# dict

Words: home base
Meaning:
noun [sing., U]\n  1  = HOME PLATE\n  2  the place where sb/sth usually lives, works or operates from:\nThe submarine returned to its home base in Vancouver.


Words: home front
Meaning:
noun\n[sing.] the people who do not go to fight in a war but who stay in a country to work\n IDIOMS \n  on the home front happening at home, or in your own country, rather than in a foreign country:\nOn the home front, it’s been a busy year for the President.


Words: home ground
Meaning:
noun [sing., U]\n  1  (BrE) a sports ground that a team regularly plays on in their own area or town\n  2  a place where sb lives or works and where they feel confident, rather than a place that is not familiar to them:\nI’d rather meet him here on my own home ground.


Words: home page
Meaning:
noun\n(computing) the main page created by a company, an organization, institution, etc. on the WORLD WIDE WEB from which connections to other pages can be made


Words: home plate
Meaning:
(also home base) (AmE also plate) noun\n(in baseball) the place where the person hitting the ball stands and where they must return to after running around all the bases


Words: home rule
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the right of a country or region to govern itself, especially after another country or region has governed it


Words: home run
Meaning:
(also AmE informal homer) noun\n(in baseball) a hit that allows the person hitting the ball to run around all the bases without stopping


Words: home truth
Meaning:
noun\n[usually pl.] a true but unpleasant fact about a person, usually told to them by sb else:\nIt’s time you told him a few home truths.


Words: home-grown
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of plants, fruit and vegetables) grown in a person’s garden:\nhome-grown tomatoes\n  2  made, trained or educated in your own country, town, etc:\nThe team has a wealth of home-grown talent.


Words: home-made
Meaning:
adjective\nmade at home, rather than produced in a factory and bought in a shop/store:\nhome-made jam


Words: homebody
Meaning:
noun\n(plural homebodies) (informal, especially AmE) a person who enjoys spending time at home:\nWe’re just homebodies who like staying home watching TV.


Words: homeboy
Meaning:
noun\n(AmE, slang) a male friend from the same town as you; a member of your GANG (= a group of young people who go around together)


Words: homecoming
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C, U] the act of returning to your home after being away for a long time:\nShe spent the day preparing for his homecoming. * She felt no sense of homecoming.\n  2  [C] (AmE) a social event that takes place every year at a high school, college or university for people who used to be students there


Words: homeland
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [usually sing.] the country where a person was born:\nMany refugees have been forced to flee their homeland.\n  2  [usually pl.] (in the Republic of S Africa under the APARTHEID system in the past) one of the areas with some SELF-GOVERNMENT that were intended for a group of black African people to live in:\nthe Transkei homeland


Words: homeless
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  having no home:\nThe scheme has been set up to help homeless people.\n  2  (the homeless) noun [pl.] people who have no home:\nhelping the homeless\n    homelessness noun [U]:\nHomelessness amongst young people has risen to record levels.


Words: homely
Meaning:
adjective (homelier, homeliest)\n  1  (BrE, approving) (of a place) making you feel comfortable, as if you were in your own home:\nThe hotel has a lovely homely feel to it.\n  2  (approving, especially BrE) simple and good:\nhomely cooking / food\n  3  (BrE, approving) (of a woman) warm and friendly and enjoying the pleasures of home and family:\nHis landlady was a kind, homely woman.\n  4  (AmE, disapproving) (of a person’s appearance) not attractive:\na homely child


Words: homemaker
Meaning:
noun\n(especially AmE) a person, especially a woman, who works at home and takes care of the house and family\n    homemaking noun [U]


Words: homeopathy
Meaning:
(BrE also homoeopathy)  noun\n[U] a system of treating diseases or conditions using very small amounts of the substance that causes the disease or condition\n    homeopathic (BrE also homoeopathic)  adjective:\nhomeopathic medicines / remedies / treatments


Words: homeroom
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] (AmE) a classroom where students go at the beginning of each school day, so that teachers can check who is in school; the time spent in this room:\nHomeroom lasts for ten minutes.


Words: homesick
Meaning:
adjective\nsad because you are away from home and you miss your family and friends:\nI felt homesick for Scotland.\n    homesickness noun [U]:\nShe soon got over her homesickness. * A great wave of homesickness swept over me.


Words: homespun
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (especially of ideas) simple and ordinary; not coming from an expert:\nhomespun philosophy\n  2  (of fabric) woven at home


Words: homestead
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  a house with the land and buildings around it, especially a farm\n  2  (in the US in the past) a piece of land given to sb by the government on condition that they lived on it and grew crops on it\n    verb [V] (old-fashioned, AmE) to live and work on a homestead (2)\n    homesteader noun


Words: homeward
Meaning:
adjective\ngoing towards home:\nthe homeward journey\n    homeward (also homewards especially BrE) adverb:\nCommuters were heading homeward at the end of the day. * We drove homewards in silence. * We were homeward bound at last.


Words: homework
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  work that is given by teachers for students to do at home:\nI still haven’t done my geography homework. * How much homework do you get? * I have to write up the notes for homework.\n  2  (informal) work that sb does to prepare for sth:\nYou could tell that he had really done his homework (= found out all he needed to know).


Words: homeworker
Meaning:
noun\na person who works at home, often doing jobs that are not well paid such as making clothes for shops/stores:\nFew homeworkers doing piecework in manufacturing enjoy employee status.\n    homeworking noun [U]


Words: homey
Meaning:
(also homy)  adjective\n(especially AmE) pleasant and comfortable, like home:\nThe hotel had a nice, homey atmosphere.


Words: homicidal
Meaning:
adjective\nlikely to kill another person; making sb likely to kill another person:\na homicidal maniac * He had clear homicidal tendencies.


Words: homicide
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] (especially AmE, law) the crime of killing sb deliberately\nSYN MURDER\ncompare MANSLAUGHTER


Words: homily
Meaning:
(plural homilies) noun\n(formal, often disapproving) a speech or piece of writing giving advice on the correct way to behave, etc:\nShe delivered a homily on the virtues of family life. * I don’t need a little homily from him about how to lead my life.


Words: homing
Meaning:
adjective [only before noun]\n  1  (of a bird or an animal) trained, or having a natural ability, to find the way home from a long distance away:\nMany birds have a remarkable homing instinct.\n  2  (of a missile, etc.) fitted with an electronic device that enables it to find and hit the place or object it is aimed at:\na homing device


Words: homing pigeon
Meaning:
noun\na PIGEON (= a type of bird) that has been trained to find its way home from a long distance away, and that people race against other pigeons for sport


Words: homo-
Meaning:
combining form\n(in nouns, adjectives and adverbs) the same:\nhomogeneous * homosexual\ncompare HETERO-


Words: homogeneous
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) consisting of things or people that are all the same or all of the same type:\na homogeneous group / mixture / population\nOPP HETEROGENEOUS


Words: homograph
Meaning:
noun\n(grammar) a word that is spelt like another word but has a different meaning from it, and may have a different pronunciation, for example bow


Words: homonym
Meaning:
noun\n(grammar) a word that is spelt like another word (and may be pronounced like it) but which has a different meaning, for example can meaning ’be able’ and can meaning ’put sth in a container’


Words: homophone
Meaning:
noun\n(grammar) a word that is pronounced like another word but has a different spelling or meaning, for example some, sum


Words: homosexual
Meaning:
noun\na person, usually a man, who is sexually attracted to people of the same sex:\na practising homosexual\ncompare BISEXUAL, GAY, HETEROSEXUAL, LESBIAN\n    homosexual adjective:\na homosexual act / relationship\n    homosexuality  noun [U]


Words: Hon
Meaning:
(also Hon. especially in AmE)  abbreviation\n  1  (BrE) HONORARY (used in official titles of jobs):\nHon Treasurer: D Shrimpton\n  2  HONOURABLE:\nthe Hon Member for Bolsover


Words: honcho
Meaning:
noun\n(informal, especially AmE) the person who is in charge\nSYN BOSS:\nClaude is the studio’s head honcho.


Words: hone
Meaning:
verb [VN] ~ sth (to sth)\n  1  to develop and improve sth, especially a skill, over a period of time:\nHis body was honed to perfection. * She honed her debating skills at college. * It was a finely honed piece of writing.\n  2  to make a blade sharp or sharper\nSYN SHARPEN:\nThe knife had been honed to razor sharpness. * The hook should be honed to a needle-sharp point.


Words: honest
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  always telling the truth, and never stealing or cheating:\nan honest man / woman\n  2  ~ (about sth) | ~ (with sb) not hiding the truth about sth:\nan honest answer * Are you being completely honest about your feelings? * Thank you for being so honest with me. * Give me your honest opinion. * The meeting was described as ’a frank and honest exchange of views’. * (spoken) To be honest (= what I really think is), it was one of the worst books I’ve ever read. * Let’s be honest, she’s only interested in Mike because of his money.\n  3  showing an honest mind or attitude:\nShe’s got an honest face.\n  4  (of work or wages) earned or resulting from hard work:\nHe hasn’t done an honest day’s work in his life. * It’s quite a struggle to make an honest living. * She claimed she was just trying to earn an honest penny.\n HELP NOTE  Use an, not a, before honest.\n IDIOMS \n  honest! (spoken) used to emphasize that you are not lying:\nI didn’t mean it, honest!\n  honest to God / goodness used to emphasize that what you are saying is true:\nHonest to God, Mary, I’m not joking.\n HELP NOTE  Some people find this use offensive.\n  make an honest woman of sb (old-fashioned, humorous) to marry a woman after having had a sexual relationship with her


Words: honest broker
Meaning:
noun\na person or country that tries to get other people or countries to reach an agreement or to solve a problem, without getting involved with either side


Words: honestly
Meaning:
adverb\n  1  in an honest way:\nI can’t believe he got that money honestly.\n  2  used to emphasize that what you are saying is true, however surprising it may seem:\nI didn’t tell anyone, honestly! * I honestly can’t remember a thing about last night. * You can’t honestly expect me to believe that!\n  3  used to show that you disapprove of sth and are irritated by it:\nHonestly! Whatever will they think of next?


Words: honesty
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the quality of being honest:\nShe answered all my questions with her usual honesty. * His honesty is not in question.\n IDIOMS \n  in all honesty used to state a fact or an opinion which, though true, may seem disappointing:\nThe book isn’t, in all honesty, as good as I expected.


Words: honey
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] a sweet sticky yellow substance made by bees that is spread on bread, etc. like jam and used in cooking\n  2  [C] (spoken) a way of addressing sb that you like or love:\nHave you seen my keys, honey?\n  3  [C] (spoken) a person that you like or love and think is very kind:\nHe can be a real honey when he wants to be.\n IDIOMS  see LAND n.


Words: honeycomb
Meaning:
(also comb) noun\n[C, U] a structure of cells with six sides, made by bees for holding their honey and their eggs


Words: honeyed
Meaning:
adjective (literary)\n  1  (of words) soft and intended to please, but often not sincere:\nShe spoke in honeyed tones. * ’Of course I love you, darling,’ she said in honeyed tones.\n  2  tasting or smelling like honey, or having the gold colour of honey:\nWe sniffed the honeyed air. * The walls are made of a honeyed stone.


Words: honeymoon
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun [usually sing.]\n  1  a holiday/vacation taken by a couple who have just got married:\nWe went to Venice for our honeymoon. * They’re on their honeymoon.\n  2  the period of time at the start of a new activity when nobody is criticized and people feel enthusiastic:\nThe honeymoon period for the government is now over.\n    verb [V +adv./prep.] to spend your honeymoon somewhere:\nThey are honeymooning in Paris.\n    honeymooner noun:\nThe Seychelles is the perfect place for honeymooners.


Words: honeypot
Meaning:
noun\n[usually sing.] (BrE) a place, thing or person that a lot of people are attracted to:\nThe toy section of the store is a honeypot for children. * It is possible to escape the tourist honeypots by heading north.


Words: honk
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  the noise made by a GOOSE\n  2  the noise made by a car horn\n    verb\n  1  if a car horn honks or you honk or honk the horn, the horn makes a loud noise \nSYN HOOT:\n[V] honking taxis * Why did he honk at me? * [VN] People honked their horns as they drove past.\n  2  [V] when a GOOSE honks, it makes a loud noise


Words: honky-tonk
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] (AmE) a cheap, noisy bar or dance hall\n  2  [U] a type of lively jazz played on a piano:\na honky-tonk piano / singer


Words: honorarium
Meaning:
noun\n(plural honoraria ) (formal) a payment made for sb’s professional services\n HELP NOTE  Use an, not a, before honorarium.


Words: honorary
Meaning:
adjective (abbreviation Hon)\n  1  (of a university degree, a rank, etc.) given as an honour, without the person having to have the usual qualifications:\nan honorary doctorate / degree\n  2  (of a position in an organization) not paid:\nthe honorary president * The post of treasurer is a purely honorary position.\n  3  treated like a member of group without actually belonging to it:\nShe was treated as an honorary man. * Many people treat their pets almost as honorary humans.\n HELP NOTE  Use an, not a, before honorary.


Words: honorific
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) showing respect for the person you are speaking to:\nan honorific title\n HELP NOTE  Use an, not a, before honorific.


Words: honour
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE honor)  noun, verb\n HELP NOTE  Use an, not a, before honour.\n    noun\n  respect\n  1  [U] great respect and admiration for sb:\nthe guest of honour (= the most important one) * the seat / place of honour (= given to the most important guest) * They stood in silence as a mark of honour to her.\nsee also MAID OF HONOUR, MATRON OF HONOUR\n  privilege\n  2  [sing.] (formal) something that you are very pleased or proud to do because people are showing you great respect:\nIt was a great honour to be invited here today.\n  moral behaviour\n  3  [U] the quality of knowing and doing what is morally right:\na man of honour * Proving his innocence has become a matter of honour.\n  reputation\n  4  [U] a good reputation; respect from other people:\nupholding the honour of your country * The family honour is at stake.\n  sb / sth causing respect\n  5  [sing.] ~ to sth/sb a person or thing that causes others to respect and admire sth/sb:\nShe is an honour to the profession.\n  award\n  6  [C] an award, official title, etc. given to sb as a reward for sth that they have done:\nthe New Year’s Honours list (= in Britain, a list of awards and titles given on January 1 each year) * to win the highest honour * He was buried with full military honours (= with a special military service as a sign of respect).\nsee also ROLL OF HONOUR\n  at university / school\n  7  (honours, honors) [pl.] (abbreviation Hons) (often used as an adjective) a university course that is of a higher level than a basic course (in the US also used to describe a class in school which is at a higher level than other classes):\nan honours degree / course * a First Class Honours degree * (AmE) I took an honors class in English.\n  8  (honours, honors) [pl.] if you pass an exam or GRADUATE from a university or school with honours, you receive a special mark/grade for having achieved a very high standard\n  judge / mayor\n  9  (His / Her / Your Honour) [C] a title of respect used when talking to or about a judge or a US MAYOR:\nNo more questions, Your Honour.\n  in card games\n  10  [C, usually pl.] the cards that have the highest value\n IDIOMS \n  do sb an honour | do sb the honour (of doing sth) (formal) to do sth to make sb feel very proud and pleased:\nWould you do me the honour of dining with me?\n  do the honours to perform a social duty or ceremony, such as pouring drinks, making a speech, etc:\nWould you do the honours and draw the winning ticket?\n  have the honour of sth / of doing sth (formal) to be given the opportunity to do sth that makes you feel proud and happy:\nMay I have the honour of the next dance? * It was Ince who had the honour of scoring the first goal.\n  (there is) honour among thieves (saying) used to say that even criminals have standards of behaviour that they respect\n  (feel) honour bound to do sth (formal) to feel that you must do sth because of your sense of moral duty:\nShe felt honour bound to attend as she had promised to.\n  the honours are even no particular person, team, etc. is doing better than the others in a competition, an argument, etc.\n  in honour of sb/sth | in sb’s / sth’s honour in order to show respect and admiration for sb/sth:\na ceremony in honour of those killed in the explosion * A banquet was held in her honour.\n  on your honour (old-fashioned)\n1 used to promise very seriously that you will do sth or that sth is true:\nI swear on my honour that I knew nothing about this.\n2 to be trusted to do sth:\nYou’re on your honour not to go into my room.\nmore at POINT n.\n    verb [VN]\n  show respect\n  1  ~ sb (with sth) to do sth that shows great respect for sb/sth:\nThe President honoured us with a personal visit. * our honoured guests * (ironic) I’m glad to see that you’ve decided to honour us with your presence!\n  give award\n  2  ~ sb/sth (with sth) (for sth) to give public praise, an award or a title to sb for sth they have done:\nHe has been honoured with a knighthood for his scientific work. * She has never been properly honoured in her own country. * The town has honoured his bravery by erecting a memorial.\nOPP DISHONOUR\n  keep promise\n  3  to do what you have agreed or promised to do:\nI have every intention of honouring our contract. * to honour a cheque (= to keep an agreement to pay it) * She is determined to honour her husband’s dying wish. * They have failed to honour the peace agreement.\nOPP DISHONOUR\n IDIOMS \n  be / feel honoured (to do sth) to feel proud and happy:\nI was honoured to have been mentioned in his speech. * ’Would you be my best man?’ ’I’d be honoured.’


Words: honourable
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE honorable)  adjective\n  1  deserving respect and admiration:\na long and honourable career in government * They managed an honourable 22 draw. * With a few honourable exceptions, the staff were found to be incompetent.\n  2  showing high moral standards:\nan honourable man\n  3  allowing sb to keep their good name and the respect of others:\nan honourable compromise * They urged her to do the honourable thing and resign. * He received an honourable discharge from the army.\n  4  (the Honourable) (abbreviation Hon) [only before noun] (in Britain) a title used by a child of some ranks of the NOBILITY\n  5  (the / my Honourable ...) (abbreviation Hon) [only before noun] (in Britain), a title used by Members of Parliament when talking about or to another Member during a debate:\nIf my Honourable Friend would give me a chance to answer, ... * Would the Honourable Member agree that ...?\n  6  (abbreviation Hon) a title of respect used by an official of high rank:\nthe Honorable Alan Simpson, US senator\ncompare RIGHT HONOURABLE\n HELP NOTE  Use an, not a, before honourable.\n    honourably (BrE) (AmE honorably)  adverb:\nto behave honourably


Words: hooch
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (informal, especially AmE) strong alcoholic drink, especially sth that has been made illegally:\na bottle of hooch


Words: hood
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  a part of a coat, etc. that you can pull up to cover the back and top of your head:\na jacket with a detachable hood\n \n  2  a piece of fabric put over sb’s face and head so that they cannot be recognized or so that they cannot see\n \n  3  a piece of coloured silk or fur worn over an academic GOWN to show the kind of degree held by the person wearing it\n \n  4  (especially BrE) a folding cover over a car, etc:\nWe drove all the way with the hood down.\n \n  5  (AmE) = BONNET (2)\n  6  a cover placed over a device or machine, for example, to protect it:\na lens hood * an extractor hood (= one that removes cooking smells from a kitchen)\n  7  (slang, especially AmE) = HOODLUM (1)


Words: hooded
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  having or wearing a hood:\na hooded jacket * A hooded figure waited in the doorway.\n  2  (of eyes) having large EYELIDS that always look as if they are partly closed


Words: hoodlum
Meaning:
noun (informal)\n  1  (also slang hood especially in AmE) a violent criminal, especially one who is part of a GANG\n  2  a violent and noisy young man


Words: hoodoo
Meaning:
noun\n(plural hoodoos) (especially AmE) a person or thing that brings or causes bad luck\nSYN VOODOO


Words: hoodwink
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] ~ sb (into doing sth) to trick sb:\nShe had been hoodwinked into buying a worthless necklace. * I feel as if I’ve been hoodwinked.


Words: hoof
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n (plural hoofs or hooves ) the hard part of the foot of some animals, for example horses\n \n IDIOMS \n \n  on the hoof\n1 meat that is sold, transported, etc. on the hoof is sold, etc. while the cow or sheep is still alive\n2 (BrE, informal) if you do sth on the hoof, you do it quickly and without giving it your full attention because you are doing sth else at the same time:\nI often have lunch on the hoof between two appointments. * the consequences of making government policy on the hoof\n    verb [VN] (informal) to kick a ball very hard or a long way\n IDIOMS \n  hoof it to go somewhere on foot; to walk somewhere:\nWe hoofed it all the way to 42nd Street.


Words: hook
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  a curved piece of metal, plastic or wire for hanging things on, catching fish with, etc:\na picture / curtain / coat hook * a fish-hook * Hang your towel on that hook.\nsee also BOATHOOK\n \n  2  (in boxing) a short hard blow that is made with the elbow bent:\na left hook to the jaw\n \n  3  (in cricket and golf) a way of hitting the ball so that it curves sideways instead of going straight ahead\n \n IDIOMS \n  by hook or by crook using any method you can, even a dishonest one\n  get (sb) off the hook | let sb off the hook to free yourself or sb else from a difficult situation or a punishment\n  hook, line and sinker completely:\nWhat I said was not true, but he fell for it (= believed it) hook, line and sinker.\n  off the hook if you leave or take the telephone off the hook, you take the RECEIVER (= the part that you pick up) off the place where it usually rests, so that nobody can call you\nmore at RING v., SLING v.\n    verb\n  1  [+adv./prep.] to fasten or hang sth on sth else using a hook; to be fastened or hanging in this way:\n[VN] We hooked the trailer to the back of the car. * [V] a dress that hooks at the back\n  2  [+adv./prep.] to put sth, especially your leg, arm or finger, around sth else so that you can hold onto it or move it; to go around sth else in this way:\n[VN] He hooked his foot under the stool and dragged it over. * She hooked her arm through her sister’s. * He managed to hook his fingers under the stone. * Her thumbs were hooked into the pockets of her jeans. * Hook the rope through your belt. * [V] Suddenly an arm hooked around my neck.\n  3  [VN] to catch a fish with a hook:\nIt was the biggest pike I ever hooked. * (figurative) She had managed to hook a wealthy husband.\n  4  [VN] (especially in golf, cricket or football) to hit or kick a ball so that it goes to one side instead of straight ahead:\nHe hooked his drive into the trees. * I hooked the first ball for a six. * He hooked his shot over the bar. * Try and hook the ball around the defenders.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  hook<->up (to sth) | hook sb/sth<->up (to sth) to connect sb/sth to a piece of electronic equipment or to a power supply:\nShe was then hooked up to an IV drip. * Check that the computer is hooked up to the printer.\nrelated noun HOOK-UP\n  hook up with sb (informal)\n1 to meet sb and spend time with them:\nIn India I hooked up with a couple of students for a few weeks.\n2 to start working with sb:\nThey formed the band in 1998, hooking up with bass player Rod Byrne.


Words: hook and eye
Meaning:
noun\n(plural hooks and eyes) a device for fastening clothes, consisting of a small thin piece of metal curved round, and a hook that fits into it


Words: hook-up
Meaning:
noun\na connection between two pieces of equipment, especially electronic equipment used in broadcasting, or computers:\na satellite hook-up between the major European networks


Words: hookah
Meaning:
noun\na long pipe for smoking, used in some eastern countries, that passes smoke through a container of water to cool it


Words: hooked
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  curved; shaped like a hook:\na hooked nose / beak / finger\n  2  [not before noun] ~ (on sth) (informal) dependent on sth bad, especially a drug\n  3  [not before noun] ~ (on sth) (informal) enjoying sth very much, so that you want to do it, see it, etc. as much as possible\n  4  having one or more hooks


Words: hooker
Meaning:
noun\n  1  the player in a rugby team, whose job is to pull the ball out of the SCRUM with his foot\n  2  (informal) a prostitute (= a woman who has sex with men for money)


Words: hookworm
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] a worm that lives in the INTESTINES of humans and animals\n  2  [U] a disease caused by hookworms


Words: hooky
Meaning:
(also hookey) \n(especially AmE)\n IDIOMS \n  play hooky (old-fashioned, informal) = play truant at TRUANT


Words: hooligan
Meaning:
noun\na young person who behaves in an extremely noisy and violent way in public, usually in a group:\nEnglish football hooligans\n    hooliganism  noun [U]


Words: hoop
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  a large ring of plastic, wood or iron:\na barrel bound with iron hoops * hoop earrings (= in the shape of a hoop)\n \n  2  the ring that the players throw the ball through in the game of basketball in order to score points:\nLet’s shoot some hoops.\n \n  3  a large ring that was used as a children’s toy in the past, or for animals or riders to jump through at a CIRCUS\n \n  4  a small arch made of metal or plastic, put into the ground:\ncroquet hoops * Grow lettuces under plastic stretched over wire hoops.\n IDIOMS  see JUMP v.


Words: hoopla
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U, sing.] (informal, especially AmE) excitement about sth which gets a lot of public attention\n  2  [U] (BrE) (AmE ringtoss) a game in which players try to throw rings over objects in order to win them as prizes


Words: hooray
Meaning:
(also hurrah, hurray) exclamation\nused to show that you are happy or that you approve of sth\n IDIOMS  see HIP exclam.


Words: hoot
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n  1  [V] to make a loud noise:\nHe had the audience hooting with laughter. * Some people hooted in disgust. * The crowd hooted and cheered.\n  2  (BrE) if a car horn hoots or you hoot or hoot the horn, the horn makes a loud noise\nSYN HONK:\n[V] hooting cars * Why did he hoot at me? * [VN] Passing motorists hooted their horns. * The train hooted a warning (= the driver sounded the horn to warn people).\n  3  [V] when an OWL hoots, it makes a long calling sound\n    noun\n  1  [C] (especially BrE) a short loud laugh or shout:\nThe suggestion was greeted by hoots of laughter.\n  2  [sing.] (spoken) a situation or a person that you find very funny:\nThe play was a real hoot! * You ought to meet her-she’s a hoot!\n  3  the loud sound made by the horn of a vehicle\n  4  the cry of an OWL\n IDIOMS \n  not care / give a hoot | not care / give two hoots (informal) not to care at all:\nI don’t care two hoots about having money, as long as I’m happy.


Words: hooter
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (rather old-fashioned) the device in a vehicle, or a factory, that makes a loud noise as a signal\n  2  (BrE, slang) a person’s nose, especially a large one\n  3  [usually pl.] (AmE, slang) a woman’s breast


Words: hoover
Meaning:
verb\n(BrE) to clean a carpet, floor, etc. with a Hoover\nSYN VACUUM:\n[VN] to hoover the carpet / floor / bedroom [also V]\n    hoovering noun [U]:\nIt’s your turn to do the hoovering.


Words: hop
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n (-pp-)\n \n  1  [V]   [usually +adv./prep.] (of a person) to move by jumping on one foot:\nI couldn’t put my weight on my ankle and had to hop everywhere. * kids hopping over puddles * He was hopping from foot to foot.\n \n  2  [V +adv./prep.] (of an animal or a bird) to move by jumping with all or both feet together:\nA robin was hopping around on the path. * The frog hopped towards him.\n \n  3  [V +adv./prep.] (informal) to go or move somewhere quickly and suddenly:\nHop in, I’ll drive you home. * She hopped out of the car at the traffic lights. * to hop into / out of bed * I hopped on the next bus. * We hopped over to Paris for the weekend.\n \n  4  [VN] (AmE) ~ a plane, bus, train, etc. to get on a plane, bus, etc.\n  5  [V] ~ (from sth to sth) to change from one activity or subject to another:\nI like to hop from channel to channel when I watch TV. * She’s always hopping from one project to the next.\n IDIOMS \n  hop it (BrE, old-fashioned, informal) usually used in orders to tell sb to go away:\nGo on, hop it! * He hopped it out of the window.\n  hopping mad (informal) very angry\n  hop to it (AmE) = JUMP TO IT\n    noun\n  1  [C] a short jump by a person on one foot:\nHe crossed the hall with a hop, skip and a jump.\n  2  [C] a short jump by an animal or a bird with all or both feet together\n  3  [C] a short journey, especially by plane\n  4  [C] a tall plant that grows up walls, pots, etc. with green female flowers that are shaped like CONES\n  5  (hops) [pl.] the green female flowers of the hop plant that have been dried, used for making beer\n  6  [C] (old-fashioned, informal) a social event at which people dance in an informal way\nsee also HIP HOP\n IDIOMS  see CATCH v.


Words: hope
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb ~ (for sth) to want sth to happen and think that it is possible:\n[V] We are hoping for good weather on Sunday. * All we can do now is wait and hope. * ’Do you think it will rain?’ ’I hope not.’ * ’Will you be back before dark?’ ’I hope so, yes.’ * The exam went better than I’d dared hope. * I’ll see you next week, I hope. * [V (that)] I hope (that) you’re okay. * I can only hope (that) there has been some mistake. * Detectives are hoping (that) witnesses will come forward. * Let’s hope we can find a parking space. * [VN (that)] It is hoped that over ｣10 000 will be raised. * [V to inf] She is hoping to win the gold medal. * We hope to arrive around two. * What had he hoped to achieve? -> EXPECT\n HELP NOTE  Hope can be used in the passive in the form it is hoped that .... For must always be used with hope in other passive sentences: The improvement that had been hoped for never came. * The hoped-for improvement never came.\n IDIOMS \n  hope against hope (that ...) to continue to hope for sth although it is very unlikely to happen:\nShe was hoping against hope that there’d been some mistake.\n  hope for the best to hope that sth will happen successfully, especially where it seems likely that it will not:\nI’m just going to answer all the questions I can and hope for the best.\n  I should hope so / not | So I should hope (spoken) used to say that you feel very strongly that sth should/should not happen:\n’Nobody blames you.’ ’I should hope not!’\n    noun\n  1  [U, C] ~ (of / for sth) | ~ (of doing sth) | ~ (that ...) a belief that sth you want will happen:\nThere is now hope of a cure. * Hopes for the missing men are fading. * There is little hope that they will be found alive. * They have given up hope of finding any more survivors. * The future is not without hope. * Don’t raise your hopes too high, or you may be disappointed. * I’ll do what I can, but don’t get your hopes up. * He pinned all his hopes on getting that job. * There is still a glimmer of hope. * She has high hopes of winning (= is very confident about it). * The situation is not good but we live in hope that it will improve.\n  2  [C] ~ (of / for sth) | ~ (for sb) | ~ (that ...) | ~ (of doing sth) something that you wish for:\nShe told me all her hopes, dreams and fears. * They have high hopes for their children.\n  3  [C, usually sing.] ~ (of sth) | ~ (for sb) a person, a thing or a situation that will help you get what you want:\nHe turned to her in despair and said, ’You’re my last hope.’ * The operation was Kelly’s only hope of survival.\n IDIOMS \n  be beyond hope (of sth) to be in a situation where no improvement is possible\n  hold out little, etc. hope (of sth / that ...) | not hold out any, much, etc. hope (of sth / that ...) to offer little, etc. reason for believing that sth will happen:\nThe doctors did not hold out much hope for her recovery.\n  in the hope of sth | in the hope that ... because you want sth to happen:\nI called early in the hope of catching her before she went to work. * He asked her again in the vain hope that he could persuade her to come (= it was impossible).\n  not have a hope (in hell) (of doing sth) (informal) to have no chance at all:\nShe doesn’t have a hope of winning.\n  some hope! (BrE, spoken) used to say that there is no chance at all that sth will happen\nmore at DASH v., PIN v.


Words: hoped-for
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] (written) wanted and thought possible:\nThe new policy did not bring the hoped-for economic recovery.


Words: hopeful
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective\n  1  [not usually before noun] ~ (that ...) | ~ (about sth) (of a person) believing that sth you want will happen:\nI feel hopeful that we’ll find a suitable house very soon. * He is not very hopeful about the outcome of the interview. * (BrE) She is hopeful of returning to work soon.\n  2  [only before noun] (of a person’s behaviour) showing hope:\na hopeful smile\n  3  (of a thing) making you believe that sth you want will happen; bringing hope:\nThe latest trade figures are a hopeful sign. * The future did not seem very hopeful.\n    hopefulness noun [U] \n    noun a person who wants to succeed at sth and is likely to:\n50 young hopefuls are trying for a place in the England team.


Words: hopefully
Meaning:
adverb\n  1  used to express what you hope will happen:\nHopefully, we’ll arrive before dark.\n HELP NOTE  Although this is the most common use of hopefully, it is a fairly new use and some people think it is incorrect.\n  2  hoping that what you want will happen:\n’Are you free tonight?’ she asked hopefully.


Words: hopeless
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  if sth is hopeless, there is no hope that it will get better or succeed:\na hopeless situation * It’s hopeless trying to convince her. * Most of the students are making good progress, but Michael is a hopeless case. * He felt that his life was a hopeless mess.\n  2  (BrE, informal) extremely bad:\nThe buses are absolutely hopeless these days!\n  3  ~ (at sth) (especially BrE) (of people) very bad (at sth); with no ability or skill:\na hopeless driver * I’m hopeless at science.\n  4  feeling or showing no hope:\nShe felt lonely and hopeless.\n    hopelessly adverb:\nhopelessly confused / outnumbered * They were hopelessly lost. * to be hopelessly in love * ’I’ll never manage it,’ he said hopelessly.\n    hopelessness noun [U]:\na sense / feeling of hopelessness


Words: hopper
Meaning:
noun\na container shaped like a V, that holds grain, coal, or food for animals, and lets it out through the bottom


Words: hopscotch
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a children’s game played on a pattern of squares marked on the ground. Each child throws a stone into a square then HOPS (= jumps on one leg) and jumps along the empty squares to pick up the stone again.


Words: horde
Meaning:
noun\n(sometimes disapproving) a large crowd of people:\nThere are always hordes of tourists here in the summer. * The car attracted the interest of a horde of children. * Football fans turned up in hordes.


Words: horizon
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  (the horizon) [sing.] the furthest that you can see, where the sky seems to meet the land or the sea:\nThe sun sank below the horizon. * A ship appeared on the horizon.\n \n  2  [C, usually pl.] the limit of your desires, knowledge or interests:\nShe wanted to travel to broaden her horizons. * The company needs new horizons now.\n \n IDIOMS \n \n  on the horizon likely to happen soon:\nThere’s trouble looming on the horizon.


Words: horizontal
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective\n flat and level; going across and parallel to the ground rather than going up and down:\nhorizontal and vertical lines * (informal) I was so tired, I just wanted to be horizontal (= lying down).\ncompare VERTICAL\n \n    horizontally  adverb:\nCut the cake in half horizontally and spread jam on one half.\n    noun\n\n \n  1  (the horizontal) [U] a horizontal position:\nHe shifted his position from the horizontal.\n \n  2  [C] a horizontal line or surface


Words: hormone
Meaning:
noun\na chemical substance produced in the body or in a plant that encourages growth or influences how the cells and tissues function; an artificial substance that has similar effects:\ngrowth hormones * a hormone imbalance * Oestrogen is a female sex hormone.\n    hormonal  adjective [usually before noun]:\nthe hormonal changes occurring during pregnancy


Words: horn
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  [C] a hard pointed part that grows, usually in pairs, on the heads of some animals, such as sheep and cows. Horns are often curved.\n \n  2  [U] the hard substance of which animal horns are made:\nrhino horn\n \n  3  [C] a simple musical instrument that consists of a curved metal tube that you blow into:\na hunting horn\n \n  4  [C] (especially BrE) = FRENCH HORN:\na horn concerto\n  5  [C] a device in a vehicle for making a loud sound as a warning or signal:\nto honk your car horn * (BrE) to sound / toot your horn * Behind him, a horn blared.\nsee also FOGHORN\n IDIOMS \n  blow / toot your own horn (AmE, informal) = blow your own trumpet at BLOW v.\n  draw / pull your horns in to start being more careful in your behaviour, especially by spending less money than before:\nSmall businesses have had to pull their horns in during the recession.\n  on the horns of a dilemma in a situation in which you have to make a choice between things that are equally unpleasant:\nThe medical profession’s eagerness for scientific advance had impaled it on the horns of a dilemma, forcing an unnatural choice between science and morality.\nmore at BULL, LOCK v.


Words: hornet
Meaning:
noun\na large WASP (= a black and yellow flying insect) that has a very powerful sting\n IDIOMS \n  a hornet’s nest a difficult situation in which a lot of people get very angry:\nHis letter to the papers stirred up a real hornet’s nest.


Words: horny
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (informal) sexually excited:\nto feel horny\n  2  (informal) sexually attractive:\nto look horny\n  3  made of a hard substance like horn:\nthe bird’s horny beak\n  4  (of skin, etc.) hard and rough:\nhorny hands


Words: horoscope
Meaning:
noun\na description of what is going to happen to sb in the future, based on the position of the stars and the planets when the person was born


Words: horrendous
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  extremely shocking; terrible:\nhorrendous injuries * The police officer said the attack was the most horrendous he had ever seen.\n  2  extremely unpleasant and unacceptable:\nhorrendous traffic * They have horrendous financial problems.\n HELP NOTE  Some people use an instead of a before this word and then usually do not pronounce the ’h’. This now sounds old-fashioned.\n    horrendously adverb:\nhorrendously expensive


Words: horrible
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (especially spoken) very bad or unpleasant; used to describe sth that you do not like:\nhorrible weather / children / shoes * The coffee tasted horrible. * I’ve got a horrible feeling she lied to us. * It was horrible sitting there all on my own.\n  2  making you feel very shocked and frightened:\na horrible crime / nightmare\n  3  (especially spoken) (of people or their behaviour) unfriendly, unpleasant or unkind:\na horrible man * My sister was being horrible to me all day. * What a horrible thing to say!\n    horribly  adverb:\nIt was horribly painful. * The experiment went horribly wrong. * She was horribly aware that he was watching her every move.


Words: horrid
Meaning:
adjective\n(old-fashioned or informal, especially BrE) very unpleasant or unkind\nSYN HORRIBLE:\na horrid child * a horrid smell * Don’t be so horrid to your brother.


Words: horrific
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  extremely bad and shocking or frightening\nSYN HORRIFYING:\na horrific murder / accident / attack * Her injuries were horrific. * She’s been through a horrific ordeal.\n  2  (informal) very bad or unpleasant\nSYN HORRENDOUS:\nWe had a horrific trip.\n HELP NOTE  Some people use an instead of a before this word and then usually do not pronounce the ’h’. This now sounds old-fashioned.\n    horrifically  adverb:\nHe was horrifically murdered.


Words: horrify
Meaning:
verb\n(horrifies, horrifying, horrified, horrified) to make sb feel extremely shocked, disgusted or frightened\nSYN APPAL:\n[VN] The whole country was horrified by the killings. * [VN to inf] It horrified her to think that he had killed someone. [also VN that]\n    horrified adjective:\nHe was horrified when he discovered the conditions in which they lived. * She gazed at him in horrified disbelief.


Words: horrifying
Meaning:
adjective\nmaking you feel extremely shocked, disgusted or frightened:\na horrifying sight / experience / story * It’s horrifying to see such poverty.\n    horrifyingly adverb


Words: horror
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] a feeling of great shock, fear or disgust:\nPeople watched in horror as the small plane crashed to the ground. * With a look of horror, he asked if the doctor thought he had cancer. * The thought of being left alone filled her with horror. * To her horror, the man produced a gun. * She recoiled in horror at the sight of an enormous spider. * To his horror, he could feel himself starting to cry (= it upset him very much). * Her eyes were wide with horror.\n  2  [sing.] ~ of sth / of doing sth a great fear or hatred of sth:\na horror of deep water * Most people have a horror of speaking in public.\n  3  [U] the ~ of sth the very unpleasant nature of sth, especially when it is shocking or frightening:\nThe full horror of the accident was beginning to become clear. * In his dreams he relives the horror of the attack.\n  4  [C, usually pl.] a very unpleasant or frightening experience:\nthe horrors of war * You wouldn’t believe the horrors they have suffered due to famine and disease.\n  5  [U] a type of book, film/movie, etc. that is designed to frighten people:\nIn this section you’ll find horror and science fiction. * a horror film / movie\nsee also HORROR STORY\n  6  [C] (BrE, informal) a child who behaves badly:\nHer son is a little horror.\n IDIOMS \n  horror of horrors (BrE, humorous or ironic) used to emphasize how bad a situation is:\nI stood up to speak and-horror of horrors-realized I had left my notes behind.\nmore at SHOCK n.


Words: horror story
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a story about strange and frightening things that is designed to entertain people\n  2  (informal) a report that describes a an experience of a situation as very unpleasant:\nhorror stories about visits to the dentist


Words: horror-struck
Meaning:
(also horror-stricken) adjective\nsuddenly feeling very shocked, frightened or disgusted:\nHe stared, horror-struck at the sight.


Words: hors d’oeuvre
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] (plural hors d’oeuvres ) (from French) a small amount of food, usually cold, served before the main part of a meal\ncompare STARTER


Words: hors de combat
Meaning:
adjective\n(from French) unable to fight or to take part in an activity, especially because you are injured


Words: horse
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  a large animal with four legs, a MANE (= long thick hair on its neck) and a tail. Horses are used for riding on, pulling carriages, etc:\nHe mounted his horse and rode off. * a horse and cart\nsee also COLT, FILLY, FOAL, GELDING, MARE, STALLION\n \n  2  = VAULTING HORSE\nsee also CLOTHES HORSE, HOBBY HORSE, ROCKING HORSE, SEA HORSE, STALKING HORSE, TROJAN HORSE, WHITE HORSES\n \n IDIOMS \n \n  (straight) from the horse’s mouth (informal) (of information) given by sb who is directly involved and therefore likely to be accurate\n  hold your horses (informal) used to tell sb that they should wait a moment and not be so excited that they take action without thinking about it first\n  horses for courses (BrE) the act of matching people with suitable jobs or tasks:\nOnly a skilled interpreter with teaching skills can teach interpreting. It is horses for courses.\n  a one, two, three, etc. horse race a competition or an election in which there are only one, two, etc. teams or candidates with a chance of winning:\nThe women’s competition was a two horse race between last year’s winners Surrey and the previous champions Essex.\nmore at BACK v., BARN n., CART n., CHANGE v., DARK adj., DRIVE v., EAT, FLOG, GIFT n., HIGH adj., STABLE n., WILD adj.\n    verb\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  horse about / around (informal) to play in a way that is noisy and not very careful so that you could hurt sb or damage sth:\nHe fell through the window while horsing around with some friends.


Words: horse chestnut
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  a large tall tree with spreading branches, white or pink flowers and nuts that grow inside prickly cases\nsee also CHESTNUT\n \n  2  the smooth brown nut of the horse chestnut tree\ncompare CONKER


Words: horse-drawn
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] (of a vehicle) pulled by a horse or horses:\nHorse-drawn trams were introduced to the city in 1882.


Words: horse-trading
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the activity of discussing business with sb using clever or secret methods in order to reach an agreement that suits you


Words: horseback
Meaning:
noun, adjective \n    noun\n IDIOMS \n  on horseback sitting on a horse; using horses:\na soldier on horseback * They travelled over the mountains on horseback.\n    adjective [only before noun] sitting on a horse:\na horseback tour\n    horseback adverb:\nto ride horseback


Words: horsebox
Meaning:
noun\n(BrE) a vehicle for transporting horses in, sometimes pulled behind another vehicle\nsee also HORSE TRAILER


Words: horsehair
Meaning:
noun\n[U] hair from the MANE or tail of a horse, used, in the past, for filling MATTRESSES, chairs, etc.


Words: horseman
Meaning:
noun\n(plural horsemen ) a rider on a horse; a person who can ride horses:\na good horseman * 300 horsemen appeared on the top of the hill.\nsee also HORSEWOMAN


Words: horsepower
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] (plural horsepower) (abbreviation h.p.) a unit for measuring the power of an engine:\na powerful car with a 170 horsepower engine * (informal) I’ll need a bit more horsepower to get up this hill!


Words: horseradish
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  a hard white root vegetable that has a taste like pepper\n  2  (BrE also horseradish sauce) a sauce made from horseradish, that is eaten with meat:\nroast beef and horseradish


Words: horseshoe
Meaning:
noun (also shoe)\n  1  a piece of curved iron that is attached with nails to the bottom of a horse’s foot. A horseshoe is often used as a symbol of good luck.\n  2  anything shaped like a horseshoe:\na horseshoe bend in the river


Words: horsewhip
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun a long stick with a long piece of leather attached to the end that is used to control or train horses\n    verb (-pp-) [VN] to beat sb with a horsewhip:\nHe ought to be horsewhipped.


Words: horsewoman
Meaning:
noun\n(plural horsewomen ) a woman rider on a horse; a woman who can ride horses:\na good horsewoman


Words: horsey
Meaning:
(also horsy)  adjective\n  1  interested in and involved with horses or horse racing:\nHe comes from a very horsey family.\n  2  connected with horses; like a horse:\nShe had a long, horsey face.


Words: horticulture
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the study or practice of growing flowers, fruit and vegetables:\na college of agriculture and horticulture\n    horticultural  adjective:\na horticultural show / society\n    horticulturalist, horticulturist noun


Words: hose
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  (also hosepipe ) [C, U] (BrE) a long tube made of rubber, plastic, etc., used for putting water onto fires, gardens, etc:\na garden hose * a length of hose\nsee also FIRE HOSE\n \n  2  [pl.] = HOSIERY\n \n  3  [pl.] trousers/pants that fit tightly over the legs, worn by men in the past:\ndoublet and hose\n    verb [VN] to wash or pour water on sth using a hose:\nFiremen hosed the burning car.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  hose sth<->down to wash sth using a hose:\nI’ll just hose down the car.


Words: hosiery
Meaning:
(also hose) noun\n[U] used especially in shops/stores as a word for TIGHTS STOCKINGS and socks:\nthe hosiery department


Words: hospitable
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  ~ (to / towards sb) (of a person) pleased to welcome guests; generous and friendly to visitors:\nThe local people are very hospitable to strangers.\n  2  (especially written) having good conditions that allow things to grow; having a pleasant environment:\na hospitable climate * The countryside in the north is less hospitable.\nOPP INHOSPITABLE\n    hospitably  adverb:\nHe welcomed me most hospitably.


Words: hospital
Meaning:
noun\na large building where people who are ill/sick or injured are given medical treatment and care: (BrE) He had to go to hospital for treatment. * (AmE) He had to go to the hospital for treatment. * to be admitted to (the) hospital * to be discharged from (the) hospital * The injured were rushed to (the) hospital in an ambulance. * He died in (the) hospital. * I’m going to the hospital to visit my brother. * a psychiatric / mental hospital * hospital doctors / nurses / staff * There is an urgent need for more day care centres and more hospital beds.\nsee also COTTAGE HOSPITAL\n______________________________\n \n BRITISH / AMERICAN \n \nhospital\nIn BrE you say to hospital or in hospital when you are a patient: I had to go to hospital. * She spent two weeks in hospital.\nIn AmE you need to use the: I had to go to the hospital. * She spent two weeks in the hospital.\n______________________________


Words: hospitality
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  friendly and generous behaviour towards guests:\nThank you for your kind hospitality.\n  2  food, drink or services that are provided by an organization for guests, customers, etc:\nWe were entertained in the company’s hospitality suite. * Their company organizes corporate hospitality tents at major outdoor sporting events. * the hospitality industry (= hotels, restaurants, etc.)


Words: hospitalize
Meaning:
(BrE also hospitalise)  verb\n[VN] [usually passive] to send sb to a hospital for treatment:\nEight people were hospitalized after receiving bullet wounds.\n    hospitalization, hospitalisation  noun [U]:\na long period of hospitalization


Words: host
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  [C] a person who invites guests to a meal, a party, etc. or who has people staying at their house:\nIan, our host, introduced us to the other guests.\n  2  [C] a country, a city or an organization that holds and arranges a special event:\nThe college is playing host to a group of visiting Russian scientists.\n  3  [C] a person who introduces and talks to guests on a television or radio show:\na TV game show host\n  4  [C] (technical) an animal or a plant on which another animal or plant lives and feeds\n  5  [C] ~ of sb/sth a large number of people or things:\nA host of musicians will perform at the festival. * a host of possibilities\n  6  (the Host) [sing.] the bread that is used in the Christian service of COMMUNION, after it has been BLESSED\nsee also HOSTESS\n    verb [VN] \n  1  to organize an event to which others are invited and make all the arrangements for them:\nGermany is bidding to host the World Cup finals. * Birmingham is hosting a three-day conference on drugs. * The Arts Centre is hosting a folk festival this summer.\n  2  to introduce a television or radio programme, a show, etc:\nThe awards ceremony will be hosted by Sir David Frost.\n  3  to organize a party that you have invited guests to:\nto host a dinner


Words: hostage
Meaning:
noun\na person who is captured and held prisoner by a person or group, and who may be injured or killed if people do not do what the person or group is asking:\nThree children were taken hostage during the bank robbery. * He was held hostage for almost a year. * The government is negotiating the release of the hostages. * The hijackers kept the pilot as a hostage on board the plane.\n IDIOMS \n  a hostage to fortune something that you have, or have promised to do, that could cause trouble or worry in the future


Words: hostel
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a building that provides cheap accommodation and meals to students, workers or travellers\nsee also YOUTH HOSTEL\n  2  (BrE) (also shelter) (AmE, BrE) a building, usually run by a charity, where people who have no home can stay for a short time:\na hostel for the homeless


Words: hostess
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a woman who invites guests to a meal, a party, etc.; a woman who has people staying at her home:\nMary was always the perfect hostess. * Many thanks to our host and hostess for such a wonderful evening.\n  2  a woman who is employed to welcome and entertain men at a NIGHTCLUB\n  3  a woman who introduces and talks to guests on a television or radio show\n  4  (AmE) a woman who greets the customers in a restaurant\nsee also HOST


Words: hostile
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  ~ (to / towards sb/sth) very unfriendly or aggressive and ready to argue or fight:\nThe speaker got a very hostile reception from the audience. * She was openly hostile towards her parents.\n  2  ~ (to sth) strongly rejecting or opposed to sth:\nhostile to the idea of change * The proposals have provoked a hostile response from opposition parties.\n  3  making it difficult for sth to happen or to be achieved:\nhostile conditions for plants to grow in\n  4  belonging to a military enemy:\nhostile territory / aircraft\n  5  (business) (of an offer to buy a company, etc.) not wanted by the company that is to be bought:\na hostile takeover bid


Words: hostility
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] ~ (to / towards sb/sth) unfriendly or aggressive feelings or behaviour:\nfeelings of hostility towards people from other backgrounds * There was open hostility between the two schools.\n  2  [U] ~ (to / towards sth) strong and angry opposition towards an idea, a plan or a situation:\npublic hostility to nuclear power\n  3  (hostilities) [pl.] (formal) acts of fighting in a war:\nthe start / outbreak of hostilities between the two sides * a cessation of hostilities (= an end to fighting)


Words: hot
Meaning:
adjective, verb \n    adjective (hotter, hottest)\n  temperature\n  1  having a high temperature; producing heat:\nDo you like this hot weather? * It’s hot today, isn’t it? * It was hot and getting hotter. * It was the hottest July on record. * a hot dry summer * Be careful-the plates are hot. * All rooms have hot and cold water. * a hot bath * a hot meal (= one that has been cooked) * I couldn’t live in a hot country (= one which has high average temperatures). * Cook in a very hot oven. * Eat it while it’s hot. * I touched his forehead. He felt hot and feverish.\nsee also BAKING HOT, BOILING HOT, PIPING HOT, RED-HOT, WHITE-HOT\n  2  (of a person) feeling heat in an unpleasant or uncomfortable way:\nIs anyone too hot? * I feel hot. * Her cheeks were hot with embarrassment.\n  3  making you feel hot:\nLondon was hot and dusty. * a long hot journey\n  food\n  4  containing pepper and spices and producing a burning feeling in your mouth:\nhot spicy food * You can make a curry hotter simply by adding chillies. * hot mustard\nOPP MILD\n  causing strong feelings\n  5  involving a lot of activity, argument or strong feelings:\nToday we enter the hottest phase of the election campaign. * The environment has become a very hot issue. * Competition is getting hotter day by day.\n  difficult / dangerous\n  6  difficult or dangerous to deal with and making you feel worried or uncomfortable:\nWhen things got too hot most journalists left the area. * They’re making life hot for her.\n  popular\n  7  (informal) new, exciting and very popular:\nThis is one of the hottest clubs in town. * They are one of this year’s hot new bands on the rock scene. * The couple are Hollywood’s hottest property.\n  news\n  8  fresh, very recent and usually exciting:\nI’ve got some hot gossip for you! * a story that is hot off the press (= has just appeared in the newspapers)\n  tip / favourite\n  9  [only before noun] likely to be successful:\nShe seems to be the hot favourite for the job. * Do you have any hot tips for today’s race?\n  good at sth / knowing a lot\n  10  [not before noun] ~ at / on sth (informal) very good at doing sth; knowing a lot about sth:\nDon’t ask me-I’m not too hot on British history.\n  anger\n  11  if sb has a hot temper they become angry very easily\n  sexual excitement\n  12  feeling or causing sexual excitement:\nYou were as hot for me as I was for you. * I’ve got a hot date tonight.\n  shocking / critical\n  13  containing scenes, statements, etc. that are too shocking or too critical and are likely to cause anger or disapproval:\nSome of the nude scenes were regarded as too hot for Broadway. * The report was highly critical of senior members of the Cabinet and was considered too hot to publish.\nsee also HOT STUFF\n  strict\n  14  [not before noun] ~ on sth thinking that sth is very important and making sure that it always happens or is done:\nThey’re very hot on punctuality at work.\n  music\n  15  (of music, especially jazz) having a strong and exciting rhythm\n  goods\n  16  stolen and difficult to get rid of because they can easily be recognized:\nI’d never have touched those CDs if I’d known they were hot.\n  in children’s games\n  17  [not before noun] used in children’s games to say that the person playing is very close to finding a person or thing, or to guessing the correct answer:\nYou’re getting hot!\n IDIOMS \n  be in / get into hot water (informal) to be in or get into trouble\n  go hot and cold to experience a sudden feeling of fear or anxiety:\nWhen the phone rang I just went hot and cold.\n  go / sell like hot cakes to sell quickly or in great numbers\n  (all) hot and bothered (informal) in a state of anxiety or confusion because you are under too much pressure, have a problem, are trying to hurry, etc.\n  hot on sb’s / sth’s heels following sb/sth very closely:\nHe turned and fled with Peter hot on his heels. * Further successes came hot on the heels of her first best-selling novel.\n  hot on sb’s / sth’s tracks / trail (informal) close to catching or finding the person or thing that you have been chasing or searching for\n  hot under the collar (informal) angry or embarrassed:\nHe got very hot under the collar when I asked him where he’d been all day.\n  in hot pursuit (of sb) following sb closely and determined to catch them:\nShe sped away in her car with journalists in hot pursuit.\n  not so / too hot\n1 not very good in quality:\nHer spelling isn’t too hot.\n2 not feeling well:\n’How are you today?’ ’Not so hot, I’m afraid.’\nmore at BLOW v., CAT, HEEL n., STRIKE v.\n    verb (-tt-)\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  hot up (BrE) (also heat up AmE, BrE) (informal) to become more exciting or to show an increase in activity:\nThings are really hotting up in the election campaign. * The title race is certainly hotting up. * The pace is hotting up.


Words: hot air
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (informal) claims, promises or statements that sound impressive but have no real meaning or truth:\nHe talks a lot of hot air.


Words: hot chocolate
Meaning:
(BrE also chocolate) noun\n[U, C] a drink made by mixing chocolate powder with hot water or milk; a cup of this drink:\nTwo coffees and a hot chocolate, please.


Words: hot cross bun
Meaning:
noun\na small sweet bread roll that contains CURRANTS and has a pattern of a cross on top, traditionally eaten in Britain around Easter


Words: hot dog
Meaning:
(BrE also hot dog) noun\n \n  1  a hot sausage served in a long bread roll\n \n  2  (AmE) a person who performs clever or dangerous tricks while skiing or SURFING:\nHe’s a real hot dog.


Words: hot flush
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE hot flash) noun\na sudden hot and uncomfortable feeling in the skin, especially experienced by women during the MENOPAUSE


Words: hot potato
Meaning:
noun\n[usually sing.] (informal) a problem, situation, etc. that is difficult and unpleasant to deal with:\nThe issue of taxing domestic fuel has become a political hot potato.


Words: hot spot
Meaning:
noun (informal)\n  1  a place where fighting is common, especially for political reasons:\nUN peacekeeping forces have helped ease tensions in world hot spots since 1948.\n  2  a place where there is a lot of activity or entertainment\n  3  (AmE) a place that is very hot and dry, where a fire has been burning or is likely to start:\nFire crews worked to douse hot spots left by two fires that consumed acres of forest.\n  4  (computing) an area on a computer screen that you can CLICK on to start an operation such as loading a file


Words: hot stuff
Meaning:
noun [U] (informal, especially BrE)\n  1  a person who is sexually attractive:\nShe’s pretty hot stuff.\n  2  a film/movie, book, etc. which is exciting in a sexual way:\nHis latest novel is hot stuff.\n  3  ~ (at sth) a person who is very skilful at sth:\nShe’s really hot stuff at tennis.\n  4  something that is likely to cause anger or disagreement:\nThese new proposals are proving to be hot stuff.


Words: hot-blooded
Meaning:
adjective\n(of a person) having strong emotions and easily becoming very excited or angry\nSYN PASSIONATE:\na hot-blooded lover\ncompare WARM-BLOODED


Words: hot-desking
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the practice in an office of giving desks to workers when they are required, rather than giving each worker their own desk


Words: hot-wire
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] (informal) to start the engine of a vehicle by using a piece of wire instead of a key:\nHe hot-wired a truck and drove it through a prison fence.


Words: hotbed
Meaning:
noun\n[usually sing.] ~ of sth a place where a lot of a particular activity, especially sth bad or violent, is happening:\nThe area was a hotbed of crime.


Words: hotchpotch
Meaning:
(especially BrE) (AmE usually hodgepodge ) noun [sing.] (informal) a number of things mixed together without any particular order or reason:\na hotchpotch of ideas


Words: hotel
Meaning:
noun\na building where people stay, usually for a short time, paying for their rooms and meals:\nWe stayed at / in a hotel. * hotel rooms / guests * a luxury / five-star hotel * a friendly, family-run hotel\n \n HELP NOTE  Some speakers do not pronounce the ’h’ at the beginning of hotel and use an instead of a before it. This now sounds old-fashioned.


Words: hotfoot
Meaning:
adverb, verb \n    adverb (written) moving quickly and in a hurry:\nHe had just arrived hotfoot from London.\n    verb\n IDIOMS \n  hotfoot it (informal) to walk or run somewhere quickly:\nOnce the police arrived, we hotfooted it out of there.


Words: hothead
Meaning:
noun\na person who often acts too quickly, without thinking of what might happen\n    hot-headed  adjective:\nThe riots were started by a few hot-headed youths.


Words: hothouse
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a heated building, usually made of glass, used for growing delicate plants in:\nhothouse flowers\n  2  a place or situation that encourages the rapid development of sb/sth, especially ideas and emotions:\nIn the hothouse atmosphere of college there are plenty of opportunities for falling in love.


Words: hotline
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a special telephone line that people can use in order to get information or to talk about sth:\na 24-hour confidential hotline * An emergency hotline has been set up for the relatives of those involved in the disaster.\n  2  a direct telephone line between the heads of government in different countries:\nthe hotline to the White House


Words: hotly
Meaning:
adverb\n  1  done in an angry or excited way or with a lot of strong feeling:\na hotly debated topic * Recent reports in the press have been hotly denied. * ’Nonsense!’ he said hotly. * The results were hotly disputed.\n  2  done with a lot of energy and determination\nSYN CLOSELY:\nhotly contested elections * She ran out of the shop, hotly pursued by the store detective.


Words: hotplate
Meaning:
noun\na flat, heated metal surface, for example on a cooker/stove, that is used for cooking food or for keeping it hot


Words: hotpot
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C, U] (BrE) a hot dish of meat, potato, onion, etc. cooked slowly in liquid in the oven\n  2  [C] (AmE) a small electric pot that you can use to heat water or food


Words: hotshot
Meaning:
noun\n(informal) a person who is extremely successful in their career or at a particular sport\n    hotshot adjective [only before noun]:\na hotshot lawyer


Words: hound
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun a dog that can run fast and has a good sense of smell, used for hunting:\nThe hounds picked up the scent of the fox.\nsee also AFGHAN HOUND, BLOODHOUND, FOXHOUND, GREYHOUND, WOLFHOUND\n    verb [VN] to keep following sb and not leave them alone, especially in order to get sth from them or ask them questions\nSYN HARASS:\nThey were hounded day and night by the press. * The travellers say the police are hounding them.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  hound sb out (of sth) | hound sb from sth [usually passive] to force sb to leave a job or a place, especially by making their life difficult and unpleasant:\nThey were hounded out of the country. * He claims he has been hounded from his job by jealous colleagues.


Words: hour
Meaning:
noun\n HELP NOTE  Use an, not a, before hour.\n  1  [C] (abbreviation hr) 60 minutes; one of the 24 parts that a day is divided into:\nIt will take about an hour to get there. * The interview lasted half an hour. * It was a three-hour exam. * I waited for an hour and then I left. * He’ll be back in an hour. * We’re paid by the hour. * The minimum wage was set at ｣3.20 an hour. * Top speed is 120 miles per hour. * York was within an hour’s drive. * Chicago is two hours away (= it takes two hours to get there). * We’re four hours ahead of New York (= referring to the time difference). * We hope to be there within the hour (= in less than an hour).\n  2  [C, usually sing.] a period of about an hour, used for a particular purpose:\nI use the Internet at work, during my lunch hour.\nsee also HAPPY HOUR, RUSH HOUR\n  3  (hours) [pl.] a fixed period of time during which people work, an office is open, etc:\nOpening hours are from 10 to 6 each day. * Most people in this kind of job tend to work long hours. * What are your office hours? * a hospital’s visiting hours * Britain’s licensing hours (= when pubs are allowed to open) used to be very restricted. * This is the only place to get a drink after hours (= after the normal closing time for pubs). * Clients can now contact us electronically out of hours (= when the office is closed).\n  4  [sing.] a particular point in time:\nYou can’t turn him away at this hour of the night.\n  5  (hours) [pl.] a long time:\nIt took hours getting there. * I’ve been waiting for hours. * ’How long did it last?’ ’Oh, hours and hours.’\n  6  [C, usually sing.] the time when sth important happens:\nThis was often thought of as the country’s finest hour. * She thought her last hour had come. * Don’t desert me in my hour of need.\n  7  (the hour) [sing.] the time when it is exactly 1 o’clock, 2 o’clock, etc:\nThere’s a bus every hour on the hour. * The clock in the living room struck the hour.\n  8  (hours) [pl.] used when giving the time according to the 24-hour clock, usually in military or other official language:\nThe first missile was launched at 2300 (= said 23 hundred) hours (= at 11 p.m.).\n IDIOMS \n  all hours any time, especially a time which is not usual or suitable:\nHe’s started staying out till all hours (= until very late at night). * She thinks she can call me at all hours of the day and night.\n  keep ...hours if you keep regular, strange, etc. hours, the times at which you do things (especially getting up or going to bed) are regular, strange, etc.\n  the small / early hours (also the wee small hours ScotE, AmE also the wee hours) the period of time very early in the morning, soon after midnight:\nWe worked well into the small hours. * The fighting began in the early hours of Saturday morning.\nmore at ELEVENTH, EVIL, KILL v., UNEARTHLY, UNGODLY


Words: hourglass
Meaning:
noun\na glass container holding sand that takes exactly an hour to pass through a small opening between the top and bottom sections\ncompare EGG TIMER


Words: hourly
Meaning:
adjective, adverb\n HELP NOTE  Use an, not a, before hourly.\n    adjective [only before noun]\n  1  done or happening every hour:\nan hourly bus service * Trains leave at hourly intervals.\n  2  an hourly wage, fee, rate, etc. is the amount that you earn every hour or pay for a service every hour:\nan hourly rate of $30 an hour\n    adverb every hour:\nReapply sunscreen hourly and after swimming. * Dressings are changed four hourly (= every four hours) to help prevent infection.


Words: house
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n )\n \n  building\n \n  1  [C] a building for people to live in, usually for one family:\nHe went into the house. * a two-bedroom house * Let’s have the party at my house. * House prices in London are still falling. * What time do you leave the house in the morning (= to go to work)? * We went on a tour of the house and grounds (for example, at a country house, open to the public).\nsee also PENTHOUSE, SAFE HOUSE, SHOW HOUSE\n \n  2  [sing.] all the people living in a house\nSYN HOUSEHOLD:\nBe quiet or you’ll wake the whole house!\n  3  [C] (in compounds) a building used for a particular purpose, for example for holding meetings in or keeping animals or goods in:\nan opera house * a hen house\nsee also DOGHOUSE, DOSSHOUSE, HALFWAY HOUSE, HOTHOUSE, LIGHTHOUSE, MADHOUSE, OUTHOUSE, STOREHOUSE, WAREHOUSE\n  4  (House) [sing.] (BrE) used in the names of office buildings:\nTheir offices are on the second floor of Chester House.\n  company / institution\n  5  [C] (in compounds) a company involved in a particular kind of business; an institution of a particular kind:\na fashion / banking / publishing house * a religious house (= a CONVENT or a MONASTERY)\nsee also CLEARING HOUSE, IN-HOUSE\n  restaurant\n  6  [C] (in compounds) a restaurant:\na steakhouse * a coffee house * a bottle of house wine (= the cheapest wine available in a particular restaurant, not usually listed by name)\nsee also FREE HOUSE, PUBLIC HOUSE, ROADHOUSE, TIED HOUSE\n  parliament\n  7  [C] (often House) a group of people who meet to discuss and make the laws of a country:\nLegislation requires approval by both houses of parliament.\nsee also LOWER HOUSE, UPPER HOUSE\n  8  (the House) [sing.] the House of Commons or the House of Lords in Britain; the House of Representatives in the US\n  in debate\n  9  (the house) [sing.] a group of people discussing sth in a formal debate:\nI urge the house to vote against the motion.\n  in theatre\n  10  [C] the part of a theatre where the audience sits; the audience at a particular performance:\nplaying to a full / packed / empty house (= to a large / small audience) * The spotlight faded and the house lights came up.\nsee also FRONT-OF-HOUSE, FULL HOUSE\n  in school\n  11  [C] an organized group of students of different ages who may live in the same building and who compete against other groups in sports competitions, etc.\n  family\n  12  [C] (usually the House of ...) an old and famous family:\nthe House of Windsor (= the British royal family)\n  music\n  13  [U] = HOUSE MUSIC\nsee also ACID HOUSE, ART-HOUSE, OPEN HOUSE, POWERHOUSE, TREASURE HOUSE\n HELP NOTE  There are many other compounds ending in house. You will find them at their place in the alphabet.\n IDIOMS \n  bring the house down to make everyone laugh or CHEER, especially at a performance in the theatre\n  get on like a house on fire (BrE) (AmE get along like a house on fire) (informal) (of people) to become friends quickly and have a very friendly relationship\n  go all round the houses (BrE, informal) to do sth or ask a question in a very complicated way instead of in a simple, direct way:\nYou did go all round the houses didn’t you? Why not get straight to the point?\n  in house if you work in house, you work in the offices of a company or an organization, not at home\n  keep house to cook, clean and do all the other jobs around the house:\nShe had given up her career to devote herself to the task of keeping house and raising a family.\n  on the house drinks or meals that are on the house are provided free by the pub/bar or restaurant and you do not have to pay:\nHave a drink on the house.\n  put / set your (own) house in order to organize your own business or improve your own behaviour before you try to criticize sb else\n  set up house to make a place your home:\nThey set up house together in a small flat in Brighton.\nmore at CLEAN v., EAT, PEOPLE n., SAFE adj.\n    verb  [VN]\n  provide home\n  1  to provide a place for sb to live:\nThe government is committed to housing the refugees.\n  keep sth\n  2  to be the place where sth is kept or where sth operates from:\nThe gallery houses 2 000 works of modern art. * The museum is housed in the Old Court House. * These offices also house a printing firm. * The books were housed in glass-fronted cases.


Words: house arrest
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the state of being a prisoner in your own house rather than in a prison:\nto be kept / held / placed under house arrest


Words: house husband
Meaning:
noun\na man who stays at home to cook, clean, take care of the children, etc. while his wife or partner goes out to work\ncompare HOUSEWIFE


Words: house music
Meaning:
(also house) noun\n[U] a type of popular dance music with a fast beat, played on electronic instruments


Words: house of cards
Meaning:
noun [sing.]\n  1  a plan, an organization, etc. that is so badly arranged that it could easily fail:\nThe enormous national debt amassed in the last eight years makes all this apparent prosperity nothing but a house of cards.\n  2  a structure built out of playing cards


Words: house officer
Meaning:
noun\n(in Britain) a doctor who has finished medical school and who is working at a hospital to get further practical experience\ncompare INTERN


Words: house party
Meaning:
noun\na party held at a large house in the country where guests stay for a few days; the guests at this party


Words: house-proud
Meaning:
adjective\nspending a lot of time making your house look clean and attractive, and thinking that this is important


Words: house-sit
Meaning:
verb\n[V] (-tt-) to live in sb’s house while they are away in order to take care of it for them:\nA friend of mine needs someone to house-sit and feed her cats.


Words: house-to-house
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] visiting every house in a particular area:\na house-to-house collection / search * The police are making house-to-house inquiries.


Words: house-trained
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE house-broken) adjective\n(of pet cats or dogs) trained to DEFECATE and URINATE outside the house or in a special box


Words: housebound
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  unable to leave your house because you cannot walk very far as a result of illness or old age\n  2  (the housebound) noun [pl.] people who are housebound


Words: housebreaking
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (especially BrE) the crime of entering a house illegally by using force, in order to steal things from it\nSYN BURGLARY\n    housebreaker  noun


Words: houseful
Meaning:
noun\n[sing.] a large number of people in a house:\nHe grew up in a houseful of women. * They had a houseful so we didn’t stay.


Words: household
Meaning:
noun\nall the people living together in a house:\nMost households now own at least one car. * low-income / one-parent households * the head of the household * the royal household\n    household adjective [only before noun]:\nhousehold bills / chores / goods (= connected with looking after a house and the people living in it)


Words: household name
Meaning:
(also less frequent household word) noun\na name that has become very well known:\nShe became a household name in the 1960s.


Words: housekeeper
Meaning:
noun\na person, usually a woman, whose job is to manage the shopping, cooking, cleaning, etc. in a house or institution


Words: housekeeping
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  the work involved in taking care of a house, especially shopping and managing money\n  2  (also housekeeping money especially in BrE) the money used to buy food, cleaning materials and other things needed for looking after a house\n  3  jobs that are done to enable an organization or computer system to work well:\nMost large companies now use computers for accounting and housekeeping operations.


Words: housemaid
Meaning:
noun\n(old-fashioned) a female servant in a large house who cleans the rooms, etc. and often lives there


Words: houseman
Meaning:
1  (old-fashioned, BrE) = HOUSE OFFICER\n  2  (AmE) a man employed to do general jobs in a house, hotel, etc.


Words: housemaster
Meaning:
noun\n(especially BrE) a teacher in charge of a group of children, (called a HOUSE), in a school, especially a private school


Words: houseroom
Meaning:
noun\n[U] space in a house for sb/sth\n IDIOMS \n  not give sth houseroom (BrE) to not like sth and not want it in your house


Words: housewife
Meaning:
noun\n(plural housewives ) a woman who stays at home to cook, clean, take care of the children, etc. while her husband or partner goes out to work\ncompare HOUSE HUSBAND\n    housewifely adverb:\nIt was a pleasure to see the housewifely way in which Mr Wilson set about everything.


Words: housework
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the work involved in taking care of a home and family, for example cleaning and cooking:\nto do the housework


Words: housing
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] houses, flats/apartments, etc. that people live in, especially when referring to their type, price or condition:\npublic / private housing * poor housing conditions * the housing shortage * the housing market (= the activity of buying and selling houses, etc.) * sub-standard / low-cost / cheap housing\n  2  [U] the job of providing houses, flats/apartments, etc. for people to live in:\na housing committee / department / officer * the council’s housing policy\n  3  [C] a hard cover that protects part of a machine:\na car’s rear axle housing


Words: housing association
Meaning:
noun\n(in Britain) an organization that owns houses, flats/apartments, etc. and helps people to rent or buy them at a low price


Words: housing benefit
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] (in Britain) money given by the government to people who do not earn much, to help them pay for a place to live in:\nto be eligible for housing benefit * to be on housing benefit * to claim / get housing benefit


Words: housing estate
Meaning:
(BrE) (also housing development AmE, BrE) noun\nan area in which a large number of houses or flats/apartments are planned and built together at the same time:\nThey live on a housing estate.


Words: housing project
Meaning:
(also project) (both AmE) noun\na group of houses or flats/apartments built for poor families, usually with government money


Words: hovel
Meaning:
noun\n(disapproving) a house or room that is not fit to live in because it is dirty or in very bad condition


Words: hover
Meaning:
prep. \n  1  (of birds, HELICOPTERS, etc.) to stay in the air in one place:\nA hawk hovered over the hill. * A full moon hovered in the sky.\n  2  (of a person) to wait somewhere, especially near sb, in a shy or uncertain manner:\nHe hovered nervously in the doorway. * He hovered over her, waiting for an answer.\n  3  [+adv./prep.] to stay close to sth, or to stay in an uncertain state:\nTemperatures hovered around freezing. * He hovered on the edge of consciousness. * A smile hovered on her lips. * She was hovering between life and death.


Words: hovercraft
Meaning:
noun\na vehicle that travels just above the surface of water or land, driven by engines that make a cushion of air for it to travel on\ncompare HYDROFOIL


Words: how
Meaning:
adverb\n  1  in what way or manner:\nHow does it work? * He did not know how he ought to behave. * I’ll show you how to load the software. * ’Her behaviour was very odd.’ ’How so?’ * It’s funny how (= that) people always remember him. * Do you remember how (= that) the kids always loved going there? * How ever did you get here so quickly?\ncompare HOWEVER\n  2  used to ask about sb’s health:\nHow are you? * How are you feeling now?\n  3  used to ask whether sth is successful or enjoyable:\nHow was your trip? * How did they play?\n  4  used before an adjective or adverb to ask about the amount, degree, etc. of sth, or about sb’s age:\nHow often do you go swimming? * I didn’t know how much to bring. * How much are those earrings (= What do they cost)? * How many people were there? * How old is she?\n  5  used to express surprise, pleasure, etc:\nHow kind of you to help! * How he wished he had been there!\n  6  in any way in which\nSYN HOWEVER:\nI’ll dress how I like in my own house!\n IDIOMS \n  how can / could you! (spoken) used to show that you strongly disapprove of sb’s behaviour or are very surprised by it:\nBen! How could you? After all they’ve done for us! * Ugh! How can you eat that stuff?\n  how come? (spoken) used to ask the reason for sth:\n’I think you owe me some money.’ ’How come?’\n  how do you do (becoming old-fashioned) used as a formal greeting when you meet sb for the first time. The usual reply is also How do you do?\n  how’s that? (spoken)\n1 used to ask the reason for sth:\n’I left work early today.’ ’How’s that (= Why)?’\n2 used when asking sb’s opinion of sth:\nI’ll tuck your sheets in for you. How’s that? Comfortable? * Two o’clock on the dot! How’s that for punctuality!


Words: however
Meaning:
adverb\n  1  used with an adjective or adverb to mean ’to whatever degree’:\nHe wanted to take no risks, however small. * She has the window open, however cold it is outside. * However carefully I explained, she still didn’t understand.\n HELP NOTE  When ever is used to emphasize how, meaning ’in what way or manner’, it is written as a separate word: How ever did you get here so quickly?\n  2  in whatever way:\nHowever you look at it, it’s going to cost a lot.\n  3  used to introduce a statement that contrasts with sth that has just been said:\nHe was feeling bad. He went to work, however, and tried to concentrate. * We thought the figures were correct. However, we have now discovered some errors. -> ALTHOUGH


Words: howl
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n  1  [V] (of a dog, WOLF, etc.) to make a long, loud cry:\nthe sound of wolves howling in the night\n  2  [V] to make a loud cry when you are in pain, angry, amused, etc:\nto howl in pain / despair / protest * We howled with laughter. * The baby was howling (= crying loudly) all the time I was there.\n  3  [V] (of the wind) to blow hard and make a long loud noise:\nThe wind was howling around the house.\n  4  to say sth loudly and angrily:\n[VN] The crowd howled its displeasure. [also V speech]\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  howl sb<->down to prevent a speaker from being heard by shouting angrily\nSYN SHOUT SB DOWN:\nThe government spokesman was howled down by the audience.\n    noun\n  1  a long loud sad cry made by a dog, WOLF, etc:\nthe mournful howl of a lone dog\n  2  a loud cry showing pain, anger, amusement, etc:\nto let out a howl of fright / frustration / anguish * The suggestion was greeted with howls of laughter. * The decision was met with howls of protest from the unions.\n  3  a long loud sound made when the wind is blowing strongly:\nThey listened to the howl of the wind through the trees.


Words: howler
Meaning:
noun\n(informal, especially BrE) a stupid mistake, especially in what sb says or writes:\nThe report is full of howlers.


Words: howling
Meaning:
adjective [only before noun]\n  1  (of a storm, etc.) very fierce, with strong winds:\na howling gale / storm / wind\n  2  (informal) very great or extreme:\na howling success * She flew into a howling rage.


Words: hr
Meaning:
(also hr. especially in AmE) abbreviation\n(plural hrs or hr) (in writing) hour:\nCover and chill for 1 hr.


Words: HRT
Meaning:
noun\n[U] medical treatment for women going through the MENOPAUSE in which HORMONES are added to the body (abbreviation for ’hormone replacement therapy’)


Words: hub
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  [usually sing.] ~ (of sth) the central and most important part of a particular place or activity:\nthe commercial hub of the city * The kitchen was the hub of family life. * to be at the hub of things (= where things happen and important decisions are made) * a hub airport (= a large important one where people often change from one plane to another)\n \n  2  the central part of a wheel


Words: hubbub
Meaning:
noun [sing., U]\n  1  the loud sound made by a lot of people talking at the same time:\nIt was difficult to hear what he was saying over the hubbub. * It was some time before the hubbub of laughter died down.\n  2  a situation in which there is a lot of noise, excitement and activity:\nthe hubbub of city life * He was left wondering what all the hubbub and expectancy had been about.


Words: hubris
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (literary) the fact of sb being too proud. In literature, a character with this pride ignores warnings and laws and this usually results in their DOWNFALL and death.


Words: huckster
Meaning:
noun (old-fashioned, AmE)\n  1  (disapproving) a person who uses aggressive or annoying methods to sell sth\n  2  a person who sells things in the street or by visiting people’s houses


Words: huddle
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb [V]   [usually +adv./prep.] ~ (up)\n  1  (of people or animals) to gather closely together, usually because of cold or fear:\nWe huddled together for warmth. * They all huddled around the fire. * People huddled up close to each other.\n  2  to hold your arms and legs close to your body, usually because you are cold or frightened:\nI huddled under a blanket on the floor.\n    huddled adjective:\nPeople were huddled together around the fire. * huddled figures in shop doorways * We found him huddled on the floor.\n    noun\n  1  a small group of people, objects or buildings that are close together, especially when they are not in any particular order:\nPeople stood around in huddles. * The track led them to a huddle of barns and outbuildings.\n  2  (in American football) a time when the players gather round to hear the plan for the next part of the game\n IDIOMS \n  get / go into a huddle (with sb) to move close to sb so that you can talk about sth without other people hearing


Words: hue
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (literary or technical) a colour; a particular shade of a colour:\nHis face took on an unhealthy whitish hue. * Her paintings capture the subtle hues of the countryside in autumn.\n  2  (formal) a type of belief or opinion:\nsupporters of every political hue\n IDIOMS \n  hue and cry strong public protest about sth:\nFurther cuts in welfare have raised a hue and cry among the American public.


Words: huff
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb to say sth or make a noise in a way that shows you are offended or annoyed:\n[V speech] ’Well, nobody asked you,’ she huffed irritably. [also V] \n IDIOMS \n  huff and puff (informal)\n1 to breathe in a noisy way because you are very tired:\nJack was huffing and puffing to keep up with her.\n2 to make it obvious that you are annoyed about sth without doing anything to change the situation:\nAfter much huffing and puffing, she finally agreed to help.\n    noun\n IDIOMS \n  in a huff (informal) in a bad mood, especially because sb has annoyed or upset you:\nShe went off in a huff.


Words: huffy
Meaning:
adjective\n(informal) in a bad mood, especially because sb has annoyed or upset you:\nShe gets all huffy if you mention his name.\n    huffily adverb


Words: hug
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb (-gg-)\n  1  to put your arms around sb and hold them tightly, especially to show that you like or love them\nSYN EMBRACE:\n[VN] They hugged each other. * She hugged him tightly. * He hugged Anna to him. * [V] They put their arms around each other and hugged.\n  2  [VN] to put your arms around sth and hold it close to your body:\nShe sat in the chair, hugging her knees. * He hugged the hot-water bottle to his chest.\n  3  [VN] (of a path, vehicle, etc.) to keep close to sth for a distance:\nThe track hugs the coast for a mile. * We crept along, hugging the perimeter fence.\n  4  [VN] to fit tightly around sth, especially a person’s body:\nfigure-hugging jeans\n    noun an act of putting your arms around sb and holding them tightly, especially to show that you like or love them:\nShe gave her mother a big hug. * He stopped to receive hugs and kisses from the fans.\nsee also BEAR HUG


Words: huge
Meaning:
adjective\nextremely large in size or amount; great in degree:\na huge crowd * He gazed up at her with huge brown eyes. * huge debts / losses / profits * huge amounts of data * The sums of money involved are potentially huge. * The party was a huge success. * This is going to be a huge problem for us.


Words: hugely
Meaning:
adverb (written)\n  1  extremely:\nhugely entertaining / important / popular / successful\n  2  very much:\nThey intended to invest hugely in new technology. * He turned around, grinning hugely.


Words: huh
Meaning:
exclamation\n  1  people use Huh? at the end of questions, suggestions, etc., especially when they want sb to agree with them:\nSo you won’t be coming tonight, huh? * Let’s get out of here, huh?\n  2  people say Huh! to show anger, surprise, disagreement, etc. or to show that they are not impressed by sth:\nHuh! Is that all you’ve done? * ’Try to understand.’ ’Huh! What is there to understand?’\n  3  people say Huh? to show that they have not heard what sb has just said:\n’Are you feeling OK?’ ’Huh?’


Words: hulk
Meaning:
noun\n  1  the main part of an old vehicle, especially a ship, that is no longer used:\nthe hulk of a wrecked ship\n  2  a very large person, especially one who is not very graceful:\na great hulk of a man\n  3  a very large object, especially one that causes you to feel nervous or afraid


Words: hulking
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] very large or heavy, often in a way that causes you to feel nervous or afraid:\na hulking figure crouching in the darkness * I don’t want that hulking great computer in my office.


Words: hull
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n the main, bottom part of a ship, that goes in the water:\na wooden / steel hull * They climbed onto the upturned hull and waited to be rescued.\n    verb [VN] to remove the outer covering of peas, beans, etc. or the ring of leaves attached to STRAWBERRIES:\nFirst wash and hull the strawberries.


Words: hullabaloo
Meaning:
noun\n[sing.] a lot of loud noise, especially made by people who are annoyed or excited about sth:\nThey looked outside to find out what all the hullabaloo was about. * The government can expect a real hullabaloo when these measures are announced.


Words: hum
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb (-mm-)\n  1  to sing a tune with your lips closed:\n[V] She was humming softly to herself. * He began to hum along with the music. * [VN] What’s that tune you’re humming?\n  2  [V] to make a low continuous sound:\nThe computers were humming away. * The overhead wires hummed with power.\n  3  [V] (informal) to be full of activity:\nThe streets were beginning to hum with life. * The whole room was humming now. * Things were beginning to hum.\n IDIOMS \n  hum and haw (BrE) (AmE hem and haw) (informal) to take a long time to make a decision or before you say sth:\nWe hummed and hawed for weeks before deciding to buy the house.\n    noun [sing.] ~ (of sth) a low continuous sound:\nthe hum of bees / traffic / voices * The room filled with the hum of conversation.


Words: human
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective\n\n \n  1  [only before noun] of or connected with people rather than animals, machines or gods:\nthe human body / brain * human anatomy / activity / behaviour / experience * a terrible loss of human life * Contact with other people is a basic human need. * This food is not fit for human consumption. * human geography (= the study of the way different people live around the world) * The hostages were used as a human shield (= a person or group of people that is forced to stay in a particular place where they would be hurt or killed if their country attacked it). * Firefighters formed a human chain (= a line of people) to carry the children to safety.\n \n  2  showing the weaknesses that are typical of people, which means that other people should not criticize the person too much:\nhuman weaknesses / failings * We must allow for human error. * It’s only human to want the best for your children.\n \n  3  having the same feelings and emotions as most ordinary people:\nHe’s really very human when you get to know him. * The public is always attracted to politicians who have the human touch (= the ability to make ordinary people feel relaxed when they meet them).\ncompare INHUMAN, NON-HUMAN\n IDIOMS  see MILK n.\n    noun (also human being) a person rather than an animal or a machine:\nDogs can hear much better than humans. * That is no way to treat another human being.


Words: human interest
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the part of a story in a newspaper, etc. that people find interesting because it describes the experiences, feelings, etc. of the people involved


Words: human nature
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the ways of behaving, thinking and feeling that are shared by most people and are considered to be normal:\nHer kindness has restored my faith in human nature (= the belief that people are good). * It’s only human nature to be worried about change.


Words: human resources
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [pl.] people’s skills and abilities, seen as sth a company, an organization, etc. can make use of\n  2  [U+sing./pl. v.] the department in a company that deals with employing and training people\nSYN PERSONNEL:\nthe human resources director


Words: human right
Meaning:
noun\n[usually pl.] one of the basic rights that everyone has to be treated fairly and not in a cruel way, especially by their government:\nThe country has a poor record on human rights. * to campaign for human rights * human rights abuses / violations


Words: humane
Meaning:
adjective\nshowing kindness towards people and animals by making sure that they do not suffer more than is necessary:\na caring and humane society * These regulations ensure the humane treatment of all refugees. * Campaigners claim that the animals are not being kept in humane conditions. * the humane killing of animals\nOPP INHUMANE\n    humanely adverb:\nto treat sb humanely * meat that has been humanely produced * The dog was humanely destroyed.


Words: humanism
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a system of thought that considers that solving human problems with the help of reason is more important than religious beliefs. It emphasizes the fact that the basic nature of human beings is good.\n    humanistic  adjective:\nhumanistic ideals


Words: humanitarian
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] concerned with reducing suffering and improving the conditions that people live in:\nto provide humanitarian aid to the war zone * humanitarian concerns / issues / needs * a humanitarian organization * They are calling for the release of the hostages on humanitarian grounds. * The expulsion of hundreds of thousands of people represents a humanitarian catastrophe of enormous proportions.\n    humanitarian noun\n    humanitarianism  noun [U]


Words: humanity
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] people in general:\ncrimes against humanity\n  2  [U] the state of being a person rather than a god, an animal or a machine:\nThe story was used to emphasize the humanity of Jesus. * united by a sense of common humanity\n  3  [U] the quality of being kind to people and animals by making sure that they do not suffer more than is necessary; the quality of being HUMANE:\nThe judge was praised for his courage and humanity.\nOPP INHUMANITY\n  4  (the) humanities [pl.] the subjects of study that are concerned with the way people think and behave, for example literature, language, history and philosophy\ncompare SCIENCE


Words: humanize
Meaning:
(BrE also humanise)  verb\n[VN] (written) to make sth more pleasant or suitable for people; to make sth more HUMANE:\nThese measures are intended to humanize the prison system.


Words: humanly
Meaning:
adverb\nwithin human ability; in a way that is typical of human behaviour, thoughts and feelings:\nThe doctors did all that was humanly possible. * He couldn’t humanly refuse to help her.


Words: humble
Meaning:
adjective, verb \n    adjective (humbler )\n  1  showing you do not think that you are as important as other people:\nBe humble enough to learn from your mistakes. * my humble tribute to this great man\nsee also HUMILITY\n  2  (ironic or humorous) used to suggest that you are not as important as other people, but in a way that is not sincere or not very serious:\nIn my humble opinion, you were in the wrong. * My humble apologies. I did not understand.\n  3  having a low rank or social position:\na man of humble birth / origins * a humble occupation * the daughter of a humble shopkeeper\n  4  (of a thing) not large or special in any way:\na humble farmhouse * The company has worked its way up from humble beginnings to become the market leader. * Most of us have never considered the humble potato as a precious gift from nature.\n    humbly  adverb:\nI would humbly suggest that there is something wrong here. * ’Sorry,’ she said humbly.\n IDIOMS  see EAT\n    verb [VN] \n  1  to make sb feel that they are not as good or important as they thought they were:\nHe was humbled by her generosity. * a humbling experience\n  2  [usually passive] to easily defeat an opponent, especially a strong or powerful one:\nThe world champion was humbled last night in three rounds.\n  3  ~ yourself to show that you are not too proud to ask for sth, admit that you have been wrong, etc.\nsee also HUMILITY


Words: humbug
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] (written) dishonest language or behaviour that is intended to deceive people:\npolitical humbug\n  2  [C] (old-fashioned) a person who is not sincere or honest\n  3  [C] (BrE) a hard sweet/candy made from boiled sugar, especially one that tastes of PEPPERMINT


Words: humdinger
Meaning:
noun\n[sing.] (informal) something that is very exciting or impressive:\nIt turned into a real humdinger of a game.


Words: humdrum
Meaning:
adjective\nboring and always the same:\na humdrum existence / job / life * the use of computers to perform humdrum tasks * the humdrum business of making money


Words: humerus
Meaning:
noun\n(plural humeri ) (anatomy) the large bone in the top part of the arm between the shoulder and the elbow


Words: humid
Meaning:
adjective\n(of the air or climate) warm and damp:\nThese ferns will grow best in a humid atmosphere. * The island is hot and humid in the summer. * They were not prepared for the humid heat of the tropical forest.


Words: humidity
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  the amount of water in the air:\nInstruments constantly monitor temperature and humidity. * high / low humidity * 70% humidity\n  2  conditions in which the air is very warm and damp:\nThese plants need heat and humidity to grow well. * The humidity was becoming unbearable.


Words: humiliate
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] to make sb feel ashamed or stupid and lose the respect of other people:\nI didn’t want to humiliate her in front of her colleagues. * I’ve never felt so humiliated. * How could I humiliate myself like that? * The party was humiliated in the recent elections.\n    humiliating adjective:\na humiliating defeat * It was the most humiliating night of his life.\n    humiliation  noun [U, C]:\nShe suffered the humiliation of being criticized in public. * The election result is a humiliation for our party.


Words: humility
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the quality of not thinking that you are better than other people; the quality of being humble:\nHer first defeat was an early lesson in humility. * an act of genuine humility


Words: hummingbird
Meaning:
noun\na small brightly coloured bird that lives in warm countries and that can stay in one place in the air by beating its wings very fast, making a continuous low sound (= a HUMMING sound)


Words: humorous
Meaning:
adjective\nfunny and entertaining; showing a sense of humour:\nHe gave a humorous account of their trip to Spain. * a humorous look at the world of fashion * She had not intended to be humorous. * He had a wide mouth and humorous grey eyes.\n    humorously adverb:\nThe poem humorously describes local characters and traditions.


Words: humour
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE humor)  noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  [U] the quality in sth that makes it funny or amusing; the ability to laugh at things that are amusing:\na story full of gentle humour * She ignored his feeble attempt at humour. * They failed to see the humour of the situation. * He has a good sense of humour. * I can’t stand people with no sense of humour. * Whatever you do, don’t lose your sense of humour. * She smiled with a rare flash of humour. * She has her very own brand of humour. * The film is only funny if you appreciate French humour (= things that cause French people to laugh).\n  2  [C, U] (formal) the state of your feelings or mind at a particular time:\nto be in the best / worst of humours * The meeting dissolved in ill humour. * to be out of humour (= in a bad mood)\nsee also GOOD HUMOUR, GOOD-HUMOURED, ILL-HUMOURED\n  3  [C] (old use) one of the four liquids that were thought in the past to be in a person’s body and to influence health and character\n    verb [VN] to agree with sb’s wishes, even if they seem unreasonable, in order to keep the person happy:\nShe thought it best to humour him rather than get into an argument.


Words: humourless
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE humorless)  adjective\nnot having or showing the ability to laugh at things that other people think are amusing:\na humourless person / smile


Words: hump
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  a large lump that sticks out above the surface of sth, especially the ground:\nthe dark hump of the mountain in the distance * (BrE) a road / speed / traffic hump (= a hump on a road that forces traffic to drive more slowly)\n  2  a large lump on the back of some animals, especially CAMELS\n  3  a large lump on the back of a person, caused by an unusual curve in the SPINE (= the row of bones in the middle of the back)\n IDIOMS \n  get / take the hump (BrE, informal) to become annoyed or upset about sth:\nFans get the hump when the team loses.\n  be over the hump to have done the most difficult part of sth\n    verb [VN] \n  1  (BrE) to carry sth heavy:\nI’ve been humping furniture around all day.\n  2  (!!!, slang) to have sex with sb


Words: humped
Meaning:
adjective\nhaving a HUMP or HUMPS; shaped like a HUMP:\na humped back * He was tall and broad with humped shoulders.


Words: humph
Meaning:
exclamation\nthe way of writing the sound  that people use to show they do not believe sth or do not approve of it


Words: Hun
Meaning:
noun\n(plural Huns or the Hun) (informal) an offensive word for a German person, used especially during the First and Second World Wars


Words: hunch
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb [+adv./prep.] to bend the top part of your body forward and raise your shoulders and back:\n[V] She leaned forward, hunching over the desk. * [VN] He hunched his shoulders and thrust his hands deep into his pockets.\n    hunched adjective:\na hunched figure * He sat hunched over his breakfast.\n    noun a feeling that sth is true even though you do not have any evidence to prove it:\nIt seemed that the doctor’s hunch had been right. * My hunch is that the burglars are still in the area. * I had a hunch (that) you’d be back. * to follow / back your hunches


Words: hundred
Meaning:
number (plural verb)\n  1  100\n HELP NOTE  You say a, one, two, several, etc. hundred without a final ’s’ on ’hundred’. Hundreds (of ...) can be used if there is no number or quantity before it. Always use a plural verb with hundred or hundreds.:\nOne hundred (of the children) have already been placed with foster families. * There were just a hundred of them there. * This vase is worth several hundred dollars. * She must be over a hundred (= a hundred years old). * Hundreds of thousands of people are at risk. * a hundred-year lease\n  2  a hundred or hundreds (of ...) (usually informal) a large amount:\nhundreds of miles away * for hundreds of years * If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a hundred times. * I have a hundred and one things to do. * (formal) Men died in their hundreds.\n  3  (the hundreds) [pl.] the numbers from 100 to 999:\nWe’re talking about a figure in the low hundreds.\n  4  (the ...hundreds) [pl.] (spoken) the years of a particular century:\nthe early nineteen hundreds (= written ’early 1900s’)\n  5  one, two, three, etc. ~ hours (spoken) used to express whole hours in the 24-hour system:\ntwelve hundred hours (= 12.00, midday)\n IDIOMS  see NINETY


Words: hundredth
Meaning:
ordinal number, noun \n    ordinal number 100th:\nher hundredth birthday\n    noun each of one hundred equal parts of sth:\na / one hundredth of a second


Words: hundredweight
Meaning:
noun\n(plural hundredweight) (abbreviation cwt.) a unit for measuring weight equal to 112 pounds in the UK and 100 pounds in the US. There are 20 hundredweight in a TON.


Words: hung
Meaning:
adjective [only before noun]\n  1  (of a parliament or council) (BrE) in which no political party has more elected members than all the other parties added together\n  2  (of a JURY) unable to agree about whether sb is guilty of a crime\nsee also HANG v.


Words: hung up
Meaning:
adjective\n[not before noun] ~ (on / about sth/sb) (informal, disapproving) very worried about sth/sb; thinking about sth/sb too much:\nYou’re not still hung up on that girl? * He’s too hung up about fitness.


Words: hung-over
Meaning:
adjective\n[not usually before noun] a person who is hung-over is feeling ill/sick because they drank too much alcohol the night before\nsee also HANGOVER


Words: hunger
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  [U] the state of not having enough food to eat, especially when this causes illness or death\nSYN STARVATION:\nAround fifty people die of hunger every day in the camp. * The organization works to alleviate world hunger and disease.\n  2  [U] the feeling caused by a need to eat:\nhunger pangs * I felt faint with hunger.\n  3  [sing.] ~ (for sth) (formal) a strong desire for sth:\na hunger for knowledge / information / success * Nothing seemed to satisfy their hunger for truth.\n    verb\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  hunger for / after sth/sb (literary) to have a strong desire or need for sth/sb:\nHe hungered for knowledge.


Words: hunger strike
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] the act of refusing to eat for a long period of time in order to protest about sth:\nto be / go on hunger strike\n    hunger striker noun


Words: hungry
Meaning:
adjective (hungrier, hungriest)\n  1  feeling that you want to eat sth:\nI’m really hungry. * She wasn’t feeling very hungry. * Is anyone getting hungry? * All this talk of food is making me hungry. * I have a hungry family to feed.\n  2  not having enough food to eat:\nThe charity is now targetting hungry people in Africa. * Thousands are going hungry because of the failure of this year’s harvest.\n  3  (the hungry) noun [pl.] people who do not have enough food to eat\n  4  [only before noun] causing you to feel that you want to eat sth:\nAll this gardening is hungry work.\n  5  ~ (for sth) having or showing a strong desire for sth:\nBoth parties are hungry for power. * power-hungry * The child is simply hungry for affection. * His eyes had a wild hungry look in them.\n    hungrily  adverb:\nThey gazed hungrily at the display of food. * He kissed her hungrily.


Words: hunk
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a large piece of sth, especially food, that has been cut or broken from a larger piece:\na hunk of bread / cheese / meat\n  2  (informal) a man who is big, strong and sexually attractive:\nHe’s a real hunk.


Words: hunker
Meaning:
verb\n\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  hunker down\n1 (especially AmE) to sit on your heels with your knees bent up in front of you\nSYN SQUAT:\nHe hunkered down beside her.\n2 to prepare yourself to stay somewhere, keep an opinion, etc. for a long time\n3 to refuse to change an opinion, way of behaving, etc.


Words: hunky
Meaning:
adjective\n(hunkier, hunkiest) (of a man) big, strong and sexually attractive:\nWho is that hunky guy?


Words: hunky-dory
Meaning:
adjective\n[not before noun] (informal) if you say that everything is hunky-dory, you mean that there are no problems and that everyone is happy


Words: hunt
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n  1  to chase wild animals or birds in order to catch or kill them for food, sport or to make money:\n[V] Lions sometimes hunt alone. * [VN] Whales are still being hunted and killed in the Arctic.\n  2  [V] ~ (for sth) to look for sth that is difficult to find\nSYN SEARCH:\nI’ve hunted everywhere but I can’t find it. * She is still hunting for a new job.\n  3  ~ (for) sb to look for sb in order to catch them or harm them:\n[VN] Police are hunting an escaped criminal. * [V] Detectives are hunting for thieves who broke into a warehouse yesterday.\n  4  [V, VN] (in Britain) to chase and kill FOXES as a sport, riding horses and using dogs\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  hunt sb<->down to search for sb until you catch or find them, especially in order to punish or harm them:\nThe President warned that terrorists would be hunted down.\n  hunt sth<->down / out to search for sth until you find it:\nWe hunted down their phone number and gave them a call. * I hunted out my old school photos to show Mary.\n    noun\n  1  [C, usually sing.] ~ (for sb/sth) an act of looking for sb/sth that is difficult to find:\nThe hunt is on for a suitable candidate. * Hundreds have joined a police hunt for the missing teenager. * a murder hunt (= to find the person who has killed sb)\nsee also TREASURE HUNT, WITCH-HUNT\n  2  [C] (often in compounds) an act of chasing wild animals to kill or capture them:\na tiger / seal hunt\n  3  [C] (in Britain) an event at which people ride horses and hunt FOXES as a sport:\nThere will be a hunt on Boxing Day. * a hunt meeting\n  4  [C+sing./pl. v.] (in Britain) a group of people who regularly hunt FOXES as a sport:\nThere are several different hunts in the area.


Words: hunter
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a person who hunts wild animals for food or sport; an animal that hunts its food:\nnocturnal hunters\n  2  (usually in compounds) a person who looks for and collects a particular kind of thing:\na bargain hunter\nsee also HEADHUNTER\n  3  (BrE) a fast strong horse used in hunting FOXES\n  4  (AmE) a dog used in hunting


Words: hunting
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  chasing and killing wild animals and birds as a sport or for food:\nto go hunting * Since 1977 otter hunting has been illegal. * In the tiger, evolution has produced a perfect hunting machine.\n  2  [U] (BrE) = FOX-HUNTING\n  3  job / house ~ the process of trying to get a job or find a house to buy or rent:\nHow’s the job hunting going?


Words: hunting ground
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a place where people with a particular interest can easily find what they want:\nCrowded markets are a happy hunting ground for pickpockets.\n  2  a place where wild animals are hunted


Words: hurdle
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  each of a series of upright frames that a person or horse jumps over in a race:\nHis horse fell at the final hurdle. * to clear a hurdle (= jump over it successfully)\n \n  2  (hurdles) [pl.] a race in which runners or horses have to jump over hurdles:\nthe 300 m hurdles\n \n  3  a problem or difficulty that must be solved or dealt with before you can achieve sth:\nThe next hurdle will be getting her parents’ agreement. * Well we’ve cleared the first hurdle; let’s see what happens next. * We worked hard for three months on the deal only to see it fall at the final hurdle.\n    verb\n  1  ~ (over) sth to jump over sth while you are running:\n[VN] He hurdled two barriers to avoid reporters. * [V] to hurdle over a fence\n  2  [V] to run in a hurdles race


Words: hurl
Meaning:
verb\n  1  [VN +adv./prep.] to throw sth/sb violently in a particular direction:\nHe hurled a brick through the window.\n  2  [VN] ~ abuse, accusations, insults, etc. (at sb) to shout insults, etc. at sb:\nRival fans hurled abuse at each other.


Words: hurly-burly
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a very noisy and busy activity or situation:\nHe enjoys the hurly-burly of political debate.


Words: hurricane
Meaning:
noun\na violent storm with very strong winds, especially in the western Atlantic Ocean:\nhurricane-force winds * Hurricane Betty is now approaching the coast of Florida.\ncompare CYCLONE, TYPHOON


Words: hurried
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] done too quickly because you do not have enough time:\nI ate a hurried breakfast and left. * She wrote a few hurried lines to him on the back of an envelope.\nOPP UNHURRIED\n    hurriedly adverb:\nI hurriedly got up and dressed. * The article was hurriedly withdrawn from the newspaper.


Words: hurry
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb (hurries, hurrying, hurried, hurried)\n  1  to do sth more quickly than usual because there is not much time\nSYN RUSH:\n[V] You’ll have to hurry if you want to catch that train. * The kids hurried to open their presents.\n HELP NOTE  In spoken English hurry can be used with and plus another verb, instead of with to and the infinitive, especially to tell somebody to do something quickly: Hurry and open your present-I want to see what it is!\n  2  [V +adv./prep.] to move quickly in a particular direction:\nHe picked up his bags and hurried across the courtyard. * She hurried away without saying goodbye. * She hurried after Gary to apologize to him.\n  3  [VN] ~ sb (into doing sth) to make sb do sth more quickly\nSYN RUSH:\nI don’t want to hurry you but we close in twenty minutes. * She was hurried into making an unwise choice.\n  4  [VN +adv./prep.] to deal with sth quickly\nSYN RUSH:\nHer application was hurried through.\n  5  [VN] [usually passive] to do sth too quickly\nSYN RUSH:\nA good meal should never be hurried.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  hurry on to continue speaking without giving anyone else time to say anything:\nShe hurried on before he could interrupt her.\n  hurry up (with sth) to do sth more quickly because there is not much time:\nI wish the bus would hurry up and come. * Hurry up! We’re going to be late. * Hurry up with the scissors. I need them.\n  hurry sb/sth<->up to make sb do sth more quickly; to make sth happen more quickly:\nCan you do anything to hurry my order up?\n    noun the need or wish to get sth done quickly:\nTake your time-there’s no hurry. * In my hurry to leave, I forgot my passport. * What’s the hurry? The train doesn’t leave for an hour.\n IDIOMS \n  in a hurry\n1 very quickly or more quickly than usual:\nHe had to leave in a hurry.\n2 not having enough time to do sth:\nSorry, I haven’t got time to do it now-I’m in a hurry. * Alice was in a tearing hurry as usual.\n  in a hurry to do sth impatient to do sth:\nMy daughter is in such a hurry to grow up. * Why are you in such a hurry to sell?\n  in no hurry (to do sth) | not in a / any hurry (to do sth)\n1 having plenty of time:\nI don’t mind waiting-I’m not in any particular hurry. * Serve this lady first-I’m in no hurry.\n2 not wanting or not willing to do sth:\nWe were in no hurry to get back to work after the holiday.\n  sb will not do sth again in a hurry (spoken) used to say that sb does not want to do sth again because it was not enjoyable:\nI won’t be going there again in a hurry-the food was terrible.


Words: hurt
Meaning:
verb, adjective, noun \n    verb (hurt, hurt)\n  1  to cause physical pain to sb/yourself; to injure sb/yourself:\n[VN] He hurt his back playing squash. * Did you hurt yourself? * Stop it. You’re hurting me. * My back is really hurting me today. * Strong light hurts my eyes. * [V] My shoes hurt-they’re too tight.\n  2  [V] to feel painful:\nMy feet hurt. * Ouch! That hurt! * It hurts when I bend my knee.\n  3  to make sb unhappy or upset:\n[V] What really hurt was that he never answered my letter. * [VN] I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to hurt you. * I didn’t want to hurt his feelings. * [VN to inf] It hurt me to think that he would lie to me. [also V to inf]\n  4  [V] (be hurting) (informal) to feel unhappy or upset:\nI know you’re hurting and I want to help you.\n  5  [VN] to have a bad effect on sb/sth:\nMany people on low incomes will be hurt by the government’s plans. * Hard work never hurt anyone.\n  6  [V] (be hurting) (for sth) (AmE) to be in a difficult situation because you need sth, especially money:\nHis campaign is already hurting for money.\n IDIOMS \n  it won’t / wouldn’t hurt (sb/sth) (to do sth) used to say that sb should do a particular thing:\nIt wouldn’t hurt you to help with the housework occasionally.\nmore at FLY n., HIT v.\n    adjective\n  1  injured physically:\nNone of the passengers were badly hurt.\nOPP UNHURT\n  2  upset and offended by sth that sb has said or done:\na hurt look / expression * She was deeply hurt that she had not been invited. * Martha’s hurt pride showed in her eyes.\n    noun [U, sing.] a feeling of unhappiness because sb has been unkind or unfair to you:\nThere was hurt and real anger in her voice. * It was a hurt that would take a long time to heal.


Words: hurtful
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (to sb) (of comments) unkind and making you feel upset and offended:\nI cannot forget the hurtful things he said. * The bad reviews of her new book were very hurtful to her.\n    hurtfully  adverb:\nHe said, rather hurtfully, that he had better things to do than come and see me.


Words: hurtle
Meaning:
verb\n[V +adv./prep.] to move or make sb/sth move very fast in a particular direction:\nA runaway car came hurtling towards us.


Words: husband
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun (also informal hubby) the man that a woman is married to; a married man:\nThis is my husband, Steve.\n IDIOMS \n  husband and wife a man and woman who are married to each other:\nThey lived together as husband and wife (= as if they were married) for years. * a husband-and-wife team\n    verb [VN] (formal) to use sth very carefully and make sure that you do not waste it:\nTimes are hard and we have to husband our resources. * She waited, husbanding her strength for her next visitors.


Words: husbandry
Meaning:
noun\n  1  farming, especially when done carefully and well:\nanimal / crop husbandry\n  2  (old-fashioned) the careful use of food, money and supplies


Words: hush
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n  1  [V] (used especially in orders) to be quiet; to stop talking or crying:\nHush now and try to sleep.\n  2  [VN] (written) to make sb/sth become quieter; to make sb stop talking, crying, etc.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  hush sth<->up to hide information about a situation because you do not want people to know about it:\nHe claimed that the whole affair had been hushed up by the council.\n    noun [sing., U] a period of silence, especially following a lot of noise, or when people are expecting sth to happen:\nThere was a deathly hush in the theatre. * A hush descended over the waiting crowd. * (BrE, spoken) Can we have a bit of hush? (= please be quiet)


Words: hush money
Meaning:
noun\n[U] money that is paid to sb to prevent them from giving other people information that could be embarrassing or damaging


Words: hushed
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of a place) quiet because nobody is talking; much quieter than usual:\nA hushed courtroom listened as the boy gave evidence.\n  2  [usually before noun] (of voices) speaking very quietly:\na hushed tone / voice / whisper * They were deep in hushed conversation.


Words: husk
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n the dry outer covering of nuts, fruits and seeds, especially of grain:\nBrown rice has not had the husks removed. * (figurative) There was only the husk left of his former self.\n    verb [VN] to remove the husks from grain, seeds, nuts, etc.


Words: husky
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective (huskier, huskiest) (of a person or their voice) sounding deep, quiet and rough, sometimes in an attractive way:\nShe spoke in a husky whisper.\n    huskily adverb:\n’You’re beautiful,’ he murmured huskily.\n    huskiness noun [U] \n    noun (AmE also huskie) (plural huskies) a large strong dog with thick hair, used for pulling SLEDGES across snow


Words: hussy
Meaning:
noun\n(plural hussies) (old-fashioned, disapproving) a girl or woman who behaves in a way that is considered shocking or morally wrong:\nYou shameless hussy!


Words: hustings
Meaning:
noun\n(the hustings) [pl.] (especially BrE) the political meetings, speeches, etc. that take place in the period before an election:\nMost politicians will be out on the hustings this week.


Words: hustle
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n  1  [VN +adv./prep.] to make sb move quickly by pushing them in a rough aggressive way:\nHe grabbed her arm and hustled her out of the room. * I was hustled into a waiting car.\n  2  [VN] ~ sb (into sth) to force sb to make a decision before they are ready or sure:\nAll the family felt that Stephen had been hustled into the engagement by Claire.\n  3  (informal, especially AmE) to sell or obtain sth, often illegally:\n[VN] to hustle dope * [V] They survive by hustling on the streets.\n  4  [V] (AmE, informal) to act in an aggressive way or with a lot of energy\n  5  [V] (AmE, slang) to work as a prostitute\n    noun [U] busy noisy activity of a lot of people in one place:\nWe escaped from the hustle and bustle of the city for the weekend.


Words: hustler
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (informal, especially AmE) a person who tries to trick sb into giving them money:\nJohnny was a small-time pool room hustler.\n  2  (AmE, slang) a prostitute


Words: hyacinth
Meaning:
noun\na plant with a mass of small blue, white or pink flowers with a sweet smell that grow closely together around a thick stem


Words: hybrid
Meaning:
noun\n  1  an animal or plant that has parents of different SPECIES or varieties:\nA mule is a hybrid of a male donkey and a female horse.\ncompare CROSS-BREED\n  2  ~ (between / of A and B) something that is the product of mixing two or more different things:\nThe music was a hybrid of western pop and traditional folk song.\n    hybrid adjective:\nhybrid flowers * a hybrid language / system


Words: hybridize
Meaning:
(BrE also hybridise)  verb\n[V, VN] (technical) if an animal or a plant hybridizes or is hybridized with an animal or a plant of another SPECIES, they join together to produce a hybrid\n    hybridization, hybridisation  noun [U]


Words: hydr
Meaning:
(o)-  combining form (in nouns, adjectives and adverbs)\n  1  connected with water:\nhydroelectricity\n  2  (chemistry) combined with HYDROGEN:\nhydrochloric acid


Words: hydrangea
Meaning:
noun\na bush with white, pink or blue flowers that grow closely together in the shape of a large ball


Words: hydrate
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] (technical) to make sth absorb water:\na lotion that protects and hydrates your skin\n    hydration  noun [U] \ncompare DEHYDRATE


Words: hydraulic
Meaning:
adjective [usually before noun]\n  1  (of water, oil, etc.) moved through pipes, etc. under pressure:\nhydraulic fluid\n  2  (of a mechanism) operated by liquid moving under pressure:\nhydraulic brakes\n  3  connected with hydraulic systems:\nhydraulic engineering\n    hydraulically  adverb:\nhydraulically operated doors


Words: hydraulics
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [pl.] machinery that works by the use of liquid moving under pressure\n  2  [U] the science of the use of liquids moving under pressure


Words: hydrocarbon
Meaning:
noun\n(chemistry) a compound of HYDROGEN and CARBON. There are many different hydrocarbons found in petrol/gas, coal and natural gas:\na cut in hydrocarbon emissions from motor vehicles


Words: hydroelectric
Meaning:
adjective\nusing the power of water to produce electricity; produced by the power of water:\na hydroelectric plant / dam / turbine * hydroelectric power\n    hydroelectricity  noun [U]


Words: hydrofoil
Meaning:
noun\na boat which rises above the surface of the water when it is travelling fast\ncompare HOVERCRAFT


Words: hydrogen
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (Symbol H) a chemical element. Hydrogen is a colourless gas that is the lightest of all the elements. It combines with OXYGEN to form water.


Words: hydroplane
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  a light boat with an engine and a flat bottom, designed to travel fast over the surface of water\n  2  (AmE) = SEAPLANE\n    verb [V] (AmE) = AQUAPLANE


Words: hyena
Meaning:
(also hyaena)  noun\na wild animal like a dog, that eats the meat of animals that are already dead and has a cry like a human laugh. Hyenas live in Africa and Asia.


Words: hygiene
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the practice of keeping yourself and your living and working areas clean in order to prevent illness and disease:\nfood hygiene * personal hygiene * In the interests of hygiene, please wash your hands.


Words: hygienic
Meaning:
adjective\nclean and free of bacteria and therefore unlikely to spread disease:\nFood must be prepared in hygienic conditions. * The kitchen didn’t look very hygienic.\n    hygienically  adverb:\nMedical supplies are disposed of hygienically.


Words: hygienist
Meaning:
(also dental hygienist especially in AmE) noun\na person who works with a dentist and whose job is to clean people’s teeth and give them advice about keeping them clean


Words: hymen
Meaning:
noun\n(anatomy) a piece of skin that partly covers the opening of the VAGINA in women who have never had sex


Words: hymn
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a song of praise, especially one praising God and sung by Christians\n  2  [usually sing.] if a film/movie, book, etc. is a hymn to sth, it praises it very strongly


Words: hype
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun [U] (informal, disapproving) advertisements and discussion on television, radio, etc. telling the public about a product and about how good or important it is:\nmarketing / media hype * Don’t believe all the hype-the book isn’t that good.\n    verb [VN] ~ sth (up) (informal, disapproving) to advertise sth a lot and exaggerate its good qualities, in order to get a lot of public attention for it:\nThis week his much hyped new movie opens in London. * The meeting was hyped up in the media as an important event.


Words: hyped up
Meaning:
adjective\n(informal) (of a person) very worried or excited about sth that is going to happen:\nShe gets really hyped up about job interviews.


Words: hyper-
Meaning:
prefix\n(in adjectives and nouns) more than normal; too much:\nhypercritical * hypertension\ncompare HYPO-


Words: hyperactive
Meaning:
adjective\n(especially of children and their behaviour) too active and only able to keep quiet and still for short periods\n    hyperactivity  noun [U]


Words: hyperbole
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C, usually sing.] a way of speaking or writing that makes sth sound better, more exciting, dangerous, etc. than it really is\nSYN EXAGGERATION:\nThe film is being promoted with all the usual hyperbole. * He’s not usually given to hyperbole.


Words: hyperglycaemia
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE hyperglycemia)  noun\n[U] (medical) the condition of having too high a level of blood sugar


Words: hyperlink
Meaning:
noun\na place in an electronic document on a computer that is linked to another electronic document:\nClick on the hyperlink.


Words: hypersensitive
Meaning:
adjective ~ (to sth)\n  1  very easily offended:\nHe’s hypersensitive to any kind of criticism.\n  2  extremely physically sensitive to particular substances, medicines, light, etc:\nHer skin is hypersensitive.\n    hypersensitivity  noun [U]


Words: hypertext
Meaning:
noun\n[U] text stored in a computer system that contains links that allow the user to move from one piece of text or document to another:\na hypertext link on the Internet


Words: hyperventilate
Meaning:
verb\n[V] (technical) to breathe too quickly because you are very frightened or excited\n    hyperventilation  noun [U]:\nThe symptoms of hyperventilation can mimic all the symptoms of anxiety and chronic stress.


Words: hyphen
Meaning:
noun\nthe mark ( - ) used to join two words together to make a new one, as in back-up, or to show that a word has been divided between the end of one line and the beginning of the next:\nIs there a hyphen in post-mortem?\ncompare DASH


Words: hyphenate
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] to join two words together using a hyphen; to divide a word between two lines of text using a hyphen:\nIs your name hyphenated?\n    hyphenation  noun [U]:\nhyphenation rules


Words: hypnosis
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  an unconscious state in which sb can still see and hear and can be influenced to follow commands or answer questions:\nShe only remembered details of the accident under hypnosis.\n  2  = HYPNOTISM:\nHe uses hypnosis as part of the treatment. * Hypnosis helped me give up smoking.


Words: hypnotherapy
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a kind of treatment that uses HYPNOSIS to help with physical or emotional problems:\nHypnotherapy can be beneficial for those who wish to give up smoking or to lose weight.


Words: hypnotic
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective\n  1  making you feel as if you are going to fall asleep, especially because of a regular, repeated noise or movement:\nhypnotic music * His voice had an almost hypnotic effect.\n  2  [only before noun] connected with or produced by hypnosis:\na hypnotic trance / state\n  3  (of a drug) making you sleep\n    noun (technical) a drug that makes you sleep; a SLEEPING PILL


Words: hypnotism
Meaning:
(also hypnosis) noun\n[U] the practice of HYPNOTIZING a person (= putting them into an unconscious state)


Words: hypnotist
Meaning:
noun\na person who HYPNOTIZES people:\nShe went to a hypnotist hoping he could help her to give up smoking. * a stage hypnotist (= sb who hypnotizes people to entertain an audience)


Words: hypnotize
Meaning:
(BrE also hypnotise)  verb [VN] \n  1  to produce a state of HYPNOSIS in sb\n  2  [usually passive] (written) to interest sb so much that they can think of nothing else\nSYN MESMERIZE:\nHe was hypnotized by her beauty. * She gazed down into the ocean, hypnotized by the swirling tide.


Words: hypo-
Meaning:
(also hyp-) prefix\n(in adjectives and nouns) under; below normal:\nhypodermic * hypothermia\ncompare HYPER-


Words: hypochondria
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a state in which sb worries all the time about their health and believes that they are ill when there is nothing wrong with them


Words: hypochondriac
Meaning:
noun\na person who suffers from hypochondria:\nDon’t be such a hypochondriac!-there’s nothing wrong with you.\n    hypochondriac (also hypochondriacal ) adjective


Words: hypocrisy
Meaning:
noun\n(plural hypocrisies) [U, C] (disapproving) behaviour in which sb pretends to have moral standards or opinions that they do not actually have:\nHe condemned the hypocrisy of those politicians who do one thing and say another. * It’s hypocrisy for them to pretend that they were shocked at the news.


Words: hypocrite
Meaning:
noun\n(disapproving) a person who pretends to have moral standards or opinions that they do not actually have:\nCharles was a liar and a hypocrite who married her for money.\n    hypocritical  adjective:\nIt would be hypocritical of me to have a church wedding when I don’t believe in God.\n    hypocritically  adverb


Words: hypodermic
Meaning:
(also hypodermic needle, hypodermic syringe) noun\na medical instrument with a long thin needle that is used to give sb an INJECTION under their skin = SYRINGE\n    hypodermic adjective:\na hypodermic injection (= one under the skin)


Words: hypoglycaemia
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE hypoglycemia)  noun\n[U] (medical) the condition of having too low a level of blood sugar


Words: hypothermia
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a medical condition in which the body temperature is much lower than normal:\nElderly people may die of hypothermia if they cannot afford to heat their homes.


Words: hypothesis
Meaning:
1  [C] an idea or explanation of sth that is based on a few known facts but that has not yet been proved to be true or correct:\nto formulate / confirm a hypothesis * a hypothesis about the function of dreams * There is little evidence to support these hypotheses.\n  2  [U] guesses and ideas that are not based on certain knowledge\nSYN SPECULATION:\nIt would be pointless to engage in hypothesis before we have the facts.


Words: hypothesize
Meaning:
(BrE also hypothesise)  verb\n[VN, V that, V] (formal) to suggest a way of explaining sth when you do not definitely know about it; to form a hypothesis


Words: hypothetical
Meaning:
adjective\nbased on situations or ideas which are possible and imagined rather than real and true:\na hypothetical question / situation / example * Let us take the hypothetical case of Sheila, a mother of two ... * I wasn’t asking about anybody in particular-it was a purely hypothetical question.\n    hypothetically  adverb


Words: hysterectomy
Meaning:
noun\n(plural hysterectomies) [C, U] a medical operation to remove a woman’s WOMB:\nShe had to have a hysterectomy.


Words: hysteria
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  a state of extreme excitement, fear or anger in which a person, or a group of people, loses control of their emotions and starts to cry, laugh, etc:\nThere was mass hysteria when the band came on stage. * A note of hysteria crept into her voice.\n  2  (disapproving) an extremely excited and exaggerated way of behaving or reacting to an event:\nthe usual media hysteria that surrounds royal visits * public hysteria about Aids\n  3  (medical) a condition in which sb experiences violent or extreme emotions that they cannot control, especially as a result of shock


Words: hysterical
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  in a state of extreme excitement, and crying, laughing, etc. in an uncontrolled way:\nhysterical screams / laughter * a hysterical giggle * He became almost hysterical when I told him. * Let’s not get hysterical. * (disapproving) He thought I was being a hysterical female.\n  2  (informal) extremely funny:\nShe seemed to find my situation absolutely hysterical. * This book is hysterical.\n HELP NOTE  Some people use an instead of a before this word, and then usually do not pronounce the ’h’. This now sounds old-fashioned.\n    hysterically  adverb:\nto laugh / cry / scream / sob hysterically * hysterically funny


Words: hysterics
Meaning:
noun [pl.]\n  1  an expression of extreme fear, excitement or anger that makes sb lose control of their emotions and cry, laugh, etc:\nHe went into hysterics when he heard the news.\n  2  (informal) wild laughter:\nShe had the audience in hysterics. * The whole class dissolved into hysterics when they saw him.\n IDIOMS \n  have hysterics (spoken) to be extremely upset and angry:\nMy mum’ll have hysterics when she sees the colour of my hair.


Words: I
Meaning:
noun, pronoun, symbol, abbreviation \n    noun (also i) [C, U] (plural I’s, i’s ) the 9th letter of the English alphabet:\n’Island’ begins with (an) I / ’I’.\n IDIOMS  see DOT v.\n    pronoun used as the subject of a verb when the speaker or writer is referring to himself/herself:\nI think I’d better go now. * He and I are old friends. * When they asked me if I wanted the job, I said yes. * I’m not going to fall, am I? * I’m taller than her, aren’t I?\nsee also ME\n    symbol (also i) the number 1 in ROMAN NUMERALS\n    abbreviation (also I.) (especially on maps) Island(s); ISLE(S)


Words: i.e.
Meaning:
abbreviation\nused to explain exactly what the previous thing that you have mentioned means (from Latin ’id est’):\nthe basic essentials of life, i.e. housing, food and water


Words: iambic
Meaning:
adjective\n(technical) (of rhythm in poetry) in which one short or weak syllable is followed by one long or strong syllable:\na poem written in iambic pentameters (= in lines of ten syllables, five short and five long)


Words: ibid.
Meaning:
also ib.) abbreviation\nin the same book or piece of writing as the one that has just been mentioned (from Latin ’ibidem’)


Words: ibis
Meaning:
noun\n(plural ibises) a bird with a long neck, long legs and a long beak that curves downwards, that lives near water


Words: ice
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  [U] water that has frozen and become solid:\nThere was ice on the windows. * The lake was covered with a sheet of ice. * My hands are as cold as ice.\nsee also ICY, BLACK ICE, DRY ICE\n \n  2  [sing.] (usually the ice) a frozen surface that people SKATE on:\nThe dancers came out onto the ice. * Both teams are on the ice, waiting for the whistle.\n \n  3  [U] a piece of ice used to keep food and drinks cold:\nI’ll have lemonade please-no ice.\n  4  [C] (old-fashioned, especially BrE) an ice cream:\nDrinks, ices and popcorn are all on sale in the foyer.\nsee also CHOC ICE\n  5  [U] (AmE) a type of sweet food that consists of ice that has been crushed and flavoured\n IDIOMS \n  break the ice to say or do sth that makes people feel more relaxed, especially at the beginning of a meeting, party, etc.\nsee also ICE-BREAKER (2):\nJim organized a few party games to break the ice when people first arrived.\n  cut no ice (with sb) to have no influence or effect on sb:\nHis excuses cut no ice with me.\n  on ice\n1 (of wine, etc.) kept cold by being surrounded by ice:\nAll the food is laid out and the champagne is on ice.\n2 (of a plan, etc.) not being dealt with now; waiting to be dealt with at a later time:\nWe’ve had to put our plans on ice for the time being.\n3 (of entertainment, etc.) performed by SKATERS on an ICE RINK:\nCinderella on ice\nmore at THIN adj.\n    verb [VN] to cover a cake with ICING\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  ice over / up | ice sth<->over / up to cover sth with ice; to become covered with ice:\nIt was a memorable flight because the wings iced up. * Parts of the river were iced over during the cold spell.


Words: ice age
Meaning:
(often the Ice Age) noun\none of the long periods of time, thousands of years ago, when much of the earth’s surface was covered in ice


Words: ice cap
Meaning:
noun\na layer of ice permanently covering parts of the earth, especially around the North and South Poles


Words: ice cream
Meaning:
(also ice cream especially in AmE) noun\n[U, C] a type of sweet frozen food made from milk fat, flavoured with fruit, chocolate, etc. and often eaten as a DESSERT; a small amount of this food intended for one person, often served in a container made of biscuit that is shaped like a CONE:\nDesserts are served with cream or ice cream. * Who wants an ice cream?


Words: ice hockey
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE hockey) noun\n[U] a game played on ice, in which players use long sticks to hit a hard rubber disc (= called a PUCK) into the other team’s goal


Words: ice lolly
Meaning:
(also informal lolly) (both BrE) (AmE Popsicle) noun\na piece of ice flavoured with fruit, served on a stick


Words: ice pack
Meaning:
noun\na plastic container filled with ice that is used to cool parts of the body that are injured, etc.


Words: ice rink
Meaning:
(also skating rink, rink) noun\na specially prepared flat surface of ice, where you can ice-skate; a building where there is an ice rink


Words: ice-breaker
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a strong ship designed to break a way through ice, for example in the Arctic or Antarctic\n  2  a thing that you do or say, like a game or a joke, to make people feel less nervous when they first meet


Words: ice-cold
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  as cold as ice; very cold:\nice-cold beer * My hands were ice-cold.\n  2  not having or showing any emotion:\nHis eyes had grown ice-cold. * She fixed me with her ice-cold stare.


Words: iceberg
Meaning:
noun\nan extremely large mass of ice floating in the sea:\nThe ship struck a hidden iceberg.\n \n IDIOMS  see TIP n.


Words: iced
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of drinks) made very cold; containing ice:\niced coffee / tea * iced cucumber soup\n  2  (of a cake, etc.) covered with ICING:\nan iced cake


Words: icicle
Meaning:
noun\na pointed piece of ice that is formed when water freezes as it falls down from sth such as a roof


Words: icing
Meaning:
(especially BrE) (AmE usually frosting) noun [U] a sweet mixture of sugar and water, milk, butter or egg white that is used to cover and decorate cakes\n IDIOMS \n  the icing on the cake something extra and not essential that is added to an already good situation or experience and that makes it even better:\nIt’s an added bonus-the icing on the cake.


Words: icing sugar
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE confectioners’ sugar, powdered sugar) noun\n[U] fine white powder made from sugar, that is mixed with water to make icing


Words: icon
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (computing) a small symbol on a computer screen that represents a program or a file:\nClick on the printer icon with the mouse.\n  2  a famous person or thing that people admire and see as a symbol of a particular idea, way of life, etc:\nMadonna and other pop icons of the 1980s * a feminist / gay icon (= sb that feminists, gay people admire)\n  3  (also ikon) (in the Orthodox Church) a painting or statue of a holy person that is also thought of as a holy object


Words: iconoclastic
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) criticizing popular beliefs or established customs and ideas\n    iconoclasm  noun [U]:\nthe iconoclasm of the early Christians


Words: icy
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  very cold:\nicy winds / water * My feet were icy cold. * The door opened and an icy blast of wind swept through the room.\n  2  covered with ice:\nicy roads * There will be overnight frost, with the risk of icy patches forming on the roads.\n  3  (of a person’s voice, manner, etc.) not friendly or kind; showing feelings of dislike or anger:\nMy eyes met his icy gaze.\nsee also ICILY\n    iciness noun [U]:\nErika had the same iciness as her mother.


Words: ID
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  [U, C] an official way of showing who you are, for example a document with your name, date of birth and often a photograph on it (abbreviation for ’identity’ or ’identification’):\nYou must carry ID at all times. * The police checked IDs at the gate. * an ID card\n  2  [C] IDENTIFICATION:\nThe police need a witness to make a positive ID.\n    verb (ID’s, ID’ing, ID’d, ID’d) [VN] (informal) = IDENTIFY


Words: id
Meaning:
noun\n(psychology) the part of the unconscious mind where many of a person’s basic needs, feelings and desires are supposed to exist\ncompare EGO, SUPEREGO


Words: idea
Meaning:
noun\n  plan / thought\n  1  [C] ~ (for sth) | ~ (of sth) | ~ (of doing sth) a plan, thought or suggestion, especially about what to do in a particular situation:\nIt would be a good idea to call before we leave. * I like the idea of living on a boat. * He already had an idea for his next novel. * Her family expected her to go to college, but she had other ideas. * The surprise party was Jane’s idea. * I’ve had a brilliant idea! * (spoken) It might be an idea (= it would be sensible) to try again later. * We’ve been toying with the idea of (= thinking about) getting a dog. * It seemed like a good idea at the time, and then it all went horribly wrong. * We’re having a meeting to try to come up with ideas for fund-raising. * The latest big idea is to make women more interested in sport.\n  impression\n  2  [U, sing.] ~ (of sth) a picture or an impression in your mind of what sb/sth is like:\nThe brochure should give you a good idea of the hotel. * I had some idea of what the job would be like. * She doesn’t seem to have any idea of what I’m talking about. * I don’t want anyone getting the wrong idea (= getting the wrong impression about sth). * An evening at home watching TV is not my idea of a good time. * If this is your idea of a joke, then I don’t find it very funny.\n  opinion\n  3  [C] ~ (about sth) an opinion or a belief about sth:\nHe has some very strange ideas about education.\n  feeling\n  4  [sing.] ~ (that ...) a feeling that sth is possible:\nWhat gave you the idea that he’d be here? * I have a pretty good idea where I left it-I hope I’m right.\n  aim\n  5  (the idea) [sing.] ~ of sth / of doing sth the aim or purpose of sth:\nYou’ll soon get the idea (= understand). * What’s the idea of the game? * The whole idea of going was so that we could meet her new boyfriend. * What’s the idea of all this?\n IDIOMS \n  give sb ideas | put ideas into sb’s head to give sb hopes about sth that may not be possible or likely; to make sb act or think in an unreasonable way:\nWho’s been putting ideas into his head?\n  have no idea | not have the faintest, first, etc. idea (spoken) used to emphasize that you do not know sth:\n’What’s she talking about?’ ’I’ve no idea.’ * He hasn’t the faintest idea how to manage people. * I had no idea she’d had such a difficult life. * I don’t have any idea where he is.\n  have the right idea to have found a very good or successful way of living, doing sth, etc:\nHe’s certainly got the right idea-retiring at 55.\n  That’s an idea! (spoken) used to reply in a positive way to a suggestion that sb has made:\nHey, that’s an idea! And we could get a band, as well.\n  That’s the idea! (spoken) used to encourage people and to tell them that they are doing sth right:\nThat’s the idea! You’re doing fine.\n  You have no idea ... (spoken) used to show that sth is hard for sb else to imagine:\nYou’ve no idea how much traffic there was tonight.\nmore at BUCK v.


Words: ideal
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective\n  1  ~ (for sth) perfect; most suitable:\nThis beach is ideal for children. * She’s the ideal candidate for the job. * The trip to Paris will be an ideal opportunity to practise my French. * It was not the ideal solution to the problem.\n  2  [only before noun] existing only in your imagination or as an idea; not likely to be real:\nthe search for ideal love * In an ideal world there would be no poverty and disease.\n    ideally  adverb:\nShe’s ideally suited for this job. * Ideally, I’d like to live in New York, but that’s not possible.\n    noun\n  1  [C] an idea or standard that seems perfect, and worth trying to achieve or obtain:\npolitical ideals * She found it hard to live up to his high ideals.\n  2  [C, usually sing.] ~ (of sth) a person or thing that you think is perfect:\nIt’s my ideal of what a family home should be.


Words: idealism
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  the belief that a perfect life, situation, etc. can be achieved, even when this is not very likely:\nHe was full of youthful idealism. * Idealism has no place in modern politics.\n  2  (philosophy) the belief that our ideas are the only things that are real and that we can know about\ncompare MATERIALISM, REALISM\n    idealist noun:\nHe’s too much of an idealist for this government.


Words: idealistic
Meaning:
adjective\nhaving a strong belief in perfect standards and trying to achieve them, even when this is not realistic:\nShe’s still young and idealistic.\n    idealistically  adverb


Words: idealize
Meaning:
(BrE also idealise)  verb\n[VN] to consider or represent sb/sth as being perfect or better than they really are:\nIt is tempting to idealize the past. * an idealized view of married life\n    idealization, idealisation  noun [U, C]:\nthe idealization of the family / a past golden age


Words: idem
Meaning:
adverb\n(from Latin, written) from the same book, article, author, etc. as the one that has just been mentioned


Words: identical
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  ~ (to / with sb/sth) similar in every detail:\na row of identical houses * Her dress is almost identical to mine. * The number on the card should be identical with the one on the cheque book. * The two pictures are similar, although not identical.\n  2  (the identical) [only before noun] the same:\nThis is the identical room we stayed in last year.\n    identically  adverb:\nThe children were dressed identically.


Words: identical twin
Meaning:
noun\none of two children or animals who are born at the same time and who have developed from a single egg. Identical twins are of the same sex and look very similar.\ncompare FRATERNAL TWIN


Words: identifiable
Meaning:
adjective\nthat can be recognized:\nidentifiable groups / characteristics * The house is easily identifiable by the large tree outside.\nOPP UNIDENTIFIABLE


Words: identification
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U, C] (abbreviation ID) the process of showing, proving or recognizing who or what sb/sth is:\nThe identification of the crash victims was a long and difficult task. * Each product has a number for easy identification. * an identification number * Accurate identification of these birds is difficult. * Only one witness could make a positive identification.\n  2  [U] the process of recognizing that sth exists, or is important:\nThe early identification of children with special educational needs is very important.\n  3  (abbreviation ID) [U] official papers or a document that can prove who you are:\nCan I see some identification, please?\n  4  [U, C] ~ (with sb/sth) a strong feeling of sympathy, understanding or support for sb/sth:\nher emotional identification with the play’s heroine * their increasing identification with the struggle for independence\n  5  [U, C] ~ (of sb) (with sb/sth) the process of making a close connection between one person or thing and another:\nthe voters’ identification of the Democrats with high taxes


Words: identification parade
Meaning:
noun\n(also informal identity parade) (both BrE) (also line-up AmE, BrE) a row of people, including one person who is suspected of a crime, who are shown to a WITNESS to see if he or she can recognize the criminal


Words: identify
Meaning:
verb (identifies, identifying, identified, identified)\n  1  (also informal ID) [VN] ~ sb/sth (as sb/sth) to recognize sb/sth and be able to say who or what they are:\nThe bodies were identified as those of two suspected drug dealers. * She was able to identify her attacker. * Passengers were asked to identify their own suitcases before they were put on the plane. * Many of those arrested refused to identify themselves (= would not say who they were). * First of all we must identify the problem areas.\n  2  to find or discover sb/sth:\n[VN] Scientists have identified a link between diet and cancer. * As yet they have not identified a buyer for the company. * [V wh-] They are trying to identify what is wrong with the present system.\n  3  [VN] ~ sb/sth (as sb/sth) to make it possible to recognize who or what sb/sth is:\nIn many cases, the clothes people wear identify them as belonging to a particular social class.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  identify with sb to feel that you can understand and share the feelings of sb else:\nI didn’t enjoy the book because I couldn’t identify with any of the main characters.\n  identify sb with sth to consider sb to be sth:\nHe was not the ’tough guy’ the public identified him with.\n  identify sth with sth to consider sth to be the same as sth else\nSYN EQUATE:\nYou should not identify wealth with happiness.\n  be identified with sb/sth | identify yourself with sb/sth to support sb/sth; to be closely connected with sb/sth:\nThe Church became increasingly identified with opposition to the regime.


Words: Identikit
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE composite, composite sketch) noun\na set of drawings of different features that can be put together to form the face of a person, especially sb wanted by the police, using descriptions given by people who saw the person; a picture made in this way\ncompare E-FIT, PHOTO-FIT


Words: identity
Meaning:
noun (plural identities)\n \n  1  [C, U] (abbreviation ID) who or what sb/sth is:\nThe police are trying to discover the identity of the killer. * Their identities were kept secret. * She is innocent; it was a case of mistaken identity. * Do you have any proof of identity? * The thief used a false identity. * She went through an identity crisis in her teens (= was not sure of who she was or of her place in society).\n \n  2  [C, U] the characteristics, feelings or beliefs that distinguish people from others:\na sense of national / cultural / personal / group identity * a plan to strengthen the corporate identity of the company\n \n  3  [U] ~ (with sb/sth) | ~ (between A and B) the state or feeling of being very similar to and able to understand sb/sth:\nan identity of interests * There’s a close identity between fans and their team.


Words: identity card
Meaning:
(also ID card) noun\na card with a person’s name, date of birth, photograph, etc. on it that proves who they are


Words: ideogram
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a symbol that is used in a writing system, for example Chinese, to represent the idea of a thing, rather than the sounds of a word\n  2  (technical) a sign or a symbol for sth


Words: ideologue
Meaning:
noun\n(formal, sometimes disapproving) a person whose actions are influenced by belief in a set of principles (= by an ideology)


Words: ideology
Meaning:
noun [C, U] (plural ideologies) (sometimes disapproving)\n  1  a set of ideas that an economic or political system is based on:\nMarxist / capitalist ideology\n  2  a set of beliefs, especially one held by a particular group, that influences the way people behave:\nthe ideology of gender roles * alternative ideologies\n    ideological  adjective:\nideological differences\n    ideologically  adverb:\nideologically correct


Words: idiocy
Meaning:
noun (plural idiocies) (formal)\n  1  [U] very stupid behaviour; the state of being very stupid\nSYN STUPIDITY:\nIt is sheer idiocy to go climbing in this weather.\n  2  [C] a very stupid act, remark, etc:\nthe idiocies of bureaucracy


Words: idiom
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] a group of words whose meaning is different from the meanings of the individual words:\n’Let the cat out of the bag’ is an idiom meaning to tell a secret by mistake.\n  2  [U, C] (formal) the kind of language and grammar used by particular people at a particular time or place\n  3  [U, C] (formal) the style of writing, music, art, etc. that is typical of a particular person, group, period or place:\nthe classical / contemporary / popular idiom


Words: idiomatic
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  containing expressions that are natural to a native speaker of a language:\nShe speaks fluent and idiomatic English.\n  2  containing an idiom:\nan idiomatic expression\n    idiomatically  adverb


Words: idiosyncrasy
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] (plural idiosyncrasies) a person’s particular way of behaving, thinking, etc., especially when it is unusual; an unusual feature\nSYN ECCENTRICITY:\nWearing a raincoat, even on a hot day, is one of her idiosyncrasies. * The car has its little idiosyncrasies.\n    idiosyncratic  adjective:\nHis teaching methods are idiosyncratic but successful.


Words: idiot
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (informal) a very stupid person\nSYN FOOL:\nWhen I lost my passport, I felt such an idiot. * Not that switch, you idiot!\n  2  (old-fashioned, offensive) a person with very low intelligence who cannot think or behave normally


Words: idle
Meaning:
adjective, verb \n    adjective\n  1  (of people) lazy; not working hard:\nan idle student\n  2  (of machines, factories, etc.) not in use:\nto lie / stand / remain idle\n  3  (of people) without work; unemployed:\nOver ten per cent of the workforce is now idle.\n  4  [usually before noun] with no particular purpose or effect; useless:\nidle chatter / curiosity * It was just an idle threat (= not serious). * It is idle to pretend that their marriage is a success.\n  5  [usually before noun] (of time) not spent doing work or sth particular:\nIn idle moments, he carved wooden figures.\n    idleness noun [U]:\nAfter a period of enforced idleness, she found a new job.\n    verb\n  1  [usually +adv./prep.] (written) to spend time doing nothing important:\n[VN] They idled the days away, talking and watching television. * [V] They idled along by the river (= walked slowly and with no particular purpose).\n  2  [V] (of an engine) to run slowly while the vehicle is not moving\nSYN TICK OVER:\nShe left the car idling at the roadside.\n  3  [VN] (AmE) to close a factory, etc. or stop providing work for the workers, especially temporarily:\nThe strikes have idled nearly 4 000 workers.


Words: idly
Meaning:
adverb\nwithout any particular reason, purpose or effort; doing nothing:\nShe sat in the sun, idly sipping a cool drink. * He wondered idly what would happen. * We can’t stand idly by (= do nothing) and let people starve.


Words: idol
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a person or thing that is loved and admired very much:\na pop / football / teen idol * the idol of countless teenagers * He has been my idol since I was a child. * a fallen idol (= sb who is no longer popular)\n  2  a statue that is worshipped as a god


Words: idolatry
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  the practice of worshipping statues as gods\n  2  (formal) too much love or admiration for sb/sth:\nfootball fans whose support for their team borders on idolatry\n    idolatrous  adjective


Words: idolize
Meaning:
(BrE also idolise)  verb\n[VN] to admire or love sb very much:\na pop star idolized by millions of fans * They idolize their kids.


Words: idyll
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (written) a happy and peaceful place, event or experience, especially one connected with the countryside\n  2  (literature) a short poem or other piece of writing that describes a peaceful and happy scene


Words: idyllic
Meaning:
adjective\npeaceful and beautiful; perfect, without problems:\na house set in idyllic surroundings * to lead an idyllic existence * The cottage sounds idyllic.\n    idyllically  adverb:\na house idyllically set in wooded grounds


Words: if
Meaning:
conjunction, noun \n    conjunction\n  1  used to say that one thing can, will or might happen or be true, depending on another thing happening or being true:\nIf you see him, give him this note. * I’ll only stay if you offer me more money. * If necessary I can come at once. * You can stay for the weekend if you like. * If anyone calls, tell them I’m not at home. * If he improved his IT skills, he’d (= he would) easily get a job. * You would know what was going on if you’d (= you had) listened. * They would have been here by now if they’d caught the early train. * If I was in charge, I’d do things differently. * (rather formal) If I were in charge ... * Even if (= although) you did see someone, you can’t be sure it was him.\n  2  when; whenever; every time:\nIf metal gets hot it expands. * She glares at me if I go near her desk.\n  3  (formal) used with will or would to ask sb politely to do sth:\nIf you will sit down for a few moments, I’ll tell the manager you’re here. * If you would care to leave your name, we’ll contact you as soon as possible.\n  4  used after ask, know, find out, wonder, etc. to introduce one of two or more possibilities\nSYN WHETHER:\nDo you know if he’s married? * I wonder if I should wear a coat or not. * He couldn’t tell if she was laughing or crying. * Listen to the tune and see if you can remember the words.\n  5  used after verbs or adjectives expressing feelings:\nI am sorry if I disturbed you. * I’d be grateful if you would keep it a secret. * Do you mind if I turn the TV off?\n  6  used to admit that sth is possible, but to say that it is not very important:\nIf she has any weakness, it is her Italian. * So what if he was late. Who cares?\n  7  used before an adjective to introduce a contrast:\nHe’s a good driver, if a little over-confident. * We’ll only do it once-if at all.\n  8  used to ask sb to listen to your opinion:\nIf you ask me, she’s too scared to do it. * If you think about it, those children must be at school by now. * If you remember, Mary was always fond of animals.\n  9  used before could, may or might to suggest sth or to interrupt sb politely:\nIf I may make a suggestion, perhaps we could begin a little earlier next week.\n IDIOMS \n  if and when used to say sth about an event that may or may not happen:\nIf and when we ever meet again I hope he remembers what I did for him.\n  if anything used to express an opinion about sth, or after a negative statement to suggest that the opposite is true:\nI’d say he was more like his father, if anything. * She’s not thin-if anything she’s on the plump side.\n  if I were you used to give sb advice:\nIf I were you I’d start looking for another job.\n  if not\n1 used to introduce a different suggestion, after a sentence with if:\nI’ll go if you’re going. If not (= if you are not) I’d rather stay at home.\n2 used after a yes/no question to say what will or should happen if the answer is ’no’:\nAre you ready? If not, I’m going without you. * Do you want that cake? If not, I’ll have it.\n3 used to suggest that sth may be even larger, more important, etc. than was first stated:\nThey cost thousands if not millions of pounds to build.\n  if only used to say that you wish sth was true or that sth had happened:\nIf only I were rich. * If only I knew her name. * If only he’d remembered to send that letter. * If only I had gone by taxi.\n  it’s not as if (spoken) used to say that sth that is happening is surprising:\nI’m surprised they’ve invited me to their wedding-it’s not as if I know them well.\n  only if (rather formal) used to state the only situation in which sth can happen:\nOnly if a teacher has given permission is a student allowed to leave the room. * Only if the red light comes on is there any danger to employees.\n    noun (informal) a situation that is not certain:\nIf he wins-and it’s a big if-he’ll be the first Englishman to win for fifty years. * There are still a lot of ifs and buts before everything’s settled.\n______________________________\n GRAMMAR POINT \nif / whether\nBoth if and whether are used in reporting questions which expect ’yes’ or ’no’ as the answer: She asked if /whether I wanted a drink., although whether sounds more natural with particular verbs such as discuss, consider and decide. When a choice is offered between alternatives if or whether can be used: He didn’t know if /whether we should write or phone. In this last type of sentence, whether is usually considered more formal and more suitable for written English.\n______________________________


Words: iffy
Meaning:
adjective (informal)\n  1  (especially BrE) not in perfect condition; bad in some way:\nThat meat smells a bit iffy to me.\n  2  not certain:\nThe weather looks slightly iffy.


Words: igloo
Meaning:
noun\n(plural igloos) a small round house or shelter built from blocks of hard snow by the Inuit people of northern N America


Words: igneous
Meaning:
adjective\n(geology) (of rocks) formed when MAGMA (= melted or liquid material lying below the earth’s surface) becomes solid, especially after it has poured out of a VOLCANO


Words: ignite
Meaning:
verb\n(written) to start to burn; to make sth start to burn:\n[V] Gas ignites very easily. * (figurative) Tempers ignited when the whole family spent Christmas together. * [VN] Flames melted a lead pipe and ignited leaking gas. * (figurative) His words ignited their anger.


Words: ignition
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  [C, usually sing.] the electrical system of a vehicle that makes the fuel begin to burn to start the engine; the place in a vehicle where you start this system:\nto turn the ignition on / off * to put the key in the ignition\n \n  2  [U] (technical) the action of starting to burn or of making sth burn:\nThe flames spread to all parts of the house within minutes of ignition.


Words: ignoble
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) not good or honest; that should make you feel shame:\nignoble thoughts * an ignoble person\nOPP NOBLE


Words: ignominious
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) that makes, or should make, you feel ashamed\nSYN DISGRACEFUL, HUMILIATING:\nan ignominious defeat * He made one mistake and his career came to an ignominious end.\n    ignominiously adverb


Words: ignominy
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (formal) public shame and loss of honour\nSYN DISGRACE:\nThey suffered the ignominy of defeat.


Words: ignoramus
Meaning:
noun\n(usually humorous) a person who does not have much knowledge:\nWhen it comes to music, I’m a complete ignoramus.


Words: ignorance
Meaning:
noun\n[U] ~ (of / about sth) a lack of knowledge or information about sth:\nwidespread ignorance of / about the disease * They fought a long battle against prejudice and ignorance. * She was kept in ignorance of her husband’s activities. * Children often behave badly out of / through ignorance. * I hate to admit my ignorance, but how does it work?\n IDIOMS \n  ignorance is bliss (saying) if you do not know about sth, you cannot worry about it:\nSome doctors believe ignorance is bliss and don’t give their patients all the facts.


Words: ignorant
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  ~ (of / about sth) lacking knowledge or information about sth; not educated:\nan ignorant person / question * He’s completely ignorant about modern technology. * At that time I was ignorant of events going on elsewhere. * Never make your students feel stupid or ignorant.\n  2  (informal) with very bad manners:\na rude, ignorant person\n    ignorantly adverb


Words: ignore
Meaning:
verb [VN] \n  1  to pay no attention to sth\nSYN DISREGARD:\nHe ignored all the ’No Smoking’ signs and lit up a cigarette. * I made a suggestion but they chose to ignore it. * We cannot afford to ignore their advice. * She deliberately ignored my question and changed the subject.\n  2  to pretend that you have not seen sb or that sb is not there:\nShe ignored him and carried on with her work. * If he tries to start an argument, just ignore him.


Words: ilk
Meaning:
noun\n[usually sing.] (informal, sometimes disapproving) type; kind:\nthe world of media people and their ilk * I can’t stand him, or any others of that ilk.


Words: ill
Meaning:
adjective, adverb, noun \n    adjective\n  1  (especially BrE) (AmE usually sick) [not usually before noun] suffering from an illness or disease; not feeling well:\nHer father is seriously ill in St Luke’s hospital. * She was taken ill suddenly. * We both started to feel ill shortly after the meal. * Uncle Harry is terminally ill with cancer (= he will die from his illness). * the mentally ill (= people with a mental illness) * (written) He fell ill and died soon after.\nsee also ILLNESS\n  2  [usually before noun] bad or harmful:\nHe resigned because of ill health (= he was often ill). * She suffered no ill effects from the experience. * a woman of ill repute (= considered to be immoral)\n  3  (formal) that brings, or is thought to bring, bad luck:\na bird of ill omen\n IDIOMS \n  ill at ease feeling uncomfortable and embarrassed:\nI felt ill at ease in such formal clothes.\n  it’s an ill wind (that blows nobody any good) (saying) no problem is so bad that it does not bring some advantage to sb\nmore at FEELING\n    adverb\n  1  (especially in compounds) badly or in an unpleasant way:\nThe animals had been grossly ill-treated.\n  2  (formal) badly; not in a satisfactory way:\nThey live in an area ill served by public transport.\n  3  (formal) only with difficulty:\nWe’re wasting valuable time, time we can ill afford. * I can ill afford the time or the money for a holiday.\n IDIOMS \n  speak / think ill of sb (formal) to say or think bad things about sb:\nDon’t speak ill of the dead.\n    noun\n  1  [usually pl.] (formal) a problem or harmful thing; an illness:\nsocial / economic ills * the ills of the modern world\n  2  [U] (literary) harm; bad luck:\nI may not like him, but I wish him no ill.


Words: ill humour
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE ill humor) noun\n[U, C] (literary) a bad mood\nOPP GOOD HUMOUR\n    ill-humoured (BrE) (AmE ill-humored) adjective


Words: ill-advised
Meaning:
adjective\nnot sensible; likely to cause difficulties in the future:\nHer remarks were ill-advised, to say the least. * You would be ill-advised to travel on your own.\ncompare WELL ADVISED\n    ill-advisedly adverb


Words: ill-assorted
Meaning:
adjective\n(of a group of people or things) not seeming suited to each other:\nThey seem an ill-assorted couple.


Words: ill-bred
Meaning:
adjective\nrude or badly behaved, especially because you have not been taught how to behave well:\nShe seemed to him ill-bred and immature.\nOPP WELL BRED


Words: ill-concealed
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) (of feelings or expressions of feeling) not hidden well from other people:\nShe looked at me with ill-concealed contempt.


Words: ill-conceived
Meaning:
adjective\nbadly planned or designed:\nThe whole ill-conceived scheme was finally abandoned. * Someone had the ill-conceived idea of mixing the different age groups, with disastrous results.


Words: ill-considered
Meaning:
adjective\nnot carefully thought about or planned:\nThere was never an ill-considered remark made by either of them.


Words: ill-defined
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  not clearly described:\nan ill-defined role / policy * The precise aims of the committee remain ill-defined.\n  2  not clearly marked or easy to see:\nan ill-defined path / track\nOPP WELL DEFINED


Words: ill-equipped
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (for sth) | ~ (to do sth) not having the necessary equipment or qualifications:\nAt 18, he was ill-equipped for such a responsible job. * The department is ill-equipped to deal with such a large number of enquiries.


Words: ill-fated
Meaning:
(also fated) adjective\n(written) not lucky and ending sadly, especially in death or failure:\nan ill-fated expedition * She regretted ever meeting him at that ill-fated party.


Words: ill-founded
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) not based on fact or truth:\nAll our fears proved ill-founded.\nOPP WELL FOUNDED


Words: ill-gotten
Meaning:
adjective\n(old-fashioned or humorous) obtained dishonestly or unfairly:\nill-gotten gains (= money that was not obtained fairly) * His ill-gotten millions are all safely stashed away in a Swiss bank.


Words: ill-informed
Meaning:
adjective\nhaving or showing little knowledge of sth\nOPP WELL INFORMED:\nThe public is ill-informed about their legal rights.


Words: ill-judged
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) that has not been carefully thought about; not appropriate in a particular situation:\nThose few ill-judged words cost him his job.


Words: ill-prepared
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  ~ (for sth) not ready, especially because you were not expecting sth to happen:\nThe team was ill-prepared for a disaster on that scale.\n  2  badly planned or organized:\nan ill-prepared speech


Words: ill-starred
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) not lucky and likely to bring unhappiness or to end in failure:\nan ill-starred marriage


Words: ill-tempered
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) angry and rude or irritated, especially when this seems unreasonable:\nThere were some ill-tempered exchanges during the committee meeting.


Words: ill-timed
Meaning:
adjective\ndone or happening at the wrong time:\nan ill-timed visit * Her speech was naive and ill-timed.\nOPP WELL TIMED


Words: ill-treat
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] to treat sb in a cruel or unkind way:\nto ill-treat children / animals\n    ill-treatment noun [U]:\nthe ill-treatment of prisoners


Words: illegal
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective not allowed by the law;:\nillegal immigrants / aliens * It’s illegal to drive through a red light.\nOPP LEGAL\n    illegally  adverb:\nan illegally parked car * He entered the country illegally.\n    noun (AmE) a person who lives or works in a country illegally


Words: illegality
Meaning:
noun (plural illegalities)\n  1  [U] the state of being illegal:\nNo illegality is suspected.\n  2  [C] an illegal act\ncompare LEGALITY


Words: illegitimate
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  born to parents who are not married to each other\n  2  not allowed by a particular set of rules or by law:\nillegitimate use of company property\nOPP LEGITIMATE\n    illegitimacy  noun [U]:\nIllegitimacy no longer carries the same social stigma.\n    illegitimately adverb


Words: illiberal
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) not allowing much freedom of opinion or action\nSYN INTOLERANT:\nilliberal policies / reforms


Words: illicit
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  not allowed by the law \nSYN ILLEGAL:\nillicit drugs\n  2  not approved of by the normal rules of society:\nan illicit love affair\n    illicitly adverb


Words: illiterate
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective\n  1  (of a person) not knowing how to read or write:\nA large percentage of the rural population was illiterate.\nOPP LITERATE\n  2  (of a document or letter) badly written, as if by sb without much education\n  3  (usually after a noun or adverb) not knowing very much about a particular subject area:\ncomputer illiterate * musically illiterate\n    illiteracy  noun [U]:\nThe illiteracy rate on the island is still unacceptably high.\n    noun a person who is illiterate


Words: illness
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] the state of being physically or mentally ill:\nmental illness * I missed a lot of school through illness last year.\n  2  [C] a type or period of illness:\nminor / serious illnesses * childhood illnesses * He died after a long illness.


Words: illogical
Meaning:
adjective\nnot sensible or thought out in a logical way:\nillogical behaviour / arguments * She has an illogical fear of insects. * It’s illogical to pay for homeless families to stay in hostels instead of building new houses.\nOPP LOGICAL\n    illogicality  noun [U, C]\n    illogically  adverb:\nShe felt illogically happy when she heard the news.


Words: illuminate
Meaning:
(also less frequent illumine) verb [VN] \n  1  to shine light on sth:\nFloodlights illuminated the stadium. * The earth is illuminated by the sun.\n  2  (formal) to make sth clearer or easier to understand\nSYN CLARIFY:\nThis text illuminates the philosopher’s early thinking.\n  3  to decorate a street, building, etc. with bright lights for a special occasion\n  4  (literary) to make a person’s face, etc. seem bright and excited\nSYN LIGHT UP:\nHer smile illuminated her entire being.


Words: illuminated
Meaning:
adjective [usually before noun]\n  1  lit with bright lights:\nthe illuminated city at night\n  2  (of books, etc.) decorated with gold, silver and bright colours in a way that was done in the past, by hand:\nilluminated manuscripts


Words: illuminating
Meaning:
adjective\nhelping to make sth clear or easier to understand:\nWe didn’t find the examples he used particularly illuminating. * The play offers some illuminating insights into the King’s character.


Words: illumination
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U, C] light or a place that light comes from:\nThe only illumination in the room came from the fire.\n  2  (illuminations) [pl.] (BrE) bright colourful lights used to decorate a town or building for a special occasion:\nChristmas illuminations\n  3  [C, usually pl.] a coloured decoration, usually painted by hand, in an old book\n  4  [U] (formal) understanding or explanation of sth:\nspiritual illumination * In that flash of illumination, he realized where he had gone wrong.


Words: illusion
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C, U] a false idea or belief, especially about sb or about a situation:\nI have no illusions about her feelings for me (= I know the truth is that she does not love me). * She’s under the illusion that (= believes wrongly that) she’ll get the job. * He could no longer distinguish between illusion and reality. * I don’t want to have my illusions shattered!\n  2  [C] something that seems to exist but in fact does not, or seems to be sth that it is not:\nMirrors in a room often give an illusion of space. * The idea of absolute personal freedom is an illusion.\nsee also OPTICAL ILLUSION


Words: illusory
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) not real, although seeming to be:\nan illusory sense of freedom * Any power he may seem to have is purely illusory.


Words: illustrate
Meaning:
verb\n  1  [VN] [usually passive] ~ sth (with sth) to use pictures, photographs, diagrams, etc. in a book, etc:\nan illustrated textbook * His lecture was illustrated with slides taken during the expedition.\n  2  to make the meaning of sth clearer by using examples, pictures, etc:\n[VN] To illustrate my point, let me tell you a little story. * Last year’s sales figures are illustrated in Figure 2. [also V wh-]\n  3  to show that sth is true or that a situation exists\nSYN DEMONSTRATE:\n[VN] The incident illustrates the need for better security measures. [also V wh-, V that]


Words: illustration
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] a drawing or picture in a book, magazine, etc. especially one that explains sth:\n50 full-colour illustrations\n  2  [U] the process of illustrating sth:\nthe art of book illustration\n  3  [C, U] a story, an event or an example that clearly shows the truth about sth:\nThe statistics are a clear illustration of the point I am trying to make * Let me, by way of illustration, quote from one of her poems.


Words: illustrious
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) very famous and much admired, especially because of what you have achieved:\nThe composer was one of many illustrious visitors to the town. * a long and illustrious career


Words: ILO
Meaning:
abbreviation\nInternational Labour Organization (an organization within the United Nations concerned with employment and working conditions)


Words: image
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C, U] the impression that a person, an organization or a product, etc. gives to the public:\nHis public image is very different from the real person. * The advertisements are intended to improve the company’s image. * Image is very important in the music world. * stereotyped images of women in children’s books\n  2  [C] a mental picture that you have of what sb/sth is like or looks like:\nimages of the past * I always had an image of her standing by that particular window.\n  3  [C] (formal) a copy of sb/sth in the form of a picture or statue:\nImages of deer and hunters decorate the cave walls. * a wooden image of the Hindu god Ganesh * In the Bible it states that humans were created in the image of God.\n  4  [C] a picture of sb/sth seen in a mirror, through a camera, or on a television or computer:\nHe stared at his own image reflected in the water. * Slowly, an image began to appear on the screen.\nsee also MIRROR IMAGE\n  5  [C] a word or phrase that describes sth in an imaginative way:\npoetic images of the countryside\n IDIOMS \n  be the image of sb | be the very / living / spitting image of sb to be very similar to, or almost exactly like sb/sth else:\nHe’s the spitting image of his father.


Words: imagery
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  language that produces pictures in the minds of people reading or listening:\npoetic imagery\nsee also METAPHOR\n  2  (formal) pictures, photographs, etc:\nsatellite imagery (for example, photographs of the earth taken from space)


Words: imaginable
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  used with superlatives, and with all and every, to emphasize that sth is the best, worst, etc. that you can imagine, or includes every possible example:\nThe house has the most spectacular views imaginable. * They stock every imaginable type of pasta. * Each trainee must be able to respond effectively to all imaginable crises.\n  2  possible to imagine:\nThese technological developments were hardly imaginable 30 years ago.


Words: imaginary
Meaning:
adjective\nexisting only in your mind or imagination:\nimaginary fears / threats * The equator is an imaginary line around the middle of the earth. * The story is wholly imaginary. * I had an imaginary friend when I was a child. * We must listen to their problems, real or imaginary.


Words: imagination
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U, C] the ability to create pictures in your mind; the part of your mind that does this:\na vivid / fertile imagination * He’s got no imagination. * It doesn’t take much imagination to guess what she meant. * I won’t tell you his reaction-I’ll leave that to your imagination. * Don’t let your imagination run away with you (= don’t use too much imagination). * The new policies appear to have caught the imagination of the public (= they find them interesting and exciting). * Nobody hates you-it’s all in your imagination. * (informal) Use your imagination! (= used to tell sb that they will have to guess the answer to the question they have asked you, usually because it is obvious or embarrassing) * His stories really stretch children’s imaginations.\n  2  [U] something that you have imagined rather than sth that exists:\nShe was no longer able to distinguish between imagination and reality. * Is it my imagination or have you lost a lot of weight?\n  3  [U] the ability to have new and exciting ideas:\nHis writing lacks imagination. * With just a little imagination, you could turn this place into a palace. * We are looking for someone with ingenuity and imagination.\n IDIOMS  see FIGMENT, STRETCH n.


Words: imaginative
Meaning:
adjective\nhaving or showing new and exciting ideas\nSYN INVENTIVE:\nan imaginative approach / idea / child * recipes that make imaginative use of seasonal vegetables * You’ll need to be a little more imaginative if you want to hold their attention.\nOPP UNIMAGINATIVE\n    imaginatively adverb:\nThe stables have been imaginatively converted into offices.


Words: imagine
Meaning:
verb\n  1  to form a picture in your mind of what sth might be like:\n[VN] The house was just as she had imagined it. * I can’t imagine life without the children now. * [V (that)] Close your eyes and imagine (that) you are in a forest. * [V wh-] Can you imagine what it must be like to lose your job after 20 years? * [V -ing] She imagined walking into the office and handing in her resignation. * [VN -ing] I can just imagine him saying that! * [VN to inf] I had imagined her to be older than that. * [V] (spoken) ’He was furious.’ ’I can imagine.’ [also VN-ADJ, VN-N]\n  2  to believe sth that is not true:\n[V (that)] He’s always imagining (that) we’re talking about him behind his back. * [VN] There’s nobody there. You’re imagining things.\n  3  to think that sth is probably true\nSYN SUPPOSE, ASSUME:\n[V (that)] I don’t imagine (that) they’ll refuse. * [V] ’Can we still buy tickets for the concert?’ ’I imagine so.’ [also VN that]


Words: imaging
Meaning:
noun\n(computing) the process of capturing, storing and showing an image on a computer screen:\nimaging software / techniques


Words: imam
Meaning:
noun (in Islam)\n  1  a religious man who leads the prayers in a MOSQUE\n  2  (Imam) the title of a religious leader


Words: imbalance
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] ~ (between A and B) | ~ (in / of sth) a situation in which two or more things are not the same size or are treated differently, in a way that is unfair or causes problems:\na global imbalance of / in power * Attempts are being made to redress (= put right) the imbalance between our import and export figures. * Postnatal depression is usually due to hormonal imbalance.


Words: imbecile
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a rude way to describe a person that you think is very stupid\nSYN IDIOT:\nThey behaved like imbeciles.\n  2  (old-fashioned, offensive) a person who has a very low intelligence\n    imbecile (also imbecilic) adjective [usually before noun]:\nimbecile remarks\n    imbecility  noun [U, C]


Words: imbibe
Meaning:
verb\n  1  [V, VN] (formal or humorous) to drink sth, especially alcohol\n  2  [VN] (formal) to absorb sth, especially information:\nHe imbibed elements of oriental mysticism from the years he spent in India.


Words: imbroglio
Meaning:
noun\n(plural imbroglios) (formal) a complicated situation that causes confusion or embarrassment, especially one that is political


Words: imbue
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] [often passive] ~ sb/sth (with sth) (formal) to fill sb/sth with strong feelings, opinions or values\nSYN INFUSE:\nHer voice was imbued with an unusual seriousness. * He was imbued with a desire for social justice.


Words: IMF
Meaning:
abbreviation\nInternational Monetary Fund. The IMF is an organization within the United Nations which is concerned with trade and economic development.


Words: imitate
Meaning:
verb [VN] \n  1  to copy sb/sth:\nHer style of painting has been imitated by other artists. * Art imitates Nature. * Teachers provide a model for children to imitate. * No computer can imitate the complex functions of the human brain.\n  2  to copy the way a person speaks or behaves, in order to amuse people\nSYN MIMIC:\nShe knew that the girls used to imitate her and laugh at her behind her back.


Words: imitation
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] a copy of sth, especially sth expensive:\na poor / cheap imitation of the real thing * This latest production is a pale imitation of the original (= it is not nearly as good). * Many tourists cannot tell the difference between authentic Indian craftwork and imported imitations. * imitation leather / pearls\n  2  [U] the act of copying sb/sth:\nA child learns to talk by imitation. * Many corporate methods have been adopted by American managers in imitation of Japanese practice.\n  3  [C] an act of copying the way sb talks and behaves, especially to make people laugh\nSYN IMPERSONATION, IMPRESSION:\nHe does a hilarious imitation of Tony Blair.


Words: imitative
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal, sometimes disapproving) that copies sb/sth:\nmovies that encourage imitative crime * His work has been criticized for being imitative and shallow. * The style is imitative of Basque architecture.


Words: imitator
Meaning:
noun\na person or thing that copies sb/sth else:\nThe band’s success has inspired hundreds of would-be imitators. * There are now countless imitators of champagne on the market.


Words: immaculate
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  extremely clean and tidy\nSYN SPOTLESS:\nShe always looks immaculate. * an immaculate uniform / room * The property is in immaculate condition.\n  2  containing no mistakes\nSYN PERFECT:\nan immaculate performance * The incident ruined an otherwise immaculate safety record. * His sense of timing was immaculate.\n    immaculately adverb:\nimmaculately dressed


Words: immanent
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) present as a natural part of sth; present everywhere:\nGod is immanent in the world.


Words: immaterial
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  [not usually before noun] ~ (to sb/sth) not important in a particular situation\nSYN IRRELEVANT:\nThe cost is immaterial. * It is immaterial to me whether he stays or goes.\n  2  (formal) not having a physical form:\nan immaterial God * the immaterial mind / soul\nOPP MATERIAL


Words: immature
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  behaving in a way that is not sensible and is typical of people who are much younger:\nimmature behaviour * He’s very immature for his age.\n  2  not fully developed or grown:\nimmature plants\nOPP MATURE\n    immaturity  noun [U]


Words: immeasurable
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) too large, great etc. to be measured:\nto cause immeasurable harm * Her contribution was of immeasurable importance.\n    immeasurably  adverb:\nHousing standards improved immeasurably after the war. * Stress has an immeasurably more serious effect on our lives than we realize.


Words: immediacy
Meaning:
noun [U] (written)\n  1  the quality in sth that makes it seem as if it is happening now, close to you and is therefore important, urgent, etc:\nthe immediacy of the problem / threat * Newspapers lack the immediacy of television.\n  2  lack of delay; speed:\nOur aim is immediacy of response to emergency calls.


Words: immediate
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  happening or done without delay\nSYN INSTANT:\nan immediate reaction / response * to take immediate action * RAM stores information for immediate access.\n  2  [usually before noun] existing now and needing urgent attention:\nOur immediate concern is to help the families of those who died. * The effects of global warming, while not immediate, are potentially catastrophic. * The hospital says she’s out of immediate danger. * The report focuses on some of the more immediate problems facing us.\n  3  [only before noun] next to or very close to a particular place or time:\nin the immediate vicinity * The prospects for the immediate future are good. * in the immediate aftermath of the war * The director is standing on her immediate right. * my immediate predecessor in the job (= the person who had the job just before me)\n  4  [only before noun] having a direct effect:\nThe immediate cause of death is unknown.\n IDIOMS  see EFFECT n.


Words: immediately
Meaning:
adverb, conjunction \n    adverb\n  1  without delay; at once:\nShe answered almost immediately. * The point of my question may not be immediately apparent.\n  2  (usually with prepositions) next to or very close to a particular place or time:\nTurn right immediately after the church. * the years immediately before the war * Who is immediately above a colonel in rank?\n  3  (usually with past participles) closely and directly:\nCounselling is being given to those most immediately affected by the tragedy.\n    conjunction (especially BrE) as soon as:\nImmediately she’d gone, I remembered her name.


Words: immemorial
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal or literary) that has existed for longer than people can remember:\nan immemorial tradition * My family has lived in this area from time immemorial (= for hundreds of years).


Words: immense
Meaning:
adjective\nextremely large or great\nSYN ENORMOUS:\nThere is still an immense amount of work to be done. * The benefits are immense. * a project of immense importance * To my immense relief, he didn’t notice my mistake.


Words: immensely
Meaning:
adverb\nextremely; very much\nSYN ENORMOUSLY:\nimmensely popular / difficult / grateful * We enjoyed ourselves immensely.


Words: immensity
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the large size of sth:\nthe immensity of the universe * We were overwhelmed by the sheer immensity of the task.


Words: immerse
Meaning:
verb [VN] \n  1  ~ sb/sth (in sth) to put sb/sth into a liquid so that they or it are completely covered:\nThe seeds will swell when immersed in water.\n  2  ~ yourself / sb in sth to become or make sb completely involved in sth:\nShe immersed herself in her work. * Clare and Phil were immersed in conversation in the corner.


Words: immersion
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  ~ (in sth) the act of putting sb/sth into a liquid so that they or it are completely covered; the state of being completely covered by a liquid:\nImmersion in cold water resulted in rapid loss of heat. * baptism by total immersion (= putting the whole body underwater)\n  2  ~ (in sth) the state of being completely involved in sth:\nhis long immersion in politics * a two-week immersion course in French (= in which the student will hear and use only French)


Words: immersion heater
Meaning:
noun\n(BrE) a device that provides hot water for a house by heating water in a TANK (= a large container)


Words: immigrant
Meaning:
noun\na person who has come to live permanently in a country that is not their own:\nillegal immigrants * immigrant communities / families / workers\ncompare EMIGRANT, MIGRANT


Words: immigrate
Meaning:
verb\n[V] ~ (to ...) (from ...) (especially AmE) to come and live permanently in a country after leaving your own country:\nAbout 6.6 million people immigrated to the United States in the 1970s.\ncompare EMIGRATE


Words: immigration
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  the process of coming to live permanently in a country that is not your own; the number of people who do this:\nlaws restricting immigration into the US * a rise / fall in immigration * immigration officers\ncompare EMIGRATION\n  2  (also immigration control) the place at a port, an airport, etc. where the PASSPORTS and other documents of people coming into a country are checked:\nto go through immigration


Words: imminent
Meaning:
adjective\n(especially of sth unpleasant) likely to happen very soon:\nthe imminent threat of invasion * The system is in imminent danger of collapse. * An announcement about his resignation is imminent.\n    imminence  noun [U]:\nthe imminence of death\n    imminently adverb


Words: immobile
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  not moving\nSYN MOTIONLESS:\nShe stood immobile by the window.\n  2  unable to move:\nHis illness has left him completely immobile. * The plaster cast is used to keep the leg immobile.\nOPP MOBILE\n    immobility  noun [U]


Words: immobilize
Meaning:
(BrE also immobilise)  verb\n[VN] to prevent sth from moving or from working normally:\na device to immobilize the car engine in case of theft * Always immobilize a broken leg immediately. * The firm has been immobilized by a series of strikes. * Some snakes inject their prey with poison in order to immobilize it.\n    immobilization, immobilisation noun [U]


Words: immobilizer
Meaning:
(BrE also immobiliser) (AmE Immobiliser)  noun\na device that is fitted to a car to stop it moving if sb tries to steal it


Words: immoderate
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] (formal, disapproving) extreme; not reasonable\nSYN EXCESSIVE:\nimmoderate drinking\nOPP MODERATE\n    immoderately adverb


Words: immodest
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (disapproving) having or showing a very high opinion of yourself and your abilities\nSYN CONCEITED:\nI am immodest enough to think that I played an important part in her decision.\n  2  not considered to be socially acceptable by most people, especially concerning sexual behaviour:\nan immodest dress\nOPP MODEST


Words: immoral
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of people and their behaviour) not considered to be good or honest by most people:\nIt’s immoral to steal. * There’s nothing immoral about wanting to earn more money.\n  2  not following accepted standards of sexual behaviour:\nan immoral act / life / person * They were charged with living off immoral earnings (= money earned by working as a prostitute).\ncompare AMORAL, MORAL\n    immorality  noun [U, C] (plural immoralities):\nthe immorality of war * a life of immorality\n    immorally  adverb


Words: immortal
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective\n  1  that lives or lasts for ever:\nThe soul is immortal. * In the poem, Satan vows revenge and immortal hate.\nOPP MORTAL\n  2  famous and likely to be remembered for ever:\nthe immortal Goethe * In the immortal words of Henry Ford, ’If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.’\n    noun\n  1  a person who is so famous that they will be remembered for ever:\nShe is one of the Hollywood immortals.\n  2  a god or other being who is believed to live for ever


Words: immortality
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the state of being immortal:\nbelief in the immortality of the soul * He is well on his way to showbusiness immortality.


Words: immortalize
Meaning:
(BrE also immortalise)  verb\n[VN] ~ sb/sth (in sth) to prevent sb/sth from being forgotten in the future, especially by mentioning them in literature, making films/movies about them, painting them, etc:\nThe poet fell in love with her and immortalized her in his verse.


Words: immovable
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  [usually before noun] that cannot be moved:\nan immovable object * immovable property (= houses, land, etc.)\n  2  (of a person or an opinion, etc.) impossible to change or persuade:\nOn this issue he is completely immovable.


Words: immune
Meaning:
adjective [not usually before noun]\n  1  ~ (to sth) that cannot catch or be affected by a particular disease or illness:\nAdults are often immune to German measles.\n  2  ~ (to sth) not affected by sth:\nYou’ll eventually become immune to criticism. * Few men are immune to her charms. * Our business is far from immune to economic conditions.\n  3  ~ (from sth) protected from sth and therefore able to avoid it\nSYN EXEMPT:\nNo one should be immune from prosecution. * Not even the President’s wife was immune from criticism by the press.


Words: immune response
Meaning:
noun\n(biology) the reaction of the body to the presence of an ANTIGEN (= a substance that can cause disease)


Words: immune system
Meaning:
noun\nthe system in your body that produces substances to help it fight against infection and disease


Words: immunity
Meaning:
noun [U, C] (plural immunities)\n  1  ~ (to sth) | ~ (against sth) the body’s ability to avoid or not be affected by infection and disease:\nimmunity to infection * The vaccine provides longer immunity against flu.\n  2  ~ (from sth) the state of being protected from sth:\nThe spies were all granted immunity from prosecution. * parliamentary / congressional immunity (= protection against particular laws that is given to politicians) * Officials of all member states receive certain privileges and immunities.\nsee also DIPLOMATIC IMMUNITY


Words: immunize
Meaning:
(BrE also immunise)  verb\n[VN] ~ sb/sth (against sth) to protect a person or an animal from a disease, especially by giving them an INJECTION of a VACCINE:\na campaign to immunize children against the common killer diseases\ncompare INOCULATE, VACCINATE\n    immunization, immunisation  noun [U, C]:\nan immunization programme to prevent epidemics


Words: immure
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] ~ sb (from / in sth) (literary) to shut sb in a place so that they cannot get out:\nAt the age of 86 he was immured in his house by infirmity.


Words: immutable
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) that cannot be changed; that will never change \nSYN UNCHANGEABLE:\nan immutable fact / law * This decision should not be seen as immutable.\n    immutability  noun [U]


Words: imp
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (in stories) a small creature like a little man, that has magic powers and behaves badly\n  2  a child who behaves badly, but not in a serious way


Words: impact
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun  [C, usually sing, U]\n  1  ~ (of sth) (on sb/sth) the powerful effect that sth has on sb/sth:\nthe environmental impact of tourism * The report assesses the impact of Aids on the gay community. * Her speech made a profound impact on everyone. * Businesses are beginning to feel the full impact of the recession. * social support to cushion the impact of unemployment\n  2  the act of one object hitting another; the force with which this happens:\ncraters made by meteorite impacts * The impact of the blow knocked Jack off balance. * The bomb explodes on impact (= when it hits something). * The car is fitted with side impact bars (= to protect it from a blow from the side).\n    verb \n  1  ~ (on / upon) sth to have an effect on sth\nSYN AFFECT:\n[V] Her father’s death impacted greatly on her childhood years. * [VN] (business) The company’s performance was impacted by the high value of the pound.\n  2  [V, VN] ~ (on / upon / with) sth (formal) to hit sth with great force


Words: impacted
Meaning:
adjective\n(of a tooth) that cannot grow correctly because it is under another tooth:\nan impacted wisdom tooth


Words: impair
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] (written) to damage sth or make sth worse:\nHis age impaired his chances of finding a new job.


Words: impaired
Meaning:
1  damaged or not functioning normally:\nimpaired vision / memory\n  2  (-impaired) (in adjectives and nouns) having the type of physical or mental problem mentioned:\nhearing-impaired children * Nowadays we say someone is ’speech-impaired’, not dumb. -> DISABLED


Words: impairment
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] (technical) the state of having a physical or mental condition which means that part of your body or brain does not work correctly; a particular condition of this sort:\nimpairment of the functions of the kidney * visual impairments


Words: impale
Meaning:
verb [VN] \n  1  to push a sharp pointed object through sth:\nShe impaled a lump of meat on her fork.\n  2  if you impale yourself on sth, or are impaled on it, you have a sharp pointed object pushed into you and you may be caught somewhere by it:\nHe had fallen and been impaled on some iron railings.


Words: impalpable
Meaning:
adjective (formal)\n  1  that cannot be felt physically\n  2  very difficult to understand\nOPP PALPABLE


Words: impanel
Meaning:
(also empanel)  verb\n(-ll-, AmE -l-) [VN] (especially AmE) to choose the members of a JURY in a court of law; to choose sb as a member of a JURY


Words: impart
Meaning:
verb [VN] (formal)\n  1  ~ sth (to sb) to pass information, knowledge, etc. to other people\nSYN CONVEY:\nto impart facts / news / skills\n  2  ~ sth (to sth) to give a particular quality to sth\nSYN LEND:\nThe spice imparts an Eastern flavour to the dish.


Words: impartial
Meaning:
adjective\nnot supporting one person or group more than another \nSYN NEUTRAL, UNBIASED:\nan impartial inquiry / observer * to give impartial advice * As chairman, I must remain impartial.\nOPP PARTIAL\n    impartiality  noun [U]\n    impartially  adverb


Words: impassable
Meaning:
adjective\n(of a road, an area etc.) impossible to travel on or through, especially because it is in bad condition or it has been blocked by sth:\nThe mountain roads are totally impassable to cars in winter. * After the storm, many roads were made impassable by fallen trees. * The river formed an impassable barrier for migrating animals.\nOPP PASSABLE


Words: impasse
Meaning:
noun\n[usually sing.] a difficult situation in which no progress can be made because the people involved cannot agree what to do \nSYN DEADLOCK:\nto break / end the impasse * Negotiations have reached an impasse.


Words: impassioned
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] (usually of speech) showing strong feelings about sth \nSYN FERVENT:\nan impassioned plea / speech / defence


Words: impassive
Meaning:
adjective\nnot showing any feeling or emotion \nSYN EMOTIONLESS:\nher impassive expression / face * The two men remained impassive throughout the trial.\n    impassively adverb:\nThe accused listened impassively as the judge sentenced him.


Words: impatient
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  ~ (with sb/sth) | ~ (at sth) annoyed or irritated by sb/sth, especially because you have to wait for a long time:\nI’d been waiting for twenty minutes and I was getting impatient. * Try not to be too impatient with her. * Sarah was becoming increasingly impatient at their lack of interest. * An impatient driver behind me sounded his horn. * He waved them away with an impatient gesture.\n  2  ~ to do sth | ~ for sth wanting to do sth soon; wanting sth to happen soon:\nShe was clearly impatient to leave. * impatient for change / success\n  3  ~ of sb/sth (formal) unable or unwilling to accept sth unpleasant:\nimpatient of criticism / delay\n    impatience  noun [U]:\nShe was bursting with impatience to tell me the news.\n    impatiently adverb:\nWe sat waiting impatiently for the movie to start.


Words: impeach
Meaning:
verb [VN] \n  1  ~ sb (for sth) (of a court or other official body, especially in the US) to charge an important public figure with a serious crime\n  2  (formal) to raise doubts about sth\nSYN QUESTION:\nto impeach sb’s motives\n    impeachment noun [U, C]:\nthe impeachment process / trial


Words: impeachable
Meaning:
adjective\n(especially AmE) (of a crime) for which a politician or a person who works for the government can be impeached:\nan impeachable offense


Words: impeccable
Meaning:
adjective\nwithout mistakes or faults; perfect:\nimpeccable manners / taste / credentials * Her written English is impeccable. * He was dressed in a suit and an impeccable white shirt.\n    impeccably  adverb:\nto behave impeccably * impeccably dressed


Words: impecunious
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal or humorous) having little or no money \nSYN POOR, PENNILESS:\nan impecunious student


Words: impedance
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (technical) a measurement of the total RESISTANCE of a piece of electrical equipment, etc. to the flow of an ALTERNATING CURRENT


Words: impede
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] [often passive] (formal) to delay or stop the progress of sth\nSYN HINDER, HAMPER:\nWork on the building was impeded by severe weather.


Words: impediment
Meaning:
noun\n  1  ~ (to sth) something that delays or stops the progress of sth \nSYN OBSTACLE:\nThe level of inflation is a serious impediment to economic recovery.\n  2  a physical problem that makes it difficult to speak normally:\na speech impediment


Words: impedimenta
Meaning:
noun\n[pl.] (formal or humorous) the bags and other equipment that you take with you, especially when travelling, and that are difficult to carry:\nThe kitchen must have as much space as possible for herbs, spices, pots and pans, cook books and all my other impedimenta.


Words: impel
Meaning:
verb\n(-ll-) ~ sb (to sth) if an idea or feeling impels you to do sth, you feel as if you are forced to do it:\n[VN to inf] He felt impelled to investigate further. * [VN] There are various reasons that impel me to that conclusion.


Words: impending
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] (usually of an unpleasant event) that is going to happen very soon:\nhis impending death / retirement * warnings of impending danger / disaster * They were all filled with a sense of impending doom.


Words: impenetrable
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  that cannot be entered, passed through or seen through:\nan impenetrable jungle / fortress * impenetrable darkness * The Japanese market used to be more or less impenetrable.\nOPP PENETRABLE\n  2  ~ (to sb) impossible to understand:\nan impenetrable mystery * Their jargon is impenetrable to an outsider. * Her expression was impenetrable.\n    impenetrability  noun [U]\n    impenetrably  adverb:\nan impenetrably obscure writer


Words: imperative
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective\n  1  [not usually before noun] ~ (that ...) | ~ (to do sth) (formal) very important and needing immediate attention or action \nSYN VITAL:\nIt is absolutely imperative that we finish by next week. * It is imperative for your recovery to continue the treatment for at least two months.\n  2  (formal) expressing authority:\nan imperative tone\n  3  [only before noun] (grammar) expressing an order:\nan imperative sentence\n    noun\n  1  (formal) a thing that is very important and needs immediate attention or action:\nthe economic imperative of quality education for all\n  2  (grammar) the form of a verb that expresses an order; a verb in this form:\nIn ’Go away!’ the verb is in the imperative. * ’Go away!’ is an imperative.


Words: imperceptible
Meaning:
adjective\nvery small and therefore unable to be seen or felt;\nOPP PERCEPTIBLE:\nimperceptible changes in temperature * The differences were imperceptible to all but the most trained eye. * There was an almost imperceptible pause as she gathered her breath to speak.\n    imperceptibly  adverb:\nThe daylight faded almost imperceptibly into night.


Words: imperfect
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective containing faults or mistakes; not complete or perfect:\nan imperfect world * an imperfect understanding of English * All our sale items are slightly imperfect.\n    imperfectly adverb \n    noun (the imperfect) (also the imperfect tense) [sing.] (grammar) the verb tense that expresses action in the past that is not complete. It is often called the past progressive or past continuous:\nIn ’while I was washing my hair’, the verb is in the imperfect.


Words: imperfection
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] a fault or weakness in sb/sth:\nThey learned to live with each other’s imperfections. * The only slight imperfection in the painting is a scratch in the corner.


Words: imperial
Meaning:
adjective [only before noun]\n  1  connected with an empire:\nthe imperial family / palace / army * imperial power / expansion\n  2  connected with the system for measuring length, weight and volume using pounds, GALLONS, etc.\ncompare METRIC


Words: imperialism
Meaning:
noun [U] (usually disapproving)\n  1  a system in which one country controls other countries, often after defeating them in a war:\nRoman imperialism\n  2  the fact of a powerful country increasing its influence over other countries through business, culture, etc:\ncultural / economic imperialism\n    imperialist (also imperialistic ) adjective:\nan imperialist power * imperialist ambitions


Words: imperious
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) expecting people to obey you and treating them as if they are not as important as you:\nThe professor was as imperious as ever. * She put out an imperious hand to stop him. * an imperious gesture / voice / command\n    imperiously adverb:\n’Get it now,’ she demanded imperiously.


Words: impermanent
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) that will not last or stay the same forever\nOPP PERMANENT\n    impermanence  noun [U]


Words: impermeable
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (to sth) (technical) not allowing a liquid or gas to pass through:\nimpermeable rock\nOPP PERMEABLE:\nThe insulating material should be impermeable to water vapour.


Words: impersonal
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (usually disapproving) lacking friendly human feelings or atmosphere; making you feel unimportant:\na vast impersonal organization * an impersonal hotel room * Business letters need not be formal and impersonal. * a cold impersonal stare * His touch was as impersonal as that of a doctor.\n  2  not referring to any particular person:\nLet’s keep the criticism general and impersonal.\n  3  (grammar) an impersonal verb or sentence has ’it’ or ’there’ as the subject\n    impersonality  noun [U]:\nthe cold impersonality of some modern cities\n    impersonally  adverb


Words: impersonate
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] to pretend to be sb in order to deceive people or to entertain them:\nHe was caught trying to impersonate a security guard. * They do a pretty good job of impersonating Laurel and Hardy.\n    impersonation  noun [C, U]:\nHe did an extremely convincing impersonation of the singer.


Words: impersonator
Meaning:
noun\na person who copies the way another person talks or behaves in order to entertain people:\nThe show included a female impersonator (= a man dressed as a woman).


Words: impertinent
Meaning:
adjective\nrude and not showing respect for sb who is older or more important:\nan impertinent question / child * Would it be impertinent to ask why you’re leaving?\n    impertinence  noun [U, C, usually sing.]:\nShe had the impertinence to ask my age!\n    impertinently adverb


Words: imperturbable
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) not easily upset or worried by a difficult situation; calm:\nHis normally imperturbable secretary burst into tears.\n    imperturbability  noun [U]\n    imperturbably  adverb


Words: impervious
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  ~ to sth not affected or influenced by sth:\nimpervious to criticism / pain * The Japanese economy is supposed to be impervious to market forces.\n  2  ~ (to sth) (technical) not allowing a liquid or gas to pass through:\nan impervious rock / layer * impervious to moisture


Words: impetuous
Meaning:
adjective\nacting or done quickly and without thinking carefully about the results \nSYN RASH, IMPULSIVE:\nan impetuous young woman * an impetuous decision\n    impetuosity  noun [U]\n    impetuously adverb


Words: impetus
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U, sing.] ~ (for sth) | ~ (to sth / to do sth) something that encourages a process or activity to develop more quickly \nSYN STIMULUS:\nto give (a) new / fresh impetus to sth * The Prime Minister’s support will give (an) added impetus to the campaign against crime. * The debate seems to have lost much of its initial impetus. * His articles provided the main impetus for change.\n  2  [U] (technical) the force or energy with which sth moves


Words: impinge
Meaning:
verb\n[V] ~ (on / upon sth/sb) (formal) to have a noticeable effect on sth/sb, especially a bad one\nSYN ENCROACH:\nHe never allowed his work to impinge on his private life. * The preparations for war were beginning to impinge.


Words: impious
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) showing a lack of respect for God and religion;\nOPP PIOUS\n    impiety  noun [U]


Words: impish
Meaning:
adjective\nshowing a lack of respect for sb/sth in a way that is amusing rather than serious:\nan impish grin / look * He takes an impish delight in shocking the press.\nsee also IMP\n    impishly adverb:\nto grin / smile impishly


Words: implacable
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of strong negative opinions or feelings) that cannot be changed:\nimplacable hatred / opposition\n  2  (of a person) unwilling to stop opposing sb/sth:\nan implacable enemy * She remained implacable (= she would not change her feelings and opinions).\n    implacably  adverb:\nto be implacably opposed to the plan


Words: implant
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb  into sth)\n  1  [VN] (written) to fix an idea, attitude, etc. firmly in sb’s mind:\nPrejudices can easily become implanted in the mind.\n  2  [VN] to put sth (usually sth artificial) into a part of the body for medical purposes, usually by means of an operation:\nan electrode implanted into the brain * So far, only one person has survived an operation to implant an artificial heart.\ncompare TRANSPLANT\n  3  [V] (of an egg or an EMBRYO) to become fixed inside the body of a person or an animal so that it can start to develop:\nThe embryo is placed into the uterus where it has a chance to implant.\n    implantation  noun [U]:\nthe implantation of the fertilized ovum\n    noun  something that is put into a person’s body in a medical operation:\nsilicone breast implants\ncompare TRANSPLANT


Words: implausible
Meaning:
adjective\nnot seeming reasonable or likely to be true:\na highly implausible claim / idea / theory * Her explanation is not implausible.\nOPP PLAUSIBLE\n    implausibly adverb:\nHe argued, somewhat implausibly, that the accident could not have been prevented. * She quoted an implausibly high figure.


Words: implement
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb  [VN] to make sth that has been officially decided start to happen or be used\nSYN CARRY OUT:\nto implement changes / decisions / policies / reforms * A new work programme for young people will be implemented.\n    implementation  noun [U]:\nthe implementation of the new system\n    noun  a tool or an instrument, often one that is quite simple and that is used outdoors:\nagricultural implements


Words: implicate
Meaning:
verb [VN] \n  1  ~ sb (in sth) to show or suggest that sb is involved in sth bad or criminal:\nHe tried to avoid saying anything that would implicate him further.\n  2  ~ sth (in / as sth) to show or suggest that sth is the cause of sth bad:\nThe results implicate poor hygiene as one cause of the outbreak.\n IDIOMS \n  be implicated in sth to be involved in a crime; to be responsible for sth bad:\nSenior officials were implicated in the scandal.


Words: implication
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C, usually pl.] ~ (for / of sth) a possible effect or result of an action or a decision:\nThe development of the site will have implications for the surrounding countryside. * They failed to consider the wider implications of their actions.\n  2  [C, U] something that is suggested or indirectly stated (= sth that is IMPLIED):\nThe implication in his article is that being a housewife is greatly inferior to every other occupation. * He criticized the Director and, by implication, the whole of the organization.\n  3  [U] ~ (of sb) (in sth) the fact of being involved, or of involving sb, in sth, especially a crime:\nHe resigned after his implication in a sex scandal.


Words: implicit
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  ~ (in sth) suggested without being directly expressed:\nImplicit in his speech was the assumption that they were guilty. * implicit criticism\n  2  ~ (in sth) forming part of sth (although perhaps not directly expressed):\nThe ability to listen is implicit in the teacher’s role.\n  3  ~ (in sth) complete and not doubted:\nShe had the implicit trust of her staff.\ncompare EXPLICIT\n    implicitly adverb:\nIt reinforces, implicitly or explicitly, the idea that money is all-important. * I trust John implicitly.


Words: implode
Meaning:
verb [V] \n  1  to burst or explode inwards\ncompare EXPLODE\n  2  (of an organization, a system, etc.) to fail suddenly and completely\n    implosion  noun [C, U]


Words: implore
Meaning:
verb\n(formal or literary) to ask sb to do sth in an anxious way because you want or need it very much\nSYN BESEECH, BEG:\n[VN to inf] She implored him to stay. * [V speech] ’Help me,’ he implored. * [VN] Tell me it’s true. I implore you. [also VN speech]\n    imploring adjective:\nShe gave him an imploring look.


Words: imply
Meaning:
verb (implies, implying, implied, implied)\n  1  to suggest that sth is true or that you feel or think sth, without saying so directly:\n[V (that)] Are you implying (that) I am wrong? * [VN] I disliked the implied criticism in his voice. * His silence seemed to imply agreement. [also VN that] -> INFER\n  2  to make it seem likely that sth is true or exists:\n[V (that)] The survey implies (that) more people are moving house than was thought. * [VN] The fact that she was here implies a degree of interest. [also VN that]\n  3  [VN] (of an idea, action, etc.) to make sth necessary in order to be successful:\nThe project implies an enormous investment in training. * Sustainable development implies a long-term perspective.\nsee also IMPLICATION


Words: imponderable
Meaning:
noun\n[usually pl.] (formal) something that is difficult to measure or estimate:\nWe can’t predict the outcome. There are too many imponderables.\n    imponderable adjective


Words: import
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun \n  1  [C, usually pl.] a product or service that is brought into one country from another:\nfood imports from abroad\nOPP EXPORT\n  2  [U, pl.] the act of bringing a product or service into one country from another:\nThe report calls for a ban on the import of hazardous waste. * import controls * an import licence * imports of oil\nOPP EXPORT\n  3  [U] (formal) importance:\nmatters of great import\n  4  the ~ (of sth) [sing.] (formal) the meaning of sth, especially when it is not immediately clear:\nIt is difficult to understand the full import of this statement.\n    verb  [VN] ~ sth (from ...) | ~ sth (into ...) to bring a product, a service, an idea, etc. into one country from another:\nThe country has to import most of its raw materials. * goods imported from Japan into the US * customs imported from the West\nOPP EXPORT\n    importation  noun [U, C]:\na ban on the importation of ivory


Words: importance
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the quality of being important:\nShe stressed the importance of careful preparation. * It’s a matter of the greatest importance to me. * They attach great importance to the project * the relative importance of the two ideas * State your reasons in order of importance. * He was very aware of his own importance (= of his status).


Words: important
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  ~ (to sb) having a great effect on people or things; of great value:\nan important decision / factor * I have an important announcement to make. * Money played an important role in his life. * Listening is an important part of the job. * one of the most important collections of American art * It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. * It is important that he attend every day. * (BrE) It is important that he should attend every day. * It is important for him to attend every day. * It’s very important to me that you should be there. * The important thing is to keep trying.\n  2  (of a person) having great influence or authority:\nan important member of the team * He likes to feel important.\n    importantly adverb:\nMore importantly, can he be trusted? * She was sitting importantly behind a big desk.


Words: importer
Meaning:
noun\na person, company, etc. that buys goods from another country to sell them in their own country:\na London-based importer of Italian goods\ncompare EXPORTER


Words: importunate
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) asking for things many times in a way that is annoying:\nimportunate demands / pleas


Words: importune
Meaning:
verb\n[VN, VN to inf] ~ (sb) (for sth) (formal) to ask sb for sth many times and in a way that is annoying\nSYN PESTER


Words: impose
Meaning:
verb\n  1  [VN] ~ sth (on / upon sth/sb) to introduce a new law, rule, tax, etc.; to order that a rule, punishment, etc. be used:\nA new tax was imposed on fuel.\n  2  [VN] ~ sth (on / upon sb/sth) to force sb/sth to have to deal with sth that is difficult or unpleasant:\nto impose limitations / restrictions / constraints on sth * This system imposes additional financial burdens on many people. * The time limits are imposed on us by factors outside our control.\n  3  [VN] ~ sth (on / upon sb) to make sb accept the same opinions, wishes etc. as your own:\nShe didn’t want to impose her values on her family. * It was noticeable how a few people managed to impose their will on the others.\n  4  [V] ~ (on / upon sb/sth) to expect sb to do sth for you or to spend time with you, when it may not be convenient for them:\n’You must stay for lunch.’ ’Well, thanks, but I don’t want to impose ...’ * Everyone imposes on Dave’s good nature.\n  5  [VN] ~ yourself (on / upon sb/sth) to make sb/sth accept or be aware of your presence or ideas:\nEuropean civilization was the first to impose itself across the whole world.


Words: imposing
Meaning:
adjective\nimpressive to look at; making a strong impression:\na grand and imposing building * a tall imposing woman


Words: imposition
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] the act of introducing sth such as a new law or rule, or a new tax:\nthe imposition of martial law * the imposition of tax on domestic fuel\n  2  [C] an unfair or unreasonable thing that sb expects or asks you to do:\nI’d like to stay if it’s not too much of an imposition.


Words: impossible
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  that cannot exist or be done; not possible:\nalmost / virtually impossible * It’s impossible for me to be there before eight. * It’s impossible to prove. * I find it impossible to lie to her. * an impossible dream / goal\nOPP POSSIBLE\n  2  very difficult to deal with:\nI’ve been placed in an impossible position. * Honestly, you’re impossible at times!\n  3  (the impossible) noun [sing.] a thing that is or seems impossible:\nto attempt the impossible\n    impossibility  noun [U, C, usually sing.]:\nthe sheer impossibility of providing enough food for everyone * a virtual impossibility\n    impossibly  adverb:\nan impossibly difficult problem (= impossible to solve) * He was impossibly handsome (= it was difficult to believe that he could be so handsome).


Words: impotent
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  having no power to change things or to influence a situation:\nWithout the chairman’s support, the committee is impotent. * She blazed with impotent rage.\n  2  (of a man) unable to achieve an ERECTION and therefore unable to have full sex\n    impotence  noun [U]:\na feeling of impotence in the face of an apparently insoluble problem * male impotence\n    impotently adverb:\nIt irritated him to have to sit impotently in silence.


Words: impound
Meaning:
verb [VN] (law)\n  1  (of the police, courts of law, etc.) to take sth away from sb, so that they cannot use it\nSYN CONFISCATE:\nThe car was impounded by the police after the accident.\n  2  to shut up dogs, cats, etc. found on the streets in a POUND, until their owners collect them


Words: impoverish
Meaning:
verb [VN] (written)\n  1  to make sb poor:\nThese changes are likely to impoverish single parent families even further.\n  2  to make sth worse in quality:\nIntensive cultivation has impoverished the soil.\n    impoverishment noun [U]:\nthe rapid impoverishment of the people * cultural / spiritual impoverishment


Words: impoverished
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  very poor; without money:\nimpoverished peasants * the impoverished areas of the city\n  2  poor in quality, because sth is missing


Words: impracticable
Meaning:
adjective\nimpossible or very difficult to do; not PRACTICAL in a particular situation:\nIt would be impracticable for each member to be consulted on every occasion.\ncompare IMPRACTICAL\nOPP PRACTICABLE\n    impracticability  noun [U]


Words: impractical
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  not sensible or realistic:\nIt was totally impractical to think that we could finish the job in two months.\n  2  (of people) not good at doing things that involve using the hands; not good at planning or organizing things:\nHe was a wonderful companion but hopelessly impractical.\nOPP PRACTICAL\ncompare IMPRACTICABLE\n    impracticality  [U]:\nShe explained to her superiors the impracticality of such a project.


Words: imprecation
Meaning:
noun\n(formal) a CURSE (= an offensive word that is used to express extreme anger):\nto mutter imprecations


Words: imprecise
Meaning:
adjective\nnot accurate; not giving exact details or making sth clear:\nan imprecise definition * imprecise information * The witness’s descriptions were too imprecise to be of any real value.\nOPP PRECISE\n    imprecisely adverb:\nThese terms are often used imprecisely and interchangeably.\n    imprecision  noun [U]:\nThere is considerable imprecision in the terminology used.


Words: impregnable
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  an impregnable building is so strongly built that it cannot be entered by force:\nan impregnable fortress\n  2  strong and impossible to defeat or change:\nThe team built up an impregnable 5-1 lead. * the seemingly impregnable Nazi regime


Words: impregnate
Meaning:
verb [VN] \n  1  [usually passive] ~ sth (with sth) to make a substance spread through an area so that the area is full of the substance:\nThe pad is impregnated with insecticide.\n  2  (formal) to make a woman or female animal pregnant\n    impregnation  noun [U]


Words: impresario
Meaning:
noun\n(plural impresarios) a person who arranges plays in the theatre, etc., especially a person who manages a theatre, opera or ballet company


Words: impress
Meaning:
verb\n  1  ~ sb (with sth/sb) if a person or thing impresses you, you feel admiration for them or it:\n[VN] We interviewed a number of candidates but none of them impressed us. * She was suitably impressed (= as impressed as sb had hoped) with the painting. * He impressed her with his sincerity. * His sincerity impressed her. * The Grand Canyon never fails to impress people. * [V] The Grand Canyon never fails to impress. * [VN that] It impressed me that she remembered my name.\nsee also IMPRESSIVE\n  2  [VN] ~ sth on / upon sb (formal) to make sb understand how important, serious etc. sth is by emphasizing it:\nHe impressed on us the need for immediate action. * Their responsibilities are impressed on them during training.\n  3  [VN] ~ sth / itself on / upon sth (formal) to have a great effect on sth, especially sb’s mind, imagination, etc:\nHer words impressed themselves on my memory.\nsee also UNIMPRESSED


Words: impression
Meaning:
noun\n \n  idea / opinion\n \n  1  ~ (of sb/sth) | ~ (that ...) an idea, a feeling or an opinion that you get about sb/sth, or that sb/sth gives you:\na general / an overall impression * to get a good / bad impression of sb/sth * an initial / a lasting impression * My first impression of him was favourable. * I did not get the impression that they were unhappy about the situation. * My impression is that there are still a lot of problems. * She gives the impression of being very busy. * Try and smile. You don’t want to give people the wrong impression (= that you are not friendly).\n \n  effect\n \n  2  ~ (on sb) the effect that an experience or a person has on sb/sth:\na big / deep / strong impression * His trip to India made a strong impression on him. * You’ll have to play better than that if you really want to make an impression (= to make people admire you). * My words made no impression on her.\n \n  drawing\n  3  a drawing showing what a person looks like or what a place or a building will look like in the future:\nThis is an artist’s impression of the new stadium.\n  amusing copy of sb\n  4  ~ (of sb) an amusing copy of the way a person acts or speaks:\nHe did his impression of Tom Hanks.\n  false appearance\n  5  an appearance that may be false:\nClever lighting creates an impression of space in a room.\n  mark\n  6  a mark that is left when an object is pressed hard into a surface:\nThe dentist made an impression of his teeth.\n  book\n  7  all the copies of a book that are printed at one time, with few or no changes to the contents since the last time the book was printed\ncompare EDITION\n IDIOMS \n  (be) under the impression that ... believing, usually wrongly, that sth is true or is happening:\nI was under the impression that the work had already been completed. * The soldiers scattered, under the impression that it was an enemy attack.


Words: impressionable
Meaning:
adjective\n(of a person, especially a young one) easily influenced or affected by sb/sth:\nchildren at an impressionable age


Words: Impressionism
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a style in painting developed in France in the late 19th century that uses colour to show the effects of light on things and to suggest atmosphere rather than showing exact details\n    Impressionist adjective [usually before noun]:\nImpressionist landscapes


Words: impressionist
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (usually Impressionist) an artist who paints in the style of Impressionism:\nImpressionists such as Monet and Pissarro\n  2  a person who entertains people by copying the way a famous person speaks or behaves


Words: impressive
Meaning:
adjective\n(of things or people) making you feel admiration, because they are very large, good, skilful, etc:\nan impressive building with a huge tower * an impressive performance * one of the most impressive novels of recent years * She was very impressive in the interview.\nOPP UNIMPRESSIVE\n    impressively adverb:\nimpressively high * impressively organized * He paused impressively (= to make an impression).


Words: imprimatur
Meaning:
noun\n[sing.] (formal) official approval of sth, given by a person in a position of authority:\nThe project cannot go ahead without the imprimatur of the Treasury.


Words: imprint
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb  on B | ~ B with A\n  1  to have a great effect on sth so that it cannot be forgotten, changed, etc:\nThe terrible scenes were indelibly imprinted on his mind. * His work is imprinted with his own personal style. * He imprints his own personal style on his work.\n  2  to print or press a mark or design onto a surface:\nclothes imprinted with the logos of sports teams * Their footprints were imprinted in the snow.\n    noun \n  1  ~ (of sth) (in / on sth) a mark made by pressing or stamping sth onto a surface:\nthe imprint of a foot in the sand * The blow made a sharp imprint on the skin.\n  2  [usually sing.] ~ (of sth) (on sb/sth) (formal) the lasting effect that a person or an experience has on a place or a situation:\nColonialism has left an indelible imprint on the island.\n  3  (technical) the name of the PUBLISHER of a book, usually printed below the title on the first page:\nThey publish under several imprints.


Words: imprison
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] [often passive] to put sb in a prison or another place from which they cannot escape:\nThey were imprisoned for possession of drugs. * (figurative) Some young mothers feel imprisoned in their own homes.\n    imprisonment  noun [U]:\nto be sentenced to life imprisonment for murder


Words: improbable
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  ~ (that ...) not likely to be true or to happen:\nan improbable story / plot * It seems improbable that the current situation will continue. * It all sounded highly improbable. * in the improbable event of the Green Party winning\nOPP PROBABLE\n  2  seeming strange because it is not what you would expect:\nHer hair was an improbable shade of yellow.\n    improbability  noun [U, C]:\nthe improbability of finding them alive * statistical improbability\n    improbably  adverb:\nHe claimed, improbably, that he had never been there. * an improbably happy end


Words: impromptu
Meaning:
adjective\ndone without preparation or planning:\nan impromptu speech * They often held impromptu meetings in their house.


Words: improper
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  dishonest, or morally wrong:\nimproper business practices * improper conduct * There was nothing improper about our relationship (= it did not involve sex).\nOPP PROPER\n  2  (formal) not suited or appropriate to the situation:\nIt would be improper to comment at this stage.\nOPP PROPER\n  3  wrong; not correct:\nimproper use of the drug\n    improperly adverb:\nto behave improperly * He was improperly dressed for the occasion. * improperly cooked meat


Words: impropriety
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] (plural improprieties) (formal) behaviour or actions that are dishonest, morally wrong or not appropriate for a person in a position of responsibility:\nThere was no evidence of impropriety. * accusations of financial impropriety * He said that he would resign his post if the public felt he had engaged in improprieties.\nOPP PROPRIETY


Words: improve
Meaning:
verb\nto become better than before; to make sth/sb better than before:\n[V] His quality of life has improved dramatically since the operation. * The doctor says she should continue to improve (= after an illness). * I hope my French will improve when I go to France. * [VN] to improve efficiency / standards / conditions * The company needs to improve performance in all these areas. * I need to improve my French.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  improve on / upon sth to achieve or produce sth that is of a better quality than sth else:\nWe’ve certainly improved on last year’s figures.


Words: improvement
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] ~ (in / on / to sth) the act of making sth better; the process of sth becoming better:\nSales figures continue to show signs of improvement. * There is still room for improvement in your work. * We expect to see further improvement over the coming year.\n  2  [C] ~ (in / on sth) a change in sth that makes it better; sth that is better than it was before:\na significant / substantial / dramatic improvement * a slight / steady improvement * an improvement in Anglo-German relations * This is a great improvement on your previous work. * improvements to the bus service * home improvements (= changes that are made to a house, that increase its value)\n HELP NOTE  Home improvement is [U] in AmE.


Words: improvident
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) not thinking about or planning for the future; spending money in a careless way\nOPP PROVIDENT\n    improvidence  noun [U]:\nthe problems created by the king’s extravagance and improvidence


Words: improvise
Meaning:
verb\n  1  to make or do sth using whatever is available, usually because you do not have what you really need:\n[V] There isn’t much equipment. We’re going to have to improvise. * [VN] We improvised some shelves out of planks of wood and bricks.\n  2  ~ (on sth) to invent music, the words in a play, a statement, etc. while you are playing or speaking, instead of planning it in advance:\n[V] ’It’ll be ready some time next week, I expect,’ she said, improvising. * He improvised on the melody. * [VN] an improvised response / speech\n    improvisation  noun [U, C]


Words: imprudent
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) not wise or sensible\nSYN UNWISE:\nIt would be imprudent to invest all your money in one company.\nOPP PRUDENT\n    imprudence  noun [U]\n    imprudently adverb


Words: impudent
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) rude; not showing respect for other people:\nan impudent young fellow * an impudent remark\n    impudence  noun [U]:\nI’ve had enough of your impudence, young lady. * He had the impudence to correct me.


Words: impugn
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] (formal) to express doubts about whether sth is right, honest, etc:\nThere were no real grounds for impugning the decision.


Words: impulse
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C, usually sing, U] ~ (to do sth) a sudden strong wish or need to do sth, without stopping to think about the results:\nHe had a sudden impulse to stand up and sing. * I resisted the impulse to laugh. * Her first impulse was to run away. * The door was open and on (an) impulse she went inside. * He tends to act on impulse.\n  2  [C] (technical) a force or movement of energy that causes sth else to react:\nnerve / electrical impulses * The impulse is conducted along the length of the wire.\n  3  [C, usually sing, U] (formal) something that causes sb/sth to do sth or to develop and make progress:\nto give an impulse to the struggling car industry * He was motivated by the impulse for social reform.


Words: impulse buying
Meaning:
noun\n[U] buying goods without planning to do so in advance, and without thinking about it carefully


Words: impulsive
Meaning:
adjective\n(of people or their behaviour) acting suddenly without thinking carefully about what might happen because of what you are doing:\nan impulsive act / decision / gesture / reaction * He has an impulsive nature.\n    impulsively adverb:\nImpulsively he reached out and took her hand.\n    impulsiveness noun [U]


Words: impunity
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (formal, disapproving) if a person does sth bad with impunity, they do not get punished for what they have done:\nThey continue to break the law with impunity.


Words: impure
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  not pure or clean; not consisting of only one substance but mixed with one or more substances often of poorer quality:\nimpure gold\n  2  (old-fashioned or written) (of thoughts or feelings) morally bad, especially because they are connected with sex:\nimpure thoughts / motives\nOPP PURE


Words: impurity
Meaning:
noun (plural impurities)\n  1  [C] a substance that is present in small amounts in another substance, making it dirty or of poor quality:\nA filter will remove most impurities found in water.\n  2  [U] the state of being dirty or not pure\nOPP PURITY


Words: impute
Meaning:
PHRASAL VERBS \n  impute sth to sb/sth (formal) to say, often unfairly, that sb is responsible for sth or has a particular quality\nSYN ATTRIBUTE:\nI denied the motives that my employer was imputing to me.\n    imputation  noun [U, C]:\nHe denied the imputation.


Words: in
Meaning:
preposition, adverb, adjective, noun \n    preposition\n HELP NOTE  For the special uses of in in phrasal verbs, look at the entries for the verbs. For example deal in sth is in the phrasal verb section at deal.\n  1  at a point within an area or a space:\na country in Africa * The kids were playing in the street. * It’s in that drawer. * I read about it in the paper.\n  2  within the shape of sth; surrounded by sth:\nShe was lying in bed. * sitting in an armchair * Leave the key in the lock. * Soak it in cold water.\n  3  into sth:\nHe dipped his brush in the paint. * She got in her car and drove off.\n  4  forming the whole or part of sth/sb; contained within sth/sb:\nThere are 31 days in May. * all the paintings in the collection * I recognize his father in him (= his character is similar to his father’s).\n  5  during a period of time:\nin 2005 * in the 18th century * in spring / summer / autumn / winter * in the fall * in March * in the morning / afternoon / evening * I’m getting forgetful in my old age.\n  6  after a particular length of time:\nto return in a few minutes / hours / days / months. * It will be ready in a week’s time (= one week from now). * She learnt to drive in three weeks (= after three weeks she could drive).\n  7  (used in negative sentences or after first, last, etc.) for a particular period of time:\nI haven’t seen him in years. * It’s the first letter I’ve had in ten days.\n  8  wearing sth:\ndressed in their best clothes * the man in the hat * to be in uniform / disguise * She was all in black.\n  9  used to describe physical surroundings:\nWe went out in the rain. * He was sitting alone in the darkness.\n  10  used to show a state or condition:\nI’m in love! * The house is in good repair. * I must put my affairs in order. * a man in his thirties * The daffodils were in full bloom.\n  11  involved in sth; taking part in sth:\nto act in a play\n  12  used to show sb’s job or profession:\nHe is in the army. * She’s in computers. * in business / politics\n  13  used to show the form, shape, arrangement or quantity of sth:\na novel in three parts * Roll it up in a ball. * They sat in rows. * People flocked in their thousands to see her.\n  14  used to show the language, material, etc. used:\nSay it in English. * She wrote in pencil. * Put it in writing. * I paid in cash. * He spoke in a loud voice.\n  15  concerning sth:\nShe was not lacking in courage. * a country rich in minerals * three metres in length\n  16  while doing sth; while sth is happening:\nIn attempting to save the child from drowning, she nearly lost her own life. * In all the commotion I forgot to tell him the news.\n  17  used to introduce the name of a person who has a particular quality:\nWe’re losing a first-rate editor in Kathy.\n  18  used to show a rate or relative amount:\na gradient of one in five * a tax rate of 22 pence in the pound\n IDIOMS \n  in that  (written) for the reason that; because:\nShe was fortunate in that she had friends to help her.\n    adverb\n HELP NOTE  For the special uses of in in phrasal verbs, look at the entries for the verbs. For example fill in (for sb) is in the phrasal verb section at fill.\n  1  contained within an object, an area or a substance:\nWe were locked in. * I can’t drink coffee with milk in.\n  2  into an object, an area or a substance:\nShe opened the door and went in. * The kids were playing by the river and one of them fell in.\n  3  (of people) at home or at a place of work:\nNobody was in when we called.\nOPP OUT\n  4  (of trains, buses, etc.) at the place where people can get on or off, for example the station:\nThe bus is due in (= it should arrive) at six.\n  5  (of letters, etc.) received:\nApplications must be in by April 30.\n  6  (of the TIDE) at or towards its highest point on land:\nIs the tide coming in or going out?\n  7  elected:\nSeveral new Labour councillors got in at the last election.\n  8  (in cricket, baseball, etc.) if a team or team member is in, they are BATTING:\nEngland were in first.\n  9  (in tennis, etc.) if the ball is in, it has landed inside the line:\nHer serve was just in.\n IDIOMS \n  be in at sth to be present when sth happens:\nThey were in at the start.\n  be in for sth (informal) to be going to experience sth soon, especially sth unpleasant:\nHe’s in for a shock! * I’m afraid we’re in for a storm.\n  be / get in on sth (informal) to be/become involved in sth; to share or know about sth:\nI’d like to be in on the plan. * Is she in on the secret?\n  be (well) in with sb (informal) to be (very) friendly with sb, and likely to get an advantage from the friendship\n  in and out (of sth) going regularly to a place:\nHe was in and out of jail for most of his life.\n    adjective [usually before noun] (informal) popular and fashionable:\nPurple is the in colour this spring. * Exotic pets are the in thing right now. * Short skirts are in again.\nsee also IN-JOKE\n    noun\n IDIOMS \n  the ins and outs (of sth) all the details, especially the complicated or difficult ones:\nthe ins and outs of the problem * He quickly learned the ins and outs of the job.


Words: in absentia
Meaning:
adverb\n(from Latin) while not present at the event being referred to:\nTwo foreign suspects will be tried in absentia.


Words: in extremis
Meaning:
adverb (from Latin, formal)\n  1  in a very difficult situation when very strong action is needed\n  2  at the moment of death


Words: in loco parentis
Meaning:
adverb\n(from Latin, formal) having the same responsibility for a child as a parent has:\nThe staff have a position of trust; they stand in loco parentis to all the children for whom they are responsible.


Words: in tray
Meaning:
(AmE also in box) noun\n(in an office) a container on your desk for letters that are waiting to be read or answered:\nShe had a full in tray to deal with when she got back.\ncompare OUT TRAY


Words: in vitro
Meaning:
adjective\n(from Latin, biology) (of processes) taking place outside a living body, in scientific APPARATUS:\nin vitro experiments * the development of in vitro fertilization\nsee also IVF\n    in vitro adverb:\nan egg fertilized in vitro


Words: in-
Meaning:
prefix \n  1  (also il- ) (in adjectives, adverbs and nouns) not; the opposite of:\ninfinite * illogical * immorally * irrelevance\n  2  (also im- ) (in verbs) to put into the condition mentioned:\ninflame * imperil


Words: in-depth
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] very thorough and detailed:\nan in-depth discussion / study * We will be providing in-depth coverage of the election as the results come in. * Tonight’s programme is an in-depth look at the long-term effects of unemployment.\nsee also DEPTH


Words: in-flight
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] provided or happening during a journey on a plane:\nan in-flight meal / movie * in-flight refuelling


Words: in-group
Meaning:
noun\n(usually disapproving) a small group of people in an organization or a society whose members share the same interests, language, etc. and try to keep other people out\nSYN CLIQUE


Words: in-house
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] existing or happening within a company or an organization:\nan in-house magazine * in-house language training\n    in-house adverb:\nThe software was developed in-house.


Words: in-laws
Meaning:
noun\n[pl.] (informal) your relatives by marriage, especially the parents of your husband or wife:\nWe’re visiting my in-laws on Sunday.


Words: in-service
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] (of training, courses of study, etc.) done while sb is working in a job, in order to learn new skills:\nin-service training * our in-service professional development programme


Words: in-your-face
Meaning:
adjective\n(informal) used to describe an attitude, a performance, etc. that is aggressive in style and deliberately designed to make people react strongly for or against it:\nin-your-face action thrillers


Words: inability
Meaning:
noun\n[U, sing.] ~ (to do sth) the fact of not being able to do sth:\nthe government’s inability to provide basic services * Some families go without medical treatment because of their inability to pay.\nOPP ABILITY


Words: inaccessible
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (to sb/sth) difficult or impossible to reach or to get:\nThey live in a remote area, inaccessible except by car. * Dirt can collect in inaccessible places. * The temple is now inaccessible to the public. * The human brain was thought to be inaccessible to experimental investigation. * (figurative) The language of teenagers is often completely inaccessible to (= not understood by) adults.\nOPP ACCESSIBLE\n    inaccessibility  noun [U]


Words: inaccurate
Meaning:
adjective\nnot exact or accurate; with mistakes:\nan inaccurate statement / measurement / description * inaccurate information * All the maps we had were wildly inaccurate. * Statistical graphs may be inaccurate and misleading.\nOPP ACCURATE\n    inaccuracy  noun [C, U] (plural inaccuracies):\nThe article is full of inaccuracies. * The writer is guilty of bias and inaccuracy.\n    inaccurately adverb


Words: inaction
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (usually disapproving) lack of action; the state of doing nothing about a situation or a problem:\nThe police were accused of inaction in the face of a possible attack.


Words: inactive
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  not doing anything; not active:\nSome animals are inactive during the daytime. * The area has a large, but politically inactive population. * The volcano has been inactive for 50 years.\n  2  not in use; not working:\nan inactive oil well\n  3  having no effect:\nan inactive drug / disease\nOPP ACTIVE\n    inactivity  noun [U]:\nperiods of enforced inactivity and boredom * The inactivity of the government was deplorable.


Words: inadequacy
Meaning:
noun (plural inadequacies)\n  1  [U] ~ (of sth) the state of not being enough or good enough:\nthe inadequacy of our resources\nOPP ADEQUACY\n  2  [U] a state of not being able or confident to deal with a situation:\na feeling / sense of inadequacy\n  3  [C, usually pl.] ~ (of / in sth) a weakness; a lack of sth:\ngross inadequacies in the data * He had to face up to his own inadequacies as a father.


Words: inadequate
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  ~ (for sth) | ~ (to do sth) not enough; not good enough:\ninadequate supplies / resources / preparation * The system is inadequate for the tasks it has to perform. * The food supplies are inadequate to meet the needs of the hungry.\nOPP ADEQUATE\n  2  (of people) not able, or not confident enough, to deal with a situation:\nI felt totally inadequate as a parent.\n    inadequately adverb:\nto be inadequately prepared / insured / funded


Words: inadmissible
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) that cannot be allowed or accepted, especially in a court of law:\ninadmissible evidence\nOPP ADMISSIBLE


Words: inadvertently
Meaning:
adverb\nby accident; without intending to:\nWe had inadvertently left without paying the bill.\n    inadvertent adjective:\nan inadvertent omission\n    inadvertence noun [U]


Words: inadvisable
Meaning:
adjective\n[not usually before noun] ~ (for sb) (to do sth) (formal) not sensible or wise; that you would advise against:\nIt is inadvisable to bring children on this trip.\nOPP ADVISABLE


Words: inalienable
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] (formal) that cannot be taken away from you:\nthe inalienable right to decide your own future


Words: inane
Meaning:
adjective\nstupid or silly; with no meaning:\nan inane remark\n    inanely adverb:\nto grin inanely\n    inanity  noun [U, C, usually pl.] (plural inanities)


Words: inanimate
Meaning:
adjective\nnot alive in the way that people, animals and plants are:\nA rock is an inanimate object.\nOPP ANIMATE


Words: inapplicable
Meaning:
adjective\n[not before noun] ~ (to sb/sth) that cannot be used, or that does not apply, in a particular situation:\nThese regulations are inapplicable to international students.\nOPP APPLICABLE


Words: inappropriate
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (for sb/sth) (to do sth) | ~ (to / for sth) not suitable or appropriate in a particular situation:\ninappropriate behaviour / language * It would be inappropriate for me to comment on what your tutor said. * clothes inappropriate to the occasion\nOPP APPROPRIATE\n    inappropriately adverb:\nShe was inappropriately dressed for a funeral.\n    inappropriateness noun [U]


Words: inarticulate
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of people) not able to express ideas or feelings clearly or easily\n  2  (of speech) not using clear words; not expressed clearly:\nan inarticulate reply / speech\nOPP ARTICULATE\n    inarticulately adverb


Words: inasmuch as
Meaning:
conjunction\n(formal, written) used to add a comment on sth that you have just said and to say in what way it is true:\nHe was a very unusual musician inasmuch as he was totally deaf.


Words: inattention
Meaning:
noun\n[U] ~ (to sth/sb) (usually disapproving) lack of attention:\nThey complained about his inattention to his patients. * The accident was the result of a moment’s inattention.


Words: inattentive
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (to sth/sb) (disapproving) not paying attention to sth/sb:\nan inattentive pupil * inattentive to the needs of others\nOPP ATTENTIVE\n    inattentively adverb


Words: inaudible
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (to sb) that you cannot hear:\nShe spoke in an almost inaudible whisper. * The whistle was inaudible to the human ear.\nOPP AUDIBLE\n    inaudibility  noun [U]\n    inaudibly  adverb


Words: inaugural
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] (of an official speech, meeting, etc.) first, and marking the beginning of sth important, for example the time when a new leader or parliament starts work, when a new organization is formed or when sth is used for the first time:\nthe President’s inaugural address * the professor’s inaugural lecture * the inaugural meeting of the geographical society * the inaugural flight of the space shuttle\n    inaugural noun [C, usually sing.] (especially AmE):\nthe presidential inaugural in January


Words: inaugurate
Meaning:
verb\n  1  ~ sb (as sth) to introduce a new public official or leader at a special ceremony:\n[VN-N] He will be inaugurated (as) President in January. [also VN]\n  2  [VN] to officially open a building or start an organization with a special ceremony:\nThe new theatre was inaugurated by the mayor.\n  3  [VN] (formal) to introduce a new development or an important change:\nThe moon landing inaugurated a new era in space exploration. * People hoped that the new government would inaugurate a period of change.\n    inauguration  noun [U, C]:\nthe President’s inauguration * an inauguration speech


Words: inauspicious
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) showing signs that the future will not be good or successful:\nan inauspicious start\nOPP AUSPICIOUS\n    inauspiciously adverb


Words: inauthentic
Meaning:
adjective\nnot genuine; that you cannot believe or rely on\nOPP AUTHENTIC\n    inauthenticity  noun [U]


Words: inboard
Meaning:
adjective\n(technical) situated on the inside of a boat, plane or car:\nan inboard motor\nOPP OUTBOARD\n    inboard adverb


Words: inborn
Meaning:
(also less frequent inbred) adjective\nan inborn quality is one that you are born with\nSYN INNATE:\nSome people have an inborn tendency to put on weight.


Words: inbound
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) travelling towards a place rather than leaving it:\ninbound flights / passengers\nOPP OUTBOUND


Words: inbred
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  produced by breeding among closely related members of a group of animals, people or plants:\nan inbred racehorse\n  2  (rare) = INBORN


Words: inbuilt
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] an inbuilt quality exists as an essential part of sth/sb:\nHis height gives him an inbuilt advantage over his opponent.\ncompare BUILT-IN


Words: incalculable
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) very large or very great; too great to calculate:\nThe oil spill has caused incalculable damage to the environment. * The treasures are of incalculable value.\ncompare CALCULABLE\n    incalculably  adverb


Words: incandescent
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (technical) giving out light when heated:\nincandescent lamps\n  2  (formal) very bright:\nincandescent white\n  3  (formal) full of strong emotion:\nan incandescent musical performance * She was incandescent with rage.\n    incandescence  noun [U]


Words: incantation
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] special words that are spoken or sung to have a magic effect; the act of speaking or singing these words


Words: incapable
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  ~ of sth / of doing sth not able to do sth:\nincapable of speech / movement * The children seem to be totally incapable of working by themselves.\n  2  not able to control yourself or your affairs; not able to do anything well:\nHe was found lying in the road, drunk and incapable. * If people keep telling you you’re incapable, you begin to lose confidence in yourself.\nOPP CAPABLE


Words: incapacitate
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] [usually passive] (formal) to make sb unable to live or work normally:\nHe was incapacitated by old age and sickness. * mentally incapacitated people


Words: incapacity
Meaning:
noun [U] (written)\n  1  ~ (of sb/sth) (to do sth) lack of ability or skill\nSYN INABILITY:\ntheir incapacity to govern effectively\n  2  the state of being too ill to do your work or look after yourself:\nShe returned to work after a long period of incapacity.


Words: incarcerate
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] [usually passive] ~ sb (in sth) (formal) to put sb in prison or in another place from which they cannot escape\nSYN IMPRISON:\nThousands were incarcerated in labour camps.\n    incarceration  noun [U]:\nThere have been angry protests about his arrest and incarceration.


Words: incarnate
Meaning:
adjective, verb \n    adjective  (usually after nouns) (formal) in human form:\nThe leader seemed the devil incarnate. * My aunt is generosity incarnate.\n    verb  [VN] (formal) to give a definite or human form to a particular idea or quality


Words: incarnation
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] a period of life in a particular form:\none of the incarnations of Vishnu * He believed he had been a prince in a previous incarnation. * (figurative) I worked for her in her earlier incarnation (= her previous job) as a lawyer.\n  2  [C] a person who represents a particular quality, for example, in human form:\nthe incarnation of evil\n  3  [sing., U] (also the Incarnation) (in Christianity) the act of God coming to earth in human form as Jesus


Words: incautious
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) done without thinking carefully about the results; not thinking about what might happen:\nincautious borrowing * an incautious young man\n    incautiously adverb


Words: incendiary
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective [only before noun]\n  1  designed to cause fires:\nan incendiary device / bomb / attack\n  2  (formal) causing strong feelings or violence:\nincendiary remarks\n    noun (plural incendiaries) a bomb that is designed to make a fire start burning when it explodes\nSYN FIREBOMB


Words: incense
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun  [U] a substance that produces a pleasant smell when you burn it, used particularly in religious ceremonies\n    verb  [VN] [usually passive] to make sb very angry:\nThe decision incensed the workforce. * The workforce was incensed by the decision. * She was incensed at the idea.


Words: incentive
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] ~ (for / to sb/sth) (to do sth) something that encourages you to do sth:\ntax incentives to encourage savings * There is no incentive for people to save fuel. * There is an added incentive for you to buy from our catalogue-a free gift with every purchase.\nOPP DISINCENTIVE


Words: inception
Meaning:
noun\n[sing.] (formal) the start of an institution, an organization, etc:\nThe club has grown rapidly since its inception in 1990.


Words: incessant
Meaning:
adjective\n(usually disapproving) never stopping:\nincessant noise / rain / chatter * incessant meetings\n    incessantly adverb:\nto talk incessantly


Words: incest
Meaning:
noun\n[U] sexual activity between two people who are very closely related in a family, for example, a brother and sister, or a father and daughter


Words: incestuous
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  involving sex between two people in a family who are very closely related:\nan incestuous relationship\n  2  (disapproving) involving a group of people who have a close relationship and do not want to include anyone outside the group:\nThe music industry is an incestuous business.\n    incestuously adverb


Words: inch
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  (abbreviation in.) a unit for measuring length, equal to 2.54 CENTIMETRES. There are twelve inches in a FOOT:\n1.14 inches of rain fell last night. * She’s a few inches taller than me. * a fat envelope about half an inch thick * Since I started jogging I’ve lost three and a half inches from my waistline.\n \n  2  a small amount or distance:\nHe escaped death by an inch. * The car missed us by inches. * Ronaldo was just inches away from scoring.\n \n IDIOMS \n \n  every inch\n1 the whole of sth:\nThe doctor examined every inch of his body. * (figurative) If they try to fire me I’ll fight them every inch of the way.\n2 completely:\nIn his first game the young player already looked every inch a winner.\n  give sb an inch (and they’ll take a mile / yard) (saying) used to say that if you allow some people a small amount of freedom or power they will see you as weak and try to take a lot more\n  inch by inch very slowly and with great care or difficulty:\nShe crawled forward inch by inch.\n  not budge / give / move an inch to refuse to change your position, decision, etc. even a little:\nWe tried to negotiate a lower price but they wouldn’t budge an inch.\n  within an inch of sth / of doing sth very close to sth/doing sth:\nShe was within an inch of being killed. * They beat him within an inch of his life (= very severely).\nmore at TRUST v.\n    verb [+adv./prep.] to move or make sth move slowly and carefully in a particular direction: [V] She moved forward, inching towards the rope. * [VN] I inched the car forward. * He inched his way through the narrow passage.


Words: incidence
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C, usually sing.] ~ of sth (written) the extent to which sth happens or has an effect:\nan area with a high incidence of crime / disease / unemployment\n  2  [U] (technical) the way in which a ray of light meets a surface:\nthe angle of incidence


Words: incident
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] something that happens, especially sth unusual or unpleasant:\nHis bad behaviour was just an isolated incident. * One particular incident sticks in my mind.\n  2  [C, U] a serious or violent event, such as a crime, an accident or an attack:\nThere was a shooting incident near here last night. * (BrE) The police are setting up an incident room near the murder spot (= where they can collect evidence, etc.). * The demonstration passed off without incident.\n  3  [C] a disagreement between two countries, often involving military forces:\na border / diplomatic incident -> EVENT


Words: incidental
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective\n  1  ~ (to sth) happening in connection with sth else, but not as important as it, or not intended:\nThe discovery was incidental to their main research. * incidental music (= music used with a play or a film / movie to give atmosphere) * You may be able to get help with incidental expenses (= small costs that you get in connection with sth).\n  2  ~ to sth (technical) happening as a natural result of sth:\nThese risks are incidental to the work of a firefighter.\n    noun [usually pl.] something that happens in connection with sth else, but is less important:\nYou’ll need money for incidentals such as tips and taxis.


Words: incidentally
Meaning:
adverb\n  1  used to introduce a new topic, or some extra information, or a question that you have just thought of\nSYN BY THE WAY:\nIncidentally, have you heard the news about Sue?\n  2  in a way that was not planned but that is connected with sth else:\nThe information was only discovered incidentally.


Words: incinerate
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] [often passive] to burn sth until it is completely destroyed:\nMost of the waste is incinerated.\n    incineration  noun [U]:\nhigh-temperature incineration plants


Words: incise
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] ~ sth (in / on / onto sth) (formal) to cut words, designs, etc. into a surface:\nThe letters were incised in stone.\ncompare ENGRAVE


Words: incision
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] a sharp cut made in sth, particularly during a medical operation; the act of making a cut in sth:\nMake a small incision below the ribs.


Words: incisive
Meaning:
adjective (approving)\n  1  showing clear thought and good understanding of what is important, and the ability to express this:\nincisive comments / criticism / analysis * an incisive mind\n  2  showing sb’s ability to take decisions and act forcefully:\nan incisive performance\n    incisively adverb\n    incisiveness noun [U]


Words: incisor
Meaning:
noun\none of the eight sharp teeth at the front of the mouth that are used for biting\ncompare CANINE, MOLAR


Words: incite
Meaning:
verb\n~ sb (to sth) | ~ sth to encourage sb to do sth violent, illegal or unpleasant, especially by making them angry or excited:\n[VN] to incite crime / racial hatred / violence * They were accused of inciting the crowd to violence. * [VN to inf] He incited the workforce to come out on strike.


Words: incitement
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] ~ (to sth) the act of encouraging sb to do sth violent, illegal or unpleasant:\nincitement to racial hatred


Words: incl.
Meaning:
BrE also inc.) abbreviation\n  1  (in advertisements) including; included:\ntransport not incl. * ｣29.53 inc. tax\n  2  INCLUSIVE:\nOpen 1 April to 31 October incl.


Words: inclement
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) (of the weather) not pleasant; cold, wet, etc.\nOPP CLEMENT\n    inclemency  noun [U]


Words: inclination
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U, C] ~ (to do sth) | ~ (towards / for sth) a feeling that makes you want to do sth:\nHe did not show the slightest inclination to leave. * My natural inclination is to find a compromise. * She lacked any inclination for housework. * He was a loner by nature and by inclination. * She had neither the time nor the inclination to help them. * You must follow your own inclinations when choosing a career.\n  2  [C] ~ to do sth a tendency to do sth:\nThere is an inclination to treat geography as a less important subject.\n  3  [C, usually sing, U] (technical) a degree of sloping:\nan inclination of 45ｰ * the angle of inclination\n  4  [C] a small downward movement, usually of the head


Words: incline
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb  (formal)\n  1  ~ (sb) to / towards sth to tend to think or behave in a particular way; to make sb do this:\n[V] I incline to the view that we should take no action at this stage. * Young people incline towards individualistic behaviour. * [V to inf] The government is more effective than we incline to think. * [VN] Lack of money inclines many young people towards crime. * [VN to inf] His obvious sincerity inclined me to trust him.\n  2  [VN] ~ your head to bend your head forward, especially as a sign of agreement, greeting, etc:\nHe inclined his head in acknowledgement.\n  3  ~ (sth) (to / towards sth) to lean or slope in a particular direction; to make sth lean or slope:\n[V] The land inclined gently towards the shore. [also VN]\n    noun  (formal) a slope:\na steep / slight incline


Words: inclined
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  [not before noun] ~ (to do sth) wanting to do sth:\nShe was inclined to trust him. * He writes only when he feels inclined to. * There’ll be time for a swim if you feel so inclined.\n  2  ~ to do sth tending to do sth; likely to do sth:\nHe’s inclined to be lazy. * They’ll be more inclined to listen if you don’t shout.\n  3  ~ to agree, believe, think, etc. used when you are expressing an opinion but do not want to express it very strongly:\nI’m inclined to agree with you.\n  4  (used with particular adverbs) having a natural ability for sth; preferring to do sth:\nmusically / academically inclined children\n  5  sloping; at an angle


Words: include
Meaning:
verb\n  1  (not used in the progressive tenses) if one thing includes another, it has the second thing as one of its parts:\n[VN] The tour included a visit to the Science Museum. * Does the price include tax? * [V -ing] Your duties include typing letters and answering the telephone. -> COMPRISE\n  2  [VN] ~ sb/sth (as / in / on sth) to make sb/sth part of sth:\nYou should include some examples in your essay. * We all went, me included. * Representatives from the country were included as observers at the conference.\nOPP EXCLUDE


Words: including
Meaning:
preposition\n(abbreviation incl.) having sth as part of a group or set:\nI’ve got three days’ holiday including New Year’s Day. * Six people were killed in the riot, including a policeman. * It’s ｣7.50, including tax.\nOPP EXCLUDING


Words: inclusion
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] the fact of including sb/sth; the fact of being included:\nHis inclusion in the team is in doubt.\n  2  [C] a person or thing that is included:\nThere were some surprising inclusions in the list.\nOPP EXCLUSION


Words: inclusive
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  ~ (of sth) having the total cost, or the cost of sth that is mentioned, contained in the price:\nThe fully inclusive fare for the trip is ｣52. * The rent is inclusive of water and heating.\nOPP EXCLUSIVE\n  2  from ...to ...inclusive including all the days, months, numbers, etc. mentioned:\nWe are offering free holidays for children aged two to eleven inclusive. * The castle is open daily from May to October inclusive.\n  3  including a wide range of people, things, ideas, etc:\nThe party must adopt more inclusive strategies and a broader vision.\nOPP EXCLUSIVE\n    inclusively adverb:\nThe word ’men’ can be understood inclusively (= including men and women).\n    inclusiveness noun [U]\n______________________________\n BRITISH / AMERICAN \ninclusive / through\nIn BrE inclusive is used to emphasize that you are including the days, months, numbers, etc. mentioned, especially in formal or official situations: Answer questions 8 to 12 inclusive. * The amusement park is open daily from May to October inclusive.\nIn AmE through is used: Answer questions 8 through 12. * The amusement park is open (from) May through October.\nTo can also be used with this meaning in BrE and AmE: The park is open from 1 May to 31 October.\n______________________________


Words: incognito
Meaning:
adverb\nin a way that prevents other people from finding out who you are:\nMovie stars often prefer to travel incognito.\n    incognito adjective:\nan incognito visit


Words: incoherent
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of people) unable to express yourself clearly, often because of emotion:\nShe broke off, incoherent with anger.\nOPP COHERENT\n  2  (of sounds) not clear and hard to understand \nSYN UNINTELLIGIBLE:\nRachel whispered something incoherent.\n  3  not logical or well organized:\nan incoherent text / policy\nOPP COHERENT\n    incoherence  noun [U]:\nHaving lapsed into complete incoherence, he fell silent.\n    incoherently adverb


Words: income
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] the money that a person, a region, a country, etc. earns from work, from investing money from business, etc:\npeople on high / low incomes * a weekly disposable income (= the money that you have left to spend after tax, etc.) of ｣200 * a rise in national income * They receive a proportion of their income from the sale of goods and services. * Tourism is a major source of income for the area. * higher / middle / lower income groups\ncompare EXPENDITURE


Words: income support
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (in Britain) the money that the government pays to people who have no income or a very low income


Words: income tax
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] the amount of money that you pay to the government according to how much you earn:\nThe standard rate of income tax was cut to 23p in the pound. * federal income tax


Words: incoming
Meaning:
adjective [only before noun]\n  1  recently elected or chosen:\nthe incoming government / president / administration\nOPP OUTGOING (2)\n  2  arriving somewhere, or being received:\nincoming flights * the incoming tide * incoming calls / mail / information\nOPP OUTGOING (3)


Words: incommensurable
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (with sth) (rare, formal) if two things are incommensurable, they are so completely different from each other that they cannot be compared:\nincommensurable differences


Words: incommunicado
Meaning:
adjective\nwithout communicating with other people, because you are not allowed to or because you do not want to:\nThe prisoner has been held incommunicado for more than a week. * She spent her fortieth birthday incommunicado, in Scotland.


Words: incomparable
Meaning:
adjective\nso good or impressive that nothing can be compared to it:\nthe incomparable beauty of Lake Garda * the incomparable Frank Sinatra\n    incomparability  noun [U]\n    incomparably  adverb:\nHer latest book is incomparably better than her earlier ones.


Words: incompatible
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  ~ (with sth) two actions, ideas, etc. that are incompatible are not acceptable or possible together because of basic differences:\nThe hours of the job are incompatible with family life. * These two objectives are mutually incompatible.\n  2  two people who are incompatible are very different from each other and so are not able to live or work happily together:\nShe and her husband soon proved to be totally incompatible.\n  3  ~ (with sth) two things that are incompatible are of different types so that they cannot be used or mixed together:\nNew computer software is often incompatible with older computers. * Those two blood groups are incompatible.\nOPP COMPATIBLE\n    incompatibility  noun [U, C] (plural incompatibilities)


Words: incompetence
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the lack of skill or ability to do your job or a task as it should be done:\nprofessional / managerial incompetence * government / police incompetence * He was dismissed for incompetence.


Words: incompetent
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective not having the skill or ability to do your job or a task as it should be done:\nan incompetent teacher / manager * his incompetent handling of the affair * The Prime Minister was attacked as incompetent to lead.\nOPP COMPETENT\n    incompetently adverb \n    noun a person who does not have the skill or ability to do their job or a task as it should be done


Words: incomplete
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective not having everything that it should have; not finished or complete:\nan incomplete set of figures * Spoken language contains many incomplete sentences. * Our holiday would be incomplete without some time on the tennis courts.\nOPP COMPLETE\n    incompletely adverb:\nThe causes of the phenomenon are still incompletely understood.\n    incompleteness noun [U] \n    noun (AmE) the grade that a student gets for a course of education when they have not completed all the work for that course


Words: incomprehensible
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (to sb) impossible to understand \nSYN UNINTELLIGIBLE:\nSome application forms can be incomprehensible to ordinary people. * He found his son’s actions totally incomprehensible.\nOPP COMPREHENSIBLE\n    incomprehensibility  noun [U]\n    incomprehensibly  adverb


Words: incomprehension
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the state of not being able to understand sb/sth:\nAnna read the letter with incomprehension. * the mutual incomprehension of adolescents and parents * This time he saw a look of blank incomprehension on her face.


Words: inconceivable
Meaning:
adjective\nimpossible to imagine or believe \nSYN UNTHINKABLE:\nIt is inconceivable that the minister was not aware of the problem. * Then the inconceivable happened-I lost my job.\nOPP CONCEIVABLE\n    inconceivably adverb:\nShe was inconceivably wealthy.


Words: inconclusive
Meaning:
adjective\nnot leading to a definite decision or result:\ninconclusive evidence / results / tests * inconclusive talks / discussions * A coalition government was formed following an inconclusive general election.\nOPP CONCLUSIVE\n    inconclusively adverb:\nThe last meeting had ended inconclusively.


Words: incongruous
Meaning:
adjective\nstrange, and not suitable in a particular situation:\nSuch traditional methods seem incongruous in our technical age. * The two of them made an incongruous couple.\n    incongruity  noun [U, C] (plural incongruities):\nShe was struck by the incongruity of the situation.\n    incongruously adverb:\nincongruously dressed


Words: inconsequential
Meaning:
adjective\nnot important or worth considering \nSYN TRIVIAL:\ninconsequential details * inconsequential chatter\nOPP CONSEQUENTIAL\n    inconsequentially  adverb:\nThey chatted inconsequentially about this and that.


Words: inconsiderable
Meaning:
adjective\n IDIOMS \n  not inconsiderable (formal) large; large enough to be considered important:\nWe have spent a not inconsiderable amount of money on the project already.


Words: inconsiderate
Meaning:
adjective\n(disapproving) not giving enough thought to other people’s feelings or needs \nSYN THOUGHTLESS:\ninconsiderate behaviour / remarks * It was inconsiderate of you not to call.\nOPP CONSIDERATE\n    inconsiderately adverb


Words: inconsistent
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  [not usually before noun] ~ (with sth) if two statements, etc. are inconsistent, or one is inconsistent with the other, they cannot both be true because they give the facts in a different way:\nThe report is inconsistent with the financial statements. * The witnesses’ statements were inconsistent.\n  2  ~ with sth not matching a set of standards, ideas, etc:\nHer behaviour was clearly inconsistent with her beliefs.\n  3  (disapproving) tending to change too often; not staying the same:\ninconsistent results * Children find it difficult if a parent is inconsistent.\nOPP CONSISTENT\n    inconsistency  noun [U, C] (plural inconsistencies):\nThere is some inconsistency between the witnesses’ evidence and their earlier statements. * I noticed a few minor inconsistencies in her argument.\n    inconsistently adverb


Words: inconsolable
Meaning:
adjective\nvery sad and unable to accept help or comfort:\nThey were inconsolable when their only child died. * inconsolable grief\n    inconsolably  adverb:\nto weep inconsolably


Words: inconspicuous
Meaning:
adjective\nnot attracting attention; not easy to notice:\nShe tried to look as inconspicuous as possible.\nOPP CONSPICUOUS\n    inconspicuously adverb:\nto stay inconspicuously in the background


Words: inconstant
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) not faithful in love or friendship\nSYN FICKLE\nOPP CONSTANT\n    inconstancy  noun [U]


Words: incontestable
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) that is true and cannot be disagreed with or DENIED:\nan incontestable right / fact * His claim to the land is incontestable.\n    incontestably  adverb


Words: incontinence
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the lack of ability to control the BLADDER and bowels\nOPP CONTINENCE\n    incontinent  adjective:\nMany of our patients are incontinent.


Words: incontrovertible
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) that is true and cannot be disagreed with or DENIED:\nincontrovertible evidence / proof\n    incontrovertibly  adverb:\nHer book shows incontrovertibly that he was innocent.


Words: inconvenience
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  [U] trouble or problems, especially concerning what you need or would like yourself:\nWe apologize for the delay and regret any inconvenience it may have caused. * I have already been put to considerable inconvenience.\n  2  [C] a person or thing that causes problems or difficulties:\nI can put up with minor inconveniences.\n    verb [VN] to cause trouble or difficulty for sb:\nI hope that we haven’t inconvenienced you.


Words: inconvenient
Meaning:
adjective\ncausing trouble or problems, especially concerning what you need or would like yourself:\nan inconvenient time / place * That’s most inconvenient for me. I’m working that weekend.\nOPP CONVENIENT\n    inconveniently adverb:\nThe house is inconveniently situated for local schools.


Words: incorporate
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] ~ sth (in / into / within sth) to include sth so that it forms a part of sth:\nMany of your suggestions have been incorporated in the plan. * The new car design incorporates all the latest safety features. * We have incorporated all the latest safety features into the design.\n    incorporation  noun [U]:\nthe incorporation of foreign words into the language


Words: incorrect
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  not accurate or true:\nincorrect information / spelling * His version of what happened is incorrect.\n  2  speaking or behaving in a way that does not follow the accepted standards or rules\nsee also POLITICALLY CORRECT\nOPP CORRECT\n    incorrectly adverb:\nan incorrectly addressed letter\n    incorrectness noun [U]


Words: incorrigible
Meaning:
adjective\n(disapproving or humorous) having bad habits which cannot be changed or improved:\nHer husband is an incorrigible flirt. * You’re incorrigible!\n    incorrigibly  adverb


Words: incorruptible
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of people) not able to be persuaded to do sth wrong or dishonest, even if sb offers them money:\nBribery won’t work with him. He’s incorruptible.\n  2  that cannot decay or be destroyed\nOPP CORRUPTIBLE\n    incorruptibility  noun [U]


Words: increase
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb  ~ (sth) (from A) (to B) | ~ (sth) (by sth) to become or to make sth greater in amount, number, value, etc:\n[V] The population has increased from 1.2 million to 1.8 million. * The rate of inflation increased by 2%. * The price of oil increased. * Oil increased in price. * Disability increases with age (= the older sb is, the more likely they are to have a disability). * [VN] We need to increase productivity. * They’ve increased the price by 50%.\nOPP DECREASE\n    increased adjective [only before noun]:\nincreased demand / pressure / spending\n    noun  [C, U] ~ (in sth) a rise in the amount, number or value of sth:\nan increase in spending / population * an increase of 2p in the pound on income tax * an increase of nearly 20% * a significant / substantial increase in sales * price / tax / wage increases * Homelessness is on the increase (= increasing).\nOPP DECREASE


Words: increasingly
Meaning:
adverb\nmore and more all the time:\nincreasingly difficult / important / popular * It is becoming increasingly clear that this problem will not be easily solved. * Increasingly, training is taking place in the office rather than outside it.


Words: incredible
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  impossible or very difficult to believe:\nan incredible story * It seemed incredible that she had been there a week already.\n  2  (informal) extremely good or extremely large:\nThe hotel was incredible. * an incredible amount of work


Words: incredibly
Meaning:
adverb\n  1  extremely:\nincredibly lucky / stupid / difficult / beautiful\n  2  in a way that is very difficult to believe:\nIncredibly, it was six months before I realized what was going on.


Words: incredulous
Meaning:
adjective\nnot willing or not able to believe sth; showing an inability to believe sth:\n’Here?’ said Kate, incredulous. * an incredulous look / face\ncompare CREDULOUS\n    incredulity  noun [U]:\na look of surprise and incredulity\n    incredulously adverb:\nHe laughed incredulously.


Words: increment
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a regular increase in the amount of money that sb is paid for their job:\na salary of ｣25 K with annual increments\n  2  (formal) an increase in a number or an amount\n    incremental  adjective:\nincremental costs\n    incrementally  adverb


Words: incriminate
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] to make it seem as if sb has done sth wrong or illegal:\nThey were afraid of answering the questions and incriminating themselves. * He was careful not to say anything that might incriminate the others.\n    incriminating adjective [usually before noun]:\nincriminating evidence\n    incrimination  noun [U]:\nHe destroyed the files to avoid incrimination.


Words: incrustation
Meaning:
(also encrustation)  noun\n[U, C] the process of forming a hard outer covering or layer; the covering or layer that is formed


Words: incubate
Meaning:
verb\n  1  [VN] (of a bird) to sit on its eggs in order to keep them warm until they HATCH\n  2  [VN] (biology) to keep cells, bacteria, etc. at a suitable temperature so that they develop:\nThe samples were incubated at 80ｰC for three minutes.\n  3  [VN] (be incubating sth) (medical) to have an infectious disease developing inside you before SYMPTOMS (= signs of illness) appear:\nThe source of infection may be a person who is incubating an infectious disease.\n  4  [V] (medical) (of a disease) to develop slowly without showing any signs:\nThe BSE bug incubates for three years.


Words: incubation
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] the HATCHING of eggs:\nartificial incubation (= using artificial warmth)\n  2  [C] (also incubation period) (medical or biology) the time between sb being infected with a disease and the appearance of the first SYMPTOMS (= signs)\n  3  [U] (biology) the development and growth of bacteria, etc.


Words: incubator
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a piece of equipment in a hospital which new babies are placed in when they are weak or born too early, in order to help them survive:\nTheir baby was so small she spent three weeks in an incubator before going home.\n  2  a machine like a box where eggs are kept warm until the young birds are born


Words: incubus
Meaning:
1  (literary) a problem that makes you worry a lot\n  2  a male evil spirit, supposed in the past to have sex with a sleeping woman\ncompare SUCCUBUS


Words: inculcate
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] ~ sth (in / into sb) | ~ sb with sth (formal) to cause sb to learn and remember ideas, moral principles, etc., especially by repeating them often:\nto inculcate a sense of responsibility in sb * to inculcate sb with a sense of responsibility\n    inculcation  noun [U]


Words: incumbency
Meaning:
noun\n(plural incumbencies) (formal) the official position of sb or the time during which they have it


Words: incumbent
Meaning:
noun, adjective \n    noun a person who has an official position:\nthe present incumbent of the White House / 10 Downing Street\n    adjective\n  1  [only before noun] having an official position:\nthe incumbent president\n  2  ~ upon / on sb (formal) necessary as part of sb’s duties:\nIt was incumbent on them to attend.


Words: incur
Meaning:
verb (-rr-) [VN] (formal)\n  1  if you incur sth unpleasant, you are in a situation in which you have to deal with it:\nShe had incurred the wrath of her father by marrying without his consent\n  2  if you incur costs, you have to pay them:\nYou risk incurring bank charges if you exceed your overdraft limit.


Words: incurable
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  that cannot be cured:\nan incurable disease / illness\nOPP CURABLE\n  2  that cannot be changed:\nShe’s an incurable optimist.\n    incurably  adverb:\nincurably ill / romantic


Words: incurious
Meaning:
adjective\n(rare, formal) having no interest in knowing or discovering things\n    incuriously adverb


Words: incursion
Meaning:
noun ~ (into sth) (formal)\n  1  a sudden attack on a place by foreign armies, etc.\n  2  the sudden appearance of sth in a particular area of activity that is either not expected or not wanted:\nthe incursion of English soccer into European competitions


Words: indebted
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  ~ (to sb) (for sth) (formal) grateful to sb for helping you:\nI am deeply indebted to my family for all their help.\n  2  (of countries, governments, etc.) owing money to other countries or organizations:\na list of the fifteen most heavily indebted nations\n    indebtedness noun [U]


Words: indecency
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] behaviour that is thought to be morally or sexually offensive:\nan act of gross indecency (= a sexual act that is a criminal offence) * He was appalled by the indecency of their songs.\n  2  [C, usually sing.] an indecent act, expression, etc:\nHe shouted indecencies at anyone who passed.


Words: indecent
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of behaviour, talk, etc.) thought to be morally offensive, especially because it involves sex or being naked:\nindecent conduct / photos / language * He made an indecent suggestion to my wife.\ncompare DECENT\n  2  (of clothes) showing parts of the body that are usually covered:\nThat skirt of hers is positively indecent.\n  3  not done in the appropriate or usual amount of time:\nThey left the funeral with almost indecent haste (= too quickly).\n    indecently adverb:\nHe was charged with indecently assaulting five women. * She was deemed to be indecently dressed.


Words: indecipherable
Meaning:
adjective\n(of writing or speech) impossible to read or understand:\nHis signature is indecipherable. * There was an indecipherable message on the answering machine.


Words: indecision
Meaning:
(also less frequent indecisiveness) noun\n[U] the state of being unable to decide:\nAfter a moment’s indecision, he said yes. * She went through a period of terrible uncertainty and indecision.\ncompare DECISION


Words: indecisive
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of a person) unable to make decisions:\na weak and indecisive man * Some blame indecisive leadership for the party’s failure at the polls.\n  2  not providing a clear and definite answer or result:\nan indecisive battle\nOPP DECISIVE\n    indecisively adverb\n    indecisiveness noun [U] = INDECISION


Words: indeed
Meaning:
adverb\n  1  used to emphasize a positive statement or answer:\n’Was he very angry?’ ’Indeed he was.’ * ’Do you agree?’ ’Indeed I do / Yes, indeed.’ * ’You said you’d help?’ ’I did indeed-yes.’ * It is indeed a remarkable achievement.\n  2  (especially BrE) used after very and an adjective or adverb to emphasize a statement, description, etc:\nThank you very much indeed! * I was very sad indeed to hear of your father’s death.\n  3  (formal, especially BrE) used to add information to a statement:\nI don’t mind at all. Indeed, I would be delighted to help.\n  4  (spoken, especially BrE) used to show that you are surprised at sth or that you find sth ridiculous:\nA ghost indeed! I’ve never heard anything so silly.\n  5  (spoken) used when you are repeating a question that sb has just asked and showing that you do not know the answer:\n’Why did he do it?’ ’Why indeed?’\n IDIOMS  see FRIEND


Words: indefatigable
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal, approving) never giving up or getting tired of doing sth:\nan indefatigable defender of human rights * She was indefatigable in her search for the truth.\n    indefatigably  adverb


Words: indefensible
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  that cannot be defended or excused because it is morally unacceptable:\nindefensible behaviour * The minister was accused of defending the indefensible.\n  2  (of a place or building) impossible to defend from military attack


Words: indefinable
Meaning:
adjective\ndifficult or impossible to define or explain:\nShe has that indefinable something that makes an actress a star. * He felt, in some indefinable way, that he had come home.\n    indefinably  adverb


Words: indefinite
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  lasting for a period of time that has no fixed end:\nShe will be away for the indefinite future. * The workers have been on indefinite strike since July.\n  2  not clearly defined:\nan indefinite science


Words: indefinitely
Meaning:
adverb\nfor a period of time with no fixed limit:\nThe trial was postponed indefinitely. * Although we build things to last, we don’t expect them to last indefinitely.


Words: indelible
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  impossible to forget or remove:\nThe experience made an indelible impression on me. * Her unhappy childhood left an indelible mark.\n  2  (of ink, pens, etc.) leaving a mark that cannot be removed:\nan indelible marker / stain\n    indelibly  adverb:\nThat day is stamped indelibly on my memory.


Words: indelicate
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) likely to be thought rude or embarrassing:\nindelicate questions / comments * We studiously avoided the indelicate subject of her divorce.\n    indelicacy  noun [U]


Words: indemnify
Meaning:
verb (indemnifies, indemnifying, indemnified, indemnified) [VN] (law)\n  1  ~ sb (against sth) to promise to pay sb an amount of money if they suffer any damage or loss:\nThe contract indemnifies them against loss of earnings.\n  2  ~ sb (for sth) to pay sb an amount of money because of the damage or loss that they have suffered:\nThe tenant is legally required to indemnify the landlord for any damage caused to the property.\n    indemnification  noun [U]


Words: indemnity
Meaning:
noun (plural indemnities) (formal or law)\n  1  [U] ~ (against sth) protection against damage or loss, especially in the form of a promise to pay for any that happens:\nan indemnity clause / fund / policy * indemnity insurance\n  2  [C] a sum of money that is given as payment for damage or loss


Words: indent
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb  [VN] to start a line of print or writing further away from the edge of the page than the other lines:\nThe first line of each paragraph should be indented.\n    noun \n  1  ~ (for sth) (business) (especially BrE) an official order for goods or equipment\n  2  = INDENTATION


Words: indentation
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] a cut or mark on the edge or surface of sth:\nThe horse’s hooves left deep indentations in the mud.\n  2  (also indent) [C] a space left at the beginning of a line of print or writing\n  3  [U] the action of indenting sth or the process of being indented


Words: indented
Meaning:
adjective\n(of an edge or a surface) an indented edge is not even, because parts of it are missing or have been cut away:\nan indented coastline


Words: indenture
Meaning:
noun\na type of contract in the past that forced a servant or APPRENTICE to work for their employer for a particular period of time\n    indentured adjective:\nindentured labourers


Words: independence
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  ~ (from sb/sth) (of a country) freedom from political control by other countries:\nCuba gained independence from Spain in 1898.\n  2  the time when a country became politically independent:\nindependence celebrations * the first elections since independence\n  3  the freedom to organize your own life, make your own decisions, etc. without needing help from other people:\nHe values his independence. * a woman’s financial independence\nOPP DEPENDENCE


Words: Independence Day
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] 4 July, celebrated in the US as the anniversary of the day in 1776 when the Americans DECLARED themselves independent of Britain\nsee also THE FOURTH OF JULY


Words: independent
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective\n  country\n  1  ~ (from / of sth) (of countries) having their own government:\nMozambique became independent in 1975.\n  separate\n  2  done or given by sb who is not involved in a situation and so is able to judge it fairly:\nan independent inquiry / witness * She went to a lawyer for some independent advice.\n  3  ~ (of sb/sth) not connected with or influenced by sth; not connected with each other:\nThe police force should be independent of direct government control. * Two independent research bodies reached the same conclusions.\n  organization\n  4  supported by private money rather than government money:\nindependent television / schools * the independent sector\n  person\n  5  ~ (of sb/sth) confident and free to do things without needing help from other people:\nGoing away to college has made me much more independent. * She’s a very independent-minded young woman. * Students should aim to become more independent of their teachers.\n  6  ~ (of sb/sth) having or earning enough money so that you do not have to rely on sb else for help:\nIt was important to me to be financially independent of my parents. * a man of independent means (= with a private income)\n  politician\n  7  not representing or belonging to a particular political party:\nan independent candidate\n    independently adverb ~ (of sb/sth):\nThe two departments work independently of each other. * It was the first time that she had lived independently.\n    noun (abbreviation Ind.) a member of parliament, candidate, etc. who does not belong to a particular political party:\nShe’s standing as an independent at the next election.


Words: indescribable
Meaning:
adjective\nso extreme or unusual it is almost impossible to describe:\nThe pain was indescribable. * I felt a sense of indescribable relief.\n    indescribably  adverb:\nindescribably beautiful / boring


Words: indestructible
Meaning:
adjective\nthat is very strong and cannot easily be destroyed:\nplastic containers that are virtually indestructible * an indestructible bond of friendship


Words: indeterminate
Meaning:
adjective\nthat cannot be identified easily or exactly:\nHer eyes were an indeterminate colour. * She was a tall woman of indeterminate age.\n    indeterminacy  noun [U]


Words: index
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  (plural indexes) a list of names or topics that are referred to in a book, etc., usually arranged at the end of a book in alphabetical order or listed in a separate file or book:\nLook it up in the index. * Author and subject indexes are available on a library database.\n  2  (BrE) = CARD INDEX\n  3  (plural indexes or indices) a system that shows the level of prices and wages, etc. so that they can be compared with those of a previous date:\nthe cost-of-living index * The Dow Jones index fell 15 points this morning. * stockmarket indices * house price indexes\n  4  (plural indices) a sign or MEASURE that sth else can be judged by:\nThe number of new houses being built is a good index of a country’s prosperity.\n  5  (usually indices [pl.]) (mathematics) the small number written above a larger number to show how many times that number must be multiplied by itself. In the EQUATION 4 = 16, the number 2 is an index.\n    verb [VN] \n  1  to make an index of documents, the contents of a book, etc.; to add sth to a list of this type:\nAll publications are indexed by subject and title. * New material is scanned, indexed and stored electronically.\n  2  [usually passive] ~ sth (to sth) to link wages, etc. to the level of prices of food, clothing, etc. so that they both increase at the same rate


Words: index card
Meaning:
noun\na small card that you can write information on and keep with other cards in a box or file\nsee also CARD INDEX


Words: index-linked
Meaning:
adjective\n(BrE) (of wages, etc.) rising in value according to increases in the cost of living\n    index-linking noun [U]


Words: Indian
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a person from India\n  2  (old-fashioned, offensive) = NATIVE AMERICAN\n    Indian adjective\n IDIOMS  see CHIEF n., FILE n.


Words: Indian corn
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (especially AmE) a type of MAIZE with large brown and yellow grains, not usually eaten but sometimes used to make decorations, for example at Thanksgiving


Words: Indian summer
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a period of dry warm weather in the autumn/fall\n  2  a pleasant period of success or improvement, especially later in sb’s life:\nAs a player, he’s experiencing something of an Indian summer.


Words: indicate
Meaning:
verb\n  show\n  1  to show that sth is true or exists:\n[VN] Record profits in the retail market indicate a boom in the economy. * A yellowing of the skin indicates jaundice. * The article claims that an increase in crime indicates a decline in moral standards. * [V that] Research indicates that eating habits are changing fast. * [V] Kingston-upon-Thames, as the name indicates, is situated on the banks of the Thames. [also V wh-]\n  suggest\n  2  to be a sign of sth; to show that sth is possible or likely:\n[VN] A red sky at night often indicates fine weather the next day. * [V that] Early results indicate that the government will be returned to power.\n  mention\n  3  ~ sth (to sb) to mention sth, especially in an indirect way:\n[V (that)] In a key speech, the Queen indicated (that) she was willing to pay tax. * [VN] During our meeting, he indicated his willingness to cooperate. [also V wh-]\n  point to\n  4  ~ sb/sth (to sb) to make sb notice sb/sth, especially by pointing or moving your head:\n[VN] She took out a map and indicated the quickest route to us. * ’What are they doing here?’ he asked, indicating her bags in the hallway. * [V wh-] He indicated where the furniture was to go. [also V that]\n  give information\n  5  [VN] to represent information without using words:\nThe results are indicated in Table 2.\n  6  to give information in writing:\n[VN] You are allowed 20kgs of baggage unless indicated otherwise on your ticket. * As indicated above, this chapter deals with the practical implications of the research. * [V wh-] Please indicate clearly which colour you require.\n  show measurement\n  7  (of an instrument for measuring things) to show a particular measurement:\n[VN] When the temperature gauge indicates 90ｰF or more, turn off the engine. [also V wh-]\n  in vehicle\n  8  (BrE) to show that your vehicle is going to change direction, by using lights or your arm:\n[V] Always indicate before moving into another lane. * [VN] He indicated left and then turned right. [also V (that)]\n  be recommended\n  9  [VN] [usually passive] (formal) to be necessary or recommended:\nA course of chemotherapy was indicated.


Words: indication
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] ~ (of sth / of doing sth) | ~ (that ...) a remark or sign that shows that sth is happening or what sb is thinking or feeling:\nThey gave no indication of how the work should be done. * There are clear indications that the economy is improving. * All the indications are that the deal will go ahead as planned. * He shows every indication (= clear signs) of wanting to accept the post.


Words: indicative
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective\n  1  [not usually before noun] ~ (of sth) (formal) showing or suggesting sth:\nTheir failure to act is indicative of their lack of interest.\n  2  [only before noun] (grammar) stating a fact\n    noun (the indicative) [sing.] (grammar) the form of a verb that states a fact:\nIn ’Ben likes school’, the verb ’like’ is in the indicative.


Words: indicator
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  a sign that shows you what sth is like or how a situation is changing:\nThe economic indicators for the end of the year are better than expected. * These atmospheric waves are a reliable indicator of weather changes.\n \n  2  a device on a machine that shows speed, pressure, etc:\na depth indicator\n \n  3  (BrE) (AmE turn signal) (also informal blinker AmE, BrE) a light on a vehicle that flashes to show that the vehicle is going to turn left or right:\nHer right-hand indicator was flashing.


Words: indict
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] [usually passive] ~ sb (for sth) (especially AmE, law) to officially charge sb with a crime:\nThe senator was indicted for murder. * They were indicted on a number of corruption charges.


Words: indictable
Meaning:
adjective (especially AmE, law)\n  1  (of a crime) for which you can be indicted:\nan indictable offense\n  2  (of a person) able to be indicted


Words: indictment
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C, usually sing.] ~ (of / on sb/sth) a sign that a system, society, etc. is very bad or very wrong:\nThe poverty in our cities is a damning indictment of modern society. * This research is a terrible indictment on the medical profession.\n  2  [C] (especially AmE) a written statement accusing sb of a crime\n  3  [U] (especially AmE) the act of officially accusing sb of a crime:\nThis led to his indictment on allegations of conspiracy.


Words: indie
Meaning:
adjective\nused to describe popular music played by bands that are new and not well known, that is produced by small independent companies:\nan indie band / label


Words: indifference
Meaning:
noun\n[U, sing.] ~ (to sb/sth) a lack of interest, feeling or reaction towards sb/sth:\nhis total indifference to what people thought of him * What she said is a matter of complete indifference to me. * Their father treated them with indifference. * an indifference to the needs of others


Words: indifferent
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  [not usually before noun] ~ (to sb/sth) having or showing no interest in sb/sth:\nThe government cannot afford to be indifferent to public opinion.\n  2  not very good\nSYN MEDIOCRE:\nan indifferent meal / performance * The festival has the usual mixture of films-good, bad and indifferent.\n    indifferently adverb:\nHe shrugged indifferently.


Words: indigenous
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (to ...) (formal) belonging to a particular place rather than coming to it from somewhere else\nSYN NATIVE:\nthe indigenous peoples / languages of the area * The kangaroo is indigenous to Australia.


Words: indigestible
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of food) that cannot easily be DIGESTED in the stomach:\nan indigestible meal * Beans can be rather indigestible.\n  2  (of facts, information, etc.) difficult to understand, and presented in a complicated way:\nan indigestible amount of data\nOPP DIGESTIBLE


Words: indignant
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (at / about sth) | ~ (that ...) feeling or showing anger and surprise because you think that you have been treated unfairly:\nan indignant letter / look * She was very indignant at the way she had been treated. * They were indignant that they hadn’t been invited.\n    indignantly adverb:\n’I’m certainly not asking him!’ she retorted indignantly.


Words: indignation
Meaning:
noun\n[U] ~ (at / about sth) | ~ (that ...) a feeling of anger and surprise caused by sth that you think is unfair or unreasonable:\na storm / chorus of public indignation at the rise in train fares * to arouse sb’s indignation * Joe quivered with indignation that Paul should speak to him like that. * Some benefits apply only to men, much to the indignation of working women. * to be full of righteous indignation (= the belief that you are right to be angry even though other people do not agree)


Words: indignity
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] (plural indignities) ~ (of sth / of doing sth) a situation that makes you feel embarrassed or ashamed because you are not treated with respect; an act that causes these feelings \nSYN HUMILIATION:\nThe chairman suffered the indignity of being refused admission to the meeting. * the daily indignities of imprisonment


Words: indirect
Meaning:
adjective [usually before noun]\n  1  happening not as the main aim, cause or result of a particular action, but in addition to it:\nthe indirect effects of the war * to find something out by indirect methods * The building collapsed as an indirect result of the heavy rain and storms. * There would be some benefit, however indirect, to the state. * indirect costs (= costs that are not directly connected with making a product, for example training, heating, rent, etc.)\n  2  avoiding saying sth in a clear and obvious way:\nan indirect attack / comment\n  3  not going in a straight line:\nan indirect route * The plant prefers indirect sunlight.\nOPP DIRECT\n    indirectly adverb:\nThe new law will affect us all, directly or indirectly.


Words: indirect object
Meaning:
noun\n(grammar) a noun, noun phrase or pronoun in a sentence, used after some verbs, that refers to the person or thing that an action is done to or for:\nIn ’Give him the money’, ’him’ is the indirect object and ’money’ is the direct object.


Words: indirect question
Meaning:
(also reported question) noun\n(grammar) a question in REPORTED SPEECH, for example She asked where I was going.\n HELP NOTE  Do not put a question mark after an indirect question.


Words: indirect tax
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] a tax that is paid as an amount added to the price of goods and services and not paid directly to the government\ncompare DIRECT TAX\n    indirect taxation noun [U]


Words: indiscipline
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (formal) a lack of control in the behaviour of a group of people:\nThe report identifies the causes of violence and indiscipline in schools.


Words: indiscreet
Meaning:
adjective\nnot careful about what you say or do, especially when this embarrasses or offends sb:\nan indiscreet comment * It was indiscreet of him to disclose that information.\nOPP DISCREET\n    indiscreetly adverb


Words: indiscretion
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] an act or remark that is indiscreet, especially one that is not morally acceptable:\npolitical / youthful indiscretions\n  2  [U] the act of saying or doing sth without thinking about the effect it may have, especially when this embarrasses or offends sb:\nHe talked to the press in a moment of indiscretion.\ncompare DISCRETION


Words: indiscriminate
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  an indiscriminate action is done without thought about what the result may be, especially when it causes people to be harmed:\nindiscriminate attacks on motorists by youths throwing stones * the indiscriminate nature of nuclear weapons * Doctors have been criticized for their indiscriminate use of antibiotics.\n  2  acting without careful judgement:\nShe’s always been indiscriminate in her choice of friends.\n    indiscriminately adverb:\nThe soldiers fired indiscriminately into the crowd.


Words: indispensable
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (to sb/sth) | ~ (for sth / for doing sth) essential; too important to be without:\nCars have become an indispensable part of our lives. * She made herself indispensable to the department. * A good dictionary is indispensable for learning a foreign language.\nOPP DISPENSABLE


Words: indisposed
Meaning:
adjective (formal)\n  1  [not usually before noun] unable to do sth because you are ill, or for a reason you do not want to give \nSYN UNWELL:\nShe cannot perform tonight as she is indisposed.\n  2  [not before noun] ~ to do sth not willing to do sth:\nLarge sections of the potential audience seemed indisposed to attend.


Words: indisputable
Meaning:
adjective\nthat is true and cannot be disagreed with or DENIED\nSYN UNDENIABLE:\nindisputable evidence * an indisputable fact * It is indisputable that the crime rate has been rising.\ncompare DISPUTABLE\n    indisputably adverb:\nThis painting is indisputably one of his finest works.


Words: indissoluble
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) (of a relationship) that cannot be ended:\nan indissoluble friendship\n    indissolubly  adverb:\nindissolubly linked


Words: indistinct
Meaning:
adjective\nthat cannot be seen, heard or remembered clearly\nSYN VAGUE, HAZY:\nan indistinct figure in the distance * His memory of the incident was somewhat indistinct.\n    indistinctly adverb


Words: indistinguishable
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  ~ (from sth) if two things are indistinguishable, or one is indistinguishable from the other, it is impossible to see any differences between them:\nThe male of the species is almost indistinguishable from the female.\n  2  not clear; not able to be clearly identified:\nHis words were indistinguishable.


Words: individual
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective\n  1  [only before noun] (often used after each) considered separately rather than as part of a group:\nWe interviewed each individual member of the community. * The minister refused to comment on individual cases.\n  2  [only before noun] connected with one person; designed for one person:\nrespect for individual freedom * an individual pizza\n  3  (usually approving) typical of one particular person or thing in a way that is different from others\nSYN ORIGINAL:\na highly individual style of dress\n    noun\n  1  a person considered separately rather than as part of a group:\nThe competition is open to both teams and individuals. * Treatment depends on the individual involved. * donations from private individuals (= ordinary people rather than companies, the government, etc.) * The school’s reputation was ruined by the bad behaviour of a few individuals. * the rights of the individual\n  2  a person who is original and very different from others:\nShe’s grown into quite an individual.\n  3  (informal, usually disapproving) a person of a particular type, especially a strange one:\nan odd-looking individual * So this individual came up and demanded money.


Words: individualism
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  the quality of being different from other people and doing things in your own way:\nShe owes her success to her individualism and flair.\n  2  the belief that individual people in society should have the right to make their own decisions, etc., rather than be controlled by the government:\nCapitalism stresses innovation, competition and individualism.\n    individualist  noun:\nShe’s a complete individualist in her art.\n    individualistic  (also individualist) adjective:\nan individualistic culture * His music is highly individualistic and may not appeal to everyone.


Words: individuality
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the qualities that make sb/sth different from other people or things:\nShe expresses her individuality through her clothes. * The plot is credible but the characters lack individuality.


Words: individualize
Meaning:
(BrE also individualise)  verb\n[VN] (written) to make sth different to suit the needs of a particular person, place, etc:\nto individualize children’s learning


Words: individualized
Meaning:
(BrE also individualised)  adjective\ndesigned for a particular person or thing; connected with a particular person or thing:\nindividualized teaching * a highly individualized approach to management


Words: individually
Meaning:
adverb\nseparately, rather than as a group:\nindividually wrapped chocolates * The manager spoke to them all individually. * The hotel has 100 individually designed bedrooms. * Individually, students have little power, but collectively they can be more influential.


Words: indivisible
Meaning:
adjective\nthat cannot be divided into separate parts:\nAtoms were originally thought to be indivisible. * For him, music and lyrics are virtually indivisible.\nOPP DIVISIBLE\n    indivisibility  noun [U]\n    indivisibly  adverb


Words: Indo-European
Meaning:
adjective\nof or connected with the family of languages spoken in most of Europe and parts of western Asia (including English, French, Latin, Greek, Swedish, Russian and Hindi)


Words: indoctrinate
Meaning:
verb\n(disapproving) to force sb to accept a particular belief or set of beliefs and not allow them to consider any others:\n[VN] They had been indoctrinated from an early age with their parents’ beliefs. [also VN to inf]\n    indoctrination  noun [U]:\npolitical / religious indoctrination


Words: indomitable
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal, approving) not willing to accept defeat, even in a difficult situation; very brave and determined:\nan indomitable spirit * an indomitable campaigner for human rights


Words: indoor
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] situated, done or used inside a building:\nan indoor swimming pool * indoor games * the world indoor 200 metres champion \nOPP OUTDOOR


Words: indoors
Meaning:
adverb\ninside or into a building:\nto go / stay indoors * Many herbs can be grown indoors.\nOPP OUTDOORS


Words: indrawn
Meaning:
adjective\n(literary) indrawn breath is air that sb breathes in suddenly and quickly, expressing surprise or shock:\nShe heard his quick indrawn breath of surprise.


Words: indubitably
Meaning:
adverb\n(formal) in a way that cannot be doubted; without question\nSYN UNDOUBTEDLY:\nHe was, indubitably, the most suitable candidate.\n    indubitable adjective:\nindubitable proof


Words: induce
Meaning:
verb\n  1  [VN to inf] (formal) to persuade or influence sb to do sth:\nNothing would induce me to take the job.\n  2  [VN] (formal) to cause sth:\ndrugs which induce sleep * a drug-induced coma\n  3  [VN] (medical) to make a woman start giving birth to her baby by giving her special drugs:\nan induced labour * We’ll have to induce her.


Words: inducement
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] ~ (to sb) (to do sth) something that is given to sb to persuade them to do sth\nSYN INCENTIVE:\nfinancial inducements to mothers to stay at home * There is little inducement for them to work harder. * Government officials have been accused of accepting inducements (= BRIBES) from local businessmen.


Words: induct
Meaning:
verb [VN] [often passive] ~ sb (into sth) (as sth) (formal)\n  1  to formally give sb a job or position of authority, especially as part of a ceremony:\nHe had been inducted into the church as a priest in the previous year.\n  2  to officially introduce sb into a group or an organization, especially the army\n  3  to introduce sb to a particular area of knowledge:\nThey were inducted into the skills of magic.


Words: inductee
Meaning:
noun\n(especially AmE) a person who is being, or who has just been, introduced into a special group of people, especially sb who has just joined the army


Words: induction
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U, C] ~ (into sth) the process of introducing sb to a new job, skill, organization, etc.; a ceremony at which this takes place:\ninduction into the local business community * The induction of new students will take place in the main hall.\n  2  [U, C] the act of making a pregnant woman start to give birth, using artificial means such as a special drug:\nthe induction of labour\n  3  [U] (technical) a method of discovering general rules and principles from particular facts and examples\ncompare DEDUCTION\n  4  [U] (technical) the process by which electricity or MAGNETISM passes from one object to another without them touching


Words: induction course
Meaning:
noun\n(BrE) a training course for new employees, students, etc. that is designed to give them a general introduction to the business, school, etc.


Words: induction loop
Meaning:
noun\na system in theatres, etc., which helps people who cannot hear well. A ring of wire around the room produces a signal that can be received directly by HEARING AIDS.


Words: inductive
Meaning:
adjective (technical)\n  1  using particular facts and examples to form general rules and principles:\nan inductive argument * inductive reasoning\ncompare DEDUCTIVE\n  2  connected with the INDUCTION of electricity\n    inductively adverb:\na theory derived inductively from the data


Words: indulge
Meaning:
verb\n  1  ~ in sth | ~ yourself (with sth) to allow yourself to have or do sth that you like, especially sth that is considered bad for you:\n[V] They went into town to indulge in some serious shopping. * She has never been one to indulge in gossip. * [VN] I indulged myself with a long hot bath.\n  2  [VN] to satisfy a particular desire, interest, etc:\nThe inheritance enabled him to indulge his passion for art. * In the closing lines, the poet indulges his sense of irony.\n  3  [VN] ~ sb (with sth) | ~ sth to be too generous in allowing sb to have or do whatever they like:\nShe did not believe in indulging the children with presents. * Her father had always indulged her every whim. * His questions were annoying but it was easier to indulge him than try and protest.\n  4  [V] ~ in sth to take part in an activity, especially one that is illegal


Words: indulgence
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] (usually disapproving) the state or act of having or doing whatever you want; the state of allowing sb to have or do whatever they want:\nto lead a life of indulgence * Avoid excessive indulgence in sweets and canned drinks. * The menu offers a temptation to over-indulgence. * There is no limit to the indulgence he shows to his grandchildren.\n  2  [C] something that you allow yourself to have even though it is not essential:\nThe holiday was an extravagant indulgence.\nsee also SELF-INDULGENCE\n  3  [U] (formal) willingness to ignore the weaknesses in sb/sth\nSYN PATIENCE:\nThey begged the audience’s indulgence.


Words: indulgent
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (usually disapproving) tending to allow sb to have or do whatever they want:\nindulgent parents * an indulgent smile * Mothers tend to be less indulgent towards daughters.\nsee also SELF-INDULGENT\n  2  willing or too willing to ignore the weaknesses in sb/sth\nSYN PATIENT:\nto take an indulgent view of sth\n    indulgently adverb:\nto laugh indulgently


Words: industrial
Meaning:
adjective [usually before noun]\n  1  connected with industry:\nindustrial conflict / disputes / unrest * industrial development / production / output * an industrial accident\n  2  used by industries:\nindustrial chemicals * industrial-strength cleaning fluid\n  3  having many industries:\nan industrial area / town * an industrial society / economy * the world’s leading industrial nations\n    industrially  adverb:\nindustrially advanced countries


Words: industrial action
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (especially BrE) action that workers take, especially stopping work, to protest to their employers about sth:\nIndustrial action by train drivers seriously affected rush-hour services.


Words: industrial arts
Meaning:
(also shop, shop class) noun\n[U] (AmE) a school subject in which students learn to make things from wood and metal using tools and machines


Words: industrial estate
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE industrial park) noun\nan area especially for factories, on the edge of a town\ncompare TRADING ESTATE


Words: industrialize
Meaning:
(BrE also industrialise)  verb\nif a country or an area is industrialized or if it industrializes, industries are developed there:\n[V] The southern part of the country was slow to industrialize. [also VN]\n    industrialization, industrialisation  noun [U]:\nthe rapid industrialization of Japan\n    industrialized, industrialised adjective:\nan industrialized country * At the end of the 19th century, Britain was the most industrialized society in the world.


Words: industrious
Meaning:
adjective\n(approving) working hard; busy\nSYN HARD-WORKING:\nan industrious student\n    industriously adverb


Words: industry
Meaning:
noun (plural industries)\n  1  [U] the production of goods from raw materials, especially in factories:\nheavy / light industry * the needs of British industry * She got a job in industry.\n  2  [C] the people and activities involved in producing a particular thing, or in providing a particular service:\nthe steel industry * the catering / tourist industry * We need to develop local industries. * (figurative, disapproving) the Madonna industry (= the large number of people involved in making Madonna successful)\nsee also CAPTAIN OF INDUSTRY, COTTAGE INDUSTRY, HEAVY INDUSTRY\n  3  [U] (formal) the quality of working hard:\nWe were impressed by their industry.


Words: inedible
Meaning:
adjective\nthat you cannot eat because it is of poor quality, or poisonous; not edible:\nThe waiters were rude, the food inedible.


Words: ineffective
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (in doing sth) not achieving what you want to achieve; not having any effect:\nThe new drug was ineffective. * ineffective management * The law proved ineffective in dealing with the problem.\nOPP EFFECTIVE\n    ineffectiveness noun [U]:\nthe ineffectiveness of western medicine in treating this illness\n    ineffectively adverb


Words: ineffectual
Meaning:
adjective\n(written) without the ability to achieve much; weak; not achieving what you want to:\nan ineffectual teacher * an ineffectual attempt to reform the law\n    ineffectually  adverb


Words: inefficient
Meaning:
adjective\nnot doing a job well and not making the best use of time, money, energy, etc:\nan inefficient heating system * inefficient government * an extremely inefficient secretary * inefficient use of time and energy\nOPP EFFICIENT\n    inefficiency  noun [U, C] (plural inefficiencies):\nwaste and inefficiency in government * inefficiencies in the system\n    inefficiently adverb


Words: inelegant
Meaning:
adjective\nnot attractive or graceful:\nan inelegant fall * an inelegant phrase\n    inelegantly adverb


Words: ineligible
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (for sth / to do sth) not having the necessary qualifications to have or to do sth:\nineligible for financial assistance * ineligible to vote\nOPP ELIGIBLE


Words: ineluctable
Meaning:
adjective\n(rare, formal) that you cannot avoid:\nthe ineluctable signs of ageing\n    ineluctably  adverb


Words: inept
Meaning:
adjective\nacting or done with no skill:\nShe was left feeling inept and inadequate. * an inept remark\n    ineptly adverb


Words: inequality
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] (plural inequalities) the unfair difference between groups of people in society, when some have more wealth, status or opportunities than others:\ninequality of opportunity * economic inequalities between different areas * racial inequality\nOPP EQUALITY


Words: inequitable
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) not fair; not the same for everyone:\ninequitable distribution of wealth\nOPP EQUITABLE


Words: inequity
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] (plural inequities) (formal) something that is unfair; the state of being unfair:\na victim of the inequities of / in the legal system


Words: ineradicable
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) (of a quality or situation) that cannot be removed or changed:\nThe slave trade had an ineradicable effect on world history.


Words: inert
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (formal) without power to move or act:\nHe lay inert with half-closed eyes. * The president has to operate within an inert political system.\n  2  (technical) without active chemical or other PROPERTIES (= characteristics):\ninert gases


Words: inertia
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  (usually disapproving) lack of energy; lack of desire or ability to move or change:\nI can’t seem to throw off this feeling of inertia. * the forces of institutional inertia in the school system\n  2  (physics) a PROPERTY (= characteristic) of MATTER (= a substance) by which it stays still or, if moving, continues moving in a straight line unless it is acted on by a force outside itself


Words: inertia reel
Meaning:
noun\na round device that one end of a car SEAT BELT is wound around so that it will move freely unless it is pulled suddenly, for example in an accident


Words: inescapable
Meaning:
adjective\n(of a fact or a situation) that you cannot avoid or ignore:\nan inescapable fact * This leads to the inescapable conclusion that the two things are connected.\n    inescapably  adverb


Words: inessential
Meaning:
adjective\nnot necessary:\ninessential luxuries\n    inessential noun:\nFew people had spare cash for inessentials.\ncompare ESSENTIAL, NON-ESSENTIAL


Words: inevitable
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  that you cannot avoid or prevent:\nIt was an inevitable consequence of the decision. * It was inevitable that there would be job losses. * A rise in the interest rates seems inevitable.\n  2  [only before noun] (often humorous) so frequent that you always expect it:\nthe English and their inevitable cups of tea\n  3  (the inevitable) noun [sing.] something that is certain to happen:\nYou have to accept the inevitable. * The inevitable happened-I forgot my passport.\n    inevitability  noun [U, sing.]:\nthe inevitability of death * There was an inevitability about their defeat.


Words: inevitably
Meaning:
adverb\n  1  as is certain to happen:\nInevitably, the press exaggerated the story.\n  2  (often humorous) as you would expect:\nInevitably, it rained on the day of the wedding.


Words: inexcusable
Meaning:
adjective\ntoo bad to accept or forgive:\ninexcusable rudeness\nOPP EXCUSABLE\n    inexcusably  adverb


Words: inexhaustible
Meaning:
adjective\nthat cannot be EXHAUSTED (= finished); very great:\nan inexhaustible supply of good jokes * Her energy is inexhaustible.


Words: inexorable
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) (of a process) that cannot be stopped or changed:\nthe inexorable rise of crime\n    inexorably  adverb:\nevents leading inexorably towards a crisis


Words: inexpensive
Meaning:
adjective\nnot costing a lot of money:\na relatively inexpensive hotel\nOPP EXPENSIVE\n    inexpensively adverb


Words: inexperienced
Meaning:
adjective\nhaving little knowledge or experience of sth:\ninexperienced drivers / staff * inexperienced in modern methods * a child too young and inexperienced to recognize danger


Words: inexplicable
Meaning:
adjective\nthat cannot be understood or explained\nSYN INCOMPREHENSIBLE:\ninexplicable behaviour * For some inexplicable reason he gave up a fantastic job.\nOPP EXPLICABLE\n    inexplicably adverb:\ninexplicably delayed / absent * She inexplicably withdrew the offer.


Words: inextricable
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) too closely linked to be separated:\nKnowledge and economic power have become inextricable. * an inextricable connection between the past and the present


Words: inextricably
Meaning:
adverb\nif two things are inextricably linked, etc., it is impossible to separate them:\nEurope’s foreign policy is inextricably linked with that of the US. * She had become inextricably involved in the campaign.


Words: infallible
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  never wrong; never making mistakes:\ninfallible advice * Doctors are not infallible.\nOPP FALLIBLE\n  2  that never fails; always doing what it is supposed to do:\nan infallible method of memorizing things\n    infallibility  noun [U]:\nhis belief in the infallibility of dreams as a guide to the future * papal infallibility\n    infallibly  adverb


Words: infamous
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) well known for being bad or evil\nSYN NOTORIOUS:\na general who was infamous for his brutality * the most infamous concentration camp * (humorous) the infamous British sandwich\ncompare FAMOUS


Words: infamy
Meaning:
noun (plural infamies) (formal)\n  1  [U] the state of being well known for sth bad or evil:\na day that will live in infamy\n  2  [U, C] evil behaviour; an evil act:\nscenes of horror and infamy


Words: infancy
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  the time when a child is a baby or very young:\nto die in infancy\n  2  the early development of sth:\na time when the cinema was still in its infancy


Words: infant
Meaning:
noun, adjective \n    noun\n  1  (formal or technical) a baby or very young child:\na nursery for infants under two * their infant son * She was seriously ill as an infant. * the infant mortality rate * Mozart was an infant prodigy (= a child with unusual ability).\n HELP NOTE  In AmE infant is only used for a baby, especially a very young one.\n  2  (in British and Australian education) a child at school between the ages of four and seven:\nan infant school * infant teachers * I’ve known her since we were in the infants (= at infant school).\n    adjective [only before noun]\n  1  designed to be used by infants:\ninfant formula (= milk for babies)\n  2  new and not yet developed:\ninfant industries


Words: infanticide
Meaning:
noun (formal)\n  1  [U, C] the crime of killing a baby; a person who is guilty of this crime\n  2  [U] (in some cultures) the practice of killing babies that are not wanted, for example because they are girls and not boys


Words: infantile
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (disapproving) typical of a small child (and therefore not suitable for adults or older children)\nSYN CHILDISH:\ninfantile jokes\n  2  [only before noun] (formal or technical) connected with babies or very young children


Words: infantilize
Meaning:
(BrE also infantilise)  verb\n[VN] (formal) to treat sb as though they are a child:\nThe phrase ’innocent women and children’ is a way of infantilizing women, making them seem passive and helpless.


Words: infantry
Meaning:
noun\n[U+sing./pl. v.] soldiers who fight on foot:\ninfantry units * The infantry was / were guarding the bridge.


Words: infatuated
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (with sb/sth) having a very strong feeling of love or attraction for sb/sth so that you cannot think clearly and in a sensible way:\nShe was completely infatuated with him.


Words: infatuation
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] ~ (with / for sb/sth) very strong feelings of love or attraction for sb/sth, especially when these are unreasonable and do not last long:\nIt isn’t love, it’s just a passing infatuation.


Words: infect sth
Meaning:
(with sth)\n  1  to make a disease or an illness spread to a person, an animal or a plant:\nIt is not possible to infect another person through kissing. * people infected with HIV\n  2  [usually passive] to make a substance contain harmful bacteria that can spread disease\nSYN CONTAMINATE:\neggs infected with salmonella\n  3  to make sb share a particular feeling:\nShe infected the children with her enthusiasm for music. * The whole room was soon infected by his laughter.


Words: infected
Meaning:
adjective\ncontaining harmful bacteria:\nThe wound from the dog bite had become infected. * an infected water supply


Words: infection
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] the act or process of causing or getting a disease:\nto be exposed to infection * to increase the risk of infection\n  2  [C] an illness that is caused by bacteria or a VIRUS and that affects one part of the body:\nan ear / throat infection * to pass on / spread an infection\ncompare CONTAGION


Words: infectious
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  an infectious disease can be passed easily from one person to another, especially through the air they breathe:\nFlu is highly infectious. * (figurative) infectious laughter\n  2  [not usually before noun] if a person or an animal is infectious, they have a disease that can be spread to others:\nI’m still infectious.\ncompare CONTAGIOUS\n    infectiously adverb:\nto laugh infectiously


Words: infer
Meaning:
verb (-rr-)\n  1  ~ sth (from sth) to reach an opinion or decide that sth is true on the basis of information that is available\nSYN DEDUCE:\n[VN] Much of the meaning must be inferred from the context. * Readers are left to infer the killer’s motives. * [V that] It is reasonable to infer that the government knew about these deals.\n  2  (non-standard) to suggest indirectly that sth is true:\n[V (that)] Are you inferring (that) I’m not capable of doing the job? [also VN]\n______________________________\n WHICH WORD? \ninfer / imply\nInfer and imply have opposite meanings. The two words can describe the same event, but from different points of view. If a speaker or writer implies something, they suggest it without say-ing it directly: The article implied that the pilot was responsible for the accident. If you infer something from what a speaker or writer says, you come to the conclusion that this is what he or she means: I inferred from the article that the pilot was responsible for the accident.\nInfer is now often used with the same meaning as imply. However, many people consider that a sentence such as Are you inferring that I’m a liar? is incorrect, although it is fairly common in speech.\n______________________________


Words: inference
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] something that you can find out indirectly from what you already know:\nto draw / make inferences from the data * The clear inference is that the universe is expanding.\n  2  [U] the act or process of forming an opinion, based on what you already know:\nIf he is guilty then, by inference, so is his wife (= it is logical to think so, from the same evidence).


Words: inferior
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective\n  1  ~ (to sb/sth) not as good as sb/sth else:\nof inferior quality * inferior goods / workmanship * to make sb feel inferior * Modern music is often considered inferior to that of the past.\n  2  [usually before noun] (formal) of lower rank; lower:\nan inferior officer / court\nOPP SUPERIOR\n    noun a person who is not as good as sb else; a person who is lower in rank or status


Words: inferiority
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the state of not being as good as sb/sth else:\na sense of inferiority * social inferiority


Words: inferiority complex
Meaning:
noun\na feeling that you are not as good, as important or as intelligent as other people:\nShe has always had an inferiority complex about her looks.


Words: infernal
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  [only before noun] (old-fashioned) extremely annoying:\nStop that infernal noise!\n  2  connected with HELL; terrible:\nthe infernal regions


Words: inferno
Meaning:
noun\n[usually sing.] (plural infernos) a very large dangerous fire that is out of control:\na blazing / raging inferno


Words: infertile
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of people, animals and plants) not able to have babies or produce young:\nan infertile couple\n  2  (of land) not able to produce good crops\nOPP FERTILE\n    infertility  noun [U]:\nan infertility clinic * infertility treatment for couples


Words: infest
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] [usually passive] (especially of insects or animals such as rats) to exist in large numbers in a particular place, often causing damage or disease:\nshark-infested waters * The kitchen was infested with ants. * These parasites infest the gills of freshwater fish.\n    infestation  noun [C, U]:\nan infestation of lice * Scientists are checking for both insect and fungal infestation.


Words: infidel
Meaning:
noun\n(old use) an offensive way of referring to sb who does not believe in what the speaker considers to be the true religion


Words: infidelity
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] (plural infidelities) the act of not being faithful to your wife, husband or partner, by having sex with sb else:\nmarital infidelity * She could not forgive his infidelities.\nOPP FIDELITY


Words: infighting
Meaning:
noun\n[U] arguments and disagreements between people in the same group who are competing for power:\npolitical infighting within the party


Words: infill
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  the filling in of a space with sth, especially the building of new houses in spaces between existing ones:\ninfill development\n  2  the material used to fill in a space or a hole:\ngravel infill\n    infill verb [V, VN]


Words: infiltrate
Meaning:
verb\n  1  ~ (sb) (into sth) to enter or make sb enter a place or an organization secretly, especially in order to get information that can be used against it:\n[VN] The headquarters had been infiltrated by enemy spies. * Rebel forces were infiltrated into the country. * [V] The CIA agents successfully infiltrated into the terrorist organizations.\n  2  ~ (into) sth (technical) (especially of liquids or gases) to pass slowly into sth:\n[V] Only a small amount of the rainwater actually infiltrates into the soil. [also VN] \n    infiltration  noun [U]:\ncommunist infiltration of the army * the infiltration of rain into the soil


Words: infiltrator
Meaning:
noun\na person who secretly becomes a member of a group or goes to a place, to get information or to influence the group


Words: infinite
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective\n  1  very great; impossible to measure:\nan infinite variety of plants * a teacher with infinite patience * (ironic) The company in its infinite wisdom decided to close the staff restaurant (= they thought it was a good thing to do, but nobody else agreed).\n  2  without limits; without end:\nan infinite universe\nOPP FINITE\n    noun [sing.]\n  1  (the infinite) something that has no end\n  2  (the Infinite) God


Words: infinitely
Meaning:
adverb\n  1  (used especially in comparisons) very much:\nYour English is infinitely better than my German.\n  2  extremely; with no limit:\nHuman beings are infinitely adaptable.


Words: infinitesimal
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) extremely small:\ninfinitesimal traces of poison * an infinitesimal risk\n    infinitesimally  adverb


Words: infinitive
Meaning:
noun\n(grammar) the basic form of a verb such as be or run. In English, an infinitive is used by itself, as is swim in She can swim, or with to as in She likes to swim.\n IDIOMS  see SPLIT v.


Words: infinity
Meaning:
noun (plural infinities)\n  1  [U] (also infinities [pl.]) the state of having no end or limit:\nthe infinity / infinities of space\n  2  [U] a point far away that can never be reached:\nThe landscape seemed to stretch into infinity.\n  3  (Symbol {infinite}) [U, C] (mathematics) a number larger than any other:\nThe number tends towards infinity.\n  4  [sing.] a large amount that is impossible to count:\nan infinity of stars


Words: infirm
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  ill/sick and weak, especially over a long period or because of old age:\nto grow old and infirm\n  2  (the infirm) noun [pl.] people who are weak and ill/sick for a long period:\ncare for the elderly and infirm


Words: infirmary
Meaning:
noun (plural infirmaries)\n  1  (often used in names) a hospital\n  2  a special room in a school, prison, etc. for people who are ill/sick:\nthe college infirmary


Words: infirmity
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] (plural infirmities) weakness or illness over a long period:\nWe all fear disability or infirmity. * the infirmities of old age


Words: inflame
Meaning:
verb [VN] (written)\n  1  to cause very strong feelings, especially anger or excitement, in a person or in a group of people:\nHis comments have inflamed teachers all over the country. * Her defiance inflamed his jealousy yet further. * The latest revelations are set to inflame public opinion still further.\n  2  to make a situation worse or more difficult to deal with:\nThe situation was further inflamed by the arrival of the security forces.


Words: inflamed
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of a part of the body) red, sore and hot because of infection or injury:\nan inflamed and swollen finger\n  2  (of people, feelings, etc.) very angry or excited:\nan inflamed crowd * a man inflamed with jealousy


Words: inflammable
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (especially BrE) = FLAMMABLE:\ninflammable material\n  2  full of strong emotions or violence


Words: inflammation
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] a condition in which a part of the body becomes red, sore and swollen because of infection or injury:\ninflammation of the ear * a cream to reduce the inflammation


Words: inflammatory
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (disapproving) intended to cause very strong feelings of anger:\ninflammatory remarks\n  2  (medical) causing or involving inflammation


Words: inflatable
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective needing to be filled with air or gas before you use it:\nan inflatable dinghy / mattress\n    noun\n  1  an inflatable boat\n  2  a large object made of plastic or rubber and filled with air or gas, used for children to play on, or as an advertisement for sth


Words: inflate
Meaning:
verb\n  1  to fill sth or become filled with gas or air:\n[VN] Inflate your life jacket by pulling sharply on the cord. * The balloons had been inflated with helium. * When attacked, the fish inflates itself to twice its size. * [V] The life jacket failed to inflate.\n  2  [VN] (written) to make sth appear to be more important or impressive than it really is:\nThe media have grossly inflated the significance of this meeting.\n  3  (written) to increase in price; to increase the price of sth:\n[VN] The principal effect of the demand for new houses was to inflate prices. * The profit margin had been artificially inflated. * [V] Food prices are no longer inflating at the same rate as last year.\ncompare DEFLATE, REFLATE


Words: inflated
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (especially of prices) higher than is acceptable or reasonable:\ninflated salaries / bills\n  2  (of ideas, claims, etc.) believing or claiming that sb/sth is more important or impressive than they really are:\nHe has an inflated sense of his own importance.


Words: inflation
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  a general rise in the prices of services and goods in a particular country, resulting in a fall in the value of money; the rate at which this happens:\nthe fight against rising inflation * to control / curb inflation * to reduce / bring down inflation * a high / low rate of inflation * an inflation rate of 3% * Wage increases must be in line with inflation. * Inflation is currently running at 3%. * rapid / runaway / galloping inflation * a reduction / increase in the rate of inflation * The annual rate of inflation fell to 1.2% by the end of 1999.\n  2  the act or process of filling sth with air or gas:\nlife jackets with an automatic inflation device\nOPP DEFLATION


Words: inflationary
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] causing or connected with a general rise in the prices of services and goods:\nthe inflationary effects of price rises * Our economy is in an inflationary spiral of wage and price increases (= a continuing situation in which an increase in one causes an increase in the other). * inflationary wage demands


Words: inflect
Meaning:
verb\n[V] (grammar) if a word inflects, its ending or spelling changes according to its GRAMMATICAL function in a sentence; if a language inflects, it has words that do this:\nVerbs inflect for tense and person. * Most languages of the world inflect.\n    inflected adjective [usually before noun]:\nan inflected language / form / verb


Words: inflection
Meaning:
(also inflexion especially in BrE)  noun [C, U]\n  1  a change in the form of a word, especially the ending, according to its GRAMMATICAL function in a sentence\n  2  a change in how high or low your voice is as you are speaking:\nShe spoke slowly and without inflection.


Words: inflexible
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (disapproving) that cannot be changed or made more suitable for a particular situation\nSYN RIGID:\nan inflexible attitude / routine / system * The rules are too inflexible to allow for human error. * an inflexible retirement age\n  2  (disapproving) (of people or organizations) unwilling to change their opinions, decisions, etc., or the way they do things:\nHe’s completely inflexible on the subject.\n  3  (of a material) difficult or impossible to bend\nSYN STIFF\nOPP FLEXIBLE\n    inflexibility  noun [U]\n    inflexibly  adverb


Words: inflict
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] ~ sth (on / upon sb/sth) to make sb/sth suffer sth unpleasant:\nThey inflicted a humiliating defeat on the home team. * They surveyed the damage inflicted by the storm. * Heavy casualties were inflicted on the enemy. * The rodent’s sharp teeth can inflict a nasty bite. * (humorous) Do you have to inflict that music on us?\n    infliction  noun [U]:\nthe infliction of pain / harm / injury\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  inflict yourself / sb on sb (often humorous) to force sb to spend time with you/sb when they do not want to:\nSorry to inflict myself on you again like this! * She inflicted her nephew on them for the weekend.


Words: inflow
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C, U] the movement of a lot of money, people or things into a place from somewhere else\nSYN INFLUX:\ninflows of capital from abroad * a steady inflow of refugees * Net cash inflow has increased by 20%.\n  2  [sing., U] the movement of a liquid or of air into a place from somewhere else:\nan inflow pipe * an inflow of 25 litres per hour\nOPP OUTFLOW


Words: influence
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  [U, C] ~ (on / upon sb/sth) the effect that sb/sth has on the way a person thinks or behaves or on the way that sth works or develops:\nto have / exert a strong influence on sb * the influence of the climate on agricultural production * What exactly is the influence of television on children?\n  2  [U] ~ (over sb/sth) the power that sb/sth has to make sb/sth behave in a particular way:\nHer parents no longer have any real influence over her. * She could probably exert her influence with the manager and get you a job. * He committed the crime under the influence of drugs.\n  3  [C] ~ (on sb/sth) somebody or something that affects the way a person behaves and thinks:\ncultural / environmental influences * Those friends are a bad influence on her. * His first music teacher was a major influence in his life. * There seem to be several influences at work in (= affecting) his writing.\n IDIOMS \n  under the influence having had too much alcohol to drink:\nShe was charged with driving under the influence.\n    verb\n  1  to have an effect on the way that sb behaves or thinks, especially by giving them an example to follow:\n[VN] His writings have influenced the lives of millions. * to be strongly / greatly / deeply influenced by sth * Don’t let me influence you either way. * The government refuses to be influenced by public opinion. * Research shows that most young smokers are influenced by their friends. * I don’t want to influence you. It must be your own decision. * [V wh-] The wording of questions can influence how people answer. [also VN to inf]\n  2  to have an effect on a particular situation and the way that it develops:\n[VN] A number of social factors influence life expectancy. * The local climate is influenced by the Gulf Stream. [also V wh-]


Words: influential
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (in sth / in doing sth) having a lot of influence on sb/sth:\na highly influential book * She is one of the most influential figures in local politics. * The committee was influential in formulating government policy on employment.


Words: influx
Meaning:
noun\n[usually sing.] ~ (of sb/sth) (into ...) the fact of a lot of people, money or things arriving somewhere:\na massive / sudden influx of visitors * the influx of wealth into the region


Words: info
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] (informal) information:\nHave you had any more info about the job yet?\n  2  (info-) (in nouns) connected with information:\nan infosheet * We send all potential clients an infopack.


Words: infomercial
Meaning:
noun\n(especially AmE) a long advertisement on television that tries to give a lot of information about a subject, so that it does not appear to be an advertisement


Words: inform
Meaning:
verb\n  1  ~ sb (of / about sth) to tell sb about sth, especially in an official way:\n[VN] Please inform us of any changes of address. * The leaflet informs customers about healthy eating. * He went to inform them of his decision. * Inform me at once if there are any changes in her condition. * Have the police been informed? * [VN that] I have been reliably informed (= somebody I trust has told me) that the couple will marry next year. * A notice informed the guests that formal dress was required. * I am pleased to inform you that you have won first prize in this month’s competition. * [VN speech] ’He’s already left,’ she informed us. [also VN wh-]\n  2  [VN] ~ yourself (of / about sth) to find out information about sth:\nWe need time to inform ourselves thoroughly of the problem.\n  3  [VN] (formal) to have an influence on sth:\nReligion informs every aspect of their lives. * These guidelines will be used to inform any future decisions.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  inform on sb to give information to the police or sb in authority about the illegal activities of sb:\nHe informed on his own brother.


Words: informal
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  relaxed and friendly; not following strict rules of how to behave or do sth:\nan informal atmosphere * an informal arrangement / meeting / visit * Discussions are held on an informal basis within the department. * The aim of the trip was to make informal contact with potential customers.\n  2  (of clothes) suitable for wearing at home or when relaxing rather than for a special or an official occasion\nSYN CASUAL\n  3  (of language) suitable for normal conversation and writing to friends rather than for serious speech and letters:\nan informal expression / style\ncompare FORMAL, SLANG\n    informality  noun [U]\n    informally  adverb:\nThey told me informally (= not officially) that I had got the job. * to dress informally


Words: informant
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a person who gives secret information about sb/sth to the police or a newspaper:\na police / paid informant * The journalist refused to reveal the identity of his informant.\n  2  (technical) a person who gives sb information about sth, for example to help them with their research:\nHis informants were middle-class professional women.


Words: information
Meaning:
(also informal info) noun [U]\n  1  ~ (on / about sb/sth) facts or details about sb/sth:\na piece of information * a source of information * to provide / give / pass on information * to collect / gather / receive / obtain information * For further information on the diet, write to us at this address. * Our information is that the police will shortly make an arrest. * This leaflet is produced for the information of (= to inform) our customers. * an information desk / office * background / statistical information * According to my information (= according to what I have been told) work was due to start last week. * He refused to comment before he had seen all the relevant information.\n  2  (AmE, informal) = DIRECTORY ENQUIRIES\n    informational adjective [only before noun]:\nthe informational content of a book * the informational role of the media\n IDIOMS \n  for information only (written) written on documents that are sent to sb who needs to know the information in them but does not need to deal with them\n  for your information\n1 (abbreviation FYI) = FOR INFORMATION ONLY\n2 (informal) used to tell sb that they are wrong about sth:\nFor your information, I don’t even have a car.\nmore at MINE n.


Words: information superhighway
Meaning:
(also superhighway) noun\n(computing) a large electronic NETWORK such as the Internet, used for sending information such as sound, pictures and video quickly in DIGITAL form:\nThe information superhighway embraces computers, telephones and TVs, linking consumers with services and with each other across the globe. * There’s a new exit on the information superhighway-a virtual voter registration booth.


Words: information technology
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (abbreviation IT) the study or use of electronic equipment, especially computers, for storing, analysing and sending out information:\nRecent advances in information technology have led to important changes in the operation of offices.


Words: informative
Meaning:
adjective\ngiving useful information:\nThe talk was both informative and entertaining. * Findings suggest that while television is more informative than the press, it is less persuasive.\nOPP UNINFORMATIVE


Words: informed
Meaning:
adjective\nhaving or showing a lot of knowledge about a particular subject or situation:\nan informed critic * an informed choice / decision / guess / opinion * They are not fully informed about the changes. * Keep me informed of any developments.\nOPP UNINFORMED\nsee also ILL-INFORMED, WELL INFORMED


Words: informer
Meaning:
noun\na criminal who gives information to the police about other criminals:\nThe bomber turned (= became) police informer to escape prison.


Words: infra dig
Meaning:
adjective\n[not before noun] (old-fashioned, BrE, informal) considered to be below the standard of behaviour appropriate in a particular situation or to sb’s social position:\nShe thinks catching the bus is a bit infra dig.


Words: infrared
Meaning:
adjective\n(physics) having or using ELECTROMAGNETIC waves which are longer than those of red light in the SPECTRUM, and which cannot be seen:\ninfrared radiation * an infrared lamp\ncompare ULTRAVIOLET


Words: infrastructure
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] the basic systems and services that are necessary for a country or an organization, for example buildings, transport, water and power supplies and administrative systems:\neconomic / social / transport infrastructure\n    infrastructural  adjective [usually before noun]:\ninfrastructural development


Words: infrequent
Meaning:
adjective\nnot happening often\nSYN RARE:\nher infrequent visits home * Muggings are relatively infrequent in this area.\nOPP FREQUENT\n    infrequently adverb:\nThis happens not infrequently (= often).


Words: infringe
Meaning:
verb\n  1  [VN] (of an action, a plan, etc.) to break a law or rule:\nThe material can be copied without infringing copyright. * Two of the projects are deemed to infringe EU legislation.\n  2  ~ (on / upon) sth to limit sb’s legal rights:\n[VN] They said that compulsory identity cards would infringe civil liberties. * [V] She refused to answer questions that infringed on her private affairs.\n    infringement  noun [U, C]:\ncopyright infringement * an infringement of liberty / rights


Words: infuriate
Meaning:
verb\nto make sb extremely angry\nSYN ENRAGE:\n[VN] Her silence infuriated him even more. * [VN that] It infuriates me that she was not found guilty. [also VN to inf]


Words: infuriating
Meaning:
adjective\nmaking you extremely angry:\nan infuriating child / delay * It is infuriating to talk to someone who just looks out of the window.\n    infuriatingly adverb:\nto smile infuriatingly * Infuriatingly, the shop had just closed.


Words: infuse
Meaning:
verb\n  1  [VN] ~ A into B | ~ B with A (formal) to make sb/sth have a particular quality:\nHer novels are infused with sadness.\n  2  [VN] (formal) to have an effect on all parts of sth:\nPolitics infuses all aspects of our lives.\n  3  [V, VN] if you infuse herbs, etc. or they infuse, you put them in hot water until the flavour has passed into the water\n  4  [VN] (medical) to slowly put a drug or other substance into a person’s VEIN


Words: infusion
Meaning:
noun [C, U]\n  1  ~ of sth (into sth) (formal) the act of adding sth to sth else in order to make it stronger or more successful:\na cash / capital infusion * an infusion of new talent into science education * The company needs an infusion of new blood (= new employees with new ideas).\n  2  a drink or medicine made by soaking herbs, etc. in hot water:\nan infusion of chamomile\n  3  [C, U] (medical) an act of slowly putting a drug or other substance into a person’s VEIN; the drug that is used in this way


Words: ingenious
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of an object, a plan, an idea, etc.) very suitable for a particular purpose and resulting from clever new ideas:\nan ingenious device / invention / experiment * ingenious ways of saving energy * His plots are always very ingenious.\n  2  (of a person) having a lot of clever new ideas and good at inventing things:\nan ingenious cook * She’s very ingenious when it comes to finding excuses.\n    ingeniously adverb:\ningeniously designed


Words: ingenuity
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the ability to invent things or solve problems in clever new ways:\nThe problem tested the ingenuity of even the most imaginative students.


Words: ingenuous
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal, sometimes disapproving) honest, innocent and willing to trust people\nSYN NAIVE:\nYou’re too ingenuous. * an ingenuous smile * It is ingenuous to suppose that money did not play a part in his decision.\ncompare DISINGENUOUS\n    ingenuously adverb


Words: ingest
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] (technical) to take food, drugs, etc. into your body, usually by swallowing:\nFood is the major source of ingested bacteria.\n    ingestion noun [U]


Words: inglorious
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] (literary) causing feelings of shame:\nan inglorious chapter in the nation’s history\ncompare GLORIOUS\n    ingloriously adverb


Words: ingrained
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  ~ (in sb/sth) (of a habit, an attitude, etc.) that has existed for a long time and is therefore difficult to change:\ningrained prejudices * The belief that we should do our duty is deeply ingrained in most of us.\n  2  (of dirt) under the surface of sth and therefore difficult to get rid of


Words: ingratiate
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] [no passive] ~ yourself (with sb) (disapproving) to do things in order to make sb like you, especially sb who will be useful to you:\nThe first part of his plan was to ingratiate himself with the members of the committee.


Words: ingratiating
Meaning:
adjective\n(disapproving) trying too hard to please sb:\nan ingratiating smile * He wasn’t just helpful, he was positively ingratiating.\n    ingratiatingly adverb


Words: ingratitude
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the state of not feeling or showing that you are grateful for sth:\nHer help was met with ingratitude and unkindness.\nOPP GRATITUDE


Words: ingredient
Meaning:
for sth)\n  1  one of the things from which sth is made, especially one of the foods that are used together to make a particular dish:\nCoconut is a basic ingredient for many curries. * Mix all the ingredients in a bowl. * Our skin cream contains only natural ingredients. * The only active ingredient in this medicine is aspirin.\n  2  one of the things or qualities that are necessary to make sth successful:\nthe essential ingredients for success * It has all the ingredients of a good mystery story.


Words: ingress
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (formal) the act of entering a place; the right to enter a place:\ndoor seals that prevent ingress of water


Words: ingrowing
Meaning:
(BrE) (also ingrown AmE, BrE) adjective\n[only before noun] (of the nail of a toe) growing inwards into the skin


Words: inhabit
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] to live in a particular place:\nsome of the rare species that inhabit the area * The cottage had not been inhabited for a while. * The island used to be inhabited (= have people living here). * He reflected on what a strange world Stephen and Veronica inhabited.\n______________________________\n WORD FAMILY \ninhabit v.\nhabitable adj. (=/= uninhabitable)\nuninhabited adj.\ninhabitant n.\nhabitation n.\n______________________________


Words: inhabitant
Meaning:
noun\na person or an animal that lives in a particular place:\nthe oldest inhabitant of the village * a town of 11 000 inhabitants


Words: inhale
Meaning:
verb\nto take air, smoke, gas, etc. into your lungs as you breathe\nSYN BREATHE IN:\n[V] She closed her eyes and inhaled deeply. * He inhaled deeply on another cigarette. * Lift your arms above your head and inhale as you stretch. * [VN] Local residents needed hospital treatment after inhaling fumes from the fire.\nOPP EXHALE\n    inhalation  noun [U]:\nHundreds of children were treated for smoke inhalation.


Words: inhaler
Meaning:
(also informal puffer) noun\na small device containing medicine that you breathe in through your mouth, used by people who have problems with breathing


Words: inhere
Meaning:
verb\n\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  inhere in sth (rare, formal) to be a natural part of sth:\nthe meaning which inheres in words


Words: inherent
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (in sb/sth) that is a basic or permanent part of sb/sth and that cannot be removed\nSYN INTRINSIC:\nthe difficulties inherent in a study of this type * Violence is inherent in our society. * an inherent weakness in the design of the machine\n    inherently adverb:\nan inherently unworkable system


Words: inherit
Meaning:
verb ~ (sth) (from sb)\n  1  to receive money, property, etc. from sb when they die:\n[VN] She inherited a fortune from her father. * He will inherit the title on the death of his uncle. [also V] \ncompare DISINHERIT\n  2  [VN] to have qualities, physical features, etc. that are similar to those of your parents, grandparents, etc:\nHe has inherited his mother’s patience. * She inherited a passion for music from her grandfather. * an inherited disease\n  3  [VN] if you inherit a particular situation from sb, you are now responsible for dealing with it, especially because you have replaced that person in their job:\npolicies inherited from the previous administration * I inherited a number of problems from my predecessor.


Words: inheritance
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C, usually sing, U] the money, property, etc. that you receive from sb when they die; the fact of receiving sth when sb dies:\nShe spent all her inheritance in a year. * The title passes by inheritance to the eldest son. * She came into (= received) her inheritance at eighteen.\n  2  [U, C] something from the past or from your family that affects the way you behave, look, etc:\nour artistic / cultural inheritance * Physical characteristics are determined by genetic inheritance.


Words: inheritance tax
Meaning:
(AmE also estate tax) noun\n[U] tax that you must pay on the money or property that you receive from sb when they die


Words: inheritor
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [usually pl.] ~ of sth a person who is affected by the work, ideas, etc. of people who lived before them\nSYN HEIR:\nWe are the inheritors of a great cultural tradition.\n  2  a person who receives money, property, etc. from sb when they die\nSYN HEIR


Words: inhibit
Meaning:
verb [VN] \n  1  to prevent sth from happening or make it happen more slowly or less frequently than normal:\nA lack of oxygen may inhibit brain development in the unborn child. * Financial considerations are inhibiting access to higher education.\n  2  ~ sb (from sth / from doing sth) to make sb nervous or embarrassed so that they are unable to do sth:\nThe managing director’s presence inhibited them from airing their problems.


Words: inhibited
Meaning:
adjective\nunable to relax or express your feelings in a natural way:\nBoys are often more inhibited than girls about discussing their problems.


Words: inhibition
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C, U] a shy or nervous feeling that stops you from expressing your real thoughts or feelings:\nThe children were shy at first, but soon lost their inhibitions. * She had no inhibitions about making her opinions known.\n  2  [U] (formal) the act of restricting or preventing a process or an action:\nthe inhibition of growth


Words: inhospitable
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of a place) difficult to stay or live in, especially because there is no shelter from the weather:\ninhospitable terrain * an inhospitable climate\n  2  (of people) not giving a friendly or polite welcome to guests\nOPP HOSPITABLE


Words: inhuman
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  lacking the qualities of kindness and pity; very cruel:\ninhuman and degrading treatment / conditions\n  2  not human; not seeming to be produced by a human being and therefore frightening:\nThere was a strange inhuman sound.\ncompare HUMAN, NON-HUMAN, SUBHUMAN


Words: inhumane
Meaning:
adjective\nnot caring about the suffering of other people; very cruel:\ninhumane treatment of animals / prisoners / the mentally ill\nOPP HUMANE\n    inhumanely adverb:\nClearly the terrorists have cruelly and inhumanely violated these principles.


Words: inhumanity
Meaning:
noun\n[U] cruel behaviour or treatment; the fact of not having the usual human qualities of kindness and pity:\nman’s inhumanity to man * the inhumanity of the system\nOPP HUMANITY


Words: inimical
Meaning:
adjective (formal)\n  1  ~ to sth harmful to sth; not helping sth:\nThese policies are inimical to the interests of society.\n  2  unfriendly:\nan inimical stare / look


Words: inimitable
Meaning:
adjective\ntoo good or individual for anyone else to copy with the same effect:\nJohn related in his own inimitable way the story of his trip to Tibet. * the inimitable Frank Sinatra


Words: iniquity
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] (plural iniquities) (formal) the fact of being very unfair or wrong; sth that is very unfair or wrong:\nthe iniquity of racial prejudice * the iniquities of the criminal justice system


Words: initial
Meaning:
adjective, noun, verb \n    adjective [only before noun] happening at the beginning; first:\nan initial payment of ｣60 and ten instalments of ｣25 * in the initial stages (= at the beginning) of the campaign * My initial reaction was to decline the offer.\n    noun\n  1  [C] the first letter of a person’s first name:\n’What initial is it, Mrs Owen?’ ’It’s J, J for Jane.’\n  2  (initials) [pl.] the first letters of all of a person’s names:\nJohn Fitzgerald Kennedy was often known by his initials JFK. * Just write your initials.\n    verb (-ll-, AmE usually -l-) [VN] to mark or sign sth with your initials:\nPlease initial each page and sign in the space provided. * The agreement was finally initialled on May 8.


Words: initially
Meaning:
adverb\nat the beginning:\nInitially, the system worked well. * The death toll was initially reported at around 250, but was later revised to 300. * My contract is initially for three years.


Words: initiate
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb  [VN] \n  1  (formal) to make sth begin:\nto initiate legal action / proceedings against sb * The government has initiated a programme of economic reform. * Bacteria then enters the wound and initiates infection.\n  2  ~ sb (into sth) to explain sth to sb and/or make them experience it for the first time:\nMany of them had been initiated into drug use at an early age. * His uncle initiated him into the pleasures of sailing.\n  3  ~ sb (into sth) to make sb a member of a particular group, especially as part of a secret ceremony:\nHundreds are initiated into the sect each year.\n    noun  a person who has been allowed to join a particular group, organization, or religion and is learning its rules and secrets


Words: initiation
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  ~ (into sth) the act of sb becoming a member of a group, often with a special ceremony; the act of introducing sb to an activity or skill:\nan initiation ceremony * her initiation into the world of marketing\n  2  (formal) the act of starting sth:\nthe initiation of criminal proceedings


Words: initiative
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] a new plan for dealing with a particular problem or for achieving a particular purpose:\na United Nations peace initiative * a government initiative to combat unemployment\n  2  [U] the ability to decide and act on your own without waiting for sb to tell you what to do:\nYou won’t get much help. You’ll have to use your initiative. * Too much bureaucracy represses creativity and initiative. * She did it on her own initiative (= without anyone telling her to do it).\n  3  (the initiative) [sing.] the power or opportunity to act and gain an advantage before other people do:\nto seize / lose the initiative * It was up to the US to take the initiative in repairing relations.


Words: inject
Meaning:
verb [VN] \n  1  ~ sth (into yourself / sb/sth) | ~ yourself / sb/sth (with sth) to put a drug or other substance into a person’s or an animal’s body using a SYRINGE:\nAdrenalin was injected into the muscle. * She has been injecting herself with insulin since the age of 16. * The anaesthetic is injected locally.\n  2  ~ A (into B) | ~ B (with A) to put a liquid into sth using a SYRINGE or similar instrument:\nChemicals are injected into the fruit to reduce decay. * The fruit is injected with chemicals to reduce decay. * Foam is injected into the walls where it expands and provides insulation.\n  3  ~ sth (into sth) to add a particular quality to sth:\nHis comments injected a note of humour into the proceedings. * They are hoping a change of leader will inject new energy into the movement.\n  4  ~ sth (into sth) to give money to an organization, a project, etc. so that it can function:\nThey are refusing to inject any more capital into the industry.


Words: injection
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C, U] an act of injecting sb with a drug or other substance:\nto give sb an injection * He was treated with penicillin injections. * An anaesthetic was administered by injection. * daily injections of insulin\n  2  [C] a large sum of money that is spent to help improve a situation, business, etc:\nThe theatre faces closure unless it gets an urgent cash injection.\n  3  [U, C] an act of forcing liquid into sth:\na fuel injection system


Words: injudicious
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) not sensible or wise; not appropriate in a particular situation:\nan injudicious act / remark\nOPP JUDICIOUS\n    injudiciously adverb


Words: injunction
Meaning:
noun\n  1  ~ (against sb) an official order given by a court of law which demands that sth must or must not be done:\nto seek / obtain an injunction * The court granted an injunction against the defendants.\ncompare RESTRAINING ORDER\n  2  (formal) a warning or an order from sb in authority


Words: injure
Meaning:
verb [VN] \n  1  to harm yourself or sb else physically, especially in an accident:\nHe injured his knee playing hockey. * Three people were killed and five injured in the crash. * She injured herself during training.\n  2  to damage sb’s reputation, pride, etc:\nThis could seriously injure the company’s reputation.


Words: injured
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  physically hurt; having an injury:\nan injured leg * Luckily, she isn’t injured. * Carter is playing in place of the injured O’Reilly.\nOPP UNINJURED\n  2  (the injured) noun [pl.] the people injured in an accident, a battle, etc:\nAmbulances took the injured to a nearby hospital.\n  3  (of a person or their feelings) upset or offended because sth unfair has been done:\nan injured look / tone * injured pride


Words: injurious
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (to sb/sth) (formal) causing or likely to cause harm or damage:\ninjurious to health * injurious effects


Words: injury sth
Meaning:
1  [C, U] harm done to a person’s or an animal’s body, for example in an accident:\nserious injury / injuries * minor injuries * to sustain injuries / an injury * to escape injury * The passengers escaped with only minor injuries. * injury to the head * a head injury * Two players are out of the team because of injury. * There were no injuries in the crash (= no people injured). * No damage or injuries were reported. * (BrE, spoken) Don’t do that. You’ll do yourself an injury (= hurt yourself).\n  2  [U] (especially law) damage to a person’s feelings:\nDamages may be awarded for emotional injury.\n IDIOMS  see ADD


Words: injury time
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (BrE) time added at the end of a game of football, hockey, etc. because the game has been interrupted by injured players needing treatment


Words: injustice
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] the fact of a situation being unfair and of people not being treated equally; an unfair act or an example of unfair treatment:\nfighting against poverty and injustice * a burning sense of injustice * racial / social injustice * She was enraged at the injustice of the remark. * The report exposes the injustices of the system.\nOPP JUSTICE\n IDIOMS \n  do yourself / sb an injustice to judge yourself/sb unfairly:\nWe may have been doing him an injustice. This work is good.


Words: ink
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun [U, C] coloured liquid for writing, drawing and printing:\nwritten in ink * a pen and ink drawing * different coloured inks\nsee also INKY\n    verb [VN] \n  1  to cover sth with ink so that it can be used for printing\n  2  (AmE, informal) to sign a document, especially a contract:\nThe group has just inked a $10 million deal.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  ink sth<->in to write or draw in ink over sth that has already been written or drawn in pencil: (figurative) The date for the presentation should have been inked in (= made definite) by now.


Words: ink-jet printer
Meaning:
noun\na printer that uses very small JETS to blow ink onto paper in order to form letters, numbers, etc.


Words: inkling
Meaning:
noun\n[usually sing.] ~ (of sth) | ~ (that ...) a slight knowledge of sth that is happening or about to happen\nSYN SUSPICION:\nHe had no inkling of what was going on. * The first inkling I had that something was wrong was when I found the front door wide open.


Words: inky
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  black like ink:\nthe inky blackness of the cellar\n  2  made dirty with ink:\ninky fingers


Words: inlaid
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (with sth) (of furniture, floors, etc.) decorated with designs of wood, metal, etc. that are set into the surface:\nan inlaid wooden box * a box inlaid with gold


Words: inland
Meaning:
adverb, adjective \n    adverb  in a direction towards the middle of a country; away from the coast:\nThe town lies a few kilometres inland. * We travelled further inland the next day. * At this point, the coast road turns inland for several miles. * They were too far inland to hear the sea.\n    adjective  [usually before noun] situated in or near the middle of a country, not near the edge or on the coast:\ninland areas / towns / waterways * inland seas / lakes * Business is booming in both inland and coastal resorts.\ncompare COASTAL


Words: inlay
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb  into A) to decorate the surface of sth by putting pieces of wood or metal into it in such a way that the surface remains smooth:\nThe lid of the box had been inlaid with silver. * Gold and silver had been inlaid into the lid of the box.\n    noun  [C, U] a design or pattern on a surface made by setting wood or metal into it; the material that this design is made of:\nThe table was decorated with gold inlay.


Words: inlet
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a narrow strip of water that stretches into the land from the sea or a lake, or between islands:\na narrow / sheltered / shallow inlet\n  2  (technical) an opening through which liquid, air or gas can enter a machine:\na fuel inlet\nOPP OUTLET


Words: inmate
Meaning:
noun\none of the people living in an institution such as a prison or a mental hospital:\nThe jail has 500 inmates. * He was attacked by a fellow inmate.


Words: inn
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (old-fashioned, BrE) a pub, usually in the country and often one where people can stay the night\n  2  (AmE) a small hotel, usually in the country\n  3  (Inn) used in the names of many pubs, hotels and restaurants:\nHoliday Inn


Words: innards
Meaning:
noun [pl.] (informal)\n  1  the organs inside the body of a person or an animal, especially the stomach:\nturkey innards * Fear twisted her innards in knots.\n  2  the parts inside a machine


Words: innate
Meaning:
adjective\n(of a quality, feeling, etc.) that you have when you are born:\nthe innate ability to learn * He never lost his innate sense of fun.\n    innately adverb:\nHe believes that humans are innately violent. * Racism is the belief that one race is innately superior to another.


Words: inner
Meaning:
adjective [only before noun]\n \n  1  inside; towards or close to the centre of a place:\nan inner room / courtyard * inner London * the inner ear\nOPP OUTER\n \n  2  (of feelings, etc.) private and secret; not expressed or shown to other people:\nShe doesn’t reveal much of her inner self. * An inner voice told him that what he was doing was wrong.


Words: inner city
Meaning:
noun\nthe part near the centre of a large city, which often has social problems:\nThere are huge problems in our inner cities. * an inner-city area / school


Words: innermost
Meaning:
adjective [only before noun]\n  1  (also less frequent inmost) most private, personal and secret:\nI could not express my innermost feelings to anyone. * The book reveals his innermost secrets.\n  2  nearest to the centre or inside of sth:\nthe innermost shrine of the temple\nOPP OUTERMOST


Words: innings
Meaning:
noun\n(plural innings) (in cricket) a period of time in a game during which a team or a single player is BATTING\n IDIOMS \n  sb had a good innings (BrE, informal) used about sb who has died to say that they had a long life:\nHow old was she? 84? Well, she had a good innings then.


Words: innocence
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  the fact of not being guilty of a crime, etc:\nShe protested her innocence (= said repeatedly that she was innocent). * This new evidence will prove their innocence. * I asked if she was married in all innocence (= without knowing it was likely to offend or upset her).\nOPP GUILT\n  2  lack of knowledge and experience of the world, especially of evil or unpleasant things:\nChildren lose their innocence as they grow older. * In her innocence, she agreed to go back with him to his house.


Words: innocent
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective\n  1  ~ (of sth) not guilty of a crime, etc.; not having done sth wrong:\nThey have imprisoned an innocent man. * She was found innocent of any crime. * He was the innocent party (= person) in the breakdown of the marriage. * There must be an innocent explanation for her behaviour.\nOPP GUILTY\n  2  [only before noun] suffering harm or being killed because of a crime, war, etc. although not directly involved in it:\nan innocent bystander * innocent victims of a bomb blast * Thousands of innocent civilians have been killed in this conflict.\n  3  not intended to cause harm or upset sb\nSYN HARMLESS:\nIt was all innocent fun. * It was a perfectly innocent remark.\n  4  having little experience of the world, especially of sexual matters, or of evil or unpleasant things:\nan innocent young child\n    innocently adverb:\n’Oh, Sue went too, did she?’ I asked innocently (= pretending I did not know that this was important).\n    noun an innocent person, especially a young child


Words: innocuous
Meaning:
adjective (formal)\n  1  not intended to offend or upset anyone:\nIt seemed a perfectly innocuous remark.\n  2  not harmful or dangerous:\nan innocuous substance


Words: innovate
Meaning:
verb\nto introduce new things, ideas, or ways of doing sth:\n[V] We must constantly adapt and innovate to ensure success in a growing market. * [VN] to innovate new ideas / products\n    innovator  noun


Words: innovation
Meaning:
noun ~ (in sth)\n  1  [U] the introduction of new things, ideas or ways of doing sth:\nan age of technological innovation * The company is very interested in product design and innovation.\n  2  [C] a new idea, way of doing sth, etc. that has been introduced or discovered:\nrecent innovations in steel-making technology


Words: innovative
Meaning:
adjective\n(approving) introducing or using new ideas, ways of doing sth, etc:\nThere will be a prize for the most innovative design.


Words: innuendo
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] (plural innuendoes or innuendos) (disapproving) an indirect remark about sb/sth, usually suggesting sth bad or rude; the use of remarks like this:\ninnuendoes about her private life * The song is full of sexual innuendo.


Words: inoculate
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] ~ sb (against sth) to protect a person or an animal from catching a particular disease by INJECTING them with a mild form of the disease\ncompare IMMUNIZE, VACCINATE\n    inoculation  noun [C, U]:\nHas the puppy had all its inoculations yet? * The disease can now be prevented by inoculation.


Words: inoperable
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of an illness, especially CANCER) not able to be cured by a medical operation:\nan inoperable brain tumour\n  2  (formal) that cannot be used or made to work; not practical:\nThe policy was thought to be inoperable. * The fire rendered the port inoperable.\nOPP OPERABLE


Words: inoperative
Meaning:
adjective (formal)\n  1  (of a rule, system, etc.) not valid or able to be used:\nYour insurance policy will become inoperative if your circumstances change.\n  2  (of a machine) not working; not functioning correctly\nOPP OPERATIVE


Words: inopportune
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) not appropriate or convenient; happening at a bad time:\nThey arrived at an inopportune moment.\nOPP OPPORTUNE


Words: inordinate
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) far more than is usual or expected\nSYN EXCESSIVE:\nThey spent an inordinate amount of time and money on the production. * The strike has led to inordinate delays.\n    inordinately adverb:\ninordinately high prices


Words: inorganic
Meaning:
adjective\nnot consisting of or coming from any living substances:\ninorganic fertilizers * Rocks and minerals are inorganic.\nOPP ORGANIC


Words: inorganic chemistry
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the branch of chemistry that deals with substances that do not contain CARBON\ncompare ORGANIC CHEMISTRY


Words: input
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  [C, U] ~ (into / to sth) | ~ (of sth) time, knowledge, ideas, etc. that you put into work, a project, etc. in order to make it succeed; the act of putting sth in:\nHer specialist input to the discussions has been very useful. * I’d appreciate your input on this. * There has been a big input of resources into the project from industry. * Barley is one of the main inputs to the process of distillation. * Growing anything in this soil will require heavy inputs of nutrients.\n  2  [U] (computing) the act of putting information into a computer; the information that you put in:\ndata input * This program accepts input from most word processors.\n  3  [C] (technical) a place or means for electricity, data, etc. to enter a machine or system:\nan input lead / cord * Where is the audio input on the video recorder?\ncompare OUTPUT\n    verb (inputting, input, input) or (inputting, inputted, inputted) [VN] to put information into a computer:\nto input text / data / figures\ncompare OUTPUT


Words: inquest
Meaning:
into sth)\n  1  an official investigation to find out the cause of sb’s death, especially when it has not happened naturally:\nAn inquest was held to discover the cause of death. * a coroner’s inquest into his death * At the inquest they heard that the car had driven off after the accident.\n  2  a discussion about sth that has failed:\nAn inquest was held on the team’s poor performance.


Words: inquisition
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (the Inquisition) [sing.] the organization set up by the Roman Catholic Church to punish people who opposed its beliefs, especially from the 15th to the 17th century\n  2  [C] (formal or humorous) a series of questions that sb asks you, especially when they ask them in an unpleasant way:\nShe then subjected me to an inquisition about my romantic life.


Words: inquisitive
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (disapproving) asking too many questions and trying to find out about what other people are doing, etc:\nDon’t be so inquisitive. It’s none of your business!\n  2  very interested in learning about many different things:\nan inquisitive nature / mind\n    inquisitively adverb\n    inquisitiveness noun [U]


Words: inquisitor
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a person who asks a lot of difficult questions, especially in a way that makes you feel threatened\n  2  an officer of the Inquisition of the Roman Catholic Church\n    inquisitorial  adjective:\nHe questioned her in a cold inquisitorial voice.\n    inquisitorially adverb


Words: inroad
Meaning:
noun\n~ (into sth) something that is achieved, especially by reducing the power or success of sth else:\nThis deal is their first major inroad into the American market.\n IDIOMS \n  make inroads into / on sth if one thing makes inroads into another, it has a noticeable effect on the second thing, especially by reducing it, or influencing it:\nTax rises have made some inroads into the country’s national debt. * By the 1950s, television had made great inroads into the territory of the news magazines.


Words: insane
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  seriously mentally ill and unable to live in normal society:\nDoctors certified him as insane. * The prisoners were slowly going insane.\nOPP SANE\n  2  (the insane) noun [pl.] people who are insane:\na hospital for the insane\n  3  (informal) very stupid, crazy or dangerous:\nI must have been insane to agree to the idea.\nsee also INSANITY\n    insanely adverb:\nHe is insanely jealous.\n IDIOMS  see DRIVE v.


Words: insanitary
Meaning:
(also unsanitary especially in AmE) adjective\ndirty and likely to spread disease:\nThey were forced to live in overcrowded and insanitary conditions.\nOPP SANITARY


Words: insanity
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  the state of being INSANE:\nHe was found not guilty, by reason of insanity.\nOPP SANITY\n  2  actions that are very stupid and possibly dangerous:\nIt would be sheer insanity to attempt the trip in such bad weather.


Words: insatiable
Meaning:
adjective\nalways wanting more of sth; not able to be satisfied:\nan insatiable appetite / curiosity / thirst * There seems to be an insatiable demand for more powerful computers.\n    insatiably  adverb


Words: inscribe
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] ~ A (on / in B) | ~ B (with A) to write or cut words, your name, etc. onto sth:\nHis name was inscribed on the trophy. * The trophy was inscribed with his name. * She signed the book and inscribed the words ’with grateful thanks’ on it. * The names of the king and queen were inscribed above the door. * She was presented with an inscribed gold watch.


Words: inscription
Meaning:
noun\nwords written in the front of a book or cut in stone or metal:\nThere was an inscription carved over the doorway. * There are no inscriptions or markings to identify the tombs.


Words: inscrutable
Meaning:
adjective\nif a person or their expression is inscrutable, it is hard to know what they are thinking or feeling, because they do not show any emotion\n    inscrutability  noun [U]\n    inscrutably  adverb


Words: insect
Meaning:
noun\nany small creature with six legs and a body divided into three parts. Insects usually also have wings. ANTS, bees and flies are all insects:\ninsect pests / larvae / species * insect repellent (= a chemical that keeps insects away) * an insect bite * The pesticide is lethal to all insect life.\nsee also STICK INSECT\n HELP NOTE  Insect is often used to refer to other small crawling creatures, for example spiders, although this is not correct scientific language.


Words: insecticide
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] a chemical used for killing insects:\ncrops sprayed with insecticides\nsee also HERBICIDE, PESTICIDE\n    insecticidal  adjective


Words: insectivore
Meaning:
noun\nany animal that eats insects\ncompare CARNIVORE, HERBIVORE, OMNIVORE\n    insectivorous  adjective


Words: insecure
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  not confident about yourself or your relationships with other people:\nHe’s very insecure about his appearance. * She felt nervous and insecure.\n  2  not safe or protected:\nJobs nowadays are much more insecure than they were ten years ago. * As an artist he was always financially insecure. * Insecure doors and windows (= for example, without good locks) make life easy for burglars.\nOPP SECURE\n    insecurely adverb\n    insecurity  noun [U, C] (plural insecurities):\nfeelings of insecurity * job insecurity * We all have our fears and insecurities. * The incident brought back childhood insecurities.


Words: inseminate
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] (technical) to put SPERM into a woman or female animal in order to make her pregnant:\nThe cows are artificially inseminated.\n    insemination  noun [U]:\nBoth children were conceived by donor insemination (= using sperm that has been given by an unknown man).\nsee also ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION


Words: insensibility
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  (formal) the state of being unconscious:\nHe was found lying in a state of drugged insensibility.\n  2  the fact of not being able to react to particular things:\ninsensibility to pain / beauty


Words: insensible
Meaning:
adjective (formal)\n  1  [not before noun] ~ (to sth) unable to feel sth or react to it:\ninsensible to pain / cold\n  2  [not before noun] ~ (of sth) not aware of a situation or of sth that might happen:\nThey were not insensible of the risks.\nOPP SENSIBLE\n  3  unconscious as the result of injury, illness, etc:\nHe drank himself insensible.\n    insensibly  adverb


Words: insensitive
Meaning:
adjective ~ (to sth)\n  1  not realizing or caring how other people feel, and therefore likely to hurt or offend them:\nan insensitive person / remark * She’s completely insensitive to my feelings.\n  2  not aware of changing situations, and therefore of the need to react to them:\nThe government seems totally insensitive to the mood of the country.\n  3  not able to feel or react to sth:\ninsensitive to pain / cold * He seems completely insensitive to criticism.\nOPP SENSITIVE\n    insensitively adverb:\nThe police handled the matter extremely insensitively.\n    insensitivity  noun [U]


Words: inseparable
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  ~ (from sth) not able to be separated:\nOur economic fortunes are inseparable from those of Europe.\n  2  if people are inseparable, they spend most of their time together and are very good friends:\nAs children, Laura and I were inseparable. * George later became our inseparable companion.\n    inseparability  noun [U]:\nthe inseparability of style and content\n    inseparably  adverb:\nOur lives were inseparably linked.


Words: insert
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb  [VN] \n  1  ~ sth (in / into / between sth) to put sth into sth else or between two things:\nInsert coins into the slot and press for a ticket. * They inserted a tube in his mouth to help him breathe.\n  2  ~ sth (into sth) to add sth to a piece of writing:\nPosition the cursor where you want to insert a word. * Later, he inserted another paragraph into his will.\n    noun  ~ (in sth)\n  1  an extra section added to a book, newspaper or magazine, especially to advertise sth:\nan 8-page insert on the new car models\n  2  something that is put inside sth else, or added to sth else:\nThese inserts fit inside any style of shoe.


Words: insertion
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U, C] ~ (in / into sth) the act of putting sth inside sth else; a thing that is put inside sth else:\nAn examination is carried out before the insertion of the tube. * Acupuncture involves the insertion of needles into specific points of the body.\n  2  [C, U] a thing that is added to a book, piece of writing, etc.; the act of adding sth:\nthe insertion of an extra paragraph


Words: inset
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  a small picture, map, etc. inside a larger one:\nFor the Shetland Islands, see inset.\n  2  something that is added on to sth else, or put inside sth else:\nThe windows have beautiful stained glass insets.\n    verb (insetting, inset, inset) [VN] \n  1  [usually passive] ~ A (with B) | ~ B (into A) to fix sth into the surface of sth else, especially as a decoration:\nThe tables were inset with ceramic tiles. * Ceramic tiles were inset into the tables.\n  2  ~ sth (into sth) to put a small picture, map, etc. inside the borders of a bigger one


Words: inshore
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] in the sea but close to the shore:\nan inshore breeze * an inshore lifeboat (= that stays close to the land)\n    inshore adverb:\nThe boat came inshore (= towards the land).\ncompare OFFSHORE


Words: inside
Meaning:
preposition, adverb, noun, adjective \n    preposition (also inside of especially in AmE)\n  1  on or to the inner part of sth/sb; within sth/sb:\nGo inside the house. * Inside the box was a gold watch. * For years we had little knowledge of what life was like inside China. * You’ll feel better with a good meal inside you. * (figurative) Inside most of us is a small child screaming for attention.\nOPP OUTSIDE\n  2  in less than the amount of time mentioned:\nThe job is unlikely to be finished inside (of) a year\n    adverb\n  1  on or to the inside:\nShe shook it to make sure there was nothing inside. * We had to move inside (= indoors) when it started to rain. * (figurative) I pretended not to care but I was screaming inside.\nOPP OUTSIDE\n  2  (informal) in prison:\nHe was sentenced to three years inside.\n    noun\n\n \n  1  [C, usually sing.] (usually the inside) the inner part, side or surface of sth:\nThe inside of the box was blue. * The door was locked from the inside. * The shell is smooth on the inside. * the insides of the windows\nOPP THE OUTSIDE\n \n  2  (the inside) [sing.] the part of a road nearest the edge, that is used by slower vehicles:\nHe tried to overtake on the inside.\nOPP THE OUTSIDE\n \n  3  (the inside) [sing.] the part of a curved road or track nearest to the middle or shortest side of the curve:\nThe French runner is coming up fast on the inside.\nOPP THE OUTSIDE\n  4  (insides) [pl.] (informal) a person’s stomach and bowels:\nShe was so nervous, her insides were like jelly. * He complained of a pain in his insides.\n IDIOMS \n  inside out with the part that is usually inside facing out:\nYou’ve got your sweater on inside out. * Turn the bag inside out and let it dry.\ncompare back to front at BACK n.\n  on the inside belonging to a group or an organization and therefore able to get information that is not available to other people:\nThe thieves must have had someone on the inside helping them.\n  turn sth inside out\n1 to make a place very untidy when you are searching for sth:\nThe burglars had turned the house inside out.\n2 to cause large changes:\nThe new manager turned the old systems inside out.\nmore at KNOW v.\n    adjective [only before noun]\n  1  forming the inner part of sth; not on the outside:\nthe inside pages of a newspaper * an inside pocket * The assistant took my inside leg measurement.\n  2  known or done by sb in a group or an organization:\ninside information * Any newspaper would pay big money to get the inside story on her marriage. * The robbery appeared to have been an inside job.


Words: inside track
Meaning:
noun\n[sing.] (especially AmE) a position in which you have an advantage over sb else:\nMike has the inside track on that story (= knows most about it).


Words: insider
Meaning:
noun\na person who knows a lot about a group or an organization, because they are part of it:\nThe situation was described by one insider as ’absolute chaos’. * an insider’s view of the movie industry


Words: insider dealing
Meaning:
(also insider trading) noun\n[U] the crime of buying or selling SHARES in a company with the help of information known only by those connected with the business


Words: insidious
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal, disapproving) spreading gradually or without being noticed, but causing serious harm:\nthe insidious effects of polluted water supplies\n    insidiously adverb:\nThis kind of advertising acts insidiously on young minds.


Words: insight
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] (approving) the ability to see and understand the truth about people or situations:\na writer of great insight * With a flash of insight I realized what the dream meant.\n  2  [C, U] ~ (into sth) an understanding of what sth is like:\nThe book gives us fascinating insights into life in Mexico. * I hope you have gained some insight into the difficulties we face.


Words: insightful
Meaning:
adjective\n(approving) showing a clear understanding of a person or situation:\nan insightful historian


Words: insignia
Meaning:
noun\n[U+sing./pl. v.] the symbol, BADGE or sign that shows sb’s rank or that they are a member of a group or an organization:\nthe royal insignia * His uniform bore the insignia of a captain.


Words: insignificant
Meaning:
adjective\nnot big or valuable enough to be considered important:\nan insignificant difference * The levels of chemicals in the river are not insignificant. * He made her feel insignificant and stupid.\nOPP SIGNIFICANT\n    insignificance  [U]:\nHer own problems paled into insignificance beside this terrible news. * Success took him from insignificance to wealth and fame.\n    insignificantly adverb


Words: insincere
Meaning:
adjective\n(disapproving) saying or doing sth that you do not really mean or believe:\nan insincere smile\nOPP SINCERE\n    insincerely adverb\n    insincerity  noun [U]:\nShe accused him of insincerity.


Words: insinuate
Meaning:
verb\n  1  to suggest indirectly that sth unpleasant is true:\n[V that] The article insinuated that he was having an affair with his friend’s wife. * [VN] What are you trying to insinuate? * an insinuating smile / glance / tone\n  2  [VN] ~ yourself into sth (formal, disapproving) to succeed in gaining sb’s respect, affection, etc. so that you can use the situation to your own advantage:\nIn the first act, the villain insinuates himself into the household of the man he intends to kill.\n  3  [VN +adv./prep.] (formal) to slowly move yourself or a part of your body into a particular position or place:\nShe insinuated her right hand under his arm.


Words: insinuation
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] something that sb insinuates:\nShe resented the insinuation that she was too old for the job.\n  2  [U] the act of insinuating sth:\nHis reputation was ruined by insinuation and rumour.


Words: insipid
Meaning:
adjective (disapproving)\n  1  having almost no taste or flavour:\na cup of insipid coffee\n  2  not interesting or exciting:\nAfter an hour of insipid conversation, I left. * The group are an insipid imitation of the Beatles.


Words: insist
Meaning:
verb ~ (on sth)\n  1  to demand that sth happens or that sb agrees to do sth:\n[V] I didn’t really want to go but he insisted. * Stay and have lunch. I insist! * ’Please come with us’ ’Very well then, if you insist.’ * (formal) She insisted on his / him wearing a suit. * [V that] He insists that she come. * (BrE also) He insists that she should come.\n  2  to say firmly that sth is true, especially when other people do not believe you:\n[V] He insisted on his innocence. * [V (that)] He insisted (that) he was innocent. [also V speech]\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  insist on / upon sth to demand sth and refuse to be persuaded to accept anything else:\nWe insisted on a refund of the full amount. * [+ -ing] They insisted upon being given every detail of the case.\n  insist on doing sth to continue doing sth even though other people think it is annoying:\nThey insist on playing their music late at night.


