mental disorders |severe eating disorders
—dismemberment n [U]
such as bulimia and anorexia ILLNESS 2 [U] a
dis-miss OS /dis'mis/ v (T] situation in which a lot of people behave in an uncon-
Ito refuse to consider someone's idea, opinion etc, trolled, noisy, or violent way in public: civil/public/crowd
because you think it is not serious, true, or important: The disorder A number of stadiums were closed because of crowd
government has dismissed criticisms that the country’s health disorder. 3 [U] a situation in which things or people are
policy is a mess. | dismiss sth as sth He just laughed and very untidy or disorganized [OPP] order: in/into disorder
dismissed my proposal as unrealistic. | It's an idea that Everything was in disorder, but nothing seemed to be
shouldn't be dismissed out of hand (=dismissed immedi- missing. |His whole system was thrown into disorder.
ately and completely). disordered /dts'x:dad $ -'srdard/ adj not tidy,
2to remove someone from their job [SYN] fire, sack: dis- planned, or arranged in order: her grey, disordered hair
miss sb from sth Bryant was unfairly dismissed from his 2 if someone is mentally disordered, their mind is not
post. | dismiss sb for sth Employees can be dismissed for working in a normal and healthy way .
sending obscene emails. dis-or-der-ly /dts'5:dali $ -'s:rdar-/ adj formal 1 untidy or
REGISTER without any order orderly: clothes left in a disorderly
In everyday British English, people usually say sack heap 2 behaving in a noisy violent way and causing trou-
someone, and in everyday American English, people ble in a public place: disorderly conduct/behaviour He was
usually say fire someone, rather than use dismiss: He arrested for disorderly conduct. |Bell denied being drunk and
was sacked (BrE)/fired (AmE) for being late all the time. disorderly.
dis-or-gan-ized (also ised Br£) / dis'siganaizd $ -'s:r-/
3 formal to tell someone that they are allowed to go, or adj 1not arranged or planned in a clear order, or lacking
are no longer needed; The class was dismissed early today. any kind of plan or system well-organized: The con-
4 if a judge dismisses a court case, he or she stops it from ference was completely disorganized. 2 someone who is
continuing: The case was dismissed owing to lack of evi- disorganized is very bad at arranging or planning things
dence. organized: He's an extremely disorganized person.
5 to end the INNINGS of a player or team in the game of ~—> UNORGANIZED :
CRICKET
dis-or-i-ent-ed /dts'>:rientid/ (also. dis-or-ten-tated
dis-miss-al |/dis'misal/,.n 1 £C,U] when someone is /drs'diriantertid/ BrE) adj 1confused and not understand-
removed from their job: Wilson was claiming compensation ing what is happening around you 2 confused about
for unfair dismissal. |No dismissals have been announced yet. where you are or which direction you should go: When he -
(0 (2 GS= the most inecTveent words in writtenpieneysh 487 display
emerged into the street, he was completely disoriented. from the church. 2 [U] formal the act of providing people
dis-ori-en-ting /dis's:rientrn/ (also dis-or-i-en-tat-ing with something as part of an official process: [+of] the
/dis'siriantertin/ BrE) adj 1 making someone not know dispensation of justice 3 [C] formal a religious or political
where they are or which direction they should go: a system that has control over people’s lives at a particular
disorientating maze of corridors 2 confusing you and mak- time
ing you not certain about what is happening around you: di-spense /dt'spens/ v [T] formal to give something to
Lack of sleep can be disorienting. —disorient (also disorien- people, especially in fixed amounts[SYN] give out: dispense
tate BrE) v [T] —disorientation /dt1s,:rian'terfan/ n [U] sth to sb Villagers dispensed tea to visitors. | a machine for
dis-own /dis'sun $ -'oun/ v [T not in progressive] to say dispensing cash 2 to officially provide something for
that you no longer want to be connected with someone people: dispense justice (=decide whether or not some-
or something, especially a member of your family or one is guilty of a crime and what punishment they should
something that you are responsible for: Frankly, I’m not receive) 3 to officially prepare and give medicines to
surprised her family disowned her. |Since 1960, Kubrick has people
virtually disowned the film. dispense with sth phr v formal to not use or do something
di-spar-age /dr'speridz/ v [T] formal to criticize some- that people usually use or do, because it is not necessary:
one or something in a way that shows you do not think Ann suggested that they dispense with speeches altogether
they are very good or important: Matcham’s theatres were at the wedding. | dispense with sb's services (=no longer
widely disparaged by architects. —disparagement n [C,U] employ someone) | Let's dispense with the formalities
di-spar-a-ging /dr'speridzin/ adj criticizing someone (=speak openly and directly), shall we?
or something, and showing that you do not think they are di-spens-er /dr'spensa $ -ar/ n [C] a machine which
very good or important: disparaging remarks/comments provides a particular amount of a product or substance
She made some disparaging remarks about the royal family. when you press a button or put money into it: a paper
—disparagingly adv towel dispenser —+ CASH DISPENSER &
dis-pa-vate /‘disparit/ adj formal consisting of things or dispensing chemist n (C] Br£ a cHEmisT or PHARMA-
people that are very different and not related to each CIST
other: a meeting covering many disparate subjects | the di-sper-sal /dr'sp3isal $ -3:r-/ n [C,U] the process of
difficulties of dealing with disparate groups of people spreading things over a wide area or in different direc-
di:spar-i-ty /dr'speriti/ n (plural disparities) [C,U] for- tions: the role of birds in the dispersal of seeds
mal a difference between two or more things, especially di-sperse /dr'sps:s $ -3:rs/ v [1,7] 1 if a group of people
an unfair one — parity: [+in/between] a disparity between disperse or are dispersed, they go away in different direc-
the rates of pay for men and women tions: Police used tear gas to disperse the crowd. 2 if some-
dis:pas-sion-ate /dis'pejanit/ adj not influenced by thing disperses or is dispersed, it spreads in different
personal emotions and therefore able to make fair directions over a wide area: The clouds dispersed as quickly
decisions impartial: a dispassionate view of the situa- as they had gathered.
tion —dispassionately adv di-sper-sion /dr'sp3yjan $ -'sp3irzan/ n [U] DISPERSAL
di-spatch', despatch /dr'spet{/ v [T] 1 formal to send di-spir-ited /dr'sprritid/ adj someone who is dispirited
someone or something somewhere for a particular pur- does not feel as hopeful, eager, or interested in some-
pose: dispatch sb/sth to sb/sth A reporter was dispatched to thing as they were in the past [SYN] discouraged: At Jast,
Naples to cover the riot. | Goods are normally dispatched dispirited and weary, they gave up the search. —dispiritedly
within 24 hours. 2 to deal with someone or to finish a job adv
quickly and effectively: She dispatched (=beat) her oppo-
nent 6-2, 6-1. 3 old-fashioned to deliberately kill a person
dis:place [@ /dis'plers/ v [T] 1to take the place or
position of something or someone [SYN] replace: Coal has
or animal
been displaced by natural gas as a major source of energy. |
dispatch?, despatch n 1[C] a message sent between immigrants who displace US workers in the job market
military or government officials: a dispatch from 2 to make a group of people or animals have to leave the
headquarters 2 [C] a report sent to a newspaper from one place where they normally live: Fifty thousand people have
of its writers who is in another town or country been displaced by the fighting. 3 to force something out of
3 [singular] the act of sending people or things to a its usual place or position: The water displaced by the
particular place: the dispatch of warships to the region landslides created a tidal wave. —displaced adj
4 with dispatch formal if you do something with dispatch,
you do it well and quickly + mentioned in dispatches at displaced ‘person n (plural displaced persons) [C]
technical someone who has been forced to leave their
MENTION'(4)
country because of war or cruel treatment [SYN] refugee
dispatch box n Br£ 1 the dispatch box a box on a
central table in the British Parliament, which important dis-place-ment [Q /disiplersmant/ n 1[U] formal
members of parliament stand next to when they make when a group of people or animals are forced to leave the
speeches 2 [C] a box for holding official papers place where they usually live 2 [singular] technical the
weight or VOLUME of liquid that something replaces when
di-spatch-er /dr'spet{a $ -ar/ n [C] AmE someone it floats in that liquid - used especially to describe how
whose job is to send out vehicles such as taxis or AMBU-
heavy something such as a ship is
LANCEs to places where they are needed
dispatch rider n [Cc] BrE someone whose job is to di-splay' & 1a fa /di'splet/ n [C]
take messages or packages by MOTORCYCLE 1@23340 an arrangement of things for people to look at
or buy: [+of] a superb display of African masks |a dazzling
di-spel /dr'spel/ v (dispelled, dispelling) [T] to make display (=very good display) of flowers | The window dis-
something go away, especially a belief, idea, or feeling:
play caught her eye. | display cases containing old photo-
We want to dispel the myth that you cannot eat well in
graphs
Britain. | Light poured into the hall, dispelling the shadows.
2b «46a public performance of something
di-spen-sa-ble /dr'spensabal/ adj not necessary or that is intended to entertain people: a fireworks display |
important and so easy to get rid of indispensable: [+of] a display of juggling
Part-time workers are considered dispensable. 3 on display a) something that is on display is in a public
di-spen-sa-ry /dr'spensari/ n (plural dispensaries) [C] a place where people can look at it [SYN]on show: Map-
place where medicines are prepared and given out, espe- plethorpe’s photographs were first put on display in New
cially in a hospital ++ PHARMACY York. | be/go on display One of the world’s oldest cars has
dis-pen-sa-tion /dispan'sexjan, -pen-/.n1 [C,U] special gone on display in Brighton today. b) if a quality, feeling, or
permission from someone in authority, especially a reli- skill is on display, it is very clear and easy to notice: The
gious leader, to do something that is not usually allowed: musical talent on display is extremely impressive.
Caroline's marriage was annulled by special dispensation 4 display of affection/emotion/aggression etc an occasion
 488 EX3 = words from the Academic Word List

when someone clearly shows a particular feeling, atti- dis-po-si-tion /dtspa'zijan/ n formal 1 [C usually singu-
tude, or quality: Unprovoked displays of aggression cannot lar] a particular type of character which makes someone
be tolerated. likely to behave or react in a _ certain way
5 CRW a part of a piece of equipment that [SYN] temperament: of a nervous/sociable/sensitive etc dis-
shows information, for example a computer screen: This position (=having a nervous etc character) The film is not
time the display flashed a red warning signal. suitable for people of a nervous disposition. |have a cheerful/
display? [a oa v sunny etc disposition (=have a happy character)
1[T] to show something to people, or put it in a place 2 [singular] a tendency or willingness to behave in a
where people can see it easily: shop windows displaying particular way [SYN] inclination: have/show a disposition to
the latest fashions |All the exam results will be displayed on do sth Neither side shows the slightest disposition to
the noticeboard. compromise. | [+towards] Most children have a disposition
2 [T] to clearly show a feeling, attitude, or quality by what towards obedience. 3 [C usually singular] the position or
you do or say: She displayed no emotion on the witness arrangement of something in a particular place: [+of] a
stand. | ten piano pieces, each written to display the talents map showing the disposition of American forces 4 [U] formal
of individual players the way in which something is dealt with or used: [tof] A
3 [7] if a computer or something similar displays infor- solicitor advised him as to the disposition of the money.
mation, it shows it on its screen: | pressed ‘return’ and an 5 [C,U] law the act of formally giving property to some-
error message was displayed. one: the disposition of assets on death
4 [1] if a male bird or animal displays, it behaves in a dis-pos-sess /drspa'zes/ v [T usually passive] to take
particular way as a signal to other birds or animals, property or land away from someone: be dispossessed of
- especially to attract a female sth Many black South Africans had been dispossessed of
dis:pleased /drs'pli:zzd/ adj formal annoyed or not their homes. —dispossession /-'zefan/ n [U]
satisfied [opP) pleased: He looked extremely displeased. | dis-pos-sessed / dispe'zest</ n the dispossessed
[+with] City officials are displeased with the lack of progress. people who have had property or land taken away
—displease v [T] —displeasing adj dis-pro-por-tion [4 /dispre'poyfan $ -s:r-/ n [CU]
dis-plea-sure /dis'pleza $ -ar/ n [U] formal the feeling formal a situation in which two or more things are not
of being annoyed or not satisfied with someone or equal in amount, level etc [SYN|imbalance: a dangerous
something [SYN] annoyance: [+at/with] Their displeasure at disproportion between production and consumption
being kept waiting was clear. |incur sb's displeasure (=make dis-pro-por-tion-ate [fq / dispra'po:fanit« $ -d:r-/ adj
someone displeased) too much or too little in relation to something else: the
dis-port /dr'sps:t $ -s:t/ v [T] disport yourself old- disproportionate amount of money being spent on defence
fashioned to amuse yourself by doing things that are —disproportionately adv
active and enjoyable - used humorously dis-prove /dts'pru:v/ v [T] to show that something is
dis-pos-a-ble [Yq /drspauzebal $ -'spou-/ adj wrong or not true [oPP|prove: These figures disproved
1 intended to be used once or for a short time and then Smith’s argument. —disproof /-'pru:f/ n [C,U] formal
thrown away: disposable nappies 2 available to be used: di-sput-a-ble /dr'spjurtabal, ‘drspj3-/ adj something that
disposable resources —disposable n [C] is disputable is not definitely true or right, and therefore
dis, posable ‘income n [U] the amount of money you is something that you can argue about [OpPjindisputable
have left to spend after you have paid your taxes, bills etc dis-pu-ta-tion /,di1spj'terjan/ n [C,U] formal a discus-
dis-pos-al [q /dr'spauzal $ -'spou-/ n 1 [U] when you sion about a subject which people cannot agree on
get rid of something: [+of] the safe disposal of radioactive dis-pu-ta-tious /dispjs'terfas/ adj formal tending to
waste |bomb disposal experts 2 at sb's disposal available for argue argumentative
someone to use: Tanner had a lot of cash at his disposal. |sb dis-pute! (q /dr'spjurt, 'dispju:t/ n [C,U]
is at your (complete) disposal (=someone is ready to help 1a serious argument or disagreement: [+with] The firm is
you in any way) 3 [C] AmE a small machine under the involved in a legal dispute with a rival company. |[+over] He
kitchen sINK which breaks vegetable waste into small got into a dispute over a taxi fare. | [+between] the bitter
pieces [SYN|waste disposal 4 [U] technical the sale of border dispute between the countries
something you own such as a house, a business, or land: ARGUMENT
The profit or loss on the disposal of an asset must be 2 be beyond dispute if something is beyond dispute, every-
accounted for, 5 [U] formal the way in which an amount of one agrees that it is true or that it really happened: It is
money is used: They had complete control over the disposal beyond dispute that advances in medicine have enabled
of the funds. people to live longer.
dis-pose EQ /dr'spauz $ -'spovz/ v [T always + adv/prep] 3 be open to dispute if something is open to dispute, it is
formal to arrange things or put them in their places: not completely certain and not everyone agrees about it:
Chinese vases are disposed around the gallery. His interpretation of the poem is open to dispute.
dispose of sth phr v 1 to get rid of something, especially 4be in dispute if something is in dispute, people are
something that is difficult to get rid of: an incinerator built arguing about it: The facts of the case are still in dispute.
to dispose of toxic waste 2 to sell something, especially (oo) AKoley-
Wale) hy
part of a business: / am still not sure how best to dispose of
the shares. 3 formal to deal with something such as a VERBS. f
problem or question successfully: Your idea at least dis- resolve/settle a dispute (=end it) /t is hoped that
poses of the immediate problem. 4 to defeat an opponent: the dispute can be resolved peacefully.
Two goals by Raul disposed of Barcelona. be involved in a dispute The US government became
dispose sb to/towards sth phr v formal to make someone involved in a dispute with China.
more likely to have particular feelings or thoughts: The get into a dispute (=become involved) We don't
body releases a chemical that disposes you towards sleep. want to get into a dispute with them.
dis-posed /dr'spauzd $ -'spouzd/ adj formal 1 be well/ be in dispute with sb He was in dispute with the
company about his contract.
favourably/kindly disposed (to/towards sb/sth) to like or
be locked in a dispute (=be involved in one that is
approve of someone or something: Management is favour-
ably disposed to the idea of job-sharing. 2 be/feel/seem etc
difficult to resolve) |a dispute arises (=starts)
disposed to do sth formal to want or be willing to do ADJECTIVES/NOUN + dispute |
something [SYNlinclined: Jon disagreed, but did not feel a bitter/fierce dispute (=very angry) /t caused a
disposed to argue. 3 be disposed to sth formal to have a bitter dispute between the neighbouring republics.
tendency towards something [SYNlinclined: a man dis- a long-running dispute (=continuing for a long
posed to depression time) India's long-running dispute with Pakistan
EX3 = words from the Academic Word List dissimilar
an industrial dispute Br£, a labor dispute AmE was disrupted by a hoax bomb. | Climate change could
(=between workers and employers) A lot of working disrupt the agricultural economy.
days are lost through industrial disputes. dis:rup-tion /dis'rapjan/ n [C,U] a situation in which
a pay dispute (=about how much money employees something is prevented from continuing in its usual way:
are paid) |a political/legal dispute |a domestic The strike caused widespread disruption. |[+to] There will be
dispute formal (=between people who live some disruption to traffic while the work is in progress.
together) |a border dispute (=about where the dis-rup:tive /dis'raptiv/ adj causing problems and pre-
border between two countries is) |a territorial venting something from continuing in its usual way: [+to]
dispute (=about which country land belongs to) Night work can be very disruptive to home life. | Mike’s
parents thought | was a disruptive influence (=a person who
dis-pute? /dr'spju:t/ v1 [T] to say that something such
causes disruption). | ways to handle disruptive pupils
as a fact or idea is not correct or true: The main facts of the
book have never been disputed. | dispute that Few would —disruptively adv
dispute that travel broadens the mind. 2 [1,1] formal to diss, dis /dis/ v [7] informal to say unkind things about
argue or disagree with someone: dispute (sth) with sb someone you know
Hazlitt, though much younger, was soon disputing with dis-sat-is-fac-tion /disetisfekjan, disse-/ n [U] a
Wordsworth on equal terms. | What happened next is hotly feeling of not being satisfied [oPP| satisfaction: [+with]
disputed. 3 [T] to try to get control of something or win 30% of customers expressed dissatisfaction with the service.
something: Soviet forces disputed every inch of ground. dis-sat-is-fied /dr'setisfard, dis'see-/ adj not satisfied
dis-qual-i-fy /dtskwolifar $ -kwa:-/ v (disqualified, dis- because something is not as good as you had expected
qualifying, disqualifies) [T usually passive] 1 to stop some- [OPP] satisfied: dissatisfied clients | [+with] /f you are dissat-
one from taking part in an activity because they have isfied with this product, please return it.
broken a rule [SYN] ban: disqualify sb from (doing) sth He dis:sect /dt'sekt, da1-/ v [T] 1 to cut up the body of a
was disqualified from driving. 2 to unfairly prevent some- dead animal or person in order to study it 2 to examine
one from doing a job or taking part in an activity something carefully in order to understand it: books in
exclude: disqualify sb from (doing) sth a system which which the lives of famous people are dissected 3 to divide an
disqualifies the poor from education —disqualification area of land into several smaller pieces: fields dissected by
/dis,kwols'kerfan $ -kwa:-/ n [C,U]: automatic disqualifica- small streams —dissection /-'sekfan/ n [C,U]
tion dis-sem-ble /d1'sembal/ v [1,1] literary to hide your true
dis-qui-et /dts'kwarat/ n [U] formal anxiety or unhappi- feelings, thoughts etc
ness about something [SYN] uneasiness: [+over/about/at]
dis-sem-i-nate /dr'semineit/ v [1] formal to spread
public disquiet over deaths in police custody | [tamong] His
information or ideas to as many people as possible: Her
appointment caused disquiet among members. | express/
findings have been widely disseminated, —dissemination
voice your disquiet The union has voiced its disquiet about
/disems'nerfan/ n [U]: the dissemination of information
the way the protest was handled.
dis:sen-sion /dr'senfan/ n [C,U] disagreement among
dis-qui-et-ing /dis'kwatattn/ adj formal causing anxi-
a group of people: [+in/within/between/among] This
ety: He found Jean's manner disquieting.
move sowed dissension within the party ranks. | The Labour
dis-qui-si-tion /diskws'zifan/ n [C] formal a long Party was torn by internal dissensions.
speech or written report
dis-sent! /dr'sent/ n 1[U] refusal to agree with an
dis-re-gard" /disr'ga:d $ -a:rd/ v [T] to ignore some- official decision or accepted opinion [SYN] opposition
thing or treat it as unimportant: He ordered the jury to
— consent, assent: the ruthless suppression of political
disregard the witness's last statement. | Mark totally disre- dissent | These voices of dissent grew louder. 2 [C] law a
garded my advice. statement by a judge giving their reasons for disagreeing
disregard? n [singular, U] when someone ignores some- with the other judges in a law case
thing that they should not ignore: [+for/of] his disregard
for her feelings |total/reckless/complete/flagrant etc disre-
dissent? v [1] 1 to say that you disagree with an official
decision or accepted opinion: [+from] Few historians
gard Local councillors accused the terrorists of showing a
would dissent from this view. | There are some dissenting
complete disregard for human life. | in disregard of sth He
voices (=people who do not agree) among the
said the bombing was in complete disregard of the Geneva
undergraduates. GREATS> dIisacree 2 law if a judge
Convention.
dissents, they say formally that they do not agree with
dis-re-pair /disrt'pea $ -'per/ n [U] buildings, roads etc the other judges in a law case
that are in disrepair are in bad condition because they
have not been cared for: buildings allowed to fall into dis-sent-er /dr'senta $ -ar/ n [C] 1a person or organi-
zation that disagrees with an official decision or accepted
disrepair | The castle is in a state of disrepair.
opinion: Political dissenters were imprisoned. 2 (also Dis-
dis-rep-u-ta-ble /dis'repjtabal/ adj considered to be senter) someone in the past who did not accept the
dishonest, bad, illegal etc reputable: disreputable beliefs of the established Protestant church in Western
‘ behavior |a disreputable neighbourhood
Europe non-conformist
dis-re-pute /disrt'pju:t/ n [U] a situation in which dis-ser-ta-tion /disa'terfan $ drsar-/ n [C] a long piece
people no longer admire or trust someone or something:
of writing on a particular subject, especially one written
He faces six charges of bringing the game into disrepute. |
for a university degree — thesis
This theory fell into disrepute in the fifties.
dis-re-spect! / disrt'spekt/ n [singular, U] lack of respect dis-ser-vice™ /dr's3:vis, dis's3: $ -3ir-/ n do sb/sth a
for someone or something respect: [+for] disrespect disservice (also do a disservice to sb/sth) to do something
for the law | Damien has always had a healthy disrespect that gives other people a bad opinion of someone or
(that you think is good) for media opinion. |It was said on something: The fans have done the game a great disservice.
the spur of the moment and | meant no disrespect to disservice? /dr'ss:vis, dis's3- $ -3:r-/ v [T] to do some-
anybody. |No disrespect to Phil, but the team has performed thing that gives other people a bad opinion of someone or
better since he left (=used to show you are not criticizing something: Hart's poems are disserviced by the decision to
someone). —disrespectful adj —disrespectfully adv squeeze three or even four short pieces onto one page.
disrespect? v [T] to say or do things that show a lack dis-si-dent /‘disidant/ n [C] someone who publicly
of respect for someone: Hicks accused Williams of disre- criticizes the government in a country where this is
specting him at a record company party. punished: a political dissident —dissident adj [only before
dis-robe /dis'raub $ -'roub/ v [1] formal to remove your noun]: dissident writers —dissidence n [U]
clothes [SYN] undress dis-sim-i-lar [4 /dr'srmila, dis'st- $ -ar/ adj not the
dis-rupt /dis'rapt/ v [T] to prevent something from same similar: [+to] Madonna’s career is not dissimilar
continuing in its usual way by causing problems: Traffic to (=is quite similar to) Cher's. GEESE DIFFERENT
 dissimulate 490 Sd & & = the most frequent words in spoken English

—dissimilarity /distm$ilersti, diss1-/ n [C,U]: dissimilari- — How far is it from Chicago to Detroit? | The cottage
ties between the US and Britain is some distance from the road. —+ The cottage is a long
dis-sim-u-late /dr'simjslett/ v [1,7] formal to hide your way from the road.
true feelings or intentions, especially by lying
2 VW [singular] used to talk about a situation when
dis-si-pate /‘disipett/ v formal 1[I,T7] to gradually something is far away from you in space or time: in the
become less or weaker before disappearing completely, distance Church bells rang in the distance (=they were far
or to make something do this: As he thought it over, his away). |at/from a distance We watched from a distance.
anger gradually dissipated. | Little by little, the smoke was 3 Chews [singular] a situation in which two
dissipated by the breeze. 2 [T] to waste something valu- people do not have a close friendly relationship:
able such as time, money, or energy: His savings were soon [+between] There was still a distance between me and my
dissipated. father.
dis:si-pat-ed /‘disipertid/ adj formal spending too 4keep your distance a) to stay far enough away from
much time enjoying physical pleasures such as drinking someone or something to be safe: A lighthouse on the cliff
alcohol in a way that is harmful warns ships to keep their distance. b) (also keep sb at a
dis-si-pa-tion /,dtss'perfan/ n [U] formal 1 the process distance) to avoid becoming too friendly with someone:
of making something gradually weaker or less until it The neighbours tend to keep their distance.
disappears: the dissipation of heat 2 the enjoyment of 5 go the (full) distance informal to finish something you
» physical pleasures in a way that is harmful: a life of have started: Do you think Greg will go the distance this
_ dissipation 3 the act of wasting money, time, energy etc: time? —+ LONG-DISTANCE, MIDDLE DISTANCE
__ the dissipation of resources
_ dis-so-ci-ate /dr'savfiett, -siett $ -'sou-/ v [T] 1 to do or
- say something to show that you do not agree with the ‘ADJECTIVES a ee
_ views or actions of someone with whom you had a a long/great/considerable distance The sound of
connection: dissociate yourself from sth /| wish to dissociate guns seemed a long distance away.
myself from Mr Irvine’s remarks, 2 technical to regard two a short distance / quickly walked the short distance to
things or people as separate and not connected to each the car.
other [OPP|associate — dissociation /disavfi'erfan -si'er- $ a safe distance (=enough space to be safe) You
-sou-/ n [U] = should keep a safe distance from the car in front.
dis-so-lute /‘disalu:t/ adj having an immoral way of life, some distance (=quite a long distance) He heard a
for example drinking too much alcohol or having sex with scream some distance away.
many people [SYN|debauched vast distances |the stopping/braking distance
(=how far you travel in a car after pressing the
dis-so-lu-tion /drsa'lujan/ n [U] 1 the act of formally brakes)
ending a parliament, business, or marriage — dissolve:
The president announced the dissolution of the National
Assembly. 2 the act of breaking up an organization, insti- travel a great/long etc distance /n some countries
tution etc so that it no longer exists: the dissolution of the children must travel great distances to school each day.
monasteries 3 the process by which something gradually measure the distance between things Now we are
becomes weaker and disappears: the eventual dissolution able to measure the distances between the planets.
of class barriers judge distances (=judge how much space there is
dis-solve /drzplv $ dr'za:lv/ v between things)
1 [1,1] if a solid dissolves, or if you
dissolve it, it mixes with a liquid and becomes part of it: Pups
Stir until the sugar dissolves. | [+in] Sugar dissolves in within (easy) walking distance (=near enough to
water. |dissolve sth in sth Dissolve the tablet in water. walk to easily) There are lots of restaurants within
2D) [7] to formally end a parliament, business walking distance.
arrangement, marriage etc: The monarch had the power to within travelling/commuting/driving distance of
dissolve parliament. sth (=near enough to make travel to or from a place
3 EYEE dissolve into/in laughter/tears etc to start possible) The job was not within travelling distance of
laughing or crying: She dissolved into fits of laughter, my home.
4 Eee ([!,T] to gradually become smaller or within striking distance of sth (=not far from
weaker before disappearing, or to make something do something, especially something you are going to
this: Her enthusiasm dissolved his shyness. | A few clouds attack) |within spitting distance informal (=very
formed briefly before dissolving again. near something)
dis-so-nance /‘disanans/ 11 [C,U] technical a combina-
tion of notes that sound strange because they are not in distance? v distance yourself (from sth) to say that you
HARMONY [OPP|consonance 2 [U] formal lack of agreement are not involved with someone or something, especially
— dissonant adj to avoid being connected with them: The UNO has firmly
distanced itself from the anti-government movement.
dis-suade /dr'swerd/ v [T] to persuade someone not to
do something [OPP|persuade: dissuade sb from (doing) sth ‘distance learning n [U] a method of study that
a campaign to dissuade young people from smoking involves working at home and sending your work to your
PERSUADE — dissuasion /d1'sweizan/ n [U] teacher
dis-taff /‘dista:f $ -stef/ n [C] a stick, used in the past dis-tant [q /‘distant/ adj :
for spinning wool 1 far away in space or time: the sound of distan
dis-tance’ fy [q /‘distans/ n gunfire | Her honeymoon seemed a distant memory, | That
1 Ta ~LC,U] the amount of space between affair was in the dim and distant past (=a long time ago). |
two places or things: [+from/between] the distance from The President hopes to visit Ireland in the not too distant
Chicago to Detroit |Measure the distance between the two future (=quite soon). | [+from] stars that are distant from,
points. | The cottage is some distance (=quite a long dis- our galaxy FAR
tance) from the road. |at a distance of 2 feet/10 metres etc 2 unfriendly: After the quarrel Sue remained
A shark can smell bloodat a distance of halfa kilometer. cold and distant.
3 TE thinking deeply about something
REGISTER private, rather than about what is happening around you:
In everyday English, when talking about how far Geri had a distant look in her eyes.
something is, people often use an expression such 4 GEE [only before noun] not closely related to you
as how far or a long/short way rather than the noun [opp|close: a distant cousin
distance: What is the distance from Chicago to Detroit? 5 distant from sth different from something or not closely
 491 distraught
connected with it: The reality of independence was distant dis-tinc-tive Eq /dr'strnktv/ adj having a special qual-
from the hopes they had had. —distantly adv: We are ity, character, or appearance that is different and easy to
distantly related. recognize: a rock band with a distinctive sound LULU
dis-taste /dis'terst/ n [U] a feeling that something or DIFFERENT —distinctively adv —distinctiveness n [U]
someone is unpleasant or morally offensive: [+for] her dis-tinctly fg /di'stinktli/ adv 1 clearly
distaste for any form of compromise OPP| indistinctly: Speak clearly and distinctly. | He distinctly
remembered the day his father left. 2 very: Paul was left
dis-taste-ful /dis'terstfal/ adj unpleasant or morally feeling distinctly foolish. | distinctly uncomfortable/uneasy/
offensive: What follows is John’s story. Parts of it may seem unhappy etc 3 used to say that something has a particular
distasteful, even shocking. quality or character that is easy to recognize: dishes with a
dis-taste-ful-ly /dis'terstfali/ adv written feeling or distinctly Jewish flavor
showing distaste: She looked distastefully at the overflowing dis-tin-guish fy TH /dustingwy/ Vv
bin. 1[1,T] to recognize and understand the difference
dis-tem-per /dr'stempa $ -ar/ n [U] 1a serious infec- between two or more things or people [SYN] differentiate:
tious disease that affects animals, especially dogs 2 BrE a [+between] His attorney argued that Cope could not distin-
type of paint that you mix with water to paint walls guish between right and wrong. | distinguish sb/sth from a
method of distinguishing cancer cells from normal tissue
dis-tend /drstend/ v [1,1] formal to swell or make
SES RECOGNIZE
something swell because of pressure from_ inside
—distended adj: a distended stomach —distension REGISTER
/-'tenfan/ n [U] technical In everyday English, people usually use the phrases
dis-till, distil /dr'stz|/ v (distilled, distilling) [T] 1 to make tell the difference between sb/sth or tell sb/sth from
a liquid such as water or alcohol more pure by heating it tee rather than distinguish: He can't tell the
so that it becomes a gas and then letting it cool. Drinks difference between right and wrong. | How do you tell
such aS WHISKY are made this way: distilled water cancer cells from healthy cells? JS
2 to remove a chemical substance from a plant, for 2 [T not in progressive] to be the thing that makes someone
example by heating or pressing it 3 to get the main ideas or something different or special: distinguish sb/sth from
or facts from a much larger amount of information: distill The factor that distinguishes this company from the competi-
sth into sth The notes | had brought back were waiting to be tion is customer service. | distinguishing feature/mark/
distilled into a book. —distillation /,dist3'le1fan/ n [C,U] characteristic The main distinguishing feature of this species
dis-til-ler /dr'sttls $ -ar/ n[C] a person or company that is the leaf shape.
makes strong alcoholic drinks such as WHISKY 3 [T not in progressive] written to be able to see the shape
of something or hear a particular sound: The light was too
dis-til-le-ry /dr'stilari/ n (plural distilleries) [C] a factory dim for me to distinguish anything clearly.
where strong alcoholic drink such as WHISKY is produced 4 distinguish yourself to do something so well that people
dis-tinct [5 Bg /dr'strnkt/ adj notice and remember you: He distinguished himself on
1clearly different or belonging to a different type: two several occasions in the civil war.
entirely distinct languages | distinct types/groups/ dis-tin-guish-a-ble /dr'stingwyabal/ adj easy to rec-
categories etc There are four distinct types. | [+from] The ognize as being different from something else
learning needs of the two groups are quite distinct from each OPP) indistinguishable: [+from] The fake was barely distin-
other. guishable from the original painting. |barely/hardly/scarcely
2 as distinct from sth used to make it clear that you are not distinguishable | clearly/easily/readily distinguishable The
referring to a particular kind of thing, but to something cheese is easily distinguishable by its colour.
else: a movie star, as distinct from an actor dis-tin-guished =/dr'stingwit/_ adj_~—'1 success-
3 something that is distinct can clearly be seen, heard, ful, respected, and admired: a long and distinguished career
smelled etc [OPP] indistinct: The outline of the ship became 2 dressed in neat and attractive clothes that are worn by
more distinct. adults, not looking like a young person: a tall distinguished
4 [only before noun] a distinct possibility, feeling, quality figure in a dark suit
etc definitely exists and cannot be ignored: | got the dis-tort Eq /dr'sto:t $ -s:rt/ v 1[1,7] to change the
distinct impression he was trying to make me angry. |There is appearance, sound, or shape of something so that it is
a distinct possibility that this will eventually be needed. | a strange or unclear: Tall buildings can distort radio signals.
distinct lack of enthusiasm 2 [T] to report something in a way that is not completely
dis-tinc-tion [3 La /dr'stinkfan/ n true or correct: His account was badly distorted by the press.
1D «=6IC.U) a clear difference or separation 3 [T] to change a situation from the way it would natu-
between two similar things: [+between] the distinction rally be: an expensive subsidy which distorts the market
—distorted adj: His face was distorted in anger.
‘between formal and informal language |clear/sharp distinc-
—distortion /dr'stoxfan $ -a:1r-/ n [C,U]: a gross distortion of
tion There is often no clear distinction between an allergy and
food intolerance. |make/draw a distinction The Act makes no the facts
distinction between children and adults (=it treats them as dis-tract /dr'strekt/ v [T] to take someone's attention
if they were the same). away from something by making them look at or listen to
something else: Try not to distract the other students. |
REGISTER distract sb/sth from sth Coverage of the war was used to
In written English, people often use draw a distinction distract attention from other matters. —distracting adj
_rather than make a distinction, because it sounds dis-tract-ed /adr'strektid/ adj anxious and unable to
more formal: The law draws a distinction between think clearly —distractedly adv
_temporary and permanent employees. dis-trac-tion /dr'strekjan/ n 1[C,U] something that
230s [VU] the quality of being excellent and stops you paying attention to what you are doing: | study
important: Eliot's distinction as a poet in the library as there are too many distractions at home. |
3 HEDGES [singular] the quality of being special in [+from] Demands for equality were seen as a distraction
some way: have/earn/achieve etc the distinction of doing from more serious issues. 2 drive sb to distraction to con-
sth At that time, it had the distinction of being the largest tinue annoying or upsetting someone very much: The
bridge in the UK. | The US enjoys the dubious distinction of baby’s constant crying drove me _ to distraction.
being the lawsuit capital of the world. 3 [C] old-fashioned a pleasant activity
4GG5 [C,U] a special mark given to a student whose dis-traught /dr'stro:t $ -'stro:t/ adj so upset and wor-
work is excellent: with distinction He obtained a law doctor- ried that you cannot think clearly: Relatives are tonight
ate with distinction. comforting the distraught parents. RELI E> SAD
 distress 492 EG = words from the Academic Word List

dis-tress' /dr'stres/ n [U] 1 a feeling of extreme unhap- district ‘nurse n [C] BrE a nurse who visits people in
piness: Luke's behaviour caused his parents great distress. | their own homes
in distress The girl was crying and clearly in distress. 2 suf- dis-trust' /dis'trast/ n [U] a feeling that you cannot
fering and problems caused by a lack of money, food etc: trust someone —+ mistrust: Local people regard the police
acute financial distress | in distress charities that aid families with suspicion and distrust. | [+of] Dylan’s deep distrust of
in distress 3 formal great physical pain 4 a situation when journalists made him difficult to interview. —distrustful adj
a ship, aircraft etc is in danger and needs help: We picked distrust? v [T] to not trust someone or something
up a distress signal 6 km away. | in distress The ship is in fopp|trust: She had every reason to distrust him.
distress.
dis-turb [q /dr'sta:b $ -3:rb/ v [7]
distress? v [T] to make someone feel very upset: The 1a to interrupt someone so that they cannot
dream had distressed her greatly. continue what they are doing: Sorry to disturb you, but |
dis-tressed /adr'strest/ adj 1 very upset: deeply/visibly have an urgent message. | The thieves fled when they were
distressed Hannah was deeply distressed by the news. | disturbed by a neighbour. | Do not disturb (=a sign you put
[+at/by] My client is very distressed at the treatment she on a door so that people will not interrupt you).
received from your officers. | distressed to find/hear/see/ 2 (ea to make someone feel worried or upset: What
learn etc sth She was distressed to see he was crying. disturbs you most about this latest development?
SAD 2 technical in a lot of pain: The animal 3 [iy7a to move something or change its position: If you
™, was clearly distressed. 3 distressed furniture or clothes find a bird's nest, never disturb the eggs. | | promise not to
_ have been made to look older than they really are disturb anything.
- 4 formal having very little money: a family living in dis- 4 @EwTsg to change a normal situation in a way that
_ tressed circumstances causes problems: My hormone balance is disturbed by my
» dis-tress-ing —_/dr'stresn/ (also _dis-tress-ful pregnancy. | New procedures often disturb the comfortable
/di'stresfal/) adj making you feel very upset: a distressing habits of the workforce.
experience —distressingly adv 5 disturb the peace /aw to behave in a noisy and unpleas-
ant way in public
dis-trib-ute [q Lg /dr'stribju:t/ v [7]
1to share things among a group of people, especially in a dis-turb-ance /dr'sts:ibans $ -3:r-/ n 1[C,U] formal a
planned way [SYN|give.out: distribute sth among/to sb situation in which people behave violently in public: There
Clothes and blankets have been distributed among the were disturbances in the crowd as fans left the stadium. |
refugees. | a man distributing leaflets to passers-by create/cause a disturbance | army training on controlling
civil disturbance 2 [C,U] something that interrupts what
EELScive you are doing, or the act of making this happen: We
2 to supply goods to shops and companies so that they
can sell them: Milk is distributed to the local shops by arrange the work so there’s as little disturbance as possible. |
Herald's Dairies. [+to] When a helicopter lands, it can cause a disturbance to
3 to spread something over a large area: Make sure the local residents. 3 [U] a medical condition in which some-
weight of the load is evenly distributed. one is mentally ill and does not behave normally: a history
4be distributed to exist in different parts of an area or of mental disturbance
group: be widely/evenly distributed This species of dolphin is dis-turbed /ar'sts:bd $ -3:irbd/ adj 1 not behaving nor-
widely distributed throughout the world. | The population is mally because of a mental condition: mentally/
distributed in a very uneven pattern. emotionally disturbed the care of emotionally disturbed
children |while the balance of his mind was disturbed 2 wor-
dis-tri-bu-tion [yy Lg / distr'bju:fan/ n ried or upset: [+by/about/at] Police are very disturbed
1[U] the act of sharing things among a large group of about the latest trend. | seriously/deeply/greatly etc
people in a planned way: [+of] the distribution of aid
disturbed |disturbed to find/see/discover/learn etc She was
supplies
disturbed to learn he had bought a motorbike. | disturbed
2[U] when goods are supplied to shops and companies
that /’m disturbed that so many of the students appear to be
for them to sell: a distribution centre illiterate. 3 disturbed sleep sleep that is interrupted
3[C,U] the way in which something exists in different
amounts in different parts of an area or group: population dis-turb-ing /dr'sts:bin $ -3:r-/ adj worrying or upset-
distribution | [+of] the highly unequal distribution of eco- ting: a disturbing increase in the crime rate —disturbingly
nomic power adv
dis-trib-u-tive LQ /di'strtbjstiv/ adj Lusually before noun]
dis-u-nited /disju:nartid/ adj people who are disunited
connected with distribution: distributive costs are in the same organization, country, or group but can-
not agree or work with each other
dis-trib-u-tor /dr'stribjsta $ -ar/ n [C] 1a company or
person that supplies shops and companies with goods
dis-u-ni-ty /disju:niti/ n [U] a situation in which a
group of people cannot agree or work with each other:
2 the part of an engine that sends an electric current to
Disunity destroyed the Republicans at the polls.
the SPARK PLUGS
dis-use /dtsju:s/ n [U] a situation in which something is
dis-trib-u-tor-ship /ar'strrbjtaftp $ -ar-/ n [C] a com- no longer used: The building eventually fell into disuse.
pany that has an arrangement to sell the products of
another company: the UK distributorship for Sol lighting dis-used / dis'ju:zd</ adj [usually before noun] a disused
products building, railway, mine etc is no longer used
ditch" /drt{/ n [C] a long narrow hole dug at the side of
dis-trict 5 (B /‘distrikt/ n [c] a field, road etc to hold or remove unwanted water
1an area of a town or the countryside, especially one with —> LAST-DITCH
particular features: rural/financial/theatre etc district a
house in a pleasant suburban district AREA ditch? v 1[1] informal to stop having something
2 an area of a country, city etc that has official borders: a because you no longer want it: The government has ditched
postal district plans to privatise the prison. 2 [T] informal to end a roman-
tic relationship with someone: Meg and Neil were due to
district at'torney n [Cc] a lawyer in the US who works marry, but she ditched him. 3 [T] AmE spoken informal to
for the government in a particular area and who is not go to school, a class etc when you should [SYN]skip
responsible for bringing people who may be criminals to BrE: Did you ditch class today? 4 [T] AmE spoken informal
court
to leave someone you are with in a place without telling
district ‘council n [c] BrE a group of people elected to them you are going 5 [I,T] to land an aircraft in a control-
organize local services such as education, health services led crash into water: Two balloonists had to ditch during the _
etc in a particular area race. :
district ‘courtn [Cc] a US court of law which deals with ditch-wa-ter /‘drtjwo:ta $ -wortar, -wa:-/ nas dull as _
cases involving national rather than state law ditchwater BrE very boring 7
—X3= words from the Academic Word List 493 divest

dith-er /‘dida $ -ar/ v [1] to keep being unable to make a 7 Gees the act of falling down deliberately in order to
final decision about something: [+over/about/between] unfairly win a FREEKICK Or a PENALTY
He accused the government of dithering over the deal. |Stop ‘dive-bomb v [17] if an aircraft dive-bombs a place, it
dithering, girl, and get on with it! —ditherer n [C] drops bombs on it —dive-bomber n [C]
di-tran-si-tive /dar'trensiti, -zi-/ adj a ditransitive div-er /‘datva $ -ar/ n [C] 1 someone who swims or
verb has an INDIRECT OBJECT and a DIRECT OBJECT. ‘Give’ in works under water using special equipment to help them
the sentence ‘Give me the book’ is ditransitive. > intran- breathe 2 someone who jumps into water with their head
sitive, transitive and arms first
dit-sy /‘ditsi/ adj another spelling of pitzy di-verge /dat'v3:dz, d3- $ -3:rd3/ v [1] 1 if similar things
dit:to! /‘ditav $ -tov/ adv spoken informal 1 used to say diverge, they develop in different ways and so are no
that you have exactly the same opinion as someone else: longer similar: The two species diverged millions of years
‘| hated school.’ ‘Ditto.’ 2 used to say that what is true of ago. | Global growth rates are diverging markedly. 2 if opin-
one thing is also true of another: Where should she go? ions, interests etc diverge, they are different from each
Mississippi? Too hot. Ditto Alabama. other: [+from] Here his views diverged from hers. 3 if two
lines or paths diverge, they separate and go in different
ditto? (also ‘ditto mark) n (plural dittoes) [C] written a directions [OPP] converge —divergence n [C,U]: divergence
mark (") that you write immediately under a word in a list between the US and Europe —divergent adj: divergent views
to show that the same word is repeated
di-verse EQ /dat'v3is $ d'vairs, dat-/ adj very different
dit-ty /diti/ n (plural ditties) [C] a short simple poem or from each other: subjects as diverse as pop music and
song - used humorously archaeology —diversely adv
dit-zy, ditsy /‘ditsi/ adj AmE informal silly or stupid, and di-ver-si-fy EQ /dar'vaisifax $ d3'varr-, dar-/ v (diversified,
likely to forget things easily —ditz n [C] diversifying, diversifies) 1 [I,T] if a business, company,
di-u-ret-ic /darju'rettk</ n [C] medical a substance that country etc diversifies, it increases the range of goods or
increases the flow of URINE —diuretic adj services it produces: [+(away) from] farmers forced to
diversify away from their core business | [tinto] The com-
di-ur-nal /dar'sinal $ -'3:1r-/ adj technical 1 happening or
pany is planning to diversify into other mining activities. |We
active in the daytime [oPP] nocturnal 2 happening every
need to diversify the economy. 2 [1,1] to change something
day
or to make it change so that there is more variety: User
Div. (also Div BrE) n the written abbreviation of division requirements have diversified over the years. 3 [\] technical
di-va /‘di:va/ n [C] a very successful and famous female to put money into several different types of INVESTMENT
singer: opera diva Jessye Norman instead of only one or two: [+into] Spread the risk by
di-van /dr'ven $ ‘darven/ n[C] 1 a bed with a thick base diversifying into dollar . bonds, —diversification
2 a long low soft seat without a back or arms /datv3isstskerfan $ d3v3ir-, dat-/ n [U]: diversification of the
rural economy
dive’ /datv/ v (past tense dived also dove /davv $ douv/
di-ver-sion /dar'v3ifan, d- $ -31rgan/ n1 [CU] a change
Ame, past participle dived) [1]
in the direction or use of something, or the act of chang-
1a «to jump into deep water with your
ing it: [+of] the diversion of the river | the diversion of funds
head and arms going in first: [+into/off etc] She dived into
into the military budget 2 [C,U] an enjoyable activity that
a pool. |Diving off the cliffs is dangerous. JUMP
you do to stop yourself from becoming bored
— see picture at Jump!
3 [C] something that stops you from paying attention to
2G to swim under water using special
what you are doing or what is happening: Two prisoners
equipment to help you breathe: The first time you dive ona
created a diversion to give the men time to escape. 4 [C] BrE
coral reef is an experience you will never forget.
a different way that traffic is sent when the usual roads
3 GE «to travel down through the air or
are closed
through water to a lower level: The submarine began to
dive. | The aircraft appeared to dive vertically towards the di-ver-sion-a-ry /dat'v3:fanari, di- $ -'v3irganeri/ adj
crowd. written intended to take someone's attention away from
4 (yee [always + adv/prep] to move or jump something: Most children are skilled in diversionary tactics.
quickly in a particular direction or into a particular place: di-ver-si-ty
LQ /dar'vaisiti, d§- $ -3:r-/ n1 [U] the fact of
Jackson dived after the ball. | We dived into a shop to avoid including many different types of people or things:
the rain. | The soldiers were diving for cover (=to protect cultural/ethnic/linguistic etc diversity The curriculum will
themselves behind something). take account of the ethnic diversity of the population.
5 dive into your bag/pocket etc to put your hand quickly in 2 [singular] a range of different people, things, or ideas
your bag, pocket etc in order to get something out: He variety: [+of] a diversity of opinions
dived into his pocket and produced a packet of cigarettes. di-vert /dar'vs:t, di- $ -3:rt/ v [T] 1 to change the use of
6 Qt) if numbers, prices etc dive, they suddenly something such as time or money: divert sth into/to/
become much lower than before: The dollar dived against (away) from etc sth The company should divert more
the yen in Tokyo today. resources into research. | Officials diverted revenue from
7 Gels to fall down deliberately in order to unfairly win arms sales to the rebels. 2 to change the direction in which
a FREEKICK Or a PENALTY something travels: divert a river/footpath/road etc Canals
dive in phr v to start doing something eagerly: Harvey divert water from the Truckee River into the lake. | The high
dived in with several questions. street is closed and traffic is being diverted. 3 if you divert
your telephone calls, you arrange for them to go directly
dive? nc] to another number, for example because you are not able
IBLE a sudden movement in a particular
to answer them yourself for some time: Remember to
direction or into a particular place: She made a dive for the
divert your phone when you are out of the office. 4 to delib-
bathroom.
2G «a sudden fall in the amount, value, or erately take someone's attention from something by
making them think about or notice other things: divert
success of something: The news put shares in a dive. | The
(sb's) attention (away from sb/sth) The crime crackdown is
team’s fortunes have taken a dive this year.
an attempt to divert attention from social problems. | He’d
3 TEES when something moves down
been trying to divert suspicion away from himself. 5 formal to
through the air or water: Thankfully, the pilot managed to
amuse or entertain someone
pull out of the dive and regain control. |steep/vertical dive
400 a jump into deep water with your head and arms di-vert-ing /dar'v3:trn, dit- $ -3:r-/ adj formal entertain-
going in first ing and amusing: a mildly diverting film
5 the act of going under water to swim, using di-vest /dat'vest, d3-/ v [1,1] technical if a company
special equipment to help you breathe divests, it sells some of its ASSETS, INVESTMENTS etc: pres-
6 G¥xaq informal a bar, club etc that is cheap and dirty sure on hospitals to divest tobacco-related stocks
divestment _ 494 Sd & &) = the most frequent words in spoken English

divest sb of sth phr v formal 1 divest yourself of sth to sell div-i-na-tion /drvinerfan/ n [U] the ability to say what
or give away something you own: Dad had long since will happen in the future, or the act of doing this
divested himself of anything valuable. 2 divest yourself of sth di-vine! /dsvatn/ adj 1coming from or relating to God
to remove something you are wearing or carrying: Pedro or a god: divine intervention/providence/revelation/
divested himself of his overcoat. 3 to take something away guidance etc faith in divine providence |divine power |divine
from someone: The king was divested of all his wealth and love 2. old-fashioned very pleasant or good —divinely adv:
power. a divinely inspired idea
di-vest-ment /dat'vestmant/ n [C,U] technical another divine? v 1 [7] literary to discover or guess something:
word for DISINVESTMENT divine that Somehow, the children had divined that he was
lying. 2 [1] to search for underground water or minerals
di-vide" Gy [Hy /d3vard/ v using a Y-shaped stick: a divining rod (=the stick used for
1S [1,7] if something divides, or if you divide it, it this) —diviner n [C]
separates into two or more parts: divide sth into sth Scien-
tists traditionally divide the oceans into zones. | The book is di,vine ‘right n [singular] 1 the right given to a king or
divided into six Lariga® | [+into] Here, the river divides into
queen by God to rule a country, that in former times
three channels. EXTENT SEPARATE could not be opposed 2 informal the right to do what you
2 PSSST (also divide off) [T] to keep two areas want without having to ask permission: Being my wife
doesn't give you the divine right to read my mail.
separate from each other: The Wall used to divide East and
West Berlin. | divide sth from sth Only a thin curtain divided div-ing /‘darvin/ n [U] 1 the sport of swimming under
her cabin from his. water using special equipment to help you breathe: We
3 SIE (also divide up) [T] to separate something into went diving on the coral reef. 2 the activity of jumping into
parts and share them between people: divide sth water with your head and arms first + SCUBA DIVING
between/among sb/sth The money will be divided equally ‘diving bell n [c] a metal container that is open at the
among the charities. bottom and filled with air under pressure, in which people
4 [T] if you divide your time, energy can work under water
etc between different activities or places, you spend part ‘diving board n [c] a board above the edge of a
of your time doing each activity or in each place: divide SWIMMING POOL which people Dive from
sth between sth/sb She divides her time between New York di-vin-iety /ds'viniti/ n (plural divinities) 1 [U] AmE the
and Paris. } study of God and religious beliefs [syn|theology BrE: a
5 (EWES a) [T] to calculate how many times one graduate of Harvard divinity school 2 [U] the quality or
number contains a smaller number — multiply: divide sth state of being a god 3 [C] a god — divine
by sth /fyou divide 21 by 3, you get 7. | ‘What's six divided by
di-vis-i-ble /d3'v1zibal/ adj [not before noun] able to be
three?’ ‘Two’. b) [|] to be contained exactly in a number
divided, for example by a number [oppl|indivisible: [+by]
one or more times: [+into] 8 divides into 64.
6 is divisible by 3. | [+into] The story is divisible into three
6 Hexarg [7] to make people disagree so that they
parts.
form groups with different opinions: The issue of cloning
has sharply divided voters. di-vi-sion By [a /d3vizen/ n
7 divide and rule/conquer to defeat or control people by 1 G32 win [CU] the act of separating something into
making them argue with each other instead of opposing two or more different parts, or the way these parts are
you separated or shared: division of sth between/among/into
8 divided loyalties a feeling you have when two people you sth the division of words into syllables | the traditional
like have argued and you are not sure which person you division of labour (=the way that particular tasks are
should support: Divorce is an agony of divided loyalties for shared) between husband and wife
children. —divided adj: a deeply divided society | The com- 2 Dexa [C,U] disagreement among the mem-
mittee was divided over the proposal. bers of a group that makes them form smaller opposing
groups: division between/within/among sth Can he heal the
divide? n [C usually singular] 1a strong difference deep divisions among Republican ranks? | racial/class/
between the beliefs or way of life of groups of people,
gender etc division The old class divisions had begun to break
that may make them hate each other: The North/South
down. | The Army was plagued by internal divisions.
divide is characteristic of Britain. |cultural/political/racial etc
g; [U] the process of finding out how many
divide people on both sides of the political divide 2 AmE a
times one number is contained in another — multiplica-
line of high ground between two river systems
tion, long division
[SYN]|watershed
4 [C] a group that does a par-
di vided ‘highway n [Cc] AmE a main road with two ticular job within a large organization: the Computer Serv-
lines of traffic travelling in each direction, separated by a ices Division
piece of land [SYN] dual carriageway BrE 5 [C] a large military group: a tank division
div-i-dend /‘dividand, -dend/ n [C] 1 a part of a com- 6 Gray [C] one of the groups of teams that a sports
pany’s profit that is divided among the people with competition is divided into, often based on the number of
SHARES in the company 2 BrE prize money offered in a games they have won: the Premier/First/Second/Third/
national competition called the rFooTBALL POOLS which Fourth Division a second-division club
people can win by correctly guessing the results of foot- 7 (ELT «LC] a process in which members of the
ball games 3. technical a number that is to be divided by British parliament vote for something by dividing into
another number 4 pay/bring dividends to be very useful groups: MPs forced a division on the bill. |Some members
and bring a lot of advantages, especially later in the supported the opposition in the division lobbies (=the rooms
future: Good eating habits will pay dividends later on in life. where the vote takes place).
di-vid-er /ds'varde $ -ar/ n [C] 1 something that divides di-vi-sion-al /d3vizenal/ adj [only before noun] relating
something else into parts: a room divider |alphabetical file to one of the parts into which a large organization, group
dividers 2 AmE a piece of land that separates traffic trav- etc is divided: divisional headquarters
elling in opposite directions on a main road di-vi-sive /d3vatstv/ adj causing a lot of disagreement
[S¥N]reservation BrE: Police saw his Mercedes speeding between people: The strike was a divisive issue in the
along the center divider. 3 dividers [plural] an instrument community. | socially/economically/politically etc eae
used for measuring or marking lines or angles, consisting socially divisive policies
of two pointed pieces of metal joined together at the top di-vi-Sor /d3'vaiza $ -ar/ n [C] technical the number by
— see picture at MATHEMATICS which another number is to be divided
di'viding line n [c usually singular] the difference di-vorce! Gy /dsvo:s $ -o:rs/ n
between two similar things: [+between] What's the divid- 1[C,U] the legal ending of a marriage — separation: Why _
ing line between normal drinking and addiction? doesn’t she get a divorce? | One in three marriages ends in
( (2 OS = the most frequent words in written English 495 do
divorce, | file/sue/petition for divorce (=start the legal happened and the DNA of people who may have commit-
divorce process) |His wife has started divorce proceedings. | ted the crime, in order to find out who is responsible
the rise in the divorce rate |She received the house as part of DNA ‘sequencing n [U] the act of finding out the
the divorce settlement (=the amount of money, property order of the MOLECULES that some DNA consists of
etc each person receives in a divorce case). | The Act [SYN|gene sequencing
extended the grounds (=legal reasons) for divorce.
21[C usually singular] formal the fact of separating two
DNS parking /d: en es 'pa:kin $ -p:-/ n [U] the
practice of putting a particular DOMAIN NAME (=name
related things: [+between] the divorce between theory and
used as part of an Internet address) on the official list of
method
domain names, but then not using it in an Internet
divorce? v1 [1,7] if someone divorces their husband or address until some time in the future. This is done in
wife, or if two people divorce, they legally end their order to stop the domain name being used by anyone
marriage — separate: David's parents divorced when he was else.
six. | My father threatened to divorce her. 2 [T] formal to
separate two ideas, subjects etc completely: divorce sth do" §) Ml /du:/ auxiliary verb (past tense did /drd/, past
from sth /t is difficult to divorce sport from politics. 3 [T] to participle done /dan/, third person singular does /daz;
stop being involved in an activity, organization, situation strong daz/)
etc: divorce yourself from sth Our society has divorced itself 1 a) used with another verb to form questions or nega-
from religion. tives: Do you like bananas? | | don’t feel like going out
di-vorced /d$vo:st $ -s:rst/ adj 1no longer married to tonight. | lan didn’t answer. | Where do you live? | Doesn't
your wife or husband: Are you married, single, or divorced? | Rosie look wonderful? | Don’t listen to her! b) spoken used
a divorced woman | [+from] Anne is divorced from Simon's to form QUESTION TAGs (=short questions that you add to
father. | My parents are getting divorced. GLTEYUE> the end of statements): You know Tony, don’t your | She
MARRIED 2 separate from and not connected in any way to didn’t understand, did she?
an idea, subject etc: [+from] His ideas are completely 2 used instead of repeating a verb that has already been
divorced from reality. used: ‘Will Kay come?’ ‘She may do.’ | So now you know as
much as | do. | ‘You forgot all about it.’ ‘No, | didn't.’ | ‘l want
di-vor-cée /d3vo:'si: $ divorr'ser/ n [C] 1 AmE old-
to go home.’ ‘So do |.’ | | didn't believe the story and neither
fashioned a woman who is divorced 2 BrE a man or
did he.
woman who is divorced
3 used to emphasize the main verb in a sentence: Do be
div-ot /‘divat/ n [C] a small piece of earth and grass careful. | You do look nice in that hat. | | do think she’s
that you dig out accidentally while playing a sport such as behaved badly. | ‘You should have warned me.’ ‘But | did warn
GOLF or POLO you.’ | He owns, or did own (=emphasizing past tense), a
di-vulge /dat'valdz, di-/ v [T] formal to give someone yacht.
information that should be secret [syNjreveal: divulge 4 spoken used when politely offering someone some-
information/secrets/details etc (to sb) It is not company thing: Do have another sandwich.
policy to divulge personal details of employees. |divulge that
Clare divulged that she was recovering from a nervous do? Gl Ml v (past tense did, past participle done, third
breakdown. | divulge what/where etc The Pentagon refused person singular does)
to divulge what type of plane it was. REVEAL 1 zaidaad
(Xai [1] to perform an action or activity:
Have you done your homework yet? | You need to do more
div-vy" /‘divi/ n (plural divvies) [C] BrE informal a stupid
exercise. | It’s a pleasure doing business with you. | | didn’t
person
know what to do. |All he does is sit in front of the television
divvy? v (diwied, divvying, divvies) all day. | do something/nothing/anything etc We should do
divvy sth «> up phr v informal to share something something to help him. | It all happened so quickly that |
between several people: We can divvy up the profits couldn't do anything about it. |bored teenagers with nothing
between us. to do |do the laundry/ironing/dishes etc /t’s your turn to do
Di-wa-li /dr'warli/ (also Di-va+li /-'va:li/) n [U] a Hindu the dishes.
FESTIVAL that is celebrated in the autumn
Dix-ie /drksi/ n informal the southern states of the US REGISTER
that fought against the northern states in the Civil War In written English, people often use the verb act
Dix-ie-land /‘diksilend/ n [U] a type of traditional azz rather than the phrase do something, as it sounds
music more formal: The government needs to act to help
these people.
DIY / di: at '‘wat/ n [U] BrE (do-it-yourself) the activity of
making or repairing things yourself instead of buying 2 Gueaqaay [I] used to ask or talk about how successful
them or paying someone else to do it someone is at something: do well/badly Students are under
diz-zy /‘dizi/ adj 1 feeling unable to stand steadily, for considerable pressure to do well. | how sb/sth is doing
example because you are looking down from a high place (with/in sth) You should get promoted after about a year,
‘or because you are ill: The heat and the champagne made depending on how you're doing. |How’s he doing in trying to
him feel dizzy. | She started to suffer from dizzy spells (=a give up smoking?
short period when you feel dizzy). |[+with] Ruth felt dizzy 3 [T] to have a particular effect on some-
with relief. 2 the dizzy heights (of sth) an important posi- thing or someone: The scandal will do serious damage to his
tion - used humorously: Naomi had reached the dizzy reputation. | This will do nothing for (=will not improve)
heights of manageress. 3 informal stupid and forgetful: a Jamie's confidence. | The colour does nothing for her (=does
dizzy blonde 4 very busy and exciting: Hong Kong buzzes not improve her appearance). | Getting the job has done a
from dawn to dusk at a dizzy pace. —dizziness n [U]: lot for (=had a good effect on) her self-esteem. | A week in
headaches, dizziness, and vomiting —dizzily adv the countryside will do you good (=make you feel better). |
diz-zy-ing /dizi-n/ adj making you feel dizzy: The Exercise can do wonders for (=have a very good effect on)
riverbank rushed towards her with dizzying speed. body, mind, and spirit.
4 fy [T] to have a particular job: What do you want to do
DJ / di: 'dzet</ n [C] (disc jockey) someone who plays
after you leave school? | What do you do for a living (=as
records on a radio show or ina club where you can dance
your job)? |She's very good at what she does.
djinn /dzin/ n [C] an invisible creature in Islamic stories 5 erazeaeeieg ([|,7 not in progressive] used to say
who has special powers [SYN] genie that something will be enough or be acceptable: We don’t
DNA /di: en 'e1«/ n [U] (deoxyribonucleic acid) a sub- have a lot of wine for the party, but it should just about do. ||
stance that carries GENETIC information in the cells of the can't find my black shoes so these will have to do. | A few
body: A DNA test showed that he was not the baby’s father. sandwiches will do me for lunch. | It won't do (=it is not
DNA 'profiling (also DNA fingerprinting) n [U] the acceptable) to say that the situation couldn't have been
act of examining the DNA found where a crime has avoided.
do —X3 = words from the Academic Word List

6 what sb will do for sth used to talk about what arrange- someone how you can help them, especially when you
ments someone has made to get something they need: are trying to sell them something
What will you do for money if you leave your job? | I’m not 33 do well by sb to treat someone well: His relations always
sure what we'll do for transport yet. did pretty well by him.
7 what is sb/sth doing? spoken used to ask why someone 34 do one spoken, informal used to tell someone who is
or something is in a particular place or doing a particular making you feel upset or angry to go away: Oh, just go and
thing, especially when you are surprised or annoyed by do one! — DOING, DONE, — do your bit at BIT?(8), + how do
this: What’s my coat doing on the floor? | What are you you do at HOw(11), + nothing doing at NOTHING'(14), > do sb
doing walking around at this time of night? | What on earth proud at PROUD(5), + do sth to death at DEATH(4), +> CAN-DO
do you think you're doing? do away with sb/sth phrv
8 do your/sb's hair/nails/make-up etc to do something 1to get rid of something or stop using it: People thought
that improves your appearance or someone else’s that the use of robots would do away with boring low-paid
appearance: /t must take her ages to do her make-up in the factory jobs.
mornings. | Who does your hair? 2 informal to kill someone
9 Pw
SQ [7] informal to spend a period of time doing do sb <> down phr v to criticize someone, especially in an
something: She did a year backpacking around the world. | unfair way: | know you don't like him, but there's no need to
Oh yes, | certainly did my time in the army (=spent time in keep doing him down in front of the boss.
the army). do for sb/sth phr v BrE informal to-kill someone or harm
10 GiPs9 [T not in passive] BrE to study a particular something or someone very badly: Working 100 hours a
subject in a school or university: | did French for five years. week nearly did for me. — be done for at DONE?(3)
EEESTTETE> stupy do sb in phr v informal
nfs [T] to cook a particular type of food: | was 1to kill someone: He was planning to do himself in.
thinking of doing a casserole tonight. PIES NTTE> cook 2 to make someone feel extremely tired: That walk really
12 do 10 miles/20 kms etc to achieve a particular distance, did me in. + done in at DONE?(4)
speed etc: We did 300 kilometres on the first day. | The car do sth <> out phr v BrE
can do 120 mph. 1to make a room look nice by decorating it: The room was
13 Basse «([T] to provide a particular service beautifully done out in pastel colours.
or sell a particular product: They do interior and exterior 2 informal to clean a room or cupboard thoroughly
design. | We don’t do food after two o'clock. do sb out of sth phr v informal to dishonestly stop some-
14 FSS «(T] to perform a particular play, show one from getting or keeping something, especially some-
etc: We did ‘Guys and Dolls’ last year. thing they have a right to have: Are you trying to do me out
15 PTET [T] to paint or decorate a room, house etc: of a job?
How are you going to do your living room? do sb/sth over phr v
16 7N [1] to behave in a particular way: In the eve- 1do sth <> over especially AmE to make a place look
nings students are free to do as they please (=do what they attractive by decorating it: The whole apartment had been
want). | | wish you'd do as you're told (=do what you are done over in. an Art Deco style.
told to do)! 2 AmE to do something again, especially because you did
17 sb doesn't do nice/funny/sensible etc spoken informal it wrong the first time: If you make too many mistakes,
used humorously to say that someone cannot or does not you'll have to do it over.
behave in a particular way: Sensible? | don't do sensible. 3 do sth < over BrE spoken informal to steal things from a
18 ee ~[T] to copy someone's behaviour or building
the way they talk, especially in order to entertain people: 4 BrE spoken informal to attack and injure someone
He does a brilliant George Bush (=copies him in a very do up phr v
funny way). 1to fasten something, or to be fastened in a particular
19 do lunch/do a movie etc informal to have lunch, go to way: do sth <> up Do up your coat or you'll get cold. |a skirt
see a film etc with someone: Let’s do lunch next week. which does up at the back
20 EETS9 [7] informal to use an illegal drug: He says he’s 2do sth <> up to repair an old building or car, or to
never done hard drugs in his life. improve its appearance: They did up an old cottage in the
21{78) [7] to visit a particular place, especially as a Scottish Highlands.
tourist: Let’s do the Eiffel Tower today. 3 do sth ~ up to decorate something in a particular way:
22 that'll do! spoken used to tell a child to stop behaving The apartment was done up in Viennese style.
badly 4 do sth <-> up to wrap something in paper
23 that does it! spoken used to say angrily that you will not 5 do yourself up to make yourself look neat and attractive:
accept a situation any more: Right, that does it! I’m not Sue spent ages doing herself up.
going to listen to any more of this! do with sth phr v
24 that should do it (also that ought to do it) spoken used to 1could do with sth spoken to need or want something: |
say that you will have finished doing something if you just could have done with some help this morning.
do one more thing: I’ve just got to prepare the dessert and 2 have/be to do with sb/sth to be about something, be
that should do it. related to something, or be involved with something:
25 do it informal to have sex - used humorously or when Their conversation had been largely to do with work. | I'm
you want to avoid saying the word ‘sex’ sorry about the accident, but it’s nothing to do with me (=|
26 sb would do well to do sth used to advise someone that am not involved in any way). | This question doesn’t have
they should do something: Most people would do well to anything to do with the main topic of the survey. |I’m sure her
reduce the amount of salt in their diet. problems have something to do with what happened when
27 (008) [T] BrE spoken to punish or attack someone she was a child.
— be/get done at DONE?(8) 3 what to do with yourself how to spend your time: She
28 S304 [7] BrE informal to deceive or trick someone didn’t know what to do with herself after she retired.
—» be done at DONE?(7) 4 what sb should do with sth/what to do with sth etc used to
29 what's doing ...? spoken used to ask what is happening: ask or talk about how someone should deal with some-
What's doing at your place tonight? thing: What shall | do with these papers? | | wouldn't know
30 do or die used to say that someone is determined to do what to do with a newborn baby.
something very brave or dangerous even if they die 5 what has sb done with sth? spoken used to ask where
attempting it someone has put something: What have you done with the
31 how (are) you doing? spoken used when you meet remote for the TV?
someone to ask them if they are well, happy etc: Hi Bob, 6 what is sb doing with sth? used to ask why someone has
how you doing? something: What are you doing with my diary?
32 what can | do you for? spoken used humorously to ask 7 | can't be doing with sth BrE spoken used to say that you ~
EG = words from the Academic Word List 497

are annoyed by something and do not want to have to dock-work-er /‘dokwaike $ ‘da:kwairkar/ n [C] some-
think about it: / can’t be doing with all this right now. one whose job is loading and unloading ships
do without phr v dock-yard /‘dokja:d $ ‘darkjaird/ n [C] a place where
1do without (sth) to live or do something without a par- ships are repaired or built
ticular thing: | don’t have any sugar so you'll have to do
doc-tor™ Gy fi /‘dokta $ 'da:ktar/ n [C]
without. | You can do without a carpet but you've got to have
1 (written abbreviation Dr) someone who is trained to treat
somewhere to sit.
people who are ill —+ GP: She was treated by her local
2 can do without sth used to say that something is annoy-
doctor. |I'd like to make an appointment to see Dr Pugh. |the
ing you or causing you problems: You can do without all
doctor's informal (=the place where your doctor works)
that hassle. | Those are the type of stupid remarks | can do
‘Where's Sandy today?’ ‘| think she’s at the doctor's.’
without.
2 someone who holds the highest level of degree given by
do? n (plural dos or do's) [C] 1 informal a party or other a university —+ doctoral: a Doctor of Law
social event: We're having a do to celebrate his 30th 3 be just what the doctor ordered informal to be exactly
birthday. GEESE party 2 dos and don'ts (also do's what someone needs or wants: A 2-0 victory is just what
and don'ts) things that you should and should not do ina the doctor ordered.
particular situation: The booklet lists the dos and don'ts of
caring for dogs. 3 AmE informal a HAIRDO
do* /dav $ dov/ n [singular, U] another spelling of doh RB
D.O.A. /i: au ‘er $ -ou-/ adj (dead on arrival) used go to the doctor / d been having bad headaches so |
when someone is said by a doctor to be dead when they went to the doctor,
are brought to a hospital see a doctor (also visit a doctor AmE) (=go to the
doctor) Have you seen a doctor about it yet?
do:-a-ble /‘durabal/ adj [not before noun] spoken informal
ask a doctor (a/so consult a doctor formal) If you
able to be done or completed: We've got to think first
have any of these symptoms, you should consult a
whether this plan is doable. XEEATT> possiB.e
doctor.
d.o.b. the written abbreviation of date of birth call a doctor (=telephone one, especially to ask
doc /dok $ dazk/ n [C] informal a doctor them to come to you) His mother was very worried
do-cent /dau'sent $ dov-/ n [C] AmE someone who and called the doctor.
guides visitors through a MUSEUM, church etc get a doctor (=arrange for one to come to you) |
do:cile /‘dausatl $ 'da:sal/ adj quiet and easily control- a doctor examines sb |a doctor prescribes sth
led: Labradors are gentle, docile dogs. —docilely adv (=writes an order for medicine for someone)
—docility /dav'silti $ da:-/ n [U] AD. E
dock? /dok $ da:k/ n 1 [C] a place in a port where ships a family doctor (=who treats all the members of a
are loaded, unloaded, or repaired — dry dock: A crowd was family) We've had the same family doctor for fifteen
waiting at the dock to greet them. |in dock The ship is in dock years,
for repairs. 2 the docks [plural] the area of a port where sb’s local doctor (=working near where you live) |
there are docks: James arrived at the docks expecting to see a hospital doctor BrE (=working in a hospital)
a luxury liner. 3 [C] AmE a Jetty 4 the dock the part of a Nesp soe re
law court where the person who is charged with a crime doctor? v [T] 1to dishonestly change something in
stands: in the dock Three defendants stood in the dock. order to gain an advantage: He had doctored his passport to
5 in the dock especially BrE thought to have done some- pass her off as his daughter. | There are concerns that some
thing dishonest, harmful, or wrong: These chemicals players have been doctoring the ball. 2 to add something
remain in the dock until we have more scientific evidence. harmful to food or drink: Paul suspected that his drink had
6 [C,U] a plant with thick green leaves that grows wild in been doctored. 3 to remove part of the sex organs of an
Britain: a dock leaf7 [C] a piece of equipment that con- animal to prevent it from having babies [SYN] neuter: You
nects a PORTABLE MEDIA PLAYER to a computer, television etc should have your cat doctored. 4 to give someone medical
treatment, especially when you are not a doctor: Bill
dock? v
18a [1,7] if a ship docks, or if the captain docks it, it doctored the horses with a strong-smelling ointment.
sails into a dock so that it can unload: [+at/in] We docked doctoral /‘doktaral $ ‘\dazk-/ adj [only before noun] done
at Rangoon the next morning. as part of work for the university degree of doctor: a
2 dock sb’'s wages/pay/salary to reduce the amount of doctoral thesis f
money you pay someone as a punishment: The company doc:tor-ate /‘doktarst $ 'da:k-/ n [C] a university degree
has threatened to dock the officers’ pay. of the highest level: [+in] She received her doctorate in
3 Qa «[T] to connect two computers using an history in 1998.
electrical wire: dock sth to/into/with sth Users can dock a Doctor of Philosophy n [c] a PHD
_laptop to their desktop setup. doc-tri-naire /dpktrinea< $ dazktrner</ adj formal
4 Gears ([! + with] if two spacecraft dock, they join certain that your beliefs or opinions are correct and
together in space unwilling to change them: The party followed an increas-
5 EXE [T] to cut an animal's tail short ingly doctrinaire course.
dock-er /‘doka $ 'da:kar/ n [C] BrE someone whose job doc-trine /‘doktrin $ ‘dazk-/ n 1[C,U] a set of beliefs
is loading and unloading ships longshoreman AmE that form an important part of a religion or system of
dock-et /‘dokit $ 'da:-/ n [C]1 technical a short docu- ideas: traditional doctrines of divine power |Marxist doctrine
ment giving details of goods that are delivered 2 AmE law 2 Doctrine [C] AmE a formal statement by a government
a list of legal cases that will be heard in a particular court about its future plans: the announcement of the Truman
3 Ame a list of things that are to be discussed or done Doctrine —doctrinal /dok'tratnl $ ‘darktrinal/ adj
[SYN] agenda: What's on the docket for tomorrow's meeting? doc-u-dra-ma /‘dokju,dra:ma $ 'dazkju,dra:ma,-dreeme/
dock-ing sta-tion /‘doking sterfan $ ‘dazk-/ n [C] a n [C] a film on television which shows real events in the
piece of equipment that is used to connect a LAPTOP form of a story
computer or a PORTABLE MEDIA PLAYER to other pieces of doc-u-ment? 8) (1 Lg /‘dokjsmant $ 'dark-/ n [C]
equipment 1a piece of paper that has official information on it
dock-land /‘dokland, -lend $ 'dazk-/ (also docklands) n 2 piece of written work that is stored on a computer
[U] the area of a port where there are docks: a dockland doc-u-ment? fg /‘dokjyment $ 'datk-/ v [T] 1 to write
development about something, film it, or take photographs of it, in
dock-side /‘doksard $ 'dazk-/ n [singular] the edge of the order to record information about it: document how/what
land that is next to the water in a port etc His research documents how the crisis occurred.
documentarist 498 Si] &) & = the most frequent words in spoken English

2 to support an opinion, argument etc with recorded Dodge 'City a city in the US state of Kansas. In the 19th
facts: be well/extensively/poorly etc documented /t is well century, Dodge City was a place where many people
documented that men die younger than women. came to drink and play cards for money, and there was a
doc-u-men-ta-rist /,dokj3'mentarist $ daik-/ n [C] lot of fighting and shooting. Various WESTERNS have been
someone whose job is to make documentaries set in Dodge City. If someone says that they ‘have to get
doc-u-men-ta-ry! /,dpkjs'mentari« $ datk-/ n (plural out of Dodge’, they mean that they have to leave quickly.
documentaries) [C] a film or a television or radio pro- —> WILD WEST
gramme that gives detailed information about a particu- dodg-em car /‘dodzam ka: $ ‘da:dgam ka:r/n [C] BrE
lar subject: [+on/about] A local film crew is making a a car used on the dodgems([SYN| bumper car AmE
documentary about volcanoes. MOVIE, dodg-ems /‘dndzamz $ 'da:-/ n BrE the dodgems a ride
PROGRAMME at a FUNFAIR in which people drive small electric cars in an
documentary” adj [only before noun] 1documen- enclosed area, trying to hit other cars
tary films, programmes, photographs etc give or show dodg-er /‘dodgza $ ‘da:dzar/ n [C] tax/fare dodger some-
information about a particular subject: documentary films one who dishonestly avoids paying taxes or paying to
2 consisting of or written on documents: documentary travel on a bus or train + DRAFT DODGER
evidence/proof One of the most useful sources of documen- dodg-y /dodzi $ 'da:-/ adj BrE informal 1 not working
tary evidence is maps.
properly or not in good condition: Norton Disk Doctor can
doc-u-men-ta-tion [%3 /dokjman'terjan, -men- $ perform miracles on a dodgy hard disk. |Simon was rushed to
\da:ik-/ n 1[U] official documents, reports etc that are hospital after eating what must have been dodgy prawns.
used to prove that something is true or correct: Applicants 2 seeming to be false, dishonest, or not to be trusted:
must provide supporting documentation. 2 [C,U] the act of One girl thought the men looked dodgy. | dodgy share
recording information in writing, on film etc: [+of] a dealings 3 involving risk or danger: There were a few dodgy
careful documentation of the costs moments.
doc-u-soap /‘dokjossup $ '‘da:kjusoup/ n [C] BrE a do-do /daudau $ 'doudov/ n (plural dodos) [C] 1 a large
television programme that shows what happens in the bird that was unable to fly and no longer exists
daily lives of real people 2 AmE informal a stupid person 3 (as) dead as a dodo
dod-der-ing /‘dpdartn $ 'da:-/ adj shaking slightly and completely dead or inactive, or no longer used
walking with difficulty because of old age: a doddering old
doe /dav $ dou/ n[C] 1a female rabbit or DEER > buck,
man —dodder y [1]
stag 2 doe eyes large attractive eyes: a pretty girl with big
dod-dery /dodari $ 'da:-/ adj BrE weak and not able to brown doe eyes
do things easily because of old age: Some of the patients
are a bit doddery.
doer /'durs $ -ar/ n [C] informal someone who does
things instead of just thinking or talking about them: Dole
dod-dle /dodl $ ‘da:dl/ n be a doddle BrE informal to be is a doer, not a talker.
very easy: The exam was a doddle!
does /daz; strong daz/ the third person singular of the
dodge’ /dodz $ da:d3/ v 1[I,T] to move quickly to present tense of DO
avoid someone or something: He ran across the courtyard,
dodging a storm of bullets. | [+between/through/into etc] does-n't /‘dazant/ the short form of ‘does not’
Helen clutched Edward's arm as they dodged through the doff /dpf $ da:f, do:f/ v [7] old-fashioned to remove the
traffic. ++ see picture at BASKETBALL 2 [T] to deliberately hat you are wearing as a sign of respect
avoid discussing something or doing something dog" SI MM /dog $ dp:g/ n [Cc]
evade: dodge an issue/question Senator O'Brian skil- 1000021) a common animal with four legs, fur, and a tail.
fully dodged the crucial question. | draft dodging (=when Dogs are kept as pets or trained to guard places, find
someone avoids an order to join the army, navy etc) drugs etc — puppy: | could hear a dog barking. |He's taken
dodge? n [Cc] informal something dishonest that is done the dog for a walk. | We used to have a dog when | was
to avoid a rule or law: Businesses are investing in tree young. |the most popular breed of dog
plantations as a tax dodge (=a way of avoiding paying tax). 2 DEVENS a male dog, Fox, or WOLF > bitch
THESAURUS: doctor
doctor someone who treats people who are ill, who has completed a long course of study at medical school: If
you have bad chest pains, you should see a doctor.
GP BrE a doctor who is trained in general medicine and who treats the people who live in a local area: My GP told
me that | must lose weight.
physician /f:'z1{an/ formal especially AmE a doctor: the American physician, Dr James Tyler Kent
the medical profession doctors and nurses considered as a group: This view is widely accepted among the medical
profession.
surgeon /'s3:d3an $ 's3ir-/ a doctor who does operations in a hospital: One of the world’s top heart surgeons
performed the operation.
specialist a doctor with special knowledge about a particular illness, part of the body, or type of treatment: The
new drug is being tested by cancer specialists. |an eye specialist \
consultant BrE a very senior doctor in a hospital, with a lot of knowledge about a particular area of medicine: The
consultant said that he did not think it was cancer.
paramedic someone who has been trained to treat sick or injured people, especially at the scene of an accident: (
Paramedics treated him for shock.
vet (also veterinarian especially AmE) a doctor who treats animals: We took the cat to the vet.
‘ADOCTOR WHO TREATS MENTAL ILLNESS
psychiatrist /sar'karatrist $ sa-/ a doctor who is trained to treat people with mental illnesses: /n order to become a
psychiatrist, you first need a medical degree.
psychologist /sarkoladzist $ -'ka:-/ a scientist who studies and is trained in psYCHOLOGY (=the study of the mind): :
Many psychologists believe that aggression is a learned behaviour.
therapist a trained person whose job is to help people with their emotional problems, especially by talking to
them and asking them to talk about their feelings
| SOMEONE WHO IS STUDYING TO BE A DOCTOR
medical student a student who is studying medicine in order to be a doctor: James is a medical student at
Edinburgh university.
intern AmE a student who has almost finished studying to be a doctor, and who is working in a hospital
(i (2 GS = the most frequent words in written English 499 doldrums
3 {20 informal not polite an offensive word meaning dog-gone /‘dognn $ 'dp:goin/ v doggone it AmE spoken
an unattractive woman old-fashioned used when you are slightly annoyed about
4 dog eat dog when people compete against each other something —doggone adj, adv: What are those doggone
and will do anything to get what they want: It’s a dog eat kids doing in my yard?
dog world out there. doggy’, doggie /‘dogi $ 'doigi/ n (plural doggies) [C] a
5 be going to the dogs informal if a country or organization dog - used by or to children
is going to the dogs, it is getting worse and will be doggy? adj informal 1 like or relating to dogs: doggy
difficult to improve smells 2 doggy style/fashion a way of having sex in which
6 Deeks informal not polite an offensive word for an aman has a position behind his partner
unpleasant or dishonest man: You dirty dog! ‘doggy bag n [Cc] a small bag for taking home the food
7a dog's life spoken a life that is difficult and unpleasant, that is left over from a meal in a restaurant
with very little pleasure: His wife’s a nag who leads him a
‘doggy paddle n (singular, U] DOG PADDLE
dog's life (=makes his life unpleasant).
8 make a dog's breakfast of sth BrE informal to do some- dog-house /dpghaus $ 'do:g-/ n 1 be in the doghouse
thing very badly: The orchestra made a complete dog’s informal to be in a situation in which someone is annoyed
breakfast of the fourth movement. with you because of something you have done 2 [C] AmE
9 adog’s dinner BrE informal something that is meant to be a small house outdoors for a dog to sleep in
impressive or fashionable but that other people think is dog:leg /‘dpgleg $ 'do:g-/ n [C] a place where a road,
not: She was dressed up like a dog's dinner. path etc suddenly changes direction
10 not have a dog's chance BrE informal to have no chance dog-ma /'dogma $ 'do:gma, 'dargma/ n [C,U] a set of
of being successful firm beliefs held by a group of people who expect other
11 every dog has its/his day used to say that even the most people to accept these beliefs without thinking about
unimportant person has a time in their life when they are them: religious/political/ideological etc dogma the rejection ~
successful and important of political dogma
12 like a dog with two tails BrE informal very pleased and dog-mat-ic /dog'matik $ do:g-, da:g-/ adj someone
happy because something good has happened who is dogmatic is completely certain of their beliefs and
13 a dog in the manger someone who cannot have or does expects other people to accept them without arguing: Her
not need something, but does not want anyone else to staff find her bossy and dogmatic. —dogmatically /-kli/ adv
have it —dogmatism /'dogmatizem $ ‘doig-, 'da:g-/ n [UJ]: the
14 Gad dogs [plural] AmE informal feet: Boy, my dogs really narrow dogmatism of the past —dogmatist n [C]
hurt. do-good-er /du: 'guda $ -ar/ n [C] someone who helps
15(LELX Tied Ame informal something that is’ of very people who are in bad situations, but who is annoying
poor quality because their help is not needed - used to show disap-
16 dog and pony show Ame an event that has only been proval: I’ve got very little time for those interfering
organized so that people can admire it and think that it is do-gooders,
impressive, not for any real purpose ‘dog paddle (also doggy paddle) n [singular, U] a simple
17 be the dog's bollocks BrE informal a very rude expression way of swimming by moving your legs and arms up and
used to say that something is very good down
18 put on the dog AmE old-fashioned to pretend to be dogs:bod-y /dogzbodi $ ‘do:gzba:di/ n (plural dogs-
richer, more clever etc than you really are bodies) [C] BrE someone who has to do all the small
19 the dogs BrE informal a sports event consisting of a boring jobs that no one else wants to do: | spent the
series of races for dogs — the hair of the dog at HAIR(3), summer helping out as a general dogsbody.
—> SHAGGY DOG STORY, — as sick as a dog at SICK'(1), — let
sleeping dogs lie at SLEEP'(6), > the tail wagging the dog at
dog-sled /‘dpgsled $ 'do:g-/ n [C] a SLEDGE (=a vehicle
that travels over snow) that is pulled by dogs
TAIL'(11), + TOP DOG, — treat someone like a dog at TREAT '(1)
dog? v (dogged, dogging) [T] 1 if a problem or bad luck ‘dog tag n [Cc] AmE a small piece of metal that soldiers
dogs you, it causes trouble for a long time: He has been wear on a chain around their necks with their name,
dogged by injury all season. 2 to follow close behind some- blood type etc written on it
one dog='tired adj informal very tired
dog-cart /dogka:t $ ‘do:gkairt/ n [C] 1a vehicle with ‘dog warden n [Cc] Br£ someone whose job is to collect
two wheels and seats that is pulled by a horse 2 a small dogs without owners
vehicle pulled by a dog doh, do /dov $ dou/ n [singular, U] the first or eighth note
dog:-catch-er /dogket/a $ ‘do:gketfar/ n [C] a Doc in the SOL-FA musical SCALE
WARDEN d'oh /dav, d3: $ da, dou/ interjection spoken used
‘dog collar n [c] 1a piece of thin leather that you humorously when you have just realized that you have
fasten around a dog's neck 2 informal a stiff round white done or said something stupid
_collar worn by priests DOH, the /di: av 'eit{ $ -ov-/ (the Department of
‘dog days n [plural] 1the hottest days of the year Health) a British government department which is
2 a period of time when something is not successful: Few responsible for health programmes in the UK and for the
opera houses survived the dog days of the 1980s. National Health Service
dog-eared /‘dog 1ad $ 'do:g 1rd/ adj dog-eared books doi-ly /dotli/ n (plural doilies) [C] a circle of paper or
or papers have been used so much that the corners are cloth with a pattern of holes in it that you put under
turned over or torn: a dog-eared novel things to protect the surface below, or for decoration
‘dog-end n [Cc] BrE the small part of a cigarette left after do-ing /‘duxin/ n1 be sb's (own) doing if something bad
it has been smoked is someone's doing, they did or caused it: If you fall into
dog-fight /dogfart $ 'do:g-/ n [C] 1 an organized fight this trap, it will be all your own doing. 2 take some doing
between dogs 2 a fight between armed aircraft informal to be hard work: We had to be on the parade
dog-fish /dogfy $ 'do:g-/ n (plural dogfish or dogfishes) ground for 5.30 a.m. and that took some doing.
[C] a type of small SHARK 3 doings [plural] events, activities etc that someone is
dog-ged /dogd $ ‘do:-/ adj dogged behaviour shows involved in: Supper is a family get-together, where the
that you are very determined to continue doing some- doings of the day are talked about.
thing: a dogged determination to succeed do-it-yourself n [uJ ov
DETERMINED —doggedly adv —doggedness n [U] dol-drums /doldramz $ ‘doul-, 'da:l-, 'do:-/ n [plural]
dog:ge-rel /‘dogaral $ ‘do:-, 'da:-/ n [U] poetry that is informal a) if an industry, company, activity etc is in the
silly or funny and not intended to be serious doldrums, it is not doing well or developing: in the dol-
dog-gie /‘dogi $ 'dp:-/ n [C] another spelling of DoGcY drums The property market has been in the doldrums for
dole 500 EX = words from the Academic Word List

months. |Recent economic doldrums have damaged the rural =dom /dam/ suffix 1[in U nouns] the state of being
west. b) if you are in the doldrums, you are feeling sad: something: freedom | boredom 2 [in C nouns] a) an area
Fay is in the doldrums today. ruled in a particular way: a kingdom b) a particular rank: a
dole? /davl $ doul/ n [U] informal 1 BrE money given by dukedom — OFFICIALDOM
the government in Britain to people who are unemployed: do-main [4 /da'mein, dav- $ da-, dov-/ n [C] formal
be/go on the dole (=be unemployed and receiving money lan area of activity, interest, or knowledge, especially
from the government) Too many young people are still on one that a particular person, organization etc deals with:
the dole. | The number claiming dole went up by 3,500. outside/within the domain of sth/sb This problem is outside
2 the dole queue/dole queues BrE the number of people the domain of medical science. |Looking after the house was
who are unemployed and claiming money from the gov- viewed as a woman's domain. —+ PUBLIC DOMAIN 2 an area of
ernment, or a line of people waiting to claim this money land owned and controlled by one person or government,
each week: As two factories closed today, 500 people joined especially in the past: the extent of the royal domain
the dole queue. | Dole queues Jengthened. 3 the dole AmE 3 technical the set of possible quantities by which some-
money given by the government in the US to people who thing can vary in mathematics 4 a domain name
need financial help [SYN] welfare: on the dole How many do'main name n [c] the first part of a website's
people are on the public dole? address, which usually begins with ‘www.’ and ends with
dole? y ‘com’, ‘.org', ‘.uk’, or other letters that show which coun-
dole sth <> out phr v informal to give something such as try the website is from :
money, food, advice etc to more than one person: [+to]
Vera was doling out candy to all the kids. dome /daum $ doum/ n[C]1 a round roof ona building
2 a shape or building like a ball cut in half
dole-ful /dautfal $ 'doul-/ adj formal very sad: a doleful
song about lost love —dolefully adv domed /daumd $ doumd/ adj covered with a dome or
doll™ /dol $ da:l, do:I/ n1 [C] a child's toy that looks like shaped like a dome: a high domed ceiling
a small person or baby: a small wooden doll do-mes-tic" [1 Lg /da'mesttk/ adj
2 [C] old-fashioned informal a word meaning an attractive Trelating to or happening in one particular country and
young woman - now usually considered offensive: Hey, not involving any other countries — foreign: domestic
doll, why don’t you get me a cup of coffee? 3 [singular] AmE market/economy/demand etc the booming domestic
informal a very nice person: Thanks, you're a doll. economy | US foreign and domestic policy | our nation’s
doll? y domestic affairs |Domestic flights (=flights that stay inside
doll yourself up phr v informal if a woman dolls herself up, a particular country) go from Terminal 1.
she puts on attractive clothes and MAKE-UP, especially 2 [only before noun] relating to family relationships and life
before going out to a party, club etc: Maggie was in her at home: Unfortunately his domestic life wasn't very happy. |
room, dolling herself up. |be/get dolled up (for sth) The girls domestic tasks/chores/responsibilities etc Nowadays there
were all dolled up for a party. is more sharing of domestic chores. | families that can afford
dol-lar GI (B /dola $ 'da:lar/ n [C] domestic help (=help with cleaning, washing etc) | an
1the standard unit of money in the US, Canada, Australia, organization. that supports women facing domestic violence
and some other countries, divided into 100 cENTs: symbol (=violence in a family, especially from a husband to his
$: It cost three dollars. | a ten-dollar bill | You can pay in wife)
dollars or euros at the airport. 3used in people’s homes: a new tax on domestic fuel |
2the dollar the value of US money in relation to the domestic appliances such as washing machines
money of other countries: The pound has risen against the 4someone who is domestic enjoys spending time at
dollar (=increased in value in relation to the dollar). home and is good at cooking, cleaning etc: No, I’m not
—> you can bet your bottom dollar at BET'(4), — feel/look like very domestic.
a million dollars at MILLION(4) 5 [only before noun] a domestic animal lives on a farm or in
dol-lar-i-za-tion /dolarar'zerfan $ -ra-/ n [U] technical a someone's home [OPP] wild: domestic pets —domestically
situation in which countries outside the US want to use /-kli/ adv: domestically produced coal
the dollar rather than their own country’s money domestic? n[c]1 old-fashioned a servant who works in
dollars-and-'cents adj Lonly before noun] AmE finan- a large house 2 BrE informal a fight between members of
cial: From a dollars-and-cents point of view, this idea just a family in their home: /t sounded like the neighbours were
won't work, having a bit of a domestic.
doll-house /‘dolhaus $ ‘datl-, 'do:!-/ n [C] AmE a Doul’s do-mes-ti-cate [ /da'mestikert/ v [T] to make an
HOUSE animal able to work for people or live with them as a pet
dol-lop /‘dolap $ 'da:-/ n [C] informal 1a small amount — tame —domestication /da,mestkerfan/ n [U]
of soft food, usually dropped from a spoon: [+of] a dollop do-mes-ti-cat-ed [YJ /da'mest?kertid/ adj 1 domesti-
of thick cream 2 an amount of something: [+of] You'll need cated animals are able to work for people or live with
a big dollop of luck. —dollop v [T] them as pets 2 someone who is domesticated enjoys
‘doll’s house n [C] BrE a small toy house with furniture spending time at home and doing work in the home: Ray’s
inside [SYN] dollhouse AmE very domesticated and even likes baking cakes.
dol-ly /‘doli $ 'da:li, 'do:li/ n (plural dollies) [C] 1 a DoLt - do-mes:tic-i-ty /daume'strsiti $ dov-/ n [U] life at
used especially by children 2 technical a flat frame on home with your family: a scene of happy domesticity
wheels used for moving heavy objects
‘dolly bird n (c] BrE old-fashioned informal a pretty do,mestic ‘partner n [c] AmE someone who you live
with and have a sexual relationship with, but who you are
young woman, especially one who wears fashionable
not married to
clothes
dol-‘men /‘dpimen, -man $ ‘doulman, ‘do:l-, 'da:l-/ n [C] do,mestic ‘science n [U] BrE old-fashioned the study
technical two or more large upright stones supporting a of cooking, sewing etc, taught as a subject at school
large flat piece of stone, built in ancient times home economics
dol-our BrE, dolor AmE /‘dpla $ ‘doular/ n [U] literary do,mestic ‘service n [U] formal the work of a servant
great sadness in a large house
dol-phin /dolfin $ 'da:l-, 'do:l-/ n [C] a very intelligent dom-i-cile /domisail $ 'da:-, 'dov-/ n [C] formal the
sea animal like a fish with a long grey pointed nose place where someone lives: Military service entails fre-
‘dolphin-safe adj dolphin-safe fish is caught in a way quent changes of domicile.
that does not harm or kill dolphins: dolphin-safe tuna dom-i-ciled /domisatld $ 'dar-,'dov-/ adj formal ©
dolt /dault $ doult/ n [C] old-fashioned a silly or stupid 1 be domiciled in to live in a particular place 2 if a com-
person —doltish adj pany is domiciled in a place, it is officially REGISTERED there -
EX3 = words from the Academic Word List 501 donor card
domi-cil-i-a-ry /doméstliari $ daimi'stlieri, dov-/ adj order to help them —> donor: donate sth to sb/sth Last year
[only before noun] formal domiciliary services/care/visits etc he donated $1,000 to cancer research. GREATS sive
services, care etc in someone's home 2 to allow some blood or a body organ to be removed
dom-i-nance fq /‘dominans $ ‘da:-/ n [U] the fact of from your body so that it can be used in a hospital to help
being more powerful, more important, or more noticeable someone who is ill or injured —> donor: people who volun-
than other people or things —+ dominate: [+of] the con- teer to donate blood
tinuing dominance of the army in Uganda | political/ do-na-tion /dav'nerfan $ dov-/ n 1[C] something,
economic/cultural etc dominance the economic and political especially money, that you give to a person or an organi-
dominance of Western countries |[tover] television's domi- zation in order to help them: [+to/from] Would you like to
nance over other media make a donation (=give money) to our charity appeal? |
dom-i-nant! [9 Gg /‘dominent $ 'da:-/ adj There have been generous donations from EEC funds.
1Imore powerful, important, or noticeable than other 2 [U] the act of giving something, especially money, to
people or things + dominate: The dominant male gorilla is help a person or an organization: [+of] the donation of a
the largest in the group. | Japan became dominant in the quarter of a million pounds | blood/organ donation
mass market during the 1980s. | its dominant position within done! /dan/ the past participle of po
the group GLEE POWERFUL done? adj [not before noun, no comparative ]
2 controlling or trying to control other people or things - 1s finished or completed [SYN] finished: The job's
used to show disapproval [SYN] domineering: a dominant nearly done. |sb is done (with sth) (=someone has finished
personality doing or using something) As soon as I’m done, !'Il give you
3 technical a dominant GENE causes a child to have a a call. |Are you done with this magazine? | I'll be glad when
particular physical feature or illness, even if it has been the exams are over and done with (=completely finished).
passed on from only one parent — recessive: The disease 2 @TeP) cooked enough to eat — overdone, underdone:
is under the control of a single dominant gene. Is the pasta done yet?
dominant? nh [singular] technical the fifth note of a 3 be done for informal to be in serious trouble or likely to
musical SCALE of eight notes fail: If we get caught, we’re done for.
4 done in informal extremely tired: You look done in.
dom-i-nate (1 HG /‘dominet $ ‘da:-/ v 5 be done (also be the done thing BrE) to be socially accept-
1[1,T] to control someone or something or to have more able: Showing affection in public just isn’t done in Japan.
importance than other people or things: The industry is 6 be done with it (also have done with it BrE) used to tell
dominated by five multinational companies. | New Orleans someone to stop thinking about or trying to decide some-
dominated throughout the game. | Her loud voice totally thing because they have already done this enough: Just
dominated the conversation. | Education issues dominated buy it and have done with it!
the election campaign. 7 be done BrE informal to be deceived or cheated: If you
2 [T] to be larger and more noticeable than anything else paid £50, you were done, mate!
in a place: The cathedral dominates the city. —dominating 8 be/get done BrE informal to be caught by the police for
adj; his dominating characteristic ©—domination doing something illegal, but usually not too serious:
/domunerfan $ da:-/ n [U]: political domination [+for] | got done for speeding last night.
dom-i-na-trix /domsnertriks $ da:-/ n [C] a woman 9 a done deal informal an agreement that has been made
who is the stronger partner in a SADOMASOCHISTIC Sexual and cannot be changed: The merger is far from a done deal.
relationship 10 done and dusted BrE informal completely finished or
dom-i-neer-ing /,doms'ntertn< $ da:m3'ntr-/ adj some- completed: /t was all done and dusted within forty-five
one who is domineering tries to control other people minutes. — be hard done by at HARD2(6)
without considering their feelings or ideas - used to show done? interjection used to agree to and accept the con-
disapproval: a domineering mother —domineer v [1] ditions of a deal: ‘I’ give you $90 for it.’ ‘Done!’
Do-min-i-can /da'mintken/ n [C] a member of a Chris- don-gile /‘dongal $ 'da:n-/ n [C] technical a small piece
tian religious group who leads a holy life —Dominican adj of equipment that you must connect to a computer
do-min-ion /da'minjan/ n 1([U] literary the power or before you can use a particular piece of software
right to rule people or control something: have/hold Don Juan / don ‘hwarn, -warn, -'dzuren $ dain-/ n [C]
dominion over sb/sth The King held dominion over a vast aman who is good at persuading women to have sex with
area. 2 [C] formal the land owned or controlled by one him
person or a government: the king's dominions 3 (also don:key /‘donki $ ‘da:ki/ n 1[C] a grey or brown
Dominion) [C] old-fashioned a country belonging to the animal like a horse, but smaller and with long ears
British EMPIRE Of COMMONWEALTH — colony, protectorate: 2 donkey's years BrE spoken a very long time: for donkey's
opinion at home and in the dominions years I’ve had this jacket for donkey's years.
domino /dominsv $ fe elas ‘donkey jacket n [Cc] BrE a short thick coat, usually
'darminov/ on (plural ; very dark blue, with a piece of leather or plastic across
‘dominoes) 1[C] one of a the shoulders
set of small flat pieces of don-key-work /‘donkiw3tk $ 'da:nkiw3irk/ n [U] BrE the
wood, plastic etc, with dif- hard boring work that is part of a job or project: Why do |
ferent numbers of spots, always have to do the donkeywork?
used for playing a game don-nish /dony $ ‘da:ny{/ adj BrE clever, serious, and
2 dominoes [U] the game more interested in ideas than real life
played using dominoes do:nor /‘dauna $ 'dounar/ n [C] 1a person, group etc
3 domino effect a situation
that gives something, especially money, to help an
in which one event or organization or country —> donate: We urgently need more
action causes several assistance from donor countries (=countries that give
other things to happen one money, food etc to help in poor countries or disaster
after the other areas). |An anonymous donor (=whose name is unknown)
don’ /don $ da:n/ n [C] 1 BrE a university teacher, has given £500 towards the restoration fund. 2 some-
especially one who teaches at the universities of Oxford one who gives blood or a body organ so that it can be
or Cambridge 2 informal the leader of a Mafia organiza- used in the medical treatment of someone else — donate:
tion Some patients die before a suitable donor is found. | blood/
don? v (donned, donning) [T] literary to put on a hat, coat organ/kidney etc donor the shortage of blood donors
etc ‘donor card n [Cc] a card that you carry to show that
do-nate /dau'nert $ ‘dounert/ v [I,T] 1 to give some- when you die a doctor can take parts of your body to use
thing, especially money, to a person or an organization in in the medical treatment of someone else
——— 502 SI & & = the most frequent words in spoken English

‘do- nothing adj [only before noun] BrE informal lazy or 5 show/see sb to the door to take someone to the main
unwilling to make any changes, especially in politics: the way out of a building: My secretary will show you to the
do-nothing government of the last few years door.
Don Quix-ote /don ‘kwrksat,-krhauti $ dain-, -houti/ 6 two/three etc doors away/down/up used to say how
n someone who is determined to change what is wrong, many houses or buildings there are between your house,
but who does it in a way that is silly or not practical. This office etc and another building: [+from] Patrick lived two
name comes from the main character in the humorous doors away from me.
book Don Quixote de la Mancha by Miguel de Cervantes. 7 (from) door to door a) especially BrE from one place to
Don Quixote wants to be a KNIGHT like the characters he another: How long is the journey, door to door? b) going to
admires in old stories, but when he tries to copy their each house in a street or area to sell something, collect
adventures and behaviour, he makes many stupid mis- money, or ask for votes: Joe sold vacuum cleaners door to
takes. door for years. + DOOR-TO-DOOR
don't /daunt $ dount/ 1 the short form of ‘do not’: Don't 8 be on the door to work at the entrance to a theatre, club
worry! | You know him, don’t you? — dos and don'ts at etc, collecting tickets
DO3(2) 2 spoken an incorrect short form of ‘does not’: She 9 shut/close the door on sth to make something impossi-
don’t like it. ble: The accident shut the door on her ballet career, — at
do-nut /‘daunat $ 'dou-/ n [C] especially AmE another death’s door at DEATH(7), —+ behind closed doors at
spelling of DOUGHNUT CLOSED(5), —> get in through the back door at BACK DOOR(2),
—» lay sth at sb’s door at LAY7(19), > NEXT DOOR, —+ open
doo-dah /‘du:da:/ BrE, doo-dad /'du:ded/ AmE n [C]
doors (for sb) at OPEN7(16), +>OPEN-DOOR POLICY, — open the
informal a small object whose name you have forgotten or
do not know: Where's the doodah to turn off the TV? door to sth at OPEN2(16), > show sb the door at SHOW"(20)
doo-dle /'du:dl/ v [1] to draw shapes, lines, or patterns Leo] Kole Wale). ky
without really thinking about what you are doing: Brad
was doodling on a sheet of paper. (OEEIUETE> praw open/close/shut the door / opened the door and Dad
—doodle n [C] was standing there.
doo-hick-ey /‘duzhrki/ n [C] AmE informal a small slam/bang the door (=shut it loudly, usually
object whose name you have forgotten or do not know, because you are angry) He strode from the room,
especially a part of a machine slamming the door behind him.
doo:lal-ly /du:'leli/ adj BrE spoken crazy answer the door (=open it for someone who has
doom! /du:m/ v [7 usually passive] to make someone or knocked or pressed the bell) Lucy ran downstairs to
something certain to fail, die, be destroyed etc; be answer the door.
doomed to failure/defeat/extinction etc Many species are a door leads somewhere (=used to say what place
doomed to extinction. | The plan was doomed from the start. | is on the other side of a door) This door leads into the
be doomed to do sth We are all doomed to die in the end. garden.
—doomed adj: passengers on the doomed flight a door opens/closes/shuts We were still waiting for
the train doors to open.
doom? n [U] something very bad that is going to hap-
a door slams/bangs (shut) (=shuts loudly) | heard
pen, or the fact that it is going to happen: A sense of
the front door slam.
impending doom (=coming very soon) gripped her. |sense/
a door flies/bursts open (=opens very suddenly
feeling of doom |spell doom for sth (=mean that something
and quickly) | a door swings open/shut (=moves
will be unable to continue or survive) The recession spelled
forward to open or backwards to shut) |a door
doom for many small businesses. | Thousands ofsoldiers met
slides open/shut (=moves smoothly to the side or
their doom (=died) on this very field. |doom and gloom/
back again) | lock/unlock the door |bolt the door
gloom and doom (=when there seems to be no hope for
(=slide a metal bar across to fasten it) | knock
the future) Despite these poor figures, it’s not all doom and
gloom.
on/at the door (=hit it with your hand to make
someone open it) | bang/hammer on the door (=hit
‘'doom-laden adj BrE saying or making you feel that it very loudly and urgently) |tap on/at the door
something very bad is going to happen soon: documenta- (=hit it very gently) |get the door (=open or close it
ries full of doom-laden predictions for someone)
doom:say-er /‘du:msera $ -ar/ especially AmE (also
doomster BrE) n [C] someone who says that bad things -ADJECTIVES/NOUN+door
are going to happen the front/back/side door (=of a house) | heard
Dooms-day /‘du:mzder/ n [U] 1 till/until Doomsday someone knocking at the front door.
informal for a very long time: You could wait till Doomsday the main door (=the door into a building that most
and he'd never show up. 2 the last day of the Earth's people use) The main door to the hotel is on Queen
existence, when everything will be destroyed, according Street.
to some religions: doomsday scenario (=a description of a the kitchen/bedroom/bathroom etc door |
very bad and hopeless situation) the cupboard door Br£, the closet door AmE |
the fridge/oven door |a car door |the passenger
doom:ster /‘du:msta $ -ar/ n [C] BrE informal a door (=for the person in a car who sits beside the
DOOMSAYER
driver) | a rear door (=a door at the back of a
door’ Gd Od /do: $ do:r/ n [C] vehicle)
1the large flat piece of wood, glass etc that you move
when you go into or out of a building, room, vehicle etc, | door + NOUN
or when you open a cupboard —» gate: Could you open the a door handle (=that you move up or down to open
door for me? | The door flew open and Ruth stormed in. | a door) |a door knob (=that you turn to open a
Don't forget to lock the garage door. ++ FIRE DOOR, FRENCH door) |a door key
DOORS, REVOLVING DOOR(1), SLIDING DOOR, STAGE DOOR, SWING
DOOR, TRAPDOOR door? v [7] to hit someone with a car door when they
2the space made by an open door [SYN] doorway: in/out are riding past on a bicycle: | nearly got doored as | went
(of)/through the door Rick turned and ran out of the door. || past the flats in Camden Street.
glanced through the open door. door-bell /‘do:bel $ ‘do:r-/ n [C] a button outside a
3 at the door if someone is at the door, they are waiting for house that makes a sound when you push it so that
you to open the door of a building so they can come people inside know you are there: ring the doorbell (=push
inside: There's somebody at the front door. the button) — see picture at BELL
4 out of doors outside [SYN] outdoors: | prefer working out of do-or-'die adj [only before noun] very determined: a
doors, do-or-die attitude :
( (2 OB = the most frequent words in written English 503 doss
doorjamb /'do:dzem $ 'do:r-/ n [C] especially AmE a She's still a_ little dopey from the anaesthetic.
DOORPOST 2 slightly stupid: a dopey grin
door-keep-er /'do;kizpa $ 'do:rkispar/ n [C] someone dop-ing /‘dauptn $ ‘'dov-/ n [U] the practice of using
who guards the main door of a large building and lets drugs to improve performance in a sport: doping scandal/
people in and out ban/test etc doping offences
doorknob /‘do:nvb $ ‘doirna:b/ n [C] a round handle dop-pel-gang-er /‘dopalgena, -gen- $ ‘da:palgener/ n
that you turn to open a door [C] 1 sb's doppelganger someone who looks exactly like
door-knock-er /'do:noka $ ‘doirnna:kar/ (also knocker) someone else [SYN] double 2 an imaginary spirit that looks
n[C] a heavy metal ring or bar on a door that you use to exactly like a living person
knock with do-py /‘deupi $ ‘doupi/ adj a British spelling of Dorey
door-man /‘do:men, -man $ ‘do:r-/ n (plural doormen Doric /‘dortk $ ‘do:-, 'da:-/ adj in the oldest and sim-
/-men, -man/) [C] a man who usually wears a uniform plest of the Greek building styles — lonic: a Doric column
and works in a hotel, club etc letting people into the dork /do:k $ doirk/ n [C] informal someone who you
building, helping people find taxis etc —> porter think is or looks stupid —dorky adj
door-mat /'do:met $ 'do:r-/ n [C] 1a piece of material dorm /doim $ do:rm/ n [C] informal a DORMITORY
inside or outside a door for you to clean your shoes on dor-mant /‘do:ment $ 'da:r-/ adj not active or not grow-
2 informal someone who lets other people treat them ing at the present time but able to be active later
badly and never complains: Don’t let him treat you like a [opp] active: lie/remain dormant The seeds remain dormant
doormat. until the spring. | a huge dormant volcano —dormancy n (U]
door-nail /‘doiner! $ ‘do:r-/ n (as) dead as a doornail dor-mer /‘do:ma $ ‘do:rmar/, ‘dormer window BrE n [C]
informal completely dead a window built into a roof, so that it sticks out from the
door-post /‘do:paust $ 'do:rpoust/ n [C] one of two roof —> SKYLIGHT — see picture at WINDOW
upright posts on either side of a doorway dor-mi-to-ry /‘do:mitari $ 'do:rméto:ri/ n (plural dormito-
door prize n [C] Ame a prize given to someone who ries) [C] 1 especially BrE a large room for several people
has the winning number on their ticket for a show, dance to sleep in, for example in a BOARDING SCHOOL or HOSTEL
etc 2 Ame a large building at a college or university where
door-step' /‘do:step $ 'do:r-/ n [C] 1 a step just outside students live [syNj hall of residence BrE
a door to a house or building: on the doorstep He stood on ‘dormitory town n [C] Br£ a town that is near a city
the doorstep, straightening his tie. | the front doorstep with more work opportunities, so that many people who
2 on sb’s/the doorstep a) very near someone's home: live there travel to work in the city every day
Wow! You've got the beach right on your doorstep! SYN| bedroom community/suburb AmE
b) at someone's home: | got a shock when he just turned up dormouse /'do:imaus $ 'doir-/ n (plural dormice) [C] a
on the doorstep. 3 BrE informal a very thick piece of bread small European mouse with a long furry tail
doorstep? v (doorstepped, doorstepping) [1,1] BrE if dor-sal /‘do:sal $ 'do:r-/ adj [only before noun] on or
politicians or JOURNALISTS doorstep people, they visit relating to the back of an animal or fish: a shark's dorsal fin
people at their homes in order to get votes or information —» see picture at FISH"
- often used to show disapproval: Journalists had door- do-ry /‘da:ri/ n (plural dories) 1 [C] a rowing boat that
stepped the couple and their neighbours. has a flat bottom and is used for fishing 2 [C,U] a flat sea
door-stop /'do:stop $ 'do:rsta:p/ (also door-stop-per fish that can be eaten, or the flesh of this fish
/-stopa $ -sta:per/ BrE) n [C] 1 something you put under DOS /dps $ da:s/ n [U] technical (Disk Operating Sys-
or against a door to keep it open 2a rubber object tem) software that is loaded onto a computer system to
fastened to a wall to stop a door hitting it when it opens make all the different parts work together
door-to-'door adj [only before noun] visiting each house dos-age /‘dausidz $ ‘dou-/ n [C usually singular] the
in a street or area, usually to sell something, collect amount of a medicine or drug that you should take at one
money, or ask for votes: a door-to-door salesman — door to time, especially regularly: high/low dosage | [tof] He was
door at DOOR(7) recommended a high dosage of morphine. | increase/reduce
door-way /'do:wer $ 'do:r-/ n [C] the space where a the dosage | The daily dosage is steadily reduced over several
door opens into a room or building: in the doorway There weeks.
was Paolo, standing in the doorway. dose! /daus $ dous/ n [C] 1 the amount of a medicine
doo-zy /‘du:zi/ n (plural doozies) [C] AmE informal or a drug that you should take: [+of] Never exceed the
something that is extremely good, bad, strange, big etc: recommended dose of painkillers. | high/low dose Start with
I've heard lies before, but that one was a real doozy! a low dose and increase it. 2 an amount of something that
dope’ /daup $ doup/ n informal1 [U] a drug that is not you do or experience at one time, especially something
legal, especially MARUUANA: Jeff used to smoke dope all the unpleasant: a bad/mild dose of flu BrE (=making you feel
' time. 2 [C] spoken a stupid person [SYN]idiot: What a dope! very ill or only slightly ill) Dave had a bad dose of flu. |
3 dope test a test given to people or animals taking part lethal/fatal dose (of sth) (=an amount that kills) a lethal
in a sport, to see if they have taken or have been given a dose of radiation | | quite like Jamie in small doses (=in
drug to improve their performance 4 the dope (on sb/sth) limited amounts but not a lot or often). 3 like a dose of
new information about someone or something, especially salts BrE informal very quickly and easily: The cleaners
information that not many people know: What's the dope went through the house like a dose of salts.
on the new guy? dose? v [7] (also dose up) to give someone medicine or
dope? v [T usually passive] 1 (also dope sb up) to give a a drug: dose sb/yourself with sth Sumi dosed herself up with
person or an animal a drug, often in their food or drink, to aspirin and went to bed.
make them unconscious: The girl had been doped and dosh /dpf $ da:f/ n [U] BrE informal money
kidnapped. 2 to give an animal a drug that makes it do-si-do /dau si ‘dav $ dou si 'dou/ n [singular] an
perform better in a race 3 be doped (up) BrE to be unable action in COUNTRY DANCING in which partners move around
to think or behave normally, because of the effects of each other with their backs towards each other —do-
drugs or alcohol: [ton] She was doped up on drink and si-do v [I]
drugs most of the time. doss' /dps $ da:s/ v [|] BrE informal (also doss down) to
dope? adj AmE informal very good: a dope album sleep somewhere that is not your usual place, or not a
dope-head /‘dauphed $ 'doup-/ n [C] informal some- real bed: | dossed down on the couch downstairs.
one who takes a lot of illegal drugs doss around/about phr v to spend your time in a lazy
dop-ey (also dopy BrE) /‘daupi $ ‘doupi/ adj informal way, doing very little: We just dossed around all day Satur-
1 thinking or reacting slowly, as if you have taken a drug: day.
 doss 504 4 = words from the Academic Word List

doss* n BrE informal a doss work that does not need 6 es a double flower has more than the usual
much effort: This job's a real doss. number of PETALS + DOUBLY
doss-er /‘dosa $ ‘da:sar/ n [C] BrE informal 1some- double?n
one who has nowhere to live, and sleeps in the street or 1S T79 [C,U] something that is twice as big, as
in cheap HOSTELs 2 someone who is very lazy much etc as usual or as something else: Scotch and water,
‘doss house n [C] BrE informal a place where people Please - eek ita double. | ‘They offered me £10,000." ‘I'l
; ive you double.
STEHGah aube nero Tie b
aheedu aR oak OricaiTans eaca [C] a room for two people in a hotel — single: A
* 5 double costs $95 a night.
dos-si-er /‘dpsier $ 'dp:sjer, ‘ 'da:-/ n‘ [C] a set: of papers ITENNIS| U layed bet t :
containing detailed, usually secret information about a : doubles [Uy a game played! Between Meyeane
: asi : : of players, especially in tennis — singles: the men’s dou-
person or subject [SYN]file: [ton] A firm of detectives eae Jaane anaes 8
produced a dossier on his activities. 4 Eee [C] a hit in baseball which allows the BATTER
dot" & /dot $ da:t/ n [Cc] to reach second BASE: Walker led the inning with a double.
1asmall round mark or spot: a pattern of dots 5 SITET ~sb's double someone who looks very
2on the dot informal exactly on time or at a particular like someone else: She’s her mother’s double.
time: I'll be there on the dot. | at three o'clock/seven thirty 6 (GIS [C] an actor who takes the place of a more
etc on the dot (=at exactly 3:00/7:30 etc) Mr Green famous actor in a film, especially because the acting
arrived at six on the dot. involves doing something dangerous: | think they used a
3 something that looks like a small spot because it is so double in the shower scene.
far away: The plane was just a dot on the horizon. 7 at the double BrE, on the double Ameinformal very quickly
4a short sound or flash of light used when sending and without any delay: He was told to get back to Washing-
messages by MORSE CODE —+ dash — the year dot at YEAR(3) ~—_—ton on the double.
== dot? (dotted, dotting) [T] 1to mark something by 8 double or quits BrE, double or nothing AmEa situation ina
putting a dot on it or above it: She never dots her i's, |game when you must do something that could either win
2 [usually passive] if an area is dotted with things, there | you twice as much money or make you lose it all
are a lot of them there but they are spread far apart: be double? Ee v
dotted with sth The lake was dotted with sailboats. | be 1[1,T] to become twice as big or twice as much, or to
dotted about/around etc sth The company has over 20 stores make something twice as big or twice as much: double in
dotted around the country. |Poppies dotted the field.3 to put size/number/value ete Within two years the company had
a very small amount of something on a surface, espe- doubled in size. | The church has doubled its membership in
cially in several places: dot sth with sth Dot the apples with __ the last five years. |double the size/number/amount etc (of
butter. 4 dot the i's and cross the t's informal to pay careful sth) A promise was given to double the number of police on
attention to all the details when you are finishing some- _—_duty. SEGEUS> Increase
thing 2 [T] (also double over/up) to fold something in half: Take
do-tage /‘davtidz $ ‘dou-/ n in your dotage in your old 4 sheet of paper and double it over. j
age 3 [1] to hit the ball far enough to get to second BASE in a
dot-com, dot.com, dot com /,dpt ‘kom $ ,da:t 'ka:m/ adj game of baseball
[only before noun] informal relating to a person or company double as sb/sth phr v to have a second use, job, or
whose business is done using the Internet or involves the purpose as a particular thing: The school doubled as a
Internet: a dot-com company | dot-com millionaires —dot- hospital during the war.
com n [C]: Several of the leading dot-coms saw their share double back phr v to turn around and go back the way
prices slide yesterday. you have come: The driver doubled back and headed for
Howard Bay. |double back on yourself We kept getting lost
dote /daut $ dout/ v and having to double back on ourselves,
dote on/upon sb phr v to love someone very much, and double up phr v
show this by your actions: Everyone doted on Sally, the only 4 (also double over) to suddenly bend over at the waist
girl in the family. —doting adj [only before noun]: a doting because you are laughing so much or are in pain: Emilio
parent —dotingly adv doubled over, grabbing his leg. | be doubled up/over with
doth /da@/ old use a form of ‘does’ laughter/pain etc Both the girls were doubled up with laugh-
‘dot-matrix printer n [c] a machine connected toa ter.
computer that prints letters, numbers etc using many 2to share something, especially a bedroom: [+with]
small pots You'll have to double up with Susie while your aunt is here.
.
dotted ‘line é ; 4 :
n [Cc] a series of printed or drawn ots +double* adv be bent double to be bent over a long
way:
that form a line —» sign on the dotted line at siGn2(4) The trees were almost bent double in the wind. + see double
dot-ty /doti' $ ‘datti/ adj old-fashioned informal 31 SE'29) ‘Tay Yh RAB J
1

1 slightly crazy 2 dotty about sb/sth liking or loving some- dauble: Bice LL bg tes ao. big vnc e uel se
one or something very much: Gemma’s dotty about horses. bia yee eat double She amount/number/size etayldve
d 4 i need double this amount for eight people. | The value of the
oub-le 80 © /'dabal/ adj [usually before noun] house is double what it was. }
1 EET consisting of two parts that are similar or ‘double act n[c] two actors, especially COMEDIANS, who
exactly the same: a double sink | a double wardrobe | the perform together
es aie of the cathedral | Don't park your car on double ‘agent n [Cc] someone who finds out an enemy
2 PEEEEEY combining or involving two things country’s — for their own country but who also
of the same type: a double murder case |A lot of the jokes age ae ee eee
Ware based’ ori dotlble teahing! ,double-'barrelled BE, double-barreled AmE 1 a dou-
3 GE twice as big, twice as much, or twice as ble-barrelled gun has two places where the bullets come
many as usual: a double whisky | The city was enclosed by Ut 2 BrE a double-barrelled family name has two parts.
walls of double thickness. 3 AmE very strong or using a lot of force: a double-
4 (EM made for two people or things to use Parreled attack
+ single: Do you need a double bed or two singles? | q @ouble bass /dabal 'bers/ (also bass) n [C] a very
double room |a double garage large musical instrument shaped like a VIOLIN that the
5 MMS RESLTMS BrE spoken used to say that a Musician plays standing up — see picture at STRINGED
particular letter or number is repeated: My name's Rob- INSTRUMENT
ae with a double ‘b’. | The number is 869 double 2 double 'bedn [c] a bed made for two people to sleep
=86922). in
EG= words from the Academic Word List doublet
double ‘bill n [c] a cinema, theatre, concert etc per- double en-ten-dre /du:blon'tondra $ -bla:n'ta:n-/ n
‘formance in which you can see two films, plays etc, one (C] a word or phrase that may be understood in two
after the other different ways, one of which is often sexual
double ‘bind n [c usually singular] a situation in which double ‘fault n [c] two mistakes, one after another,
any choice you make will have bad results when you are SERVING in tennis, which make you lose a
double-'blind adj technical a double-blind scientific point
‘test or study compares two groups in which neither the double ‘feature n (c] AmE 1a cinema performance in
scientists nor the people being studied know which group ‘which two films are shown one after the other
is being tested and which group is not {SYN] double bill BrE 2 a video with two films on it
double ‘bluff n [c] an attempt to deceive someone by double-'figure adj [only before noun] relating to the
telling them the truth, hoping that they will think you are numbers 10 to 99 [SYN] double-digit AmE: Almost all lead-
lying ing shares had double-figure gains.
double ‘boiler n (c] a pot for cooking food, consisting double ‘figures n [plural] the numbers from 10 to 99
of one pan resting on top of another pan with hot water in [SYN| double digits AmE: in double figures King's was the
only other score in double figures. | approach/reach/go into
it
etc double figures The death toll is thought to have reached
double-' book y [1,7] to promise the same seat in a double figures.
‘theatre, on a plane etc to more than one person by
double ‘first n [Cc usually singular] a British university
mistake —double-booking n [U]
‘degree iin which a student reaches the highest standard in
double-'breasted adj a double-breasted jacket, coat two subjects
etc has two sets of buttons — single-breasted double ‘glazing n [U] BrE glass on a window or door
double-'check vy[1,7] to check something again so that in two separate sheets with a space between them, used
you are completely sure it is correct, safe etc to keep noise out and heat in —double-glaze v [T]
EE CHECK
double-'header n [c] two baseball games played one
double ‘chin n [Cc] a fold of loose skin under someone's after the other
chin that looks like a second chin double ‘helix n [Cc] tech- DOUBLE HELIX
double ‘click v [1,1] to press a button on a computer nical a shape consisting of
mouse twice in order to send an instruction to the com- two parallel spirAts that
puter twist around the same
double ‘cream n [vu] Br£ very thick cream — single centre, found especially in
cream
the structure of DNA
double-'cross v [7 ] tocheat someone, especially after
double in'demnity n
[U] AmE law a feature of a
you have agreed to do something dishonest with them
life insurance policy that
—double cross n [C] —double-crosser n [C]
allows double the value of
double ‘date n (c] old-fashioned an occasion when two the contract to be paid in
couples meet to go to a film, restaurant etc together the case of death by acci- Ms ay)
—double-date v [1,T] dent
double ‘dealer n (c] BrE informal someone who double ‘jeopardy n [U] law when someone is taken to
‘deceives other people —double cl n[U] court a second time for the same crime, in some unusua
double-deck-er /dabal situations
'deka« $ -ara/ n[C]1 a bus double-'jointed adj able to move the joints in your
with two levels oe ‘fingers, arms etc backwards as well as forwards
—» single-decker 2 a sand- double ‘life n [c] if someone lives a double life, they
wich made with three ‘deceive people by having two separate homes, families,
pieces of bread and two or sets of activities, one of which they keep secret:
layers of food —double-
lead/live a double life Marje had no idea that her husband
decker adj [only before
was leading a double life with another woman.
noun]
double-digit adj [only double ‘negative n [c] two negative words used in
before noun] especially AmE one sentence when only one is needed in correct English
grammar, for example in the sentence ‘| don’t want
relating to the numbers 10 Nhe Deut donee taden 4 ey
to 99 [SYN] double-figure nobody to help me!’
BrE: double-digit inflation double-'park y [1,7] to leave a vehicle on a road beside
double ‘digits n [plural] AmE the numbers from 10 to ‘another vehicle that is already parked there
"99 [SYN
[SYN] double figures: Sam's team scored in the double double ‘play n [c] the action of making two runners in
digits in nine out of ten games. a game of baseball have to leave the field by throwing the
ball quickly from one BASE to another before the runners
double-'dip v [1] AmE to get money from two places at
reach either one
once, usually in a way that is not legal or not fair
double ‘quick adv BrE informal as quickly as possible:
double-'Dutch n (U] 1 BrE informal speech or writing ‘Call an ambulance double quick! —double-quick adj [only
‘that you cannot understand [SYN] nonsense 2 AmE a game before noun]: Lunch was produced in double-quick time.
in which one child jumps over two long ropes that are
being swung around by other children double-'sided adj something such as tape or paper
‘that is double-sided has something on both surfaces:
double ‘duty n do double duty to do more than one job double-sided sticky tape
or be useful for more than one thing at the same ihe
doub-le: speak /‘dabalspi:k/ n [U] BrE speech that is
[+as] The sofa does double duty as a guest bed.
complicated and can have more than one meaning,
\double-' edged adj 1 a double-edged sword/weapon sometimes used deliberately to deceive or confuse
‘something that seems to be good, but that can have a people [SYN] double-talk
bad effect: Being famous is often a double-edged sword.
2 having two different parts: a double-edged attack on
double ‘standard n [c] a rule, principle etc that is
‘unfair because it treats one group of people more
global warming 3 a double-edged remark has two possi-
severely than another in the same situation
ble meanings, one of which is not very nice: /t sounded like
a double-edged comment. 4 with two cutting edges: a doublet /‘dablt/ n [C] a man’s tight jacket, worn in
double-edged knife Europe from about 1400 to the middle 1600s
 double take : 506 i) & & = the most frequent words in spoken English

double ‘take n [c] do a double take to look at someone

or something again because you are very surprised by serious/grave doubts They have some serious doubts
what you saw or heard as to his honesty.
‘double-talk n (u] speech that is complicated and can considerable doubts |a lingering /nagging doubt
have more than one meaning, sometimes used deliber- (=one that does not go away)
ately to deceive or confuse people [SYN] double-speak BrE:
legal double-talk RASES ee
doub-le-think /dabal@rk/ n [U] BrE a dishonest belief there is no/little/some doubt (=used to talk about
in two opposing ideas at the same time
how sure people are about something) There is little
doubt that he will play for England one day.
double ‘time pn [u] double pay given to someone when without a shadow of a doubt (=without any doubt) |
they work at a time when people do not normally work knew without a shadow of a doubt that | was going to
‘'double-time adj, adv especially AmE very quick or as win.
quickly as possible: Get upstairs and clean your room - an element of doubt (=a slight doubt) |not the
double-time! slightest doubt (=no doubt)
double ‘vision n [U] a medical condition in which you
see two objects instead of one all the time, for example doubt? 3 v [7 not in progressive]
», after an accident 1to think that something may not be true or that it is
_ double ‘whammy n [c] two bad things that happen unlikely: Kim never doubted his story. | doubt (that) / doubt
_ together or one after the other: the double whammy of we'll ever see him again. | doubt if/whether You can com-
__ higher prices and more taxes plain, but | doubt if it'll make any difference. | ‘Do you think
there'll be any tickets left?’ ‘I doubt it (=| don't think so).’
» dou-bloon /dnblu:n/ n [C] a gold coin used in the past
2to not trust or have confidence in someone: | never
in Spain and Spanish America
doubted myself. | always knew | could play tennis at this
doubsly /dabli/ adv 1 [+ adj] much more than usual: Be level. |She loved him, and had never doubted him. | |have no
doubly careful when driving in fog. 2 in two ways or for two reason to doubt his word (=think that he is lying).
reasons: You are doubly mistaken. —doubter n [Cc]
doubt" §] Oy /daut/ n a SAS
1[C,U] a feeling of being not sure whether something is
true or right: [+about] The incident raises doubts about the doubt to think that something may not be true or
safety of nuclear power. | [+as to] Some government minis- that it is unlikely: ‘Do you think she really is eighteen?’
ters had serious doubts as to whether the policy would work. | ‘| doubt it.’ |There was so much noise that | doubt if
There was still one little nagging doubt at the back of his anyone slept. 4
mind. | There’s no doubt that he was a major artist. be doubtful/dubious /'djuzbias $ 'du:-/ to doubt that
2no doubt used when you are saying that you think something will happen, is true, or is a good idea:
something is probably true: No doubt you'll have your own Economists are doubtful that the situation will improve
ideas. | She was a top student, no doubt about it (=it is this year. | ‘You can eat the whole fish including the
certainly true). head.’ Janey looked dubious.
3 if/when (you're) in doubt used when advising someone have reservations to feel that a plan or idea may not
what to do if they are uncertain about something: /f in be good because you think there may be some
doubt, consult your doctor. problems with it: Health care professionals had
4 be in doubt if something is in doubt, it may not happen, reservations about giving both vaccines together.
continue, exist, or be true: The future of the peace talks is in have misgivings to feel worried about doing
doubt. something, because it may have a bad result: Ralph
5 beyond doubt if something is beyond doubt, it is com- had serious misgivings about changing his career at the
pletely certain: The prosecution must prove beyond reason- age of 50.
able doubt that the accused is guilty of the crime. | put the have mixed feelings to be unsure exactly how you
game/result/match beyond doubt (=do something which feel about something or someone because there are
makes it certain that a particular player or team will win a both good and bad things about them: | have very
match) Ferdinand’s second goal put the game beyond doubt. mixed feelings about moving house - it’s exciting but 1'Il
6 without doubt used to emphasize an opinion: Jo is with- miss this area.
out doubt one of the finest swimmers in the school. have second thoughts to start having doubts about
7 open to doubt something that is open to doubt has not whether a decision you have just made is the right
been proved to be definitely true or real: The authenticity one: | liked the dress in the shop, but when | got it home
of the relics is open to doubt. + SELF-DOUBT, —+ give sb/sth | had second thoughts.
the benefit of the doubt at BENEFIT"(4)
COLLOCATIONS doubt-ful /dautfal/ adj 1 probably not true or not likely
| VERBS _ oo to happen: Prospects for a lasting peace remain doubtful. |it
is doubtful if/whether /t was doubtful whether the patient
have doubts Scientists still have some doubts about
the theory. would survive the operation. |it is doubtful that /t is doubtful
that the missing airmen will ever be found. 2 not sure that
have your doubts (=have some doubts) Everyone
something is true or right: ‘Everything's going to be all right,
else thinks it's a good idea, but | have my doubts.
have no/little doubt / have no doubt that you are
you'll see.’ Jenny looked doubtful. | [+if/whether] /'m still
right. doubtful whether | should accept this job. | doubtful about
(doing) sth At first we were doubtful about employing
be in no/any doubt about sth The government is in
no doubt about the seriousness of the situation. Charlie. 3 unlikely to be successful: Already the whole
scheme was looking increasingly doubtful. 4 probably not
leave no/little doubt (that) (=make people sure or
almost sure about something) The evidence left no good [SYN] dubious: Here the tap water is of doubtful quality.
—doubtfully adv
doubt that he was the murderer.
cast/throw doubt on sth (=make people unsure doubt-ing Thom-as / davtin ‘tomas $ -'ta:m-/ n [sin-
about something) Research has cast doubt on the gular] someone who does not always believe things until
safety of mobile phones. they have seen proof of them. This expression comes
raise doubts about sth (=make people unsure about from the story of the APosTLE Thomas in the Bible. He —
something) |call/throw sth into doubt (=make doubted the truth of the RESURRECTION (=return to life) of
people unsure about something) |express/voice Jesus Christ and demanded to feel Jesus' wounds before
doubts (=say that you have doubts) he would believe it. ~
{0 (2 OS = the most frequent words in written English 507

doubt-less /‘davtlas/ adv used when saying that some- down the road. | The bus stop is a bit further down on the
thing is almost certain to happen or be true: Doubtless left-hand side.
there would be lots of rumours. 5 Sal) in or towards the south [oppjup: They drove all
douche /duy/ n [C usually singular] a mixture of water the way down from Boston to Miami. | They sailed down the
and something such as VINEGAR, that a woman puts into east coast of Africa. | Now he's bought a villa down south. |a
her VAGINA to wash it, or the object that she uses to do trip down Mexico way
this —douche v [1,7] 6 Rea at or to a place that is not far away:
dough /dau $ dov/ 11 [singular, U] a mixture of flour She’s just gone down to the shops. | | saw her down at the
and water ready to be baked into bread, PASTRY etc + see station this morning.
picture at BREAD 2 [U] informal money 7 GWG away from the place where a river starts [oPP|up:
Chunks of ice came floating down the river.
dough-nut /‘daunat $ 'dov-/ n [C] a small round cake,
8 used with verbs that mean ‘fas-
often in the form of a ring
ten’ to show that something is fastened firmly to the
dough-ty /‘davti/ adj [only before noun] literary brave surface or object below it: The coffin lid had been nailed
and determined down.
dough-y /‘davi $ 'dovi/ adj 1 looking and feeling like 9 [sg at or towards a level or amount that is less
dough 2 doughy skin is pale and soft and looks unhealthy fopp|up: Keep your speed down. | House prices have come
dour /dva, 'dava $ daur, dur/ adj 1 serious, never smil- down in recent months. | Turn the radio down, | [+to] Sharif
ing, and unfriendly 2 a dour place is one that is plain and cut his report down to only three pages.
dull, and where people do not have any fun —dourly adv 10 [ENT losing to an opponent by a certain number of
douse, dowse /daus/ v [T] 1 to stop a fire from burning points: two goals down/three points down etc Swindon were
by pouring water on it 2 [+ with/in] to cover something in six points down at one stage.
water or other liquid Nl used with verbs that mean ‘write’ to show
dove’ /dav/ n [C] 1a kind of small white PIGEON (=bird) that you write something on paper or in a book: I'll write
often used as a sign of peace 2 someone in politics who down the address for you. | Start by jotting down a few
prefers peace and discussion to war [opp| hawk ideas. | Let’s put you down as self-employed.
12 EOE if you are down for something, your name is
dove? /douv $ douv/ Ame a past tense of DIVE on a list of people who want to do something or are
dove-cot, dove-cote /‘davkot $ -ka:t/ n [C] a small intended to do something: [+for] Purvis is down for the
house built for doves to live in 200 metre freestyle event. | We've already put his name
dove:tail! /‘davterl/ v 1 [1,7] to fit together perfectly or down for nursery school. | down to do sth I’ve got you down
to make two plans, ideas etc fit together perfectly: to do the table decorations.
[+with] My vacation plans dovetail nicely with Joyce's. 13 from an earlier time in history to a
2 [T + together] to join two pieces of wood by means of later time or to people who are born in later times: a
dovetail joints person whose words and actions have inspired millions of
dovetail? (also dovetail joint) n [C] a type of JOINT people down the centuries | This knowledge was handed
fastening two pieces of wood together down in the family from father to son. | The story has been
dov-ish /‘davif/ adj preferring peace and discussion to passed down the generations for a thousand years. | [+to]
traditions that have come down to us from medieval times
war [opp| hawkish
14 QpINsEasd ~paid to someone immediately: A
dow-a-ger /'david3a $ -ar/ n[C] 1 a woman froma high top quality freezer for only £20 down and £5 a week for a
social class who has land or a title from her dead hus-
year.
band: the dowager Duchess of Devonshire 2 informal a 15 ay from top to bottom: | want you to wash my
respected and impressive old lady
car down.
dow:-dy /‘daudi/ adj 1a dowdy woman is not attractive, 16 SUZ) in or into your stomach as a result of
because she wears dull and unfashionable clothes swallowing: Meg’s been very ill and can't keep her food
2 dowdy things are dull, unattractive, and unfashionable: down. | He gulped down the coffee.
a dowdy dress 17%) unhappy or sad: Tim's been feeling down,
dow-el /‘daval/ n [C] a wooden pin for holding two EEE sad
pieces of wood, metal, or stone together 18 (i if a computer is down, it is not working
dow-el-ling /‘davelin/ n [U] wood in the shape of a [OPP]up ERTL BROKEN
round rod, cut up to make dowels 19 be down to sb if an action or decision is down to you, it
Dow Jones In-dex /dau 'dzaunz indeks $ -'dgounz-/ is your responsibility: It’s down to me to make sure that
(also Dow ‘Jones Average) n the Dow Jones Index a daily everyone is happy. — be up to sb at uP'(19b)
list of prices of shares on the American Stock Exchange, 20 be down to sb/sth to be the result of one person's
based on the daily average prices of 30 industrial shares actions or one particular thing: Chris’s success is all down
_ — the FTSE Index to him.
21 be down to your last pound/dollar/litre etc to be left with
down’ &] fy /daun/ adv, prep, adj only a small amount of something: We're down to our last
TEV) to or towards a lower place or
five dollars.
position [oppjup: David bent down to tie his shoelace. | Get
22 down to sth/sb including everything or everyone, even
down off the table. | Tears were streaming down my face. |
the smallest thing or the least important person: Everyone
The sun was going down and it would soon be dark. | They
uses the cafeteria, from the managing director down to the
came running down the stairs. | She stood on a balcony
office boy. | The plans were all complete down to the last
looking down into the courtyard. | Glancing down the list of
runners, | noticed a familiar name. | Her hair came down to detail.
her waist. | Ken fell asleep face down (=with his face 23 be/go down with sth to have a particular illness: Jane’s
towards the ground) on the couch. gone down with flu.
2 (DEW eaeg in a lower place or position [opp] up: 24 Down with sb/sth spoken used to say that you strongly
We heard the sound of laughter down below. | The bathroom oppose a government, leader etc and want them to lose
is down those stairs. |Halfway down the page, there was the their power: Down with the government!
item | was looking for. 25 be down on sb/sth informal to have a severe attitude
3A into a sitting or lying position: Please sit towards someone or something, especially when this is
down. | | think I'll go and lie down for a while. unfair: Why is Mark so down on her at the moment?
4 (YepTa at or to a place that is further along something 26 [Nenad BrE used to say that someone
such as a road or path: A young man came hurrying down leaves or has left a university at the end of a period of
the street. |She looked down the road to see if anyone was study: [+from] Sarah came down from Oxford in 1966.
coming. | There is a pleasant little cafe bar a hundred yards 27 Gay) already done or completed: Well, you've
 down 508 Eq = words from the Academic Word List

passed your second test, so it’s two down and four more to broke her leg, and she went downhill quite rapidly after that.
go. downhill? adj 1 on a slope that goes down to a lower
28 down under informal in or to Australia or New Zealand point [OPP] uphill: downhill skiing | It’s a long walk back, but
29 Down! spoken used to tell a jumping dog to get down at least it’s all downhill. 2 be all downhill (from here)/be
30 be down with sb spoken informal to be friends with downhill all the way (from here) to be easy to do, because
someone — be down on your luck at LUCK'(17) you have already done the hard part: The worst is over -
down? v [7] 1to drink or eat something quickly: He it's all downhill from here.
downed the coffee in one gulp. 2 to knock or force someone ‘down-home adj [only before noun] AmE typical of the
to the ground: O'Malley downed his opponent in the first simple values and customs of people who live in the
round. 3 down tools BrE to stop working, especially country, especially in the southern US —+ homely: down-
because you are taking part in a STRIKE (=protest about home family recipes
pay or conditions by stopping work)
Dow-ning Street /‘dauntn stri:t/ n the government or
down? n 1 [U] soft hair like a baby’s 2 [U] the soft fine Prime Minister of Great Britain: Downing Street declined to
feathers of a bird 3 [C] one of the four chances that an comment on the allegations.
American football team has to move forward when it is
their turn to have the ball 4 the downs low round hills down-light-er /‘daunjatta $ -ar/ n [C] a small light,
covered with grass, as in the south of England 5 have a usually one of many, that is fitted into a ceiling and shines
down on sb BrE informal to dislike or have a bad opinion of light down towards the ground
~ someone: For some reason, Malcolm had a down on the down-load! /daun'laud $ 'daunloud/ v [T] to move
whole teaching profession. + ups and downs at UP2(1) information or programs from a computer network to a
down /daun/ prefix 1 at or towards the bottom or end small computer: games that can be downloaded free from
of something — up-: downstairs | downriver (=nearer to the Internet
where it goes into the sea) 2 used to show that some- down-load? /‘daunlaud $ -loud/ n [C] a computer FILE
thing is being made smaller or less important [OPP] up-: to or program that has been downloaded, or the process of
downgrade a job (=make it less important) | to downsize a downloading it: We've got reviews and downloads of the
company (=reduce the number of jobs in it) 3 used to latest business software.
show that something is bad or negative [opP]up-: the down-load:a-ble /daun'laudabal $ 'daunloud-/ adj if a
downside of a situation (=the negative part of it) | down- computer program or FILE is downloadable, you are
market products (=low quality products) allowed to copy it from a computer network onto your
down-and-'out" adj 1having no luck or money: a own computer
down-and-out actor 2 having no home and living on the down-mar-ket! /daun'ma:kit« $ -a:r-/ adj BrE down-
street market goods or services are cheap and not of very good
down-and-'out? n [Cc] BrE someone who has no home quality [SYN] downscale AmE [opp] upmarket; downmarket
and who lives on the street tabloid newspapers | The company wanted to break away
\down-at-'heel adj BrE unattractive and not well cared from its traditional, downmarket image.
for, because of a lack of money: The town today is a downmarket? adv BrE 1 go/move downmarket to start
shabby, down-at-heel place. buying or selling cheaper goods or services 2 take sth
down-beat" /daunbi:t/ adj not showing any strong downmarket to change a product or service so that it is
feelings, especially not happy ones [OPP]upbeat: A/ was cheaper and more popular - used to show disapproval:
surprisingly downbeat about the party. He was accused of taking the radio station downmarket in
downbeat? n [Cc] 1 the first note in a BAR of music order to compete with commercial stations.
2 the movement a CONDUCTOR makes to show when this down ‘payment n [Cc] a payment you make when you
note is to be played or sung buy something that is only part of the full price, with the
down-cast /‘daunkaist $ -kest/ adj 1sad or upset rest to be paid later: We've almost got enough money to
because of something bad that has happened make a down payment on a house.
GEESE sad 2 downcast eyes are looking down: down-play /daun'pler $ ‘daunpler/ v [T] to make
Penelope sat silently, her eyes downcast. something seem less important than it really is [S¥N] play
down-er /‘dauna $ -ar/ n informal 1[C] a drug that down: White House officials attempted to downplay the
makes you feel very relaxed or sleepy — upper President's role in the affair.
2 [singular] a person or situation that stops you feeling down-pour /‘daunpo: $ -poir/ n [C usually singular] a lot
happy: The weather was a bit of a downer. 3 be on a downer of rain that falls in a short time RAIN
BrE to be sad or experiencing a series of sad events: downright /‘daonratt/ adv [+ adj/adv] used to empha-
What's up with Ruth? She’s been on a downer all week. size that something is completely bad or untrue: Jed’s
down-fall /‘daunfo:! $ -fo:l/ n [singular] 1 complete loss downright lazy. | It’s downright disgusting! —downright adj
of your money, moral standards, social position etc, or Lonly before noun]: That's a downright lie!
the sudden failure of an organization: the scandal that led down-riv-er /daun'tva $ -ar/ adv in the direction that
to the president's downfall 2 something that causes a com- the water in a river is flowing [OPP] upriver > downstream:
plete failure or loss of someone's money, moral stand- The bridge was another mile downriver.
ards, social position etc: be sb’s downfall an addiction to
gambling that proved to be her downfall down-scale’ /‘daunskel/ adj AmE downscale goods or
services are cheap and not of very good quality
down-grade /‘daungreid/ v [T] 1 to make a job less
important, or to move someone to a less important job down-scale? /daun'ske1l $ ‘daunskerl/ v [I,T] AmE to
[OPP]upgrade 2 to make something seem less important sell or buy cheaper goods of lower quality
or valuable than it is: Police often downgrade the serious- down:shift /daonift $ 'daunfrft/ v [1] 1to put the
ness of violence against women in the home. 3 to state that engine of a vehicle into a lower GEAR in order to go slower
something is not as serious as it was; Hurricane Bob has 2 if someone downshifts, they choose to do a lessiimpor-
been downgraded to a tropical storm. ail or difficult job, so that they do not have to worry
down-heart-ed /daun'ha:tide $ -a:r-/ adj feeling sad about their work and have more time to enjoy their life
and disappointed, especially because you have tried to down:side /‘daunsatd/ n the downside the negative
achieve something but have failed: When no replies came, part or disadvantage of something [OPP] upside: Digital cell
| began to feel downhearted. phones offer more security, but the downside is that they
down-hill® /daun'h1</ adv 1 towards the bottom of a have less power. |[+of] The downside of the book is that it is
hill or towards lower land [OPP] uphill: / was going downhill written in a rather boring style.
and my brakes failed. 2 go downhill if a situation goes down+-size /‘daunsazz/ v [IT] ifa company or organiza- _
downhill, it gets worse [SYN]deteriorate: Grandma fell and tion downsizes, it reduces the number of people it
EQ = words from the Academic Word List 509 draft
employs in order to reduce costs: The airline has down- dow:ty /‘davari $ 'dauri/ n (plural dowries) [C] property
sized its workforce by 30%. (ESTE Reduce and money that a woman gives to her husband when
—downsizing n [U] they marry in some societies
down:spout /‘daunspaut/ n [C] BrE a pipe that carries dowse' /davz/ v [| + for] to look for water or minerals
water away from the roof of a building under the ground using a special stick that points to
‘Down's syndrome n [U] a condition that someone is where they are
born with, that stops them from developing in a normal dlowse? /daus/ v [T] another spelling of DousE
way, both mentally and physically dows:er /'davza $ -ar/ n [C] someone who dowses for
down-stage /daun'sterd3</ adv towards or near the water or minerals
front of the stage in a theatre [opp] upstage —downstage dowsing rod /‘dauzin rod $ -ra:d/ n [C] a special stick
adj in the shape of a Y used by a dowser
down:stairs' G4 /daun'steaz< $ -'sterz/ adv towards or doy-en /‘dotan/ n [C] the oldest, most respected, or
on a lower floor of a building, especially a house most experienced member of a group: [+of] the doyen of
[OPP] upstairs: Rosie ran downstairs to answer the door. | sports commentators
Charles was downstairs in the kitchen. —downstairs adj: a doy-enne /doten/ n [C] the oldest, most respected, or
downstairs bathroom most experienced woman in a group: [+of] the doyenne of
down:stairs* n the downstairs the rooms on the ground piano teachers in the city
floor in a house: We have still got to paint the downstairs. doz. (also doz BrE) n the written abbreviation of dozen
down:state /‘daunstert/ adj [only before noun] Ame in or doze /davz $ douz/ v [1] to sleep lightly for a short time:
from the southern part of a state [OPP] upstate: A down- Grandad was dozing in his chair. PELE steep —doze
state judge was called in to hear the case. —down-state n [singular]
/ daon'stert/ adv doze off phr v to go to sleep, especially when you did not
down:-stream /daun'stri:m</ adv in the direction that intend to [SYN] drop off, nod off: | must have dozed off.
the water in a river or stream is flowing [OPP] upstream doz-en § [8 /‘dazan/ number (plural dozen or dozens)
—»+ downriver: a boat drifting downstream (written abbreviation doz.)
down:-time /daontaim/ n [U] 1 the time when a com- 1 twelve: a dozen eggs |two/three/four etc dozen (=24, 36,
puter is not working 2 (also down time) informal a period 48 etc) The number of deaths has risen to more than two
of time when you have finished what you were doing, and dozen. | dozens of people/companies/cars etc (=but not
you can relax or do something that you had not originally hundreds or thousands) Dozens of people were killed. |
planned to do: Often, during semesters, you have down time Chris, Helen, and half a dozen others went on holiday
when you can do some exercise. —downtime adj: downtime together. |A dozen or so (=about 12) cars were parked near
activities for teachers the entrance.
down-to-earth adj practical and direct in a sensible 2 informal a lot of: a dozen I've heard this story a dozen times
honest way: Fran’s a friendly, down-to-earth person. |a chef before. |dozens of sth She’s had dozens of boyfriends. | We
with a down-to-earth approach to cooking collected dozens and dozens ofshells on the beach. —> BAKER'S
DOZEN, —> a dime a dozen at DIME(2), —+ nineteen to the
down-town & [5 / daun'taun</ adv to or in the centre dozen at NINETEEN(2), —> six of one and half a dozen of
or main business area of a town or city — uptown: | have
another at SIx(4)
to go downtown /ater. —downtown adj [only before noun]:
downtown restaurants | She works for a law firm in down- doz-y /'dauzi $ 'dou-/ adj 1 not feeling very awake 2 BrE
informal slow to understand things [SYN] stupid: Those kids
town Miami.
are really dozy sometimes!
down:trod-den /‘dauntrodn $ -tra:-/ adj downtrodden
people are treated badly and without respect by people DP /di: 'pi:/ n [U] technical the abbreviation of data
who have power over them processing
down:turn /‘dauntsin $ -tairn/ n [C usually singular] a D.Phil. (also DPhil BrE) /,di: ‘ftl/ n [C] (Doctor of Philoso-
phy) a university degree of a very high level, which
period or process in which business activity, production
etc is reduced and conditions become worse [OPP| upturn: involves doing advanced RESEARCH [SYN] PhD
America’s current economic downturn | [+in] a downturn in dpi /di: pi: 'at/ (dots per inch) a way of measuring how
the auto industry much ink is put on the page by a PRINTER
down-ward /‘daunwed $ -werd/ adj [only before noun] DPP /di: pi: 'pi:/ n the DPP the abbreviation of the
Tmoving or pointing towards a lower position Director of Public Prosecutions
upward: a gentle downward slope 2 moving to a lower Dr BrE, Dr. AmE 1the written abbreviation of doctor
level [OPP] upward: Share prices continued their downward 2 the written abbreviation of drive: 88 Park Dr
trend. | She was caught in a downward spiral of drink and drab /dreb/ adj 1 not bright in colour, especially in a
drugs. -> DOWNWARDS way that stops you from feeling cheerful [SYN] dull: The
' downwardly com'patible adj computer software walls were painted a drab green. 2 boring [SYN] dull: people
that is downwardly compatible can be used on older forced to live grey, drab existences in ugly towns —drabness
computers as well as very new ones n [U] — DRIBS AND DRABS
downwardly ‘mobile adj someone who is down- drach-ma /‘drekma/ n (plural drachmas or drachmae
wardly mobile is becoming poorer upwardly mobile /-mix/) [C] the standard unit of money used in Greece
down-wards /‘daunwadz $ -wardz/ (also downward) before the EURO
adv1 towards a lower level or position upwards: Nina dra:co-ni-an /dra'kaunian $ -'kou-/ adj very strict and
glanced downwards. | Hold out your hands with your palms cruel: draconian measures/controls/penalties etc draconian
facing downwards. | The body was lying face downwards measures to contro! population growth
(=with the front of the body on the floor), 2 used when a draft? Gy (5 Lg /drartt $ dreft/ n [C]
number or amount becomes smaller [opp] upwards: The 1a a piece of writing or a plan that is not
death toll was later revised downwards to 689. 3 from the yet in its finished form: the rough draft of his new novel | |
chairman/president/top etc downwards used to mean that read the first draft and thought it was very good. |All parties
people of all levels in an organization, country etc are eventually approved the final draft (=finished form) of the
affected by something: Everyone from the chairman down- peace treaty.
wards is taking a pay cut. 2 [Mead the draft AmE a) a system in which people are
down:-wind /daun'wind/ adv in the direction that the ordered to join the army, navy etc, especially during a war
wind is moving upwind conscription b) the group of people who are ordered
downy /‘daoni/ adj covered in or filled with soft fine to do this
hair or feathers: the baby’s downy head 3([enTa" especially BrE a written order for money to be
 draft a
paid by a bank, especially from one bank to another 11 drag sb through the courts to force someone to go to a
48209 AmE a system in which professional teams court of law, especially in order to make them have a bad
choose players from colleges to join their teams experience because you are angry with them
5 GDN the American spelling of DRAUGHT 12 drag sb kicking and screaming into sth to force someone
draft? fq v [T] to do something that they do not want to - used humor-
IGE to write a plan, letter, report etc that ously: The party will have to be dragged kicking and scream-
will need to be changed before it is in its finished form: ing into the 21st century.
Eva's busy drafting her speech for the conference. 13 look as if you've been dragged through a hedge backwards
2 (EET [usually passive] to order someone to join the to look very untidy - used humorously
army, navy etc, especially during a war [SYN] conscript: be 14 Cea «[T] if you drag your leg, foot etc,
drafted into sth My dad was eighteen when he got drafted you cannot lift it off the ground as you walk because it is
into the army. injured: a bird dragging its broken wing
382055 Ame to choose a college player to join a profes- drag sb/sth <> down phr v
sional team: Craigwell was drafted by the Chicago Black- 1to make someone feel unhappy and weak: Joe’s been ill
hawks, for weeks now - it's really dragging him down.
draft sb <> in (also draft sb into sth) phr v to ask or order 2to make the price, level, or quality of something go
someone to work in a place where they do not normally down: Declining prices for aluminium have dragged down the
work: Extra staff were drafted in to deal with the Christmas company's earnings. ;
rush. | Hundreds of police have been drafted into the area. 3if someone or something bad drags you down, they
make you become worse or get into a worse situation:
draft? fq adj1 draft proposal/copy/version etc a piece of
Don’t let them drag you down to their level.
writing that is not yet in its finished form 2 the American drag sb/sth into sth (also drag sb/sth < in) phr v
spelling of DRAUGHT
1to make someone get involved in an argument, war, or
« ‘draft board n [c] the committee that decides who will other unpleasant situation that they do not want to be
be drafted into the army, navy etc involved in: I’m sorry to drag you into this mess.
‘draft card n [Cc] a card sent to someone telling them 2 to talk about something when you are having a discus-
they have been drafted into the army, navy etc sion or argument, even though it is not connected with it:
Don't drag my past into this!
‘draft dodger n [c] someone who illegally avoids drag on phr v if an event or situation drags on, it contin-
joining the army, navy etc, even though they have been
ues for too long: [+for] an expensive court battle that could
ordered to join
drag on for years
draft-ee /dra:fti: $ dref-/ n [C] someone who has been drag sth <> out phr v to make an event or situation last
drafted into the army, navy etc longer than is necessary: Neither of them wanted to drag
draft-er /‘dra:fta $ ‘draftar/ n [C] a draftsman the divorce out longer than they had to.
drag sth out of sb phr v to make someone tell you
drafts«man /<dra:ftsman $ ‘dreefts-/ n (plural draftsmen
something when they had not intended to tell you or
/-man/) [C] 1 (also drafter) someone who puts a sug-
were not supposed to tell you: Police finally dragged a
gested law or a new law into the correct words
confession out of him.
2 the American spelling of DRAUGHTSMAN
drag sb/sth <> up phr v
draft-y /‘dra:fti $ ‘drefti/ adj the American spelling of 1to mention an unpleasant or embarrassing story from
DRAUGHTY the past, even though it upsets someone: Why do you
have to drag that up again?
drag’ &) 0D /dreg/ v (dragged, dragging)
1G{0357) [T] to pull something along the ground, often 2 be dragged up BrE if a child is dragged up, their parents
because it is too heavy to carry: drag sth away/along/ do not teach them to behave properly - used humorously:
through etc /nge managed to drag the table into the kitchen. Those children have been dragged up, not brought up!
PULL drag? nia drag informal a) something or someone that
20053 [T always + adv/prep] to pull someone some- is boring: Don’t be such a drag! Come to the party. b) some-
where where they do not want to go, in a way that is not thing that is annoying and continues for a long time: It’s a
gentle: He grabbed her arm and dragged her into the room. real drag having to travel so far to work every day. 2 be a drag
3 drag yourself to/into/out of ete sth informal to move on sb/sth to make it hard for someone to make progress
somewhere with difficulty, especially because you are ill, towards what they want: Any slowdown in the economy is
tired, or unhappy: | dragged myself out of bed and into the going to be a drag on the President's re-election campaign.
bathroom. |Can you drag yourself away from (=stop watch- 3 [C] the act of breathing in smoke from your cigarette:
ing) the TV for a minute? Frank took a drag on his cigarette. 4 in drag wearing clothes
4GSSSI LT always + adv/prep] informal if worn by the opposite sex, especially to entertain people:
you drag someone somewhere, you persuade or force The whole performance is done in drag. 5 (U] the force of
them to come with you when they do not want to: Mom air that pushes against an aircraft or a vehicle that is
dragged us to a classical music concert. moving forward: The car's rounded edges reduce drag.
5@ [T] to move words, pictures etc on a com- 6 the main drag Ame informal the biggest or longest street
puter screen by pulling them along with the mouse: You that goes through a town: Our hotel is right on the main
can drag and drop text like this, drag.
6 GATTI [1] if time or an event drags, it seems to go
very slowly because nothing interesting is happening: drag-net /‘dregnet/ n [C] 1a system in which the
Friday afternoons always drag. police look for criminals, using very thorough methods
7H) [1] if something is dragging along 2 a net that is pulled along the bottom of a river or lake,
the ground, part of it is touching the ground as you move:
to bring up things that may be there
[+along/in/on] Your coat’s dragging in the mud. drag-on /'dregan/ n[C] 1 a large imaginary animal that
8 drag your feet/heels informal to take too much time to has wings and a long tail and can breathe out fire
do something because you do not want to do it: The 2a woman who behaves in an angry, unfriendly way
authorities are dragging their feet over banning cigarette —» chase the dragon at CHASE'(7)
advertising.
9 drag a lake/river etc to look for something in a lake, river drag-on-fly /dreganflar/ n (plural dragonflies) [C] a
etc by pulling a heavy net along the bottom: The police are brightly-coloured insect with a long thin body and trans-
dragging the lake for the missing girl's body. parent wings which lives near water — see picture at
10 drag sb's name through the mud to tell people about the INSECT
bad things that someone has done, so that they will have dra-goon' /dra'guin/ n [C] a soldier in past times who
a bad opinion of them rode a horse and carried a gun and sword
( (2 OS = the most frequent words in written English S11 draper
dragoon? v dram /drem/ n [C] a small alcoholic drink, especially
dragoon sb into sth phr v to force someone to do some- WHISKY - used especially in Scotland
thing they do not want to do: dragoon sb into doing sth dra-:ma (5 GG /‘dra:ma $ ‘dra:ma, 'drema/ n
Monica was dragooned into being on the committee. 1[C,U] a play for the theatre, television, radio etc, usually
‘drag queen n [Cc] informal a HomosEXUAL man who a serious one, or plays in general —+ comedy: the great
dresses as a woman, especially to entertain people traditions of ancient Greek drama | a TV/television/radio
‘drag race n [Cc] a car race over a very short distance drama the award-winning TV drama ‘Prime Suspect’ | a new
—drag racing n [U] drama series for Saturday nights | a drama critic | a court-
drag:-ster /‘dregsta $ -ar/ n[C] a car used in drag races room drama (=one that takes place in a court of law) | a
lavish costume drama (=one about events in a past
that is long, narrow, and low
century) | He plays a Russian spy in the comedy drama
drain’ /dretn/ v ‘Sleepers’.
1QT) a) [T] to make the water or liquid in something 2 [U] acting - used when talking about it as a subject to
flow away: The swimming pool is drained and cleaned every study or teach: young actors coming out of drama school |
winter, | drain sth from sth Brad drained all the oil from the our drama teacher
engine. | Can you drain the spaghetti, please (=pour away 3 [C,U] an exciting event or set of events, or the quality of
the water from the pan)? b) [I always + adv/prep] if liquid being exciting: Maggie's life is always full of drama. | acci-
drains away, it flows away: [+away/off/from] | watched dents, burst pipes, and other domestic dramas | a night of
the bath water drain away. c) [\] if something drains, the high drama (=very exciting events) | the drama of the
liquid that is in it or on it flows away and it becomes dry: moment
Open ditches drain very efficiently. |She washed up and left 4 make a drama out of sth to become upset about a small
the dishes to drain. |well-drained/poorly-drained soil (=soil problem and make it seem worse than it really is: Brian
from which water flows away quickly or slowly) This plant always makes such a drama out of everything.
needs rich, well-drained soil. 5 drama queen a woman or HOMOSEXUAL man who tends to
2 MEVGeeiay) [7] to make someone feel very tired and behave as if situations are worse than they really are -
without any energy: Working with children all day really used to show disapproval
drains you.
3 (Sauer [T] to use too much of something, espe- dra-‘mat-ic [5 £4 /draimetik/ adj
cially money, so that there is not enough left: Huge 1great and sudden: dramatic change/shift/improvement
imports were draining the country’s currency reserves. Computers have brought dramatic changes to the
4 the colour/blood drains from sb's face/cheeks used to say workplace. | dramatic increase/rise/fall/drop/reduction etc
that someone's face becomes very pale, because they are Universities have suffered a dramatic drop in student
frightened or shocked: When the verdict was read out, all numbers. | dramatic effect/results A serious accident can
the colour drained from Zelda’s cheeks. have a dramatic effect on your family’s finances.
5 drain a glass/cup etc written to drink all the liquid in a 2 exciting or impressive: A superb goal by Owen earned
glass, cup etc: Hannah drained her mug in one gulp. United a dramatic victory yesterday. | Some of the most
drain away phr v if something drains away, it is reduced dramatic events in American history happened here. | the
until there is none left: | watched the light drain away. | dramatic scenery of the Grand Canyon EES MTTD> EXciTING
anger/confidence/tension/hope etc drains away Sally felt 3connected with acting or plays: the amateur dramatic
her anger drain away. society | the dramatic arts
drain sth <> off phr v to make water or a liquid flow off A intended to be impressive, so that people notice: She
something, leaving it dry: After cooking the meat, drain off needed a stunning dress to help her make a dramatic
entrance. | Tristan threw up his hands in a dramatic gesture.
the excess fat.
—dramatically /-kli/ adv: Output has increased dramati-
drain? n [c] 1 especially BrE a pipe that carries water or
cally.
waste liquids away: The flood was caused by a blocked
drain. | There's a problem with the drains. 2 BrE the frame
dramatic ‘irony n [U] when the people watching a
play know something that the characters do not, and can
of metal bars over a drain where water etc can flow into it
understand the real importance or meaning of what is
[SYN] grate AmE 3 AmE the hole in the bottom of a bath or
SINK that water flows out through plughole BrE — see happening
picture at PLUG’ 4 a drain on sth something that continu- dra:mat-ics /dra'metiks/ n [plural] behaviour that
ously uses a lot of time, money etc: The war was an shows too much emotion, and is annoying or does not
enormous drain on the country’s resources, 5 down the drain seem sincere: Rex had no time for her dramatics, and left the
informal a) if time, effort, or money goes down the drain, room. —+ amateur dramatics at AMATEUR
it is wasted or produces no results: Well that's it. 18 dram-a-tis per-so:-nae / drematis p3:'saunat, pa'sauni:
months’ work down the drain. b) if an organization, country $ -par'souni:/ n [plural] formal the characters in a play
etc goes down the drain, it becomes worse or fails: That's — cast
why this country’s going down the drain! —> BRAIN DRAIN, dram-a-tist [fq /‘dramatist/ n [C] someone who writes
+ laugh like a drain at LAUGH"(1) plays, especially serious ones [SYN] playwright
drain-age /dretnidz/ n [U] the process or system by dram:a-tize [4 (also -ise BrE) /'dremataiz/ v [T]
which water or waste liquid flows away: A handful of 1 to make a book or event into a play or film: a novel
pebbles in the bottom of a flowerpot will help drainage. | a dramatized for television 2 to make a situation seem more
plan to improve the town’s drainage system exciting, terrible etc than it really is: Why do you have to
‘drain board n an American word for DRAINING BOARD dramatize everything? 3to make something more
noticeable [SYN] highlight: This incident dramatized the diffi-
drained /dretnd/ adj very tired and without any energy:
culties involved in the project. —dramatization
Suddenly, she felt totally drained. | | felt depressed and
/ drematar'zerfan $ -ta-/ n [C,U]
completely drained of energy. TIRED
drank /drank/ the past tense of DRINK
‘draining board (also drain board AmE) n [C] a slightly
drape /dre1p/ v [T] 1 to put something somewhere so
sloping area next to a kitchen SINK where you put wet
that it hangs or lies loosely: drape sth over/around/across
dishes to dry
sth He took off his coat and draped it over a chair. |Mina lay
drain-pipe /‘dretnpatp/ n [C] 1 BrE a pipe that carries back, her arms draped lazily over the cushions. 2 to cover or
rainwater away from the roof of a _ building decorate something with a cloth: drape sth over/around
[SYN] downspout 2 Ame a pipe that carries waste water sth Jack emerged with a towel draped around him. | drape
away from buildings drain sth with/in sth The soldiers’ coffins were draped with Ameri-
\drainpipe ‘trousers n [plural] tight trousers with nar- can flags.
row legs drap-er /‘dretpa $ -ar/ n [C] BrE old-fashioned someone
drake /dretk/ n [C] a male duck —» DUCKS AND DRAKES who sells cloth, curtains etc
 drapery 512 EX = words from the Academic Word List

drap-er-y /‘dretpari/ n 1 [U] cloth arranged in folds: a 4 draw a comparison/parallel/distinction etc to compare
table covered with drapery 2 draperies [plural] AmE long two people or things and show how they are similar or
heavy curtains 3 [U] BrE cloth and other goods sold by a different: [+between] The author draws a comparison
draper: a drapery business between East and West Germany and the North-South divide
drapes /drerps/ n [plural] AmE long heavy curtains in England. | The report draws a distinction between various
dras-tic /'dresttk/ adj extreme and sudden: drastic forms of health care.
action/measures NATO threatened drastic action if its terms
REGISTER
were not met. |drastic cuts in government spending |Drastic
In everyday English, people usually say make a
changes are needed if environmental catastrophe is to be
comparison or distinction (but NOT make a parallel).
avoided, —drastically /-kli/ adv: The size of the army was
drastically cut. 5 Ease] «[T] to get a particular kind of reaction
drat /dret/ interjection old-fashioned used to show you from someone: draw sth from sb His remarks drew an angry
are annoyed —dratted adj response from Democrats. |draw praise/criticism The movie
draught! /dra:ft $ draft/ n [C] BrE drew praise from critics.
1£M9 cold air that moves through a room and that you 6 Lyaay [T] to attract someone or make them want to
can feel [SYN] draft AmE: Can you close the window? I'm ina do something: draw sb to sth What first drew you to
draught. FRET WIND teaching? |Beth felt strangely drawn to this gentle stranger. |
2 G39 on draught beer that is on draught is served froma The festival is likely to draw huge crowds.
large container rather than a bottle on draft AmE 7 CSC RME) ([T] to get something that you need
3(@75 a) draughts [U] a game played by two people, or want from someone or something: draw sth from sth /
each with 12 round pieces, on a board of 64 squares drew a lot of comfort from her kind words. | Plants draw
[SYN] checkers AmE b) one of the round pieces used in the nourishment from the soil.
game of draughts [SyYN|]checker AmE —+ see picture at 8 CENT) be drawn [usually in negatives] to give
BOARD GAME information in reply to questions about something: She
4((esn old use a medicine that you drink: a sleeping refused to be drawn on the subject.
draught 9DTY [| always + adv/prep] to move in a particular
5a technical the depth of water needed by a ship so direction: She drew away, but he pulled her close again. | The
that it will not touch the bottom of the sea, a river etc boat drew alongside us and a man appeared on the deck. | |
[SYN] draft AmE arrived just as the train was drawing into the station.
6 BIZ ~written the act of swallowing liquid, or the REGISTER
amount of liquid swallowed at one time [SYN] draft AmE:
In everyday English, people usually use pull rather
Mick took a long draught of lager.
than draw: The train was pulling into the station.
draught? Br£, draft AmE adj [only before noun]
1 draught beer is served from a large container rather 10 draw near/closer to become closer in time or space:
than a bottle 2 a draught animal is used for pulling heavy Maria grew anxious as the men drew closer. | Christmas is
loads drawing near.
draught-board /‘dra:ftba:d $ 'dreftbo:rd/ n [C] BrE a REGISTER
board with 64 squares on which the game of draughts is In everyday English, people usually say get
played [syn] checkerboard AmE nearer/closer: Christmas is getting nearer.
‘draught ex cluder n [c,U] BrE material that you put
around the edge of windows and doors to stop cold air 11 draw level to move into a position where you are equal
from coming into the house to someone else in a race, game, or competition: Black
drew level with the other runners.
draughts-man rE, draftsman AmE /‘dra:ftsman
12 DUET [T always + adv/prep] to move someone or
$ 'drefts-/ n (plural draughtsmen /-man/) [C] 1 some-
something in a particular direction by pulling them gen-
one whose job is to draw all the parts of a new building or
tly: draw sb/sth aside/up/across etc Bobby drew a chair up
machine that is being planned 2 someone who draws
well to the table. |Hussain drew me aside to whisper in my ear. |
draw the curtains/a blind etc (=close them by pulling them
draughts-:man-ship BrE,_— draftsmanship —AmE gently) BEESUET> put
/‘dra:ftsmanfip $ 'dreefts-/ n [U] the skill of drawing or the 13 WT
PO [T] if an animal draws a vehicle, it pulls
ability to draw well it along: a carriage drawn by six horses | an ox-drawn cart
draugh-ty Br, drafty AmE /‘dra:fti $ ‘drefti/ adj a PULL
draughty room or building has cold air blowing through it: 14 GESEET
WT [T] to take something out of a container,
a draughty old house FREGYALI E> COLD pocket etc: draw sth out/from sth Ali reached into his pocket
draw’ §] Oy /dro: $ dro:/ v (past tense drew /dru:/, past and drew out a piece of paper. |draw a gun/sword/weapon
participle drawn /droin $ droin/) etc Maria drew her gun nervously and peered out into the
1GS0T3 [1,7] to produce a picture of something using a gloom.
pencil, pen etc: Katie had drawn a cottage with a little REGISTER
stream running next to it. |She asked the little girl to draw a In everyday English, people usually use pull
picture of the man she'd spoken to. | Keith was drawing a something out or take something out rather than
complicated-looking graph. | I've never been able to draw draw something out: Ali reached into his pocket and
very well. |draw sb sth Can you draw me a map of how to get pulled out a piece of paper.
there?
2 draw (sb’s) attention to make someone notice some- 15 draw a line (between sth) to think or show that one thing
thing: [+to] | have been asked to draw your attention to the is different from another: Adolescents often use drugs sim-
following points. |A dark house can draw attention to the fact ply to try to draw a line between their own and their parents’
that the house is empty. |draw attention to yourself He didn’t way of life.
want to draw attention to himself. | The case drew inter- 16 draw the line (at sth) to allow or accept something up to
national attention. a particular point, but not beyond it: | don’t mind doing
3 draw a conclusion to decide that a particular fact or some gardening but | draw the line at digging.
principle is true according to the information you have 17 where do you draw the line? spoken used to say it is
been given: [+from] /t would be unwise to draw firm conclu- impossible to decide at which point an acceptable limit
sions from the results of a single survey. has been reached: Some say 50 is too old to have a baby,
but where do you draw the line?
REGISTER
18 draw a line under sth to say that something is com-
In everyday English, people usually say reach a pletely finished and you will not think about it again: |just
conclusion or come to a conclusion. want to draw a line under the relationship. 7
 EG = words from the Academic Word List 513 draw
19 draw sb's eye (to sth) if something draws your eye, it before they have learned to draw or write: At the age
makes you notice it: My eye was drawn to a painting on the of two, she loved scribbling with crayons and coloured
wall. pencils.
20 GOT (also draw out) [T] to take money from trace to copy a picture by putting a piece of thin
your bank account [SYN|withdraw: Hughes had drawn paper over it and drawing the lines that you can see
$8,000 in cash from a bank in Toronto. through the paper: First trace the map, and then copy
21 Gases” [T] to receive an amount of money it into your workbooks.
regularly from a government or financial institution: How
long have you been drawing unemployment benefit? | I'll be draw back phr v
drawing my pension before he'll ever get around to asking me 1to move backwards, especially because you are fright-
to marry him! ened or surprised: Suddenly, she drew back, startled. |draw
22 draw a cheque (on sth) BrE, draw a check (on sth) AmE back in horror/shock/fear etc She peeped into the box and
to write a cheque for taking money out of a particular drew back in horror.
bank account 2 to decide not to do something, especially because you
23 [I,T] to take air or smoke into your lungs: She think it would be bad for you [SYN] withdraw: [+from] The
drew a deep breath. | Ruth paused to draw breath, her voice government drew back from their extreme standpoint.
barely hiding her excitement. | He lit his pipe and drew draw sth <> down phr v to obtain money that it has been
deeply. agreed that you can borrow, or to use money that has
24 draw breath to find time to have a rest when you are been saved: He drew down the final $25 million of the loan.
busy: I've hardly had a moment to draw breath. draw in phr v
25 Pa «=LT] a) to take a liquid from 1 Br if the days or nights draw in, it starts to get dark
something such as a BARREL or TAP b) to take water from a earlier in the evening because winter is coming: In Octo-
WELL ber the nights start drawing in. Pe
26 Go [1] if a fire or CHIMNEY draws, it lets the air flow 2 draw sb +> in to get someone involved in something: We ~
through to make the fire burn well should use the demonstration as an opportunity to draw
27 Gees [1,7] to choose by chance a ticket etc that will more supporters in. | Despite himself, he found himself being
win a prize: The winning ticket will be drawn at the Christ- drawn in by the man’s warmth and ease
mas Party. 3 draw in your horns BrE to spend less money because you
28 draw lots/straws to decide who will do something by have financial problems
taking pieces of paper out of a container or choosing draw sb into sth phr v to make someone become involved
sTRAWs of hidden lengths: We drew lots to see who would in something, especially when they do not want to be
go first. involved: He tried to draw her into conversation. |She found
29 draw the short straw used to say that someone has herself drawn into a disagreement between two of her neigh-
been unlucky because they were chosen to do something bours.
that no one else wanted to do: He drew the short straw and draw sth <> off phr v to remove some liquid from a larger
had to drive everyone to the party. supply: The cold water is heated as it is drawn off.
30 (Mg [1,7] especially BrE to finish without either side draw on phr v
winning in a game such as football [SYN|tie: They drew 1draw on/upon sth to use information, experience, know-
3-3. | [+with] Liverpool drew with Juventus. ledge etc for a particular purpose: His work draws heavily
31 be drawn against sb BrE to be chosen by chance to play on learning theories of the 1980s. |She has 20 years’ teach-
or compete against someone: England have been drawn ing experience to draw on.
against France in next month's game. 2 draw on sth to use part of a supply of something such as
32 draw a blank informal to be unsuccessful in finding money: | drew on my savings to pay for the repairs.
information or the answer to a problem: All his investiga- 3 draw on a cigarette/cigar etc to breathe in smoke from a
tions have drawn a blank so far. cigarette etc
33 draw to a halt/stop if a vehicle draws to a halt or stop, it 4 BrE formal if a period of time or an event draws on, it
slows down and stops comes closer to its end: Winter is drawing on. | As the
34 draw to a close/end to end: Festival-goers began to drift journey drew on, he started to feel tired.
off as the evening drew to an end. draw out phr v
35 draw a veil over sth to deliberately keep something 1draw sth <> out to take money from your bank account
unpleasant or embarrassing from being known: I'd rather 2 draw sb + out to make someone feel less shy and more
draw a veil over what happened last night. willing to talk: She just needed someone to draw her out and
36 draw blood a) to make someone bleed: The dog bit her take an interest in her.
so hard that it drew blood. b) to make someone angry or 3 draw sth «> out formal to mention a particular piece of
embarrass them in an argument, especially a public one: information and explain it clearly and in detail: There are
Barker sought to draw blood by mentioning his rival's weak- two major themes to be drawn out in this discussion.
ness of character. 4 draw sth < out to make an event last longer than usual:
' 37 draw a bow to bend a Bow by pulling back the string in The final question drew the meeting out for another hour.
order to shoot an ARROW —> DRAWN-OUT
38 Gg [T] technical if a ship draws a particular depth, it 5 BrE if the days or nights draw out, it stays light until
needs that depth of water to float in —> be at daggers later in the evening because summer is coming
drawn at DAGGER(3) draw up phr v
1 draw sth <> up to prepare a written document, such as a
draw to make a picture, pattern etc using a pen or list or contract: Draw up a list of all the things you want to
pencil: The children were asked to draw a picture of do, | draw up plans/proposals He was asked to draw up
their families. | I'm going to art classes to learn how to proposals for reforming the law. | The contract was drawn up
draw. last year.
sketch /sket{/ to draw a picture of something or 2 if a vehicle draws up, it arrives somewhere and stops: A
someone quickly and without a lot of detail: Roy took taxi drew up at the gate.
a pencil and sketched the bird quickly, before it moved. 3 draw up a chair to move a chair closer to someone or
illustrate to draw the pictures in a book: It’s a something
beautiful book, illustrated by Arthur Rackham. 4 draw yourself up (to your full height) to stand up very
doodle /'du:d!/ to draw shapes or patterns without straight because you are angry or determined about
really thinking about what you are doing: He was on something: He drew himself up and said, ‘This has gone far
the phone, doodling on his notepad as he spoke. enough’.
scribble to draw shapes or lines without making a 5 draw your knees up to bring your legs closer to your
definite picture or pattern. Small children do this body: Ruth sat, knees drawn up under her chin, and waited.
draw — a is2| c== the most Minednene words in spoken English

draw? gn [c] drawn? adj someone who looks drawn has a thin pale
1the final result of a game or competition in which both face, because they are ill, tired or worried
teams or players have the same number of points drawn-out adj taking more time than usual or more
|SYN|tie: The match ended in a draw. time than you would like: The government wants to avoid a
2 an occasion when someone or something is chosen by long drawn-out war against the rebel forces.
chance, especially the winning ticket in a LOTTERY, or the
teams who will play against each other in a competition: draw-string /dro:strin $ ‘dro:-/ n [C] a string through
England has been selected to play Germany in the draw for the top of a bag, piece of clothing etc that you can pull to
the first round of the World Cup. make it tighter: trousers with a drawstring waist
3BrE a competition in which people whose names or dray /dret/ n [C] a flat cart with four wheels that was
tickets are chosen by chance win money or prizes: Con- used in the past for carrying heavy loads, especially
gratulations! You have been entered into our £100,000 prize BARRELS of beer
draw!
dread" /dred/ v [T] to feel anxious or worried about
4a performer, place, event etc that a lot of people come something that is going to happen or may happen: I've got
to see: It is hoped that the new art gallery will be a big draw an interview tomorrow and I'm dreading it. |dread doing sth
for visitors. I'm dreading going back to work. | dread sb doing sth Tim
5 when you breathe in smoke from a cigarette [Syn] drag: ce his parents finding out. | dread (that) I’m dreading
Maltravers took a long draw on his cigarette. > the luck of thatI'll be asked to make a speech: | dread the thought/
the draw at LUCK'(18), > quick on the draw at QUICK'(9) prospect of (doing) sth He dreaded the prospect of being all
draw-back /‘dr:bek $ 'dro:-/ n [C] a disadvantage of a alone in that house. | |dread to think what will happen ifthey
situation, plan, product etc: It’s a great city - the only get elected (=| think it will be very bad).
drawback is the weather. | drawback of/to (doing) sth The
dread? n [singular, U] a strong fear of something that is
main drawback to these products is that they tend to be too
going to happen or may happen: dread of (doing) sth the
salty. GEESE DISADVANTAGE
dread of losing those we love |with dread Bernice looked with
draw-bridge /‘dro:bridz $ ‘dro:-/ n [C] 1a bridge that dread at the end of the passage. | The prospect of flying filled
can be pulled up to stop people from entering a castle, or me with dread. |She lives in dread of (=is continuously very
to let ships pass 2 pull up the drawbridge a) to stop being afraid of) the disease returning.
involved in something: Perhaps we should just pull up the
drawbridge and let them get on with it. b) to stop more dread-ed /‘dredid/ (also dread literary) adj [only before
people coming into a country, joining an organization etc noun] making you feel afraid or anxious - often used
humorously: She couldn't put off the dreaded moment for-
drawer Ee] /dro: $ dro:r/ n [C] ever,
1part of a piece of furniture, such as a desk, that you pull
out and push in and use to keep things in: She took a file dread-ful /‘dredfal/ adj 1extremely unpleasant
from her desk drawer. | The scissors are in the kitchen drawer {SyN|terrible: We've had some dreadful weather lately. |
(=drawer in a piece of kitchen furniture). | top/bottom/ Michelle felt absolutely dreadful (=very ill).
right-hand/left-hand drawer He opened the top drawer of his BAD, HORRIBLE 2 [only before noun] used to emphasize how
desk, and took out a brown envelope. | sock/cutlery drawer bad something or someone is [Synjterrible: a dreadful
(=one for keeping socks, or knives, forks etc in) + BoT- mistake
TOM DRAWER, CHEST OF DRAWERS, TOP-DRAWER dread-ful-ly /‘dredfali/ adv 1 extremely or very much:
2 drawers [plural] old-fashioned underwear that women They're dreadfully busy at the moment. | Would you mind
and girls wear between their waist and the tops of their dreadfully if | didn’t come? 2 very badly: The team played
legs [SYN| knickers dreadfully.
draw:ing GY (A) /‘dro:n $ ‘dro:-/ n dread-locks /'dredloks $ -la:ks/ n [plural] a way of
1[C] a picture that you draw with a pencil, pen etc: [+of] arranging your hair, popular with Rastafarians, in which it
a drawing of Canterbury Cathedral hangs in thick pieces that look like rope — see picture at
2 [U] the art or skill of making pictures, plans etc with a HAIRSTYLE
pen or pencil: I’ve never been very good at drawing.
3LC] AmE a competition in which people whose names dream!’ gy (@ /dri:m/ n [Cc]
or tickets are chosen by chance win money or prizes 1TETE sah a series of thoughts, images, and feel-
SYN] draw BrE: The church social will include a buffet dinner ings that you experience when you are asleep — day-
and a prize drawing. dream: | had lots of dreams last night. | [+about] a dream
about drowning |in a dream In my dream |flew to a forest of
‘drawing board n [Cc] 1 (go) back to the drawing board if enormous trees.
you go back to the drawing board, you start again with a
2 {7 a wish to do, be, or have something - used
completely new plan or idea, after the one you tried
especially when this seems unlikely: Her dream is to make
before has failed: The current system just isn’t working - we
a movie. | dream of (doing) sth She had dreams of
need to go back to the drawing board and start afresh.
university. |fulfil/realize a dream | fulfilled a childhood dream
2 on the drawing board if a plan or product is on the
when | became champion. | | have just met the man of my
drawing board, it is in the process of being planned or
dreams (=the perfect man)! | beyond your wildest dreams
prepared: Other car manufacturers have similar projects on
(=better than anything you imagined or hoped for) ‘
the drawing board. 3 a large flat board that artists and
3 dream house/home/job etc something that seems per-
DESIGNERS work on
fect to someone: Ive finally found my dream house. | Win, a
‘drawing pin n [C] BrE a short metal pin with a round dream holiday for two in San Francisco!
flat head, used especially for putting notices on boards or 4in a dream having a state of mind in which you do bot
walls [SyN|thumbtack AmE — see picture at STATIONERY notice or pay attention to things around you; Ruth went
‘drawing power n [U] an event's, performer's, place's about her tasks in a dream.
etc ability to attract people to come and see them 5 be a dream come true if something is a dream come true,
[SYN] pulling power it happens after you have wanted it to happen for a long
‘drawing room n [C] formal a room, especially in a time: Marriage to her is a dream come true.
large house, where you can entertain guests or relax 6 like a dream extremely well or effectively: The plan
—» sitting room worked like a dream.
7 be/live in a dream world to have ideas or hopes that are
drawl /dro:| $ dro:|/ v [1,7] to speak slowly, with vowel not correct or likely to happen: If you think that all home-
sounds that are longer than usual: ‘Can't do that,’ he
less people have it as easy as me, then you are living in a
drawled languidly. —draw! n [singular]: ‘What you got dream world.
there?’ he asked in a slow Texan drawl.
8 be a dream be perfect or very desirable: Her latest
drawn!’ /dro:n $ dro:n/ the past participle of oRAW boyfriend is an absolute dream. | Some performers are a -
(0 (2 0S = the most iui words in written English 515 dress
dream to work with; others are not. | sb's dream (=some- dreamt /dremt/ a past tense and past participle of
thing someone would really like) She’s every adolescent DREAM
schoolboy's dream. ‘dream ticket n [singular] a combination of people who
9in your dreams spoken used to say in a rude way that you think will be sure to win an election for a political
something is not likely to happen: ‘I’m going to ask her to party
go out with me.’ ‘In your dreams!’ dreamy /‘drizmi/ adj 1 looking as though you are think-
fe(o] Holey Wale), hy ing about something pleasant rather than what is hap-
| VERBS pening around you: a dreamy smile 2 someone who is
dreamy has a good imagination but is not very practical:
have a dream | had a dream about you last night He was an artist, not particularly tidy, too dreamy to match
| ADJECTIVES as = her ways. 3 pleasant, peaceful and relaxing: The windows
‘a bad/terrible dream (=unpleasant or entering) cast a dreamy light in the room. 4 informal very attractive
The movie gave the kids bad dreams. and desirable: a book of dreamy chocolate recipes
a strange/weird dream Sometimes | have a strange —dreaminess n [U]
dream in which | try to speak but | can't. drear-i-ly /‘driarsli $ ‘drir-/ adv 1 sadly: Laura stared
a vivid dream (=very clear) |a recurrent/recurring drearily at herself in the mirror. 2 dully: a drearily predictable
dream (=that you have many Sek thriller
drear-y /‘drrari $ ‘driri/ (also drear /drta $ drir/ literary)
| PHRASES . = Si,we
Peery.
adj dull and making you feel sad or bored: the same dreary —
be/seem like a dream (=seem iaeaD. That summer routine |a dreary winter's day —dreariness n [U]
was so wonderful it seemed like a dream.
dreck /drek/ n [U] AmE informal something that is of z Se
Sweet dreams! (=said to someone who is going to
very bad quality: Readers for publishing houses see a lot of
bed)
good stuff and a lot of dreck.
dream? §) Ov (past tense and past participle dreamed dredge /dredz/ v 1[I,7] to remove mud or sand from
or dreamt /dremt/) the bottom of a river, HARBOUR etc, or to search for
1 {QS [1,7] to think about something that you would like something by doing this: They dredged for oysters. 2 [T +
to happen or have: dream of/about (doing) sth She with] to cover food lightly with flour, sugar etc
dreamed of becoming a chef. | He’s got the sort of money dredge sth <> up phr v 1to start talking again about
that you and | can only dream about. | dream (that) She something that happened a long time ago, especially
dreamed that one day she would be famous. something unpleasant: Newsweek magazine dredged up
2 Mesa [1,1] to have a dream while you are some remarks which he made last year. 2 to manage to
asleep: [+about] / dreamt about you last night. | dream remember something, or to feel or express an emotion,
(that) /t’s quite common to dream that you're falling. with difficulty: Robertson tried to dredge up an image of her
3 TOE [1] to think about something else in his mind, | From somewhere she dredged up a brilliant
and not give your attention to what is happening around smile. 3 to pull something up from the bottom of a river,
you [SYN|daydream: She had been dreaming and had not lake etc
followed the conversation. dredg-er /‘dredza $ -ar/ (also dredge) n [C] a machine
4 (sn [1,7] to imagine that you have done, seen, or or ship used for digging or removing mud and sand from
heard something that you have not: | was sure | posted the the bottom of a river, lake etc
letter but | must have dreamt it. dregs /dregz/ n 1 [plural] a small amount of a drink,
5 never dreamed (that) used to say that you did not think sometimes with bits in, left at the bottom of a cup, glass,
that something would happen: We never dreamed that we or bottle 2 the dregs of society/humanity not polite an
would get through to the next round. offensive expression used to describe the people that you
6 wouldn't dream of (doing) sth spoken used to say that you consider are the least important or useful in society
would never do something because you think it is bad or drei-del /‘dretdl/ n [C] a Top (=a toy that you spin) with
wrong: | wouldn't dream of letting strangers look after my a Hebrew letter on each of its four sides and a point at
own grandmother! the bottom, used in a game played during Hanukkah
7 who would have dreamt that ...? spoken used to express drench /drent{/ v [7] to make something or someone
surprise about something that has happened: Who would extremely wet: In the early morning they had got drenched
have dreamt that this would happen? in the grass. —drenching /'drentfin/ adj: drenching rain
dream sth <> away phr v to waste time by thinking about
drenched /drentjt/ adj 1 covered with a lot of a liquid:
what may happen: She would just sit in her room dreaming
Come on in - you're drenched! |[+in/with] | was drenched in
away the hours.
dream on phr v [only in imperative] spoken used to tell sweat. | chips drenched in vinegar | rain-drenched/sweat-
drenched etc He changed out of his rain-drenched clothes.
someone that they are hoping for something that will not
happen: You think I’m going to help you move house? Dream WET 2 drenched in/with light literary some-
thing that is drenched with light has a lot of light shining
on!
on it
dream sth < up phr v to think of a plan or idea, especially
an unusual one: He was continually dreaming up new dress" § [1 /dres/ n
schemes to promote and enlarge the business. 1(C] a piece of clothing worn by a woman or girl that
covers the top of her body and part or all of her legs
dreamer /‘dri:zma $ -ar/ n [C] 1someone who has
—» skirt: Sheila wore a long red dress. | a summer dress
ideas or plans that are not practical: She was a dreamer - EESTI clotHes
not pragmatic. 2 someone who dreams while they are 2 [U] clothes for men or women of a particular type or for
asleep a particular occasion: a gentleman in evening dress (=for-
dream:i-ly /drismsli/ adv thinking about something mal clothes worn especially at important social events) |
pleasant and not about what is happening around you: The play was performed in modern dress (=clothes from the
‘I'm coming,’ he replied dreamily, without moving. present time). | dress code (=a standard of what you
should wear for a particular situation) This restaurant has
dreamland /dri:zmlend/ n [U] 1a happy place or a Strict dress code - no tie, no service.
situation that exists only in your imagination
2 informal sleep: The kids are both far away in dreamland. dress? &] 1 v
IRGC [1,1] to put clothes on yourself or
dream-less /dri:mlas/ adj dreamless sleep is very deep someone else: Can you wait a minute? I'm just getting
and peaceful dressed. | She dressed quickly and went out of the house. | |
dream-like /‘dri:mlatk/ adj as if happening in a dream usually have to dress the kids in the mornings. | dress sb in
[SYN] unreal: The film had a dreamlike quality. sth She dressed Louis in his best blue shirt.
 dressage 516 XQ = words from the Academic Word List

2 Mass [1] to wear a particular kind of clothes: ‘dress circle n [C] BrE the lowest of the curved rows of
Dress warmly if you're going out for a walk. |dress casually/ seats upstairs in a theatre [SYN] first balcony AmE
smartly | spend most of my time in the house with young ,dress-down ‘Friday n [C,U] BrE a Friday when people
children, so | dress casually. | [+for] How do you normally who work for a company are allowed to wear informal
dress for work? | We usually dress for dinner (=wear formal clothes to work [SYN] casual Friday AmE
clothes for our evening meal). dressed /drest/ adj 1 get dressed to put your clothes on:
3 Tees [T] to make or choose clothes Go and get dressed! 2 having your clothes on or wearing a
for someone: Versace dressed some of the most famous particular type of clothes: Aren’t you dressed yet? | half/
people in Hollywood, fully dressed She lay down fully dressed on the bed. |
4CO Domus [T] to clean, treat, and cover a wound smartly/well-/elegantly etc dressed a very well-dressed
5 (EA7GE [T] to clean and prepare meat or fish so young man | [tin] She was dressed in a two-piece suit. |
that it is ready to cook or eat: dressed crab [+as] The children came dressed as animals. 3 dressed to kill
6 GAZ) [T] to put oil, VINEGAR, salt etc onto a SALAD informal wearing very attractive clothes so that everyone
7 (LETT [T] to put an attractive arrangement in a shop notices and admires you 4 dressed (up) to the nines infor-
window —+ WINDOW DRESSER mal wearing your best or most formal clothes
8 EEE [1,7] technical to stand in a straight line, or to
dress-er /‘dresa $ -ar/ n [C] 1 BrE a large piece of
make soldiers do this
furniture with open shelves for storing plates, dishes etc
9 EET [T] formal to arrange someone's hair into a spe-
'SYN| Welsh dresser 2 AmE a piece of furniture with draw-
cial style
ers for storing clothes, sometimes with a mirror on top
a 10 [EEDA [7] technical to prepare or put a
SYN|chest of drawers BrE 3 a fashionable/stylish/sloppy
~ special surface onto wood, stone, leather etc
etc dresser someone who dresses in a fashionable etc
dress down phr v
way: Stanley was an impeccable dresser. 4 someone who
1to wear clothes that are more informal than the ones
takes care of someone's clothes, especially an actor's in
you would usually wear: In many offices, people dress down
the theatre, and helps them to dress
on Fridays.
2 dress sb <> down to speak angrily to someone about dress-ing /‘drestn/ n1[C,U] a mixture of liquids, usu-
something they have done wrong —+ DRESSING-DOWN ally oil and VINEGAR, that you put on SALAD or raw vegeta-
bles: a vinaigrette dressing —+ FRENCH DRESSING, SALAD
_THESAURUS DRESSING 2 [C,U] AmE sTUFFING@) 3 [C] a special piece of
TO. ‘ON CLOTHES | : ie eee seer aie material used to cover and protect a wound: The nurse
get dressed to put on all youreth: You' d batten came to change his dressing. —> CROSS-DRESSING, POWER
get dressed! It’s almost time to leave for school! DRESSING, WINDOW DRESSING
dress especially literary to put on all your clothes. ,dressing-'down n [singular] an occasion when you talk
Dress is used especially in literature. In everyday angrily to someone because they have done something
English, people usually say get dressed: That day she wrong: give sb/get a dressing-down The tobacco companies
dressed with extra care, choosing a brown velvet jacket got a severe dressing-down.
that matched her skirt. ‘dressing gown n [Cc] BrE, AmE formal a piece of
put sth on to put on a particular piece of clothing, clothing like a long loose coat that you wear inside the
jewellery etc: Wait - | just have to put my shoes on! | house, usually over night clothes [SYN] bathrobe, robe
She was putting on her earrings in front of the mirror. ‘dressing room n [Cc] 1a room where an actor or
dress up to put on more formal clothes than you performer can get ready before going on stage, appearing
usually wear, or to put on special clothes for fun; We on television etc 2 AmE a room or area in a store where
always used to dress up to go to church. |Paul dressed you can try on clothes [SYN| changing room BrE 3 a small
up as a pirate for the party. room next to a bedroom in some houses where you can
dress yourself to put on your clothes - used when get dressed
this is difficult for someone because they are very ‘dressing table n [c] a piece of furniture like a table
old, young, injured etc: He’s hurt his arm so badly that with a mirror on top, sometimes with drawers, that you
he can’t dress himself. use when you are doing your hair, putting on MAKE-UP etc
| TO BE WEARING CLOTHES — see picture at TABLE!
wear to have a particular piece of clothing or a
\dressing='up BrE, dress-up AmE n [U] a children's
game in which they put on special clothes and pretend
particular style of clothing on your body; All visitors
that they are someone else
must wear a protective helmet. |She always wears
black. dress-mak-er /‘dresmerka $ -ar/ n [C] someone who
have sth on to be wearing a particular piece of makes their own clothes, or makes clothes for other
clothing, jewellery etc. Have sth on is more informal people as a job —dressmaking n [U]
than wear: | had my new blue top on. |He had on a red ‘dress rehearsal n (c] the final practice of a play,
tie and a grey jacket. OPERA etc, using all the clothes, objects etc that will be
be dressed in sth especially written used especially in used for the actual performance
written descriptions when describing the clothes ‘dress sense n [u] the ability to choose clothes that
that someone is wearing: Alistair was dressed in his make you look attractive
best suit and tie. ‘dress shirt n [Cc] a formal shirt, sometimes with a
special decoration at the front, that a man wears under a
dress up phr v DINNER JACKET 2
1to wear special clothes for fun, or to put special clothes ‘dress uniform n (c,U] a uniform that officers in the
on someone: [+as] He went to the party dressed up as a army, navy etc wear for formal occasions or ceremonies
Chicago gangster. | [+in] | keep a box of old clothes for the
dress-y /‘dresi/ adj 1dressy clothes are suitable for
children to dress up in. |dress sb «> up We dressed him up as
a gorilla.
formal occasions: Her outfit was smart but not too dressy,
2 someone who is dressy likes to wear very fashionable
2 to wear clothes that are more formal than the ones you or formal clothes
would usually wear: /t’s a small informal party - you don't
have to dress up. drew /dru:/ the past tense of praw
3 dress sth «> up to make something more interesting or drib-ble' /drtbal/ v1 [1,1] to let liquid come out of your
attractive: /t was the old offer dressed up as something new. mouth onto your face: Watch out, the baby is dribbling on
your shirt! | He was dribbling tea onto his tie. 2 [| always + _
dres-sage /‘dresa:z $ dri'sa:3/ n [U] a competition in adv/prep] if a liquid dribbles somewhere, it flows in a thin
which a horse performs a complicated series of move- irregular stream: Blood from the wound dribbled down the —
ments in answer to signals from its rider side of his face. 3 [|,T] to move the ball along with you by >
GG = words from the Academic Word List 517 drink

short kicks, BOUNCES, or hits in a game of football, sasket- drift-wood /‘driftwud/ n [U] wood floating in the sea
BALL etc: He was trying to dribble the ball past his opponents. or left on the shore
— see pictures at BASKETBALL, FOOTBALL 4 [| always + adv/ fyi? /drtl/ n 1[C] a tool or machine used for making
prep] if something such as money or news dribbles some- oles in something: an electric drill |a whine like a dentist's
Where, it comes or goes in small irregular amounts: — qri/ , pNEUMATIC DRILL, see picture at TooL’ 2 [C] a
Money is finally dribbling back into the country now. method of teaching students sports players etc some-
5 [T always + adv/prep] to pour something out slowly in an thing by making them repeat the same lesson, exercise
irregular Ash Dribble a few drops of olive oilover the pizza. tc many times: a pronunciation drill 3 fire/emergency drill
dribble? n1 [u] a small amount of liquid that has come an occasion when people practise what they should do in
out of your mouth: He wiped the dribble from his chin. 3 dangerous situation such as a fire4 [U] military training
2a dribble of sth a small amount of liquid: There was a in which soldiers practise marching, using weapons etc:
dribble of brandy in the bottom of the bottle. 3 [C] the act of fle drill 5 the drill BrE old-fashioned the usual way that
moving the ball along with you by short kicks, BOUNCES Or something is done: ‘You know the drill?’ ‘Not really. Tell me
hits in a game of football, BASKETBALL etc again what to do.’ 6 [U] a type of strong cotton cloth
dribs and drabs /drtbz an ‘drebz/ nin dribs and drabs_ 7 [C] a) a machine for planting seeds in rows b) a row of
in small irregular amounts or numbers over a period of — seeds planted by a machine
time: The guests arrived in dribs and drabs. drill? v1 [1,7] to make a hole in something using a drill:
dried /drard/ adj dried substances, such as food or Drill_a hole in each corner. | [+tinto/through] He accidentally
flowers, have had the water removed: dried herbs drilled into a water pipe. | drill for oil/water/gas etc BP has
dried ‘fruit n (UJ fruit, usually Grapes, that has been been licensed to drill for oil in the area. 2 [T] to teach —
dried and is often used in cooking students, sports players etc by making them repeat the —
dried ‘milk n (uj milk that is made into a powder and same lesson, exercise etc many times: drill sb in sth She
can be used by adding water was drilling the class in the forms of the past tense. | drill sb
dri-er /drata $ -ar/ n [C] another spelling of DRYER to do sth / acted instinctively because | had been trained and
drift? /drft/ v (1) drilled to do just that. | The team were well-drilled. 3 [T] to
1 sg to move slowly on water or in the air: train soldiers to march or perform other military actions:
[+out/towards etc] The rubber raft drifted out to sea. | ‘The sergeant was drilling the new recruits. 4 [T] to plant
Smoke drifted up from the jungle ahead of us. seeds in rows using a machine
2MEEZ to move, change, or do something with- drill down phr v technical to get a more detailed level of
out any plan or purpose: [+around/along etc] Jenni spent _ information relating to something, when using a compu-
the year drifting around Europe. | [+into] | just drifted into ter 2
teaching, really. | [taway] The others drifted away. Melanie drill sth into sb phr v to keep telling someone something
stayed, | drift from sth to sth The conversation drifted from until they know it very well: Mother had drilled it into me
one topic to another. |let your gaze/eyes/thoughts/mind etc _"0t to talk to strangers.
drift Idly she let her eyes drift over his desk. ‘drilling platform n [c] a large structure in the sea
3 @0EWIsy to gradually change from being in one condi- used for drilling for oil, gas etc
tion, situation etc into another without realizing it: [+into] dri-ly drat’ ad i Ik f
She was just drifting into sleep when the alarm went off. |He y /dratli/ adv another spelling of DRYLY
drifted in and out of consciousness. drink" 0 (4 /drink/ v (past tense drank /drenk/, past
40a if values, prices, sHARes etc drift, they participle drunk /drank/)
gradually change: The dollar drifted lower against the yen _1[,T] to take liquid into your mouth and swallow it: You
today. should drink plenty of water. |What would you like to drink? |
5 VAL) if snow, sand etc drifts, the wind blows it Take a seat while | get you something to drink. |She filled the
into large piles glass and drank.
6 let sth drift to allow something, especially something 2[1] to drink alcohol, especially regularly or too much:
bad, to continue in the same way: He couldn't let the — He’s been drinking heavily since his wife died. || don’t drink.|
matter drift for much longer. Don't drink and drive. | My flatmate Cherry drinks like a fish
drift apart phr v if people drift apart, their relationship | (=regularly drinks a lot of alcohol).
gradually ends: Over the years my college friends and! have 3 drink yourself silly/into a stupor/to death etc to drink so
drifted apart. much alcohol that you become very drunk or uncon-
drift off phr v to gradually fall asleep: | was just drifting off — scious, or die: If he goes on this way he'll drink himself to
when the phone rang. |He felt himself drifting off to sleep. death.
drift? n Adrink sb under the table to drink more alcohol than
IGEN) (C] a large pile of snow or sand that has | someone but not feel as ill as them: He could drink nearly
been blown by the wind: [+of] The road is blocked with anyone under the table.
massive drifts of snow. | a snow drift 5 What are you drinking? spoken used to offer to buy
2@@ENay [singular] a slow change or development from someone a drink, especially in a PuB
one situation, opinion etc to another: [+towards/to] a 6drink sb’s health BrE to wish someone good health
drift towards longer working hours before having an alcoholic drink
STO (singular, U] a slow movement of THESAURUS
large numbers of people that has not been planned:
sip (also take a sip) to drink something very slowly
[+from/to/into] the drift from the countryside to the cities
slurp informal to drink something in a noisy way
4 the drift (of sth) the general meaning of what someone
gulp sth down (also down sth) to drink all of
is saying: So what's the drift of the argument? |follow/get/ : ;
catch sb's drift (=understand the general meaning of what something very quickly .
“someone is saying) She didn’t quite get my drift, did she? knock sth back informal to drink all of an alcoholic
Saas [U] the movement of a ship or plane drink very quickly ——- ;
from its original direction because of the movement of swig (also take/have a swig) informal to drink
something quickly with large mouthfuls, especially
the wind or water
6k [U] very slow movement, especially from a bottle
swallow to make food or drink go down your throat
over water or through the air
and towards your stomach: She swallowed the bitter
drift-er /drfta $ -ar/ n [C] 1 someone who is always medicine instead of spitting it out.
moving from one job or place to another with no real
purpose 2 a fishing boat that uses a floating net drink sth <> in phr v to look at, listen to, feel, or smell
drift-net /drftnet/ n [C] a large fishing net that floats | something in order to enjoy it: She just sat there, drinking in
behind a boat the atmosphere.
 drink 518 Gi] & & = the most frequent words in spoken English

drink to sth phr v champagne etc drinker someone who regularly drinks cof-
1to wish someone success, good luck, good health etc fee, wine etc
before having an alcoholic drink: Let’s drink to your success drink-ing /‘drinktn/ n [U] the activity of drinking alco-
in your new job. hol: after a night of heavy drinking (=drinking a lot of
2 I'll drink to that! spoken used to agree with what some- alcohol) |drinking companion/buddy/partner etc
one has said ‘drinking chocolate pn [u] BrE sweet cocoa powder,
drink up phr vy to drink all of something: drink sth <> up which is made into a drink with hot milk or water
Drink up your milk.
‘drinking fountain n [cj a piece of equipment in a
drink? & an public place that produces a stream of water for you to
1[C] an amount of liquid that you drink, or the act of drink from
drinking something: [+of] Have a drink of water. |He took a drinking-'up time n [U] BrE the time when people are
drink of his coffee.
allowed to finish their drinks in a pus, but cannot buy any
2[C,U] liquid that you can drink: What's your favourite more drinks
drink? | food and drink companies
‘drinking water n [U] water that is pure enough for
3 [C,U] an alcoholic drink: He’d obviously had a few drinks. |
you to drink
Let's go for a drink.
4 [U] the habit of drinking too much alcohol, in a way that ‘drinks ma,chine n [Cc] BrE a machine that serves hot
is very bad for your health: The marriage ended because of and cold drinks when you put money into it + vending
her husband's drink problem (=he drank too much machine ;
alcohol). |They had driven him to drink (=made him start ‘drinks party n [c] BrE a party at which alcoholic
drinking too much alcohol regularly). |After her retirement drinks are served and where you mainly talk to people
_ from the stage she took to drink (=started drinking too [SYN] cocktail party
~ much alcohol).
5 drinks [plural] BrE a social occasion when you have
alcoholic drinks and sometimes food: for drinks Don’t
forget we're invited to the Jones’ for drinks on Sunday.
6 the drink old-fashioned the sea, a lake, or another large
area of water
COLLOCATIONS - MEANINGS 1, 2, & 3
| VERBS
have a drink (=drink something, especially an
alcoholic drink) Let’s go and have a drink.
take a drink He took another long drink of water.
go for a drink (=go to a pub or bar) Why don’t we go
for a drink after work? drip’ /drp/ v (dripped, dripping) 1 [1,7] to let liquid fall in
buy/get sb a drink (=in a pub or a bar) | pour (sb) drops: The tap’s dripping. | Her boots were muddy and her
a drink |make (sb) a drink (=make tea or coffee) | hair was dripping. | drip blood/water/sweat etc John came
sip your drink (=drink it in very small amounts) | in, his arm dripping blood. |be dripping with blood/sweat etc
down your drink (=drink it very quickly) The hand that held the gun was dripping with sweat. 2 [|] to
ADJECTIVES fall in drops: [+down/from etc] The rain dripped down his
neck. | Water was dripping through the ceiling. 3 be dripping
a soft drink (=which does not contain alcohol) with sth to contain or be covered in a lot of something: be
Would you like some wine, or a soft drink? dripping with jewels/gems/pearls etc A// the princes were
an alcoholic drink (=containing alcohol) |a fizzy dripping with gems. | His tone was now dripping with sar-
drink BrE, a carbonated drink AmE (=with bubbles of casm.
gas) | a hot/warm drink | a cool/cold drink |
a refreshing drink (=making you feel less tired or
drip? n 1 [Cc] one of the drops of liquid that fall from
something: | put some plastic buckets on the floor to catch
hot) |a stiff/strong drink (=a drink with a lot of
strong alcohol) the drips. 2 [singular, U] the sound or action of a liquid
falling in drops: The silence was broken only by a regular
drip, drip, drip. 3 [C] a piece of equipment used in hospi-
THESAURUS tals for putting liquids directly into your blood through a
drink something that you drink: ‘Would you like a tube [SYN] IV: be/put sb ona drip At the hospital they put me
drink?’ ‘Yes, I'll have a lemonade.’ | They had a few on a drip. 4 [C] informal someone who is boring and weak
drinks in a local bar. \drip-'dry adj drip-dry clothing does not need iRONing
something to drink especially spoken a drink: Can | —drip-dry y [1,1]
get you something to drink? ‘drip-feed" y [1] 1 to put a liquid directly into a person's
soft drink a cold drink that does not contain alcohol, blood through a tube 2 to keep giving someone small
especially one that is sweet and has bubbles in it: amounts of information, money etc: The public was drip-
Coca-Cola and other soft drinks fed with news. \
toast a drink, usually of wine, that a group of people i 2 : 4 3 |
drip-feed n(C] a piece of equipment used in hospitals
have on a special occasion, for example to celebrate
for putting liquids directly into your blood through a tube»
something or wish someone luck in the future: At
midnight they all drank a toast to the New Year. [SYN] drip
beverage /'bevar1d3/ formal, especially written a drink drip-ping" /drpin/ n [U] BrE the oily substance that
- often used on MENUs and signs: Beer is the most comes out of meat when you cook it [SYN] fat
popular alcoholic beverage. |the list of beverages dripping adj extremely wet [SYN] soaking: Take off that
jacket - you're dripping wet.
drink-a-ble /drinkabal/ adj1water that is drinkable is drip-py /‘drtpi/ adj informal very emotional in a silly
safe to drink 2 wine, beer etc that is drinkable is of good way: The movie is nothing but a drippy melodrama.
quality and tastes pleasant
drink-'driving n [U] Br driving a car after having drive’ 5] (i) /draw/ v (past tense drove /drauv
$ drovv/, past participle driven /‘drivan/)
drunk too much alcohol [SYN] drunk-driving AmE —drink- 1{200S3 a) [1,7] to make a car, truck, bus etc move
driver n [C] ;
along: [+to/down/off etc] | am planning to drive to :
drink-er /drinks $ -ar/ n [C] 1 someone who regularly Morocco next year. | the man driving the car | Can you
drinks alcohol: Dave has always been a bit of a drinker. |He drive? | So when did you learn to drive? | Bye! Drive
was a heavy drinker (=he drank a lot). 2 coffee/wine/ carefully! |He drives 12 miles to work. |He drives (shas) a
(i (2 GS = the most frequent words in written English 519 driving
BMW estate. b) [| always + adv/prep] if a car, truck etc quickly: The oil shortage drove gas prices up by 20 cents a
drives somewhere, it moves there: After the accident, the gallon.
other car just drove off. ¢) [I] if people drive somewhere, drive? By fA n
they travel somewhere in a car: Shall we drive or take the 1(DWWa) [C] a journey in a car: [+to/along etc] Let’s go
bus? | [+to/down/off etc] They drove back to Woodside. for a drive along the coast. | Taylor took me for a drive
d) [7 always + adv/prep] to take someone somewhere in a through the town. |an hour's/a two hour etc drive /t’s a two
car, truck ete: She drove Anna to London. | I'll drive you hour drive from Calais to Thiepval. JOURNEY
home. |drive yourself | drove myself to hospital. 2 SET) [C] a strong natural need or desire: The
2 Mae [T] to force a person or animal to go treatment will not affect your sex drive.
somewhere: Torrential rain drove the players off the course. | 3 POP ess [Cc] the hard area or road between
With a few loud whistles, they drove the donkeys out of the your house and the street [SYN] driveway: in/on the drive
enclosure. He parked his car in the drive.
3 (TGESEEET) [7] to strongly influence someone to 4 Gaixrai [C] an effort to achieve something, especially
do something: drive sb to do sth The detective wondered an effort by an organization for a particular purpose: a
what had driven Christine to phone her. |drive sb to/into sth recruitment drive for new members | an economy drive
The noises in my head have nearly driven me to suicide. |Phil, (=effort to reduce spending) |drive to do sth a nationwide
driven by jealousy, started spying on his wife. drive to crack down on crime
4 TGS CLs [7] to make someone or 5 DEGREE [U] determination and energy to suc-
something get into a bad or extreme state, usually an ceed: Brian has got tremendous drive.
emotional one: drive sb crazy/nuts/mad/insane (=make 6 Gy [U] the power from an engine that makes the —
someone feel very annoyed) This cough is driving me wheels of a vehicle go round: front-wheel/rear-wheel/four-
mad! | drive sb crazy/wild (=make someone feel very wheel drive
sexually excited) | drive sb up the wall/out of their mind 7 @LTTGES [C] a piece of equipment in a computer that Dp
(=make someone feel very annoyed) | drive sb to is used to get information from a Disk or to store informa-
distraction/desperation The mosquitoes drive me_ to tion on it: hard/floppy/A etc drive —> DISK DRIVE
distraction. | drive sb/sth into sth The factory had been 8 Gia [C] an act of hitting a ball hard, especially in
driven into bankruptcy. tennis, baseball, or golf: He hit a long, high drive to right
SHA) (7) to hit or push something field.
into something else: drive sth into sth We watched Dad 9 Tae ~[C] several military attacks: [+into] a
drive the posts into the ground. |She drove her heels into the drive deep into enemy territory
sand. 10 EXTEN LC] when animals such as cows or sheep are
6 (GET [T] to make a person or animal work brought together and made to move in a particular direc-
hard: drive yourself Don’t drive yourself too hard. tion
7 Sew [1,7] a) to move a ball etc forward in a game of 11 Drive used in the names of roads: 147 Park Drive
baseball, football, golf etc by hitting or kicking it hard and ‘drive-by adj drive-by shooting/killing an occasion when
fast: He drove the ball into the corner of the net. b) to run someone is shot by someone in a moving car —drive-by
with the ball towards the GOAL in sports such as BASKET- n[C]
BALL and American football — see picture at GOLF ‘drive-in n [Cc] 1a restaurant where you are served and
8 GT «[T] to provide the power for a vehicle
eat in your car 2 a place where you can watch films
or machine: petrol-driven/electrically-driven/battery-driven
outdoors while sitting in your car
etc a petrol-driven lawnmower
driv-el /drival/ n [U] something that is said or written
9 ENA [| always + adv/prep] if rain, snow, wind
etc drives somewhere, it moves very quickly in that that is silly or does not mean anything: Don’t talk such
direction: The rain was driving down hard. drivel! —drivel v [1]
10 drive a coach and horses through sth to destroy an argu- driv-en" /‘drvan/ the past participle of DRIVE
ment, plan etc completely: The new bill will drive a coach driven? adj trying extremely hard to achieve what you
and horses through recent trade agreements. want: He claims he is not a driven workaholic. + as pure as
11 Qe ([T always + adv/prep] to make a large hole the driven snow at PURE(11)
in something using heavy equipment or machinery: They driv-er & (2 /‘drawe $ -ar/ n [C]
drove a tunnel through the mountains. 1someone who drives a car, bus etc — chauffeur: a taxi
12 drive sth home to make something completely clear to driver |Do you think you're a good driver?
someone: He didn’t have to drive the point home. The 2 technical a piece of software that makes a computer
videotape had done that. work with another piece of equipment such as a printer
13 drive a wedge between sb to do something that makes or a mouse
people disagree or start to dislike each other: | don’t want 3a GOLF CLUB with a wooden head —> back seat driver at
to drive a wedge between you and your fathep — drive/strike BACK SEAT(2), + Sunday driver at SUNDAY(3)
a hard bargain at HARD'(18) driver's edu'cation (also driver's 'ed) n [U] AmE a
drive at sth phr v what sb is driving at the nite someone is course, usually taken in high school, that teaches you
really trying to say [SYN]get at: / still couldn't understand how to drive a car
what Toby was driving at. ‘driver's license n [c] AmE an official document or
drive sb <» away phr v to behave in a way that makes
card that says that you are legally allowed to drive
someone leave: He was cruel because he wanted to drive me
[SYN] driving licence BrE
away.
drive sth <* down phr v to make prices, costs etc fall ‘drive shaft n [Cc] technical a part of a vehicle that takes
quickly: We have to drive down costs. power from the GEARBOx to the wheels
drive sb/sth <> in phr v to hit the ball so that another ‘drive-through (also drive-thru) n [C] a restaurant,
player can score a RUN in baseball bank etc where you can be served without getting out of
drive off phr v your car
1to hit the ball to begin a game of golf drive-time, drive time /‘drarvtatm/ n [U] the time dur-
2 drive sb <> off to force a person or animal to go away ing the morning or afternoon when many people are
from you: We keep dogs in the yard to drive off intruders. driving to or from work — rush hour: a morning drivetime
drive sb/sth <> out phr v radio show
1to force someone or something to leave: Downtown drive-way /‘drarvwer/ n [C] the hard area or road
stores are being driven out by crime. between your house and the street [SYN] drive
2 written to make something stop existing: As we went driv-ing" /drawin/ n [U] the activity of driving a car,
forward, our fear was driven out by horror. truck etc: driving lessons | He was charged with causing
drive sth <> up phr v to make prices, costs etc rise death by dangerous driving. | hazardous driving conditions
 driving — 520 XQ = words from the Academic Word List

(=weather that makes driving dangerous) — in the driving something: His name was dropped from the list. | drop sb
seat at SEAT'(11) from a team/side Taylor was bitterly disappointed to be
driving? adj 1 driving rain/snow rain or snow that falls dropped from the England side.
very hard and fast 2 driving force someone or something 7 STs) LT] to stop doing something, discuss-
that strongly influences people and makes them do ing something, or continuing with something: The pro-
something: [+behind] Hawks was the driving force behind posal was dropped after opposition from civil liberties
the project. 3 driving ambition a very great desire to do or groups. | drop charges/drop a case New evidence was pre-
achieve something sented to the court and the case was dropped. | drop a
‘driving licence n [C] BrE an official document or card subject at school/university (=stop studying it) Students
that says that you are legally allowed to drive are allowed to drop history in Year 9. | You can't expect me to
SYN] driver's license AmE drop everything (=completely stop doing whatever | am
‘driving range n [C] an open outdoor area where doing) whenever you're in town. | Oh, drop the ‘Senator’
people practise hitting golf balls (=stop calling me ‘Senator’) - just call me Gordon. |Some
time later, the matter was quietly dropped.
‘driving school n [Cc] a business that teaches people 8H daa [17] to stop talking about
how to drive a car
something: drop the subject To her relief, Julius dropped the
‘driving test n [c] the official test that you must pass subject. | drop it (=stop talking about a subject) Just drop
in order to be legally allowed to drive on public roads it, will you? | don't want to talk about it any more. | ‘What
driz-zle’ /drizal/ v1 it is drizzling if it is drizzling, light about the money?’ ‘We've agreed to let it drop (=we have
rain and mist come out of the sky: The rain isn’t too bad - agreed not to talk about it any more).’
it's only drizzling. 2 [T always + adv/prep] to let a liquid fall 9 PSSST TEs (also drop off) [T] to take some-
on food in asmall stream or in small drops: Drizzle the soy one by car to a place and leave them there, especially on
_ sauce over the chicken. your way to another place: Just drop me here - | can walk
~ drizzle? n [singular, U] weather that is a combination of the rest of the way. |drop sb at sth She dropped Johnny at the
light rain and mist: A light drizzle had started by the time we school gates at about 8:30.
left. EEN rain —driz-zly /‘drizli/ adj 10 PVG [T] to take something to a place
droll /draul $ droul/ adj amusing in an unusual way and leave it there: drop sth round/in |'ve got your books - !'Il
drom-e-da-ry /‘dromaderi $ ‘dra:maderi/ n (plural
drop them round to your place later.
dromedaries) [C] a CAMEL with one HUMP on its back 17H [| always + adv/prep] to visit someone you know,
usually without arranging a particular time: [+by/round] |
drone /draun $ droun/ v [1] to make a continuous low just dropped by to see how you were getting on. | The kids
dull sound: An airplane droned overhead. drop round and see her from time to time. | [+into] Jan
drone on phr v to speak in a boring way, usually for a long dropped into the office this morning to tell me her news. |
time: [+about] Tom was droning on about work.
drop in (on sb) Why don’t you drop in for a drink one
drone? n1 [singular] a continuous low dull sound: [+of] evening?
the steady drone of traffic 2 [C] a male Bee that does no 12 ESTE [| always + adv/prep] if a path, land
work 3 [C] someone who has a good life but does not etc drops, it goes down suddenly, forming a steep slope:
work to earn it or give anything back to society [+down] The cliff dropped down over a hundred feet to the
4 [C] technical old-fashioned an aircraft that does not sea below. | [taway] On the left the ground drops away,
have a pilot, but is operated by radio giving a view over the rooftops.
drool /dru:l/ v 1 [1,7] BrE to let sativa (=the liquid in 3 ees [7] informal to suddenly stop hav-
your mouth) come out of your mouth — slobber: The dog ing a relationship with someone, especially a romantic
was drooling at the mouth. 2 [1] to show in a silly way that relationship: She dropped him as soon as she found out he
you like someone or something a lot: [+over] He was had been seeing another woman.
drooling over a Porsche. 14 until/till you drop until you are too tired to continue
droop /dru:p/ v 1[1,T] to hang or bend down, or to doing something: We're going to shop till we drop!
make something do this: The plant needs some water - it’s 15 drop a hint to suggest or ask for something in an
starting to droop. | His eyelids began to droop (=close, indirect way, hoping that the person you are talking to
because he was sleepy). |Jessie drooped her head. 2 [!] to will understand what you mean: He dropped some big hints
become sad or weak: Our spirits drooped as we faced the about what he wanted for his birthday.
long trip home. —droop n [singular] —droopy adj: a droopy 16 drop sb a line/note informal to write a short letter to
moustache someone: Drop us a line to let us know how you're getting
on.
drop" §] (8 /drop $ dra:p/ v (dropped, dropping)
1735503 [T] a) to stop holding or carrying some- 17 drop dead a) informal to die suddenly b) spoken infor-
mal an impolite expression which you say to someone
thing so that it falls: He dropped his briefcase on a chair. |
when you are extremely angry with them
She screamed and dropped the torch. b) to make something
such as a bomb fall from a plane: U.S. planes began 18 sb's jaw dropped used to say that someone was very
dropping bombs on the city. |Supplies are being dropped for surprised
the refugees. 19 drop your eyes/gaze to stop looking at someone and
22109 [1] to fall suddenly onto the ground or into some- look down, usually because you feel embarrassed or
thing: [+from/off] The apples are beginning to drop from uncomfortable: Ben looked at me in horror for a moment
the trees. | Your button has dropped off. and then dropped his gaze.
3 TYAS [| always + adv/prep, T] to lower 20 the wind drops the wind stops: They waited for the wind
yourself or part of your body suddenly: [+down/onto/ to drop.
into] He dropped down onto the floor and hid under the 21 drop a bombshell informal to suddenly tell someone a
table. |She dropped her head back against the cushion. shocking piece of news: Finally she dropped the bombshell.
4s =([1] to fall to a lower level or amount, She was pregnant and | was the father.
especially a much lower level or amount: drop suddenly/ 22 drop sb in it informal to say or do something that gets
sharply/dramatically The number of deaths on the roads has someone else into trouble: You told her where we went on
dropped sharply. | Temperatures drop quite dramatically at Friday night! You've really dropped me in it now!
night, so bring some warm clothing. |[+to] Their share of the 23 drop $50/£2,000 etc [T] informal to lose money in a
market dropped to SO percent this year. business deal, a game etc: Phil dropped $200 playing poker
DECREASE yesterday.
5074 [7] to reduce the level or amount of some- 24 drop a catch to fail to catch a ball hit by a BATSMAN in:
thing: You might be able to get them to drop the price. |As CRICKET
soon as she saw the police car she dropped her speed. 25 drop a point to lose a point in a sports competition: Real
6faEE [T] to decide not to include someone or Madrid dropped a point at home yesterday.
EX = words from the Academic Word List 521 drug

26 be dropping like flies informal if people are dropping like appears on a computer screen when you CLICK on a place
flies, they are getting ill or dying in large numbers on the screen
27 drop a clanger/brick BrE to say something embarrassing ‘drop goal n [c] a Goat in RUGBY football made with a
in a social situation dropkick
28 drop a stitch to let the wool fall off the needle when you ‘drop-in adj [only before noun] a drop-in place is a place
are KNITTING offering a service or support where you can go without
29 drop anchor to lower a boat's ANCHOR to the bottom of having to make arrangements first: a drop-in advice centre
the sea, a lake etc so that the boat does not float away drop-kick /dropktk $ 'dra:p-/ n [C] a kick in a game
30 drop acid informal to swallow Lsp (=an illegal drug) such as RUGBY football, made by dropping the ball and
drop back (also drop behind) phr v to move more slowly kicking it immediately
than other people so that they get ahead of you: He
drop-let /dropist $ 'dra:p-/ n [C] a very small drop of
started out with the leaders but at the first fence he dropped
liquid: [+of] tiny droplets of water
back. |Ellen dropped behind to tie her shoelace.
drop off phr v drop-out /‘dropavt $ ‘dra:p-/ n [C] 1someone who
1to begin to sleep: She kept dropping off at her desk. | | leaves school or college before they have finished: a high
must have dropped off to sleep. school dropout 2 someone who refuses to take part in
2 drop sb/sth <> off to take someone or something to a ordinary society because they do not agree with its social
place by car and leave them there on your way to another practices, moral standards etc
place: I'll drop you off on my way home. drop-per /‘dropa $ ‘dra:par/ n [C] a short glass tube »
3 to fall to a lower level or amount: The number of gradu- with a hollow rubber part at one end, that you use to
ates going into teaching has dropped off sharply. measure liquid one drop at a time ‘
drop out phr v drop-pings /‘droprnz $ ‘dra:-/ n [plural] the solid waste |
1to no longer do an activity or belong to a group: The that passes out of the bodies of animals or birds
group gets smaller as members move away or drop out. ‘drop shot n [Cc] a shot in a game such as tennis in
2 to leave a school or university before your course has which the ball is hit softly and falls quickly to the ground
finished — dropout: [+of] Bill dropped out of college after dross /dros $ dra:s, dro:s/ n [U] 1 something that is of
his first year. very low quality: Most of the poems were pretentious dross.
3 to refuse to take part in ordinary society because you 2 waste or useless substances: gold with impurities or
do not agree with its principles —+ dropout: /n the 60s, dross
Leary urged kids to ‘Turn on, tune in and drop out.’ drought /dravt/ n [C,U] a long period of dry weather
drop? Gi fhn when there is not enough water for plants and animals to
10D) [C] a very small amount of liquid that falls in a live
round shape: [tof] As the first drops of rain began to fall, drove’ /drauv $ drouv/ the past tense of DRIVE
Michael started to run. |A single drop of blood splashed onto drove? n [Cc] 1 droves [plural] crowds of people: in droves
the floor. |A drop of sweat ran down her forehead and into Tourists come in droves to see the White House. 2 a group of
her eye. + RAIN DROP, TEARDROP SiG PIECE animals that are being moved together: [+of] a drove of
2B =[usually singular] informal a) a small cattle
amount of liquid that you drink, especially alcohol: [+of] drov-er /‘drauva $ 'drouvar/ n [C] someone who moves
She likes to add a drop of brandy to her tea. | George hasn't cattle or sheep from one place to another in groups
touched a drop (=drunk any alcohol) for years. b) a small
amount of something: [+of] | haven't got a drop of sympa- drown /draun/ v 1[1,7] to die from being under water
thy for him. for too long, or to kill someone in this way: Many people
3 GESTED [singular] a reduction in the amount, level, drowned when the boat overturned. | Jane was drowned in
or number of something, especially a large or sudden one the river. | drown yourself Depressed, Peter tried to drown
[SYN] fall: [+in] Manufacturers report a big drop in new himself. 2. (also drown out) [T] if a loud noise drowns out
orders. | a drop in temperature | a sharp/dramatic/marked another sound, it prevents it from being heard: A train
drop in sth The results showed a sharp drop in profits. blew its whistle and drowned his voice. | The noise of the
ADEZUCEeKEe nD) [singular] a distance from a higher battle was drowned out by his aircraft's engine. 3 [T] to
point down to the ground or to a lower point: There was a cover something, especially food, with more liquid than is
steep drop on one side of the track. | a 20-metre drop |There necessary or nice: drown sth in sth The fish was drowned in
was an almost sheer (=vertical) drop to the valley below. a rich sauce. 4 [1,1] to have a very strong feeling or a
5 at the drop of a hat immediately and without pausing to serious problem that is difficult to deal with: [+in] Relief
think about what you are going to do: Some of these agencies are drowning in frustration. | The country is drown-
corporations threaten to sue at the drop of a hat. ing in debt. 5 drown your sorrows to drink a lot of alcohol in
6 Batis” [C] an act of delivering something some- order to forget your problems
-where, for example by dropping it from a plane drowse /drauz/ v [!] to be in a light sleep or to feel as
[SYN] delivery: Air drops (=from a plane) of food aid were though you are almost asleep: | was drowsing in front of
made to the region yesterday. | My first drop of the day is the television when you called.
usually somewhere in north London. + MAIL DROP drow-sy /dravzi/ adj 1tired and almost asleep
7 lemon/fruit/chocolate etc drop a sweet that tastes of [SYN] sleepy: The drug can make you drowsy. 2 so peaceful
LEMON etc that you feel relaxed and almost asleep [SYN|sleepy: a
8 a drop in the ocean BrE, a drop in the bucket AmE a very drowsy summer afternoon —drowsily adv —drowsiness n
small amount of something compared to what is needed [U]
or wanted: 5,000 new schools are to be built, but this is just drub-bing /‘drabin/ n [C] an occasion when one team
a drop in the ocean for such a vast country. easily beats another team in sport: Ireland gave England a
9 eye/ear etc drops a type of medicine that you put in your drubbing at Twickenham.
eye, ear etc, one drop at a time drudge /dradz/ n [Cc] someone who does hard boring
‘drop cloth n [(c] Amé a large cloth for covering furni- work —drudge v [1]
ture or floors in order to protect them from dust or paint drudg-e-ry /‘dradgari/ n [U] hard boring work
[SYN] dustsheet BrE drug! 4 i /drag/ n [Cc]
drop dead ‘date n [c usually singular] AmE informal a tan illegal substance such as MARIJUANA OF COCAINE,
date by which you must have completed something, which some people take in order to feel happy, relaxed, or
because after this date it is no longer worth doing excited: A lot of young people start taking drugs at school. |
She always looks as though she’s on drugs (=taking drugs). |
drop-dead ‘gorgeous adj informal very attractive Jimi Hendrix died of a drug overdose.
‘drop-down menu pn [Cc] a list of choices which 2a medicine, or a substance for making medicines: a drug
 used in the treatment of cancer | [+for] new drugs for ‘drug addict n [c] someone who cannot stop taking
AlDS-related conditions | Drugs prescribed (=ordered for illegal drugs —drug addiction n [U]
people) by doctors can be extremely hazardous if used in the ‘drug ,baron n [c] someone who leads an organization
wrong way. | The big drug companies make huge profits. that buys and sells large quantities of illegal drugs
3 a substance that people doing a sport sometimes take ‘drug czar n [C] an official employed by a government
illegally to improve their performance: She was banned to try to stop the trade of illegal drugs
from the Olympics after failing a drug test (=a test that
shows if you have taken drugs). | performance-enhancing ‘drug dealer n [(c] someone who sells illegal drugs
drugs [SYN|dealer
4 [usually singular] a substance such as tobacco, coffee, or drug-get /‘dragit/ n [C,U] rough heavy cloth used espe-
alcohol, that makes you want more and more of it cially as a floor covering, or a piece of this cloth
5 be (like) a drug if an activity is like a drug, you enjoy it so drug:gie /‘dragi/ n (C] informal someone who often
much that you want to do it more and more: Athletics is takes illegal drugs
like a drug - it keeps dragging you back for more. + miracle drug-gist /dragist/ n [C] AmE old-fashioned someone
drug at MIRACLE(3) who Is trained to prepare medicines, and works in a shop
COLLOCATIONS SYN] pharmacist
VERBS e Boe eee E Cees drug rehabili'tation (also drug 'rehab) n [UJ] the
process of helping someone to live without illegal drugs
take/use drugs / think | took drugs to escape my
problems. after they have been ADpicted to them
do drugs informal (=take drugs) All my friends were ‘drug runner n [Cc] someone who brings illegal drugs
doing drugs. from one country to another
be on drugs (=take drugs regularly) /t can be very drug-store /‘dragsto: $ -storr/ n [C] especially AmE a
hard to tell if your teenager is on drugs. shop where you can buy medicines, beauty products etc
be addicted to drugs/dependent on drugs (=be [SYN| pharmacy AmE, chemist's BrE
unable to stop taking drugs) People who are addicted druid /‘druzsd/ n [C] a member of an ancient group of
to drugs need help. priests, in Britain, Ireland, and France, before the Chris-
be/get hooked on drugs informal (=be/get tian religion
addicted) |experiment with drugs (=try taking drum! /dram/ n [C] 1a musical instrument made of
drugs) |come off/get off drugs (=stop taking drugs skin stretched over a circular frame, played by hitting it
permanently) |deal (in) drugs (also supply drugs with your hand or a stick: a big bass drum | 1,000 people
formal) (=sell drugs) | inject drugs (=use a needle marched, beating drums and carrying flags. |on drums Trum-
to put drugs into your body) | be high on drugs peter Red Rodney was playing with Kenny Clarke on drums
(=be experiencing the effects of a drug) (=playing the drums). |Jones played the drums in an all-girl
|drug +NOUN a band. 2 a large round container for storing liquids such as
drug use/abuse (=taking drugs) She is being treated oil, chemicals etc: a 5 gallon oil drum — see picture at
for drug abuse. CONTAINER 3 something that looks like a drum, especially
a drug user (=someone who takes drugs) We set up part of a machine: a brake drum 4 bang/beat the drum for
a counselling service for drug users. sb/sth to speak eagerly in support of someone or some-
drug addiction (=the problem of not being able to thing: The company is banging the drum for their new
stop taking drugs) his struggles with alcoholism and software, 5 the drum of sth a sound like the sound a drum
drug addiction makes: the drum of the rain on the window — EARDRUM
a drug addict (=someone who cannot stop taking drum? y (drummed, drumming) 1 [1] to play a drum
drugs) |a drug problem (=the problem of being 2 [1,1] to make a sound similar to a drum by hitting a
addicted to drugs) |a drug overdose (=taking too surface again and again: | could hear the rain drumming
much of a drug at one time) | a drug dealer/pusher against the windows. |Lisa drummed her fingers impatiently
(=someone who sells drugs) |a drug trafficker/ on the table. 3 drum sth home to use repeated arguments
smuggler (=someone involved in bringing drugs into or messages in order to make sure that people under-
a country) | drug trafficking/smuggling (=the stand something: An information booklet will be available
crime of bringing drugs into a country) |the war on and press advertisements will drum home the message.
drugs (=a long struggle by the authorities to control drum sth into sb phr v to keep telling someone something
drugs) until they cannot forget it: ‘Don’t talk to strangers’ is a
Lae message drummed into children.
' ADJECTIVES drum sb out of sth phr v to force someone to leave an
illegal drugs A Jot of crime is connected to illegal organization, place, or job: He was drummed out of the
drugs. army.
hard drugs (also class A drugs Br£) (=strong drugs drum sth <> up phr v to get support, interest, attention
such as heroin, cocaine etc) |soft drugs (=less etc from people by making an effort: He travelled through-
strong drugs such as marijuana) |recreational out Latin America drumming up support for the
drugs (=taken for pleasure) |designer drugs confederation. | The organization is using the event to drum
(=produced artificially from chemicals) up business (=get more work and sales).
' COMMON ERRORS drum-beat /drambi:t/ n [Cc] the sound made when.
someone hits a drum '
4\ Do not say ‘light drugs’. Say soft drugs.
Instead of 'heavy drugs’, you usually say hard drugs. ‘drum kit n (c] a set of drums, used especially by
professional musicians
drug? y (drugged, drugging) [T] 1 to give a person or
‘drum ma,chine n [c] a piece of electronic equipment
that makes patterns of sounds like drum music
animal a drug, especially in order to make them feel tired
or go to sleep, or to make them perform well in a race: drum ‘major / $'. ../ n (c] the male leader of a
Johnson drugged and attacked four women. | There was no MARCHING BAND
evidence that the horse had been drugged. 2 to put drugs in drum major'ette / $'..../n [C] a Majorette
someone's food or drink in order to make them feel tired drum-mer /‘drama $ -ar/ n [C] someone who plays
or go to sleep [SYN]spike: The wine had been drugged. drums
3 be drugged up to the eyeballs especially BrE to have taken drum-ming /‘dramin/ n [U] 1 when you play a drum, or
a lot of illegal drugs, or to have been given a lot of the sound of a drum being played 2 the sound of some- _
medicine: She was in pain, despite being drugged up to the thing hitting a surface again and again: the drumming of —
eyeballs. —drugged adj the horses’ hooves -
[0 (2 fH = the most frequent words in written English 523 dry run
drum ‘n" bass /dram an ‘bets/ n [U] a type of elec- humorously —dryness n [U] — DRIP-DRY, DRY ROT,
tronic dance music with a very hard fast beat —»+ home and dry at HOME*(6), —+ leave sb high and dry at
‘drum-roll n [Cc] a quick continuous beating of a drum, HIGH2(5), —> DRYLY
used especially to introduce an important event dry? Gy (El v (dried, drying, dries) [1,7]
drum:stick /‘dramstrk/ n [C] 1 the lower part of the leg 1to make something dry, or to become dry: Mrs Brown
of a chicken or other bird, cooked as food 2 a stick that hung the washing on the line to dry. | He was drying his hair
you use to hit a drum with a towel. |Mary dried her hands. |Leave the first coat of
drunk? /drank/ the past participle of DRINK paint to dry before adding another. |She stood up and dried
her eyes (=wiped away her tears). |dry yourself He quickly
drunk? g adj dried himself on the thin towel.
1[not before noun] unable to control your behaviour,
2 (also dry up BrE) to rub plates, dishes etc dry with a
speech etc because you have drunk too much alcohol
cloth after they have been washed: You wash and I'll dry. |
f@PP]|sober: You're drunk. | David would get drunk and |
Shall | dry up these glasses? —+ CUT AND DRIED, DRIED
would have to take him home and put him to bed. | [ton] He
dry off phr v to become dry or to make something dry,
was drunk on beer and whisky. | blind drunk BrE (=very
especially on the surface: We swam in the sea, then
drunk) All she wants to do is get blind drunk. | drunk as a
stretched out on the sand to dry off. |dry sth <> off He dried
lord (also drunk as a skunk) (=very drunk) He turned up one
the camera off, hoping it would still work.
morning, drunk as a lord.
dry out phr v
2 being drunk and disorderly law the crime of behaving ina
1to become completely dry or to make something com-
violent noisy way in a public place when you are drunk
pletely dry, especially after it has been very wet: In —
3 drunk on/with sth so excited by a feeling that you
summer, water the plants regularly and never let the soil dry
behave in a strange way: drunk with happiness
out. |dry sth <> out The kitchen was flooded and it took ages ©
—>+ PUNCH-DRUNK, —> roaring drunk at ROARING(S) to dry it out. f
drunké (also drunk-ard /‘drankad $ -ard/) n [C] some- 2 dry (sb) out to stop drinking alcohol after you have
one who is drunk or often gets drunk — alcoholic become an ALCOHOLIC, or to make someone do this: He’s
drunk ‘driving n [U] Ame driving a car after having been drying out at a private clinic. | The hospital dried
drunk too much alcoho! [SYN] drink-driving BrE —drunk Michael out and sent him home.
driver n [C] dry up phr v
drunk-en /‘dranken/ adj [only before noun] 1 drunk or 1 nEa) if a supply of something dries up, it
showing that you are drunk: He was a drunken bully. |She comes to an end and no more is available: Foreign invest-
was lying in a drunken stupor (=nearly unconscious from ment may dry up. | The work soon dried up.
being drunk) on the sidewalk. 2 drunken party/orgy/braw! 2 MME if something such as a river dries up,
etc a party etc where people are drunk: Jom got into a the water in it disappears: Across central and west Texas,
drunken brawl (=fight) in a bar. —drunkenly adv waterholes and wells have dried up. |dry sth <> up Taking too
—drunkenness n [U] much water for household use is drying up the river.
‘drunk tank n [Cc] Ame informal a cell in a prison for 3 Gimbal if someone dries up, they stop talking: ‘It
people who have drunk too much alcohol was -’ She dried up again. | Everyone became embarrassed
dry’ f4] (1 /drat/ adj (comparative drier, superlative and conversation dried up.
AGM DIeuLaa BrE to rub plates, dishes etc dry
driest)
with a cloth after they have been washed: dry sth <> up /’//
1{eiaae without water or liquid inside or on the
just dry up these mugs and we can have a coffee.
surface [OPP] wet: | need to change into some dry clothes. |
Make sure that the surface is clean and dry before you start dry-ad /‘drared/ n[C] a female spirit who lives in a tree,
to paint. | You should store disks in a cool, dry place. | in ancient Greek stories
shake/rub/wipe etc sth dry Jean rubbed her hair dry. | The ‘dry ,battery n [Cc] an electric Battery containing
path is dry as a bone (=very dry). —+ BONE DRY chemicals that are not in a liquid form
2 (ase having very little rain or MolsTURE [OPP] wet ‘dry cell n [c] the type of cell used in a dry battery
— arid: The weather was hot and dry. | Eastern areas should dry-'clean / $ '../ v [T] to clean clothes ete with
stay dry tomorrow. | the dry season | These plants do not chemicals instead of water —dry cleaning n [U]
grow well in dry conditions (=when there is not much dry ‘cleaner’s n (plural dry cleaner's) [C] a shop where
rain). |a prolonged dry spell (=period) you can take clothes etc to be dry-cleaned
3 dry mouth/skin/lips/hair etc without enough of the lig- ‘dry dock n [c] a place where a ship can be taken out of
uid or oil that is normally in your mouth, skin etc the water for repairs
—» parched: His heart was pounding and his mouth was dry. |
dry-er, drier /‘drata $ -ar/ n [C] a machine that dries
Mary has dry, sensitive skin. | a shampoo for dry hair | She things, especially clothes > HAIRDRYER, SPIN-DRYER, TUMBLE
licked her dry lips.
DRYER
Arun/go dry if a lake, river etc runs dry, all the water
gradually disappears, especially because there has been dry-'eyed adj not crying
no rain: The river ran dry last summer. dry goods n [plural] 1 goods such as tobacco, tea, and
5 (Tiel someone with a dry sense of humour says coffee that do not contain liquid 2 AmE things that are
funny and clever things while seeming to be serious: He made from cloth such as clothes, sheets, and curtains: a
had a delightfully dry sense of humour. dry goods store
6 [Xa boring, very serious, and without humour: In dry ‘ice n [U] carBON DIOXIDE in a solid form, which is
schools, science is often presented in a dry and uninteresting used to make mist in a theatre or Disco, or to keep food or
manner. |a dry debate on policies FEEYNLTE> BoRING other things cold
7 dry cough a cough which does not produce any PHLEGM dry ‘land n [u] land rather than water: After three weeks
8 dry wine/sherry etc wine etc that is not sweet: a glass of at sea we were glad to be back on dry land again.
dry white wine dry:ly, drily /‘dratli/ adv if you say something dryly, you
9 Tinney not drinking alcohol, or not allowing say something that is amusing but you appear to be
any alcohol to be sold: Paula had been dry for a year before completely serious: ‘I hear you're a hero,’ Philip said dryly.
she started drinking again. | Kuwait's a dry country. \dry-'roasted adj dry-roasted nuts have been cooked
10 {ag showing no emotion when you speak: ‘Good without any oil
evening gentlemen,’ he said, in a dry voice.
tdry bread/toast bread etc eaten on its own without dry ‘rot n [U] a disease in wood that turns it into
anything such as butter or JAM spread on it powder
12 (esa informal thirsty \dry ‘run n [Cc] an event that is a practice for a more
13 not a dry eye in the house used to say that everyone was important event: Both the parties are treating the local
crying because something was very sad - often used elections as a dry run.
 Gregestiod _ [XQ = words from the Academic Word List

idry-'shod adv without getting your feet wet duch-y /‘datfi/ n (plural duchies) [C] the land and prop-
idry-stone ‘wall n [c] in Britain, a wall built with erty of a DUKE Or DUCHESS [SYN| dukedom
pieces of stone that are fitted closely together without duck" gy /dak/ n
using CEMENT to hold them in place 1[C] a very common water bird with short legs and a
dry ‘wall n [u] AmE a type of board made of two large wide beak, used for its meat, eggs, and soft feathers
sheets of CARDBOARD with PLASTER between them, used to 2[C] a female duck — drake
cover walls and ceilings —dry-wall v [1,7] 3[U] the meat of a duck used as food: roast duck with
DSL /di: es 'el/ n [C] technical (digital subscriber line) a orange sauce
telephone line that has special equipment which allows it 4 take to something like a duck to water to learn how to do
to receive information from the Internet, or send informa- something very easily: She took to dancing like a duck to
tion at very high speeds water.
DTI / di: ti: 'ar/ n the DTI the abbreviation of the Depart- 5 (also ducks) BrE spoken used to speak to someone,
ment of Trade and Industry in Britain especially a woman, in a friendly way: What can | get you,
DTP /di: ti: 'pi:/ n [U] (desktop publishing) the work of ducks?
arranging the writing and pictures for a magazine, small 6 [C] a score of zero by a BATSMAN in a game of CRICKET
book etc, using a computer and special software — DEAD DUCK, LAME DUCK, — like water off a duck's back at
WATER'(8), + DUCKS AND DRAKES, SITTING DUCK
duck? v 1 (olso. duck
DT's Br, D.T.'s AmE /dit 'tiiz/ n the DT's a condition in
which your body shakes and you see imaginary things,
_ caused by drinking too much alcohol - used humorously down) [1,1] to lower your
— dural /‘dju:al $ 'dural/ adj [only before noun] having two of head or body very quickly,
_ something or two parts —» single: dual role/purpose/ especially to avoid being
function The bridge has a dual role, carrying both road and seen or hit: If she hadn't
rail. | a dual system of education |dual citizenship/nationality ducked, the ball would have
She has dual nationality, of Canada and Britain (=she is a hit her. | [+behind/under
citizen of Canada and Britain). —duality /dju'elsti $ du-/ etc] Jamie saw his father
n[U] coming and ducked quickly
‘dual-band adj [only before noun] a dual-band mosile behind the wall. | Tim
PHONE is able to work-in at least two different countries ducked down to comb his
because it can receive two different types of signals hair in the mirror. | She
ducked her head to look
dual ‘carriageway n [C] BrE a main road that has two more closely at the
lines of traffic travelling in each direction, with a narrow
inscription. 2 [| always + adv/
part between them that has no traffic — single
prep] to move somewhere
carriageway [SYN] divided highway AmE
very quickly, especially to
du-a-lis-m /‘djuralizzam $ 'du:-/ n [U] technical the idea avoid being seen or to get
that there are two opposite parts or principles in every- away from someone:
thing, for example body and soul, or the state of having [+into] The two men ducked into a block of flats and
two parts or principles disappeared. |[+out of] She ducked out of the door before he
dub’ /dab/ v (dubbed, dubbing) [T] 1 [usually passive] to could stop her. | [+back] ‘Wait a minute’, he called, ducking
give something or someone a name that describes them back inside. 3 [T] informal to avoid something, especially a
in some way —> label, name: be dubbed sth The body, difficult or unpleasant duty [SYN]dodge: The ruling body
thousands of years old, was found in the Alps and dubbed wanted to duck the issue of whether players had been
‘The Iceman’. 2 to change the original spoken language of cheating. |Glazer ducked a question about his involvement in
a film or television programme into another language: be the bank scandal. 4 [T] to push someone under water for
dubbed into sth a British film dubbed into French a short time as a joke: duck sb under sth Tom grabbed him
3 especially BrE to make a record out of two or more from behind to duck him under the surface.
different pieces of music or sound mixed together duck out of sth phr v to avoid doing something that you
4 AmE to copy a recording from a tape or CD onto another have to do or have promised to do: | always ducked out of
tape 5 if a king or queen dubs someone, they give the history lessons at school.
title of KNIGHT to that person in a special ceremony
duck-billed plat-y-pus /dakbrid 'pletipas/ n [C] a
dub? n [U] a style of poetry or music from the West PLATYPUS
Indies with a strong regular beat
duck-boards /dakbo:dz ¢ -boirdz/ n [plural] long
du-bi-ous /‘dju:bias $ 'du:-/ adj 1 probably not honest, boards used to make a path over muddy ground
true, right etc: The firm was accused of dubious accounting
practices. | Many critics regard this argument as dubious or, ‘ducking stool n [c] a seat on the end of a long pole,
at best, misleading. | The assumption that growth in one used in the past to put a person under water as a
punishment
country benefits the whole world is highly dubious.
2 [not before noun] not sure whether something is good or duck-ling /‘daklin/ n [C] a young duck
true [SYN] doubtful: / can see you are dubious; take some time ducks and ‘drakes n [U] BrE a children’s game in
to think about it. | [+about] Some universities are dubious which you make flat stones jump across the surface of
about accepting students over the age of 30. | ‘Are you sure water.
you know what you are doing?’ Andy said, looking dubious.
3 the dubious honoutr/distinction/pleasure (of doing sth) a duck-weed /‘dakwi:d/ n [U] a plant that grows on the
dubious honour etc is the opposite of an honour - used
surface of ponds 7
about something unpleasant that happens: The Stephen- duck-y' /‘daki/ n BrE spoken used to speak to someone
sons had the dubious honor of being the 100th family to lose in a friendly way, especially a woman or child
their home in the fire. 4 not good or not of good quality: ducky? adj old-fashioned informal 1 AmE perfect or sat-
The room was decorated in dubious taste. —dubiously adv isfactory: Well, that’s just ducky. 2 attractive in an amusing
—dubiousness n [U] or interesting way [SYN] cute
ducal /djuzkal $ ‘du:-/ adj like a DUKE or belonging to a duct /dakt/ n [C] 1a pipe or tube that liquids, air, CABLES
duke etc pass through: Air is heated and then circulated through
duc-at /'dakat/ n [C] a gold coin that was used in large ducts to all parts of the house. 2 a narrow tube in your
several European countries in the past body or in a plant that liquid passes through: a tear duct
duch-ess /‘datfis/ n [C] a woman with the highest duc:tile /daktarl $ -tI/ adj ductile metals can be pressed —
social rank outside the royal family, or the wife of a DUKE: or pulled into shape without needing to be heated
the Duchess of York —ductility /dak'trsti/ n [U] :
(XG = words from the Academic Word List 525 dull

duct-ing /‘daktin/ n [U] a system of pipes or tubes that

REGISTER
liquids, air, CABLES etc pass through
Due to is mostly used in formal or official contexts.
dud /dad/ n [Cc] 1 something that is useless, especially In everyday English, people usually use because of:
because it does not work correctly: Several of the fireworks We cancelled the picnic because of the weather.
were duds. 2 duds [plural] informal clothes —dud adj: a dud
light bulb duff" /dat/ n[C] AmE informal the part of your body that
dude gy /dju:d $ du:d/ n [Cc] AmE you sit on [SYN] bottom: Get off your duff (=stop sitting or
1 informal a man: a real cool dude stop being lazy) and help me!
2 old-fashioned an American man from a city, who is duff? adj BrE informal bad or useless
living in or visiting a farm or RANCH duff? v
‘dude ranch n [Cc] a holiday place in the US where you duff sb <> up phr v BrE informal to fight someone and
can ride horses and live like a cCowBOY injure them
dud-geon /‘dadzan/ formal in high dudgeon in an angry duf-fel bag, duffle bag /‘dafal beg/ n [C] a bag made
or offended way - often used humorously of strong cloth, with a round bottom and a string around
due!" Gy Ol /dju: $ du:/ adj the top
1 Gea] [not before noun] expected to happen or arrive duffel coat, duffle coat /‘dafal kaut $ -kout/ n [C] a
at a particular time: due to do sth The team are due to fly to coat made of rough heavy cloth, usually with a HOOD and
Italy next month. | His new book is due to be published next TOGGLES (=buttons shaped like tubes)
year, | [+in/on/at] She's pregnant and the baby’s due in duf-fer /‘dafe $ -ar/ n [C] informal someone who is
April. |The final results of the experiment are due on Decem- stupid or not very good at something
ber 9. |I'm due at his office at 4.30. |[+for] The car is due for dug /dag/ the past tense and past participle of Dic
its annual service again. | [+back] When are the library
dug:out /‘dagaut/ n [C] 1 low shelter at the side of a
books due back? + DUE DATE
20) owed to someone either as a debt or because sports field, where players and team officials sit 2 a shel-
they have a right to it: Any money due you will be sent by ter dug into the ground for soldiers to use — trench
cheque through the post. | [+to] Thanks are due to all those 3 a small boat made by cutting out a hollow space in a
who took part. tree trunk: a dugout canoe
3 [ienTag if an amount of money is due, it must be paid at duh /dy/ interjection AmE used to say that what some-
a particular time: The next income tax payment is due on 31 one else has just said or asked is stupid
January. DUI /qi: ju: 'a1/ n [CU] law AmE (driving under the
Ain due course at some time in the future when it is the influence) the crime of driving when you have had too
right time, but not before: Further details will be announced much alcohol to drink [SyN|DWI: There were a large
in due course. number of DUI arrests on New Year's Eve.
5 fad [only before noun] formal proper or suitable: He duke /dju:k $ du:k/ n [C] a man with the highest social
was banned for six months for driving without due care and rank outside the royal family > duchess: the Duke of Norfolk
attention. | due regard/consideration We want the best for duke-dom /‘dju:kdam $ 'du:k-/ n [C] 1the rank of a
each individual child with due regard for the interests of the duke 2the land and property belonging to a duke
other children. SYN] duchy
6 with (all) due respect spoken used when you disagree
dul-cet /‘dalsit/ adj sb’s dulcet tones someone's voice -
with someone or criticize them in a polite way: Dad, with
all due respect, was not a very good husband. — DULY, DUE used humorously: Basil’s dulcet tones could be heard in the
corridor.
TO
due? n 1your due your due is what you deserve, or dul-ci-mer /‘dalstma $ -ar/ n [C] 1 a musical instrument
something it is your right to have: He accepted all the with up to 100 strings, played with light hammers
praise he received as his due. | Freddy, to give him his due 2a small instrument with strings that is popular in
(=to be fair to him), always tried to be honest. American FOLK MUSIC, and is played across your knees
2 dues [plural] regular payments you make to an organi- dull" By /dal/ adj (comparative duller, superlative dullest)
zation of which you are a member [SYN] fees: Robert failed 1b] not interesting or exciting: Life is never dull when
to pay his dues last year. Elizabeth is here. | a dull movie | It sounded pretty dull to
due adv due north/south/east/west directly to the me. | The weekly meeting tends to be deadly dull (=very
north, south, east, or west dull). | Last week we had a hurricane. Never a dull moment
due ‘date n [c usually singular] the date on which some- running a hotel in the Caribbean (=it's always interesting or
thing is supposed to happen: Fewer than five percent of exciting). DRESLULU E> BORING
women have their babies on their due date. REGISTER
du-el? /djual $ ‘duzal/ n [C] 1a fight with weapons In everyday English, people usually say boring rather
‘between two people, used in the past to settle a quarrel: than dull: a long, boring film
The officer challenged him to a duel. 2 a situation in which
two people or groups are involved in an angry disagree- 2 Gaeta not bright or shiny: The bird is dull brown
and gray in colour. | Her eyes were dull with dark shadows
ment: a verbal duel
beneath them. | the dull afternoon light
duel? y (duelled, duelling Br£, dueled, dueling AmE) [!] to 3 (ELEY not bright and with lots of clouds: Outside the
fight a duel weather was hazy and dull. |a dull sky
due ‘process n [U] AmE law the correct process that Af@i0] a dull pain is not severe but does not stop
should be followed in law and is designed to protect sharp: a dull ache in her lower back | The pain was dull
someone's legal rights but persistent.
du-et? /aju'et $ du'et/ n [C] a piece of music for two 5h) not clear or loud: The gates shut with a dull thud.
singers or players — quartet, solo, trio 6 (QIGIEL not sharp blunt
duet? v (past tense duetted, past participle duetting) if one 7b old-fashioned not able to think quickly
singer or musician duets with another, they sing or play or understand things easily [SYN] stupid: Ifyou don’t under-
together stand then you're duller than | thought.
‘due to prep because of something: The court of inquiry 8b if business on the Stock Exchange is dull, few
ruled that the crash was due to pilot error. | She has been people are buying and selling brisk —dully adv: ‘Well
absent from work due to illness. | The restaurant's success Michael?’ he said dully. | Her stomach ached dully.
was due largely to its new manager. | Attendance at the —dullness n [U]
meeting was small, due in part to (=partly because of) the dull? v 1 [1] to make something become less sharp or
absence of teachers. clear: He drank some alcohol to dull the pain. | Her fear and
 dullard— 526 Gi] & & = the most frequent words in spoken English

anxiety dulled her mind. 2 [1,T] to become less bright or vehicle etc is made to look like a real one but you cannot
loud, or to make something become less bright or loud: use it [SYN] replica: a dummy rifle
His eyes dulled a little. |The constant rain dulled all sound. Gummy ‘run n [C] an occasion when you practise
dull-ard /‘dalad $ -ard/ n [C] someone who is stupid doing something in complete detail to see if it works
and has no imagination [SYN] dry run: Do a dummy run to see how long it will take.
durly /‘dju:li $ 'du:li/ adv 1in the proper or expected dump!" Ey /damp/ v [T]
way: Here are your travel documents, all duly signed. IDDBA [always + adv/prep] to put some-
2 at the proper time or as expected: The Queen duly thing somewhere in a careless untidy way: Merrill dumped
appeared on the balcony to wave to the crowds. her suitcase down in the hall. |dump sth on sth They dump
dumb? gy /dam/ adj tons of salt on icy road surfaces to make driving safer. |dump
1 informal stupid: What a dumb question. | a bunch of dumb sth in/into sth He found a can of beef stew and dumped it in
kids | ‘What is it?’ | asked, playing dumb (=pretending to be a saucepan to heat. GEENA put
stupid). | She’s no dumb blonde (=a pretty woman with 2 GEIST] a) to get rid of something that you do
blonde hair who seems stupid). GEES STUPID not want: Ellie dumped all the photos of her ex-husband. |He
2unable to speak, because you are angry, surprised, dumped her body into the sea. b) to get rid of waste
shocked etc: He stared at the burnt-out car in dumb material by taking it from people's houses and burying it
disbelief. |She was struck dumb with terror. under the soil: Britain dumps more of its waste than any
3 old-fashioned someone who is dumb is not able to other European country. :
_ speak at all. Many people think that this use is offensive 3 DEEN informal to end a relationship with
— mute — deaf and dumb at DEAF(1) someone: Vicky dumped Neil yesterday.
_ 4dumb luck informal something good that happens in an 4QUeITTH to get rid of goods by selling them in a
unexpected way, especially when it is not deserved: /t foreign country at a much lower price: [+in/on] a cam-
was just dumb luck that we found the place at all. paign to stop cheap European beef being dumped in West
5 dumb animals/creatures used to talk about animals Africa
when you want to emphasize that humans often treat 5 technical to copy information stored
them badly and they cannot protect themselves in a computer's memory on to something else such as a
—dumbly adv: For a few seconds she gazed dumbly at him. DISK Or MAGNETIC TAPE —+ DUMPING
~dumbness n [U] dump on sb phr v informal
dumb? 1dump sth on sb to unfairly give someone an unwanted
dumb sth <>» down to present news or information in a job, duty, or problem to deal with: Don’t just dump the
simple and attractive way without many details so that extra work on me.
everyone can understand it - used to show disapproval: 2 AmE to treat someone badly
Have history textbooks been dumbed down over the past 3 Ame to criticize someone very strongly and often
decade? —dumbing down n [U] unfairly: politicians dumping on their opponents
dumb:bell /‘dambel/ n [C] 1 two weights connected by 4 dump (sth) on sb to tell someone all your problems and
a short bar, that you can lift to strengthen your arms and worries: We all dump our troubles on Mike.
shoulders [SYN]weights — see picture at GYM 2 AmE dump? n [c]
informal someone who is stupid 1{22358 a place where unwanted waste is taken and left:
dumb-found-ed /damfaundid/ adj extremely sur- rubbish dump BrE, garbage dump Amé: The fire probably
prised: He was completely dumbfounded by the incident. started in a rubbish dump. |Put the rest into a sack to take to
SURPRISED —dumbfound v [T] the dump. | an underground nuclear waste dump | a dump
site
dum-bo /‘dambau $ -bou/ n (plural dumbos) [C] infor- 2 {2375 a place where military supplies are stored, or
mal someone who is stupid
the supplies themselves: There has been a series of explo-
‘dumb show n [CU] the use of movements without sions in an ammunition dump.
words to express something + mime 3 TSW informal a place that is unpleasant
dumb:struck /‘damstrak/ adj so shocked or surprised to live in because it is dirty, ugly, untidy etc: ‘What a
that you cannot speak dump,’ she added as they entered the village. |Why are you
dumb ‘waiter n [Cc] a small uirt used to move food, living in a dump like this?
plates etc from one level in a restaurant, hotel etc to 4 down in the dumps informal very sad and without much
another interest in life: She's feeling a bit down in the dumps.
dum-dum /‘dam dam/ n [C] a soft bullet that causes 5a technical the act of copying the information
serious wounds because it breaks into pieces when it hits stored in a computer's memory onto something else,
you such as a DISK: a screen dump
6 take a dump informal not polite to pass solid waste from
dum-my' /‘dami/ n (plural dummies) [C] the BOWELS
1(XITEEY a model that is the shape and size of a
person, especially used in order to show clothes in a shop
‘dumper truck n (Cc) BrE a pump TRUCK
or when you are making clothes: a shop-window dummy | dump-ing /‘dampi/ n [U] the act of getting rid of
a tailor’s dummy dangerous waste material in a place that is not safe: The
2 (799 an object that is made to look like a tool, weapon, government has promised to stop dumping by the state-
vehicle etc but which you cannot use: During practice runs, owned chemical plants.
the warheads in the missiles will be dummies. ‘dumping ground n (c] 1a place where people get rid
3 EE a small model of a person, with a mouth that can of waste material: [+for] Rivers have always been a dump-
be moved so that it looks as though it is talking, used for ing ground for man’s unwanted waste. 2 a place where
entertainment: a ventriloquist’s dummy people are sent when no one knows how to deal with
493059 BrE a move ina sport such as football in which them: [+for] The prison has been the dumping ground for
a player pretends to pass the ball but does not, in order to difficult prisoners for years.
deceive the other team’s players dumpling /dampltn/ n [C] 1a round lump of flour and
5 HOSEA BrE a specially shaped rubber object that fat mixed with water, cooked in boiling liquid and served
you put in a baby’s mouth for it to suck [SYN] pacifier AmE with meat: chicken and dumplings 2 a sweet dish made o
6 SET especially AmE informal someone who is PASTRY filled with fruit: apple dumplings ;
stupid: No, you dummy. The other hand. Dump:ster /‘dampsta $ -ar/ n [C] trademark a large
7 @XTIIMT cards that are placed on the table by one metal container used for waste in the US [SYN] skip BrE
player for all the other players to see in a game of BRIDGE
‘Dumpster diving n [(U] AmE informal the activity of
— spit the dummy at sPiT(9)
looking through Dumpsters for clothes, food, furniture
dummy? adj [only before noun] a dummy tool, weapon, etc that other people have thrown away ji
 a
‘dump truck AmE n [Cc] a vehicle with a large open original. 2 in duplicate if something is in duplicate, there
container at the back that can move up to pour sand, soil are two copies of it: Copies of the proposal should be sent in
etc onto the ground duplicate.
dump-y /‘dampi/ adj someone who is dumpy is fat, duvplic-iety /dju:'plissti $ du:-/ n [U] dishonest behav-
short, and unattractive: a dumpy little man (TESTI jour that is intended to deceive someone —duplicitous
SHORT adj
dun /dan/ n [U] a brownish-grey colour —dun adj dur-a-ble /‘djvarabal $ 'dur-/ adj 1staying in good con-
dunce /dans/ n [C] old-fashioned someone who is slow dition for a long time, even if used a lot [Syn] hard-wearing:
at learning things: the dunce of the class Wood is a durable material GREET
STRONG 2 continuing for a long time [SYN] long-lasting: His
‘dunce’s cap n [C] a tall pointed hat that a stupid
student had to wear in school in the past poetry has proved durable. —durably adv —durability
/ djvare'bilsti $ dur-/ n [U] —* CONSUMER DURABLES
Dun-dee cake /dan'di: ketk/ n [CU] a British cake
made with fruit and nuts ‘durable goods n [plural] AmE large things such as
cars, televisions, and furniture, that you do not buy often
dun-der-head /‘dandahed $ -ar-/ n [C] old-fashioned [SYN] consumer durables BrE
someone who is stupid
dune /dju:n $ du:n/ n [C] a hill made of sand near the du-ra-tion [yg /djo'rerfan $ du-/ n [U] the length of time
that something continues: The course is of three years’
sea or in the desert [SYN] sand dune
duration. | for the duration (of sth) The package includes
‘dune buggy n [C] a car with big wheels and no roof cycle hire for the duration of your holiday.
that you can drive across sand [SYN] beach buggy
du-ress /dju'res $ du-/ n [UJ] illegal or unfair threats:
dung /dan/ n [U] solid waste from animals, especially
under duress The confession was obtained under duress.
cows
Dur-ex /‘djuareks $ ‘dur-/ n trademark 1 [C] BrE a rubber
dun-ga-rees /dange'ti:z/ n [plural] 1 BrE loose trousers
CONTRACEPTIVE that a man wears over his PENIS during sex
that have a square piece of cloth that covers your chest,
2 [U] AusE clear narrow plastic that is sticky on one side
and long thin pieces that fasten over your shoulders
and is used for fastening paper
[S¥N] overalls AmE 2 AmE old-fashioned heavy cotton trou-
sers used for working in [SYN] jeans dur-ing &] (i /‘djvertn $ ‘dor-/ prep
dun-geon /'‘dandgan/ n [C] a dark underground prison, 1from the beginning to the end of a period of time: During
especially under a castle, that was used in the past the summer she worked as a lifeguard. | He slept calmly
during the early part of the night. | Foxes remain hidden
dunk /dank/ v 1[T] to quickly put something into a
liquid and take it out again, especially something you are during the day.
2 at some point in a period of time: My father was killed
eating: Jill dunked her ginger biscuit in her tea. | | dunked my
during the war. | | mentioned the subject during our discus-
head under the water and scrubbed at my hair. GEETTTE>
sions at her Washington office. Z\ Do not say ‘during doing
put 2 [1] AmE to push someone under water for a short
something’ or ‘during someone does something’. Use
time as a joke [Syn|duck BrE 3 [1,1] to jump up by the
while: They chatted while waiting for the train (NOT during
basket and throw the ball down into it in BASKETBALL
waiting for the train). | He stole her money while she slept
—» dunk for apples at APPLE(3), > SLAM DUNK, —* see picture
(NOT during she slept).
at BASKETBALL —dunk n [C]
Dunkirk ‘spirit, the n a determination to succeed THESAURUS
despite being in a difficult or impossible situation, which during at one point in a period of time, or through
is believed to be a typical British quality. The expression the whole of a period of time: Did you hear the storm
comes from the events involving British soldiers during during the night? | During the summer we spend a lot
World War II at Dunkirk. more time out of doors.
dun-no /‘danevu $ -nov/ a way of saying ‘| don’t know’. all through (also throughout) /5:! 'Oru:, Oru:'aot/
Some people think that this use is not correct English: ‘Do during all of a period of time: The cafe’s closed all
you want to come?’ ‘I dunno, | might.’ through the winter and opens again in April. |
duo /‘djuau $ ‘du:ou/ n (plural duos) [C] 1 two people Throughout her career she has worked hard and
who perform together or are often seen together: the achieved the highest standards.
comedy duo Reeves and Mortimer 2 a piece of music for over at one point or at various different points
two performers [SYN] duet during a period of time: I’m going to redecorate my
bedroom over the holidays. |She’s been a great help to
du-o:de-num /dju:e'di:nam $ duze'diznam, du'a:dn-am/
me over the past year.
n [C] the top part of your Bowel, below your stomach in the course of sth formal during a particular
—duodenal /djuza'di:znl< $ du:o'di:nl<, du'a:dn-al/ adj: a process or period of time: In the course of the study
duodenal ulcer we consulted with leading experts in global warming. |
dupe’ /dju:p $ du:p/ n [C] someone who is tricked, There was huge social change in the course of the
- especially into becoming involved in something illegal 1960s.
dupe? v [T usually passive] to trick or deceive someone: within during a period of time, or before the end of a
dupe sb into doing sth Consumers are being duped into period - used when you want to emphasize that it is
buying faulty electronic goods. a short or limited period: There have been five serious
du-plex /‘djuzpleks $ 'du:-/ n [C] AmE a type of house accidents within the last few days. | Payment must be
that is divided into two parts, so that it has two separate made within 30 days.
homes in it
durst /da:st $ dairst/ old use the past tense of DARE
du-pli-cate™ /‘dju:plskert $ 'du:-/ v [T] 1 to copy some-
thing exactly: New copies of the form can be duplicated from dusk /dask/ n [U] the time before it gets dark when the
a master copy. | The video was duplicated illegally. sky is becoming less bright [SYN] twilight —+ dawn, dusk:
2 to repeat something in exactly the same way: We don't The street lights go on at dusk.
want staff to duplicate each other's work. —duplication dusk-y /‘daski/ adj dark or not very bright in colour: The
/ djuxpl'kerfan $ du:-/ n (U] room was filled with dusky shadows. | dusky pink/orange/
du-pli-cate? /‘djuzplskst $ ‘du:-/ adj [only before noun] blue etc a dusky pink room
exactly the same as something, or made as an exact copy dust" gy (A /dast/ n
of something: A duplicate copy should be made for the 1[U] dry powder consisting of extremely small bits of dirt
county record office. | a duplicate key that is in buildings on furniture, floors etc if they are not
duplicate? n (C] 1 an exact copy of something that you kept clean: All the furniture was covered in dust. | a thick
can use in the same way: [+of] Locksmiths can make layer of dust | There's not a speck of dust in the kitchen. |
duplicates of most keys. |She kept both the duplicate and the gather/collect dust (=become covered with dust) Her old
 dust 528 EQ = words from the Academic Word List

trophies were collecting dust on the shelves. | Dust particles Netherlands 2 [U] the language used in the Netherlands,
floated in the sunlight. | A sudden breeze sent motes of dust and in some parts of Belgium — DOUBLE-DUTCH
(=small bits of dust) dancing in the air, Dutch ‘auction n [CU] a public sale at which the price
2[U] dry powder consisting of extremely small bits of of something is gradually reduced until someone will pay
earth or sand; The wind was blowing dust and leaves up it
from the ground. |A car sped past in a cloud of dust. (Dutch ‘barn n [Cc] a farm building with a curved roof on
3[U] powder consisting of extremely small bits of a a frame that has no walls, used for storing HAY
particular substance: coal/brick/chalk etc dust
4a dust BrE the act of dusting something: | need to give the
Dutch ‘cap n [Cc] a round rubber contRAcepTive, that a
woman wears inside her VAGINA during sex
sitting room a dust.
SYN) diaphragm, cap
5 let the dust settle/wait for the dust to settle to allow or
wait for a confused situation to become clear — bite the Dutch ‘courage n [U] courage or confidence that you
dust at BITE'(8), —+ DUSTY, — leave sb in the dust at get when you drink alcohol
LEAVE'(15), —> not see sb for dust at SEE"(36) Dutch ‘elm dis,ease n [U] a disease that affects and
dust? v 1[i,T] to clean the dust from a surface by kills ELM trees
moving something such as a soft cloth across it: Rachel Dutch-man /‘dat{man/ n (plural Dutchmen /-man/) [C]
dusted the books and the bookshelves. | | was dusting in the 1a man from the Netherlands 2 I'm a Dutchman BrE spo-
bedroom when the phone rang. — see picture at CLEAN? ken used to show that you do not believe something: If
2 [T] (also dust down, dust off), to remove something that ball was out, then I'm a Dutchman.
such as dust or dirt from your clothes by brushing them Dutch ‘oven n [c] a large cooking pot with a lid
with your hands: He got to his feet and dusted his knees. | Dutch-wom-an /‘dat{woman/ n (plural Dutchwomen
_ dust yourself (down/off) Corbett dusted himself down and /-wimtn/) [C] a woman from the Netherlands
_ walked off. 3 [T] to put a fine powder over something: du-ti-a-ble /dju:tiabal $ ‘du:-/ adj dutiable goods are
dust sth with sth Dust the biscuits with icing sugar. those that you must pay duty on
dust sth <> off phr v1 to remove something such as dust du-ti-ful /dju:trfal $ 'du-/ adj doing what you are
or dirt from your clothes by brushing them with your expected to do and behaving in a loyal and obedient way:
hands: They were dusting off leaves and twigs. | dust your- a dutiful son | Dutiful applause greeted his speech.
self off He got to his feet and dusted himself off. 2 to get
dut-i-ful-ly /‘dju:trfali $ 'du:-/ adv if you do something
something ready in order to use it again, after not using it
dutifully, you do it because you think it is the correct way
for a long time: The government is dusting off schemes for
to behave: | dutifully wrote down every word.
supporting creative industries.
dust-bin /‘dastbtn/ n [C] BrE a large container outside du-ty yf /‘dju:ti $ ‘du:-/ n (plural duties)
your house, used for holding waste until it is taken away IBLE) £C,U] something that you have to do
[SYN| garbage can AmE — see picture at BIN! because it is morally or legally right [SYN] obligation: /
promise | will do my duty. | We feel it is our duty to help her. |
‘dustbin man n [Cc] a bustman Local authorities have a duty to keep the streets clean. | You
‘dust bowl n [c] an area of land that has bust storms have a duty to your husband and to your children. |She has a
and very long periods without rain strong sense of moral duty. | The unions have failed in their
‘dust bunny n [c] AmE informal a small ball of dust duty to female workers. | In the traditional Hindu family, the
that forms in a place that is not cleaned regularly, such as son is duty-bound to look after his mother.
under furniture 2 (ETE LC usually plural, U] something you have to do as
‘dust cart n [cl] BrEa large vehicle that goes from house part of your job: duties Martin's duties included cleaning the
to house to collect waste from dustbins [SYN] garbage cars. | She works for her father doing part-time secretarial
truck AmE duties. | He will soon be fit enough to carry out his duties
‘dust ,cover n [C] AmE a paper cover of a book, which (=do his job). | He can only do light duties. | When Juliet
you can remove [SYN] dust jacket reported for duty (=arrived and said she was ready to start
dust-er /‘dasta $ -ar/ n [C] 1a cloth for removing dust work) she was sent to check on a new patient. |A teacher
from furniture 2 AmE old-fashioned a light coat that you may be fired for neglect of duty (=failing to do their job
wear to protect your clothes while you are cleaning the properly). | He did three tours of duty in Vietnam (=three
house 3 Ame informal a bust storm periods working in a foreign country as a soldier, govern-
‘dust jacket n [c] a paper cover of a book, which you ment officer etc).
can remove 3 be on/off duty to be working or not working at a particu-
dust-man /‘dastman/ n (plural dustmen /-man/) [C] lar time, especially when you are doing a job which
BrE someone whose job is to remove waste from DUSTBINS people take turns to do, so that someone is always doing
[SYN] garbage collector AmE it: He's on night duty. |Mary goes on duty (=starts working)
tonight at half past ten. | What time do you go off duty
dust-pan /‘dastpen/ n [C] a flat container with a han- (=finish work)?
dle that you use with a brush to remove dust and waste
4 {iy [CU] a tax you pay on something you buy: [+on]
from the floor: Have you got a dustpan and brush? + see
picture at BRUSH! the duty on cigarettes |customs duty (=tax paid on goods
coming into the country) —> DEATH DUTIES, STAMP DUTY |
dust-sheet /‘dast-fixt/ n [C] especially BrE a large sheet 5 do duty as sth to be used as something [SYN] serve as sth:
of cloth used to protect furniture from dust or paint The living room also does duty as a home office. + DOUBLE
SYN] drop cloth AmE
DUTY, HEAVY-DUTY, — jury duty at JURY SERVICE, > on active
‘dust storm n [Cc] a storm with strong winds that duty at ACTIVE SERVICE My
carries large amounts of dust \duty-'free’ adj duty-free goods can be brought into a
dust-up /‘dast-np/ n (C] BrE informal a fight country without paying tax on them: duty-free cigarettes |
dust-y /‘dasti/ adj 1 covered with dust: Adrian cycled the duty-free shop —duty-free adv
along the dusty road. | Everything's really dusty. duty-free? n [cu] alcohol, cigarettes etc that you can
DIRTY 2 dusty blue/pink etc blue etc that is bring into a country without having to pay tax on them ‘
not bright but is slightly grey: The curtains had faded to a du-vet /‘du:ver, ‘dju:- $ dur'ver/ n [C] especially BrE a
dusty pink. large cloth bag filled with feathers or similar material that
Dutch’ /dat{/ adj 1relating to the Netherlands, its you use to cover yourself in bed comforter AmE
people, or its language 2 go Dutch (with sb) to share the ‘duvet day / $ .'../ n [C] informal a day when you are
cost of a meal in a restaurant 3 Dutch treat AmE an supposed to go to work, but stay at home and relax
occasion when you share the cost of something such as a instead
meal in a restaurant
DVD §& DD /di: vi: ‘di:/ n [C,U] (digital video disc or
Dutch? n 1the Dutch [plural] people from the digital versatile disc) a type of computer pisc that can E
GG = words from the Academic Word List 529 | dystrophy
store a large amount of information, sound, pictures, and offensive word for a LESBIAN (=woman who is sexually
video: a DVD player | The film is now out on video and DVD. attracted to women). Do not use this word.
—» see picture at TECHNOLOGY 3 especially BrE a narrow passage to carry water away
,DVD-'ROM n [cu] (digital video disc read-only [SYN] ditch
memory) a type of computer Disc that can store more dy-nam:ic! [Xq /dar'nemtk/ adj1 full of energy and new
information than a CD-ROM ideas, and determined to succeed: dynamic and ambitious
DVLA, the /qi: vi: el 'er/ (the Driver and Vehicle Licens- people RRTEELULUE> ENERGETIC 2 continuously moving or
ing Agency) the British government department that is changing: a dynamic and unstable process 3 technical relat-
responsible for collecting road tax from people who own ing to a force or power that causes movement
vehicles, for giving driving tests, and for giving people —dynamically /-kli/ adv
their DRIVING LICENCES dynamic? fq n1 dynamics a) [plural] the way in which
DVT /i: vi: 'ti:/ n [U] medical the abbreviation of deep things or people behave, react, and affect each other:
vein thrombosis [+of] the dynamics of the family | He did research on group
dwarf! /dwo:f $ dwo:rf/ n (plural dwarfs or dwarves) [C] dynamics and leadership styles. b) [U] the science relating
to the movement of objects and the forces involved in
1 an imaginary creature that looks like a small man: Snow
White and the Seven Dwarfs. 2 a person who is a dwarf has movement c) [plural] changes in how loudly music is
not continued to grow to the normal height because of a played or sung 2 [singular] formal something that causes
action or change: [+of] She regards class conflict as a
medical condition. Many people think that this use is
central dynamic of historical change.
offensive. > WHITE DWARF
dwarf? adj [only before noun] a dwarf plant or animal is dy-na-mis-m /‘dainamizam/ n [U] energy and determi-
nation to succeed: her entrepreneurial dynamism
much smaller than the usual size: a dwarf conifer
dwarf? v [7 usually passive] to be so big that other things dy-na-mite' /‘dainamart/ n [U] 1a powerful explosive
used especially for breaking rock: a dynamite blast
are made to seem very small: The cathedral is dwarfed by
2 something or someone that is likely to cause a lot of
the surrounding skyscrapers. i
trouble: If the proposals became public they would be
dweeb /dwi:b/ n [C] AmE informal someone who is dynamite. 3 old-fashioned informal someone or something
weak, slightly strange, and not popular or fashionable
that is very exciting or impressive: The band is dynamite.
dwell /dwel/ v (past tense and past participle dwelt dynamite? v [T] to damage or destroy something with
/dwelt/ or dwelled) [| always + adv/prep] literary to live ina
dynamite
particular place: They dwelt in the forest.
dwell on/upon sth phr v to think or talk for too long about
dy-na:mo /‘dainamau $ -mov/ n (plural dynamos) [C]
something, especially something unpleasant: That is not a 1a machine that changes some other form of power
directly into electricity: bicycle lights powered by a dynamo
subject | want to dwell on.
2 someone who is excited about what they do and who
dwel-ler /‘dwele $ -ar/ n [C] city/town/cave etc dweller a
puts a lot of energy into it: the team’s midfield dynamo
person or animal that lives in a particular place: City 3 something that has a strong effect on something else,
dwellers suffer higher pollution levels. and that makes things happen: Oil is the dynamo of the
dwell-ing /‘dwelin/ n [C] formal a house, apartment etc country’s economy.
where people live dyn-a-sty /‘dinasti $ ‘dat-/ n (plural dynasties) [C]
‘dwelling house n [Cc] formal especially BrE a house 1a family of kings or other rulers whose parents, grand-
that people live in, not one that is being used as a shop, parents etc have ruled the country for many years: The
office etc Habsburg dynasty ruled in Austria from 1278 to 1918.
dwelt /dwelt/ a past tense and past participle of DWELL 2. a period of time when a particular family ruled a coun-
DWI /qi: dabalju: 'at/ n [CU] AmE law (driving while try or area 3 informal a group or family that controls a
intoxicated) the crime of driving when you have had too particular business or organization for a long time: the
much alcohol to drink DUI Rothschild banking dynasty
dwin-dle /'dwindl/ v [1] (also dwindle away) to gradu- d'you /dju, d3a/ the short form of ‘do you’: D'you know
ally become less and less or smaller and smaller: The what | mean?
elephant population is dwindling. | His money had dwindled dys:cal-cu-li-a /diskelkjs'liza/_n [U] a condition that
away. | [+to] The stream has dwindled to a trickle. makes it difficult for someone to recognize numbers
DECREASE —dwindling adj: dwindling resources correctly, so that they cannot do simple sums — dyslexia
dye" /dat/ n1[C,U] a substance you use to change the dys-en-te-ry /‘disantari $ -teri/ n [U] a serious disease
colour of your clothes, hair etc: hair dye 2 a dye job of your BOWELS that makes them BLEED and pass. much
informal someone who has had a dye job has used a more waste than usual
substance to change the colour of their hair dys-func-tion-al /dis'fankjenal/ adj 1not following the
dye? v [1] to give something a different colour using a normal patterns of social behaviour, especially with the
dye: dye sth black/blue/blonde etc Priscilla’s hair was dyed result that someone cannot behave in a normal way or
jet black. —dyed adj have a satisfactory life: dysfunctional family relationships
,dyed-in-the-'wool adj having strong beliefs, likes, or 2 not working properly or normally [opp] functional
Opinions that will never change: Even dyed-in-the-wool dys:lex-i-a /dis'leksis/ n [U] a condition that makes it
traditionalists were impressed by the changes. difficult for someone to read and spell —dyslexic adj: Two
dy-ing" /‘dat-1n/ the present participle of Die of the children in the class are dyslexic.
dying? adj 1 dying moment/minutes/seconds during the dys:pep:si-a /dts'pepsia, -'pepfa/ n [U] a problem that
last minutes, seconds etc before something ends: Chan- your body has in dealing with the food you eat
dler's goal was in the dying minutes of the game. indigestion
2 [only before noun] happening just before someone dies: dys-pep-tic /dis'peptik/ adj1 suffering from dyspepsia
lt was her dying wish to have a simple burial. 3 to your dying 2 old-fashioned bad-tempered
day for the rest of your life: He regretted the decision to his dys-prax-i-a /dis'preksia/ n [U] a condition that makes
dying day. 4 [only before noun] gradually decreasing until it difficult for someone to control their movements accu-
soon there will be none left: Women who enjoy baking are rately and can affect their learning
a dying breed. 5 the dying [plural] people who are dying: a dys-to-pi-a /dis'taupia $ -'tou-/ n [C] an imaginary
hospice for the dying place where life is extremely difficult and a lot of unfair or
dyke, dike /datk/ n [C] 1a wall or bank built to keep immoral things happen utopia
back water and prevent flooding 2 taboo informal an dys-tro-phy /‘distrafi/ + MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY
 each ‘other J (@ pron [not used as the subject of a
sentence] used to show that each of two or more people
does something to the other or others — one another:
Susan and Robert kissed each other passionately. | The girls
looked at each other. | They enjoy each other's company,
—» be at each other's throats at THROAT(5)
each ‘way adv BrE if you Bet (=try to win money by
guessing the winner of a race) money each way, you will
win if the horse or dog you choose comes first, second, or
E™ e /i:/ n (plural E's or e's) 1 [C,U] the fifth letter of the third —each way adj: a £10 each way bet
English alphabet 2 [C,U] the third note in the SCALE of C
MAJOR or the musical KEY based on this note 3 [C] a mark eager /'i:ga $ -ar/ adj 1 very keen and excited about
given to a student's work to show that it is of very low something that is going to happen or about something
quality 4 [C,U] ecstasy (=an illegal drug) you want to do: eager to do sth | was eager to get back to
work as soon as possible. | He's a bright kid and eager to
E? 1 BrE technical the written abbreviation of earth (=a learn. |She’s a very hard worker and very eager to please. |A
connection between a piece of electrical equipment and
crowd of eager young students were already waiting
the ground) 2 the abbreviation of E number 3 the written
outside. | [+for] fans eager for a glimpse of the singer
abbreviation of east or eastern
2 eager beaver informal someone.who is too keen and
@=, E- /i:/ prefix (electronic) used before another word to works harder than they should —eagerly adv: They're
mean something that is done on or involves the Internet: eagerly awaiting the big day. —eagerness n [UJ]: People
e-shopping | e-commerce were pushing each other out of the way in their eagerness to
each §] (i /i:t{/ determiner, pron, adv get to the front.

LN
Tevery one of two or more things or people, considered ea-gle’ /i:gal/ n [C] 14 very large strong bird with a
separately — every: She had a bottle in each hand. |Grill the beak like a hook that eats small animals, birds etc + see
fish for five minutes on each side. |Each member of the team picture at BIRD OF PREY 2 two STROKES less than PAR (=the
is given a particular job to do. |We each have our own skills, | usual number of strokes for a hole) in a game of golf
When the children arrive, you give them each a balloon. | 3 eagle eye used to say that someone is watching care-
There are four bedrooms, each with its own shower and WC. | fully or is likely to notice something: They carried on
The tickets cost £20 each (=each ticket costs £20). | You working, under the eagle eye of the owner.
get two cookies each (=every one of you gets two eagle? v [T] to use two strokes less than the usual
cookies). | [+of] I'm going to ask each of you to speak for number of strokes for a hole in a game of golf
three minutes. | There are 250 blocks of stone, and each one \eagle-'eyed adj [only before noun] very good at seeing
weighs a ton. |each day/week/month etc (=on each day, in or noticing things: One eagle-eyed passerby noticed that the
each week etc) a disease that affects about 10 million window was slightly open.
people each year
ea-glet /i:gist/ n [C] a young EAGLE
2 each and every used to emphasize that you are talking
about every person or thing in a group: These are issues EAL /i: et 'el/ n [U] (English as an Additional Language)
that affect each and every one of us. |Firemen face dangerous the teaching of English to people who live in an English-
situations each and every day. speaking country, but whose first language is not English
3 each to his/their own used to say that we all have SYN] ESL
different ideas about how to do things, what we like etc, Ea-ling com-e-dy /ji:ltn 'komadi $ -'ka:-/ n [C] one of
especially when you do not agree with someone else’s many humorous films, mostly in black and white, made at
choice: I’d have chosen something more modern myself, but Ealing Studios in London during the 1940s and 1950s, in
each to his own, which many well-known British actors appeared
GRAMMAR “ean /ian/ suffix [in adjectives and nouns] another form of
Each is used before a singular noun. Use a singular the SUFFIX -AN: Keynesean economics (=according to the
ideas of Keynes)
verb after it: Each item was thoroughly checked.
Even when each comes before 'of' and a plural noun, EAP /i: er'pi:/ n [U] (English for Academic Purposes) the
the verb should be singular: Each of these people has teaching of English to people whose first language is not
some useful talent or experience. English and who need English for studying at a college or
Each is usually used with a singular pronoun or university
determiner (he, she, it, his, himself etc): Each Car G1 /1e $ 1r/ n
component can be replaced separately if it breaks. | IVT RTT yA [C] one of the organs on either side
Each child assembles his or her project with help from of your head that you hear with: She tucked her hair behind
the teacher. her ears. |long-eared/short-eared etc a long-eared rabbit
However, you can use ‘they’, ‘them’, 'their’ etc when 230) [C] the top part of a plant such as wheat that
you do not want to say whether people are male or produces grain: [+of] an ear of corn
female: Each individual has the opportunity to put into 3 smile/grin etc from ear to ear to show that you are very
practice their newly acquired skills. happy or pleased by smiling a lot: She came out of his
A\ Do not use each in negative clauses. Use none: office, beaming from ear to ear.
None of the answers was correct (NOT Each of the 4reach sb's ears if something reaches someone's ears, -
answers was not correct). they hear about it or find out about it: The news eventually
each, every reached the ears of the king.
It is often correct to use either each or every, but 5 to sb's ears used when saying how something sounds to
they have slightly different meanings. someone: It sounds odd to the ears of an ordinary English
Use each when you are thinking about the people or speaker.
things in a group separately, one by one: Each 6 [singular] the ability to learn music, copy sounds etc:
student came forward to receive a medal. |Each time [+for] She has no ear for languages at all. | a good ear for
you exercise, you get a little stronger. dialogue
Use every when you are thinking about the whole 7a sympathetic ear used to say that someone listens
group of people or things together, with no sympathetically to what someone is saying: He's always
exceptions: Every student was given a prize. | You have prepared to lend a sympathetic ear.
to enter your password every time you log on. 8 close/shut your ears to sth to refuse to listen to bad or
A\ Do not use each after words such as ‘almost, unpleasant news: You can’t just close your ears to their ~
‘nearly’, or 'not'. Use every: Almost every window was warnings. — turn a deaf ear at DEAF(4), — fall on deaf ears at
\_broken. |Not every child enjoyed the party. DEAF(5)
 531 early
9 be all ears informal to be very keen to hear what some- earl-dom /'3xI\dam $ '3:rl-/ n [C] 1 the rank of an earl
one is going to tell you: As soon as | mentioned money, 2 the land or property belonging to an earl
Karen was all ears. ear-li-est /'3:liast $ '3:1r-/ n at the earliest no earlier than
10 be out on your ear informal to be forced to leave a job, the time or date mentioned: Work will begin in October at
organization etc, especially because you have done the very earliest.
something wrong: You'd better start working harder, or ‘ear lobe n [c] the soft piece of flesh at the bottom of
you'll be out on your ear. your ear
11 be up to your ears in work/debt/problems etc to have a ear-ly* &y (i sli $ 's:rli/ adj (comparative earlier, super-
lot of work etc lative earliest)
12 have sth coming out (of) your ears informal to have too 1GLSEZTY in the first part of a period of time, event, or
much of something: We’ve got pumpkins coming out our process: the early morning sunshine | an afternoon in early
ears this time of year. spring |In the early days, the railways mainly carried goods. |
13 keep your/an ear to the ground to make sure that you She is in her early twenties. |the recession of the early 1980s |
always know what is happening in a situation The money could be paid as early as next week. |He spent the
14 keep your ears open to always be listening in order to early part of his career at St John’s Hospital. |the experiences
find out what is happening or to hear some useful infor- of early childhood | the early works of Shakespeare | My
mation: | hope you'll all keep your eyes and ears open for earliest memories are of fruit trees. | Early signs are encour-
anything unusual. aging.
15 go in (at) one ear and out (at) the other informal if infor- 2 ESS arriving or happening before the usual or
mation goes in one ear and out the other, you forget it as expected time [opp] late: five minutes/three hours etc early
soon as you have heard it: | don’t know why | tell her The bus was ten minutes early. | [+for] | was a few minutes
anything. It just goes in one ear and out the other. early for my appointment. | David decided to take early
16 give sb a thick ear BrE informal to hit someone on the retirement (=stop working before the normal age). | She
ear: Behave yourself or I'll give you a thick ear! drank herself into an early grave (=died younger than is
17 have sb's ear to be trusted by someone so that they will normal). f
listen to your advice, opinions etc: He claimed to have the 3 G@2gnnIT used to emphasize that something has just —
ear of several top ministers. begun, especially when you do not know how it will —
18 play sth by ear to play music that you have heard develop: It's too early to say what will happen. | It's early
without having to read written music — see also play it by days yet. | don’t want to make any predictions.
ear at PLAY‘(11) AQGVELInT [only before noun] being one of the first Gene
19 sb's ears are burning used to say that someone thinks people, events, machines etc: Early motor cars had very
that people are talking about them poor brakes. |fossil evidence of early man
20 sb's ears are flapping BrE spoken used to say that some- 5 the early hours the time between MIDNIGHT and morning:
one is trying to listen to your private conversation + | didn’t finally get to bed until the early hours. | in the early
DOG-EARED, — bend sb’s ear at BEND'(7), + send sb off witha hours of sth The attack happened in the early hours of
flea in their ear at FLEA(2), + make a pig's ear of at PIG'(5), Sunday morning.
— prick (up) your ears at PRICK'(5), —> wet behind the ears at 6 an early start a start made very early in the day because
WET'(7) you have a lot to do, far to go etc: We need to make an
oo) EKoley-vale)ks early start tomorrow.
7 at/from an early age when you are very young, or start-
ADJECTIVES :
ing when you were very young: She’s played tennis from a
big African elephants’ ears are b igger than those of : very early age.
Indian elephants. 8 an early night if you have an early night, you go to bed
floppy (=soft and hanging down loosely, rather than earlier than usual a late night: have/get an early night
being stiff) a rabbit with big floppy ears | think I'll get an early night.
pointy/pointed The dog has short pointy ears. 9 early bird/early riser someone who always gets up very
sb's left/right ear She is deaf in her right ear. early in the morning
inner/middle ear (=the parts inside your ear, which 10 the early bird catches the worm used to say that if you
you use to hear sounds) I've got an infection in my do something early or before other people, you will be
middle ear. successful
| VERBS 11 early potatoes/lettuces etc potatoes etc that are ready
say/whisper sth into sb's ear He whispered to be picked before any others
something into his wife's ear. THESAURUS
have your ears pierced (=have a hole put into the early arriving or happening before the usual or
skin, so that you can wear an earring) |sb's ears expected time: For once, the train arrived early. | Let's
stick out (=they are noticeable because they do not have an early lunch before we go.
lie flat against someone's head) |sb's ears pop in good time especially BrE early enough, so that you
(=the pressure in them changes suddenly, for do not have to rush, or so that you have time to get
example when you go up or down quickly in a plane) ready: Everything was ready for the party in good time.
on time arriving somewhere or happening at the
earache /‘torerk $ 't1r-/ n [singular, U] a pain inside your right time: The bus was on time. | The project was
ear: I’ve got terrible earache and a sore throat. finished on time.
ear-bud /‘tabad $ 'tr-/ n [C usually plural] a small EAR- ahead of time earlier than the time when you have
PHONE arranged to do something or than when you need
‘ear drops n [plural] liquid medicine to put in your ear something: The building work was completed ahead of
time. |Some of the food can be prepared ahead of time.
eardrum /‘tedram $ 't1r-/ n [C] a tight thin piece of skin ahead of schedule earlier than the officially agreed
over the inside of your ear which allows you to hear time: The Prime Minister called the elections early, five
sound months ahead of schedule.
earful /1afol $ '1r-/ n give sb an earful informal to tell with time to spare arriving somewhere or finishing
someone how angry you are about something they have something before the time when you have to arrive
done: He gave me a real earful about being late so often. or finish: We got to the airport with plenty of time to
ear-hole /tahaul $ ‘irhoul/ n [C] Br informal your ear spare. | | finished the test with time to spare.
first thing especially spoken immediately after you
— clip round the earhole at CLIp"6)
get up, or as soon as you start work: I'll telephone her
earl /3:1 $ a:rl/ n [C] a man with a high social rank: the first thing tomorrow.
Earl of Warwick
early 532 [X49 = words from the Academic Word List

early? & (i adv (comparative earlier, superlative earli- be/get paid to receive money for work that you do
est) for an employer, not by working for yourself: Workers
1before the usual, arranged, or expected time [opp] late: are paid around $500 a month. | | get paid monthly.
We arrived early. |They must have come home early. well-paid/badly-paid paid a lot of money/not much
2 near the beginning of a period of time, event, process money for the work that you do: well-paid lawyers
etc [opp] late: [+in] She went out early in the morning. | He working in the city | It was boring badly-paid work.
was sent off early in the game. |early this/next/last year etc take home to earn a particular amount of money
The building should be finished early next year. | The restau- after tax etc has been taken away from your pay:
rant opened earlier this month. | We want to start as early as After tax and other deductions, | only take home £200 a
possible. | The disease is easy to treat if diagnosed early. week.
<
3 early on at an early stage in a relationship, process etc: |
realized early on I'd never pass the exam. |[+in] We encoun- earn-er /'3:na §$ '3:1rnar/ n [C] 1 someone who earns
tered problems early on in the project. money for the job that they do: high/low/average earner
‘early doors adv BrE spoken informal early in a football Private childcare is still too expensive for the average earner. |
match or season; used especially by football players and He is the only wage earner in the family. 2 a business or
managers when they are talking to JOURNALISTS on the activity which makes a profit: the country’s biggest export
radio or television: We were well on top early doors. earner 3 a nice little earner BrE informal something that
earns you a lot of money
early ‘warning adj early warning system/device etc a
system or equipment which tells you that something bad, earnest! /'s:nist $ '3:r-/ adj very serious and sincere: a
especially an enemy attack, is going to happen rather earnest young man |Matthews was in earnest conver-
sation with a young girl. | an earnest desire to offer some-
earmark /tamark $ ‘trmairk/ v [T usually passive] to
thing useful to society | earnest expression/look/voice etc |
decide that something will be used for a particular pur-
earnest attempt/effort etc SERIOUS
pose or have something done to it in the future: earmark
—earnestly adv: earnestly discussing __ politics
sb/sth for sth 85% of foreign aid is earmarked by Congress
—earnestness n [U]
for specific purposes. | schools earmarked for closure | ear-
mark sb/sth as sth He had been earmarked as a potential earnest? n1 in earnest if something starts happening in
leader. earnest, it begins properly - used when it was happening
in a small or informal way before: On Monday your training
ear-muffs /‘tamafs $ '1r-/ EARMUFFS begins in earnest! 2 be in earnest to really mean what you
n [plural] two pieces of
are saying, especially when expressing an intention or
material joined by a band
wish: She wasn’t sure whether he was in earnest or not. |be
over the top of your head,
in dead/deadly/complete earnest Although he smiled, Ash-
which you wear to keep
ley knew he was in deadly earnest.
your ears warm
earnings /'3:ntz $ '3:r-/ n [plural] 1 the money that
earn By (1 /3:n $ 3:rn/ v
you receive for the work that you do —» salary, pay: an
ITT [1,7] to employee's average weekly earnings |He claimed compensa-
receive a particular tion for loss of earnings. SALARY 2 the profit
amount of money for the that a company or country makes: The company’s earnings
work that you do: He earns have dropped by 5% in the first quarter. |Oil provides 40% of
nearly £20,000 a year. | You Norway's export earnings.
don’t earn much money
being a nurse. |He did all sorts of jobs to earn a living. | | was
earnings-related adj relating to the amount of
money that you earn: an earnings-related pension scheme
the only person in the house who was earning. | She was
earning good money at the bank. | Chris will pay - he’s ear-phone /‘afaun $ ‘Irfoun/ n [usually plural] a small
earning a fortune. FREON cet piece of equipment connected by a wire to a radio,
2Q%ain [T] to make a profit from business or from PERSONAL STEREO etc, which you put in or over your ears so
putting money in a bank etc: The movie earned £7 million that only you can listen to it
on its first day. | You could earn a higher rate of interest earpiece /‘tapi:s $ '1r-/ n [C] 1a small piece of equip-
elsewhere. ment that you put into your ear to hear a recording,
3 SEE) [T] a) to do something or have qualities message etc 2 [usually plural] one of the two pieces at the
that make you deserve something: | think you've earned a side of a pair of glasses that go round your ears 3 the part
rest. |He soon earned the respect of the players. |He hopes of a telephone that you listen through
to earn a place in the team. | The company has earned a ear-plug /‘taplag $ ‘t1r-/ n [C usually plural] a small piece
reputation for reliability. b) if your actions or qualities earn of rubber that you put inside your ear to keep out noise or
you something, they make you deserve to have it: earn sb water
sth That performance earned her an Oscar as Best Actress. earring /1armn $ '1r-/ n[C] a piece of jewellery that you
4 earn your/its keep a) to do jobs in return for being given wear on your ear: gold/diamond/pearl etc earrings | She
a home and food: We older children were expected to earn was wearing a pair of beautiful diamond earrings. + see
our keep. b) to be useful enough to be worth the time or picture at JEWELLERY
money spent: These aircraft are still earning their keep. ear-shot /‘1aft $ ‘irfa:t/ n 1 within earshot near enough
to hear what someone is saying: Everyone within earshot
earn to be paid a particular amount of money for soon knew her opinion of Reggie. 2 out of earshot not near
your work. Earn is more formal than get or make: A enough to hear what someone is saying: | waited for her to
get out of earshot before laughing.
newly-qualified teacher can expect to earn about
£20,000 a year. ‘ear-,splitting adj very loud: There was an ear-splitting
get to earn a particular amount of money every crack. LOUD
hour, week etc: How much do you get an hour? |She earth’ § [ /3:0 $ 3:r6/ n
gets more than | do, 1{{20E) (also Earth) [singular, U] the PLANET that we live
make to earn money, especially a lot of money, or on: the planet Earth |the earth The earth revolves around the
money that is not from regular employment: You can sun. |the earth's surface/atmosphere/crust etc 77% of the
make a lot of money in banking. |Jo makes a bit of earth's surface is sea. |on earth the origin of life on Earth
extra money by selling his paintings. 2 Gay [U] the substance that plants grow in [SYN] soil:
be on sth BrE to earn a particular amount of money soft/bare/damp etc earth footprints in the wet earth | a
each year. This is the most common way of talking lump of earth GROUND
about someone's salary in British English: How much 3 QD) [U] the hard surface of the world, as opposed to ~
are you on? |Some chief executives are on huge the sea or air [SYN] ground: The earth shook. | They watched
salaries. the kite fall back to earth. :
EQ = words from the Academic Word List 533 ease

earth-ling /'3:0ltn $ '3:r@-/ n [C] a human - used in

SCIENCE FICTION Stories: The earthlings were taken up into the
axis spaceship.
tak North Pole
Arctic circle ee earthly /3:0li $ '3:r6li/ adj1 no earthly reason/use etc no
reason, use etc at all: | see no earthly reason why he
shouldn't come. 2 [only before noun] literary connected with
line of life on Earth rather than in heaven: our earthly pleasures |
longitude _ tropic of an earthly paradise
northern Cancer ‘earth mother n [C] a woman who has all the qualities
hemisphere expected of a mother and is especially interested in
simple natural ways of living
southern \
hemisphere \ earth-quake /'s:ekwerk $ '3:r8-/ n [C] a sudden shak-
\ ~ equator ing of the earth's surface that often causes a lot of
damage — seismic: An earthquake measuring 6.1 on the
tropic of Richter scale struck southern California on June 28. | The city
Capricorn is in an earthquake zone.

Antarctic circle
‘earth science n [C usually plural] a science, such as
South Pole GEOLOGY, which involves the study of the physical world
‘earth- shattering adj surprising or shocking and very
_ crust important: an earth-shattering event
¥ outer earth-wards /'3:0wadz $ '3:r@wardz/ (also earthward
— mantle /-wad $ -ward/) adv towards the earth’s surface: The
missile fell earthwards. —earthward adj

_ inner
earth-work /'3:0wa:k $ '3:rOws:rk/ n [C] a large long
pile of earth, used in the past to stop attacks
mantle
earth-worm /3:0w3mm § '3:r@w3irm/ n [C] a common
Ss type of long thin brown wor that lives in soil
/ ~ outer core earth-y /'3:6i $ '3:r€i/ adj1 tasting, smelling, or looking
like earth or soil: earthy colours 2 talking about things that
Nid
Inner core are often considered rude, especially sex and the human
body, in a relaxed direct way: earthy language
4 what/why/how etc on earth ...? spoken used to ask a —earthiness n [U]
question when you are very surprised or angry: What on ‘ear trumpet n [c] a type of tube that is wide at one
earth did you do that for? end, used by old people in the past to help them hear
5 cost/pay/charge the earth informal to cost etc a very ear-wig /'tawig $ '1r-/ n [C] a long brown insect with
large amount of money: It must have cost the earth! two curved pointed parts at the back end of its body
6 the biggest/tallest/most expensive etc ... on earth the big- — see picture at INSECT
gest etc example of something that exists: the most
earworm /'1aw3:m $ ‘trwairm/ n [C] informal a tune
powerful man on earth
that you keep thinking about in your head, even when you
7 aay [U] used in religion to refer to the time when
do not want to
people are alive as opposed to being in HEAVEN or HELL:
Jesus’ time on earth + move heaven and earth at HEAVEN(9), ease! /i:z/ n [U] 1 with ease if you do something with
— hell on earth at HELL'(2) ease, it is very easy for you to do it [SyN]easily: They won
8 come back/down to earth (with a bump) to stop behaving with ease. | The security codes could be broken with relative
or living in a way that is not practical: She soon brought ease. | | was impressed by the ease with which the informa-
him back down to earth. tion could be retrieved. 2 at ease feeling relaxed, especially
9 no... /nothing on earth used to emphasize that you mean in a situation in which people might feel a little nervous:
nothing at all: Nothing on earth would have persuaded me to [+with] She felt completely at ease with Bernard. | put/set
go. | There’s no reason on earth why you should tell him. sb at (their) ease (=make someone feel relaxed) She had
10 look/feel etc like nothing on earth BrE to look or feel very an ability to put people at their ease. 3 ill at ease not relaxed:
strange: The next morning | felt like nothing on earth. You always look ill at ease in a suit. 4 ease of application/use
11 Gating (C usually singular] BrE a wire that makes a etc written how easy something is to use etc, or the
piece of electrical equipment safe by connecting it with quality of being easy to use etc: It emphasizes the soft-
_ the ground [SYN] ground AmE ware’s convenience and ease of use. |for ease of sth The bow!
12 EX (C] the hole where a wild animal such is removable for ease of cleaning. 5 the ability to feel
as a FOX lives — den, lair relaxed or behave in a natural relaxed way: He had a
13 go to earth BrF to hide in order to escape from someone natural ease which made him very popular. 6 a life of ease a
who is chasing you go to ground comfortable life, without problems or worries 7 (stand) at
14 run sb/sth to earth BrE to find someone, especially by ease used to tell soldiers to stand in a relaxed way with
looking in many places +>DOWN-TO-EARTH, —+ promise sb their feet apart
the moon/the earth at PROMISE'(3), — the salt of the earth at ease? (Fv
SALT'(2) 1G ([1,T] if something unpleasant eases, or if you
earth? v [7] BrE to make electrical equipment safe by ease it, it gradually improves or becomes less: ease the
connecting it to the ground with a wire [SYN] ground AmE: pain/stress/tension He’ll give you something to ease the
Make sure that the machine is properly earthed. pain. |ease the pressure/burden This should ease the burden
earth-bound /3:0baund $ '3:r6-/ adj 1 unable to move on busy teachers. | measures to ease congestion in the city |
away from the surface of the Earth 2 having very little Her breathing had eased.
imagination and thinking too much about practical things 2 (wae [7] to make a process happen more easily
earth-en /'3:0an, -dan $ '3:r-/ adj [only before noun] [SYN|smooth:; The agreement will ease the way for other
1 an earthen floor or wall is made of soil 2 an earthen pot countries to join the EU.
etc is made of baked clay 3 [NG LIT always + adv/prep] to move yourself or some-
earth-en-ware /'3:Ganwea, -dan- $ '3:r@anwer, -dan-/ thing slowly and carefully into another place or position:
adj an earthenware pot, bowl etc is made of very hard She eased her shoes off. |ease yourself into/through etc sth
baked clay + pottery —earthenware n [U] He eased himself into a chair. |ease your way past/through
 534 Gd EG = the most sot words in spoken English

etc sth He eased his way through the crowd. | Jean eased western Europe and North America — Far East, Middle
back on the pillows and relaxed. East, Near East
4 ease your grip to hold something less tightly east-bound /i:stbaund/ adj travelling or leading
5 ease sb's mind to make someone feel less worried about towards the east: A crash on the eastbound side of the
something: It would ease my mind to know you had arrived freeway is blocking traffic.
safely. East ‘Coast n the East Coast the part of the US that is
ease (sb) into sth phr v if you ease yourself or someone next to the Atlantic Ocean, especially those states north
else into a new job etc, you start doing it gradually or help of Washington DC
them to start: After the baby, she eased herself back into
East 'End n the East End the eastern part of London,
work.
north of the River Thames —East Ender n [C]
ease off phr v
1if something, especially something that you do not like, Eas-ter /‘i:sta $ -ar/ n [CU] 1a Christian holy day in
eases off, it improves or gets less [SYN] ease up: The rain
March or April when Christians remember the death of
Christ and his return to life: on Easter Sunday + Good
had eased off a bit. | Why don't you wait until the traffic
eases off a little?
FRIDAY 2 the period of time just before and after Easter
Day: at Easter We'll probably go away at Easter. | Easter
2 ease off on sb to stop being unpleasant to someone or
asking so much from them
holiday/weekend/break We spent the Easter holidays in
Wales.
ease out phr v
1if a vehicle eases out, it slowly moves forward into the Easter ‘Bunny 2 [singular] an imaginary rabbit that
traffic children believe brings chocolate eggs at Easter
2 ease sb <> out to make someone leave a job, a position ‘Easter egg n [C]1 BrE a chocolate egg bought or given
of authority etc, in a way that makes it seem as if they as a present at Easter 2 AmE an egg that has been
have chosen to leave coloured and decorated to celebrate Easter
ease up phr v eas-ter-ly' /‘:stali $ -arli/ adj 1 towards or in the east:
1to work less hard or do something with less energy than We drove off in an easterly direction. 2 an easterly wind
before: Just relax and ease up a little. comes from the east
2 to start doing something less: [+on] You should ease up easterly? n (plural easterlies) [C] a wind that comes
on the whisky. from the east
_ 3to improve or get less [SYN] ease off: The snow was easing
up. east-ern § (, Eastern /i:stan $ -arn/ adj (written
abbreviation E)
ea-sel /i:zal/ n [C] a wooden frame that you put a
1in or from the east of a country or area: the eastern shore
painting on while you paint it — see picture at STAND?
of the island |farmers in eastern England
easily Gy Og /i:zili/ adv 2in or from the countries in Asia, especially China and
1without problems or difficulties: They won quite easily. | Japan: Eastern religions
We found the house easily enough. | easily accessible/ 3in or from the countries in the east part of Europe,
available etc The castle is easily accessible by road. | easily especially the countries that used to have Communist
understood/identified etc /t’s easily recognised by its bright governments: Eastern Europe
blue tail feathers.
2 could/can/might easily used to say that something is
East-ern-er /‘i:stana $ -arnar/ n [C] AmE someone from
the eastern US, north of Washington DC
possible or is very likely to happen: The first signs of the
disease can easily be overlooked. |Gambling can all too easily east-ern-most /‘i:stanmoaust $ -arnmoust/ adj furthest
become an addiction (=used to say that something bad is east: the easternmost part of the country
very possible). east-wards /‘i:stwadz $ -werdz/ (also east-ward /-wad
3 easily the best/biggest etc definitely the best etc: She is $ -ward/) adv towards the east: The ship continued sailing
easily the most intelligent person in the class. eastwards. —eastward adj: We followed an eastward course
4 in a relaxed way: His son grinned easily back at him. up the river.
eas-i-ness /‘i:zinis/ n [U] 1a feeling of being relaxed eas-y* &] i /:zi/ adj (comparative easier, superlative
and comfortable with someone 2 when something is not ogee
difficult not difficult to do, and not needing much
east’ §] (East /i:st/ n (singular, U] (written abbreviation ee fopp| difficult, hard: The test was easy. |Finishing the
E) task will not be easy. | There must be an easier way to do
1the direction from which the sun rises, and which is on that. |easy to do sth It's a great car, and very easy to drive. |
the right if you are facing north: Which way is east? | instructions that are easy to follow |It would have been easy
from/towards the east He turned and walked away towards for the team to lose the game. |make it easier (to do sth) The
the east. | to the east (of sth) To the east of the pier were software makes it easier to download music. | Having you
miles of sandy beaches. here does make things a lot easier for me. | as easy as
2 the east the eastern part of a country or area: housing pie/ABC/falling off a log (=very easy) |The station is within
problems in the east | [+of] the east of Scotland easy reach of (=close to) the town centre. | The park is
within easy wang distance (=close enough to walk to).
east® East adj (written abbreviation E) 1 [only before noun] 2 GMI =comfortable or relaxed, and without
in the east or facing the east: | don’t know the east coast
problems foreihard: On the whole, Dad has had an easy
well. |He was born in East Jerusalem. 2 an east wind comes
life. |easy day/week etc She had a nice easy day at home. |
from the east
You can have an easy time of it now that the kids have all left
east? adv (written abbreviation E) 1 towards the east: We home. | Why don’t we make life easy for ourselves and finish
drove east along Brooklyn Avenue. | [+of] a small farming it tomorrow?
community 18 miles east of Paris | an east-facing bedroom 3 not feeling worried or anxious
2 out east to or in the countries in Asia, especially China [opp|uneasy: We talk more openly when we feel easy and
and Japan: The drug is being used all the time out east. relaxed. | | can leave the children with my mother with an
East n 1the East a) the countries in Asia, especially easy mind.
China and Japan: Martial arts originated in the East. 4 as friendly and pleasant with other people: She
b) the countries in the eastern part of Europe and Central is gentle and easy to be with.
Asia: American relations with the East. c) AmE the part of 5 able to be hunted or attacked without
the US east of the Mississippi River, especially the states difficulty: The soldiers on the streets are an easy target for
north of Washington DC: She was born in the East but now terrorists. | Tourists are easy prey for thieves.
lives in Atlanta. |He was born in Utah but went to college 6 take the easy way out to end a situation in a way that
back East. 2 East-West relations/trade etc political relations seems easy, but is not the best or most sensible way: |
etc between countries in eastern Europe and those in just took the easy way out and gave him some cash.
 535 eat
7 have an easy time (of it) to have no problems or difficul- easy” i adv
ties: She’s not been having an easy time of it financially. 1 take it easy a) (also take things easy) to relax and not do
8 easy money money that you do not have to work hard to very much: Take things easy for a few days and you should
get: We can buy them for $10 and sell them for $25 - easy be all right. b) spoken used to tell someone to become less
money. upset or angry: Just take it easy and tell us what happened.
9 easy on the eye/ear pleasant to look at or listen to: Soft c) AmE spoken used to say goodbye
colours are easy on the eye. 2 go easy on/with sth to not use too much of something:
10 it's/that's easy for you to say spoken used when some- Go easy on salty foods such as bacon.
one has given you some advice that would be difficult for 3 go easy on sb to be more gentle and less strict or angry
you to follow with someone: Go easy on Peter for a while - he’s having a
11 there are no easy answers used when saying that it is hard time at school.
difficult to find a good way of dealing with a problem 4 easier said than done especially spoken used to say that
12 I'm easy spoken used to say that you do not mind what something would be very difficult to do: Finding the perfect
choice is made: ‘What would you like to do now?’ ‘| don't house was easier said than done.
know, I'm easy.’ 5 rest/breathe easy to stop worrying: We can rest easy now
13 be (living) on easy street especially AmE informal to be in - we've got everything under control.
a situation in which you have plenty of money: /f | get this 6 easy does it spoken used to tell someone to be more
new job, we'll be living on easy street. careful and slow, especially in moving
14 on easy terms if you buy something on easy terms, you 7 get off easy informal to escape severe punishment for
pay for it with several small payments instead of paying something that you have done wrong: The rich could hire
the whole amount at once: New settlers in the west could good lawyers and get off easy.
buy land on relatively easy terms. 8 easy come, easy go spoken used when something, espe-
15 eggs over easy AmE eggs cooked on a hot surface and cially money, was easily obtained and is quickly used or
turned over quickly before serving spent
16 woman/lady/girl of easy virtue old-fashioned a woman 9 stand easy an order telling soldiers who are already
who has sex with a lot of men standing at EASE to relax more
17 §3g informal someone, especially a woman, who is
easy has a lot of sexual partners — see also EASE, EASILY ‘easy chair n [C] a large comfortable chair > armchair

THESAURUS easy-going adj not easily upset, annoyed, or worried ©

opP| uptight: Her easy-going nature made her popular.
easy not difficult to do, and not needing much effort:
an easy task | The house was easy to find. easy ‘listening n (U] music that is relaxing to listen to
simple easy and not complicated - used about and has nice tunes, but is not very interesting
things such as instructions and explanations, or
Casy-pea:sy /i:zi 'pi:zi</ adj BrE a word meaning very
about machines and systems: The system is relatively
easy, used especially by children
simple to operate. |a simple recipe for chocolate cake
straightforward easy to understand or do, and eat &] W@ /it/ v (past tense ate /et, ert $ ert/, past
unlikely to cause you any problems: a straightforward participle eaten /‘i:tn/)
explanation | The calculation is fairly straightforward. 1G2ED) [1,T] to put food in your mouth and chew and
user-friendly easy to use - used especially about swallow it: Felix chatted cheerfully as he ate. |A small girl
computers or written information about how to do was eating an ice cream. | We had plenty to eat and drink. |
something: Their website is very user-friendly. |a It’s important to eat healthily when you are pregnant. | |
user-friendly guide to owning a dog exercise and eat right and get plenty of sleep. | Would you
undemanding easy because it does not take a lot of like something to eat? |She can eat like a horse and never put
effort: It was an undemanding role for someone of his on weight. | We stopped at McDonalds to get a bite to eat. |
experience. Good eating habits are the best way of preventing infection. |
cushy /'kofi/ informal a cushy job is easy to do and ready-to-eat foods such as deli meats and cheeses | ‘More
needs very little effort - often used when you are cake?’ ‘No thanks, I couldn’t eat another thing.’ | No chicken
envious of the person who has it: It’s a pretty cushy for me. | don’t eat meat (=| never eat meat). |Does Rob eat
job - all she has to do is drive a nice car around. fish?
mindless so easy that you can do it without thinking 2 (9 [1,T] to have a meal: Let’s eat first and then go to a
- used especially when it makes you feel bored: movie. |They're eating breakfast. |[+at] We could not afford
mindless tasks to eat at Walker's very often.
painless without any difficulties or problems - used 3 eat your words to admit that what you said was wrong:
especially when you expected something to be much I'm going to make you eat your words.
worse: Finding the carhire place at the airport was 4 eat your heart out a) used to say, especially humorously,
relatively painless. that something is very good: That's a great drawing. Pablo
be plain sailing BrE, be smooth sailing AmE to be Picasso eat your heart out! b) BrE to be unhappy about
easy and with no problems that you have to deal something or to want someone or something very much:
with: Things should be plain sailing from now on. Ifyou had any sense you'd forget him, but eat your heart out
ifyou want to.
INFORMAL PHRASES MEANING VERY EASY 5 eat sb alive/eat sb for breakfast to be very angry with
be a piece of cake informal to be very easy to do, someone or to defeat them completely: You can’t tell him
especially compared to doing something else: This that - he'll eat you alive! ,
test was a piece of cake compared to the last one. 6 (4 [T] to use a very large amount of something: This
be child's play informal to be surprisingly easy, or car eats petrol.
much easier than something else which is very 7 eat humble pie (also eat crow AmE) to admit that you
difficult or dangerous: Getting people's credit card were wrong and say that you are sorry
details is child's play when you know how to do it. | 8 I'll eat my hat used to emphasize that you think some-
Climbing in England is child's play compared to climbing thing is not true or will not happen: If the Democrats win
in the Himalayas. the election, I'll eat my hat!
be a breeze informal (also be a doddle BrE) to be 9 have sb eating out of your hand to have made someone
very easy to do: The software is a doddle to use. very willing to believe you or do what you want: He soon
it's not rocket science informal used when saying had the client eating out of his hand.
that something is very easy to do or understand, and 10 eat sb out of house and home to eat a lot of someone's
- you do not need to be intelligent to do it: Making supply of food, so that they have to buy more - used
your PC run faster isn’t exactly rocket science. humorously
 eatable 536 (X@ = words from the Academic Word List

11 what's eating sb? spoken used to ask why someone you do not eat a normal amount of food and are ill
seems annoyed or upset: What's eating Sally today? because of this — bulimia
121 could eat a horse spoken used to say you are very eats /i:ts/ n [plural] informal food, especially for a party:
hungry You get the drink, and I'll organize the eats.
13 I/we won't eat you spoken used to tell someone that you
eau de co-logne /au da kallaun $ ou da ka'loun/ n [U]
are not angry with them and they need not be frightened
a sweet-smelling liquid used to make you feel fresh and
14 you are what you eat used to say that you will be
smell nice
healthy if the food you eat is healthy — EATS, + have your
cake and eat it at CAKE'(6) eau de toi-lette /av da twar'et $ ou-/ n [CU] a liquid
eat sth <> away phr v to gradually remove or destroy containing a small amount of PERFUME, used by women to
something [SYN] erode: The stones are being eaten away by make them feel fresh and smell nice
pollution. eaves /i:vz/ n [plural] the
eat away at sth/sb phrv edges of a roof that stick
1to gradually remove or reduce the amount of some- out beyond the walls: Birds
thing: His gambling was eating away at their income. had nested under the eaves. |
2 to make someone feel very worried over a long period eaves-drop _/‘i:vzdrop
of time: The thought of mother alone like that was eating $ -dra:p/ v (eavesdropped,
away at her. eavesdropping) [|] to delib-
eat in phr v to eat at home instead of in a restaurant erately listen secretly to |
eat into sth phr v other people's conversa- |
1to gradually reduce the amount of time, money etc that tions —+ overhear: There
is available: John’s university fees have been eating into our was Helena eavesdropping |
savings. outside the door. }
2to gradually damage or destroy something: Acid eats —eavesdropper n [C] V4
into the metal, damaging its surface. eBay /‘i:bet/ trademark a
_ eat out phr v to eat ina restaurant instead of at home: Do WessiTE which people use
you eat out a lot? to buy and sell things,
Bs | eat up phrv especially by AUCTION
1to eat all of something: Come on, eat up, there's a good ebb! Jeb/ n 1 [singular] ‘i
girl. |eat sth <> up She's made a cake and wants us to help (also ebb tide) the flow of the sea away from the shore,
eat it up. when the TIDE goes out [OPP] flood tide 2 be at a low ebb to
2 eat sth <> up informal to use a lot of something, espe- be in a bad state or condition: His confidence is at a low
cially until there is none left: Big cars just eat up money. ebb. 3 ebb and flow a situation or state in which some-
3 be eaten up with/by jealousy/anger/curiosity etc to be thing increases and decreases in a kind of pattern: the ebb
very jealous, angry etc, so that you cannot think about and flow of the conversation |the ebb and flow of passengers
anything else in the station
eat-a-ble /j:tabal/ adj in a good enough condition to be ebb? y [1] 1 if the tive ebbs, it flows away from the shore
eaten — EDIBLE 2 (also ebb away) to gradually decrease: Linda’s enthusi-
eat-er /j:ta $ -ar/ n [C] big/light/fussy etc eater some- asm began to ebb away.
one who eats a lot, not much, only particular things etc: E-bo-la /r'baule $ 1'bou-/ n [U] a virus that causes
I've never been a big eater. bleeding from many parts of the body and usually causes
eat-e-ry /‘:tari/ n (plural eateries) [C] informal especially death
AmE a restaurant or other place to eat: one of the best E-bon-ics, ebonics /1'boniks $ 1'ba:-/ n [U] especially
eateries in town Ame BLACK ENGLISH
‘eating ,apple n [Cc] an apple that you eat raw rather eb-o-ny' /‘ebani/ n [U] a hard black wood
than cooked — cooking apple ebony? adj literary black: her ebony hair
‘eating dis,order n [C] a medical condition in which e-book /i: bok/ n [C] (electronic book) a book that you
THESAURUS: eat
eat to put food in your mouth and chew and swallow it: Experts recommend eating plenty of fruit and vegetables.
have to eat a particular food: ‘What do you usually have for breakfast?’ ‘! usually just have coffee and toast.’ |We had
the set meal.
feed on sth to eat a particular kind of food - used when talking about animals: Foxes feed on a wide range of foods
including mice, birds, insects, and fruit.
consume written to eat or drink something - used especially in scientific or technical contexts: Babies consume
large amounts relative to their body weight.
munch (on) sth to eat something with big continuous movements of your mouth, especially when you are
enjoying your food: He was munching on an apple. | They were sitting on a bench munching their sandwiches. \
nibble (on) sth to eat something by biting off very small pieces: Ifyou want a healthy snack, why not just nibble on
a carrot?
pick at sth to eat only a small amount of your food because you are not hungry or do not like the food: Lisa was
so upset that she could only pick at her food.
stuff/gorge yourself to eat so much food that you cannot eat anything else: He’s always stuffing himself with
cakes. | We gorged ourselves on my mother's delicious apple tart.
slurp to eat soup, NOODLEs etc with a noisy sucking sound: In England it's considered rude to slurp your soup, but in
some countries it's seen as a sign of enjoyment.
| TO EAT SOMETHING QUICKLY
gobble sth up/down informal to eat something very quickly, especially because you like it very much or you are
greedy: You've gobbled up all the ice-cream! | The children gobbled it down in no time.
wolf sth down informal to eat food quickly, especially because you are very hungry or in a hurry: The boy wolfed
down everything on his plate and asked for more.
bolt sth down BrE to eat food very quickly, especially because you are in a hurry: He bolted down his breakfast and
was out of the door within 5 minutes. | You shouldn't bolt your food down like that.
devour /di'vava $ -'vaur/ especially written to eat all of something quickly because you are very hungry: In a very
short time, the snake had devoured the whole animal.
 EX = words from the Academic Word List economic
read on a computer screen or on a special small compu- 18th and 19th century furniture —eclectically /-kli/ adv
ter that you can hold in your hands, and that is not —eclecticism /-tisizam/ n [U]
printed on paper eclectic? n [C] formal someone who chooses the best
e-bul-li-ent /rbaliant, r'bu-/ adj formal very happy and or most useful parts from many different ideas, methods
excited: My father is a naturally ebullient personality. etc
—ebullience n [U] e-clipse! /1'kltps/ n 1 [C] an occasion when the Sun or
EC, the /i: 'siz</ (the European Community) the former the Moon cannot be seen, because the Earth is passing
name for the EU directly between the Moon and the Sun, or because the
e-cash /'i: ke{/ n [U] (electronic cash) money used to Moon is passing directly between the Earth and the Sun:
buy things on the Internet, but that does not exist in a an eclipse of the Sun |a total eclipse 2 [singular] a situation
physical form or belong to any particular country in which someone or something loses their power or
ec:cen-tric! /1k'sentrtk/ adj 1behaving in a way that is fame, because someone or something else has become
unusual and different from most people: His eccentric more powerful or famous: Many people expected the
behaviour lost him his job. | Aunt Nessy was always a bit growth of television to mean the eclipse of radio. 3 in eclipse
eccentric. STRANGE, UNUSUAL 2 technical formal less famous or powerful than you should be: Mrs
eccentric circles do not have the same centre point Bosanquet's novels are now in eclipse.
— concentric —eccentrically /-kli/ adv eclipse? v [T] 1 if the Moon eclipses the Sun, the Sun
eccentric? n [C] someone who behaves in a way that is cannot be seen behind the Moon, and if the Earth
different from what is usual or socially accepted: | was eclipses the Moon, the Moon cannot be seen because
regarded as something of an eccentric. the Earth is between the Sun and the Moon
2 [often passive] to become more important, powerful,
ec-cen-tri-ci-ty =/eksen'trisiti, -san-/ on (plural
eccentricities) 1 [U] strange or unusual behaviour: Kate's famous etc than someone or something else, so that they
mother had a reputation for eccentricity. 2 [C] an opinion or are no longer noticed — overshadow: The economy had
eclipsed the environment as an election issue.
action that is strange or unusual: | found his eccentricities
amusing rather than irritating. e-clip-tic /rklmpttk/ n [singular] technical the path along
Ec-cles cake /‘ekalz ketk/ n [C] BrE a round cake filled which the sun seems to move — orbit
with CURRANTS (=type of dried fruit) e@co= /i:kau $ itkou/ prefix relating to the environment:
ec-cle-si-as-tic /rkli:zi'sttk</ n [C] formal a priest, eco-warriors (=people who try to stop damage to the
usually in the Christian church environment)
ec:cle-si-as-ti-cal /rkli:zi'zstrkal/ (also ec-cle-sias-tic e:co:cide /i:kausatd $ ‘ikou-/ n [U] the gradual
/-esttk/) adj relating to the Christian church or its destruction of a large area of land, including all of the
priests: ecclesiastical history plants, animals etc living there, because of the effects of
human activities such as cutting down trees, using PESTI-
ECG /i: sit ‘dzi:/ =n [C]~ especially BrE
1 (electrocardiograph) a piece of equipment that records CIDES etc [SYN] ecological genocide
electrical changes in your heart 2 (electrocardiogram) a e:co-friend-ly /izkao frendli $ i:kou-/ adj not harmful
drawing produced by an ELECTROCARDIOGRAPH to the environment: eco-friendly products
ech-e-lon /'efalon $ -la:zn/ n [C] 1 (also echelons [plu- E. co-li /i: ‘kaulat $ --kou-/ n [U] a type of BACTERIA that
ral]) a rank or level of authority in an organization, busi- can make you very ill if it is in any food that you eat
ness etc, or the people at that level: upper/higher/lower e:co-lo-gi-cal /j:ka'lodzikal< $ -la:-/ adj [only before
echelons the upper echelons of government | Their clients are noun] 1 connected with the way plants, animals, and
drawn from the highest echelons of society. 2 technical a line people are related to each other and to their environment
of ships, soldiers, planes etc arranged in a pattern that — environmental: an ecological disaster 2 interested in
looks like a series of steps preserving the environment — environment: ecological
ech-i-ma-ce:a /ekr'netsia/ n [C,U] a wild purple or white groups —ecologically /-kli/ adv: an ecologically-sound pro-
flower commonly found in the US. It is often used as a duction process
herb or as a medicine [SYN] coneflower ‘ecological ‘footprint n [Cc] the amount of land
ech:o! /'ekau $ 'ekou/ v1 [I] if a sound echoes, you hear needed by a person, group of people, or a society in order
it again because it was made near something such as a for them to have enough food or RESOURCES to live and
wall or hill: The sound of an engine echoed back from the continue to exist
thick forest. | [+through/round] He could hear eerie noises
echoing through the corridors. 2 [|] if a place echoes, it is
e-col-o-gist /1'koladzist $ -'ka:-/ n [C] a scientist who
studies ecology
filled with sounds that are repeated or are similar to each
other: [+with] The house echoed with the sound of children’s e-col-o-gy /rkpled3i $ rka:-/ n [singular, U] the way in
voices. 3 [T] literary to repeat what someone else has just which plants, animals, and people are related to each
. said: ‘You bet,’ she said, echoing his words. 4 [T] to repeat other and to their environment, or the scientific study of
an idea or opinion because you agree with it: The article this — environment: the natural ecology of the Earth |plant
simply echoed the NRA’s arguments against gun control. ecology
echo? n (plural echoes) [C] 1a sound that you hear e-comm /'i: kom $ -ka:m/ n [U] informal the abbrevia-
again after a loud noise, because it was made near tion of e-commerce
something such as a wall: Her scream was followed by a e-com-merce /ii: kom3:s, $ -ka:m3:rs/ n [U] (electronic
loud echo. 2 something that is very similar to something commerce) the activity of buying and selling goods and
that has happened or been said before: [+of] The article services and doing other business activities using a com-
contains echoes of an earlier report. | This idea finds an echo puter and the Internet: e-commerce applications such as
in many African countries. online ticketing and reservations
@-clair /rklea, er $ rkler, e1-/ n [(C] a long cake covered ec-o-nom-ic & (a LG /eke'nomik<, j:- $ -'na:-/ adj
with chocolate and filled with cream 1[only before noun] relating to trade, industry, and the
@clat /erkla:/ n [U] literary 1 praise and admiration: management of money — economy: Economic growth is
Miller's new play has been greeted with great éclat. 2 a way slow. | the government's economic policy | Economic reform
of doing something with a lot of style, especially in order is needed. | In the current economic climate (=conditions),
to attract attention we must keep costs down. FINANCIAL
e-clec-tic! /1'klekttk/ adj including a mixture of many 2an economic process, activity etc produces enough
different things or people, especially so that you can use profit for it to continue profitable uneconomic; /t
the best of all of them [SyNjdiverse: galleries with an is no longer economic to run the service. /\ Do not confuse
eclectic range of styles and artists | an eclectic mixture of with economical (=cheap or not wasteful).
economical © 538 Sl & & = the most frequent words in spoken English

ec:o-:nom-i-cal [¥q /eka'nomikal, jie $ -na:-/ adj an agricultural/a rural economy (=one that is
1 using money, time, goods etc carefully and without based mainly on farming) The early 1920s saw a rapid
wasting any — economic: A small car is more economical to expansion in the American agricultural economy.
run. |good-quality clothes at economical prices HIE S> a service economy (=one that is based mainly on
CHEAP 2 economical with the truth used humorously to say selling services such as insurance or tourism) Britain
that someone is not telling the truth has shifted from a manufacturing to a service economy.
ec-o-nom-i-cally EQ /ekea'nomtkli, jit- $ -‘nar-/ adv a market/free-market economy (=based on
1 in a way that is related to systems of money, trade, or companies producing and selling products freely,
business: In economically advanced countries, women marry without restrictions) Eastern European countries were
later. | [sentence adverb] Economically, capitalism has trans- gradually making the transition to a market economy.
formed societies. 2 in a way that uses money, goods, time a capitalist/socialist economy (=based on a
etc without wasting any: We produce food as economically capitalist or socialist political system) the large
as possible. capitalist economies of western Europe
the black economy especially BrE (=business activity
ec-o-nom-ics [Xj LG /eke'nomtks, ji:- $ -'naz-/ n in which people buy and sell goods illegally, without
1[U] the study of the way in which money and goods are paying tax)
produced and used — economic: a Harvard professor of
economics
2 [plural] the way in which money influences whether a manage/handle the economy Governments are
plan, business etc will work effectively: the economics of judged on how well they manage the economy.
the scheme —+ HOME ECONOMICS boost the economy (=make it stronger) /t is hoped
e-con-o-mist [@ /1'konamist $ r'ka:-/ n [C] someone that the Olympic Games will boost the country’s
who studies the way in which money and goods are economy.
produced and used and the systems of business and harm/damage the economy (=make it less
trade successful) Sanctions have damaged the economy.
destroy the economy The floods last year destroyed
e@-con-o-mize (also -ise BrE) /1'konamaiz $ r'ka:-/ v [1] the region’s economy.
to reduce the amount of money, time, goods etc that you
the economy develops/expands/grows (=becomes
use [SYN] cut down: [+on] Higher taxés encourage people to
more successful) The economy grew by 3% last year.
economize on fuel. ; the economy booms (=becomes very successful
e-con-o-my’ & ( LG /rkonami $ 1'ka:-/ n (plural very quickly)
economies) the economy slows down The US economy is slowing
1[C] the system by which a country’s money and goods down after a long period of growth.
are produced and used, or a country considered in this the economy recovers (=returns to normal
way: a successful economy | the slowdown in the Japanese condition after a period of trouble or difficulty)
economy
2[C] something that you do in order to spend less economy adj economy size/pack a product that is
money: The council must make economies to meet govern- cheaper because you are buying a larger amount
ment spending targets. | Not insuring your belongings is a economy class n [U] the cheapest type of seats in a
false economy (=it is cheaper but could have bad results). plane —economy class adv: We flew economy class.
3 [U] the careful use of money, time, goods etc so that e'conomy class syndrome n [U] BrE a serious
nothing is wasted: The gas fire was turned low for reasons of illness in which people get blood cLots because they have
economy. | The company announced that it would cut 500 been sitting for a long time in a very small space on a
jobs as part of an economy drive (=a way to save money). plane + DVT
4 economies of scale technical the financial advantages of e-co-sys:tem /‘i:kausistim $ ‘iskou-/ n [C] all the ani-
producing something in very large quantities — BLACK mals and plants in a particular area, and the way in which
ECONOMY, MARKET ECONOMY, MIXED ECONOMY they are related to each other and to their environment
(ojo) HReyer. Wale) ks —» ecology
| ADJECTIVES/NOUN + economy e-co-ter-ror-is‘m /‘izkau,terarizam $ 'izkou-/ n [U] when
strong/healthy/sound The new government inherited someone tries to stop or harm organizations or com-
a strong economy. panies that do things that are bad for the environment
weak/ailing/depressed The economy is weak and —ecoterrorist n [C]
consumer confidence is low. e-co-tour-is-¢m /i:kau,tvarizam §$ ‘ikou,tur-/ n [U] the
fragile (=weak and likely to become worse) business of organizing holidays to natural areas, espe-
stable (=steady, rather than being strong then cially areas that are far away such as the RAIN FOREST,
weak) The economy has been relatively stable for the where people can visit and learn about the area in a way
last two or three years. that will not hurt the environment —ecotourist n [C]
stagnant (=bad and not progressing or improving) e-co-town /‘i:kautaun $ -kou-/ n [C] a new town that
a flagging economy (=starting to become weaker) the government builds in a way that makes it not harmful
The government must take action to boost the flagging to the environment
economy. e-co-vil-lage /iitkauvilidz $ -kou-/ n [C] a small group
a booming economy (=extremely strong and of homes where people try not to harm the environment,
successful) What can we learn from China's booming for example by using RENEWABLE energy or living in a
economy? simple way
the world/global economy Rising oil prices threaten
@:cO-war-ti-or /‘i:kauworia $ ‘ikou,worriar, -wa:-/ n [C]
the world economy.
someone who takes action in order to stop damage to the
the local/national/domestic economy (=in one
environment: Eco-warriors are trying to stop the new tn)
particular country or area) The new factory has given
being built.
a massive boost to the local economy.
a large/powerful economy the world’s two most e-cru /‘erkru:, 'ek-/ n [U] a pale brown colour —ecru adj
powerful economies ec:sta:sy /'ekstasi/ n (plural ecstasies) 1 [C,U] a feeling
a small economy Small economies like Kenya might of extreme happiness: in (an) ecstasy She was in an ecstasy
struggle to survive in a global recession. of love. | go into ecstasies (=become very happy and
an industrial economy (=one that is based mainly excited) 2[U] an illegal drug that gives a feeling of
on industries producing goods or materials) happiness and energy. Ecstasy is especially used by
Expectations for growth in the main industrial people who go out to dance at clubs and parties.
economies remain low. ec:stat-ic /tk'stetrk, ek-/ adj 1 feeling extremely happy
 539 edge
and excited: an ecstatic welcome from the thousands who the vegetables and herbs around the edge. |the edge of sth
lined the streets HAPPY 2. ecstatic review/ the right hand edge of the page |Jennifer walked to the edge
praise/applause a REVIEW (=an opinion about a film, play of the wood. | Billy sat on the edge of the bed. | He stood at
etc that appears in a newspaper or magazine), praise etc the water's edge staring across the lake. | A leaf was on the
that says that something is very good: The exhibition ground, curling up at the edges.
attracted thousands of visitors and ecstatic reviews. 2@@0y4 [C] the thin sharp part of a blade or tool that
—ecstatically /-kli/ adv cuts: a knife with a sharp edge
ECT /ii siz 'ti:/ n [U] electro-convulsive therapy; another 3 EEYZUWS [singular, U] something that gives you an
word for ELECTRIC SHOCK THERAPY advantage over others: Companies are employing more
research teams to get an edge. | The next version of the
ec-to-morph /‘ektau,mo:f $ '‘ektou,ma:rf/ n [C] technical
software will have the edge over its competitors.
someone with a naturally thin body
4 on edge nervous, especially because you are expecting
=ectomy /ektami/ suffix [in nouns] technical the remov- something unpleasant to happen: Paul felt on edge about
ing of a particular part of someone's body by an opera- meeting Lisa.
tion: an appendectomy (=removing the appendix) 5 {ore [singular] a quality in someone's voice that
ec-top-ic preg-nan-cy /ektoprk 'pregnansi $ -ta:-/ n makes it sound slightly angry or impatient: There was an
[C,U] medical a PREGNANCY in which an unborn baby devel- edge of hostility in Jack's voice. |Desperation lent an edge to
ops outside its mother's UTERUS, usually in a FALLOPIAN her voice.
TUBE 6 Ga [C] an area beside a very steep slope: She walked
@-cu-men-i-cal /i:kj3'mentkal« $ ek-/ adj supporting the almost to the edge of the cliff.
idea of uniting the different branches of the Christian 7 on the edge of sth close to the point at which something
religion —ecumenically /-kli/ adv different, especially something bad, will happen: Their
ec-ze-ma /'eksima §$ 'eksima, 'egz-, 1g'ziime/ n LU] a economy is on the edge of collapse. | She is on the edge of
condition in which your skin becomes dry, red, and swol- despair.
len 8 0U2.iad [singular] a special quality of excitement or
danger: The school’s campaign has been given an extra edge
ed., Ed. /ed/ 1 the abbreviation of education: Higher Ed.
by being filmed for television.
2 the written abbreviation of edited, edition, or editor
9 take the edge off sth to make something less bad, good,
=ed /d, id, t/ suffix 1 forms the regular past tense and strong etc: Pascoe was drinking whisky to take the edge off
past participle of verbs. The past participle form is often the pain.
used as an adjective: | want, | wanted, | have wanted | | 10 on the edge of your seat giving all your attention to
show, | showed, | have shown | He walked away. | a sound something exciting: The film’s ending had me on the edge of
that echoed through the room | a wanted criminal my seat.
2 [in adjectives] having a particular thing: a bearded man 11 be on the edge informal to be behaving in a way that
(=a man with a beard) |a kind-hearted woman makes it seem as if you are going crazy —> CUTTING EDGE
E-dam /i:dem, -dam/ n [U] a type of yellow cheese
THESAURUS
from the Netherlands
ed-dy' /'edi/ n (plural eddies) [C] a circular movement edge the part of something that is furthest from its
of water, wind, dust etc: the racing river caused swirling centre or nearest the place where it ends: He got up
eddies quickly, knocking his plate off the edge of the table. | the
outer edge of the village
eddy” v (eddied, eddying, eddies) [1] if water, wind, dust
side the part of something that is near its left or
etc eddies, it moves around with a circular movement:
right edge: On the left side of the garden there was an
Mist eddied round the house.
old stone wall. | They parked by the side of the road.
E-den /i:dn/ (also the Garden of Eden) n [singular] in the rim the edge of something circular, especially the
Bible story, the garden where Adam and Eve, the first top of a cup or glass, or the outside edge of a pair of
humans lived, often seen as a place of happiness and glasses: a white cup with a gold rim |She was looking
INNOCENCE at me over the rim of her spectacles.
margin the empty space at the side of a page that
has writing on it: My teacher had marked my essay
and made some comments in the margin. |Leave wide
margins on both sides of the page.
hem the edge of a piece of cloth that is turned under
and stitched down, especially the lower edge of a
skirt, trousers etc: If you want the dress a bit shorter, |
can easily turn up the hem.
kerb BrE, curb AmE the edge of the pavement
(=raised path) at the side of a road: A big black car
was parked at the kerb.
outskirts the areas of a city that are furthest away
from the centre: The new station was built on the
outskirts of the city.
perimeter the outside edge around an enclosed area
of land such as a military camp or a prison: Security
guards patrol the perimeter night and day.

edge?
1[Gy4 [17 always + adv/prep] to move gradually with
several small movements, or to make something do this:
Tim was edging away from the crowd. | She edged closer to
get a better look. | He edged her towards the door. | edge
your way into/round/through ete sth Christine edged her
way round the back of the house.
2 Gea «([T usually passive] to put something on the
edge or border of something: The city square was edged by
edge" Fy [i /edz/n trees. |be edged with sth The tablecloth is edged with lace.
1@Uos aa ([C] the part of an object that is furthest 30a [1,7 always + adv/prep] to change gradually,
frorn its centre: Put the eggs in the centre of the dish, with especially so as to get better or worse: [+up/down]
edge city 540 GX = words from the Academic Word List

Profits have edged up. | The paper has edged ahead of what should be included in it: [+of] the editor of the Daily
(=been more successful than) its rivals. Telegraph | economics/sports/ political etc editor
4 (ES [7] to cut the edges of an area of grass so that 2 someone who prepares a book or article for printing by
they are tidy and straight deciding what to include and checking for any mistakes
edge sb <> out phrv 3 someone who chooses what to include in a book on a
1to defeat someone by a small amount: Italy edged out particular subject: the editor of abook of essays on modern
France by two points. poetry
2 to gradually force someone to leave their job or an area 4 someone who prepares a film, television programme, or
of activity sound recording for broadcasting by deciding what to
edge ‘city n [C] AmE an area at the edge of a large city include and checking for any mistakes: a TV script editor
that has its own businesses, shops, offices etc, so that 5 someone who reports on a particular subject for a radio
many of the people who used to live there while working or television news programme — correspondent: Here is
in the large city now both live and work in the edge city John Simmonds, our Diplomatic Editor, with the latest news.
edge-ways /‘edzwe1z/ (also edge-wise /-waiz/) adv 6 technical a computer program that allows you to make
sideways — get a word in edgeways at WORD'(26) changes to saved information —+ COPY EDITOR, SUB-EDITOR
edg-ing /‘edzin/ n [C,U] something that forms an edge ed-i-to-ri-al’ EY /ed?to:rial</ adj 1 relating to the
or border: a white handkerchief with blue edging preparation of a newspaper, book, television programme
etc for printing or broadcasting: -an editorial assistant
edg-y /‘ed3i/ adj 1 nervous and worried: She's been edgy 2 [usually before noun] expressing the opinion of a particu-
lately, waiting for the test results. BIEN nervous lar newspaper editor rather than just giving facts: the
2 aware of the newest ideas and styles and therefore paper's editorial column —editorially adv: The paper is
considered very fashionable: The band has developed an editorially independent.
edgy new image.
ed-i-to-ri-al? Eg n [Cc] a piece of writing in a newspaper
EDI /i: di: ‘at/ n [U] technical the abbreviation of elec- that gives the editor's opinion about something, rather
tronic data interchange than reporting facts
ed-i-ble /'edibal/ adj something that is edible can be ed-i-to-ri-a-lize (also -ise BrE) /ed$to:rialarz/ v [I] to
eaten inedible: These berries are edible, but those are give your opinion and not just the facts about something,
poisonous. especially publicly: [+on/about/against etc] The BBC is
e-dict /i:dikt/ n [C] formal 1an official public order not supposed to editorialize about the news.
made by someone in a position of power [SYN] decree: The ed-i-tor-ship /‘editafip $ -tar-/ n [U] the position of
emperor issued an edict forbidding anyone to leave the city. being the editor of a newspaper or magazine, or the time
2 any order - used humorously during which someone is an editor
ed-i-fice /‘edfis/ n [C] formal a building, especially a EDT /i: di: 'ti/ n [C,U] the abbreviation for eau de
large one: Their head office was an imposing edifice. toilette
ed-i-fy /‘ed:far/ v (edified, edifying, edifies) [T] formal to edu /dpt ji: di: ‘ju:/ the abbreviation of educational
improve someone's mind or character by teaching them institution, used in Internet addresses for schools, col-
something [SYN]enlighten —edification /,ed3fike1fan/ n leges etc
[U]: For our edification, the preacher reminded us what ‘duty’
meant. ed-u-ca-ble /edjukabal $ 'edza-/ adj able to learn or be
educated: At that time, deaf children were not considered
ed-i-fy-ing /‘ed:fat-tn/ adj formal an edifying speech, educable.
book etc improves your mind or moral character by
teaching you something - sometimes used humorously: a ed-u-cate /‘edjukert $ 'edza-/ v [T] 1 [usually passive] to
morally edifying film teach a child at a school, college, or university: The
Ormerod School educates handicapped children. | be edu-
edit /edit/ v1 [1,T] to prepare a book, piece of film etc cated at sth He was educated at Bristol University,
for printing or broadcasting by removing mistakes or ELST TEACH 2 to give someone information about
parts that are not acceptable: The newspaper edits letters a particular subject, or to show them a better way to do
before printing them. 2 [T] to prepare a book or article for something — teach: educate sb about/in/on sth a cam-
printing by deciding what to include and in what order: a paign to educate teenagers about HIV
collection of essays edited by John Gay 3 [T] to prepare a
film by deciding what to include and in what order ed-u-cat-ed /‘edjukertid $ 'edza-/ adj 1 having been well
4[T] to be responsible for the information that is taught and learned a lot: a highly educated woman
included in a newspaper, magazine etc: She used to edit 2 university-educated/well-educated/privately-educated etc
the Observer. —edit n [C] having had a particular type of education 3 educated guess
edit sth «> out phr v to remove something when you are a guess that is likely to be correct because it is based on
preparing a book, piece of film etc for printing or some knowledge: Investors must make an educated guess as
broadcasting [SYN|cut: The interviewer's questions have to the company’s potential.
been edited out. ed-u-ca-tion G (i /edju'kerfan $ edza-/ n
e-di-tion [XL /r'difan/ n [Cc] 1[singular, U] the process of teaching and learning, usually
1the form that a book, newspaper, magazine etc is pro- at school, college, or university: She also hopes her children
duced in: a paperback edition |the US edition of Marie Claire will get a good education. |efforts to improve girls’ access to
magazine education — formal education at FORMAL'6) ;
2 the copies of a book, newspaper etc that are produced 2[U] the teaching of a particular subject: health/sex
and printed at the same time: The textbook was first education
published in 1858 and is now in its 39th edition. |A limited 3[U] the institutions and people involved with teaching:
edition of 2,000 copies has been published. | first edition the local education authority
(=the first copies of a particular book, that are often 4 [singular] an interesting experience which has taught
valuable) you something - often used humorously: Having Jimmy ta
3 a newspaper, magazine etc: Martin was reading the early stay has been quite an education! —+ ADULT EDUCATION,
edition of the Evening News. FURTHER EDUCATION, HIGHER EDUCATION
4a television or radio programme that is broadcast regu- COLLOCATIONS
larly or is part of a series: the early evening edition of | ADJECTIVES/NOUN + education
Scotland Today
a good education Al! parents want a good education
ed-i-tor (3 LG /‘edita $ -ar/n [C] for their children.
1the person who is in charge of a newspaper or maga- a poor education (=not very good) She had a poor
zine, or part of a newspaper or magazine, and decides education, and left school without qualifications.
(XG = words from the Academic Word List 541 eTrect

an all-round education (=including a balance of lots ed-u-tain-ment /,edju'teinmant $ edza-/ n [U] films,
of different subjects) The school offers a good television programmes, or computer sorTWARE that edu-
all-round education. cate and entertain at the same time
full-time education (=spending every weekday in a Ed-ward:-i-am /ed'wo:dian $ -'wo:r-/ adj relating to the
school or college) Children must stay in full-time time of King Edward VII of Britain (1901-1910): an
education until the age of 16. Edwardian house
state education BrE£, public education AmE =e@ /i:/ suffix [in nouns] 1 someone who is being treated
(=provided by the government of a country) The in a particular way: the payee (=someone who is paid) |a
state of California guarantees free public education to trainee | an employee 2 someone who is in a particular
all children. state or who is doing something: an absentee (=someone
private education (=that people have to pay for) | who is absent) | an escapee
don't agree with the principle of private education. EEC, the /j: i:'si:/ (the European Economic Community)
formal education (=from teachers at school or the former name for the EU
college, rather than learning by yourself) She had no EEG /ii: i: 'dzi:/ n [C] 1 (electroencephalograph) a piece
formal education and was brought up by her of equipment that records the electrical activity of your
grandmother. brain 2 (electroencephalogram) a drawing made by an
primary (school) education Br£, elementary electroencephalograph
education AmE (=for children aged between 5 and
eek /itk/ interjection an expression of sudden fear and
11) The government has announced plans to improve
surprise: Eek! A mouse!
the quality of primary school education.
secondary education (a/so high school education eel /i:/ n [Cc] a long thin fish that looks like a snake and
AmE) (=for children aged between 11 and 18) She can be eaten — see picture at FISH’
hopes to start a teaching career in secondary education. e“en /i:n/ adv literary the short form of EVEN
university/college education Do you have a e"er /ea $ er/ adv literary the short form of EVER
university education? =eer /1a $ 1r/ suffix [in nouns] someone who does or ~
further/higher education (=at a college or makes a particular thing: an auctioneer (=someone who
university) | did a carpentry course at the further runs auction sales) | a profiteer (=someone who makes —
education college. unfair profits) :
adult education (=for adults) |vocational education
ee-rie /tari $ ‘tri/ adj strange and frightening: the eerie ©
(=relating to skills needed for a particular job) |
sound of an owl hooting at night EESTI FRIGHTENING
nursery/pre-school education (=for children aged
—eerily adv
under 5)
e-fa-tigue /i: fati:g/ (also electronic fatigue) n [U]
problems that people have as a result of using computers
have an education The women have had little too much or for too long, for example tiredness at work or
education. a lack of communication
get/receive an education Some children grow up eff /ef/ v [1] BrE spoken informal 1 effing and blinding
without receiving any education. swearing: Did you hear her effing and blinding at him?
give/provide an education The school aims to provide 2 eff off! used to tell someone to go away instead of
a good general education. saying FUCK OFF —> EFFING
enter education (=start going to school, college etc) ef-face /rfers/ v [T] formal 1to destroy or remove
The number of students entering higher education has something [SYN] erase + deface: Nothing can efface the last
risen. picture | have of them from my mind. 2 efface yourself to
leave education BrE£ (=stop going to school, college behave in a quiet way so that people do not notice or look
etc) She left full-time education at the age of 16. at you — SELF-EFFACING
continue your education
ef-fect! Gy [i /rfekt/ n
education + NOUN ae Issa (C,U] a change that is caused by an
the education system (=the way education is event, action etc: [ton] My parents’ divorce had a big effect
organized and managed in a country) Is the British on me. | [+of] the harmful effects of modern farming
education system failing some children? practices | the long-term effects of the drug | | could feel the
the education department (=the government effects of the thin mountain air. | This ingredient also has the
organization that makes decisions about education) effect of making your skin look younger. |A system failure has
Newcastle City Council's education department a knock-on effect throughout the whole hotel. | the cumula-
an education authority (=a government tive effect of human activities on the global environment |A
organization that makes official decisions about much lower dose of the painkiller can still produce the desired
education in one particular area) |the education effect. | In mental illness, there is a complex relationship
service (=all the government organizations that between cause and effect. +>GREENHOUSE EFFECT, SIDE EFFECT
work together to provide education) |education /A\ Do not confuse with the verb affect (=to have an
policy (=political plans for managing an education effect on something).
system) |education reform (=changes that a 2 put/bring sth into effect to make a plan or idea happen: It
government makes to the education system in a won't be easy to put the changes into effect.
country) 3 take effect to start to produce results: The morphine was
starting to take effect and the pain eased.
ed-u-ca-tion-al [D / edju'kerfanal< $ ed3a-/ adj AWWA a) take effect/come into effect if a law, rule,
1relating to education: the educational development of or system takes effect or comes into effect, it officially
children starts b) be in effect if a law, rule, or system is in effect, it
2 teaching you something you did not know before: edu- is being used now
cational games —educationally adv 5 with immediate effect/with effect from formal starting to
ed-u-ca-tion-al-ist /edju'kerjanalist $ jed3za-/ (also happen immediately, or from a particular date: Hoskins is
ed-u-ca-tion-ist _/-fanist/) n [C] formal someone who appointed manager, with immediate effect.
knows a lot about ways of teaching and learning 6 in effect used when you are describing what you see as
ed-u-cat-ive /‘edjukativ $ 'edzaker-/ adj something that the real facts of a situation effectively: In effect, we'll
is educative teaches you something [SYN] educational: The be earning less than we were last year.
educative process needs to begin early in a child's life. 7 to good/great/no etc effect used to show how successful
ed-u-ca-tor /‘edjukerta $ 'edzakertar/ n [C] 1 formal a an action is: We tried to wake him, but to no effect.
teacher or someone involved in the process of educating 8to this/that/the effect used when you are giving the
- people GELELULI> TEACHER 2 Ame an EDUCATIONALIST general meaning of something, rather than the exact
effect 542 Gl & & = the most frequent words in spoken English

words: Jim told me to go away, or.words to that effect. | The 3 [no comparative, only before noun] real rather than what is
letter said something to the effect that she was no longer officially intended or generally believed: The rebels are in
needed. effective control of the city. —effectiveness n [U]
9 (PWG (C usually singular] an idea or feeling that
an artist, speaker, book etc tries to make you think of or
ef-fec-tive-ly Gy [y /1fektivli/ adv
lin a way that produces the result that was intended
to feel [SYN]impression: [+of] Turner's paintings give an
effect of light.
[OPP|ineffectively: Children have to learn to communicate
effectively.
10 for effect if someone does something for effect, they do
2 used to describe what you see as the real facts of the
it in order to make people notice: She paused for effect,
situation [SYN]in effect: [sentence adverb] Effectively, it has
then carried on speaking.
become impossible for us to help. | Most of the urban poor
11 effects [plural] formal the things
are effectively excluded from politics.
that someone owns [SYN]belongings: Don's few personal
effects were in a suitcase under the bed. ef-fec-tu-al /rfektjual/ adj formal producing the result
12 Go) [C usually plural] an unusual or impressive sound that was wanted or intended [Sy¥Nleffective
or image that is artificially produced for a film, play, or opP]|ineffectual
radio programme —> SOUND EFFECTS, SPECIAL EFFECT ef-fem-i-nate /1feminat/ adj a man who is effeminate
looks or behaves like a woman —effeminately adv
—effeminacy n [U]
effect a change that is caused by an event, action
etc: The people in this area are still suffering from the ef-fer-vesce /efa'ves $ efar-/ v [1] technical a liquid that
effects of the famine. | The treatment had little or no effervesces produces small bubbles of gas
effect. ef-fer-vese-ent /,efa'vesant<« $ efar-/ adj 1some-
impact an effect that happens as a result of one who is effervescent is very happy, excited, and active:
something important, especially a big and an effervescent personality 2 a liquid that is effervescent
permanent effect: Changes in technology have had a produces small bubbles of gas [SyN|fizzy, sparkling
massive impact on the way we work. | the — effervescence n [U]
environmental impact of industrial activity
ef-fete /r'fi:t $ e-/ adj formal 1weak and powerless in a
influence the effect that something has on people's
opinions or behaviour, or on how something way that you dislike: effete intellectuals 2 an effete man
develops: American telévision has had a big influence looks or behaves like a woman [SYN] effeminate
on popular culture in the west. | His ideas had a lot of ef-fi-ca-cious /ef kerfas</ adj formal working in the
influence at the time. way you intended [syNleffective: an equally efficacious
side effect an unwanted and unplanned effect that method of treatment
something has - used especially about drugs and ef-fi-ca-cy /‘efikasi/ n [U + of] formal the ability of
medical treatment: Common side effects of the drug something to produce the right result [SYN] effectiveness
may include headaches and muscle pains. OpP|inefficacy
after-effects BrE, aftereffects AmE bad effects that
continue for a long time after the thing that caused ef-fi-cien-cy [1 /1fjansi/ n
them: A traumatic experience can have severe 1[U] the quality of doing something well and effectively,
psychological after-effects. | the after-effects of the war without wasting time, money, or energy [OPP]|inefficient:
repercussions /ri:pa'kajans $ -par-/ / the effects that [+of] the efficiency of the train service | considerable
happen later as a result of an event or decision, advancements in energy efficiency
especially a range of effects that continue for a long 2 efficiencies [plural] the amounts of money, supplies etc
time: The scandal could have serious repercussions for that are saved by finding a better or cheaper way of doing
her career. |The judge’s decision is likely to have something: operating efficiencies
important repercussions for future cases of this kind. (elo) WRoley Wale) ks
a knock-on effect BrE used when something has an
effect on something, which then has an effect on
| VERBS
something else: Higher oil prices have a knock-on improve/increase efficiency The company is taking
effect on other fuels. steps to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
footprint the effect that human activities have on promote efficiency (=develop or encourage efficient
the environment, caused by using up its natural ways of doing something)
resources, pollution, waste etc: Businesses all over the | ADJECTIVES/NOUN + efficiency
world must attempt to reduce their environmental greater/increased efficiency /n a search for greater
footprint. | The house has a low carbon footprint (=it efficiency, the two departments have merged.
uses very little energy from carbon and therefore is maximum efficiency (=the most that is possible)
good for the environment).
The boat's design helps it to move with maximum
efficiency.
effect? v [1] formal to make something happen fuel efficiency (=using fuel in an efficient way)
[S¥N|bring about: Many parents lack confidence in their Better fuel efficiency can be achieved by driving more
akility to effect change in their children’s behaviour. A\ Do slowly,
not confuse with the verb affect (=to have an effect on energy efficiency (=using energy in an efficient
something).
way) Energy efficiency can play a huge role in reducing
ef-fec-tive Ey [i /1fektwv/ adj pollution.
1successful, and working in the way that was intended
[oppjineffective: The cheaper drugs are just as effective in efficiency + NOUN
treating arthritis. | the painting's highly effective use of efficiency gains (=increases in efficiency) New
colouir | Training is often much less effective than expected. | technology introduced by the company has brought
the most effective ways of reducing inner city congestion efficiency gains.
pile SUCCESSFUL efficiency savings (=money saved by being more
REGISTER efficient) |efficiency measures (=changes
In everyday English, people usually say that introduced to make something more efficient)—
something works (well), rather than say that it is
effective: The cheaper drugs work just as well. ef-fi-cient 4) (/1'fifent/ adj if someone or Fie HY,
is efficient, they work well without wasting time, money,
2 [no comparative, not before noun] if a law, agreement, or or energy [opPlinefficient: a very efficient secretary | an
system becomes effective, it officially starts: [+from] The efficient use of land | Lighting is now more energy efficient.
cut in interest rates is effective from Monday. — efficiently adv
{i (2 GS = the most frequent words in written English 543

ef-fi-gy /efidzi/ n (plural effigies) 1 [C] a STATUE of a of people working together) |a joint/team effort
famous person: [+of] an effigy of Saint Francis 2 [U] a (=involving a group or team of people) |
roughly made, usually ugly, model of someone you dis- physical/mental effort
like: a threat to burn the president in effigy | PHRASES Co
ef-fing /'eftn/ adj [only before noun] BrE informal an
make the effort (=do sth that requires some effort)
offensive word used to emphasize that you are angry and | felt too tired to go to a party, but decided to make the
to avoid saying the swear word ' FUCKING’ directly: She’s
effort.
gone to effing bingo again. — effing and blinding at EFF make every effort to do sth (=try very hard) | made
ef-flo-res-cence / efla'resans/ n [U] literary the action every effort to see their point of view.
of something forming and developing, or the period of make no effort to do sth (=not try at all) They make
time when this happens: There was an efflorescence of no effort to speak the local language.
scientific publication in the period 1645-1660. be (well) worth the effort (=used to say that
ef-flu-ent /efluant/ n [C,U] formal liquid waste, espe- something is worth doing even though it is hard) It’s
cially chemicals or SEWAGE a difficult place to get to, but it's well worth the effort.
an effort of will (=a big effort to do something that
ef-fort Gy (a /efat $ 'efart/ n
you find difficult because of the way you feel) /t took
1A td =[U] the physical or mental
a huge effort of will not to cry.
energy that is needed to do something: Lou lifted the box
with effort formal (=trying very hard) With great
easily, without using much effort. | Frank put a lot of effort
effort, he managed to keep quiet.
into the party. | Learning to speak another language takes
without effort (=easily, without trying hard)
effort.
2 Gia «[C,U] an attempt to do something, especially ef-fort-less /efatlas $ ‘efart-/ adj something that is
when this involves a lot of hard work or determination: effortless is done in a very skilful way that makes it seem
Please make an effort to be polite. | sb's effort(s) to do sth easy: Alexei rose to his feet with a single effortless move-
Tom's efforts to stop smoking haven't been very successful. | ment. —effortlessly adv: He dived effortlessly into the tur-
Church leaders are prepared to meet the terrorists in an effort
quoise water.
to (=in order to try to) find peace. | [+at] Further efforts at
negotiation have broken down. | through sb's efforts ef-fron-te-ry /1'frantari/ n [U] formal rude behaviour
(=because of their efforts) The money was raised largely that shocks you because it is so confident [SYN] nerve:
through the efforts of parents. | despite sb's efforts Despite have the effrontery to do sth She had the effrontery to ask me
all our efforts we lost the game 1-0. for more money.
3 be an effort to be difficult or painful to do: | was so weak ef-ful-gent /rfaldzant $ rfol-/ adj literary beautiful and
that even standing up was an effort. bright —effulgence n [U]
4G) «6LC] work that people do to ef-fu-sion /tfjurzan/ n [C,U] 1 technical a liquid or gas
achieve something in a particular situation: the fundraising that flows out of something, or the act of flowing out: a
effort |the international relief effort |Everyone did what they massive effusion of poisonous gas 2 formal an uncontrolled
could to support the war effort. expression of strong good feelings: He greeted the guests
5 good/bad/poor etc effort something that has been done with effusion.
well, badly etc: Not a bad effort for a beginner! ef-fu-sive /1fju:stv/ adj showing your good feelings in a
COLLOCATIONS - MEANINGS 1 & 2 very excited way: Our host gave us an effusive welcome. |
VERBS [+in] Dotty was effusive in her thanks, —effusively adv
make an effort (=try) She made an effort to change —effusiveness n [U]
the subject of the conversation. E-FIT /i: ftt/ n [C] BrE trademark a picture, made by
put effort into (doing) sth (=try hard to do using a computer, of a person who the police think was
something) Let's try again, only put more effort into it responsible for a crime, which they show on television or
this time. the Internet in order to try and catch the person
take the effort out of sth (=make it easy) An EFL /i: ef 'el/ n [U] (English as a Foreign Language) the
automatic car takes the effort out of driving. teaching of English to people whose first language is not
sth takes effort (also it takes effort to do sth) (=you English, and who do not live in an English-speaking coun-
have to try hard) It takes a sustained effort to quit try
smoking. EFT /j: ef 'tix7 n [C,U] technical the abbreviation of
sth requires/involves effort formal (=it takes effort)
electronic funds transfer
ADJECTIVES/NOUN + effort @.8. / i: 'dzi:/ the abbreviation of for example: citrus fruits,
successful Their efforts were successful, and they won e.g. oranges and grapefruit EXAMPLE
the contract.
unsuccessful Efforts to save the hospital from closure REGISTER
have been unsuccessful. In formal contexts such as essays or business
futile (=having no chance of succeeding, and letters, people usually avoid using the abbreviation
therefore not worth doing) Doctors knew that any e.g., and write for example in full: They might use local
effort to save his life would be futile. health care facilities, for example clinics and district
a big/great effort The government has made a big hospitals.
effort to tackle the problem of poverty. e-gal-i-tar-i-an /i,gels'tearian $ -'ter-/ adj based on the
considerable effort (=a lot of effort) The police put belief that everyone is equal and should have equal
considerable effort into finding his car. rights: an egalitarian society —egalitarianism n [U]
a supreme/tremendous effort (=a very big effort) It
was only with a supreme effort that Roger controlled his egg” GI 1 /eg/n
temper. - 1D) [Cc] a round object with a hard surface, that
a special effort (=one that you do not normally contains a baby bird, snake, insect etc and which is
make) | made a special effort to be nice to the children. produced by a female bird, snake, insect etc: Blackbirds lay
a sustained effort (=one that you continue making their eggs in March. | an ostrich egg | The eggs hatch
for a long time) |a conscious/deliberate effort (=break open to allow the baby out) in 26 days.
(=one that you concentrate on in order to achieve 2 Gee) [C,U] an egg, especially one from a chicken, that
something) |a determined effort (=showing a lot of is used for food: fried/poached/boiled etc eggs |Joe always
determination) |a desperate effort (=one you make has bacon and egg for breakfast. |Whisk the egg white (=the
when you are in a very bad situation) |a concerted white part) until stiff. | Beat in two of the egg yolks (=the
~ effort (=involving a lot of different actions, or a lot yellow part), + SCRAMBLED EGG
 544 EX = words from the Academic Word List

egoism /‘i:gauizam, 'eg- $ -gov-/ n [U] EGOTISM

—egoist n [C] —egoistic /j:gau'tsttk<, eg- $ -gou-/ adj
e-g0-ma-ni-ac /i:gau'meiniak, eg- $ -gov-/ n [C]
someone who thinks that they are very important, and
does not care whether they upset other people in order to
get what they want
e-go-surf /‘i:gaus3:f, 'eg- $ -gous3:rf/ v [1] to look on the
Internet to see how many websites mention your name
—egosurfing n [U]
e-go-tis-m /‘i:gatizam, 'eg-/ n [U] the belief that you are
much better or more important than other people
e-go-tist /\i:gatist, 'eg-/ n [C] someone who likes to talk
about how great and important they think they are
—egotistic /j:ga'tisttk<, eg-/ adj
e-go-tis-tic-al /j:ga'tistkal<, eg-/ adj someone who is
egotistical likes to talk about how great and important
they think they are: He’s a selfish, egotistical individual!
—egotistically /-kli/ adv ;
‘ego trip n [Cc] if someone is on an ego trip, they think
that what they do makes them more important than
3 GSSEEEGS [Cc] something the same shape as an egg: a other people - used to show disapproval: Their singer's on
chocolate Easter egg —> EASTER EGG a real ego trip.
4ST [Cc] a cell produced by a woman or e-gre-gious /rgrisdzas/ adj formal an egregious mis-
female animal that combines with sperm (=male cell) to take, failure, problem etc is extremely bad and noticeable
make a baby |SYN| ovum —egregiously adv
5 (have) egg on your face if someone, especially someone @-gFeSs /‘i:gres/ n [U] formal or law the act of leaving a
in authority, has egg on their face, they have been made building or place, or the right to do this
to look stupid by something embarrassing: The Pentagon's e-gret /i:grit, -et/ n [C] a bird that lives near water and
been left with egg on its face. has long legs and long white tail feathers
6 put all your eggs in one basket to depend completely on E-gyp-tian’ /r'dzrpjan/ adj relating to Egypt or its
one thing or one course of action in order to get success, people
so that you have no other plans if this fails: When planning
Egyptian? n [c] someone from Egypt
your investments, it’s unwise to put all your eggs in one
basket. eh /er/ interjection spoken 1 BrE used when you want
7 lay an egg AmE informal to fail or be unsuccessful at someone to repeat something because you did not hear
something that you are trying to do it: Eh? She’s got how many children? 2 used when you want
8 good egg old-fashioned someone who you can depend someone to reply to you or agree with something you
on to be honest, kind etc — kill the goose that lays the have said: Maybe teenagers aren't as clueless as everyone
golden egg at KILL'(14), > NEST EGG thought, eh? 3 BrE used when you are surprised by
egg? Vv something that someone has said
egg sb <> on phr v to encourage someone to do some- Eid /i:d/ n [U] one of two important holidays in the
thing, especially something that they do not want to do Muslim religion
or should not do: Bob didn’t want to jump, but his friends ei-der-down /‘ardadaun $ -dar-/ n [C] a thick warm
kept egging him on. cover for a bed, filled with duck feathers + duvet
egg-cup /'eg-kap/ n [C] a small container that holds a Eid ul-Ad-ha /i:d ol ‘a:da $ 3d-/ n [U] a religious
boiled egg while you eat it + see picture at cup! FESTIVAL that MUSLIMS celebrate at the end of the HAJ in
egg-head /eghed/ n [C] informal someone who is very order to remember that the Prophet Ibrahim was willing
intelligent, and only interested in ideas and books to kill his son for Allah
eggnog /'egnog $ -na:g/ n [U] a drink made from Eid ul-Fitr /j:d ol ‘fitra $ 1d ol ‘fttar/ n [U] a religious
eggs, sugar, milk, and alcohol, drunk at Christmas FESTIVAL that MUSLIMS celebrate at the end of RAMADAN.
eggplant /egpla:nt $ -plent/ n [CU] AmE a large Special prayers are said in the MosQuUE, and children and
vegetable with smooth purple skin [SYN] aubergine BrE women are given presents.
—+ see picture at VEGETABLE! eight /ert/ number, n1 the number 8: It’s only eight days
egg ‘roll n (c] a sprinc ROLL till Christmas. | They woke at eight (=eight o'clock). | My
egg:shell /egfel/ n 1 [C,U] the hard outside part of a parents died when | was eight (=eight years old). 2 [C] a
bird's egg 2 [U] a type of paint, used especially on wood, team of eight people who row a racing boat, or the boat
that is not shiny when dry that they row
‘egg timer n [Cc] a small glass container with sand in it eigh-teen /er'in</ number the number 18: At least
that runs from one part to the other in about three or five eighteen bullets were fired. | Jim was eighteen (=18 years
minutes, used for measuring the time it takes to boil an old). —eighteenth adj, pron: in the eighteenth century |her
eggs eighteenth birthday |I'm planning to leave on the eighteenth
@Z0 /'i:gau, 'egau $ -gou/ n (plural egos) [C] 1 the opin- (=the 18th day of the month).
ion that you have about yourself: big/enormous etc ego eighth" /erte/ adj coming after seven other things in a
Richard has the biggest ego (=thinks he is very clever and series: in the eighth century | her eighth birthday —eighth
important) of anyone I've ever met. | That promotion really pron: I'm planning to leave on the eighth (=the eighth day of
boosted her ego (=made her feel better about herself). | / the month).
need someone to massage my bruised ego (=when you feel eighth? n [c] one of eight equal parts of something
less confident than before). | a fragile ego —+ ALTER EGO ‘eighth note n [Cc] Amé technical a musical note that
2 technical the part of your mind with which you think continues for an eighth of the length of a WHOLE NOTE
and take action, according to Freudian psYCHOLoGy — ID, [SYN] quaver BrE :
superego eigh-ty /erti/ number 1 the number 80 2 the eighties
e-go-cen-tric /igav'sentrtk<, eg- $ -gou-/ adj thinking [plural] (also the '80s, the 1980s) the years from 1980 to
only about yourself and not about what other people 1989: The band was incredibly successful in the eighties. |
might need or want [SYN] self-centred —egocentricity the early/mid/late eighties Their troubles began in the mid
/ :gausen'trissti, eg- $ -gou-/ n [CU] eighties. 3 be in your eighties to be aged between 80 and -
EX3 = words from the Academic Word List 545 elbow

89: early/mid/late eighties Hilda Simpson was a woman in after you have pressed a particular button —ejection
her early eighties. 4 in the eighties if the temperature is in /tdzekfan/ n [CU]
the eighties, it is between 80 degrees and 89 degrees: in e'jector seat BrE, ejection seat AmE n [C] a special
the low/mid/high eighties The temperature is expected to seat that throws the pilot out of a plane when it is going
remain in the low eighties. —eightieth adj: her eightieth to crash
birthday eke /i:k/ v
ei-stedd-fod /arstedfad $ -vaid/ n [C] an event in eke sth <> out phrv1 eke out a living/existence to manage
Wales at which there are competitions in singing, poetry, to live with very little money or food: They eke out a
and music miserable existence in cardboard shacks. 2 to make a small
supply of something such as food or money last longer by
ei-ther’ §] [i /aide §$ ‘i:dar/ conjunction either ... or
carefully using small amounts of it: How did she manage to
a) used to begin a list of two or more possibilities: You
eke out the food?
add either one or two cloves of garlic. | She's the kind of
person you either love or hate. b) used to say that if one EKG /j: ker 'di:/ n [C] AmE an Ecc
thing does not happen then something else will have to: e-lab-o-rate! /tlebarit/ adj Thaving a lot of small
It’s your choice! Either she leaves or |will! |£75 seems a lot to parts or details put together in a complicated way
pay for a starter motor, but it’s either that or a new car! c) an [SYN] intricate: pure silks embroidered with elaborate patterns
either-or situation a situation in which you cannot avoid HOLL compuicaTeD 2 carefully planned and organ-
having to make a decision or choice ized in great detail [SYN] complex: a very elaborate telecom-
munications network —elaborately adv: an elaborately
either? GM determiner, pron carved wooden statue
tone or the other of two things or people — any: There's
tea or coffee - you can have either. | We can offer a comfort- e-lab-o-rate? /rlebarert/ v [1,1] to give more details or
able home to a young person of either sex. | [+of] Could new information about something [SYN] enlarge: He said he
either of you lend me five pounds? had new evidence, but refused to elaborate any further. |
2 used to show that a negative statement is true about [ton] McDonald refused to elaborate on his reasons for
both of two things or people — neither: I’ve lived in New resigning. —elaboration /tleba'rerfan/ n [C,U]
York and Chicago, but don't like either city very much. |[+of] éJan /‘erlon $ erla:n/ n [U] literary a style that is full of
There were two witnesses but | wouldn't trust either of them. energy and confidence: The attack was planned and led
3 either side/end/hand etc both sides, ends, hands etc with great élan.
[SYN] each: He sat in the back of the car with a policeman on e-lapse /1'leps/ v [| not in progressive] formal if a particu-
either side. | There are shops at either end of the street. lar period of time elapses, it passes: Several months
Aeither way a) used to say that something will be the elapsed before his case was brought to trial. | The assignment
same whichever of two things happens or is true: You can must be completed within an overall elapsed time of one
get to Edinburgh by train or plane, but either way it’s very week.
expensive. b) more or less than a certain amount or meas- e-las-tic' /vlesttk/ n [U] a type of rubber material that
urement: A few marks either way can make the difference can stretch and then return to its usual length or size: a
between a pass and a fail. c) used to say that someone or piece of elastic
something does not firmly support or want either one of elastic? adj1 made of elastic: an elastic cord 2 a material
two things: ‘All right, let's do that,’ said Camille, who didn’t that is elastic can stretch and then go back to its usual
care either way. length or size: the horny elastic pad in a horse’s hoof
5 could go either way if a situation could go either way, 3a system or plan that is elastic can change or be
both possible results are equally likely: The latest opinion changed easily: Demand for this type of holiday will prob-
poll suggests the vote could go either way. ably be fairly elastic. 4 AmE if a piece of clothing is elastic,
GRAMMAR it is made with material that can stretch: children’s pants
Either is used before a singular noun. Use a singular with an elastic waist
verb after it: Either explanation is reasonable. e-las-ti-cat-ed /rlastikertid/ adj BrE if a piece of cloth-
Either of is used before a plural noun or pronoun. In ing is elasticated, it is made with material that can
formal speech and writing, use a singular verb: Has stretch: skirts with elasticated waists
either of them called yet? In informal speech and elastic ‘band n [Cc] Bré a thin circular piece of rubber
writing, you can use a plural verb: Have either of them used for fastening things together rubber band — see
called yet? picture at STATIONERY

either? adv 1 [in negatives] used to show that a negative

e-las-tic-i-ty /j:le'strsiti/ n [U] 1 the ability of some-
thing to stretch and go back to its usual length or size: the
statement is also true about another thing or person, or
skin’s natural elasticity 2 elasticity of demand technical the
to add a different negative statement about something or
degree to which a change in the price of something leads
someone — neither: | haven't seen the movie and my
to a change in the amount of it that is sold
' brother hasn't either (=he also has not seen it). | / can’t
swim.’ ‘| can’t either.’ | It's not an easy car to drive, and at E-las-to-plast /rlestapla:st $ -plest/ n [C,U] trademark
$40,000 it's not cheap either. 2 me either AmE spoken used BrE a piece of thin material that is stuck to the skin to
to say that a negative statement is also true about you: ‘/ cover cuts and other small wounds Band-Aid AmE
don't have any money right now.’ ‘Me either.’ e-lat-ed /rlertid/ adj extremely happy and excited,
e-jac-u-late /1dzekjslett/ v [1,7] 1 when a man ejacu- especially because of something that has happened or is
lates, SEMEN comes out of his PENIS 2 old-fashioned or going to happen [OPP] depressed: He felt elated and mildly
literary to suddenly shout or say something, especially drunk. |[+at/by] She was elated at the prospect of a holiday.
because you are surprised —ejaculation /1,dzekjs'lerjan/ e-la-tion /:'lerfan/ n [U] a feeling of great happiness and
n{c,U] excitement fib. Lu PLEASURE
e-ject /tdzekt/ v 1 [T] to make someone leave a place el-bow' /‘elbavu $ -bou/ n [C] 1 the joint where your arm
or building by using force: eject sb from sth The demonstra- bends 2 the part of a shirt etc that covers your elbow
tors were ejected from the hall. 2 [T] to make someone 3 elbow grease informal hard work and effort, especially
leave a job or position very quickly: eject sb from sth 420 when cleaning or polishing something 4 give sb the elbow
workers have been ejected from their jobs with no warning. BrE informal to tell someone that you no longer like them
3 [7] to suddenly send something out: Two engines cut out or want them to work for you and that they should leave
and the plane started to eject fuel as it lost height. 4 [1] if a 5 elbow room enough space in which to move easily:
pilot ejects, he or she escapes from a plane, using an There's more elbow room in the restaurant since they
ejector seat because it is going to crash 5 [1,1] if you eject extended it. 6 a curved part of a pipe — rub elbows with sb
a TAPE or DISK, or if it ejects, it comes out of a machine at RUBS)
 elbow 546 E) & & = the most frequent words in spoken English

elbow? v [T] to push someone with your elbows, espe- lose an election /f the party loses the election, they
cially in order to move past them: elbow your way through/ may decide they need a new leader.
past/into etc sth (=move through a group of people by fight an election BrE (also contest an election BrE
pushing past them) He elbowed his way to the bar and formal) (=take part in it and try to win) Three
ordered a beer. | She pushed through the crowd, elbowing independent candidates are also planning to contest the
people out of the way. election.
el-der’ /elda $ -ar/ adj especially BrE the elder of two run for election (a/so stand for election BrE) (=try to
people, especially brothers and sisters, is the one who become elected) /f you plan to stand for election to the
was born first [oPP]younger: elder brother/son/sister/ committee, you must be nominated by three members.
daughter etc His elder son Liam became a lawyer. | Sarah is
the elder of the two. A\ Do not say ‘elder than someone’.
_ ADJECTIVES/NOUN + election
Say older than someone: She was two years older than me. fair (=with no unfair advantage to one person or
group) The ruling party has promised that the elections
elder? n [C] 1be sb's elder formal to be older than will be fair.
someone else: be two/ten etc years sb's elder Janet's sister
free (=with everyone allowed to vote for who they
was eight years her elder. 2 sb‘s elders (and betters) people
want) These will be the country’s first free multi-party
who are older than you and who you should respect
elections.
3a member of a tribe or other social group who is
democratic The unions are calling for democratic
important and respected because they are old: a meeting
elections. j
of the village elders 4 someone who has an official posi-
a general/national election (=one in which the
tion of responsibility in some Christian churches
whole country votes to elect a government) Labour's
5 elder abuse the crime of harming an old person
victory in the general election gave them a huge
6 a small wild tree that has white flowers and black
BERRIES majority.
a local/regional election The Green Party increased
el-der-ber-ry /eldabari $ -darberi/ n (plural elderber- its share of the vote in the French regional elections.
ries) [C] the fruit of the elder tree
a presidential election (=to elect a new president) |
el-der-ly 3 (H /‘eldali $ ‘eldarli/ adj a leadership election (=to elect a new leader for a
1used as a polite way of saying that someone is old or political party) | a congressional/parliamentary
becoming old: a well-dressed elderly woman EXER LIE> election (=to elect people to a congress or
OLD parliament) |a federal election (=to elect a federal
2 the elderly people who are old: a retirement village for the government) |a mayoral election (=to elect a new
elderly mayor)
elder ‘statesman n [Cc] someone old and respected,
especially a politician, who people ask for advice because
| election + NOUN
of his or her knowledge and experience an election victory/defeat He became prime minister
el-dest /‘eldist/ adj especially BrE the eldest of a group of after a decisive election victory.
people, especially brothers and sisters, is the one who the election results The election results have been
coming in all night.
was born first — old: eldest son/daughter/brother/child etc
My eldest daughter is 17. |He was the eldest of six children. an election campaign The election campaign got off
to a bad start.
El Do-ra-do, Eldorado /el da'ra:dau/ a place of very
an election candidate BrE (=someone trying to be
great wealth, especially a place that people travel a long
elected in an election) Local party members choose
way to find, or an imaginary place that does not really
the election candidates.
exist. El Dorado comes from the ancient story of the king
an election promise/pledge (=one that is made
of a South American trise who covered himself in gold
while a person or party is trying to be elected) The
dust and dived into a lake. Some people believed that the
government has broken all its election promises.
king's city, El Dorado, really existed and tried to find it.
an election broadcast BrE (=a programme by a
e-lect? EE] DE) /tlekt/ v [7 usually passive] party saying why people should vote for them in an
1to choose someone for an official position by voting: the election) |an election rally (=a public meeting to
country’s first democratically elected government | a new support a politician or party before an election) |
method for electing the leader of the party |elect sb to sth He an election year (=a year in which there is an
was elected to a US state governorship. | elect sb (as) election) |election day/night (=the day or night
president/leader/mayor etc /n 1768, John Wilkes was when people are voting and the votes are being
elected as their Member of Parliament. VOTE counted) |election time
2 elect to do sth formal to choose to do something: You can
elect to delete the message or save it. ' PHRASES
elect? adj president-elect/governor-elect/prime minister- the run-up to the election (=the period of time
elect etc the person who has been elected as president before an election) There have been violent street
etc, but who has not yet officially started their job protests in the run-up to the elections.
e:lec-tion $28 Wl /tekfan/ n
1[C] when people vote to choose someone for an official
position: The Labour Party won the 2001 election by a huge election an occasion when people choose a
majority. | Elections for the state governorship will be on government or leader by voting: the American
November 25. presidential election |South Africa held its first
2 [singular] the fact of being elected to an official position: multi-racial elections in 1994.
Within three months of his election he was forced to resign. | ballot /‘belat/ an occasion when the members of an
sb's election to sth his election to Parliament + GENERAL organization vote by marking what they want ona
ELECTION piece of paper, especially to make sure that it is
felo] Holey Wile) secret: The result of the ballot showed that nurses were
not in favour of a strike. 3
| VERBS
referendum /,refa'rendam/ an occasion when
have/hold an election The government plans to hold everyone in a country votes on an important political
an election in November. subject: In the Danish referendum, the people voted ‘no’
call an election (=arrange for an election to happen) to joining the European single currency. y
The Prime Minister would be unwise to call an election the polls the process of voting in a political election
now. - used especially in news reports: 4,500,000 voters
win an election Who do you think will win the went to the polls in eight provinces to elect six
election? governors.
(1 (2 Ge = the most frequent words in written English 547 electrolysis
show of hands an act of voting informally for use electricity The system uses electricity to heat the
something by the people in a group raising their water.
hands: May | have a show of hands from all those in be powered by electricity /n an emergency, the
favour of the proposal? hospital can be powered by electricity from a generator.
conduct electricity (=used of a substance - allow
e-lec-tion-eer-ing §/tJekjainterin 9% -'ntr-/ on [U] electricity to travel along or through it) |cut off the
speeches and other activities that are intended to per- electricity (=stop the supply of electricity)
suade people to vote for a particular person or political
party
e:lec-tive! /rlekt1v/ adj formal 1 an elective position or the electricity supply (=electricity provided to
organization is one for which there is an election: the 34 homes and businesses) The storms have disrupted the
elective seats in the National Assembly 2 elective medical electricity supply to some areas.
treatment is treatment that you choose to have, although electricity demand (=the amount of electricity that
you do not have to: elective surgery such as hip is needed) There has been a dramatic growth in
replacements 3 AmE an elective course is one that stu- electricity demand.
dents can choose to take, although they do not have to electricity production (=the process of producing
take it in order to GRADUATE —+ module electricity, or the amount produced) | electricity
elective? n [C] AmE a course that students can choose consumption (=the amount of electricity that is
to take, but they do not have to take it in order to used) |an electricity bill (=a bill you have to pay for
GRADUATE — module electricity you have used) |an electricity company |
the electricity industry
e:lec:tor /tlekta $ -tar, -to1r/ n [C] someone who has
the right to vote in an election: Over 36% of electors did
not vote at all. Ppp
e:lec-to-ral /rlektaral/ adj [only before noun] relating to building from the national electricity supply) The
elections and voting: Our electoral system strongly favours cottage has no mains electricity.
two-party government. | a campaign for electoral reform static electricity (=electricity that collects on a
—electorally adv surface, for example on your clothes or a balloon)
electoral ‘college n the Electoral College a group of
people chosen by the votes of the people in each US
e-lec-trics /t'lektrtks/ n [plural] BrE the parts of a
machine that use electrical power
state, who come together to elect the President, or a
similar gOlp in other countries electric ‘shock n [C] a sudden shock to your body,
caused by electricity
electoral ‘register (also electoral 'roll) n [C] an offi-
cial list of the people who are allowed to vote in an electric ‘shock therapy n [U] a method of treat-
election ment for mental illness that involves sending electricity
through someone's brain [Syn] ECT
e:lec-to-rate /1lektarst/ n [singular] all the people in a
country who have the right to vote: A majority of the e-lec-tri-fy /rlektrifat/ v (electrified, electrifying, electri-
electorate oppose the law. fies) [T] 1 if a performance or a speech electrifies people,
it makes them feel very interested or excited: She would
e-lec-tric By [8 /tlektrik/ adj sit at the piano and sing, electrifying us all. 2 to change a
1needing electricity to work, produced by electricity, or railway so that it uses electrical power, or to supply a
used for carrying electricity: electric light/kettle/cooker etc building or area with electricity: The west coast main line
the heat from a small electric fire | electric current/power/ has been electrified. —electrifying adj —electrified adj:
charge (=a flow of electricity) | an electric blanket (=one electrified fences —electrification /1,ektr3f'kerfan/ n [U]
with electric wires in it, used for making a bed warm)
2 making people feel very excited: The atmosphere in the electro- /tlektrau, -tre $ -trou, -tra/ prefix technical
1 relating to electricity or made to work by electricity:
courtroom was electric.
electrocute (=to hurt or kill someone by electricity) | an
e-lec-tri-cal Ey /rlektrtkal/ adj electromagnet 2 electric and something else: electro-
1relating to electricity: The fire was caused by an electrical chemical
fault. | an electrical engineer (=a person who designs and
e-lec-tro-car-di-o-gram = /iJektrau'kaidiagrem $
makes electrical equipment) -trou'ka:r-/ n [C] technical an ECG(2)
2 using electricity: electrical equipment/goods/appliances
etc cally: /-kli/ adv e-lec:tro-car-di-o-graph = /1lektrau'ka:diagra:f =$
-trou'ka:rdiagref/ n [C] technical an Ecc)
e lectrical ‘storm (also electric 'storm) n [C] a violent
storm with a lot of LIGHTNING e lectro-con,vulsive ‘therapy n [U] ELectric sHOck
THERAPY
electric blue n (U] a very bright blue colour —electric
blue adj e-lec-tro-cute /tlektrakju:t/ v [T usually passive] 1 Br€ if
someone is electrocuted, they are injured or killed by
electric ‘chair n [C usually singular] a chair in which
electricity passing through their body: Last week a house-
criminals are killed using electricity, especially in the US, wife was electrocuted by her washing machine. 2 to kill
in order to punish them for murder: He faces death by the someone using electricity — electrocution
electric chair in a Florida state prison.
/ilektra'kjufan/ n [U]
el-ec-tri-cian /1lek'trijan, eltk-/ n [C] someone whose electrode /rlektraud $ -troud/ n [C] a small piece of
job is to connect or repair electrical wires or equipment metal or a wire that is used to send electricity through a
e-lec-tri-ci-ty Gy (Fy /slek'trissti, eltk-/ n [U] system or through a person's body: The monkeys have
1the power that is carried by wires, CABLES etc, and is electrodes implanted into the brain to measure their brain
used to provide light or heat, to make machines work etc: activity.
The farm was very isolated, but it had electricity. e-lec-tro-en-ceph-a:lo-gram /rlektrauin'sefelagrem,
2a feeling of excitement: There was electricity in the air -traven- $ -trou-/ n [C] technical an EEG(2)
between the two of them.
e-lec-tro-en-ceph-a-lo-graph /1,ektravin'sefalagrasf,
COLLOCATIONS -traven- $ -troutn'sefalagref, -troven-/ n [C] technical an
VERBS EEG(1)
generate/produce electricity We need to find cleaner e-lec-trol-y-sis /zek'trolisis, jeltk- $ -'tra:-/ n [U]
ways of generating electricity. 1 technical the process of separating a liquid into its
provide/supply electricity (=produce electricity and chemical parts by passing an electric current through it
make it available to people) The dam will provide 2 the process of using electricity to destroy hair roots and
water and electricity for 30 million people. to remove unwanted hairs from your face etc
 electrolyte 548 £4 = words from the Academic Word List

e-lec-tro-lyte /rlektralatt/ m[C] technical a liquid that small piece of electronic equipment to a criminal, which
allows electricity to pass through it allows the police to know where he or she is
e-lec-tro-mag-net /rlektrau'megnit $ -trou-/ n [C] a electronic ‘ticketing n [U] a service provided by
piece of metal that becomes MAGNETIC (=able to attract AIRLINES that allows people to buy their tickets on the
metal objects) when an electric current is turned on Internet and usually does not give them tickets in the
e-lec-tro-mag:net-ic /rlektraumeginetik« $ -trou-/ form of paper
adj technical relating to both electricity and MAGNETISM, or electron ‘microscope n [C] a very powerful micro-
having both electrical and MAGNETIC qualities: electromag- scope (=scientific instrument used for looking at small
netic waves | the electromagnetic spectrum (=different objects) that uses ELECTRONS instead of light to make
waves of energy, including light, heat, radio waves, and things look larger
X-RAYS) e-lec-tro-plate /rlektrauplert $ -trou-/ v [T usually pas-
e-lec-tro-mag-ne-tis:m —/zlektrau'megnetizem $ sive] to put a very thin layer of metal onto the surface of
-trou-/ n [U] technical the relationship between electricity an object, using ELECTROLYSIS
and MAGNETISM, and the effect that they have on each e-lec-tro-smog /tlektrausmpg $ -trousma:g, -smo:g/
other n [U] informal the waves or forces produced by electrical
e-lec-tron /rlektron $ -tra:n/ n [C] a very small piece of equipment such as MOBILE PHONES and computers, which
matter with a negative electrical CHARGE that moves some people believe make them ill
around the NUCLEUS (=central part) of an atom — proton, el-e-gant /'elsgant/ adj 1 beautiful, attractive, or grace-
neutron — see picture at ATOM ful: a tall, elegant young woman | You can dine in elegant
e-lec-tron-ic & [ey /elik'trontk, tlek- $ -'tra:-/ adj surroundings. 2 an idea or a plan that is elegant is very
Telectronic equipment, such as computers and televi- intelligent yet simple: an elegant solution to the problem
sions, uses electricity that has passed through computer —elegantly adv —elegance n [U]: the style and elegance of
CHIPS, TRANSISTORS etc: electronic games | an electronic the designs
organizer (=a small piece of electronic equipment that el-e-gi-ac /els'\dzatak</ adj literary showing that you feel
~ you can use to record addresses, phone numbers etc) sad about someone who has died or something that no
_ 2using or produced by electronic equipment — e-: elec- longer exists: He spoke of her in elegiac tones.
tronic music | electronic banking | electronic publishing (=a el-e-gy /‘elidzi/ n (plural elegies) [C] a sad poem or
system of producing books, magazines etc in a form that song, especially about someone who has died — eulogy
can be read on a computer) —electronically /-kli/ adv: el-e-ment 4 (0 GG /‘elimant/ n [Cc]
electronically controlled gates | The information is recorded 1 G2 one part or feature of a whole system, plan, piece
electronically. of work etc, especially one that is basic or important:
e-lec-tron-i-ca /elrk'tronike, 1lek- $ -'tra:-/ n [U] a [+of] Honesty is a vital element of her success. | [+in] the
general word for various different types of electronic primary element in the country’s economy | important/key/
dance and listening music — drum 'n' bass, house music, essential/vital etc element Besides ability, the other essential
techno, trance element in political success is luck. | Business and manage-
electronic ‘banking n [u] a service provided by ment elements are built into the course.
banks that allows people to pay money from one account 2 element of surprise/truth/risk/doubt etc an amount, usu-
to another, pay bills etc using the Internet [SYN] e-banking ally small, of a quality or feeling: There is an element of
electronic ‘cash n [uv] money that can be used to buy truth in your argument.
things on the Internet, but that does not exist in a 3 EEE a simple chemical substance such as CAR-
physical form or belong to any particular country BON or oxygen that consists of atoms of only one kind
— COMPOUND'(1)
electronic ‘data interchange n [vu] technical 4 (073 a group of people who form part of a larger
(abbreviation EDI) a way for companies and banks to send
group, especially when the rest of the group does not
information to each other by computer using an agreed
approve of them — faction: the hard-line communist ele-
FORMAT so that the company receiving the documents
ments in the party
can easily read them on their computer and print them
out on paper
5the elements [plural] the weather, especially bad
weather: sailors battling against the elements
electronic ‘funds transfer n [CU] (abbreviation 6 (i the part of a piece of electrical equipment
EFT) when money is moved from one bank account, that produces heat
business etc to another using only computer systems 7 the elements of sth the most simple things that you have
electronic ‘mail n (U) emai to learn first about a subject: She doesn’t even know the
electronic 'money n [UJ money that can be used to basic elements of politeness.
buy things on the Internet, but that does not exist in a 8 BIZ ~one of the four substances
physical form or belong to any particular country (earth, air, fire, and water) from which people used to
electronic ‘organizer n [Cc] a small piece of elec- believe that everything was made
tronic equipment that you can use to record addresses, 9 be in your element to be in a situation that you enjoy,
telephone numbers, dates of meetings etc because you are good at it: Graham was in his element,
building a fire and cooking the steaks. \
electronic ‘paper n [U] a thin sheet of special mat-
erial, like a piece of paper, that is completely covered in 10 be out of your element to be in a situation that makes
very small round marks that can turn either black or you uncomfortable or unhappy: She was out of her element
in this dull little town. q
white when attached to an electrical connection, and
which then show up as words on the page el-e-men-tal /el'menti</. adj 1simple, basic, and
electronic ‘publishing n [uJ the business of produc- important: Love and fear are two of the most elemental
ing: books, magazines, or newspapers that are designed human emotions. 2 technical existing as a simple chemical
to be read using a computer element that has not been combined with anything else:
elemental sulphur \
e-lec-tron-ics /zlek'trontks, jeltk- $ -'tra:-/ n 1[U] the
study or industry of making equipment, such as comput-
el-e-men-ta-ry /,elsmenteri</ adj 1 simple or basic: the
ers and televisions, that work electronically; electronics elementary principles of justice and democracy |You've made
company/industry/firm etc | an electronics engineer a very elementary mistake. 2 [only before noun] concerning
2 [plural] electronic equipment: the market for consumer the first and easiest part of a subject — intermediate,
electronics advanced: I’m only familiar with the subject at an elementary
level. | |know a little elementary science. 3 [only before noun] .
electronic ‘signature n [Cc] a type of cope that is AmE relating to elementary school [SYN] primary BrE:
used in an electronic document to prove who wrote it elementary education 4 Elementary, my dear Watson.
electronic ‘tagging n [U] a system of attaching a people sometimes use this expression humorously to say °
EQ = words from the Academic Word List

how easy something is to solve. Some people think that should go to. In some areas, children still take this exami-
the phrase comes from the Sherlock Holmes stories by nation.
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Holmes says this to his friend e:/ev-en-ses /rlevanziz/ n [U] BrE old-fashioned a cup
Watson when explaining how easy it is to understand of coffee or tea and a Biscuit, that you have in the middle
something about a crime. In fact, the phrase does not of the morning
appear in the books.
e-lev-enth" /tlevané/ adj 1 coming after ten other
elementary ‘particle n [c] technical one of the types things in a series: in the eleventh century | her eleventh
of pieces of matter including ELECTRONS, PROTONS, and birthday 2 the eleventh hour the last moment before
NEUTRONS that make up atoms something important happens: At the eleventh hour the
ele'mentary school n [Cc] a school in the US where government decided that something had to be done.
basic subjects are taught for the first six years of a child’s —eleventh pron: I’m planning to leave on the eleventh (=the
education Ith day of the month).
el-e-phant /‘elsfant/ n [C] 1a very large grey animal eleventh? n [c] one of eleven equal parts of something
with four legs, two TUsKs (=long curved teeth) and a
TRUNK (=long nose) that it can use to pick things up elf /elf/ n (plural elves /elvz/) [C] an imaginary creature
2 the elephant in the (living) room an important subject or like a small person with pointed ears and magical powers
—» fairy, pixie
problem that everyone knows about but no one men-
tions: The race issue is the elephant in the room in this el-fin /‘elftn/ adj someone who looks elfin is small and
election. + WHITE ELEPHANT delicate: She had an elfin face and wide grey eyes.
el-e-phan-tine /ls'fentain< $ -tiin</ adj formal slow, e-li-cit /1'ltsit/ v [T] to succeed in getting information or
heavy, and awkward, like an elephant: elephantine foot- a reaction from someone, especially when this is difficult:
steps When her knock elicited no response, she opened the door
el-e-vate /‘elivert/ v [T] 1 formal to move someone or and peeped in. | elicit sth from sb The test uses pictures to
something to a more important level or rank, or make elicit words from the child. —elicitation /1|1s3'terfan/ n [U]
them better than before [SYN] raise: Language has elevated e:lide /1'latd/ v [T] technical to leave out the sound of a
humans above the other animals. |elevate sb/sth to sth Their letter or of a part of a word: Most English speakers elide the
purpose is to elevate AIDS to the top of government priorities. first ‘d’ in ‘Wednesday.’ —elision /1'ltzan/ n [C,U]
2 technical to lift someone or something to a higher el-i-gi-ble /eltd3ibal/ adj 1 someone who is eligible for
position: Gradually elevate the patient into an upright something is able or allowed to do it, for example
position. GFEEENTTS> rt 3 technical to increase the because they are the right age: [+for] Students on a
amount, temperature, pressure etc of something part-time course are not eligible for a loan. |eligible to do sth
raise: These drugs may elevate acid levels in the blood. Over 500,000 18-year-olds will become eligible to vote this
el-e-vat-ed /‘elivertid/ adj 1 elevated thoughts, words year. 2 [only before noun] an eligible man or woman would
etc seem to be intelligent or of high moral standard: be good to marry because they are rich, attractive, and
elevated philosophical language 2 [only before noun] an not married: Stephen was regarded as an eligible bachelor.
elevated position or rank is very important and respected —eligibility /,eltdz$'brlsti/ n [U]
[SYN] high 3 raised off the ground or higher up than other e-lim-i-nate g /rluminert/ v [T] 1to completely get
things: The train runs on an elevated track. 4 formal rid of something that is unnecessary or unwanted
elevated levels, temperatures etc are higher than normal — eradicate: eliminate a need/possibility/risk/problem etc
high: elevated blood sugar levels The credit card eliminates the need for cash or cheques. |
elevated ‘railway Br£, elevated ‘railroad AmE n [C] a There is no solution that will totally eliminate the possibility
railway that is above the streets in a town of theft. | eliminate sth/sb from sth Fatty foods should be
el-e-vat-ing /‘eliverttn/ adj formal making you feel eliminated from the diet. FEET REMOVE
interested in intelligent or moral subjects - sometimes
REGISTER
used humorously: an elevating experience
In everyday English, people usually say get rid of
el-e-va-tion / els'verfan/ n1 [singular] a height above the rather than eliminate: It is almost impossible to get rid
level of the sea: [+of] The road climbs steadily to an of the problem.
elevation of 1,400 feet. 2 [U] formal an act of moving
someone to a more important rank or position: [+to] her 2 [usually passive] to defeat a team or person in a compe-
sudden elevation to international stardom 3 [C,U] formal an tition, so that they no longer take part in it [SYN] knock out:
increase in the amount or level of something: a sudden Our team was eliminated in the first round. 3 to kill some-
elevation of blood pressure 4 [C] technical an upright side one in order to prevent them from causing trouble: a
of a building, as shown in a drawing done by an ARCHITECT ruthless dictator who eliminated all his rivals
(=person who plans buildings): the front elevation of a KILL 4 eliminate sb from your enquiries BrE if the police
house 5 [C] technical the angle made with the HoRIZON by eliminate someone from their enquiries, they decide that
‘pointing a gun: The cannon was fired at an elevation of 60 that person did not commit a particular crime
degrees. e-lim-i-na-tion [4 /11m$nerfan/ n [U]
el-e-va-tor 3 (5 /‘eliverta $ -ar/ n [C] 1G Z es «the removal or destruction of some-
1AmE a machine that takes people and goods from one thing — eradication: [+of] the elimination of lead in petrol
level to another in a building [Syn] lift BrE: We'll have to 2 Gam the defeat of a team or player in a competition,
take the elevator. so that they may no longer take part
2a machine with a moving belt and containers, used for 3 (ig ~the act of killing someone, especially to pre-
lifting grain and liquids, or for taking things off ships vent them from causing trouble: [+of] The killings are part
‘elevator music n [U] informal the type of music that of a campaign of elimination of the political opposition.
is played in shops and public places, and is usually ALEpyarsssy technical the process of getting rid of
thought to be boring substances that your body no longer needs: [+of] the
elimination of toxins from the body — process of elimination
e-lev-en /rlevan/ number, n 1the number 11: She was
sent to jail for eleven months. || never go to bed before eleven
at PROCESS'(6)
(=11 o'clock). | James had worked every summer since he elimi'nation diet n [Cc] a special piet used by doctors
was eleven (=11 years old). 2 [C] a team of 11 players in to discover whether certain foods are making someone
football or cricket: He plays regularly in the first eleven ill. It involves not eating foods that might be causing the
(=the best team of 11 players). problem. Later you start to eat each of these foods again
e,leven-'plus (also 11-plus) n [singular] an examination separately over a period of time until one of them makes
that all children in Britain used to take at the age of 11 in you ill,
order to decide what kind of SECONDARY SCHOOL they e-lite™ /er'lixt, 1-/ n [C] a group of people who have a lot
 elite 550 Sd &) & = the most frequent words in spoken English

of power and influence because they have money, know- free insurance, c) used to threaten someone: Hand over the
ledge, or special skills: political/social/economic etc elite money, or else!
the domination of power by a small political elite | a struggle 3 BrE spoken used after a question word to say that the
for power within the ruling elite thing, person, or place you have mentioned is the only
elite? adj an elite group contains the best, most skilled one possible: ‘What are you doing?’ ‘Waiting for you, what
Or most experienced people or members of a larger else?’
group: an elite group of artists | elite universities 4 what else can sb do/say? spoken used to say that it is
elitist /er'lixtist, -/ adj an elitist system, government impossible to do or say anything apart from what has
etc is one in which a small group of people have more been mentioned: ‘Will you really sell the house?’ ‘What else
power and advantages than other people: an elitist educa- can! do? | can’t live here.’ — if nothing else at NOTHING'(11),
tion system —elitism n [U] —elitist n [C] —» be something else at SOMETHING(9)
e-lix-ir /r'Itksa $ -ar/ n 1 [C] literary a magical liquid that GRAMMAR
is supposed to cure people of illness, make them younger When you want to use the possessive form of
etc: the search for the elixir of life 2 [C] something that is ‘someone else’, ‘anyone else’, or 'no one else’, you
supposed to solve problems as if by magic: The current should add 's to else, not to ‘someone’ etc: Don’t use
new wave of technology should prove an economic elixir. someone else's ideas (NOT ... someone's else ideas).
E-liz-a-be-than /:\1zo'bi:ean</ adj relating to the
period 1558-1603 when Elizabeth | was queen of Eng- else-where fy (1 /els'wes, 'elswea $ 'elswer/ adv in, at,
land: Elizabethan drama —Elizabethan n [C]: The Earl of or to another place: She is becoming famous in Australia
Essex was a famous Elizabethan. and elsewhere. | Kerala has less crime and alcoholism than
elsewhere in India.
elk /elk/ n (plural elk) [C]1 BrE a very large brown North
American, European, and Asian animal with wide flat ELT /i: el ‘ti/ n [UJ especially BrE (English Language
horns [SYN] moose AmE 2 AmE a large North American Teaching) the teaching of the English language to people
ere:
- DEER whose first language is not English
el-lipse /rlrps/ n [C] a curved shape like a circle, but e-lu-ci-date /rlu:sidert/ v [1,7] formal to explain some-
_ with two slightly longer and flatter sides + oval thing that is difficult to understand by providing more
el-lip-sis /rtpsts/ n (plural ellipses /-si:z/) technical information [SYN] clarify: The full picture has not yet been
ee 1[C,U] when words ate deliberately left out of a sen- elucidated. _—elucidation /tlu:s$derfan/ [CU]
—elucidatory /r'lu:ssdatari $ -dato:ri/ adj
tence, though the meaning can still be understood. For
example, you may say ‘He's leaving but I’m not’ instead e-lude /:lu:d/ v [1] 1 to escape from someone or some-
of saying ‘He's leaving but I’m not leaving’. 2 [C] the sign thing, especially by tricking them [SYN] avoid: He eluded his
(...) used in writing to show that some words have delib- pursuers by escaping into a river. 2 if something that you
erately been left out of a sentence want eludes you, you fail to find or achieve it: She took the
exam again, but again success eluded her. 3 if a fact or the
el-lip-ti-cal /r'izptrkal/ (also eb-lip-tic /-ttk/) adj 1 hav-
answer to a problem eludes you, you cannot remember
ing the shape of an ellipse: Kepler published his discovery of
or solve it [SYN] escape: The exact terminology eludes me for
the elliptical orbits of planets in 1609. 2 elliptical speech or
the moment.
writing is difficult to understand because more is meant
than is actually said: The language is often elliptical and e@-lu-sive /1lu:stv/ adj 1an elusive person or animal is
ambiguous. difficult to find or not often seen: She managed to get an
interview with that elusive man. 2 an elusive result is diffi-
elm /elm/ n [C,U] a type of large tree with broad leaves,
cult to achieve: She enjoys a firm reputation in this country
or the wood from this tree
but wider international success has been elusive. 3 an elu-
el-o-cu-tion / ela'kjusfan/ n [U] good clear speaking in sive idea or quality is difficult to describe or understand:
public, involving voice control, pronunciation etc: elocu- For me, the poem has an elusive quality. —elusively adv
tion lessons —elocutionary adj —elocutionist n [C] —elusiveness n [U]
e-lon-gate /i:longert $ r'lo:n-/ v [1,1] to become longer, elves /elvz/ n the plural of tr
or make something longer than normal: Her legs were E-lys:i-um /riziam $ lrziem, zi-/ (also the Elysian
elongated by the very high heels which she wore. Fields) literary a place of complete happiness. According
—elongation /j:lon'gerfan $ 1)o:n-/ n [C,U] to ancient Greek stories, Elysium is the place where good
e-lon-gat-ed /i:longertid $ r'lo:n-/ adj longer than nor- people go after their death.
mal: The picture shows two elongated figures dancing. em-= /1m, em/ prefix the form used for EN- before b, m, or
elope /rlaup $ rloup/ v [1] to leave your home secretly p: embittered (=made to feel extremely disappointed) |
in order to get married: My parents didn't approve of the empowerment (=when someone is given control of some-
marriage, so we eloped. —elopement n [C,U] thing)
el-o-quent /‘elakwant/ adj1able to express your ideas "em /am/ pron spoken sometimes used as a short form
and opinions well, especially in a way that influences of ‘them’: Go on, Bill, you tell 'em!
people: an eloquent appeal for support 2 showing a feeling e-ma-ci-a-ted /1'merfiertid, -si-/ adj extremely thin from
or meaning without using words: The photographs are an lack of food or illness: The prisoners were ill and emaciated.
eloquent reminder of the horrors of war. —eloquently adv THIN —emaciation /1,merfi'erfan, -si-/ n [U]
—eloquence n [U]
e-mail" 3 (1, e-mail /i: metl/ n
else &] (i /els/ adv 1[U] a system that allows you to send and receive mes-
1[used after words beginning with ‘some~, ‘every-’, ‘any-’, and sages by computer [SYN] electronic mail: It’s usually best to
‘no-', and after question words] a) besides or in addition to contact him by email.
someone or something: There’s something else I'd like to 2[C,U] a message that is sent from one person to another
talk about as well. | I'd like you to come, and anyone else using the email system: Send me an e-mail when you have
who's free. |He was awake now, as was everyone else. |Who any news.
else was at the party? | ‘Two coffees, please.’ ‘Anything else?’
‘No, thanks.’ |Above all else (=more than any other things) COLLOCATIONS - MEANINGS 1& 2
she was seeking love. b) used to talk about a different | VERBS'
person, thing, place etc: I'd like to live anywhere else but send (sb) an email Can you send me an email with all .
here. | If | can’t trust you, who else can | trust? the details?
2 or else spoken a) used to say that there will be a bad get/receive an email Within seconds, | got an email
result if Someone does not do something: Hurry up or else confirming the booking. f
we'll miss the train. b) used to say what another possibility read an email /t took most of the morning to read my
might be: The salesman will reduce the price or else include emails.
( (2 (5 = the most frequent words in written English 551 embassy
write an email Jack spent the evening writing emails em-bar-rassed § /tm'berast/ adj
and surfing the Internet. 1feeling uncomfortable or nervous and worrying about
answer/reply to an email She did not bother replying what people think of you, for example because you have
to his email. made a silly mistake, or because you have to talk or sing
check your email(s) The first thing | do every morning in public: Lori gets embarrassed if we ask her to sing. | He
is check my email. looked embarrassed when | asked him where he'd been. |
delete an email |forward an email (=send an email very/deeply/highly/acutely embarrassed Michelle was
you have received to someone else) | fire off an acutely embarrassed (=very embarrassed) at having to ask
email informal (=send it quickly, especially because for money. |embarrassed smile/laugh/grin etc Ken gave her
you are angry about something) an embarrassed grin. | There was an embarrassed silence. |
embarrassed to do sth He was embarrassed to admit making
a mistake. | [+about/at] | felt embarrassed about how
an email address What's your email address? untidy the house was.
an email message / can send email messages on my 2 financially embarrassed having no money or having
phone. debts
an email attachment (=a computer file sent in an
email) Don’t open an email attachment unless you
know who sent it. embarrassed feeling uncomfortable or nervous and
worrying about what people think of you, for
email? & [, e-mail v [T] example because you have made a silly mistake, or
1to send someone an email [SYN] mail: Will you e-mail me because you have to talk or sing in public: | was
about it? really embarrassed when | arrived at the party an hour
2to send someone a document using email [SYN] mail: early. | There’s no need to be embarrassed - you've got
Can you email me the proposal by the end of today? a lovely voice.
em-a-nate /‘emaneit/ v [T] formal to produce a smell, self-conscious embarrassed about your body or the
light etc, or to show a particular quality: He emanates way you look or talk: Paul had always been
tranquility. —emanation /,ema'nerfan/ n [C,U] self-conscious about his big feet.
emanate from sth phr v formal to come from or out of uncomfortable unable to relax because you are
something: Wonderful smells were emanating from the embarrassed and not sure what to say or do: There
kitchen. was a long silence and everyone at the table looked
e-man-ci-pate /1'mensipert/ v [T] formal to give some- uncomfortable.
one the political or legal rights that they did not have awkward /'d:kwed §$ 'p:kward/ feeling embarrassed
before: Slaves were emancipated in 1834, —emancipation because you are in a situation in which it is difficult
/i,menss'perfan/ n LU] to behave naturally: Teenagers often feel awkward in
e-man-ci-pat-ed /imensspertid/ adj 1 socially, politi- formal social situations. | There were some awkward
cally, or legally free 2 old-fashioned an emancipated moments when neither of us knew what to say to each
woman is not influenced by old-fashioned ideas about other.
sheepish slightly embarrassed because you know
how women should behave
that you have done something silly or because you
e-mas-cu-late /1meskjslert/ v [T] 1 to make a man feel feel a little guilty: Nigel came in late looking sheepish
weaker and less male: Some men feel emasculated if they and apologetic.
work for a woman. 2 to make someone or something red-faced embarrassed or ashamed - used mainly in
weaker or less effective: The bill has been emasculated by newspaper reports: A judge was left red-faced when
Congress. 3 medical to remove all or part of a male’s sex his mobile phone rang in court.
organs [SYN] castrate —emasculation /1meskj$'letfan/ n mortified [not before noun] extremely embarrassed
(U] and ashamed because you realize that you have
em:-balm /1m'ba:m $ -'ba:m, -'ba:lm/ v [T] to treat a done something very silly or wrong: He said he was
dead body with chemicals, oils etc to prevent it from mortified at the way his comments had been reported in
decaying —embaimer n [C] the papers.
em-bank-ment /im'benkmant/ n [C] a wide wall of
earth or stones built to stop water from flooding an area, em-bar-ras:sing /im'berasin/ adj making you feel
or to support a road or railway ashamed, nervous, or uncomfortable: She asked a Jot of
em-bar-go' /im'ba:gau $ -ba:rgou/ n (plural embar- embarrassing questions. |an embarrassing situation | [+for]
goes) [C] an official order to stop trade with another This incident is deeply embarrassing for the government.
country [SYN] boycott, sanctions: [+on/against] an embargo —embarrassingly adv: an embarrassingly poor performance
on wheat exports | an embargo against the country | em-bar-rass:‘ment /im'beresmant/ n 1 [U] the feeling
impose/lift an embargo (=start or end one) Many allies are you have when you are embarrassed: [+at] She suffered
pushing to lift the embargo. |trade/arms/oil etc embargo extreme embarrassment at not knowing how to read. | He
embargo? y [1] 1to officially stop particular goods could not hide his embarrassment at his children’s rudeness. |
being traded with another country [SYN] boycott: Several to sb's embarrassment To her embarrassment, she couldn't
countries embargoed arms shipments to Yugoslavia. remember his name. 2 [C] an event that causes a govern-
2 to stop information from being made public until a ment, political organization etc problems, and makes it
particular date or until permission is given censor look bad: [+to/for] The allegations have been an acute
em-bark /im'ba:k $ -a:rk/ v [1,1] to go onto a ship or a embarrassment (=serious and severe embarrassment) to
plane, or to put or take something onto a ship or plane the Prime Minister. | The scandal was a further source of
[OPP] disembark —embarkation /,embar'kerfan $ -barr-/ n embarrassment to the government. 3 [C] someone who
[C,U] behaves in a way that makes you feel ashamed, nervous,
embark on/upon sth phr v to start something, especially or uncomfortable: [+to] Tim’s drinking has made him an
something new, difficult, or exciting: He embarked on a embarrassment to the whole family. 4 financial
new career as a teacher. embarrassment debts or a lack of money that causes
em-bar-rass /tm'beras/ v [T] 1 to make someone feel problems for you 5 an embarrassment of riches so many
good things that it is difficult to decide which one you
ashamed, nervous, or uncomfortable, especially in front
want
of other people: He didn’t want to embarrass her by asking
questions, 2 to do something that causes problems for a em-bas:sy /‘embasi/ n (plural embassies) [C] a group
government, political organization, or politician, and of officials who represent their government in a foreign
makes them look bad: The revelations in the press have country, or the building they work in + ambassador: the
embarrassed the government. American Embassy in Paris
 Capaed 552 (Xa = words from the Academic Word List

em-bat-tled /im'betld/ adj formal 1 [only before noun] a new idea, opinion, religion etc: We hope these regions
an embattled person, organization etc has many prob- will embrace democratic reforms. | Most West European
lems or difficulties: The embattled president had to resign. countries have embraced the concept of high-speed rail net-
2 surrounded by enemies, especially in war or fighting: works with enthusiasm. 3 [T] formal to include something
The embattled army finally surrendered. as part of a subject, discussion etc: This course embraces
em-bed' /tm'bed/ v_ (embedded, embedding) several different aspects of psychology.
1 [1,7 usually passive] to put something firmly and deeply embrace? n [C] the act of holding someone close to
into something else, or to be put into something in this you, especially as a sign of love: in an embrace They held
way: be embedded in sth A piece of glass was embedded in each other in a tender embrace.
her hand. 2 [T usually passive] if ideas, attitudes, or feelings em-broi-der /1m'broida $ -ar/ v1 [1,T] to decorate cloth
etc are embedded, you believe or feel them very strongly: by sewing a pattern, picture, or words on it with coloured
Feelings of guilt are deeply embedded in her personality. threads: embroider sth with sth The dress was embroidered
3 [T] to put something such as a GRAPHIC into a computer with flowers. | embroider sth on sth A colourful design was
program or page on the Internet embroidered on the sleeve of the shirt. |a richly embroidered
em-bed? /'embed/ n [C] an EMBEDDED JOURNALIST jacket 2 [T] to make a story or report of events more
em,bedded ‘journalist (also embedded re'porter) n interesting or exciting by adding details that are not true
[C] a JOURNALIST who stays with a unit of the ARMED FORCES SYN] embellish
during a war in order to report directly about the fighting em-broi-der-y /tm'broidari/_n- (plural embroideries)
enrbel-lish /1m'belt{/ v [T] 1 to make something more 1[C,U] a pattern sewn onto cloth, or cloth with patterns
beautiful by adding decorations to it [SYN] decorate: sewn onto it 2 [U] the act of sewing patterns onto cloth
embellish sth with sth The dress was embellished with gold 3 [U] imaginary details that are added to make a story
threads, 2 to make a story or statement more interesting seem more interesting or exciting [SYN| embellishment
by adding details that are not true [SYN] embroider: She em-broil /tm'bril/ v [7] to involve someone or some-
gave an embellished account of what had happened. thing in a difficult situation: embroil sb/sth in sth | became
—embellishment n [C,U] embroiled in an argument with the taxi driver.
_ em-ber /‘emba $ -ar/ n [C usually plural] a piece of wood em-bry-0 /'embriav $ -briov/ n (plural embryos) [C]
or coal that stays red and very hot after a fire has stopped 1 an animal or human that has not yet been born, and has
_ burning: glowing embers just begun to develop — foetus 2 in embryo at a very early
» em-bez-zle /1m'bezal/ v [1,7] to steal money from the stage of development: The system already exists in embryo.
place where you work: Two managers were charged with
embezzling $400,000. —embezzlement n_ ([U]
em:bry-ol-o-gy /embri'plad3i $ -a:l-/ n [U] the scien-
tific study of embryos —embryologist n [C]
—embezzler n[C] STEAL
em-bit-tered /im'bita $ -ar/ adj angry, sad, or full of em-bry-on-ic /embri'pnik< $ -'a:n-/ adj1 at a very early
hate because of bad or unfair things that have happened stage of development: The plans are still only in embryonic
to you [SYN] bitter: qa sick, embittered, and lonely old man form. 2 relating to an EMBRYO: embryonic development |
—embitter v [T] embryonic cells
em-bla-zoned /tm'bleizand/ adj [not before noun] if em-cee /em 'si:/ n [C] AmE (master of ceremonies)
something is emblazoned with a name, design etc, it has someone who introduces the performers on a television
that design on it where it can easily be seen: [+with] a or radio programme or at a social event: a game show
T-shirt emblazoned with a political slogan | [+on/across] emcee —emcee v [1,T]
The sponsor's name is emblazoned on the players’ shirts. e-mend /1'mend/ v [T] formal to remove the mistakes
—emblazon v [T] from something that has been written —+ amend
em-blem /‘emblam/ n [C] 1 picture, shape, or object —emendation /ji:men'derfan/ n [C,U]
that is used to represent a country, organization etc em-e-rald /'emarald/ n 1[C] a valuable bright green
— logo: [+of] The national emblem of Canada is a maple stone that is often used in jewellery 2 [U] a bright green
leaf. 2 something that represents an idea, principle, or colour —emerald adj
situation [SYN] symbol: [+of] Expensive cars are seen as an
emblem of success. e-merge (2) Ba /1'm3:d3 $ -3:rd3/ v [1]
1to appear or come out from somewhere: The flowers
em-ble-mat-ic /embla'mettk</ adj formal seeming to emerge in the spring. | [+from] The sun emerged from
represent or be a sign of something [SYN] representative: behind the clouds.
[+of] The Vespa scooter became emblematic of sophisti- 2if facts emerge, they become known after being hidden
cated urban culture across Europe.
or secret —> come out: Eventually the truth emerged. |Later
em-bod-i-ment /tm'bodimant $ 1m'ba:-/ n the embodi- it emerged that the judge had employed an illegal immigrant.
ment of sth someone or something that represents or is 3to come out of a difficult experience: [+from] She
very typical of an idea or quality [SYN] epitome: He is the emerged from the divorce a stronger person.
embodiment of evil. 4to begin to be known or noticed: a religious sect that
em-bod-y /1m'bodi $ 1m'ba:di/ v (embodied, embodying, emerged in the 1830s | [+as] Local government has recently
embodies) [T] 1 to be a very good example of an idea or emerged as a major issue.
quality represent: She embodies everything | admire in emergence /rm3dzons $ -ar-/ n- [U]
a teacher. 2 formal to include something: The latest model 1 when something begins to be known or noticed: [+of]
embodies many new improvements. the emergence of Japan as a world leader 2 when someone
em-bold-en /1m'bauldan $ -'boul-/ v [T] formal to give or something comes out of a difficult experience: [+from]
someone more courage: Emboldened by her smile, he asked the company’s emergence from bankruptcy
her to dance.
e-mergen-cy GF [} /1'ma:dzansi $ -3:r-/ n (plural
em-bo:lissem /embalizam/ n [C] medical something emergencies) [C,U] an unexpected and dangerous situa-
such as a hard mass of blood or a small amount of air tion that must be dealt with immediately — crisis: Life-
that blocks a tube carrying blood through the body guards are trained to deal with emergencies. | in an
em:bos:sed /im'bos $ im'bais, -bois/ adj having a emergency The staff need to know what to do in an
surface that is decorated with a raised pattern: [+with] emergency. | In case of emergency, press the alarm button. |
She was given a Bible embossed with her name. | embossed emergency exit/supplies etc (=used in an emergency)
stationery —emboss v [T] $500,000 of emergency aid for the victims of the
em-brace! /1m'bres/ v 1 [I,T] to put your arms around earthquake | The plane had to make an emergency landing. |
someone and hold them in a friendly or loving way The government called an emergency meeting to discuss the ©
hug: Jack warmly embraced his son. |Maggie and Laura crisis. + STATE OF EMERGENCY
embraced. FEESNTTE> Hus 2 [T] formal to eagerly accept e'mergency brake n [Cc] AmE a piece of equipment in -
GQ = words from the Academic Word List 553 emperor's new clothes
a car that you pull up with your hand to stop the car from heat, light, sound etc: The kettle emitted a shrill whistle.
moving [SYN] handbrake — see picture at CAR Em-my /emi/ (also 'Emmy Award) n [C] a US prize
e'mergency ,cord n [Cc] Ame a chain that a passenger given each year for special achievements in television.
pulls to stop a train in an emergency [SYN| communication There are Emmys for actors, writers, directors etc, and
cord BrE the prize is a small STATUE. + OSCAR
emergency room n [C] Ame a part of a hospital that @mM0o /i:mav $ 'tszmou/ n [U] a type of PUNK music whose
immediately helps people who have been hurt in an song LYRICS (=words) are full of emotion
accident or who are extremely ill [S¥N|ER, casualty BrE e-mol-li-ent /1'mpliant $ 1'ma:-/ adj formal 1mak-
e'mergency services n [plural] BrE official organiza- ing something, especially your skin, softer and smoother:
tions such as the police or the fire service, that deal with Almond oil is renowned for its soothing, emollient properties.
crime, fires, and injuries 2 making someone feel calmer when they have been
e-mer-gent EQ /1'm3:dzant $ -3:r-/ adj [only before noun] angry: an emollient reply —emollient n [C]
in the early stages of existence or development — devel- e-mol-u-ment /1'moljsmant $ r'mail-/ n [C,U] formal
oping: the emergent nations of the world money or another form of payment for work you have
emerging fq /1'm3id3in $ -3:r-/ adj [only before noun] done [SYN] remuneration
in an early state of development: the country’s emerging oil e-mon-ey /'i: mani/ (also e-cash) n [U] ELECTRONIC
industry MONEY
e@-mer-i-tus /1'merttas/ adj emeritus professor/director emote /1'maut $ r'mout/ v [I] to clearly show emotion,
etc or professor/director etc emeritus a PROFESSOR, director especially when you are acting: Siskind encourages the
etc who is no longer working but has kept his or her children to emote to the music as they dance.
previous job title as an honour
e:mo:ti-con /1moautikpn $ r'moutikain/ n [C] a special
emery /‘emari/ n [U] a very hard mineral that is used sign that is used to show an emotion in EMAIL and on the
for polishing things and making them smooth Internet, often by making a picture. For example, the
‘emery board n [Cc] a narrow piece of stiff paper with emoticon :-) looks like a smiling face and means that you
emery on it, used for shaping your nails have made a joke.
emetic /1metik/ n [C] medical something that you eat
e-mo-tion [ /1'maufen $ tmou-/ n [CU] a strong
or drink in order to make yourself vomit (=bring up food
human feeling such as love, hate, or anger: Her voice was
from your stomach) —emetic adj
full of emotion. | conflicting/mixed emotions Sara listened
em-i-grant /‘emigrant/ n [C] someone who leaves their with mixed emotions. | She was good at hiding her
own country to live in another — immigrant emotions. | Kim received the news without showing any
em-i-grate /‘emigrett/ v [1] to leave your own country visible sign of emotion.
in order to live in another country — immigrate: [+to/
from] He emigrated to Australia as a young man. e-:mo-tion-al §& ( /1'mavfanal $ 1'mov-/ adj
1[only before noun] relating to your feelings or how you
—emigration /em3grerfan/ n [C,U]
control them: She provided emotional support at a very
ém-i-gré /'emigret/ n [C] formal someone who leaves distressing time for me. |Ann suffered from depression and a
their own country to live in another, usually for political number of other emotional problems. | the physical and
reasons: Russian émigrés living in Paris
emotional state of the patient
eminence /eminans/ n 1[U] the quality of being 2 making people have strong feelings: Abortion is a very
famous and important: of great/such etc eminence a scien- emotional issue. | The funeral was a very emotional experi-
tist of great eminence 2 Your/His Eminence a title used ence for all of us.
when talking to or about a CARDINAL (=priest of high rank 3having strong feelings and showing them to other
in the Roman Catholic Church) 3 [C] literary a hill or area people, especially by crying: get/become emotional He
of high ground became very emotional when we had to leave.
em-i-nence grise /eminons ‘gri:z $ -na:ns-/ n (plural Ainfluenced by what you feel, rather than what you
eminences grises) [C] someone who has unofficial power, know: an emotional response to the problem —emotionally
often secretly, through someone else: Borusa had no wish adv: Nursing is an emotionally and physically demanding job.
to become president, instead preferring to operate as an e-mo-tion-al-is-m /1mavfanalizam $ 1movu-/ n [U] a
eminence grise behind the scenes. tendency to show or feel too much emotion
em-i-nent /eminant/ adj an eminent person is famous, e-mo:tive /1'mavtiv $ tmov-/ adj making people have
important, and respected: an eminent lawyer strong feelings [SYN]emotional: emotive issue/subject/
eminent do'main n [vu] law the right of the US gov- word etc Child abuse is an emotive subject. —emotively adv
ernment to take private land for public use
em-pan-el /im'penl/ (empanelled, empanelling BrE,
em-i-nent-ly /eminantli/ adv formal completely and empaneled, empaneling AmE) v [T] to choose the mem-
without a doubt - use this to show approval [syn] highly: bers of a JURY in a court of law
Woods is eminently suitable for the job.
em:pa:-thize (also -ise BrE) /‘empaQ@aiz/ v [I] to be able
emir /e'mia $ e'mir/ n [C] a Muslim ruler, especially in to understand someone else’s feelings, problems etc,
the Middle East — sultan: the Emir of Kuwait especially because you have had similar experiences
e-mir-ate /‘emirit $ rmurit/ n [C] the country ruled by — sympathize: [+with] My mother died last year so | can
an emir, or his position really empathize with what he’s going through.
em-is:sa-ry /‘emisari $ -seri/ n (plural emissaries) [C] em-pa-thy /‘empadi/ n [U] the ability to understand
someone who is sent with an official message or to do other people's feelings and problems —> sympathy:
official work envoy: Japan is sending two emissaries to [+with/for] She had great empathy with people.
Washington to discuss trade issues. —empathetic /,empe'dettk</ (also empathic /em'paOtk/)
e-mis:sion /1'myan/ n1 [C usually plural] a gas or other adj
substance that is sent into the air: Britain agreed to cut em-:pe:ror /‘empare $ -ar/ n [C] the man who is the
emissions of nitrogen oxide from power stations. 2 [U] the ruler of an EMPIRE
act of sending out light, heat, gas etc
emperor's new ‘clothes, the this expression is
e'mission credit n [C usually plural] official permission often used to describe a situation in which people are
to produce a particular amount of a substance that can afraid to criticize something because everyone else
harm the environment, which is given to a company by a seems to think it is good or important. It is the title of a
government or organization or bought by a company FAIRY TALE by Hans Christian Andersen about an EMPEROR
emissions trading n [vu] the practice of buying or who pays a lot of money for some new magic clothes
selling emission credits which can only be seen by wise people. The clothes do
e-mit /1'mit/ v (emitted, emitting) [T] to send out gas, not really exist, but the emperor does not admit he
emphasis 554 Sd &) & = the most frequent words in spoken English

cannot see them, because he does not want to seem basing your ideas on practical experience —empiricist n
stupid. [Cc]
em-pha:sis & (2 Gg /emfesis/ n (plural emphases em-place-:ment /1m'pletsmant/ n [C] a place where a
/-si:z/) (C,U] large gun is put and fired: a gun emplacement
1special attention or importance: [+on] /n Japan there is a em-ploy' EY © /im'plor/ v [T]
lot of emphasis on politeness. | put/place emphasis on sth 1to pay someone to work for you: The factory employs over
The course places emphasis on practical work. | a change of 2,000 people. | employ sb as sth Kelly is employed as a
emphasis in government policy mechanic. |employ sb to do sth We have been employed to
2 special importance that is given to a word or phrase by look at ways of reducing waste.
saying it louder or higher, or by printing it in a special way
—» stress: [ton] The emphasis should be on the first REGISTER
syllable. | ‘And! can assure you,’ she said with emphasis, ‘that In everyday English, people usually say give someone
he is innocent.’ a job rather than employ someone, and have a job
rather than be employed: They gave him a job
em-pha-size § [Hq (also -ise BrE) /‘emfasarz/ v [T] delivering furniture. |He has a job at the factory.
1to say something in a strong way [S¥N|stress: The report
emphasizes the importance of improving safety standards. | 2to use a particular object, method, skill etc in order to
Logan made a speech emphasizing the need for more achieve something: employ a method/technique/tactic etc
volunteers. | emphasize that/how The Prime Minister The report examines teaching methods employed in the
emphasized that there are no plans to raise taxes. classroom. fixe USE
2 to say a word or phrase louder or higher than others to
give it more importance [SYN]stress REGISTER
In everyday English, people usually say use a method
3to make something more noticeable [SYN] accentuate:
rather than employ a method.
The dress emphasized the shape of her body.
3 [usually passive] formal to spend your time doing a par-
ticular thing: be employed in (doing) sth Her days are
emphasize to say strongly or show clearly that a employed in gardening and voluntary work.
fact, idea etc is especially important: Our company
emphasizes the need for good communication between
employ” n in sb's employ old-fashioned working for
someone: He had a number of servants in his employ.
staff.
stress to emphasize something when you are talking em-ploy-a-ble /im'plrebal/ adj having skills or quali-
about a subject: Most schools stress the importance of ties that are necessary to get a job: The training scheme
parental involvement in their child's learning. |He aims to make people more employable.
stressed the need for parents to listen to their children. em-ploy-ee § [gq /1m'plor-i:, emplriz:/ n [C] someone
highlight to show that something is important, so who is paid to work for someone else [S¥N]worker: a
that people will pay special attention to it: This case government employee
highlights the need for tougher laws on gun ownership. em-ploy-er & (J /1m'plia $ -ar/ n [C] a person,
| The report highlights the decline in the numbers of company, or organization that employs people: The shoe
native plants and insects. factory is the largest employer in this area.
underline/underscore to help to show clearly that a em-ploy-ment §] [J /1m'pliment/ n [U]
fact is true, especially a fact that is already known: 1the condition of having a paid job: She was offered
These attacks underline the fact that the security employment in the sales office. | terms and conditions of
situation here remains fragile. employment | employment opportunities/prospects The
accentuate to show something clearly and make it
employment prospects for science graduates are excellent. |
easier to notice: The recent economic crisis has Steve's still looking for full-time employment. | the needs of
accentuated the gap between the rich and the poor. women who combine paid employment and care for their
overemphasize to emphasize something too much:
families | in employment 21.7% of all those in employment
The relation between food and health is often were in part-time jobs. JOB
overemphasized in my view.
2the act of paying someone to work for you: [+of]
play up to emphasize something and make it seem
Mexican law prohibits the employment of children under 14.
more important than it really is, especially to get 3the number of people who have jobs
advantages for yourself: The story has been played up {opp|unemployment: Nationwide employment now stands
by the media. | The Labour party had a great time at 95%. |full employment (=a situation in which everyone
playing up the Conservatives’ problems.
has a job) Many economists consider full employment an
unrealistic goal.
em:-phat-ic Eq /im'fettk/ adj 1 expressing an opinion,
idea etc in a clear, strong way to show its importance: an 4 formal the use of a particular object, method, skill etc to
emphatic denial |emphatic that Wilde was emphatic that the achieve something: [+of] Was the employment of force
event should go ahead. | [+about] He was pretty emphatic justified?
about me leaving. 2 emphatic win/victory/defeat a win etc em'ployment agency n [Cc] a business that makes
in which one team or player wins by a large amount money by finding ‘jobs for people — job centre
—emphatically /-kli/ adv em:po-ri-um /1m'po:riam/ n (plural emporiums or
em-phy-se-ma /emfs'si:ma/ n [U] medical a serious emporia /-ria/) [C] old-fashioned a large shop
disease that affects the lungs, making it difficult to em: pow-er /tm'pava §$ -'paur/ v [T] 1 to give someone
breathe more control over their own life or situation: The Voting
Rights Act was needed to empower minority groups.
em-pire [qj /‘empara $ -parr/ n [C] 2 formal to give a person or organization the legal right to
1a-group of countries that are all controlled by one ruler do something: be empowered to do sth The President is
or government: the Roman empire
empowered to appoint judges to the Supreme Court.
2a group of organizations controlled by one person: a
—empowerment n [U]
business empire
em-:press /'empris/ n [C] a female ruler of an EMPIRE, or
‘empire- building n [U] attempts to get more power the wife of an EMPEROR
within the organization you work for
emp-ties /‘emptiz/ n [plural] bottles or glasses that are
em:-pir-i-cal Eg /im'pirtkal/ adj [only before noun] based empty: The barman collected the empties.
on scientific testing or practical experience, not on ideas emp-ti-ness /‘emptinis/ n [U] 1a feeling of great sad- |
{opp|theoretical, hypothetical: empirical evidence ness and loneliness: She felt an emptiness in her heart when
—empirically /-kli/ adv he left. 2 when there is nothing or nobody in a place:
eni-pit-i-cissm Eq /im'prisizam/ n [U] the belief in [+of] the silence and emptiness of the desert :
( (2 GS = the most frequent words in written English 555 enamoured
emp:ty’ 3 /‘empti/ adj (comparative emptier, super- empty? v (emptied, emptying, empties) 1 (also empty
lative emptiest) out) [T] to remove everything that is inside something:
1@hwhiad having nothing inside: an empty box | an Did you empty the dishwasher? | empty sth onto/into sth
empty bottle | an empty space behind the desk | The fuel Elinor emptied the contents of the envelope onto the table. |
tank’s almost empty. He emptied out the ashtray. |Ruth emptied her glass (=drank
24 an empty place does not have any people in it: | all the liquid left in it) in one gulp. 2 [|] if a place empties,
hate coming home to an empty house. | The hall was everyone leaves it: The stores were closing, and the streets
half-empty, | The streets were empty. | The building stood began to empty.
empty for several years. empty into sth phr vif a river empties into a larger area of
3 (eS) not being used by anyone: | spotted an empty water, it flows into it: The Mississippi River empties into the
table in the corner. |He put his feet on an empty chair. Gulf of Mexico.
4G2QS0097as unhappy because nothing in your life empty-handed adj without getting what you hoped
seems interesting or important: The divorce left him feeling or expected to get: return/come back etc empty-handed /
empty and bitter. | Her life felt empty and meaningless. spent all morning looking for a suitable present, but came
5 empty of sth not containing a particular type of thing, or home empty-handed.
not having a particular quality: The beach was almost .empty-'headed adj informal silly and not intelligent
empty of people. @ MU /'i:mju:/ n (plural emus or emu) [C] a large Austral-
6 empty words/gestures/promises etc words etc that are ian bird that can run very fast but cannot fly
not sincere, or have no effect: His repeated promises to pay em-u-late /'emjslert/ v [T] to do something or behave in
them back were just empty words. the same way as someone else, especially because you
7 do sth on an empty stomach to do something without admire them imitate: He hoped to emulate the success
having eaten any food first: | can’t work properly on an of Wilder. —emulation /,emj$'lerfan/ n [U]
empty stomach. e-mul-si-fi-er /1'malsifara $ -ar/ n [C] a substance that
8 empty nest (also empty nest syndrome) a situation in is added, especially to food, to prevent liquids and solids
which parents become sad because their children have from separating
grown up and moved out of their house e-mul-si-fy /1'malsifat/ v (emulsified, emulsifying, emul- —
9 empty suit especially AmE a politician or manager who sifies) [|,T] to combine to become a smooth mixture, or to
does not achieve much or does not have much ability make two liquids do this
10 be running on empty to continue doing something even e-mul-sion /1'maljan/ n [C,U] 1a mixture of liquids that
though you no longer have supplies of something you do not completely combine, such as oil and water
need in order to do it properly: With the country running on 2 technical the substance on the surface of photographic
empty, the president has no hope of winning the election. film or paper that makes it react to light 3 BrE (also
—emptily adv emulsion paint) a type of paint used inside buildings on
walls or ceilings that is not shiny when it dries — gloss,
THESAURUS eggshell
| WITH NOTHING IN IT ORON x en= /in, en/ prefix [in verbs] 1to make someone or
empty used about something that has nothing something be in a particular state or have a particular
inside: an empty can of hair spray | The fridge is almost quality: enlarge (=make something bigger) | endanger
empty. (=put someone in danger) 2 to go completely around
blank used about a computer screen or a piece of something, or include all of it: encircle (=surround every-
paper that has no writing or pictures on it, or a CD, thing)
DVD etc with nothing recorded on it: a blank sheet of =eNn /an/ suffix 1 [in adjectives] made of a particular mat-
paper | He stared at the blank screen for a few erial or substance: a golden crown | wooden seats
minutes. |a blank tape 2 [in verbs] to make something have a particular quality:
bare used about a room or cupboard that has very darken (=make or become dark) | strengthen (=make or
little in it: His room was bare except for a bed and a become stronger)
wardrobe. en-a-ble §& (i Lg /tnetbal/ v [T] to make it possible
hollow used about something that has an empty for someone to do something, or for something to hap-
space inside: a hollow tree | The suitcase had a hollow pen: enable sb/sth to do sth The Joan enabled Jan to buy the
bottom. house. | There are plans to enlarge the runway to enable
| WITHNOPEOPLE jumbo jets to land. —enabler n [C]
-enabled /tnetbald/ suffix [in adjectives] _Internet-
empty used about a place that has no one in it or no
enabled/Java-enabled etc a computer PROGRAM that is
one using it: There were no lights on and the house
Internet-enabled, Java-enabled etc can be used with that
looked empty. |the empty streets
program or includes it as one of its features: Find out more
free used about a seat, space, or room that is about our free Internet-enabled software.
available to use because no one else is using it: Is
this seat free? | There are never any parking spaces free en-a-bling Eg /tnetblin/ adj [only before noun] law an
enabling law is one that makes something possible or
at this time of day.