# dict

Words: structuralism
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (in literature, language and social science) a theory that considers any text as a structure whose various parts only have meaning when they are considered in relation to each other\ncompare DECONSTRUCTION\n    structuralist  noun, adjective:\na structuralist critic / approach


Words: structure
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  [U, C] the way in which the parts of sth are connected together, arranged or organized; a particular arrangement of parts:\nthe structure of the building / human body * changes in the social and economic structure of society * the grammatical structures of a language * a career / salary / tax structure\n  2  [C] a thing that is made of several parts, especially a building:\na stone / brick / wooden structure\n  3  [U, C] the state of being well organized or planned with all the parts linked together; a careful plan:\nYour essay needs (a) structure.\n    verb [VN] [usually passive] ~ sth (around sth) to arrange or organize sth into a system or pattern:\nHow well does the teacher structure the lessons? * The exhibition is structured around the themes of work and leisure. * Make use of the toys in structured group activities.


Words: strudel
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] (from German) a cake made from pieces of fruit, especially apple, rolled in thin pastry and baked


Words: struggle
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n  1  ~ (for sth) to try very hard to do sth when it is difficult or when there are a lot of problems:\n[V] a country struggling for independence * Shona struggled for breath. * life as a struggling artist (= one who is very poor) * [V to inf] They struggled just to pay their bills. * She struggled for 10 years to achieve success as an actress.\n  2  [V +adv./prep.] to move somewhere or do sth with difficulty:\nI struggled up the hill with the heavy bags. * Paul struggled out of his wheelchair. * She had to struggle into the tight dress.\n  3  [V] ~ (against / with sb/sth) to fight against sb/sth in order to prevent a bad situation or result:\nHe struggled against cancer for two years. * Lisa struggled with her conscience before talking to the police.\n  4  [V] ~ (with sb) to fight sb or try to get away from them:\nBen and Jack struggled together on the grass. * I struggled and screamed for help. * James was hit in the mouth as he struggled with the raiders. * How did she manage to struggle free?\n  5  [V] ~ (with sb) (for sth) to compete or argue with sb, especially in order to get sth:\nrival leaders struggling for power\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  struggle along / on to continue in spite of problems:\nThe business struggled along for some time. * Life is hard but we all have to struggle on.\n    noun\n  1  [C] ~ (with sb) (for / against sth) | ~ (with sb) (to do sth) | ~ (between A and B) a hard fight in which people try to obtain or achieve sth, especially sth that sb else does not want them to have:\na power / leadership struggle * a struggle for freedom / independence * the struggle between good and evil * He is engaged in a bitter struggle with his rival to get control of the company. * She will not give up her children without a struggle. * Three teams are locked in a struggle for this year’s title.\n  2  [C] a physical fight between two people or groups of people, especially when one of them is trying to escape, or to get sth from the other:\nThere were no signs of a struggle at the murder scene. * After a short struggle, I managed to get the knife away from him.\n  3  [sing.] ~ (to do sth) something that is difficult for you to do or achieve:\nIt was a real struggle to be ready on time. * They face an uphill struggle to get to the finals of the competition.


Words: strum
Meaning:
verb\n(-mm-) ~ (on) sth to play a guitar or similar instrument by moving your fingers up and down across the strings:\n[V] As she sang she strummed on a guitar. [also VN]


Words: strung out
Meaning:
adjective [not before noun]\n  1  spread out in a line:\na group of riders strung out along the beach\n  2  ~ (on sth) (slang) strongly affected by an illegal drug such as HEROIN


Words: strut
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb (-tt-) [V] to walk proudly with your head up and chest out to show that you think you are important:\nThe players strutted and posed for the cameras.\n IDIOMS \n  strut your stuff (informal) to proudly show your ability, especially at dancing or performing:\nstrutting your stuff to the latest chart hits\n    noun\n\n \n  1  a long thin piece of wood or metal used to support or strengthen part of a vehicle or building:\nwheel struts * The roof was supported on oak struts.\n \n  2  [sing.] (disapproving) an act of walking in a proud and confident way:\nShe recognized his arrogant strut.


Words: stub
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  a short piece of a cigarette, pencil, etc. that is left when the rest of it has been used\n  2  the small part of a ticket, cheque, etc. that you keep as a record when you have given the main part to sb\n    verb (-bb-) [VN] ~ your toe (against / on sth) to hurt your toe by accidentally hitting it against sth hard:\nShe stubbed her toe on the step.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  stub sth<->out to stop a cigarette, etc. from burning by pressing the end against sth hard:\nHe stubbed out his cigarette in the ashtray.


Words: stubble
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  the lower short stiff part of the stems of crops such as wheat, etc. that are left in the ground after the top part has been cut and collected\n  2  the short stiff hairs that grow on a man’s face when he has not shaved recently\n    stubbly  adjective


Words: stubborn
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (often disapproving) determined not to change your opinion or attitude\nSYN OBSTINATE:\nHe was too stubborn to admit that he was wrong. * She can be as stubborn as a mule. * stubborn pride * a stubborn resistance to change * a stubborn refusal to listen * She has inherited her mother’s stubborn streak.\n  2  difficult to get rid of or deal with:\na stubborn cough / stain * a stubborn problem\n    stubbornly adverb:\nShe stubbornly refused to pay. * Unemployment remains stubbornly high.\n    stubbornness noun [U]


Words: stucco
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a type of PLASTER that is used for covering ceilings and the outside walls of buildings\n    stuccoed adjective:\na stuccoed house / wall


Words: stuck
Meaning:
adjective [not before noun]-see also STICK v.\n  1  unable to move or to be moved:\nThe wheels were stuck in the mud. * This drawer keeps getting stuck. * She got the key stuck in the lock. * I can’t get out-I’m stuck.\n  2  in an unpleasant situation or place that you cannot escape from:\nWe were stuck in traffic for over an hour. * I hate being stuck at home all day.\n  3  ~ (on sth) unable to answer or understand sth:\nI got stuck on the first question. * I’ll help you if you’re stuck.\n  4  ~ (for sth) not knowing what to do in a particular situation:\nIf you’re stuck for something to do tonight, come out with us. * I’ve never known him to be stuck for words before.\n  5  ~ with sb/sth (informal) unable to get rid of sb/sth that you do not want:\nI was stuck with him for the whole journey. * I’m stuck with this job for the moment.\n IDIOMS \n  get stuck in | get stuck into sth (BrE, informal) to start doing sth in an enthusiastic way, especially to start eating:\nDon’t wait for me-get stuck in. * There’s a lot to do so get your jackets off and get stuck in! * I want to get stuck into the job as soon as possible.\nmore at GROOVE, ROCK n., TIME WARP


Words: stuck-up
Meaning:
adjective\n(informal, disapproving) thinking that you are more important than other people and behaving in an unfriendly way towards them\nSYN SNOBBISH


Words: stud
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  [C] a small piece of jewellery with a rod that is pushed through a hole in your ear, nose, etc:\ndiamond studs\n \n  2  [C] a small round piece of metal that is attached to the surface of sth, especially for decoration:\na leather jacket with studs on the back\n \n  3  [C, usually pl.] (BrE) one of several small metal or plastic objects that are fixed to the bottom part of a FOOTBALL BOOT or running shoe\ncompare CLEAT\n \n  4  [C] a small metal object used in the past for fastening a collar onto a shirt\nsee also PRESS STUD\n  5  [C, U] an animal, especially a horse, that is kept for breeding; the place where animals, especially horses, are kept for breeding:\na stud farm * The horse was retired from racing and put out to stud (= kept for breeding).\n  6  [C] (informal) a man who has many sexual partners and who is thought to be sexually attractive


Words: studded
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  decorated with small raised pieces of metal:\na studded leather belt\n  2  ~ with sth (written) having a lot of sth on or in it:\nThe sky was clear and studded with stars. * an essay studded with quotations\nsee also STAR-STUDDED\n    stud verb (-dd-):\n[VN] Stars studded the sky.


Words: student
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  a person who is studying at a university or college:\na medical / science student * a graduate / postgraduate / research student * an overseas student * a student teacher / nurse * a student grant / loan (= money that is given / lent to students to pay for their studies) * She’s a student at Sussex University. * a dramatic increase in student numbers * He’s a third-year student at the College of Art. * I did some acting in my student days.\nsee also MATURE STUDENT\n \n  2  (especially AmE) a person who is studying at a school, especially a secondary school:\na 15-year-old high school student\ncompare PUPIL\n \n  3  ~ of sth a person who is very interested in a particular subject:\na keen student of human nature\n______________________________\n WHICH WORD? \nstudent / pupil / undergraduate /\ngraduate / postgraduate\nA student is a person who is studying at a school, college, university, etc. In BrE until recently pupil was used for children at school, but this is becoming old-fashioned and student is used instead, except for young children.\nAn undergraduate is a student who is studying for their first degree at a university or college.\nIn BrE,a graduate is a person who has completed a first degree at a university or college. In AmE graduate is usually used with another noun and can also apply to a person who has finished high school: a high school graduate * a graduate student.\nA postgraduate is a person who has finished a first degree and is doing advanced study or research. This is the usual term in BrE, but it is formal in AmE and graduate student is usually used instead.\n______________________________


Words: students’ union
Meaning:
(also student union) noun\n  1  a building where students at a university or college can go to meet socially\n  2  (BrE) an association of students at a particular university or college, concerned with students’ rights and WELFARE


Words: studentship
Meaning:
noun\n(BrE) one of a small number of places that a university gives to students who wish to continue studying or to do research after they have finished their degree; an amount of money that is given to a student who wins one of these places


Words: studied
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] (written) deliberate and carefully planned:\nShe introduced herself with studied casualness.


Words: studio
Meaning:
noun (plural studios)\n \n  1  a room where radio or television programmes are recorded and broadcast from, or where music is recorded:\na television studio * a studio audience (= one in a studio, that can be seen or heard as a programme is broadcast) * a recording studio\n \n  2  a place where films/movies are made or produced\n \n  3  a company that makes films/movies:\nShe works for a major Hollywood studio. * a studio executive\n \n  4  a room where an artist works:\na sculptor’s / photographer’s studio\n  5  a place where dancing is taught or where dancers practise:\na dance studio\n  6  (BrE also studio flat) (AmE also studio apartment) a small flat/apartment with one main room for living and sleeping in and usually a kitchen and BATHROOM


Words: studiously
Meaning:
adverb\nin a way that is carefully planned and deliberate:\nHe studiously avoided answering the question.


Words: study
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun (plural studies)\n  activity of learning\n  1  [U] the activity of learning or gaining knowledge, either from books or by examining things in the world:\na room set aside for private study * academic / literary / scientific study * It is important to develop good study skills. * Physiology is the study of how living things work.\n  2  (studies) [pl.] (formal) a particular person’s learning activities, for example at a college or university:\nto continue / pursue your studies\n  academic subject\n  3  (studies) [U+sing./pl. v.] (used in the names of some academic subjects):\nbusiness / media / American studies\n  detailed examination\n  4  [U] the act of considering or examining sth in detail:\nThese proposals deserve careful study.\n  5  [C] a piece of research that examines a subject or question in detail:\nto make / carry out / conduct a study * This study shows / confirms / suggests that ... * a detailed study of how animals adapt to their environment * scientific studies of fishing grounds and methods of fishing\nsee also CASE STUDY\n  room\n  6  [C] a room, especially in sb’s home, used for reading and writing\n  art\n  7  [C] a drawing or painting of sth, especially one done for practice or before doing a larger picture:\na study of Chartres Cathedral * a nude study\n  music\n  8  (BrE) (also etude AmE, BrE) [C] a piece of music designed to give a player practice in technical skills\n  perfect example\n  9  [sing.] ~ (in sth) (written) a perfect example of sth:\nHis face was a study in concentration.\n IDIOMS  see BROWN adj.\n    verb (studies, studying, studied, studied)\n  learn\n  1  ~ (sth) (at ...) | ~ (for sth) to spend time learning about a subject by reading, going to college, etc:\n[VN] How long have you been studying English? * [V] Don’t disturb Jane, she’s studying for her exams. * My brother studied at the Royal College of Art. * a composer who studied under Nadia Boulanger (= Nadia Boulanger taught the composer) * [V to inf] Nina is studying to be an architect.\n  examine carefully\n  2  [VN] to watch, or look at sb/sth carefully in order to find out sth:\nScientists are studying photographs of the planet for signs of life. * He studied her face thoughtfully. * Fran was studying the menu.\n  3  to examine sth carefully in order to understand it:\n[VN] We will study the report carefully before making a decision. * [V wh-] The group will study how the region coped with the loss of thousands of jobs.


Words: study hall
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (AmE) a period of time during the school day when students study quietly on their own, usually with a teacher present


Words: stuff
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun [U]\n  1  (informal, sometimes disapproving) used to refer to a substance, material, group of objects, etc. when you do not know the name, when the name is not important or when it is obvious what you are talking about:\nWhat’s all that sticky stuff on the carpet? * The chairs were covered in some sort of plastic stuff. * This wine is good stuff. * (disapproving) I don’t know how you can eat that stuff! * They sell stationery and stuff (like that). * Where’s all my stuff (= my possessions)? * (disapproving) Could you move all that stuff off the table?\nsee also FOODSTUFF\n  2  (informal) used to refer in a general way to things that people do, say, think, etc:\nI’ve got loads of stuff to do today. * I like reading and stuff. * The band did some great stuff on their first album. * This is all good stuff. Well done! * What’s all this ’Mrs Smith’ stuff? Call me Anna. * I don’t believe in all that stuff about ghosts.\n  3  ~ (of sth) (formal or literary) the most important feature of sth; something that sth else is based on or is made from:\nThe trip was magical; the stuff of which dreams are made. * Parades and marches were the very stuff of politics in the region. * Let’s see what stuff you’re made of (= what sort of person you are).\nsee also HOT STUFF\n IDIOMS \n  do your stuff (informal) to do what you are good at or what you have been trained to do:\nSome members of the team are just not doing their stuff (= doing as well as they should). * (figurative) The medicine has clearly done its stuff.\n  not give a stuff (BrE, slang) to not care at all about sth\n  stuff and nonsense exclamation (old-fashioned, informal) used by some people to say that they think that sth is stupid or not true\nmore at KID n., KNOW v., STERN adj., STRUT v., SWEAT v.\n    verb\n  1  ~ A (with B) | ~ B (in, into, under, etc. A) to fill a space or container tightly with sth:\n[VN] She had 500 envelopes to stuff with leaflets. * She had 500 leaflets to stuff into envelopes. * The fridge is stuffed to bursting. * My nose is stuffed up (= blocked because of illness). * [VN-ADJ] All the drawers were stuffed full of letters and papers.\n  2  [VN +adv./prep.] to push sth quickly and carelessly into a small space:\nShe stuffed the money under a cushion. * His hands were stuffed in his pockets. * Robyn quickly stuffed clothes into an overnight bag.\n  3  [VN] to fill a vegetable, chicken, etc. with another type of food:\nAre you going to stuff the turkey? * stuffed peppers\n  4  [VN] ~ sb / yourself (with sth) | ~ your face (informal) to eat a lot of food or too much food; to give sb a lot or too much to eat:\nHe sat at the table stuffing himself. * Don’t stuff the kids with chocolate before their dinner. * We stuffed our faces at the party.\n  5  [VN] [usually passive] to fill the dead body of an animal with material and preserve it, so that it keeps its original shape and appearance:\nThey had had their pet dog stuffed.\n IDIOMS \n  get stuffed (BrE, spoken) used to tell sb in a rude and angry way to go away, or that you do not want sth:\nIf they don’t offer you more money, tell them to get stuffed.\n  stuff it (spoken, informal) used to show that you have changed your mind about sth or do not care about sth:\nI didn’t want a part in the play, then I thought-stuff it-why not? * Stuff it. At my age it doesn’t matter.\n  you, etc. can stuff sth (spoken, informal) used to tell sb in a rude and angry way that you do not want sth:\nI told them they could stuff their job.


Words: stuffed
Meaning:
adjective\n[not before noun] (informal) having eaten so much that you cannot eat anything else\nSYN FULL


Words: stuffed animal
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  (especially AmE) = SOFT TOY\n \n  2  a dead animal that has been STUFFED:\nstuffed animals in glass cases


Words: stuffed shirt
Meaning:
noun\n(informal, disapproving) a person who is very serious, formal or old-fashioned:\nThe club members are not just a bunch of stuffed shirts.


Words: stuffing
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  (AmE also dressing) a mixture of finely chopped food, such as bread, onions and herbs, placed inside a chicken, etc. before it is cooked to give it flavour\n  2  soft material used to fill cushions, toys, etc.\n IDIOMS  see KNOCK v.


Words: stuffy
Meaning:
adjective (stuffier, stuffiest)\n  1  (of a building, room, etc.) warm in an unpleasant way and without enough fresh air:\na stuffy room / atmosphere * It gets very hot and stuffy in here in summer.\n  2  (informal, disapproving) very serious, formal, boring or old-fashioned:\na stuffy, formal family * plain, stuffy clothes\n    stuffiness noun [U]


Words: stultifying
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) making you feel very bored and unable to think of new ideas:\nthe stultifying effects of work that never varies\n    stultify verb (stultifies, stultifying, stultified, stultified) [VN]\n    stultifyingly adverb


Words: stumble
Meaning:
verb [V] \n  1  ~ (over / on sth) to hit your foot against sth while you are walking or running and almost fall:\nThe child stumbled and fell. * I stumbled over a rock.\n  2  [+adv./prep.] to walk or move in an unsteady way:\nMax stumbled out of bed sleepily. * We were stumbling around in the dark looking for a candle.\n  3  ~ (over / through sth) to make a mistake or mistakes and stop while you are speaking, reading to sb or playing music:\nIn her nervousness she stumbled over her words. * I stumbled through the piano piece with difficulty.\n    stumble noun \n PHRASAL VERBS \n  stumble across / on / upon sth/sb to discover sth/sb unexpectedly:\nPolice have stumbled across a huge drugs ring. * I stumbled across Thompson outside the hotel.\n  stumble into sth to become involved in sth by chance:\nI stumbled into acting when I left college.


Words: stumbling block
Meaning:
noun\n~ (to sth) | ~ (to doing sth) something that causes problems and prevents you from achieving your aim


Words: stump
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  [C] the bottom part of a tree left in the ground after the rest has fallen or been cut down\n \n  2  [C] the end of sth or the part that is left after the main part has been cut, broken off or worn away:\nthe stump of a pencil / tooth\n \n  3  [C] the short part of sb’s leg or arm that is left after the rest has been cut off\n \n  4  [C, usually pl.] (in cricket) one of the set of three upright wooden sticks (called the stumps) that form the WICKET:\nthe leg / middle / off stump * The ball went past the batsman and hit the stumps.\n \n  5  (the stump) [sing.] (informal, especially AmE) the fact of a politician before an election going to different places and trying to get people’s support by making speeches:\nThe senator gave his standard stump speech. * politicians on the stump\n IDIOMS  see STIR v.\n    verb\n\n \n  1  [VN] [usually passive] (informal) to ask sb a question that is too difficult for them to answer or give them a problem that they cannot solve:\nI’m stumped. I don’t know how they got here before us. * Farmers are aware of the problem but are stumped by what to do about it. * Kate was stumped for words (= unable to answer).\n \n  2  [V +adv./prep.] to walk in a noisy, heavy way, especially because you are angry or upset\nSYN STOMP:\nHe stumped off, muttering under his breath.\n \n  3  (AmE) to travel around making political speeches, especially before an election: [V, +adv./prep.] He stumped around the country trying to build up support. [also VN]\n \n  4  [VN] (in cricket) to put a BATSMAN out of the game by touching the stumps with the ball when he or she is out of the area in which the ball can be hit\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  stump up (for sth) | stump up sth (for sth) (BrE, informal) to pay money for sth\nSYN COUGH UP:\nWe were asked to stump up for the repairs. * Who is going to stump up the extra money?


Words: stun
Meaning:
verb (-nn-) [VN] \n  1  to make a person or an animal unconscious for a short time, especially by hitting them on the head:\nThe fall stunned me for a moment. * The animals are stunned before slaughter.\n  2  to surprise or shock sb so much that they cannot think clearly or speak:\nHer words stunned me-I had no idea she felt that way.\n  3  to impress sb very much:\nThey were stunned by the view from the summit.\n    stunned adjective:\nShe was too stunned to speak. * There was a stunned silence when I told them the news.


Words: stun gun
Meaning:
noun\na weapon that makes a person or an animal unconscious or unable to move for a short time, usually by giving them a small electric shock


Words: stunner
Meaning:
noun (informal)\n  1  a person (especially a woman) or a thing that is very attractive or exciting to look at:\nHis daughter is a real stunner. * The movie is visually a stunner.\n  2  something, such as a piece of news, that is very surprising or shocking


Words: stunning
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  extremely attractive or impressive\nSYN BEAUTIFUL:\na stunning woman * You look absolutely stunning! * a stunning view of the lake * His performance was simply stunning.\n  2  extremely surprising or shocking:\nHe suffered a stunning defeat in the election.\n    stunningly adverb:\nstunningly beautiful * a stunningly simple idea


Words: stunt
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  a dangerous and difficult action that sb does to entertain people, especially as part of a film/movie:\nHe did all his own stunts. * a stunt pilot / rider * a stunt flying team\n  2  (sometimes disapproving) something that is done in order to attract people’s attention:\na publicity stunt\n  3  (informal) a stupid or dangerous act:\nI’ve had enough of her childish stunts. * Don’t you ever pull a stunt like that again!\n    verb [VN] to prevent sb/sth from growing or developing as much as they/it should:\nThe constant winds had stunted the growth of plants and bushes. * His illness had not stunted his creativity.


Words: stunted
Meaning:
adjective\nthat has not been able to grow or develop as much as it should:\nstunted trees * the stunted lives of children deprived of education


Words: stupefy
Meaning:
verb\n(stupefies, stupefying, stupefied, stupefied) [VN] [often passive] to surprise or shock sb; to make sb unable to think clearly:\nHe was stupefied by the amount they had spent. * She was stupefied with cold.\n    stupefaction  noun [U]:\nThey looked on in utter stupefaction.


Words: stupefying
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  making you unable to think clearly:\nstupefying boredom\n  2  very surprising or shocking:\nHis next action was utterly stupefying.\n    stupefyingly adverb:\nThe party was stupefyingly dull.


Words: stupendous
Meaning:
adjective\nextremely large or impressive, especially greater or better than you expect\nSYN STAGGERING:\nstupendous efforts / achievements * stupendous views over the sea * stupendous costs\n    stupendously adverb


Words: stupid
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective (stupider, stupidest)\n HELP NOTE  more stupid and most stupid are also common.\n  1  showing a lack of thought or good judgement\nSYN FOOLISH, SILLY:\na stupid mistake / question / idea / joke * It was a pretty stupid thing to do. * I was stupid enough to believe him. * It was stupid of you to get involved.\n  2  (disapproving) (of a person) slow to learn or understand things; not clever or intelligent:\nHe’ll manage-he isn’t stupid. * She always makes me feel really stupid.\n  3  [only before noun] (spoken) used to emphasize that you are annoyed with sb/sth:\nI can’t get the stupid thing open! * Get your stupid feet off the chair!\n    stupidly adverb:\nI stupidly agreed to lend him the money. * Todd stared stupidly at the screen.\n    noun [sing.] (informal) if you call sb stupid, you are telling them, usually in a joking way, that you think they are not being very intelligent:\nYes, stupid, it’s you I’m talking to!


Words: stupidity
Meaning:
noun (plural stupidities)\n  1  [U, C, usually pl.] behaviour that shows a lack of thought or good judgement:\nI couldn’t believe my own stupidity. * the errors and stupidities of youth * The police were astonished at the sheer stupidity of drivers in going so fast in the fog.\n  2  [U] the state or quality of being slow to learn and not clever or intelligent:\nHe faked stupidity to try to escape punishment for the crime.


Words: stupor
Meaning:
noun\n[sing., U] (written) a state in which you are unable to think, hear, etc. clearly, especially because you have drunk too much alcohol, taken drugs or had a shock:\nHe drank himself into a stupor. * a drunken stupor * She was led away in a state of stupor.


Words: sturdy
Meaning:
adjective (sturdier, sturdiest)\n  1  (of an object) strong and not easily damaged\nSYN ROBUST:\na sturdy pair of boots * a sturdy table * The vehicle is sturdy enough to withstand rough terrain.\n  2  (of people and animals, or their bodies) physically strong and healthy:\na man of sturdy build * sturdy legs * a sturdy breed of cattle\n  3  not easily influenced or changed by other people\nSYN FIRM, DETERMINED:\nThe village has always maintained a sturdy independence. * a sturdy defence of the government’s position\n    sturdily  adverb:\nThe boat was sturdily made. * a sturdily built young man * a sturdily independent community\n    sturdiness noun [U]


Words: sturgeon
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] (plural sturgeon or sturgeons) a large sea and FRESHWATER fish that lives in northern regions. Sturgeon are used for food and the eggs (called CAVIAR) are also eaten.


Words: stutter
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n  1  to have difficulty speaking because you cannot stop yourself from repeating the first sound of some words several times\nSYN STAMMER:\n[V speech] ’W-w-what?’ he stuttered. * [VN] I managed to stutter a reply. [also V]\n  2  [V] (of a vehicle or an engine) to move or start with difficulty, making short sharp noises or movements:\nThe car stuttered along in first gear.\n    noun [sing.] a speech problem in which a person finds it difficult to say the first sound of a word and repeats it several times:\nHe had a terrible stutter.


Words: sty
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (plural sties) = PIGSTY\n  2  (also stye) (plural sties or styes) an infection of the EYELID (= the skin above or below the eye) which makes it red and sore


Words: Stygian
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] (literary) very dark:\nStygian darkness / gloom\n ORIGIN  From the Styx, the river in the underworld which the souls of the dead had to cross in Greek myth.


Words: style
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  way sth is done\n  1  [C, U] ~ (of sth) the particular way in which sth is done:\na style of leadership / management * furniture to suit your style of living * a study of different learning / teaching styles * I like your style (= I like the way you do things). * Caution was not her style (= not the way she usually behaved).\nsee also LIFESTYLE\n  design of clothes / hair\n  2  [C] a particular design of sth, especially clothes:\nWe stock a wide variety of styles and sizes. * Have you thought about having your hair in a shorter style? * a style that was popular in the 1950s\nsee also HAIRSTYLE\n  3  [U] the quality of being fashionable in the clothes that you wear:\nHot tips for style-conscious teenagers. * Short skirts are back in style (=fashionable). * My husband has no sense of style.\n  being elegant\n  4  [U] the quality of being elegant and made to a high standard:\nThe hotel has been redecorated but it’s lost a lot of its style. * She does everything with style and grace.\n  of book / painting / building\n  5  [C, U] the features of a book, painting, building, etc. that make it typical of a particular author, artist, historical period, etc:\na style of architecture * a fine example of Gothic style * a parody written in the style of Moliere * The palace was rebuilt in the same style.\n  use of language\n  6  [U, C] the correct use of language:\nIt’s not considered good style to start a sentence with ’but’. * Please follow house style (= the rules of spelling, etc. used by a particular publishing company).\n  -style\n  7  (in adjectives) having the type of style mentioned:\nItalian-style gardens * a buffet-style breakfast\nsee also OLD-STYLE\n IDIOMS \n  be more sb’s style to be what sb prefers or what suits sb:\nI’m surprised he rides a motorbike-I’d have thought big cars were more his style.\n  in (great, grand, etc.) style in an impressive way:\nShe always celebrates her birthday in style. * He won the championship in fine / great style.\nmore at CRAMP v.\n    verb\n  clothes / hair, etc.\n  1  [VN] to design, make or shape sth in a particular way:\nan elegantly styled jacket * He’d had his hair styled at an expensive salon.\n  give name / title\n  2  [VN-N] (formal) to give sb/sth/yourself a particular name or title:\nHe styled himself Major Carter. * The company was originally styled ’Imperial Designs’.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  style sth / yourself on sth/sb to copy the style, manner or appearance of sb/sth\nSYN MODEL:\na coffee bar styled on a Parisian cafe * He styled himself on Elvis Presley.


Words: styling
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  the act of cutting and/or shaping hair in a particular style:\nstyling gel / mousse * a styling brush * Our experts will give you advice on styling and hair care.\n  2  the way in which sth is designed:\nThe car has been criticized for its outdated body styling.


Words: stylish
Meaning:
adjective\n(approving) fashionable; elegant and attractive:\nhis stylish wife * a stylish restaurant * It was a stylish performance by both artists.\n    stylishly adverb:\nHer hair was stylishly cut into a bob. * a stylishly dressed young man\n    stylishness noun [U]


Words: stylist
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a person whose job is cutting and shaping people’s hair:\nShe was the salon’s top stylist.\n  2  a person, for example a writer, who takes great care to write or say sth in an elegant or unusual way\n  3  a person whose job is to create or design a particular style or image for a product, an advertisement, etc.


Words: stylistic
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] connected with the style an artist uses in a particular piece of art, writing or music:\nstylistic analysis / features / devices\n    stylistically  adverb:\nThe works are stylistically related.


Words: stylized
Meaning:
(BrE also stylised)  adjective\ndrawn, written, etc. in a way that is not natural or realistic:\na stylized drawing of a house * the highly stylized form of acting in Japanese theatre\n    stylization, stylisation  noun [U]


Words: stylus
Meaning:
noun\n(plural styluses) a device on a RECORD PLAYER that looks like a small needle and is placed on the record in order to play it


Words: stymie
Meaning:
verb\n(stymieing or stymying, stymied, stymied) [VN] (informal) to prevent sb from doing sth that they have planned or want to do; to prevent sth from happening\nSYN FOIL:\nHe found himself stymied by an old opponent. * Financial difficulties have stymied the company’s growth.


Words: suave
Meaning:
adjective\n(especially of a man) confident, elegant and polite, sometimes in a way that does not seem sincere:\nThe manager was suave and sophisticated. * He gave his usual suave performance.\n    suavely adverb:\n’My pleasure,’ he said suavely.


Words: sub
Meaning:
noun (informal)\n  1  = SUBMARINE\n  2  a SUBSTITUTE (= a player who replaces another player in a team):\nHe came on as sub.\n  3  (BrE) a SUBSCRIPTION (= money that you pay regularly when you are a member of a club, etc.)\n  4  (BrE) a SUBEDITOR


Words: sub judice
Meaning:
adjective\n[not usually before noun] (from Latin, law) if a legal case is sub judice, it is still being discussed in a court of law and it is therefore illegal for anyone to talk about it on the television, in newspapers, etc.


Words: sub-
Meaning:
prefix\n  1  (in nouns and adjectives) below; less than:\nsub-zero temperatures * a subtropical (= almost tropical) climate * sub-standard * a sub lieutenant\n  2  (in nouns and adjectives) under:\nsubway * submarine\n  3  (in verbs and nouns) a smaller part of sth:\nsubdivide * subset


Words: subatomic
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] (technical) smaller than, or found in, an atom:\nsubatomic particles


Words: subcommittee
Meaning:
noun\n[C+sing./pl. v.] a smaller committee formed from a main committee in order to study a particular subject in more detail:\nthe House of Representatives subcommittee on taxation


Words: subconscious
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective [usually before noun] connected with feelings that influence your behaviour even though you are not aware of them:\nsubconscious desires / fears * the subconscious mind * Many advertisements work at a subconscious level.\ncompare CONSCIOUS, UNCONSCIOUS\n    subconsciously adverb:\nSubconsciously, she was looking for the father she had never known.\n    noun (the / your subconscious) [sing.] the part of your mind that contains feelings that you are not aware of:\nGuilt made her try to bury the memory deep in her subconscious.\ncompare THE UNCONSCIOUS


Words: subcontinent
Meaning:
noun\n[usually sing.] a large land mass that forms part of a continent, especially the part of Asia that includes India, Pakistan and Bangladesh:\nthe Indian subcontinent


Words: subcontract
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb  ~ sth (to sb) to pay a person or company to do some of the work that you have been given a contract to do: [VN, VN to inf] We subcontracted the work to a small engineering firm. * We subcontracted a small engineering firm to do the work.\n    subcontracting noun [U] \n    noun  a contract to do part of the work that has been given to another person or company:\nsubcontract work * a government subcontract


Words: subculture
Meaning:
noun\n(sometimes disapproving) the behaviour and beliefs of a particular group of people in society that are different from those of most people:\nthe criminal / drug / youth subculture


Words: subcutaneous
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] (technical) under the skin:\na subcutaneous injection\n    subcutaneously adverb


Words: subdivide
Meaning:
verb\n[VN, V] [often passive] ~ (sth) (into sth) to divide sth into smaller parts; to be divided into smaller parts


Words: subdivision
Meaning:
noun\n  1   [U] the act of dividing a part of sth into smaller parts\n  2   [C] one of the smaller parts into which a part of sth has been divided:\na police subdivision (= the area covered by one particular police force) * subdivisions within the Hindu caste system\n  3   [C] (AmE) one of the parts of an area of land that has been divided up for building houses on


Words: subdue
Meaning:
verb [VN] (rather formal)\n  1  to bring sb/sth under control, especially by using force\nSYN DEFEAT:\nTroops were called in to subdue the rebels. * government efforts to subdue inflation\n  2  to calm or control your feelings:\nJulia had to subdue an urge to stroke his hair.


Words: subdued
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of a person) unusually quiet, and possibly unhappy:\nHe seemed a bit subdued to me. * She was in a subdued mood. * The reception was a subdued affair.\n  2  (of light or colours) not very bright:\nsubdued lighting * the subdued greens and browns of the landscape\n  3  (of sounds) not very loud:\na subdued conversation * the sound of subdued laughter\n  4  (of business activity) not very busy; with not much activity:\na subdued housing market * a period of subdued trading


Words: subeditor
Meaning:
(also informal sub) noun\n(BrE) a person whose job is to check and make changes to the text of a newspaper or magazine before it is printed


Words: subhuman
Meaning:
adjective\n(disapproving) not working or behaving like a normal human being; not fit for human beings:\nsubhuman behaviour * They were living in subhuman conditions.\ncompare INHUMAN, SUPERHUMAN


Words: subject
Meaning:
noun, adjective, verb \n    noun \n  of conversation / book\n  1  [C] a thing or person that is being discussed, described or dealt with:\nan unpleasant subject of conversation * books on many different subjects * a magazine article on the subject of space travel * I have nothing more to say on the subject. * I wish you’d change the subject (= talk about sth else). * How did we get onto the subject of marriage? * We seem to have got off the subject we’re meant to be discussing. * Nelson Mandela is the subject of a new biography. * Climate change is still very much a subject for debate.\n  at school / college\n  2  [C] an area of knowledge studied in a school, college, etc:\nBiology and English are my favourite subjects.\n  of picture / photograph\n  3  a person or thing that is the main feature of a picture or photograph, or that a work of art is based on:\nFocus the camera on the subject. * Classical landscapes were a popular subject with many 18th-century painters.\n  of experiment\n  4  [C] a person or thing being used to study sth, especially in an experiment:\nWe need male subjects between the ages of 18 and 25 for the experiment.\n  grammar\n  5  [C] a noun, noun phrase or pronoun representing the person or thing that performs the action of the verb (I in I sat down.), about which sth is stated (the house in The house is very old.) or, in a PASSIVE sentence, that is affected by the action of the verb (the tree in The tree was blown down in the storm.)\ncompare OBJECT n. (4), PREDICATE\n  of country\n  6  a person who has the right to belong to a particular country, especially one with a king or queen:\na British / French subject -> CITIZEN\n    adjective \n  1  ~ to sth likely to be affected by sth, especially sth bad:\nFlights are subject to delay because of the fog. * Smokers are more subject to heart attacks than non-smokers.\n  2  ~ to sth depending on sth in order to be completed or agreed:\nThe article is ready to publish, subject to your approval. * All the holidays on offer are subject to availability.\n  3  ~ to sth/sb under the authority of sth/sb:\nAll nuclear installations are subject to international safeguards. * As a diplomat, he is not subject to local laws.\n  4  [only before noun] (formal) controlled by the government of another country:\nsubject peoples\n    verb  [VN] ~ sth (to sth) (formal) to bring a country or group of people under your control, especially by using force:\nThe Roman Empire subjected most of Europe to its rule.\n    subjection  noun [U] \n PHRASAL VERBS \n  subject sb/sth to sth [often passive] (written) to make sb/sth experience, suffer or be affected by sth, usually sth unpleasant:\nto be subjected to abuse / ridicule / harassment / criticism * The city was subjected to heavy bombing. * The defence lawyers claimed that the prisoners had been subjected to cruel and degrading treatment.


Words: subject matter
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the ideas or information contained in a book, speech, painting, etc:\nThe artist was revolutionary in both subject matter and technique. * She’s searching for subject matter for her new book.


Words: subjective
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  based on your own ideas or opinions rather than facts and therefore sometimes unfair:\na highly subjective point of view * Everyone’s opinion is bound to be subjective.\n  2  (of ideas, feelings or experiences) existing in sb’s mind rather than in the real world\nOPP OBJECTIVE\n    subjectively adverb:\nPeople who are less subjectively involved are better judges. * subjectively perceived changes\n    subjectivity  noun [U]:\nThere is an element of subjectivity in her criticism.


Words: subjectivism
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (philosophy) the theory that all knowledge and moral values are subjective rather than based on truth that actually exists in the real world


Words: subjugate
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] [usually passive] (formal) to defeat sb/sth; to gain control over sb/sth:\na subjugated race * Her personal ambitions had been subjugated to (= considered less important than) the needs of her family.\n    subjugation  noun [U] (formal):\nthe subjugation of women / Ireland


Words: subjunctive
Meaning:
noun\n(grammar) the form (or MOOD) of a verb that expresses wishes, possibility or uncertainty; a verb in this form:\nThe verb is in the subjunctive. * In ’I wish I were taller’, ’were’ is a subjunctive.\n    subjunctive adjective:\nthe subjunctive mood


Words: sublet
Meaning:
verb\n(subletting, sublet, sublet) [VN, V] ~ (sth) (to sb) to rent to sb else all or part of a property that you rent from the owner


Words: sublimate
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] (psychology) to direct your energy, especially sexual energy, to socially acceptable activities such as work, exercise, art, etc.\n    sublimation  noun [U]


Words: sublime
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective\n  1  (written) of very high quality and causing great admiration:\nsublime beauty * a sublime combination of flavours * The location of the hotel is sublime.\n  2  (formal, often disapproving) (of a person’s behaviour or attitudes) extreme, especially in a way that shows they are not aware of what they are doing or are not concerned about what happens because of it:\nthe sublime confidence of youth * He battled on, in the sublime conviction that he was in the right.\n    sublimely adverb:\nsublimely beautiful * She was sublimely unaware of the trouble she had caused. * He dances sublimely.\n    sublimity  noun [U] \n    noun (the sublime) [sing.] (written) something that is sublime:\nHe transforms the most ordinary subject into the sublime.\n IDIOMS \n  from the sublime to the ridiculous used to describe a situation in which sth serious, important or of high quality is followed by sth silly, unimportant or of poor quality


Words: subliminal
Meaning:
adjective\naffecting your mind even though you are not aware of it:\nsubliminal advertising * music containing subliminal messages\n    subliminally adverb


Words: submarine
Meaning:
noun, adjective \n    noun (also informal sub)\n  1  a ship that can travel underwater:\na nuclear submarine * a submarine base\n  2  (also submarine sandwich, hero) (all AmE) a long bread roll split open along its length and filled with various types of food\n    adjective [only before noun] (technical) existing or situated under the sea:\nsubmarine plant life * submarine cables


Words: submerge
Meaning:
verb\n  1  to go under the surface of water or liquid; to put sth or make sth go under the surface of water or liquid:\n[V] The submarine had had time to submerge before the warship could approach. * [VN] The fields had been submerged by flood water.\n  2  [VN] (written) to hide ideas, feelings, opinions, etc. completely:\nDoubts that had been submerged in her mind suddenly resurfaced.\n    submerged adjective:\nHer submerged car was discovered in the river by police divers.\n    submersion  noun [U]


Words: submersible
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective (AmE also submergible ) that can be used under water:\na submersible camera\n    noun a SUBMARINE (= a ship that can travel underwater) that goes underwater for short periods


Words: submission
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] the act of accepting that sb has defeated you and that you must obey them:\na gesture of submission * to beat / force / starve sb into submission * His response was one of resistance, not submission.\n  2  [U, C] the act of giving a document, proposal, etc. to sb in authority so that they can study or consider it; the document, etc. that you give:\nWhen is the final date for the submission of proposals? * They prepared a report for submission to the council. * The deadline is 1 October and late submissions will not be marked. * All parties will have the opportunity to make submissions relating to this case. * Many diploma courses require the submission of a project.\n  3  [C] (law) a statement that is made to a judge in a court of law


Words: submissive
Meaning:
adjective\nwilling to obey sb whatever they want you to do:\nShe followed him like a submissive child.\nOPP ASSERTIVE\n    submissively adverb:\n’You’re right and I was wrong,’ he said submissively.\n    submissiveness noun [U]


Words: submit
Meaning:
verb (-tt-)\n  1  [VN] ~ sth (to sb/sth) to give a document, proposal, etc. to sb in authority so that they can study or consider it:\nto submit an application / a claim / a complaint * Completed projects must be submitted by 10 March.\n  2  ~ (yourself) (to sb/sth) to accept the authority, control or greater strength of sb/sth; to agree to sth because of this\nSYN YIELD, GIVE IN TO SB/STH:\nShe refused to submit to threats. * He submitted himself to a search by the guards.\n  3  [V that] (law or formal) to say or suggest sth:\nCounsel for the defence submitted that the evidence was inadmissible.


Words: subnormal
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (technical) lower than normal:\nsubnormal temperatures\n  2  (sometimes offensive) having less than the normal level of intelligence:\neducationally subnormal children


Words: subordinate
Meaning:
adjective, noun, verb \n    adjective \n  1  ~ (to sb) having less power or authority than sb else in a group or an organization:\nIn many societies women are subordinate to men. * a subordinate minister / officer\n  2  ~ (to sth) less important than sth else:\nAll other issues are subordinate to this one.\n    noun  a person who has a position with less authority and power than sb else in an organization:\nthe relationship between subordinates and superiors * He always confers with his subordinates before making decisions.\n    verb sth else:\nSafety considerations were subordinated to commercial interests.\n    subordination  noun [U]


Words: subordinate clause
Meaning:
(also dependent clause) noun\n(grammar) a group of words that is not a sentence but adds information to the main part of a sentence, for example when it rang in She answered the phone when it rang.\ncompare COORDINATE CLAUSE, MAIN CLAUSE


Words: suborn
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] (law) to pay or persuade sb to do sth illegal, especially to tell lies in a court of law:\nto suborn a witness


Words: subpoena
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun (law) a written order to attend a court of law as a WITNESS to give evidence:\nHe was served with a subpoena. * She is appearing today under subpoena (= she has been given a subpoena to appear).\n    verb (law) to order sb to attend a court of law and give evidence as a WITNESS: [VN to inf] The court subpoenaed her to appear as a witness. [also VN]


Words: subscribe
Meaning:
verb\n  1  [V] ~ (to sth) to pay money, normally once a year, to receive regular copies of a newspaper, magazine, etc:\nWhich journals does the library subscribe to?\n  2  [V] ~ (to sth) to pay money regularly to be a member of an organization or to support a charity:\nHe subscribes regularly to Amnesty International.\n  3  [V] ~ (for sth) (finance) to apply to buy shares in a company\nsee also OVERSUBSCRIBED\n  4  [VN] [usually passive] to apply to take part in an activity, use a service, etc:\nThe tour of Edinburgh is fully subscribed.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  subscribe to sth (formal) to agree with or support an opinion, a theory, etc:\nThe authorities no longer subscribe to the view that disabled people are unsuitable as teachers.


Words: subscriber
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a person who pays money, usually once a year, to receive regular copies of a magazine or newspaper:\nsubscribers to ’New Scientist’\n  2  (BrE) a person who gives money regularly to help the work of an organization such as a charity:\nsubscribers to Oxfam\n  3  a person who pays to receive a service:\nsubscribers to cable television


Words: subscription
Meaning:
noun [C, U]\n  1  ~ (to / for sth) an amount of money you pay, usually once a year, to receive regular copies of a newspaper or magazine, etc.; the act of paying this money:\nto take out an annual subscription to ’Newsweek’ * to cancel / renew your subscription * Copies are available by subscription. * Subscriptions are due annually by the end of January.\n  2  (BrE, informal) a sum of money that you pay regularly to be a member of a club or to receive a service; the act of paying this money:\nmoney raised through subscription and advertising\n  3  a sum of money given regularly to a charity; the act of paying this money:\nA statue in his memory was erected by public subscription.


Words: subsection
Meaning:
noun\na part of a section, especially of a legal document:\nThe case is described in subsection six below.


Words: subsequent
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) happening after sth else:\nsubsequent years / generations * Subsequent events confirmed our doubts. * Developments on this issue will be dealt with in a subsequent report.


Words: subsequent to
Meaning:
preposition\n(formal) after; following:\nThere have been further developments subsequent to our meeting.


Words: subsequently
Meaning:
adverb\n(formal) afterwards; later; after sth else has happened:\nThe original interview notes were subsequently lost. * Subsequently, new guidelines were issued to all employees. * He subsequently became chairman of the party.


Words: subservient
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  ~ (to sb/sth) (disapproving) too willing to obey other people:\nThe press was accused of being subservient to the government. * She did not wish to leave him, but she could not accept her subservient role.\n  2  ~ (to sth) (formal) less important than sth else:\nThe needs of individuals were subservient to those of the group as a whole. * Every consideration was subservient to the overriding need to cut costs.\n    subservience  noun [U]:\nhis subservience to his brother


Words: subset
Meaning:
noun\n(technical) a smaller group of people or things formed from the members of a larger group:\na subset of the people who took part in the survey


Words: subside
Meaning:
verb [V] \n  1  to become calmer or quieter:\nShe waited nervously for his anger to subside. * When the rain had subsided we continued our walk. * I took an aspirin and the pain gradually subsided. * He waited until the laughter had subsided before continuing his story.\n  2  (of water) to go back to a normal level:\nThe flood waters gradually subsided.\n  3  (of land or a building) to sink to a lower level; to sink lower into the ground:\nWeak foundations caused the house to subside.


Words: subsidence
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the process by which an area of land sinks to a lower level than normal, or by which a building sinks into the ground:\nThe houses in this area are liable to subsidence. * The buildings were insured against fire, subsidence and earthquakes. * The roots of the trees are causing subsidence damage to the building. * The road was closed because of subsidence.


Words: subsidiary
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective\n  1  ~ (to sth) connected with sth but less important than it:\na subsidiary matter / subject * subsidiary information\n  2  (of a business company) owned or controlled by another company\n    noun (plural subsidiaries) a business company that is owned or controlled by another larger company:\nShe’s working for an overseas subsidiary of the company.


Words: subsidize
Meaning:
(BrE also subsidise)  verb\n[VN] to give money to sb or an organization to help pay for sth; to give a subsidy:\nThe housing projects are subsidized by the government. * She’s not prepared to subsidize his gambling any longer.\n    subsidization, subsidisation  noun [U]


Words: subsidy
Meaning:
noun\n(plural subsidies) [C, U] money that is paid by a government or an organization to reduce the costs of services or of producing goods so that their prices can be kept low:\nagricultural / state / housing subsidies * to increase / reduce the level of subsidy


Words: subsist
Meaning:
verb [V] \n  1  ~ (on sth) to manage to stay alive, especially with limited food or money:\nOld people often subsist on very small incomes.\n  2  (formal) to exist; to be valid:\nThe terms of the contract subsist.


Words: subsistence
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the state of having just enough money or food to stay alive:\nMany families are living below the level of subsistence. * to live at / above / below (the) subsistence level * They had no visible means of subsistence. * subsistence agriculture / farming (= growing enough only to live on, not to sell) * subsistence crops * Our ancestors lived in basic subsistence economies where cash never changed hands. * He worked a 16-hour day for a subsistence wage (= enough money to buy only basic necessities).


Words: subsoil
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the layer of soil between the surface of the ground and the hard rock underneath it\ncompare TOPSOIL


Words: substance
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] a type of solid, liquid or gas that has particular qualities:\na chemical / radioactive substance * banned / illegal substances (= drugs) * a sticky / rich / fatty substance\n  2  [U] (written) the quality of being based on facts or the truth:\nIt was malicious gossip, completely without substance. * The commission’s report gives substance to these allegations. * There is some substance in what he says.\n  3  [U] the most important or main part of sth:\nLove and guilt form the substance of his new book. * I agree with what she said in substance, though not with every detail. * There seems to be no difference in substance between the two procedures.\n  4  [U] (formal) importance\nSYN SIGNIFICANCE:\nmatters of substance * Nothing of any substance was achieved in the meeting.\n IDIOMS \n  a man / woman of substance (formal) a rich and powerful man or woman


Words: substantial
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  large in amount or value; important\nSYN CONSIDERABLE:\nsubstantial sums of money * a substantial change / improvement * Substantial numbers of people support the reforms. * He ate a substantial breakfast. * There are substantial differences between the two groups. * Their share of the software market is substantial.\n  2  [usually before noun] (formal) large and solid; strongly built:\na substantial house * a street of substantial Victorian villas


Words: substantially
Meaning:
adverb\n  1  very much; a lot\nSYN CONSIDERABLY:\nThe costs have increased substantially. * The plane was substantially damaged in the crash. * The company’s profits have been substantially lower this year.\n  2  (formal) mainly; in most details, even if not completely:\nWhat she says is substantially true.


Words: substantiate
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] (formal) to provide information or evidence to prove that sth is true:\nThe results of the tests substantiated his claims. * They made accusations which could not be substantiated.\n    substantiation  noun [U]


Words: substantive
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective (formal) dealing with real, important or serious matters:\nsubstantive issues / matters * The report concluded that no substantive changes were necessary.\n    noun (old-fashioned, grammar) a noun


Words: substation
Meaning:
noun\na place where the strength of electric power from a POWER STATION is reduced before it is passed on to homes and businesses


Words: substitute
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  ~ (for sb/sth) a person or thing that you use or have instead of the one you normally use or have:\na meat / milk substitute * Paul’s father only saw him as a substitute for his dead brother. * a substitute family * The course teaches you the theory but there’s no substitute for practical experience. * The local bus service was a poor substitute for their car.\n  2  (also informal sub) a player who replaces another player in a sports game:\nHe was brought on as (a) substitute after half-time.\n    verb ~ A (for B) | ~ B (with / by A) | ~ for sb/sth to take the place of sb/sth else; to use sb/sth instead of sb/sth else: [V] Nothing can substitute for the advice your doctor is able to give you. * [VN] Margarine can be substituted for butter in this recipe. * Butter can be substituted with margarine in this recipe. * Beckham was substituted in the second half after a knee injury (= somebody else played instead of Beckham in the second half).\n HELP NOTE  When for, with or by are not used, as in the last example, it can be difficult to tell whether the person or thing mentioned is being used, or has been replaced by somebody or something else. The context will usually make this clear.Can you find someone to substitute for you at the meeting?\n    substitution  noun [U, C]:\nthe substitution of low-fat spreads for butter * Two substitutions were made during the game.


Words: substratum
Meaning:
noun\n(plural substrata ) (technical) a layer of sth, especially rock or soil, that is below another layer:\na substratum of clay * the substrata of society


Words: substructure
Meaning:
noun\na base or structure that is below another structure and that supports it:\na substructure of timber piles * (figurative) the substructure of national culture\ncompare SUPERSTRUCTURE


Words: subsume
Meaning:
verb\n[VN +adv./prep.] [usually passive] (formal) to include sth in a particular group and not consider it separately:\nAll these different phenomena can be subsumed under just two broad categories.


Words: subterfuge
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] (formal) a secret, usually dishonest, way of behaving or doing sth:\nJournalists often use subterfuge to obtain material for stories. * a political subterfuge


Words: subtitle
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  [usually pl.] words that translate what is said in a film/movie into a different language and appear on the screen at the bottom. Subtitles are also used, especially on television, to help DEAF people (= people who cannot hear well):\na Polish film with English subtitles * Is the film dubbed or are there subtitles? * This programme will be broadcast with subtitles for the hard of hearing.\n  2  a second title of a book that appears after the main title and gives more information\n    verb [usually passive] to give a subtitle or subtitles to a book, film/movie, etc:\n[VN] a Spanish film subtitled in English * [VN-N] The book is subtitled ’New language for new times’.\ncompare DUB


Words: subtle
Meaning:
adjective (subtler, subtlest)\n HELP NOTE  more subtle is also common.\n  1  (often approving) not very noticeable or obvious:\nsubtle colours / flavours * subtle changes / differences / distinctions * The fragrance is a subtle blend of jasmine and sandalwood. * She’s been dropping subtle hints about what she’d like as a present.\n  2  (of a person or their behaviour) behaving in a clever way, and using indirect methods, in order to achieve sth:\nThere was nothing subtle or sophisticated about him. * I decided to try a more subtle approach.\n  3  organized in a clever way:\na subtle strategy / plan / technique * a subtle use of lighting in the play\n  4  good at noticing and understanding things:\nThe job required a subtle mind.\n    subtly  adverb:\nHer version of events is subtly different from what actually happened. * Not very subtly, he raised the subject of money. * Government policy has already shifted subtly.


Words: subtlety
Meaning:
noun (plural subtleties)\n  1  [U] the quality of being subtle:\nIt’s a thrilling movie even though it lacks subtlety.\n  2  [C, usually pl.] the small but important details or aspects of sth:\nthe subtleties of language * the subtleties of the British constitution


Words: subtract
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] ~ sth (from sth) to take a number or an amount away from another number or amount:\n6 subtracted from 9 is 3 (69=3)\nOPP ADD\n    subtraction -compare ADDITION noun [U, C]


Words: subtropical
Meaning:
(also semi-tropical) adjective\nin or connected with regions that are near tropical parts of the world:\nsubtropical forests / vegetation * a subtropical climate


Words: suburb
Meaning:
noun\n(also AmE informal the burbs [pl.]) an area where people live that is outside the centre of a city:\na suburb of London * a London suburb * They live in the suburbs.


Words: suburban
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  in or connected with a suburb:\nsuburban areas / streets / houses / life * life in suburban London\n  2  (disapproving) boring and ordinary:\na suburban lifestyle


Words: suburbia
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (often disapproving) the SUBURBS and the way of life, attitudes, etc. of the people who live there:\nthe leafy avenues of middle-class suburbia


Words: subvention
Meaning:
noun\n(formal) an amount of money that is given by a government, etc. to help an organization:\nThe movie industry received a government subvention of several million pounds.


Words: subversive
Meaning:
adjective\ntrying or likely to destroy or damage a government or political system by attacking it secretly or indirectly:\nsubversive literature / activities\n    subversive noun:\nHe was a known political subversive.\n    subversively adverb\n    subversiveness noun [U]


Words: subvert
Meaning:
verb (formal)\n  1  [VN, V] to try to destroy the authority of a political, religious, etc. system by attacking it secretly or indirectly\nSYN UNDERMINE\n  2  [VN] to try to destroy a person’s beliefs or loyalties\nSYN UNDERMINE\n    subversion  noun [U]


Words: subway
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  (BrE) a path that goes under a road, etc. which people can use to cross to the other side\nSYN UNDERPASS\n \n  2  (AmE) an underground railway/railroad system in a city:\nthe New York subway * a subway station / train * a downtown subway stop * to ride / take the subway * In Boston the subway is known as the ’T’; in Washington DC it’s the’Metro’. -> UNDERGROUND


Words: succeed
Meaning:
verb\n  1  [V] ~ (in doing sth) to achieve sth that you have been trying to do or get; to have the result or effect that was intended:\nOur plan succeeded. * He succeeded in getting a place at art school. * I tried to discuss it with her but only succeeded in making her angry (= I failed and did the opposite of what I intended).\nsee also SUCCESS\n  2  [V] ~ (in sth) | ~ (as sth) to be successful in your job, earning money, power, respect, etc:\nYou will have to work hard if you are to succeed. * She doesn’t have the ruthlessness required to succeed in business. * He had hoped to succeed as a violinist.\nsee also SUCCESS\n  3  [VN] to come next after sb/sth and take their/its place or position:\nWho succeeded Kennedy as President? * Their early success was succeeded by a period of miserable failure. * Strands of DNA are reproduced through succeeding generations.\nsee also SUCCESSION\n  4  [V] ~ (to sth) to gain the right to a title, property, etc. when sb dies:\nShe succeeded to the throne (= became queen) in 1558. * He had no right to succeed to the tenancy when his father died.\nsee also SUCCESSION\n IDIOMS \n  nothing succeeds like success (saying) when you are successful in one area of your life, it often leads to success in other areas


Words: success
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] ~ (in sth / in doing sth) the fact that you have achieved sth that you want and have been trying to do or get; the fact of becoming rich or famous or of getting a high social position:\nWhat’s the secret of your success? * I didn’t have much success in finding a job. * Confidence is the key to success. * commercial / economic / electoral success * Their plan will probably meet with little success. * She was surprised by the book’s success (= that it had sold a lot of copies). * They didn’t have much success in life.\n  2  [C] a person or thing that has achieved a good result and been successful:\nThe party was a big success. * He’s proud of his daughter’s successes. * She wasn’t a success as a teacher. * He was determined to make a success of the business.\nOPP FAILURE\n IDIOMS  see ROARING, SUCCEED, SWEET adj.


Words: successful
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  ~ (in sth / in doing sth) | ~ (at sth / at doing sth) achieving your aims or what was intended:\nThey were successful in winning the contract. * I wasn’t very successful at keeping the news secret. * We congratulated them on the successful completion of the project.\n  2  having become popular and/or made a lot of money:\nThe play was very successful on Broadway. * a successful career / actor * The company has had another successful year.\nOPP UNSUCCESSFUL\n    successfully  adverb:\nThis arrangement has operated successfully for the past six years.


Words: succession
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C, usually sing.] a number of people or things that follow each other in time or order; a series:\na succession of events / problems / visitors * He’s been hit by a succession of injuries since he joined the team. * She has won the award for the third year in succession. * They had three children in quick succession. * The gunman fired three times in rapid succession.\n  2  [U] the regular pattern of one thing following another thing:\nthe succession of the seasons * the succession of images on a screen\n  3  [U] the act of taking over an official position or title; the right to take over an official position or title, especially to become the king or queen of a country:\nHe became chairman in succession to Bernard Allen. * She’s third in order of succession to the throne. * a line of succession\nsee also SUCCEED


Words: successive
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] following immediately one after the other:\nThis was their fourth successive win. * Successive governments have tried to tackle the problem. * There has been low rainfall for two successive years.\n    successively adverb:\nThis concept has been applied successively to painting, architecture and sculpture.


Words: successor
Meaning:
noun\n~ (to sb/sth) a person or thing that comes after sb/sth else and takes their/its place:\nWho’s the likely successor to Blair as party leader? * This car is the successor to the popular Ford Mondeo. * He chose as his successor a relative newcomer to the organization.\ncompare PREDECESSOR


Words: succinct
Meaning:
adjective\n(approving) expressed clearly and in a few words:\nKeep your answers as succinct as possible. * a succinct explanation / description\n    succinctly adverb:\nYou put that very succinctly.\n    succinctness noun [U]


Words: succour
Meaning:
(AmE succor)  noun, verb \n    noun [U] (literary) help that you give to sb who is suffering or having problems:\nto give / bring succour to the sick and wounded\n    verb [VN] (literary) to help sb who is suffering or having problems


Words: succubus
Meaning:
noun\n(plural succubi ) (literary) a female evil spirit, supposed to have sex with a sleeping man\ncompare INCUBUS


Words: succulent
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective\n  1  (approving) (of fruit, vegetables and meat) containing a lot of juice and tasting good:\na succulent pear / steak\n  2  (technical) (of plants) having leaves and stems that are thick and contain a lot of water\n    succulence  noun [U] \n    noun (technical) any plant with leaves and stems that are thick and contain a lot of water, for example a CACTUS


Words: succumb
Meaning:
verb\n[V] ~ (to sth) to fail to resist an attack, an illness, a TEMPTATION, etc:\nThe town succumbed after a short siege. * His career was cut short when he succumbed to cancer. * He finally succumbed to Lucy’s charms and agreed to her request. * She succumbed to the temptation of another drink. * They were all offered bribes and some of them succumbed.


Words: such
Meaning:
determiner, pronoun\n  1  of the type already mentioned:\nThey had been invited to a Hindu wedding and were not sure what happened on such occasions. * He said he didn’t have time or made some such excuse. * She longed to find somebody who understood her problems, and in him she thought she had found such a person. * We were second-class citizens and they treated us as such. * Accountants were boring. Such (= that) was her opinion before meeting Ian!\n  2  of the type that you are just going to mention:\nThere is no such thing as a free lunch. * Such advice as he was given (= he was given very little advice) has proved almost worthless. * The knot was fastened in such a way that it was impossible to undo. * The damage was such that it would cost thousands to repair.\n  3  ~ (is, was, etc.) sth that ... used to emphasize the great degree of sth:\nThis issue was of such importance that we could not afford to ignore it. * Why are you in such a hurry? * (informal) It’s such a beautiful day! * (formal) Such is the elegance of this typeface that it is still a favourite of designers.\n IDIOMS \n  ...and such and similar things or people:\nThe centre offers activities like canoeing and sailing and such.\n  as such as the word is usually understood; in the exact sense of the word:\nThe new job is not a promotion as such but it has good prospects. * ’Well, did they offer it to you?’ ’No, not as such, but they said I had a good chance.’\n  such as\n1 for example:\nWild flowers such as orchids and primroses are becoming rare. * ’There are loads of things to do.’ ’Such as?’ (= give me an example)\n2 of a kind that; like:\nOpportunities such as this did not come every day.\n  such as it is / they are used to say that there is not much of sth or that it is of poor quality:\nThe food, such as it was, was served at nine o’clock.


Words: such-and-such
Meaning:
pronoun, determiner\n(spoken) used for referring to sth without saying exactly what it is:\nAlways say at the start of an application that you’re applying for such-and-such a job because ...


Words: suchlike
Meaning:
pronoun\nthings of the type mentioned:\nYou can buy brushes, paint, varnish and suchlike there.\n    suchlike determiner:\nfood, drink, clothing and suchlike provisions


Words: suck
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n  1  [VN]   [usually +adv./prep.] to take liquid, air, etc. into your mouth by using the muscles of your lips:\nto suck the juice from an orange * She was noisily sucking up milk through a straw. * He sucked the blood from a cut on his finger.\n  2  ~ (at, on) sth to keep sth in your mouth and pull on it with your lips and tongue: [V, VN] She sucked on a mint. * She sucked a mint. * [VN] Stop sucking your thumb! * [V] The baby sucked at its mother’s breast.\n  3  to take liquid, air, etc. out of sth: [VN, +adv./prep.] The pump sucks air out through the valve. * [VN-ADJ] Greenfly can literally suck a plant dry.\n  4  [VN +adv./prep.] to pull sb/sth with great force in a particular direction:\nThe canoe was sucked down into the whirlpool. * The mud had sucked him in up to his waist.\n  5  (sth sucks) [V] (slang) used to say that sth is very bad:\nTheir new CD sucks.\n IDIOMS \n  suck it and see (BrE, informal) used to say that the only way to know if sth is suitable is to try it\n  suck it up (AmE, informal) to accept sth bad and deal with it well, controlling your emotions\nmore at DRY adj., TEACH\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  suck sb in | suck sb into sth [usually passive] to involve sb in an activity or a situation, especially one they do not want to be involved in\n  suck up (to sb) (informal, disapproving) to try to please sb in authority by praising them too much, helping them, etc., in order to gain some advantage for yourself\n    noun [usually sing.] an act of sucking:\nThe lamb staggered to its feet and took its first suck of milk.


Words: sucker
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  (informal) a person who is easily tricked or persuaded to do sth\n \n  2  ~ for sb/sth (informal) a person who cannot resist sb/sth or likes sb/sth very much:\nI’ve always been a sucker for men with green eyes.\n \n  3  a special organ on the body of some animals that enables them to stick to a surface\n \n  4  a disc shaped like a cup, usually made of rubber or plastic, that sticks to a surface when you press it against it\n \n  5  a part of a tree or bush that grows from the roots rather than from the main stem or the branches and can form a new tree or bush\n \n  6  (AmE, slang) used to refer in a general way to a person or thing, especially for emphasis:\nThe pilot said, ’I don’t know how I got the sucker down safely.’\n  7  (AmE, informal) = LOLLIPOP


Words: suckle
Meaning:
verb\n \n  1  [VN] (of a woman or female animal) to feed a baby or young animal with milk from the breast or UDDER:\na cow suckling her calves * (old-fashioned) a mother suckling a baby\n \n  2  [V] (of a baby or young animal) to drink milk from its mother’s breast or UDDER:\nThe young of some mammals continue to suckle for years.


Words: suckling
Meaning:
noun\n(old-fashioned) a baby or young animal that is still drinking milk from its mother\n IDIOMS  see MOUTH n.


Words: suckling pig
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] a young pig still taking milk from its mother, that is cooked and eaten:\nroast suckling pig


Words: suction
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the process of removing air or liquid from a space or container so that sth else can be sucked into it or so that two surfaces can stick together:\nVacuum cleaners work by suction. * a suction pump / pad\n    suction verb [VN] (technical)


Words: sudden
Meaning:
adjective\nhappening or done quickly and unexpectedly:\na sudden change / decision * Don’t make any sudden movements. * His death was very sudden.\n    suddenness noun [U]\n IDIOMS \n  all of a sudden quickly and unexpectedly:\nAll of a sudden someone grabbed me around the neck.


Words: sudden death
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a way of deciding the winner of a game when the scores are equal at the end. The players or teams continue playing and the game ends as soon as one of them gains the lead:\na sudden-death play-off in golf


Words: suddenly
Meaning:
adverb\nquickly and unexpectedly:\n’Listen!’ said Doyle suddenly. * I suddenly realized what I had to do. * It all happened so suddenly.


Words: suds
Meaning:
(also soapsuds) noun\n  1  [pl.] a mass of very small bubbles that forms on top of water that has soap in it:\nShe was up to her elbows in suds.\n  2  [U] (old-fashioned, AmE, informal) beer


Words: sue
Meaning:
verb\n  1  ~ (sb) (for sth) to make a claim against sb in a court of law about sth that they have said or done to harm you:\n[VN] to sue sb for breach of contract * to sue sb for damages / $10 million (= in order to get money from sb) * [V] They threatened to sue if the work was not completed.\n  2  [V] ~ for sth (formal) to formally ask for sth, especially in a court of law:\nto sue for divorce * The rebels were forced to sue for peace.


Words: suede
Meaning:
noun\n[U] soft leather with a surface like VELVET on one side, used especially for making clothes and shoes:\na suede jacket


Words: suet
Meaning:
noun\n[U] hard fat from around the KIDNEYS of cows, sheep, etc., used in cooking:\nsuet pudding (= one made using suet)


Words: suffer
Meaning:
verb\n  1  [V] ~ (from sth) | ~ (for sth) to be badly affected by a disease, pain, sadness, a lack of sth, etc:\nI hate to see animals suffering. * He suffers from asthma. * road accident victims suffering from shock * Many companies are suffering from a shortage of skilled staff. * He made a rash decision and now he is suffering for it.\n  2  [VN] to experience sth unpleasant, such as injury, defeat or loss:\nHe suffered a massive heart attack. * The party suffered a humiliating defeat in the general election. * The company suffered huge losses in the last financial year.\n  3  [V] to become worse:\nHis school work is suffering because of family problems.\n IDIOMS \n  not suffer fools gladly to have very little patience with people that you think are stupid:\nShe was a forceful personality who didn’t suffer fools gladly.


Words: sufferance
Meaning:
noun\n[U]\n IDIOMS \n  on sufferance if you do sth on sufferance, sb allows you to do it although they do not really want you to:\nHe’s only staying here on sufferance.


Words: sufferer
Meaning:
noun\na person who suffers, especially sb who is suffering from a disease:\ncancer sufferers * She received many letters of support from fellow sufferers.


Words: suffering
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] physical or mental pain:\nDeath finally brought an end to her suffering. * This war has caused widespread human suffering.\n  2  (sufferings) [pl.] feelings of pain and unhappiness:\nThe hospice aims to ease the sufferings of the dying.


Words: suffice
Meaning:
verb\n(formal) (not used in the progressive tenses) to be enough for sb/sth:\n[V] Generally a brief note or a phone call will suffice. * [V to inf] One example will suffice to illustrate the point.\n IDIOMS \n  suffice (it) to say (that) ... used to suggest that although you could say more, what you do say will be enough to explain what you mean:\nI won’t go into all the details. Suffice it to say that the whole event was a complete disaster.


Words: sufficiency
Meaning:
noun\n[sing.] ~ (of sth) (formal) an amount that is enough for a particular purpose:\na sufficiency of well-trained teachers


Words: sufficient
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (to do sth) | ~ (for sth/sb) enough for a particular purpose; as much as you need:\nAllow sufficient time to get there. * These reasons are not sufficient to justify the ban. * Is ｣100 sufficient for your expenses? * One dose should be sufficient.\nOPP INSUFFICIENT\nsee also SELF-SUFFICIENT -> ENOUGH\n    sufficiently adverb:\nThe following day she felt sufficiently well to go to work.


Words: suffix
Meaning:
noun\n(grammar) a letter or group of letters added to the end of a word to make another word, such as -ly in quickly or -ness in sadness\ncompare AFFIX, PREFIX


Words: suffocate
Meaning:
verb\n  1  to die because there is no air to breathe; to kill sb by not letting them breathe air:\n[V] Many dogs have suffocated in hot cars. * [VN] The couple were suffocated by fumes from a faulty gas fire. * He put the pillow over her face and suffocated her. * (figurative) She felt suffocated by all the rules and regulations.\n  2  [V] (be suffocating) if it is suffocating, it is very hot and there is little fresh air:\nCan I open a window? It’s suffocating in here!\n    suffocation  noun [U]:\nto die from / of suffocation


Words: suffocating
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  making it difficult to breathe normally:\nThe afternoon heat was suffocating.\n  2  restricting what sb/sth can do:\nSome marriages can sometimes feel suffocating. * As a public figure, she had to endure suffocating publicity.


Words: suffrage
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the right to vote in political elections:\nuniversal suffrage (= the right of all adults to vote) * women’s suffrage


Words: suffragette
Meaning:
noun\na member of a group of women who, in Britain and the US in the early part of the 20th century, worked to get the right for women to vote in political elections


Words: suffuse
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] [often passive] ~ sb/sth (with sth) (literary) (especially of a colour, light or feeling) to spread all over or through sb/sth:\nHer face was suffused with colour. * Colour suffused her face. * The room was suffused with a soft golden light.


Words: Sufi
Meaning:
noun\na member of a Muslim group who try to become united with God through prayer and MEDITATION and by living a very simple, strict life\n    Sufism noun [U]


Words: sugar
Meaning:
noun, verb, exclamation \n    noun\n\n \n  1  [U] a sweet substance, often in the form of white or brown CRYSTALS, made from the juices of various plants, used in cooking or to make tea, coffee, etc. sweeter:\na sugar plantation / refinery / bowl * This juice contains no added sugar. * Do you take sugar (= have it in your tea, coffee, etc.)?\nsee also BROWN SUGAR, CANE SUGAR, CASTER SUGAR, GRANULATED SUGAR, ICING SUGAR\n \n  2  [C] the amount of sugar that a small spoon can hold or that is contained in a small CUBE, added to tea, coffee, etc:\nHow many sugars do you take in coffee?\n \n  3  [C, usually pl.] (technical) any of various sweet substances that are found naturally in plants, fruit, etc:\nfruit sugars * a person’s blood sugar level (= the amount of GLUCOSE in their blood)\n  4  [U] (spoken, especially AmE) a way of addressing sb that you like or love:\nSee you later, sugar.\n    verb [VN] to add sugar to sth; to cover sth in sugar\n IDIOMS  see PILL\n    exclamation used to show that you are annoyed when you do sth stupid or when sth goes wrong (to avoid saying ’shit’):\nOh sugar! I’ve forgotten my book!


Words: sugar daddy
Meaning:
noun\n(informal) a rich older man who gives presents and money to a much younger woman, usually in return for sex


Words: sugar lump
Meaning:
(also lump) (both BrE) (also sugar cube AmE, BrE) noun\na small CUBE of sugar, used in cups of tea or coffee


Words: sugar-coat
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] to do sth that makes an unpleasant situation seem less unpleasant:\nThere’s no way of sugar-coating it-the report predicts a grim future for the industry.


Words: sugar-coated
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  covered with sugar\n  2  (disapproving) made to seem attractive, in a way that deceives people:\na sugar-coated promise


Words: sugary
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  containing sugar; tasting of sugar:\nsugary snacks / drinks\n  2  (disapproving) seeming too full of emotion in a way that is not sincere\nSYN SENTIMENTAL:\na sugary smile * sugary pop music


Words: suggest
Meaning:
verb\n  1  ~ sth (to sb) to put forward an idea or a plan for other people to think about\nSYN PROPOSE:\n[VN] May I suggest a white wine with this dish, Sir? * A solution immediately suggested itself to me (= I immediately thought of a solution). * [V (that)] I suggest (that) we go out to eat. * [V -ing] I suggested going in my car. * [VN that] It has been suggested that bright children take their exams early. * (BrE also) It has been suggested that bright children should take their exams early.\n  2  ~ sb/sth (for sth) | ~ sb/sth (as sth) to tell sb about a suitable person, thing, method, etc. for a particular job or purpose\nSYN RECOMMEND:\n[VN] Who would you suggest for the job? * She suggested Paris as a good place for the conference. * Can you suggest a good dictionary?\n HELP NOTE  You cannot ’suggest somebody something’: _C_a_n_ _y_o_u_ _s_u_g_g_e_s_t_ _m_e_ _a_ _g_o_o_d_ _d_i_c_t_i_o_n_a_r_y_?_ [V wh-] Can you suggest how I might contact him?\n  3  ~ sth (to sb) to put an idea into sb’s mind; to make sb think that sth is true:\n[V (that)] All the evidence suggests (that) he stole the money. * [VN] The symptoms suggest a minor heart attack. * What do these results suggest to you? * The stage lighting was used to suggest a beach scene.\n  4  to state sth indirectly\nSYN IMPLY:\n[V (that)] Are you suggesting (that) I’m lazy? * I’m not suggesting (that) she was responsible for the accident. * [VN] I would never suggest such a thing.


Words: suggestion
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] ~ (for / about / on sth) | ~ (that ...) an idea or a plan that you mention for sb else to think about:\nCan I make a suggestion? * Do you have any suggestions? * I’d like to hear your suggestions for ways of raising money. * Are there any suggestions about how best to tackle the problem? * We welcome any comments and suggestions on these proposals. * He agreed with my suggestion that we should change the date. * We are open to suggestions (= willing to listen to ideas from other people). * We need to get it there by four. Any suggestions?\n  2  [U, C, usually sing.] ~ of / that a reason to think that sth, especially sth bad, is true:\nA spokesman dismissed any suggestion of a boardroom rift. * There was no suggestion that he was doing anything illegal. * There is no suggestion of any impropriety.\n  3  [C, usually sing.] a slight amount or sign of sth:\nShe looked at me with just a suggestion of a smile. * He spoke English with a suggestion of a French accent.\n  4  [U] (written) putting an idea into people’s minds by connecting it with other ideas:\nMost advertisements work through suggestion. * the power of suggestion\n IDIOMS \n  at / on sb’s suggestion because sb suggested it:\nAt his suggestion, I bought the more expensive printer.


Words: suggestive
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  ~ (of sth) reminding you of sth or making you think about sth:\nmusic that is suggestive of warm summer days\n  2  making people think about sex:\nsuggestive jokes * to make suggestive remarks\n    suggestively adverb:\nHe leered suggestively.


Words: suicidal
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  people who are suicidal feel that they want to kill themselves:\nOn bad days I even felt suicidal. * suicidal tendencies\n  2  very dangerous and likely to lead to death; likely to cause very serious problems or disaster:\na suicidal leap into the swollen river * It would be suicidal to risk going out in this weather. * The new economic policies could prove suicidal for the party.\n    suicidally  adverb:\nsuicidally depressed


Words: suicide
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U, C] the act of killing yourself deliberately:\nto commit suicide * an attempted suicide (= one in which the person survives) * a suicide letter / note (= written before sb tries to commit suicide) * a suicide bomber (= who expects to die while trying to kill other people with a bomb)\n  2  [U] a course of action that is likely to ruin your career, position in society, etc:\nIt would have been political suicide for him to challenge the allegations in court.\n  3  [C] (formal) a person who commits suicide


Words: suit
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  a set of clothes made of the same fabric, including a jacket and trousers/pants or a skirt:\na business suit * a pinstripe suit * a two- / three-piece suit (= of two / three pieces of clothing)\nsee also JUMPSUIT, LEISURE SUIT, LOUNGE SUIT, SAILOR SUIT, SHELL SUIT, SWEATSUIT, TRACKSUIT, TROUSER SUIT\n \n  2  a set of clothing worn for a particular activity:\na diving suit * a suit of armour\nsee also BOILER SUIT, SPACESUIT, SWIMSUIT, WET SUIT\n \n  3  any of the four sets that form a pack/deck of cards:\nThe suits are called hearts, clubs, diamonds and spades.\n  4  = LAWSUIT:\nto file / bring a suit against sb * a divorce suit\nsee also PATERNITY SUIT\n IDIOMS  see BIRTHDAY, FOLLOW, STRONG\n    verb [no passive] (not used in the progressive tenses)\n  1  to be convenient or useful for sb:\n[VN] Choose a computer to suit your particular needs. * If we met at 2, would that suit you? * If you want to go by bus, that suits me fine. * He can be very helpful, but only when it suits him. * [VN to inf] It suits me to start work at a later time.\n  2  [VN] (especially of clothes, colours, etc.) to make you look attractive:\nBlue suits you. You should wear it more often. * I don’t think this coat really suits me.\n  3  (especially BrE) [VN] (usually used in negative sentences) to be right or good for sb/sth:\nThis hot weather doesn’t suit me.\n IDIOMS \n  suit your / sb’s book (BrE, informal) to be convenient or useful for you/sb:\nWell, if you’re honest and hard-working, that suits our book.\n  suit sb down to the ground (BrE, informal) to be very convenient or acceptable for sb:\nThis job suits me down to the ground.\n  suit yourself (informal)\n1 to do exactly what you would like:\nI choose my assignments to suit myself.\n2 usually used in orders to tell sb to do what they want, even though it annoys you:\n’I think I’ll stay in this evening.’ ’Suit yourself!’\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  suit sth to sth/sb to make sth appropriate for sth/sb:\nHe can suit his conversation to whoever he’s with.


Words: suitable
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (for sth/sb) | ~ (to do sth) right or appropriate for a particular purpose or occasion:\na suitable candidate * This programme is not suitable for children. * a suitable place for a picnic * I don’t have anything suitable to wear for the party. * Would now be a suitable moment to discuss my report?\nOPP UNSUITABLE\n    suitability  noun [U]:\nThere is no doubt about her suitability for the job.


Words: suitably
Meaning:
adverb\n  1  in a way that is right or appropriate for a particular purpose or occasion:\nI am not really suitably dressed for a party. * suitably qualified candidates\n  2  showing the feelings, etc. that you would expect in a particular situation:\nHe was suitably impressed when I told him I’d won.


Words: suitcase
Meaning:
(also case) noun\na case with flat sides and a handle, used for carrying clothes, etc. when you are travelling:\nto pack / unpack a suitcase


Words: suite
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a set of rooms, especially in a hotel:\na hotel / private / honeymoon suite * a suite of rooms / offices\nsee also EN SUITE\n  2  a set of matching pieces of furniture:\na bathroom / bedroom suite * (BrE) a three-piece suite with two armchairs and a sofa\n  3  a piece of music made up of three or more related parts, for example pieces from an opera:\nStravinsky’s Firebird Suite\n  4  (computing) a set of related computer programs:\na suite of software development tools


Words: suited
Meaning:
adjective [not before noun]\n  1  ~ (to / for sb/sth) right or appropriate for sb/sth:\nShe was ideally suited to the part of Eva Peron. * He is not really suited for a teaching career. * This diet is suited to anyone who wants to lose weight fast. * This was a job to which he seemed well suited.\nOPP UNSUITED\n  2  if two people are suited or well suited, they are likely to make a good couple:\nJo and I are very well suited. * They were not suited to one another.\nOPP UNSUITED\n  3  (-suited) (in compounds) wearing a suit of the type mentioned:\nsober-suited city businessmen


Words: suitor
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (old-fashioned) a man who wants to marry a particular woman:\nHe was an ardent suitor.\n  2  (business) a company that wants to buy another company:\na hostile / friendly suitor * a merger proposal from an unwanted suitor


Words: sulk
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb [V] (disapproving) to look angry and refuse to speak or smile because you want people to know that you are upset about sth:\nHe went off to sulk in his room.\n    noun (BrE also the sulks [pl.]) a period of being silent and bad-tempered because you are angry about sth:\nJo was in a sulk upstairs. * to have the sulks


Words: sulky
Meaning:
adjective\n(disapproving) silent or bad-tempered because you are angry about sth:\nSarah had looked sulky all morning. * a sulky child * He lapsed into a sulky silence.\n    sulkily  adverb:\nTommy went sulkily off to bed.\n    sulkiness noun [U]


Words: sullen
Meaning:
adjective (disapproving)\n  1  silent and bad-tempered, either on a particular occasion or because it is part of your character:\nBob looked pale and sullen. * She gave him a sullen glare. * sullen teenagers\n  2  (literary) (of the sky or weather) dark and unpleasant:\na sullen grey sky\n    sullenly adverb\n    sullenness noun [U]


Words: sully
Meaning:
verb (sullies, sullying, sullied, sullied) [VN] (formal or literary)\n  1  to spoil or lower the value of sth:\nBy cheating they have sullied the good name of their country.\n  2  to make sth dirty:\nShe wondered if she dared risk sullying the gleaming sink.


Words: sulphate
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE sulfate)  noun\n[C, U] (chemistry) a compound of SULPHURIC ACID and a chemical element:\ncopper sulphate


Words: sulphur
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE sulfur)  noun\n[U] (Symbol S) a chemical element. Sulphur is a pale yellow substance that produces a strong unpleasant smell when it burns and is used in medicine and industry.\n    sulphurous (BrE) (AmE sulfurous)  adjective:\nsulphurous fumes


Words: sulphur dioxide
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE sulfur dioxide) noun\n[U] (Symbol SO2) a poisonous gas with a strong smell, that is used in industry and causes air POLLUTION


Words: sultanate
Meaning:
noun\n  1  the rank or position of a SULTAN\n  2  an area of land that is ruled over by a SULTAN:\nthe Sultanate of Oman\n  3  the period of time during which sb is a SULTAN


Words: sultry
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of the weather or air) very hot and uncomfortable:\na sultry summer afternoon * The weather was still very heavy and sultry.\n  2  (written) (of a woman or her appearance) sexually attractive; seeming to have strong sexual feelings:\na sultry smile / voice * a sultry singer\n    sultriness noun [U]


Words: sum
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  [C] ~ (of sth) an amount of money:\nYou will be fined the sum of ｣200. * a large sum of money * a six-figure sum * Huge sums have been invested in this project.\nsee also LUMP SUM\n  2  [C, usually sing.] ~ (of sth) the number you get when you add two or more numbers together:\nThe sum of 7 and 12 is 19.\n  3  (also sum total) [sing.] the ~ of sth all of sth, especially when you think that it is not very much:\nThis is the sum of my achievements so far.\n  4  [C] a simple problem that involves calculating numbers:\nto do a sum in your head * I was good at sums at school. * If I’ve got my sums right, I should be able to afford the rent.\n IDIOMS \n  be greater / more than the sum of its parts to be better or more effective as a group than you would think just by looking at the individual members of the group\n  in sum (formal) used to introduce a short statement of the main points of a discussion, speech, etc:\nIn sum, we have no chance of winning the case.\n    verb (-mm-)\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  sum up | sum sth<->up\n1 to state the main points of sth in a short and clear form\nSYN SUMMARIZE:\nTo sum up, there are three main ways of tackling the problem ... * [+ wh-] Can I just sum up what we’ve agreed so far?\n2 (of a judge) to give a summary of the main facts and arguments in a legal case, near the end of a trial\nrelated noun SUMMING-UP\n  sum sb/sth<->up\n1 to describe or show the most typical characteristics of sb/sth, especially in a few words:\nTotally lazy-that just about sums him up. * For me, the novel summed up the major problems of human existence.\n2 to form or express an opinion of sb/sth\nSYN SIZE UP:\nShe quickly summed up the situation and took control.\nrelated noun SUMMING-UP


Words: sum total
Meaning:
noun\n[sing.] (sometimes disapproving) the whole of sth; everything\nSYN SUM:\nA photo, a book of poems and a gold ring-this was the sum total of his possessions.


Words: summa cum laude
Meaning:
adverb, adjective\n(from Latin) (in the US) at the highest level of achievement that students can reach when they finish their studies at college:\nHe graduated summa cum laude from Harvard.\ncompare CUM LAUDE, MAGNA CUM LAUDE


Words: summarize
Meaning:
(BrE also summarise)  verb\nto give a summary of sth:\n[VN] The results of the research are summarized at the end of the chapter. [also V]


Words: summary
Meaning:
noun, adjective \n    noun (plural summaries) a short statement that gives only the main points of sth, not the details:\nThe following is a summary of our conclusions. * a news summary * a two-page summary of a government report * In summary, this was a disappointing performance.\n    adjective [only before noun]\n  1  (formal) giving only the main points of sth, not the details:\na summary financial statement * I made a summary report for the records.\n  2  (sometimes disapproving) done immediately, without paying attention to the normal process that should be followed:\nsummary justice / execution * a summary judgement\n    summarily  adverb:\nto be summarily dismissed / executed


Words: summation
Meaning:
noun (rare, formal)\n  1  [usually sing.] a summary of what has been done or said:\nWhat he said was a fair summation of the discussion.\n  2  a collection of different parts that forms a complete account or impression of sb/sth:\nThe exhibition presents a summation of the artist’s career.


Words: summer
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] the warmest season of the year, coming between spring and autumn/fall:\nWe’re going away in the summer. * It’s very hot here in summer. * in the summer of 1999 * late / early summer * this / next / last summer * a cool / hot / wet summer * It is now high summer (= the hottest part of summer). * a summer’s day * a summer dress * the summer holidays / vacation * two summers ago\nsee also INDIAN SUMMER


Words: summer camp
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] (in the US) a place where children go during the summer and take part in sports and other activities


Words: summer pudding
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] (BrE) a cold DESSERT (= a sweet dish) made from berries surrounded by slices of bread that have been soaked in their juice


Words: summer school
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] courses that are held in the summer at a university or college or, in the US, at a school


Words: summer stock
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (AmE) the production of special plays and other entertainment in areas where people are on holiday/vacation:\nEarly in her acting career she did summer stock.


Words: summer time
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE daylight saving time) noun\nthe period between March and October during which in some countries the clocks are put forward one hour, so that it is light for an extra hour in the evening


Words: summing-up
Meaning:
noun (plural summings-up)\n  1  a speech that the judge makes near the end of a trial in a court of law, in which he or she reminds the JURY about the evidence and the most important points in the case before the JURY makes its decision\n  2  an occasion when sb states the main points of an argument, etc.


Words: summit
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  the highest point of sth, especially the top of a mountain:\nWe reached the summit at noon. * This path leads to the summit. * (figurative) the summit of his career\n \n  2  an official meeting or series of meetings between the leaders of two or more governments at which they discuss important matters:\na summit in Moscow * a summit conference


Words: summon
Meaning:
verb\n  1  (formal) to order sb to appear in a court of law\nSYN SUMMONS:\n[VN to inf] He was summoned to appear before the magistrates. [also VN]\n  2  ~ sb (to sth) (formal) to order sb to come to you:\n[VN] In May 1688 he was urgently summoned to London. * She summoned the waiter. * He was summoned before the board of directors. [also VN to inf]\n  3  [VN] (formal) to arrange an official meeting\nSYN CONVENE:\nto summon a conference / meeting\n  4  [VN] (formal) to call for or try to obtain sth:\nto summon assistance / help / reinforcements\n  5  [VN] ~ sth (up) to make an effort to produce a particular quality in yourself, especially when you find it difficult\nSYN MUSTER:\nShe was trying to summon up the courage to leave him. * I couldn’t even summon the energy to get out of bed.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  summon sth<->up to make a feeling, an idea, a memory, etc. come into your mind\nSYN EVOKE:\nThe book summoned up memories of my childhood.


Words: summons
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun (plural summonses )\n  1  (AmE also citation) an order to appear in a court of law:\nto issue a summons against sb * The police have been unable to serve a summons on him. * She received a summons to appear in court the following week.\n  2  an order to come and see sb:\nto obey a royal summons\n    verb ~ sb (for sth) to order sb to appear in a court of law\nSYN SUMMON [VN] She was summonsed for speeding. * [VN to inf] He was summonsed to appear in court.


Words: sumo
Meaning:
(also sumo wrestling) noun\n[U] a Japanese style of WRESTLING, in which the competitors are extremely large:\na sumo wrestler


Words: sump
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a hole or hollow area in which liquid waste collects\n  2  (AmE also oil pan) the place under an engine that holds the engine oil


Words: sumptuous
Meaning:
adjective\n(written) very expensive and looking very impressive:\na sumptuous meal / room * We dined in sumptuous surroundings. * The interior is decorated in sumptuous reds and golds.\n    sumptuously adverb:\nThe book is sumptuously illustrated in full colour.\n    sumptuousness noun [U]


Words: sun
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  (the sun, the Sun) [sing.] the star that shines in the sky during the day and gives the earth heat and light:\nthe sun’s rays * the rising / setting sun * The sun was shining and birds were singing. * The sun was just setting. * A pale wintry sun shone through the clouds.\n \n  2  (usually the sun) [sing., U] the light and heat from the sun\nSYN SUNSHINE:\nthe warmth of the afternoon sun * This room gets the sun in the mornings. * We sat in the sun. * The sun was blazing hot. * Too much sun ages the skin. * We did our best to keep out of the sun. * They’ve booked a holiday in the sun (= in a place that is warm and sunny). * Her face had obviously caught the sun (= become red or brown) on holiday.\nsee also SUNNY\n \n  3  [C] any star around which planets move\n IDIOMS \n  under the sun used to emphasize that you are talking about a very large number of things:\nWe talked about everything under the sun. * I’ve been called all the names under the sun!\n  with the sun when the sun rises or sets:\nI get up with the sun.\nmore at HAY, PLACE n.\n    verb (-nn-) [VN] ~ yourself to sit or lie in a place where the sun is shining on you:\nWe lay sunning ourselves on the deck.


Words: sun deck
Meaning:
noun\nthe part of a ship where passengers can sit to enjoy the sun, or a similar area beside a restaurant or swimming pool


Words: sun lounge
Meaning:
(BrE) (also sunroom AmE, BrE) noun\na room with large windows, and often a glass roof, that lets in a lot of sunlight


Words: sun-baked
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  made hard and dry by the heat of the sun:\nsun-baked earth\n  2  receiving a lot of light and heat from the sun:\nsun-baked beaches


Words: sun-drenched
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] (approving) having a lot of hot sun:\nsun-drenched Mediterranean beaches


Words: sun-dried
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] (especially of food) dried naturally by the heat of the sun:\nsun-dried tomatoes


Words: sun-worshipper
Meaning:
noun\n(informal) a person who enjoys lying in the sun very much:\nthe ideal holiday for sun-worshippers


Words: sunbathe
Meaning:
verb\n[V] to sit or lie in the sun, especially in order to go brown and get a SUNTAN:\nWe spent the day sunbathing and swimming. -> BATH


Words: sunblock
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] a cream that you put on your skin to protect it completely from the harmful effects of the sun


Words: sunburn
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the condition of having painful red skin because you have spent too much time in the sun\ncompare SUNTAN


Words: sunburned
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  suffering from sunburn:\nHer shoulders were badly sunburned.\n  2  (BrE) (of a person or of skin) having an attractive brown colour from being in the sun:\nShe looked fit and sunburnt.


Words: sundae
Meaning:
noun\na cold DESSERT (= a sweet dish) of ice cream covered with a sweet sauce, nuts, pieces of fruit, etc., usually served in a tall glass:\na hot chocolate fudge sundae


Words: Sunday
Meaning:
noun (abbreviation Sun.)\n  1  [C, U] the day of the week after Saturday and before Monday\n HELP NOTE  To see how Sunday is used, look at the examples at Monday.\n ORIGIN  From the Old English for ’day of the sun’, translated from Latin dies solis.\n  2  [C, usually pl.] (BrE, informal) a newspaper published on a Sunday\n IDIOMS \n  your Sunday best (informal, humorous) your best clothes:\nI put on my Sunday best for the occasion.\nmore at MONTH


Words: Sunday school
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] a class that is organized by a church or SYNAGOGUE where children can go for a short time on Sundays to learn about the Christian or Jewish religion


Words: sunder
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] ~ sth/sb (from sth/sb) (formal or literary) to split or break sth/sb apart, especially by force\nsee also ASUNDER


Words: sundial
Meaning:
noun\na device used outdoors, especially in the past, for telling the time when the sun is shining. A pointed piece of metal throws a shadow on a flat surface that is marked with the hours like a clock, and the shadow moves around as the sun moves across the sky.


Words: sundown
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (especially AmE) the time when the sun goes down and night begins\nSYN SUNSET:\nThe celebration begins at sundown.


Words: sundries
Meaning:
noun\n[pl.] (written) various items, especially small ones, that are not important enough to be named separately:\nYou can claim up to ｣10 a day for sundries.


Words: sundry
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] (formal) various; not important enough to be named separately:\na watch, a notebook, a diary and sundry other items\n IDIOMS \n  all and sundry (informal) everyone, not just a few special people:\nShe was known to all and sundry as Bella. * The club is open to all and sundry.


Words: sunflower
Meaning:
noun\na very tall plant with large yellow flowers, grown in gardens or for its seeds and their oil that are used in cooking:\nsunflower oil


Words: sunglasses
Meaning:
(also informal shades) noun\n[pl.] a pair of glasses with dark glass in them that you wear to protect your eyes from bright sunlight:\na pair of sunglasses\nsee also DARK GLASSES


Words: sunken
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  [only before noun] that has fallen to the bottom of the sea, or the ocean, or of a lake or river:\na sunken ship * sunken treasure\n  2  (of eyes or cheeks) hollow and falling inwards as a result of disease, hunger or age:\nHis eyes were dark and sunken.\n  3  [only before noun] at a lower level than the area around:\na sunken bath / garden


Words: sunlamp
Meaning:
noun\na lamp that produces ULTRAVIOLET light that has the same effect as the sun and can turn the skin brown


Words: sunless
Meaning:
adjective\nwithout any sun; receiving no light from the sun:\na sunless day * the sunless side of the house


Words: sunlight
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the light from the sun:\na ray / pool of sunlight * shafts of bright sunlight * The morning sunlight flooded into the room.


Words: sunlit
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] (written) receiving light from the sun:\nsunlit water / streets / rooms


Words: sunlounger
Meaning:
(also lounger, sunbed) noun\n(BrE) a chair with a long seat that supports your legs, used for sitting or lying on in the sun


Words: Sunni
Meaning:
noun (plural Sunni or Sunnis)\n  1  [U] one of the two main branches of the Islamic religion\ncompare SHIA\n  2  [C] a member of the Sunni branch of Islam\ncompare SHIITE\n    Sunnite  adjective [usually before noun]


Words: sunny
Meaning:
adjective (sunnier, sunniest)\n  1  with a lot of bright light from the sun:\na sunny day / afternoon * sunny weather * The outlook for the weekend is hot and sunny. * a sunny garden * Italy was at its sunniest.\n  2  cheerful and happy:\na sunny disposition / smile


Words: sunny side
Meaning:
noun\nthe side of sth that receives most light from the sun: (figurative) the sunny side of life (= the more cheerful aspects of life)\n IDIOMS \n  sunny-side up (AmE) (of an egg) fried on one side only


Words: sunrise
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] the time when the sun first appears in the sky in the morning\nSYN DAWN:\nWe got up at sunrise.\n  2  [C, usually sing.] the colours in the part of the sky where the sun first appears in the morning:\nthe pinks and yellows of the sunrise


Words: sunrise industry
Meaning:
noun\na new industry, especially one connected with electronics or computers, that is successful and growing


Words: sunscreen
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] a cream or liquid that you put on your skin to protect it from the harmful effects of the sun:\na high factor (= strong) sunscreen


Words: sunset
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  [U] the time when the sun goes down and night begins:\nEvery evening at sunset the flag was lowered.\n \n  2  [C] the colours in the part of the sky where the sun slowly goes down in the evening:\na spectacular sunset


Words: sunshade
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (BrE) an object, sometimes shaped like an umbrella, that is used to protect people from hot sun\n  2  a type of light umbrella that people use to protect themselves or babies from the sun:\na child’s buggy fitted with a sunshade\ncompare PARASOL\n  3  (sunshades) [pl.] a pair of dark glasses that you wear to protect your eyes from bright sunlight, especially ones that fix on to your ordinary glasses


Words: sunshine
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  the light and heat of the sun:\nthe warm spring sunshine\n  2  (informal) happiness:\nShe brought sunshine into our dull lives.\n  3  (BrE, informal) used for addressing sb in a friendly, or sometimes a rude way:\nHello, sunshine! * Look, sunshine, who do you think you’re talking to?\n IDIOMS  see RAY


Words: sunstroke
Meaning:
noun\n[U] an illness with fever, weakness, HEADACHE, etc. caused by too much direct sunlight, especially on the head


Words: suntan
Meaning:
noun\n[usually sing.] = TAN:\nWhere have you been to get that suntan?\ncompare SUNBURN\n    suntan adjective [only before noun]:\nsuntan oil\n    suntanned adjective = TANNED:\na suntanned face


Words: suntrap
Meaning:
noun\na place that is sheltered from the wind and gets a lot of sun:\nThis corner by the wall is a real suntrap.


Words: sup
Meaning:
verb\n(-pp-) [V, VN] (NorthE or old-fashioned) to drink sth, especially in small amounts\n    sup noun


Words: super
Meaning:
adjective, adverb, noun \n    adjective (informal, becoming old-fashioned) extremely good:\na super meal / place * We had a super time in Italy. * ’The pilot did a super job,’ a passenger said afterwards. * She was super (= very kind) when I was having problems.\n    adverb (informal) especially; particularly:\nHe’s been super understanding.\n    noun\n  1  (BrE, informal) a SUPERINTENDENT in the police\n  2  (AmE) a SUPERINTENDENT of a building


Words: super-
Meaning:
combining form\n  1  (in adjectives, adverbs and nouns) extremely; more or better than normal:\nsuper-rich * superhuman * superglue\n  2  (in nouns and verbs) above; over:\nsuperstructure * superimpose


Words: superabundance
Meaning:
noun\n[sing., U] (formal) much more than enough of sth:\na superabundance of energy\n    superabundant adjective:\nsuperabundant imagination


Words: superannuated
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] (formal or humorous) (of people or things) too old for work or to be used for their original purpose:\nsuperannuated rock stars


Words: superannuation
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (especially BrE) a PENSION that you get, usually from your employer, when you stop working when you are old and that you pay for while you are working; the money that you pay for this


Words: superb
Meaning:
adjective\nexcellent; of very good quality:\na superb player / meal / goal * The car’s in superb condition. * His performance was absolutely superb. * You look superb.\n    superbly adverb:\na superbly illustrated book * She plays superbly.


Words: supercharged
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of an engine) powerful because it is supplied with air or fuel at a pressure that is higher than normal\n  2  (informal) stronger, more powerful or more effective than usual:\nsupercharged words, like ’terrorism’ or ’fascism’\n    supercharger noun:\nVW’s supercharger for its 16-valve engine


Words: supercilious
Meaning:
adjective\n(disapproving) behaving towards other people as if you think you are better than they are\nSYN SUPERIOR:\nThe dress shop assistant was very supercilious. * She gave a supercilious smile.\n    superciliously adverb\n    superciliousness noun [U]


Words: superconductivity
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (physics) the PROPERTY (= characteristic) of some substances at very low temperatures to let electricity flow with no RESISTANCE


Words: superego
Meaning:
noun\n[usually sing.] (plural superegos) (psychology) the part of the mind that makes you aware of right and wrong and makes you feel guilty if you do wrong\ncompare EGO, ID


Words: superficial
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (often disapproving) not studying or looking at sth thoroughly; seeing only what is obvious:\na superficial analysis / approach / examination / view * The book shows a somewhat superficial understanding of the historical context.\n  2  appearing to be true, real or important until you look at it more carefully:\nsuperficial differences / similarities * When you first meet her, she gives a superficial impression of warmth and friendliness.\n  3  (of a wound or damage) only affecting the surface and therefore not serious:\na superficial scratch / cut / injury * superficial burns\n  4  (disapproving) not concerned with anything serious or important and lacking any depth of understanding or feeling\nSYN SHALLOW:\na superficial mind / person / friendship * The guests engaged in superficial chatter.\n  5  (technical) of or on the surface of sth:\nsuperficial veins * a superficial deposit of acidic soils\n    superficiality  noun [U]\n    superficially  adverb


Words: superfine
Meaning:
adjective (technical)\n  1  extremely light or thin; made of extremely small pieces:\nsuperfine fibres / powder\n  2  of extremely good quality:\nsuperfine cloth / linen


Words: superfluous
Meaning:
adjective\nmore than you need or want\nSYN UNNECESSARY:\nShe gave him a look that made words superfluous.\n    superfluity  noun [U, sing.] (formal):\nThere always seemed to be a superfluity of men at the dances!\n    superfluously adverb


Words: superglue
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a very strong glue that sticks very quickly and is used in small quantities for repairing things in the home


Words: supergrass
Meaning:
noun\n(BrE, informal) a criminal who informs the police about the activities of a large number of other criminals, usually in order to get a less severe punishment\ncompare GRASS n. (5)


Words: supergroup
Meaning:
noun\na very successful and very famous band that plays pop music, especially one whose members have already become famous in other bands


Words: superheated
Meaning:
adjective (physics)\n  1  (of a liquid) that has been heated under pressure above its boiling point without becoming a gas\n  2  (of a gas) that has been heated above its temperature of SATURATION (= below which it becomes a liquid)


Words: superhero
Meaning:
noun\n(plural superheroes) a character in a story, film/movie, etc. who has unusual strength or power and uses it to help people; a real person who has done sth unusually brave to help sb


Words: superhighway
Meaning:
noun\na way of quickly sending information such as video, sound and pictures through a computer NETWORK, especially the Internet\nsee also INFORMATION SUPERHIGHWAY


Words: superhuman
Meaning:
adjective\nhaving much greater power, knowledge, etc. than is normal:\nsuperhuman courage / strength * It took an almost superhuman effort to contain his anger.\ncompare SUBHUMAN


Words: superimpose
Meaning:
onto sth)\n  1  to put one image on top of another so that the two can be seen combined:\nA diagram of the new road layout was superimposed on a map of the city.\n  2  to make a system or pattern combine with an existing system or pattern that contrasts with it\n    superimposition  noun [U]


Words: superintend
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] (formal) to be in charge of sth and make sure that everything is working, being done, etc. as it should be\nSYN SUPERVISE:\nHe superintended the building work.\n    superintendence  noun [U]:\na team of volunteers under the superintendence of a trained nurse


Words: superintendent
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a person who has a lot of authority and manages and controls an activity, a place, a group of workers, etc:\na park superintendent * the superintendent of schools in Dallas\n  2  (abbreviation Supt) (in Britain) a police officer just above the rank of CHIEF INSPECTOR:\nSuperintendent Livesey\n  3  (abbreviation Supt.) (in the US) the head of a police department\n  4  (AmE) a person whose job is to be in charge of a building and make small repairs, etc. to it


Words: superior
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective\n  1  ~ (to sb/sth) better in quality than sb/sth else; greater than sb/sth else:\nvastly superior * superior intelligence / strength / knowledge * This model is technically superior to its competitors. * Liverpool were clearly the superior team. * The enemy won because of their superior numbers.\nOPP INFERIOR\n  2  ~ (to sb) higher in rank, importance or position:\nmy superior officer * to have superior status * a superior court of law\nOPP INFERIOR\n  3  (disapproving) showing by your behaviour that you think you are better than others:\na superior air / manner / smile * He always looks so superior.\n  4  (used especially in advertisements) of very good quality; better than other similar things:\nsuperior apartments / wines\n    noun\n  1  a person of higher rank, status or position:\nyour social superiors * He’s my immediate superior (= the person directly above me). * I’m going to complain to your superiors.\nOPP INFERIOR\n  2  used in titles for the head of a religious community:\nMother Superior


Words: superiority
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  ~ (in sth) | ~ (to / over sth/sb) the state or quality of being better, more skilful, more powerful, greater, etc. than others:\nthe superiority of this operating system * to have naval / air superiority (= more ships / planes than the enemy)\n  2  behaviour that shows that you think you are better than other people:\nan air / a sense of superiority\nOPP INFERIORITY


Words: superlative
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective\n  1  excellent:\na superlative achievement / performance\n  2  (grammar) relating to adjectives or adverbs that express the highest degree of sth, for example best, worst, slowest and most difficult\ncompare COMPARATIVE\n    superlatively adverb \n    noun (grammar) the form of an adjective or adverb that expresses the highest degree of sth:\nIt’s hard to find enough superlatives to describe this book.\ncompare COMPARATIVE


Words: superman
Meaning:
noun\n(plural supermen ) a man who is unusually strong or intelligent or who can do sth extremely well\ncompare SUPERWOMAN


Words: supermarket
Meaning:
(AmE also grocery store) noun\na large shop/store that sells food, drinks and goods used in the home. People choose what they want from the shelves and pay for it as they leave.


Words: supernatural
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  that cannot be explained by the laws of science and that seems to involve gods or magic:\nsupernatural forces / powers * supernatural strength\ncompare NATURAL\n  2  (the supernatural) noun [sing.] events, forces or powers that cannot be explained by the laws of science and that seem to involve gods or magic:\na belief in / a fear of the supernatural\n    supernaturally  adverb


Words: supernova
Meaning:
noun\n(plural supernovae  or supernovas) (astronomy) a star that suddenly becomes much brighter because it is exploding\ncompare NOVA


Words: superpower
Meaning:
noun\none of the countries in the world that has very great military or economic power and a lot of influence, for example the US


Words: superscript
Meaning:
adjective\n(technical) written or printed above the normal line of writing or printing\n    superscript noun [U]


Words: supersede
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] [often passive] to take the place of sth/sb that is considered to be old-fashioned or no longer the best available:\nThe theory has been superseded by more recent research.


Words: supersonic
Meaning:
adjective\nfaster than the speed of sound:\na supersonic aircraft * supersonic flight\ncompare SUBSONIC


Words: superstate
Meaning:
noun\na very powerful state, especially one that is formed by several nations joining or working together:\nthe European superstate


Words: superstition
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] (often disapproving) the belief that particular events happen in a way that cannot be explained by reason or science; the belief that particular events bring good or bad luck:\nAccording to superstition, breaking a mirror brings bad luck. * Most cultures have their superstitions.


Words: superstitious
Meaning:
adjective\nbelieving in superstitions:\nsuperstitious beliefs / fears / practices * I’m superstitious about the number 13.\n    superstitiously adverb


Words: superstore
Meaning:
noun\na very large supermarket or a large shop/store that sells a wide variety of one type of goods:\na computer superstore


Words: superstructure
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a structure that is built on top of sth, for example the upper parts of a ship or the part of a building above the ground\ncompare SUBSTRUCTURE\n  2  (formal) the systems and beliefs in a society that have developed from more simple ones:\nthe relationship between the economic base of society and the political superstructure of power


Words: supervene
Meaning:
verb\n[V] (formal) to happen, especially unexpectedly, and have a powerful effect on the existing situation:\nHer future was full of promise until illness supervened.


Words: supervise
Meaning:
verb\nto be in charge of sb/sth and make sure that everything is done correctly, safely, etc:\n[VN] to supervise building work * [VN -ing] She supervised the children playing near the pool. [also V]\n    supervision  noun [U, C]:\nVery young children should not be left to play without supervision. * The drug should only be used under medical supervision. * I have weekly supervisions (= meetings with a TUTOR or supervisor).


Words: supervisor
Meaning:
noun\na person who supervises sb/sth:\nI have a meeting with my supervisor about my research topic. * All work is done under the guidance of a supervisor.\n    supervisory  adjective:\nShe has a supervisory role on the project.


Words: superwoman
Meaning:
noun\n(plural superwomen ) a woman who is unusually strong or intelligent or who can do sth extremely well, especially a woman who has a successful career and also looks after her home and family well\ncompare SUPERMAN


Words: supine
Meaning:
adjective (formal)\n  1  lying flat on your back:\na supine position * Clare remained supine, her eyes closed.\ncompare PRONE\n  2  (disapproving) not willing to act or disagree with sb because you are lazy or morally weak:\nthe supine attitude of some of our politicians\n    supinely adverb


Words: supper
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] the last meal of the day, either a main meal, usually smaller and less formal than dinner, or a SNACK eaten before you go to bed:\nI’ll do my homework after supper. * What’s for supper? * We’ll have an early supper tonight.\ncompare TEA (6) -> MEAL


Words: supplant
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] (written) to take the place of sb/sth (especially sb/sth older or less modern)\nSYN REPLACE:\nTheir work has been largely supplanted by the use of a computer program that fulfils the same function.


Words: supple
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  able to bend and move parts of your body easily into different positions:\nher slim, supple body * These exercises will help to keep you supple.\n  2  soft and able to bend easily without cracking:\nMoisturizing cream helps to keep your skin soft and supple.\n    suppleness noun [U]


Words: supplement
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun \n  1  ~ (to sth) a thing that is added to sth else to improve or complete it:\nvitamin / dietary supplements (= vitamins and other foods eaten in addition to what you usually eat) * Industrial sponsorship is a supplement to government funding.\n  2  an extra separate section, often in the form of a magazine, that is sold with a newspaper:\nthe Sunday colour supplements\n  3  ~ (to sth) a book or a section at the end of a book that gives extra information or deals with a special subject:\nthe supplement to the Oxford English Dictionary * a supplement to the main report\n  4  an amount of money that you pay for an extra service or item, especially in addition to the basic cost of a holiday/vacation:\nThere is a ｣10 supplement for a single room. * Safety deposit boxes are available at a supplement.\n    verb  [VN] ~ sth (with sth) to add sth to sth in order to improve it or make it more complete:\na diet supplemented with vitamin pills * He supplements his income by giving private lessons.


Words: supplementary
Meaning:
(especially BrE) (AmE usually supplemental ) adjective provided in addition to sth else in order to improve or complete it:\nsupplementary information / income * A supplementary reading list is attached.


Words: supplication
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] (formal) the act of asking for sth with a very HUMBLE request or prayer:\nShe knelt in supplication. * He listened with scant patience to their supplications.


Words: supplier
Meaning:
noun\na person or company that supplies goods:\na leading supplier of computers in the UK * You will need to be able to deal with both customers and suppliers.


Words: supply
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  [C] an amount of sth that is provided or available to be used:\nThe water supply is unsafe. * Supplies of food are almost exhausted. * We cannot guarantee adequate supplies of raw materials.\n  2  (supplies) [pl.] the things such as food, medicines, fuel, etc. that are needed by a group of people, for example an army or EXPEDITION:\nOur supplies were running out. * a transport plane carrying food and medical supplies for refugees\n  3  [U] the act of supplying sth:\nThe UN has agreed to allow the supply of emergency aid. * A stroke can disrupt the supply of oxygen to the brain. * The electricity supply (= the system supplying electricity) had been cut off. * a contract for the supply of timber\n IDIOMS  see SHORT adj.\n    verb (supplies, supplying, supplied, supplied) [VN] ~ sb/sth (with sth) | ~ sth (to sb/sth) to provide sb/sth with sth that they need or want, especially in large quantities:\nForeign governments supplied arms to the rebels. * Foreign governments supplied the rebels with arms. * Local schools supply many of the volunteers. * foods supplying our daily vitamin needs * She was jailed for supplying drugs. * This one power station keeps half the country supplied with electricity.


Words: supply and demand
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (economics) the relationship between the amount of goods or services that are available and the amount that people want to buy, especially when this controls prices:\nthe law of supply and demand


Words: supply teacher
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE substitute teacher) noun\na teacher employed to do the work of another teacher who is away because of illness, etc.


Words: supply-side
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] (economics) connected with the policy of reducing taxes in order to encourage economic growth:\nsupply-side economics / policies


Words: support
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb [VN]\n  encourage / give help\n  1  ~ sb/sth (in sth) to help or encourage sb/sth by saying or showing that you agree with them/it\nSYN BACK:\nto support a proposal / ban / reform * The government supported the unions in their demand for a minimum wage. * These measures are strongly supported by environmental groups. * If you raise it at the meeting, I’ll support you.\n  2  to give or be ready to give help to sb if they need it:\nan organization that supports people with Aids * She supported her husband through many difficult times. * The company will support customers in Europe (= solve their problems with the product).\n  provide money, etc.\n  3  to help or encourage sth to be successful by giving it money:\nSeveral major companies are supporting the project.\n  4  to provide everything necessary, especially money, so that sb/sth can live or exist:\nMark has two children to support from his first marriage. * He turned to crime to support his drug habit. * The atmosphere of Mars could not support life. * She supported herself through college by working as a waitress in a local bar. * The town supports a small fishing fleet.\n  hold in position\n  5  to hold sb/sth in position; to prevent sb/sth from falling:\na platform supported by concrete pillars * Support the baby’s head when you hold it. * She walked carefully down the stairs, supported by her grandson.\n  help prove sth\n  6  to help to show that sth is true:\nThe witness’s story was not supported by the evidence. * The results of the experiment supported her theory.\n  sports team\n  7  (BrE) to like a particular sports team, watch their games, etc:\nWhich team do you support?\n    noun\n  encouragement / money\n  1  [U] ~ (for sth) encouragement and help that you give to sb/sth because you approve of them and want them to be successful:\nThere is strong public support for the change. * Can I rely on your support (= will you vote for me) in the election? * Only a few people spoke in support of the proposal. * Local businesses have provided financial support. * She has no visible means of support (= no work, income etc.). * The idea has met with widespread support. * to lend / pledge / withdraw your support\n  help\n  2  [U] sympathy and help that you give to sb who is in a difficult or unhappy situation:\nHer family and friends have given her lots of support. * Thanks for all your support on the day of the funeral.\nsee also MORAL SUPPORT\n  holding in position\n  3  [C] a thing that holds sth and prevents it from falling:\nThe supports under the bridge were starting to bend. * (figurative) When my father died, Jim was a real support.\n  4  [U] the act of holding sth firmly in position or preventing it from falling:\nI wrapped a bandage around my ankle to give it some support. * She held on to his arm for support.\n  5  [C] something you wear to hold an injured or weak part of your body firmly in position:\na knee / back support\n  proof\n  6  [U] evidence that helps to show that sth is true or correct:\nThe statistics offer further support for our theory.


Words: support group
Meaning:
noun\na group of people who meet to help each other with a particular problem:\na support group for single parents * a victim support group


Words: supporter
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a person who supports a political party, an idea, etc:\na strong / loyal / staunch supporter * Labour supporters\n  2  (BrE) a person who supports a particular sports team\nSYN FAN:\nI’m an Arsenal supporter.


Words: supporting
Meaning:
adjective [only before noun]\n  1  a supporting actor in a play or film/movie has an important part but not the leading one:\nThe movie featured Robert Lindsay in a supporting role.\n  2  (written) helping to show that sth is true:\nThere was a wealth of supporting evidence.\n  3  carrying the weight of sth:\na supporting wall


Words: supportive
Meaning:
adjective\ngiving help, encouragement or sympathy to sb:\na supportive family * She was very supportive during my father’s illness. * a mutually supportive relationship * He was strongly supportive of my career.


Words: suppose
Meaning:
verb\n  1  to think or believe that sth is true or possible (based on the knowledge that you have):\n[V] Getting a visa isn’t as simple as you might suppose. * Prices will go up, I suppose. * [VN to inf] (formal) This combination of qualities is generally supposed to be extremely rare. * [VN to inf, VN-ADJ] (formal) She had supposed him (to be) very rich. * [VN-N] (formal) I had supposed his wife a younger woman. * [V (that)] I don’t suppose for a minute that he’ll agree (= I’m sure that he won’t). * Why do you suppose he resigned? * I suppose all the tickets have been sold now, have they? * There is no reason to suppose she’s lying. * I suppose you think that’s funny, do you? (= showing anger).\n HELP NOTE  ’That’ is nearly always left out, especially in speech.\n  2  to pretend that sth is true; to imagine what would happen if sth were true:\n[V (that)] Suppose flights are fully booked on that day-which other day could we go? * Let us suppose, for example, that you are married with two children. * [VN] (formal) The theory supposes the existence of life on other planets. * [VN-ADJ] (formal) Suppose him dead-what then? [also VN-N, VN to inf]\n  3  used to make a statement, request or suggestion less direct or less strong:\n[V] I could take you in the car, I suppose (= but I don’t really want to). * ’Can I borrow the car?’ ’I suppose so’ (= Yes, but I’m not happy about it). * What I’m saying, I suppose, is that she’s not really suitable for the job. * [V (that)] I don’t suppose (that) I could have a look at your newspaper, could I? * Suppose we take a later train?\n IDIOMS \n  be supposed to do / be sth\n1 to be expected or required to do/be sth according to a rule, a custom, an arrangement, etc:\nYou’re supposed to buy a ticket, but not many people do. * I thought we were supposed to be paid today. * The engine doesn’t sound like it’s supposed to. * You were supposed to be here an hour ago! * How was I supposed to know you were waiting for me? * ’Yes and no.’ ’What is that supposed to mean?’ (= showing that you are annoyed)\n2 to be generally believed or expected to be/do sth:\nI haven’t seen it myself, but it’s supposed to be a great movie. * She’s supposed to have had hundreds of lovers.\n  not be supposed to do sth to not be allowed to do sth:\nYou’re not supposed to walk on the grass.


Words: supposed
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] used to show that you think that a claim, statement or way of describing sb/sth is not true or correct, although it is generally believed to be\nSYN ALLEGED:\nThis is the opinion of the supposed experts. * When did this supposed accident happen?


Words: supposedly
Meaning:
adverb\naccording to what is generally thought or believed but not known for certain\nSYN ALLEGEDLY:\nThe novel is supposedly based on a true story. * a poem supposedly written by Shakespeare * Police have found the supposedly stolen car.


Words: supposing
Meaning:
conjunction\n~ (that) used to ask sb to pretend that sth is true or to imagine that sth will happen:\nSupposing (that) you are wrong, what will you do then? * But supposing he sees us?


Words: supposition
Meaning:
noun (formal)\n  1  [C] ~ (that ...) an idea that you think is true although you may not be able to prove it \nSYN ASSUMPTION:\nThe police are working on the supposition that he was murdered. * All the evidence appears to support this supposition. * It seems a reasonable supposition.\n  2  [U] the act of believing or claiming that sth is true even though it cannot be proved:\nThe report is based entirely on supposition. * What happened next is a matter of supposition.


Words: suppository
Meaning:
noun\n(plural suppositories) a small piece of solid medicine that is placed in the RECTUM or VAGINA and left to dissolve gradually


Words: suppress
Meaning:
verb [VN] \n  1  (usually disapproving) (of a government, ruler, etc.) to put an end, often by force, to a group or an activity that is believed to threaten authority:\nThe rebellion was brutally suppressed.\n  2  (usually disapproving) to prevent sth from being published or made known:\nThe police were accused of suppressing vital evidence.\n  3  to prevent yourself from having or expressing a feeling or an emotion:\nto suppress a smile / yawn / shiver * She was unable to suppress her anger. * He had suppressed the painful memories of his childhood.\n  4  to prevent sth from growing, developing or continuing:\ndrugs that suppress the appetite


Words: suppressant
Meaning:
noun\na drug that is used to prevent one of the body’s functions from working normally:\nan appetite suppressant


Words: suppression
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the act of SUPPRESSING sth:\nthe suppression of a rebellion / free speech / the truth * the suppression of emotion / feelings


Words: suppurate
Meaning:
verb\n[V] (formal) (of a cut, wound, etc.) to produce a thick yellow liquid (called PUS) because of infection:\nHis skin was covered in suppurating sores.\n    suppuration  noun [U]


Words: supremacist
Meaning:
noun\na person who believes that their own race is better than others and should be in power:\na white supremacist


Words: supremacy
Meaning:
noun\n[U] ~ (over sb/sth) (written) a position in which you have more power, authority or status than anyone else:\nthe battle for supremacy in the region * the dangerous notion of white supremacy (= that white races are better than others and should control them) * The company has established total supremacy over its rivals.


Words: supreme
Meaning:
adjective [usually before noun]\n  1  highest in rank or position:\nthe Supreme Commander of the armed forces * the supreme champion * It is an event in which she reigns supreme.\n  2  very great or the greatest in degree:\nto make the supreme sacrifice (= die for what you believe in) * a supreme effort / achievement * She smiled with supreme confidence.


Words: supremo
Meaning:
noun\n(plural supremos) (BrE, informal) a person who has the most power or authority in a particular business or activity:\nthe Microsoft supremo, Bill Gates


Words: Supt
Meaning:
(also Supt. especially in AmE) abbreviation\n(in the police force) SUPERINTENDENT:\nChief Supt Pauline Clark


Words: surcharge
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun ~ (on sth) an extra amount of money that you must pay in addition to the usual price\n    verb to make sb pay a surcharge:\n[VNN] We were surcharged ｣50 for travelling on a Friday. [also VN]


Words: sure
Meaning:
adjective, adverb \n    adjective (surer, surest)\n HELP NOTE  You can also use more sure and most sure, especially in sense 1.\n  1  [not before noun] ~ (of / about sth) | ~ (that ...) confident that you know sth or that you are right\nSYN CERTAIN:\n’Is that John over there?’ ’I’m not sure’. * You don’t sound very sure. * I’m pretty sure (that) he’ll agree. * Are you sure you don’t mind? * I hope you are sure of your facts. * Are you sure about that? * Ask me if you’re not sure how to do it. * I’m not sure whether I should tell you this. * I’m sure he’s still alive.\nOPP UNSURE\n  2  [not before noun] ~ of sth / of doing sth certain that you will receive sth or that sth will happen:\nYou’re always sure of a warm welcome there. * England must win this game to be sure of qualifying for the World Cup. * We could not be sure of financial support.\n  3  ~ to do sth certain to do sth or to happen:\nThe exhibition is sure to be popular. * It’s sure to rain. * You’re sure to get lost if you don’t keep to the path.\n  4  [usually before noun] that can be trusted or relied on:\nIt’s a sure sign of economic recovery. * There’s only one sure way to do it. * Bush is a sure bet for the presidential nominations (= certain to succeed).\n  5  [usually before noun] steady and confident:\nWe admired her sure touch at the keyboard.\n IDIOMS \n  be sure to do sth used to tell sb to do sth:\nBe sure to give your family my regards.\n HELP NOTE  In spoken English and plus another verb can be used instead of to and the infinitive: Be sure and call me tomorrow.\n  for sure (informal) without doubt:\nNo one knows for sure what happened. * I think he’ll be back on Monday, but I can’t say for sure. * One thing is for sure-it’s not going to be easy. * (AmE) ’Will you be there?’ ’For sure.’\n  make sure (of sth / that ...)\n1 to do sth in order to be certain that sth else happens:\nMake sure (that) no one finds out about this. * They scored another goal and made sure of victory. * Our staff will do their best to make sure you enjoy your visit.\n2 to check that sth is true or has been done:\nShe looked around to make sure that she was alone. * I think the door’s locked, but I’ll just go and make sure.\n  sure of yourself (sometimes disapproving) very confident:\nShe seems very sure of herself.\n  sure thing (spoken, especially AmE) used to say ’yes’ to a suggestion or request:\n’Are you coming?’ ’Sure thing.’\n  to be sure (formal) used to admit that sth is true:\nHe is intelligent, to be sure, but he’s also very lazy.\n    adverb (informal, especially AmE)\n  1  used to say ’yes’ to sb:\n’Will you open the wine?’ ’Sure, where is it?’ * Did it hurt? Sure it hurt. * Sure, no problem.\n  2  used to emphasize sth that you are saying:\nBoy, it sure is hot. * ’Amazing view’. ’Sure is.’ * That song sure as hell sounds familiar. * He sure looked unhappy.\n  3  used to reply to sb who has just thanked you for sth:\n’Thanks for the ride.’ ’Sure-anytime.’\n IDIOMS \n  (as) sure as eggs is eggs (old-fashioned, BrE, informal) used to say that sth is definitely true\n  sure enough used to say that sth happened as expected:\nI said he’d forget, and sure enough he did. * ’Stop,’ she said, ’I can hear something.’ Sure enough, in the distance we could hear the sound of a car approaching.\n______________________________\n WHICH WORD? \nsure / certain\nSure and certain are very similar in meaning: Are you sure/certain (that) you locked the door? * We must make sure/certain (that) we arrive on time. * You have to book early to be sure/certain of getting a room.\nYou use sure/certain to do sth to show how you feel about sth: It’s sure to rain tomorrow. (= I think it will definitely rain). * She’s certain to be late (= I am certain that she’ll be late).\nYou can say it is certain that but not it is sure that: It is certain that thousands more people will die in the famine.\nIn conversation sure can sound less strong than certain: I’m sure she’ll come if she can (= I believe/hope she will).\nIn spoken AmE especially, sure is also used as an adverb: He sure likes hot dogs. * That sure is a good idea.\n-> note at SURELY\n______________________________


Words: sure-fire
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] (informal) certain to be successful or to happen as you expect:\na sure-fire success * Bad behaviour is a sure-fire way of getting people’s attention.


Words: sure-footed
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  not likely to fall when walking or climbing on rough ground\n  2  confident and unlikely to make mistakes, especially in difficult situations


Words: surely
Meaning:
adverb\n  1  used to show that you are almost certain of what you are saying and want other people to agree with you:\nSurely we should do something about it? * It’s surely only a matter of time before he is found, isn’t it?\n  2  used with a negative to show that sth surprises you and you do not want to believe it:\nSurely you don’t think I was responsible for this? * ’They’re getting married.’ ’Surely not!’ * They won’t go, surely?\n  3  (formal) without doubt; certainly:\nHe knew that if help did not arrive soon they would surely die.\n  4  (old-fashioned, AmE, spoken) used to say ’yes’ to sb or to agree to sth\n IDIOMS  see SLOWLY\n______________________________\n WHICH WORD? \nsurely / certainly\nYou use surely, especially in BrE, to show that you are almost certain about what you are saying and you want other people to agree with you: Surely this can’t be right? Surely in negative sentences shows that something surprises you and you do not want to believe it: You’re surely not thinking of going, are you?\nCertainly usually means ’without doubt’ or ’definitely’, and is used to show that you strongly believe something or to emphasize that something is really true: I’ll certainly remember this trip! In informal AmE this would be: I’ll sure remember this trip!\nCompare: The meal was certainly too expensive (= there is no doubt about it) and The meal was surely too expensive? (= that is my opinion. Don’t you agree?).\nIn formal language only, surely can be used to mean ’without doubt’: This will surely end in disaster.\n-> note at COURSE, SURE\n______________________________


Words: sureness
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the quality of being confident and steady; not hesitating or doubting:\nan artist’s sureness of touch * her sureness that she had done the right thing


Words: surety
Meaning:
noun [C, U] (plural sureties) (law)\n  1  money given as a promise that you will pay a debt, appear in a court of law, etc:\nShe was granted bail with a surety of $500. * They have offered a large amount of money as surety.\n  2  a person who accepts responsibility if sb else does not pay a debt, appear in a court of law, etc:\nto act as surety for sb * She has promised to stand surety for ｣5 000.


Words: surf
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun [U] large waves in the sea or ocean, and the white FOAM that they produce as they fall on the shore or on rocks:\nthe sound of surf breaking on the beach * Sydney, surf capital of the world (= where the sport of surfing is very popular)\n    verb\n  1  [V, VN] (often go surfing) to take part in the sport of riding on waves on a SURFBOARD\n  2  [VN] ~ the net / Internet to use the Internet:\nI was surfing the net looking for information on Indian music.


Words: surface
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  [C] the outside or top layer of sth:\nan uneven road surface * We’ll need a flat surface to play the game on. * Teeth have a hard surface layer called enamel. * a broad leaf with a large surface area\n  2  [C, usually sing.] the top layer of an area of water or land:\nthe earth’s surface * These plants float on the surface of the water. * We could see fish swimming just below the surface.\n  3  [C] the flat upper part of a piece of furniture, that is used for working on:\na work surface * She’s cleaned all the kitchen surfaces. * You’ll need a large smooth surface for rolling out the pastry.\n  4  [sing.] the outer appearance of a person, thing or situation; the qualities that you see or notice, that are not hidden:\nRage bubbled just below the surface of his mind.\n IDIOMS \n  on the surface when not thought about deeply or thoroughly; when not looked at carefully:\nIt seems like a good idea on the surface but there are sure to be problems. * On the surface, he appeared unchanged.\nmore at SCRATCH v.\n    verb\n  1  [V] to come up to the surface of water:\nThe ducks dived and surfaced again several metres away.\n  2  [V] to suddenly appear or become obvious after having been hidden for a while:\nDoubts began to surface. * She surfaced again years later in London. * No further information has surfaced yet.\n  3  [V] (informal) to wake up or get up after being asleep:\nHe finally surfaced around noon.\n  4  [VN] to put a surface on a road, path, etc.


Words: surface tension
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (technical) the PROPERTY (= characteristic) of liquids by which they form a layer at their surface, and which makes sure that this surface covers as small an area as possible


Words: surface-to-air
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] (especially of MISSILES) fired from the ground or from ships and aimed at aircraft


Words: surface-to-surface
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] (especially of MISSILES) fired from the ground or from ships and aimed at another point on the ground or a ship


Words: surfeit
Meaning:
noun\n[usually sing.] ~ (of sth) (formal) an amount that is too large:\nIndigestion can be brought on by a surfeit of rich food. * a surfeit of violence on television


Words: surfer
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  a person who goes SURFING\n \n  2  (also net surfer) (informal) a person who spends a lot of time using the Internet


Words: surfing
Meaning:
noun [U]\n \n  1  the sport of riding on waves while standing on a narrow board called a SURFBOARD:\nto go surfing\n \n  2  the activity of looking at different things on the Internet in order to find sth interesting, or of changing between TV channels in order to find an interesting programme


Words: surge
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb [V] \n  1  [+adv./prep.] to move quickly and forcefully in a particular direction:\nThe gates opened and the crowd surged forward. * Flood waters surged into their homes. * He surged past the other runners on the last lap.\n  2  [usually +adv./prep.] to fill sb with a strong feeling:\nRelief surged through her.\n  3  (of prices, profits, etc.) to suddenly increase in value:\nShare prices surged.\nrelated noun UPSURGE\n    noun\n  1  ~ (of sth) a sudden increase of a strong feeling:\nShe felt a sudden surge of anger. * a surge of excitement / panic / relief\nsee also UPSURGE\n  2  ~ (in / of sth) a sudden increase in the amount or number of sth; a large amount of sth:\na surge in consumer spending * We are having trouble keeping up with the recent surge in demand. * After an initial surge of interest, there has been little call for our services.\nsee also UPSURGE\n  3  ~ (of sth) a sudden, strong forward or upward movement:\na tidal surge * A surge of people poured through the gates.


Words: surgeon
Meaning:
noun\na doctor who is trained to perform medical operations in a hospital:\na brain / heart surgeon\ncompare PHYSICIAN


Words: Surgeon General
Meaning:
noun\n(plural Surgeons General) (in the US) the head of a public health service or of a medical service in the armed forces:\nSurgeon General’s warning: cigarette smoking causes cancer


Words: surgery
Meaning:
noun (plural surgeries)\n \n  1  [U] medical treatment of injuries or diseases that involves cutting open the body and often removing or replacing some parts; the branch of medicine connected with this treatment:\nmajor / minor surgery * to undergo heart surgery * He will require surgery on his left knee.\nsee also OPEN-HEART SURGERY, PLASTIC SURGERY\n \n  2  [U, C] (BrE) the time during which a doctor, dentist or VET is available to see patients:\nmorning / afternoon / evening surgery * surgery hours * Is there a surgery this evening?\n \n  3  [C] (BrE) (AmE office) a place where a doctor, dentist or VET sees patients:\na doctor’s / dentist’s surgery\n  4  [C] (BrE) a time when people can meet their Member of Parliament to ask questions and get help:\na constituency surgery


Words: surgical
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] used in or connected with surgery:\nsurgical intervention / procedures / gloves * a surgical ward (= for patients having operations)\n    surgically  adverb:\nThe lumps will need to be surgically removed.


Words: surgical spirit
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE rubbing alcohol) noun\n[U] a clear liquid, consisting mainly of alcohol, used for cleaning wounds, etc.


Words: surly
Meaning:
adjective\n(surlier, surliest) bad-tempered and rude:\na surly face / manner / youth\n    surliness noun [U]


Words: surmise
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb  (formal) to guess or suppose sth using the evidence you have, without definitely knowing\nSYN CONJECTURE:\n[V (that)] From the looks on their faces, I surmised that they had had an argument. [also V, V speech, VN, V wh-] \n    noun  [U, C, usually sing.] (formal) a guess based on some facts that you know already:\nThis is pure surmise on my part. * He was glad to have his surmise confirmed.


Words: surmount
Meaning:
verb [VN] (formal)\n  1  to deal successfully with a difficulty\nSYN OVERCOME:\nShe was well aware of the difficulties that had to be surmounted.\n  2  [usually passive] to be placed on top of sth:\na high column surmounted by a statue


Words: surname
Meaning:
noun\na name shared by all the members of a family (written last in English names)\ncompare FAMILY NAME, LAST NAME


Words: surpass
Meaning:
verb\n(formal) to do or be better than sb/sth:\n[VN] He hopes one day to surpass the world record. * Its success has surpassed all expectations. * Her cooking was always good, but this time she had surpassed herself (= done better than her own high standards). * [V] scenery of surpassing beauty


Words: surplice
Meaning:
noun\na loose white piece of clothing with wide sleeves worn by priests and singers in the CHOIR during church services


Words: surplus
Meaning:
noun, adjective \n    noun [C, U]\n  1  an amount that is extra or more than you need:\nagricultural / food surpluses * Wheat was in surplus that year.\n  2  the amount by which the amount of money received is greater than the amount of money spent:\na trade surplus of ｣400 million * The balance of payments was in surplus last year (= the value of exports was greater than the value of imports).\ncompare DEFICIT\n    adjective ~ (to sth) more than is needed or used:\nsurplus cash / funds * Surplus grain is being sold for export. * These items are surplus to requirements (= not needed). * This diet guarantees to help you shed surplus fat.


Words: surprise
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  [C] an event, a piece of news, etc. that is unexpected or that happens suddenly:\nWhat a nice surprise! * a surprise attack / announcement / visit * There are few surprises in this year’s budget. * I have a surprise for you! * It comes as no surprise to learn that they broke their promises. * Her letter came as a complete surprise. * There are lots of surprises in store for visitors to the gallery. * Visitors to the gallery are in for a few surprises. * Life’s full of surprises. * She likes springing surprises on people.\n \n  2  [U, C] ~ (at sth) | ~ (at seeing, hearing, etc.) a feeling caused by sth happening suddenly or unexpectedly:\na look of surprise * She looked up in surprise. * He gasped with surprise at her strength. * They couldn’t conceal their surprise at seeing us together. * I got a surprise when I saw the bill. * Much to my surprise, I passed. * To everyone’s surprise, the plan succeeded. * Imagine our surprise when he walked into the room! * The decision has been greeted with surprise. * They expressed surprise at the outcome.\n \n  3  [U] the use of methods that cause feelings of surprise:\nA successful campaign should have an element of surprise.\n \n IDIOMS \n  surprise, surprise (spoken)\n1 (ironic, often disapproving) used to show that sth is not a surprise to you, as you could easily have predicted that it would happen or be true:\nOne of the candidates was the manager’s niece, and surprise, surprise, she got the job.\n2 used when giving sb a surprise:\nSurprise, surprise! Look who’s here!\n  take sb/sth by surprise to attack or capture sb/sth unexpectedly or without warning:\nThe police took the burglars by surprise.\n  take sb by surprise to happen unexpectedly so that sb is slightly shocked; to surprise sb:\nHis frankness took her by surprise.\n    verb\n  1  to make sb feel surprised:\n[VN] It wouldn’t surprise me if they got married soon. * [VN wh-] It’s always surprised me how popular he is. * [VN that] It surprises me that you’ve never sung professionally. * [VN to inf] Would it surprise you to know that I’m thinking of leaving?\n  2  [VN] to attack, discover, etc, sb suddenly and unexpectedly:\nThe army attacked at night to surprise the rebels. * We arrived home early and surprised a burglar trying to break in.


Words: surprised
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (at / by sb/sth) | ~ (that ...) | ~ (to see, hear, etc.) feeling or showing surprise:\na surprised look / expression * She looked surprised when I told her. * I was surprised at how quickly she agreed. * I’m surprised at you, behaving like that in front of the kids. * They were surprised to find that he’d already left. * You shouldn’t be surprised (that) he didn’t come. * Don’t be surprised if I pretend not to recognise you. * ’Will she cancel the party?’ ’I wouldn’t be surprised.’ * You’d be surprised how many people voted for him.\ncompare UNSURPRISED


Words: surprising
Meaning:
adjective\ncausing surprise:\nIt’s not surprising (that) they lost. * We had a surprising amount in common. * It’s surprising what people will do for money. * It’s surprising how many people applied for the job. * A surprising number of people came.\n    surprisingly adverb:\nShe looked surprisingly well. * Surprisingly, he agreed straight away. * Not surprisingly on such a hot afternoon, the river was very busy. * She knew surprisingly little about her sister’s life.


Words: surreal
Meaning:
(also less frequent surrealistic) adjective\nvery strange; more like a dream than reality, with ideas and images mixed together in a strange way:\nsurreal images * The play was a surreal mix of fact and fantasy.


Words: surrealism
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a 20th century style and movement in art and literature in which images and events that are not connected are put together in a strange or impossible way, like a dream, to try to express what is happening deep in the mind\n    surrealist adjective [usually before noun]:\na surrealist painter / painting\n    surrealist noun:\nthe surrealist Salvador Dali


Words: surrender
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n  1  ~ (yourself) (to sb) to admit that you have been defeated and want to stop fighting; to allow yourself to be caught, taken prisoner, etc:\n[V] The rebel soldiers were forced to surrender. * [VN] The hijackers eventually surrendered themselves to the police.\n  2  [VN] ~ sth/sb (to sb) (formal) to give up sth/sb when you are forced to\nSYN RELINQUISH:\nHe agreed to surrender all claims to the property. * They surrendered their guns to the police. * The defendant was released to await trial but had to surrender her passport.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  surrender to sth | surrender yourself to sth (formal) to stop trying to prevent yourself from having a feeling, habit, etc. and allow it to control what you do:\nHe finally surrendered to his craving for drugs. * She surrendered herself to sleep.\n    noun [U, sing.]\n  1  ~ (to sb/sth) an act of admitting that you have been defeated and want to stop fighting:\nThey demanded (an) unconditional surrender. * He raised his hands in surrender.\n  2  the fact of allowing yourself to be controlled by sth:\nThey accused the government of a surrender to business interests.\n  3  ~ of sth (to sb) an act of giving sth to sb else even though you do not want to, especially after a battle, etc:\nThey insisted on the immediate surrender of all weapons.


Words: surreptitious
Meaning:
adjective\n(written) done secretly or quickly, in the hope that other people will not notice:\nShe sneaked a surreptitious glance at her watch.\n    surreptitiously adverb


Words: surrogacy
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the practice of giving birth to a baby for another woman who is unable to have babies herself


Words: surrogate
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) used to describe a person or thing that takes the place of, or is used instead of, sb/sth else:\nShe saw him as a sort of surrogate father.\n    surrogate noun


Words: surround
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb [VN] ~ sth/sb (with sth)\n  1  to be all around sth/sb:\nTall trees surround the lake. * The lake is surrounded with / by trees. * the membranes surrounding the brain * As a child I was surrounded by love and kindness.\n  2  ~ sb/sth (with sb/sth) to move into position all around sb/sth, especially so as to prevent them from escaping; to move sb/sth into position in this way:\nPolice surrounded the building. * They’ve surrounded the building with police.\n  3  to be closely connected with sth/sb:\npublicity surrounding the divorce\n  4  ~ yourself with sb/sth to choose to have particular people or things near you all the time:\nI like to surround myself with beautiful things.\n    noun a border or an area around the edge of sth, especially one that is decorated:\na fireplace with a tiled surround


Words: surrounding
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] that is near or around sth:\nOxford and the surrounding area * From the top of the hill you can see all the surrounding countryside.


Words: surroundings
Meaning:
noun\n[pl.] everything that is around or near sb/sth\nSYN ENVIRONMENT:\nto work in pleasant surroundings * The buildings have been designed to blend in with their surroundings.


Words: surveillance
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (written) the act of carefully watching a person suspected of a crime or a place where a crime may be committed:\nThe police are keeping the suspects under constant surveillance. * surveillance cameras / equipment


Words: survey
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun \n  1  an investigation of the opinions, behaviour, etc. of a particular group of people, which is usually done by asking them questions:\nA recent survey showed 75% of those questioned were in favour of the plan. * The survey found / revealed that ... * to conduct / carry out a survey\n  2  the act of examining and recording the measurements, features, etc. of an area of land in order to make a map or plan of it:\nan aerial survey (= made by taking photographs from an aircraft) * a geological survey\n  3  (BrE) an examination of the condition of a house, etc., usually done for sb who is thinking of buying it:\na detailed structural survey\n  4  a general study, view or description or sth:\na comprehensive survey of modern music\n    verb  [VN] \n  1  to look carefully at the whole of sth, especially in order to get a general impression of it:\nThe next morning we surveyed the damage caused by the fire. * He surveyed himself in the mirror before going out. * She opened her eyes and surveyed her surroundings.\n  2  to study and give a general description of sth:\nThis chapter briefly surveys the current state of European politics.\n  3  to measure and record the features of an area of land, for example in order to make a map or in preparation for building\n  4  (BrE) to examine a building to make sure it is in good condition:\nHave the house surveyed before you decide whether to buy it.\n  5  to investigate the opinions or behaviour of a group of people by asking them a series of questions:\nWe surveyed 500 smokers and found that over three quarters would like to give up. * 87% of the 1 000 companies surveyed employ part-time staff.


Words: surveyor
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a person whose job is to examine a building to make sure its structure is in good condition or to examine and record the details of a piece of land\n  2  (BrE) an official whose job is to check that sth is accurate, of good quality, etc:\nthe surveyor of public works\nsee also QUANTITY SURVEYOR


Words: survival
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] the state of continuing to live or exist, often in spite of difficulty or danger:\nthe struggle / battle / fight for survival * His only chance of survival was a heart transplant. * Exporting is necessary for our economic survival. * Continued trade in these products is a threat to the survival of the species.\n  2  [C] ~ (from sth) something that has continued to exist from an earlier time\nSYN RELIC:\nThe ceremony is a survival from pre-Christian times.\n IDIOMS \n  the survival of the fittest the principle that only the people or things that are best adapted to their surroundings will continue to exist


Words: survive
Meaning:
verb\n  1  [V] ~ (from sth) | ~ (on sth) | ~ (as sth) to continue to live or exist:\nShe was the last surviving member of the family. * Of the six people injured in the crash, only two survived. * Some strange customs have survived from earlier times. * I can’t survive on ｣40 a week (= it is not enough for my basic needs). * The children had to survive by begging and stealing. * He survived as party leader until his second election defeat. * They spent two months in the jungle, surviving on small animals and fruit. * (humorous) ’How are you these days?’ ’Oh, surviving.’\n  2  to continue to live or exist in spite of a dangerous event or time:\n[VN] The company managed to survive the crisis. * Many birds didn’t survive the severe winter. * [VN-ADJ] Few buildings survived the war intact.\n  3  [VN] to live or exist longer than sb/sth\nSYN OUTLIVE:\nShe survived her husband by ten years.


Words: survivor
Meaning:
noun\na person who continues to live, especially in spite of being nearly killed or experiencing great danger or difficulty:\nthe sole / only survivor of the massacre * The plane crashed in an area of dense jungle. There were no survivors. * There are only a few survivors from the original team (= members who remain in it while others have been replaced). * She’ll cope. She’s one of life’s great survivors (= sb who deals very well with difficult situations). * A movie has been made about the last remaining survivor of the tribe.


Words: susceptibility
Meaning:
noun (plural susceptibilities) (written)\n  1  [U, sing.] ~ (to sth) the state of being very likely to be influenced, harmed or affected by sth:\nsusceptibility to disease / infection\n  2  (susceptibilities) [pl.] a person’s feelings which are likely to be easily hurt\nSYN SENSIBILITIES:\nIt was all carried out without any consideration for the susceptibilities of the bereaved family.


Words: susceptible
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  [not usually before noun] ~ (to sb/sth) very likely to be influenced, harmed or affected by sb/sth:\nHe’s highly susceptible to flattery. * Some of these plants are more susceptible to frost damage than others. * Salt intake may lead to raised blood pressure in susceptible adults. * There are few known diseases which are not susceptible to medical treatment.\n  2  easily influenced by feelings and emotions\nSYN IMPRESSIONABLE:\nShe was both charming and susceptible.\n  3  ~ (of sth) (formal) allowing sth; capable of sth:\nIs this situation not susceptible of improvement by legislation? * The facts are susceptible of various interpretations.


Words: sushi
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a Japanese dish of small cakes of cold cooked rice, flavoured with VINEGAR and served with raw fish, etc. on top:\na sushi bar


Words: suspect
Meaning:
verb, noun, adjective \n    verb  (not used in the progressive tenses)\n  1  to have an idea that sth is probably true or likely to happen, especially sth bad, but without having definite proof:\n[VN] If you suspect a gas leak, do not strike a match or even turn on an electric light. * Suspecting nothing, he walked right into the trap. * I didn’t want the neighbours suspecting anything. * [V (that)] I began to suspect (that) they were trying to get rid of me. * I suspect (that) she might be lying. * [V] As I had suspected all along, he was not a real policeman. [also VN to inf, VN that]\n  2  [VN] to be suspicious about sth; to not trust sth:\nI suspected her motives in offering to help.\n  3  [VN] ~ sb (of sth / of doing sth) to have an idea that sb is guilty of sth, without having definite proof:\nHe resigned after being suspected of theft. * I suspected her of damaging the equipment. * The drug is suspected of causing over 200 deaths. * Whom do the police suspect?\nsee also SUSPICION, SUSPICIOUS\n    suspected adjective:\na suspected broken arm * suspected tax evasion * suspected terrorists\n    noun  a person who is suspected of a crime or of having done sth wrong:\na murder suspect * He is the prime suspect in the case. * Five suspects have been detained for questioning. * Do you have a list of likely suspects?\n    adjective \n  1  that may be false and that cannot be relied on:\nSome of the evidence they produced was highly suspect.\n  2  that you suspect to be dangerous or illegal:\na suspect package (= one that may contain drugs, a bomb, etc.) * a controlled explosion of a suspect device (= a bomb)


Words: suspend
Meaning:
verb [VN] \n  1  [usually +adv./prep.] ~ sth/sb (from sth) (by / on sth) to hang sth from sth else:\nA lamp was suspended from the ceiling. * Her body was found suspended by a rope.\n  2  to officially stop sth for a time; to prevent sth from being active, used, etc. for a time:\nProduction has been suspended while safety checks are carried out. * The constitution was suspended as the fighting grew worse. * In the theatre we willingly suspend disbelief (= temporarily believe that the characters, etc. are real).\n  3  to officially delay sth; to arrange for sth to happen later than planned:\nThe introduction of the new system has been suspended until next year. * to suspend judgement (= delay forming or expressing an opinion)\n  4  [usually passive] ~ sb (from sth) to officially prevent sb from doing their job, going to school, etc. for a time:\nThe police officer was suspended while the complaint was investigated. * She was suspended from school for a week.\n  5  (be suspended in sth) (technical) to float in liquid or air without moving:\nSmall droplets are held suspended in the atmosphere.\nsee also SUSPENSION


Words: suspended animation
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  the state of being alive but not conscious or active:\nHibernating animals survive the winter in suspended animation.\n  2  a feeling that you cannot do anything because you are waiting for sth to happen


Words: suspended sentence
Meaning:
noun\na punishment given to a criminal in a court of law which means that they will only go to prison if they commit another crime within a particular period of time:\nan 18-month suspended sentence for theft


Words: suspender
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  [C, usually pl.] (BrE) (AmE garter) a short elastic fastening for holding up a sock or STOCKING\n \n  2  (suspenders) [pl.] (AmE) = braces at BRACE


Words: suspender belt
Meaning:
noun\n(BrE) (AmE garter belt) a piece of women’s underwear like a belt, worn around the waist, with fastenings for holding STOCKINGS up


Words: suspense
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a feeling of worry or excitement that you have when you feel that sth is going to happen, sb is going to tell you some news, etc:\na tale of mystery and suspense * Don’t keep us in suspense. Tell us what happened! * I couldn’t bear the suspense a moment longer.


Words: suspension
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U, C] the act of officially removing sb from their job, school, team, etc. for a period of time, usually as a punishment:\nsuspension from school * The two players are appealing against their suspensions.\n  2  [U, sing.] the act of delaying sth for a period of time, until a decision has been taken:\nThese events have led to the suspension of talks.\n  3  [U, C] the system by which a vehicle is supported on its wheels and which makes it more comfortable to ride in when the road surface is not even:\nthe front / rear suspension\n  4  [C, U] (technical) a liquid with very small pieces of solid matter floating in it; the state of such a liquid\nsee also SUSPEND


Words: suspicion
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U, C] ~ (that ...) a feeling that sb has done sth wrong, illegal or dishonest, even though you have no proof:\nThey drove away slowly to avoid arousing suspicion. * He was arrested on suspicion of murder. * I have a sneaking suspicion that she’s not telling the truth. * My suspicions were confirmed when police raided the property. * She was reluctant to voice her suspicions. * His resignation seemed only to fuel suspicions. * It’s time to confront him with our suspicions.\nsee also SUSPECT\n  2  [C] ~ (that ...) a feeling or belief that sth is true, even though you have no proof:\nI have a horrible suspicion that we’ve come to the wrong station.\n  3  [U, C] the feeling that you cannot trust sb/sth:\nTheir offer was greeted with some suspicion. * Water from shallow wells should be regarded with suspicion, as it may be contaminated.\n  4  [sing.] ~ of sth (formal) a small amount of sth\nSYN HINT:\nHis mouth quivered in the suspicion of a smile. * Wasn’t there even a suspicion of truth in what he said?\n IDIOMS \n  above / beyond suspicion too good, honest, etc. to have done sth wrong, illegal or dishonest:\nNobody who was near the scene of the crime is above suspicion.\n  under suspicion (of sth) suspected of doing sth wrong, illegal or dishonest:\nThe whole family is currently under suspicion of her murder. * A number of surgeons came under suspicion of unethical behaviour.\nmore at FINGER n.


Words: suspicious
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  ~ (of / about sb/sth) feeling that sb has done sth wrong, illegal or dishonest, without having any proof:\nThey became suspicious of his behaviour and contacted the police. * a suspicious glance / look * You have a very suspicious mind (= you always think that people are behaving in an illegal or dishonest way).\n  2  making you feel that sth is wrong, illegal or dishonest:\nDidn’t you notice anything suspicious in his behaviour? * She died in suspicious circumstances. * Police are not treating the fire as suspicious. * It might look suspicious if we arrived together. * It was all very suspicious.\n  3  ~ (of sb/sth) not willing or able to trust sb/sth:\nI was suspicious of his motives. * Many were suspicious of reform.\nsee also SUSPECT


Words: suspiciously
Meaning:
adverb\n  1  in a way that shows you think sb has done sth wrong, illegal or dishonest:\nThe man looked at her suspiciously.\n  2  in a way that makes people think sth wrong, illegal or dishonest is happening:\nLet me know if you see anyone acting suspiciously. * Everything was suspiciously quiet.\n  3  in a way that shows you think there may be sth wrong with sth:\nShe eyed the fish on her plate suspiciously.\n IDIOMS \n  look / sound suspiciously like sth (often humorous) to be very similar to sth:\nTheir latest single sounds suspiciously like the last one.


Words: suss
Meaning:
(also sus)  verb\n~ (sb/sth) (out) (BrE, informal) to realize sth; to understand the important things about sb/sth:\n[VN] I think I’ve got him sussed (= now I understand him). * If you want to succeed in business you have to suss out the competition. * [V] He cheated on her for years, but she never sussed. [also V that, V wh-]


Words: sustain
Meaning:
verb [VN] \n  1  to provide enough of what sb/sth needs in order to live or exist:\nFew planets can sustain life. * I only had a little chocolate to sustain me on my walk. * The love and support of his family sustained him during his time in prison. * When she lost her job they could no longer sustain their expensive lifestyle.\n  2  to make sth continue for some time without becoming less\nSYN MAINTAIN:\na period of sustained economic growth * a sustained attack / effort * She managed to sustain everyone’s interest until the end of her speech. * Kangaroos can sustain high speeds over long distances. * the sustaining pedal of a piano (= that allows a note to continue sounding for a long time)\n  3  (formal) to experience sth bad\nSYN SUFFER:\nto sustain damage / an injury / a defeat * The company sustained losses of millions of dollars.\n  4  to provide evidence to support an opinion, a theory, etc:\nThe evidence is not detailed enough to sustain his argument.\n  5  (formal) to support a weight without breaking or falling:\nThe ice will not sustain your weight.\n  6  (law) to decide that a claim, etc. is valid:\nThe court sustained his claim that the contract was illegal. * Objection sustained! (= said by a judge when a lawyer makes an objection in court)


Words: sustainable
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  involving the use of natural products and energy in a way that does not harm the environment:\nsustainable forest management * an environmentally sustainable society\n  2  that can continue or be continued for a long time:\nsustainable economic growth / recovery * Unfortunately, this level of output is not sustainable.\nOPP UNSUSTAINABLE\n    sustainability  noun [U]


Words: sustenance
Meaning:
noun [U] (formal)\n  1  the food and drink that people, animals and plants need to live and stay healthy:\nRice was the basis of daily sustenance. * There’s not much sustenance in a bowl of soup. * (figurative) Arguing would only give further sustenance to his allegations.\n  2  ~ (of sth) the process of making sth continue to exist:\nElections are essential for the sustenance of parliamentary democracy.


Words: suture
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun (medical) a stitch or stitches made when sewing up a wound, especially after an operation\n    verb [VN] (medical) to sew up a wound


Words: swab
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  a piece of soft material used by a doctor, nurse, etc. for cleaning wounds or taking a SAMPLE from sb’s body for testing\n  2  an act of taking a SAMPLE from sb’s body, with a swab:\nto take a throat swab\n    verb [VN] \n  1  to clean or remove liquid from a wound, etc., using a swab\n  2  ~ sth (down) to clean or wash a floor, surface, etc. using water and a cloth, etc.


Words: swaddle
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] (old-fashioned) to wrap sb/sth, especially a baby, tightly in clothes or a piece of fabric


Words: swag
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] (old-fashioned, informal) goods that have been stolen\nSYN LOOT\n  2  [C, usually pl.] fabric that is hung in large curved folds as decoration, especially above a window\n  3  [C, usually pl.] a bunch of flowers or fruit that is carved onto walls, etc. as decoration


Words: swagger
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb [V]   [usually +adv./prep.] (usually disapproving) to walk in an extremely proud and confident way:\nHe swaggered into the room looking very pleased with himself.\n    noun [sing.] (disapproving) a way of walking or behaving that seems too confident:\nShe walked to the front of the class with a swagger.


Words: Swahili
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a language widely used in E Africa, especially between people who speak different first languages


Words: swallow
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n  food / drink\n  1  to make food, drink, etc. go down your throat into your stomach:\n[VN] Always chew food well before swallowing it. * [VN-ADJ] The pills should be swallowed whole. * [V] I had a sore throat and it hurt to swallow.\n  move throat muscles\n  2  [V] to move the muscles of your throat as if you were swallowing sth, especially because you are nervous:\nShe swallowed hard and told him the bad news.\n  completely cover\n  3  [VN] [often passive] ~ sb/sth (up) to take sb/sth in or completely cover it so that they cannot be seen or no longer exist separately:\nI watched her walk down the road until she was swallowed by the darkness. * Large areas of countryside have been swallowed up by towns.\n  use up money\n  4  [VN] ~ sb/sth (up) to use up sth completely, especially an amount of money:\nMost of my salary gets swallowed (up) by the rent and bills.\n  believe\n  5  to accept that sth is true; to believe sth:\n[VN] I found her excuse very hard to swallow. * [VN-ADJ] He told her a pack of lies, but she swallowed it whole.\n  feelings\n  6  [VN] to hide your feelings:\nto swallow your doubts / anger * You’re going to have to swallow your pride and ask for your job back.\n  accept insults\n  7  [VN] to accept insults, criticisms, etc. without complaining or protesting:\nI was surprised that he just sat there and swallowed all their remarks.\n IDIOMS  see BITTER adj.\n    noun\n  bird\n \n  1  a small bird with long pointed wings and a tail with two points, that spends the winter in Africa but flies to northern countries for the summer\n \n  of food / drink\n \n  2  an act of swallowing; an amount of food or drink that is swallowed at one time:\nShe took a swallow of coffee.


Words: swamp
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun [C, U] an area of ground that is very wet or covered with water and in which plants, trees, etc. are growing:\ntropical swamps\n    swampy adjective:\nswampy forests / ground\n    verb [VN] [often passive]\n  1  ~ sb/sth (with sth) to make sb have more of sth than they can deal with\nSYN INUNDATE:\nThe department was swamped with job applications. * In summer visitors swamp the island.\n  2  to fill or cover sth with a lot of water:\nThe little boat was swamped by the waves.


Words: swan
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n a large graceful bird that is usually white and has a long thin neck. Swans live on or near water.\n    verb (-nn-) [V +adv./prep.] (BrE, informal, disapproving) to go around enjoying yourself in a way that annoys other people or makes them jealous:\nThey’ve gone swanning off to Paris for the weekend.


Words: swank
Meaning:
verb\n[V] (old-fashioned, BrE, informal, disapproving) to behave in way that is too proud or confident


Words: swanky
Meaning:
(swankier, swankiest) (especially BrE) (also swank especially in AmE) adjective\n(informal, disapproving) fashionable and expensive in a way that is intended to impress people\nSYN POSH:\na swanky hotel / car


Words: swansong
Meaning:
noun\n[sing.] the last piece of work produced by an artist, a musician, etc. or the last performance by an actor, ATHLETE, etc.


Words: swap
Meaning:
(also swop)  verb, noun \n    verb (-pp-)\n  1  ~ (sth) (with sb) | ~ sth for sth to give sth to sb and receive sth in exchange:\n[V] I’ve finished this magazine. Can I swap with you? * [VN] I swapped my red scarf for her blue one. * (especially BrE) Can we swap places? I can’t see the screen. * We spent the evening in the pub swapping stories (= telling each other stories) about our travels. * [VNN] I swapped him my CD for his cassette.\n  2  [V] ~ (over) to start doing sb else’s job, etc. while they do yours:\nI’ll drive there and then we’ll swap over on the way back.\n  3  [VN] ~ sb/sth (for sb/sth) | ~ sb/sth (over) (especially BrE) to replace sth with sth else:\nI think I’ll swap this sweater for one in another colour. * I’m going to swap you over. Mike will go first and Jon will go second.\n IDIOMS  see PLACE n.\n    noun\n  1  [usually sing.] an act of exchanging one thing or person for another:\nLet’s do a swap. You work Friday night and I’ll do Saturday.\n  2  a thing or person that has been exchanged for another:\nMost of my football stickers are swaps.


Words: swap meet
Meaning:
noun\n(especially AmE) an occasion at which people buy and sell or exchange items that interest them:\na swap meet for collectors of Star Trek memorabilia


Words: swarm
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun ~ (of sth)\n  1  a large group of insects, especially bees, moving together in the same direction:\na swarm of bees / locusts / flies\n  2  a large group of people, especially when they are all moving quickly in the same direction\n    verb [V] \n  1  [+adv./prep.] (often disapproving) (of people, animals, etc.) to move around in a large group:\nTourists were swarming all over the island.\n  2  (of bees and other flying insects) to move around together in a large group, looking for a place to live\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  swarm with sb/sth to be full of people or things:\nThe capital city is swarming with police.


Words: swarthy
Meaning:
adjective\n(especially of a person or their face) having dark skin:\na swarthy complexion / face / man


Words: swashbuckling
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] (especially of films / movies) set in the past and full of action, adventure, fighting with SWORDS, etc:\na swashbuckling tale of adventure on the high seas * the swashbuckling hero of Hollywood epics


Words: swastika
Meaning:
noun\nan ancient symbol in the form of a cross with its ends bent at an angle of 90ｰ, used in the 20th century as the symbol of the German Nazi party


Words: swat
Meaning:
verb\n(-tt-) [VN] to hit sth, especially an insect, using your hand or a flat object:\nHe was trying to swat a fly with a rolled-up newspaper.\n    swat noun:\nShe took a swat at the wasp.


Words: SWAT team
Meaning:
noun\n(especially AmE) a group of police officers who are especially trained to deal with violent situations. SWAT stands for ’Special Weapons and Tactics’.


Words: swathe
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun (also swath ) (written)\n  1  a long strip of land, especially one on which the plants or crops have been cut:\nThe combine had cut a swathe around the edge of the field. * Development has affected vast swathes of our countryside.\n  2  a large strip or area of sth:\na swathe of hair / fabric / sunlight * The mountains rose above a swathe of thick cloud.\n IDIOMS \n  cut a swathe through sth (of a person, fire, etc.) to pass through a particular area destroying a large part of it:\nBuilding the tunnel would involve cutting a great swathe through the forest.\n    verb [VN] [usually passive] ~ sb/sth (in sth) (written) to wrap or cover sb/sth in sth:\nHe was lying on the hospital bed, swathed in bandages. * The village was swathed in early morning mist.


Words: sway
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n  1  [usually +adv./prep.] to move slowly from side to side; to move sth in this way:\n[V] The branches were swaying in the wind. * Vicky swayed and fell. * [VN] They danced rhythmically, swaying their hips to the music.\n  2  [VN] [often passive] to persuade sb to believe sth or do sth\nSYN INFLUENCE:\nHe’s easily swayed. * She wasn’t swayed by his good looks or his clever talk.\n    noun [U]\n  1  a movement from side to side:\nThe sway of the yacht was making her feel sick.\n  2  (literary) power or influence over sb:\nRebel forces hold sway over much of the island. * She was brought up under the sway of Communism. * He was quick to exploit those who fell under his sway.


Words: swear
Meaning:
1  [V] ~ (at sb/sth) to use rude or offensive language, usually because you are angry:\nShe fell over and swore loudly. * I don’t like to hear children swearing. * Why did you let him swear at you like that?\n  2  [no passive] to make a serious promise to do sth:\n[VN] He swore revenge on the man who had killed his father. * [V (that)] I swear (that) I’ll never leave you.\n HELP NOTE  ’That’ is usually left out, especially in speech. [V to inf] She made him swear not to tell anyone.\n  3  ~ (to sb) | ~ (on sth) to promise that you are telling the truth:\n[V (that)] She swore (that) she’d never seen him before. * I could have sworn (= I am sure) I heard the phone ring. * [V] I swear to God I had nothing to do with it.\n  4  ~ (on sth) to make a public or official promise, especially in a court of law:\n[V] Witnesses were required to swear on the Bible. * [V that] Are you willing to stand up in court and swear that you don’t recognize him? * [V to inf] Remember, you have sworn to tell the truth. * [VN] Barons had to swear an oath of allegiance to the king.\n  5  [VN] ~ sb to secrecy / silence to make sb promise not to tell sth to anyone:\nEveryone was sworn to secrecy about what had happened.\nsee also SWORN\n IDIOMS \n  swear blind (informal) to say that sth is definitely true:\nHe swore blind that he’d already paid back the money he owed me.\n  swear like a trooper (old-fashioned, BrE) to often use very rude or offensive language\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  swear by sb/sth\n1 to name sb/sth to show that you are making a serious promise:\nI swear by almighty God that I will tell the truth.\n2 (not used in progressive tenses) to be certain that sth is good or useful:\nShe swears by meditation as a way of relieving stress.\n  swear sb<->in | swear sb into sth [often passive] to make sb promise to do a job correctly, to be loyal to an organization, a country, etc:\nHe was sworn in as president. * The new prime minister was sworn into office.\nrelated noun SWEARING-IN\n  swear to sth (informal) to say that sth is definitely true:\nI think I put the keys back in the drawer, but I couldn’t swear to it (= I’m not completely sure).


Words: swearing
Meaning:
noun\n[U] rude or offensive language used especially when angry:\nGiles was shocked at the swearing.


Words: swearing-in
Meaning:
noun\n[U, sing.] the act of publicly asking sb to promise to be loyal and perform their duties well when they start a new job, etc:\nthe swearing-in of the new President


Words: sweat
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  liquid on skin\n  1  [U] drops of liquid that appear on the surface of your skin when you are hot, ill/sick or afraid\nSYN PERSPIRATION:\nbeads of sweat * She wiped the sweat from her face. * By the end of the match, the sweat was pouring off him. * Their bodies were soaked in sweat.\nsee also SWEATY\n  2  [usually sing.] the state of being covered with sweat:\nI woke up in a sweat. * She completed the routine without even working up a sweat. * He breaks out in a sweat just at the thought of flying. * He started having night sweats.\nsee also COLD SWEAT\n  hard work\n  3  [U] hard work or effort: (informal) Growing your own vegetables sounds like a lot of sweat. * (literary) She achieved success by the sweat of her brow (= by working very hard).\n  clothes\n  4  (sweats) [pl.] (informal, especially AmE) a SWEATSUIT or SWEATPANTS:\nI hung around the house all day in my sweats.\n IDIOMS \n  be / get in a sweat (about sth) to be/become anxious or frightened about sth\n  no sweat (spoken) used to tell sb that sth is not difficult or a problem when they thank you or ask you to do sth:\n’Thanks for everything.’ ’Hey, no sweat!’\nmore at BLOOD n.\n    verb\n  produce liquid on skin / surface\n  1  when you sweat, drops of liquid appear on the surface of your skin, for example when you are hot, ill/sick or afraid\nSYN PERSPIRE:\n[V] to sweat heavily * The palms of his hands began to sweat. * [VN] He was sweating buckets (= a lot).\n  2  [V] if sth sweats, the liquid that is contained in it appears on its surface:\nThe cheese was beginning to sweat. * The walls will continue to sweat until the plaster is completely dry.\n  work hard\n  3  [V] ~ (over sth) to work hard at sth:\nAre you still sweating over that report?\n  worry\n  4  [V] (informal) to worry or feel anxious about sth:\nThey really made me sweat during the interview. * Even though she’d made her decision, she let them sweat for another week.\n  heat food\n  5  [VN, V] (BrE) if you sweat meat or vegetables or let them sweat, you heat them slowly with a little fat in a pan that is covered with a lid\n IDIOMS \n  sweat blood (informal) to work very hard:\nI sweated blood to get everything ready in time.\n  don’t sweat it (AmE, spoken) used to tell sb to stop worrying about sth:\n’I’m sure he’ll find out.’ ’Don’t sweat it-no one’s going to tell him.’\n  don’t sweat the small stuff (AmE, spoken) used to tell sb not to worry about small details or unimportant things\nmore at GUT n.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  sweat sth<->off to lose weight by doing a lot of hard exercise to make yourself sweat\n  sweat it out (informal) to be waiting for sth difficult or unpleasant to end, and be feeling anxious about it:\nIt’s just a case of sweating it out until the results are announced.


Words: sweated labour
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (BrE) hard work that is done for low wages in poor conditions; the people who do this work


Words: sweater
Meaning:
noun\na knitted woollen or cotton piece of clothing for the upper part of the body, with long sleeves. In British English the word is used to describe a piece of clothing with no buttons. In American English a sweater can have buttons and be like a jacket.


Words: sweatpants
Meaning:
noun\n[pl.] loose warm trousers/pants, usually made of thick cotton and worn for relaxing or playing sports in


Words: sweatshirt
Meaning:
noun\na piece of clothing for the upper part of the body, with long sleeves, usually made of thick cotton and often worn for sports


Words: sweatsuit
Meaning:
noun\n(also informal sweats [pl.]) (both AmE) a sweatshirt and SWEATPANTS worn together, for relaxing or playing sports in


Words: sweaty
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  covered or damp with sweat:\nsweaty feet / socks * He felt all hot and sweaty.\n  2  [only before noun] making you become hot and covered with sweat:\nIt was sweaty work, under the hot sun.


Words: sweep
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb (swept, swept )\n  with brush\n  1  to clean a room, surface, etc. using a BROOM (= a type of brush on a long handle):\n[VN] to sweep the floor / street / stairs * Chimneys should be swept regularly. * [VN-ADJ] The showroom had been emptied and swept clean. [also V]\n  2  [VN +adv./prep.] to remove sth from a surface using a brush, your hand, etc:\nShe swept the crumbs into the wastebasket. * He swept the leaves up into a pile. * She swept the clothes onto the floor and invited him to sit down.\n  move quickly / with force\n  3  [VN +adv./prep.] to move or push sb/sth suddenly and with a lot of force:\nThe little boat was swept out to sea. * Their tent was swept away in the storm. * She let herself be swept along by the crowd.\n  4  (of weather, fire, etc.) to move suddenly and/or with force over an area or in a particular direction: [V, +adv./prep.] Rain swept in through the broken windows. * A fire swept through the store on Tuesday night. * [VN] Strong winds regularly sweep the islands.\n  of a person\n  5  [V +adv./prep.] to move quickly and/or smoothly, especially in a way that impresses or is intended to impress other people:\nWithout another word she swept out of the room. * (figurative) He swept into the lead with an almost perfect performance.\n  6  [VN +adv./prep.] to move sth, especially your hand or arm, quickly and smoothly in a particular direction:\nHe rushed to greet her, sweeping his arms wide.\n  of feelings\n  7  [V +adv./prep.] to suddenly affect sb strongly:\nA wave of tiredness swept over her. * Memories came sweeping back.\n  of ideas / fashions\n  8  to spread quickly: [V, +adv./prep.] Rumours of his resignation swept through the company. * [VN] the latest craze sweeping America\n  look / move over area\n  9  to move over an area, especially in order to look for sth: [V, +adv./prep.] His eyes swept around the room. * The car headlights swept across the front of the building. * [VN] Searchlights swept the sky. * She swept the crowd with her binoculars.\n  touch surface\n  10  [VN] to move, or move sth, over a surface, touching it lightly:\nHer dress swept the ground as she walked.\n  hair\n  11  [VN +adv./prep.] to brush, comb, etc. your hair in a particular direction:\nHer hair was swept back from her face.\n  of landscape\n  12  [V +adv./prep.] to form a long smooth curve:\nThe hotel gardens sweep down to the beach.\n IDIOMS \n  sweep the board to win all the prizes, etc. in a competition\n  sweep sb off their feet to make sb fall suddenly and deeply in love with you:\nShe’s waiting for some hero to come and sweep her off her feet.\n  sweep (sb) to power to win an election by a large number of votes; to make sb win an election with a large number of votes\n  sweep sth under the carpet (AmE also sweep sth under the rug) to try to stop people from finding out about sth wrong, illegal, embarrassing, etc. that has happened or that you have done:\nAn earlier report, implicating the government, had been conveniently swept under the carpet.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  sweep sb along / away [usually passive] to make sb very interested or involved in sth, especially in a way that makes them forget everything else:\nThey were swept along by the force of their emotions.\n  sweep sth<->aside to ignore sth completely:\nAll their advice was swept aside.\n  sweep sth<->away to get rid of sth completely:\nAny doubts had long since been swept away.\n  sweep sth<->out to remove all the dust, dirt, etc. from a room or building using a brush\n  sweep sb<->up to lift sb up with a sudden smooth movement:\nHe swept her up into his arms.\n    noun\n  with brush\n  1  [C, usually sing.] an act of cleaning a room, surface, etc. using a BROOM:\nGive the room a good sweep.\n  curving movement\n  2  [C] a smooth curving movement:\nHe indicated the door with a sweep of his arm.\n  landscape\n  3  [C, usually sing.] a long, often curved, piece of road, river, coast, etc:\nthe broad sweep of white cliffs around the bay\n  range\n  4  [U] the range of an idea, a piece of writing, etc. that considers many different things:\nHer book covers the long sweep of the country’s history.\n  movement / search over area\n  5  [C] a movement over an area, for example in order to search for sth or attack sth:\nThe rescue helicopter made another sweep over the bay.\n  chimney\n  6  [C] = CHIMNEY SWEEP\n IDIOMS  see CLEAN adj.


Words: sweeper
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a person whose job is to sweep sth:\na road sweeper\n  2  a thing that sweeps sth:\na carpet sweeper\nsee also MINESWEEPER\n  3  (BrE) (in football) a player who plays behind the other defending players in order to try and stop anyone who passes them


Words: sweeping
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  [usually before noun] having an important effect on a large part of sth:\nsweeping reforms / changes * Security forces were given sweeping powers to search homes. * a sweeping programme of reorganization\n  2  [usually before noun] (disapproving) too general and failing to think about or understand particular examples:\na sweeping generalization / statement\n  3  ~ victory a victory by a large number of votes, etc.\n  4  [only before noun] forming a curved shape:\na sweeping gesture (= with your hand or arm) * a sweeping staircase


Words: sweepstake
Meaning:
(AmE also sweepstakes [pl.]) noun\na type of betting in which the winner gets all the money bet by everyone else


Words: sweet
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective (sweeter, sweetest)\n  food / drink\n  1  containing, or tasting as if it contains, a lot of sugar:\na cup of hot sweet tea * Too much sweet food is bad for your teeth. * I had a craving for something sweet. * sweet sherry * This wine is too sweet for me.\ncompare BITTER, SALTY\nOPP SOUR\n  smell\n  2  having a pleasant smell:\na sweet-smelling rose * The air was sweet with incense.\n  sound\n  3  having a pleasant sound:\na sweet voice\n  pure\n  4  pleasant and not containing any harmful substances:\nthe sweet air of a mountain village\n  satisfying\n  5  making you feel happy and/or satisfied:\nGood night. Sweet dreams. * I can’t tell you how sweet this victory is. * He played a sweet shot onto the final green (= in golf). * an act of sweet revenge\n  attractive\n  6  (especially BrE) (especially of children or small things) attractive\nSYN CUTE:\nHis sister’s a sweet young thing. * You look sweet in this photograph. * We stayed in a sweet little hotel on the seafront.\n  kind\n  7  having or showing a kind character:\na sweet old lady * She gave him her sweetest smile. * He’s one of the sweetest people I know. * It was sweet of them to offer to help. * He’s not what you’d call sweet-tempered!\n  good\n  8  (Sweet!) (AmE, informal) used to show that you approve of sth:\nFree tickets? Sweet!\nsee also BITTER-SWEET\n IDIOMS \n  be sweet on sb (old-fashioned, informal) to like sb very much in a romantic way\n  have a sweet tooth (informal) to like food that contains a lot of sugar\n  in your own sweet time / way how and when you want to, even though this might annoy other people:\nHe always does the work, but in his own sweet time.\n  keep sb sweet (informal) to say or do pleasant things in order to keep sb in a good mood so that they will agree to do sth for you:\nYou’d better keep her sweet if you want her to lend you the money.\n  sweet FA | sweet Fanny Adams (BrE, informal) nothing at all. People say ’sweet FA’ to avoid saying ’ FUCK ALL’.\n  sweet nothings romantic words:\nto whisper sweet nothings in sb’s ear\n  the sweet smell of success (informal) the pleasant feeling of being successful\nmore at HOME n., SHORT adj.\n    noun\n  food\n \n  1  [C] (BrE) a small piece of sweet food, usually made with sugar and/or chocolate and eaten between meals\nSYN CANDY:\na packet of boiled sweets * a sweet shop\n \n  2  [C, U] (BrE) a sweet dish eaten at the end of a meal:\nI haven’t made a sweet today. * Would you like some more sweet?\nSYN AFTERS, DESSERT, PUDDING\n \n  person\n  3  [U] (spoken, old-fashioned) a way of addressing sb that you like or love:\nDon’t you worry, my sweet.


Words: sweet potato
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] a root vegetable that looks like a red potato, but that is yellow inside and tastes sweet


Words: sweet-and-sour
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] (of food) cooked in a sauce that contains sugar and VINEGAR or lemon:\nChinese sweet-and-sour pork


Words: sweet-talk
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] ~ sb (into sth / into doing sth) (disapproving) to try to persuade sb to do sth by praising them and telling them things they like to hear:\nI can’t believe you let him sweet-talk you into working for him!\n    sweet talk noun [U]


Words: sweetcorn
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE corn) noun\n[U] the yellow seeds of a type of MAIZE plant, also called sweetcorn, which grow on thick stems and are cooked and eaten as a vegetable:\ntinned sweetcorn\nsee also CORN ON THE COB


Words: sweeten
Meaning:
verb [VN] \n  1  to make food or drinks taste sweeter by adding sugar, etc.\n  2  ~ sb (up) (informal) to try to make sb more willing to help you, agree to sth, etc. by giving them money, praising them, etc.\n  3  to make sth more pleasant or acceptable:\nThe fall in inflation did little to sweeten news of massive job losses.\n IDIOMS  see PILL


Words: sweetener
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U, C] a substance used to make food or drink taste sweeter, used instead of sugar:\nartificial sweetener(s)\n  2  [C] (informal) something that is given to sb in order to persuade them to do sth, especially when this is done in a secret or dishonest way:\nFinancial sweeteners were used to secure the deal.


Words: sweetheart
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [sing.] used to address sb in a way that shows affection:\nDo you want a drink, sweetheart?\n  2  [C] (becoming old-fashioned) a person with whom sb is having a romantic relationship:\nThey were childhood sweethearts.


Words: sweetie
Meaning:
noun (informal)\n  1  [C] (BrE) a child’s word for a sweet/a piece of candy\n  2  [C] a person who is kind and easy to like:\nHe’s a real sweetie. * Be a sweetie and carry this for me.\n  3  [sing.] used to address sb in a way that shows affection:\nIf you ask me, sweetie, you’re making a big mistake.


Words: sweetly
Meaning:
adverb\n  1  in a pleasant way:\nShe smiled sweetly at him.\n  2  in a way that smells sweet:\na sweetly scented flower * The air smelled sweetly of fruit.\n  3  in a way that is without difficulties or problems:\nEverything went sweetly and according to plan. * He headed the ball sweetly into the back of the net.


Words: sweetness
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  the quality of being pleasant:\na smile of great sweetness * He was attracted to her sweetness and innocence.\n  2  the quality of tasting or smelling sweet:\nThe air was filled with the sweetness of mimosa.\n IDIOMS \n  be (all) sweetness and light\n1 (of a person) to be pleasant, friendly and polite:\nI can’t complain-he’s been all sweetness and light with me.\n2 (of a situation) to be enjoyable and easy to deal with:\nIt’s not all sweetness and light being an actor.


Words: swell
Meaning:
verb, noun, adjective \n    verb (swelled  or, swelled, swelled)\n  1  [V] ~ (up) to become bigger or rounder:\nHer arm was beginning to swell up where the bee had stung her. * Bacteria can cause gums to swell and bleed. * Cook the lentils for 20 minutes until they swell and soften.\n  2  ~ (sth) (out) to curve or make sth curve outwards:\n[V] The sails swelled (out) in the wind. * [VN] The wind swelled (out) the sails.\n  3  ~ (sth) (to sth) to increase or make sth increase in number or size:\n[VN] Last year’s profits were swelled by a fall in production costs. * Crowds of commuters were swelled by Christmas shoppers. * We are looking for more volunteers to swell the ranks (= increase the number) of those already helping. * [V] Membership has swelled to over 20 000.\n  4  [V] (of a sound) to become louder:\nThe cheering swelled through the hall.\n  5  [V] ~ (with sth) to be filled with a strong emotion:\nto swell with pride / joy * Her heart swelled as she turned to face him.\nsee also SWOLLEN\n    noun\n  1  [C, usually sing.] the movement of the sea when it rises and falls without the waves breaking:\nThe boat was caught in a heavy (= strong) swell.\n  2  [sing.] (written) the curved shape of sth, especially a part of the body:\nthe firm swell of her breasts\n  3  [sing.] a situation in which sth increases in size, number, strength, etc:\na growing swell of support * a swell of panic / pride\nsee also GROUNDSWELL\n  4  [sing.] (of music or noise) a gradual increase in the volume of sth\nSYN CRESCENDO\n  5  (old-fashioned, informal) an important or fashionable person\n    adjective (old-fashioned, AmE, informal) very good, enjoyable, etc:\nWe had a swell time.


Words: swelling
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] the condition of being larger or rounder than normal (= of being SWOLLEN):\nUse ice to reduce the swelling.\n  2  [C] a place on your body that has become larger or rounder than normal as the result of an illness or injury:\nThe fall left her with a painful swelling above her eye.


Words: swelter
Meaning:
verb\n[V] to be very hot in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable:\nPassengers sweltered in temperatures of over 90ｰF.\n    sweltering adjective:\nsweltering heat


Words: swerve
Meaning:
verb\n[V] (especially of a vehicle) to change direction suddenly, especially in order to avoid hitting sb/sth:\nShe swerved sharply to avoid a cyclist. * The bus suddenly swerved into his path. * The ball swerved into the net.\n    swerve noun


Words: swift
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective (swifter, swiftest) (written)\n  1  ~ (to do sth) happening or done quickly and immediately; doing sth quickly:\nswift action / progress * a swift decision / glance * He rose to his feet in one swift movement. * The White House was swift to deny the rumours.\n  2  moving very quickly; able to move very quickly:\na swift current / runner -> FAST\n    swiftly adverb:\nSurprise was swiftly followed by outrage. * She moved swiftly to the rescue.\n    swiftness noun [U, sing.]:\nHe moved with surprising swiftness for a man of his age. * She made her escape with a swiftness born of fear.\n    noun a small bird with long narrow wings, similar to a SWALLOW


Words: swig
Meaning:
verb\n(-gg-) [VN] (informal) to take a quick drink of sth, especially alcohol:\nThey sat around swigging beer from bottles.\n    swig noun:\nShe took a swig of wine and lit a cigarette.


Words: swill
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n  1  [VN] ~ sth (out / down) (especially BrE) to clean sth by pouring large amounts of water in, on or through it:\nShe swilled the glasses with clean water.\n  2  [VN] ~ sth (down) (informal) to drink sth quickly and/or in large quantities\n  3  [+adv./prep.] to move, or to make a liquid move, in a particular direction or around a particular place:\n[VN] He swilled the juice around in his glass. * Fire crews swilled away a large fuel spillage. * [V] Water swilled around in the bottom of the boat.\n    noun [U]\n  1  (also pigswill) a mixture of waste food and water that is given to pigs to eat\n  2  (AmE) any liquid waste or dirt


Words: swim
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb (swimming, swam )\n  1  (of a person) to move through water in a horizontal position using the arms and legs:\n[V] I can’t swim. * The boys swam across the lake. * We swam out (= away from the shore) to the yacht. * They spent the day swimming and sunbathing. * [VN] Can you swim backstroke yet? * How long will it take her to swim the Channel? -> BATH\n  2  [V] (go swimming) to spend time swimming for pleasure:\nI go swimming twice a week.\n  3  [V]   [usually +adv./prep.] (of a fish, etc.) to move through or across water:\nA shoal of fish swam past. * Ducks were swimming around on the river.\n  4  [V] (usually be swimming) ~ (in / with sth) to be covered with a lot of liquid:\nThe main course was swimming in oil. * Her eyes were swimming with tears.\n  5  [V] (of objects, etc.) to seem to be moving around, especially when you are ill/sick or drunk:\nThe pages swam before her eyes.\n  6  [V] to feel confused and/or as if everything is spinning around:\nHis head swam and he swayed dizzily.\n IDIOMS  see SINK v.\n    noun [sing.] a period of time during which you swim:\nLet’s go for a swim.\n IDIOMS \n  in the swim (of things) (informal) involved in things that are happening in society or in a particular situation:\nSince leaving the company, he’s no longer in the swim of things.


Words: swimmer
Meaning:
noun\na person who can swim; a person who is swimming:\na good / keen / strong swimmer * They watched the swimmers splashing through the water. * a shallow pool for non-swimmers


Words: swimming bath
Meaning:
noun\n[usually pl.] (old-fashioned, BrE) a public swimming pool inside a building:\nto go to the local swimming baths


Words: swimming cap
Meaning:
(also swimming hat) (both BrE) (also bathing cap AmE, BrE) noun\na soft rubber or plastic cap that fits closely over your head to keep your hair dry while you are swimming


Words: swimming costume
Meaning:
noun\n(BrE) (also swimsuit BrE, AmE) (also bathing suit AmE or old-fashioned) a piece of clothing worn for swimming, especially the type worn by women and girls


Words: swimming pool
Meaning:
(also pool) noun\n \n  1  an area of water that has been created for people to swim in:\nan indoor / outdoor swimming pool * a heated swimming pool * an open-air swimming pool\n \n  2  the building that contains a public swimming pool:\nShe trained five times a week at her local swimming pool.


Words: swimming trunks
Meaning:
(also trunks) noun\n[pl.] a piece of clothing covering the lower part of the body and sometimes the top part of the legs, worn by men and boys for swimming:\na pair of swimming trunks


Words: swindle
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb [VN] ~ sb (out of sth) | ~ sth (out of sb) to cheat sb in order to get sth, especially money, from them:\nThey swindled him out of hundreds of dollars. * They swindled hundreds of dollars out of him.\n    swindler  noun \n    noun [usually sing.] a situation in which sb uses dishonest or illegal methods in order to get money from a company, another person, etc:\nan insurance swindle


Words: swine
Meaning:
noun (plural swines or swine)\n  1  [C] (informal) an unpleasant person:\nHe’s an arrogant little swine! * (figurative) The car can be a swine to start.\n  2  (swine) [pl.] (old use or technical) pigs:\na herd of swine * swine fever (= a disease of pigs)\n IDIOMS  see PEARL


Words: swing
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n (swung, swung )\n \n  hang and move\n \n  1  to move backwards or forwards or from side to side while hanging from a fixed point; to make sth do this:\n[V] His arms swung as he walked. * A set of keys swung from her belt. * As he pushed her, she swung higher and higher (= while sitting on a swing). * [VN] He sat on the stool, swinging his legs.\n \n  2  [+adv./prep.] to move from one place to another by holding sth that is fixed and pulling yourself along, up, etc:\n[VN] He swung himself out of the car. * [V] The gunshot sent monkeys swinging away through the trees.\n \n  move in curve\n \n  3  [+adv./prep.] to move or make sth move with a wide curved movement:\n[V] A line of cars swung out of the palace gates. * [VN] He swung his legs over the side of the bed. * [V-ADJ, VN-ADJ] The door swung open. * She swung the door open.\n  turn quickly\n  4  [+adv./prep.] to turn or change direction suddenly; to make sth do this:\n[V] She swung back to face him. * The bus swung sharply to the left. * [VN] He swung the camera around to face the opposite direction.\n  try to hit\n  5  ~ (sth) (at sb/sth) to try to hit sb/sth:\n[V] She swung at me with the iron bar. * [VN] He swung another punch in my direction.\n  change opinion / mood\n  6  ~ (from A) (to B) | ~ (between A and B) to change or make sb/sth change from one opinion, mood, etc. to another:\n[V] The state has swung from Republican to Democrat. * His emotions swung between fear and curiosity. * The game could swing either way (= either side could win it). * [VN] I managed to swing them round to my point of view.\n  do / get sth\n  7  (informal) to succeed in getting or achieving sth, sometimes in a slightly dishonest way:\n[VN] We’re trying to swing it so that we can travel on the same flight. * [VNN] Is there any chance of you swinging us a couple of tickets?\n  of music\n  8  [V] to have a strong rhythm\n  of party\n  9  [V] (informal) if a party, etc. is swinging, there are a lot of people there having a good time\n IDIOMS \n  swing the balance = tip the balance / scale at TIP v.\n  swing both ways (informal) to be BISEXUAL (= sexually attracted to both men and women)\n  swing into action to start doing sth quickly and with a lot of energy:\nThe ambulance crew swung into action to resuscitate the patient. * The rescue operation swung into action immediately.\nmore at ROOM n.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  swing by | swing by sth (AmE, informal) to visit a place or person for a short time DROP BY:\nI’ll swing by your house on the way home from work.\n    noun\n  movement\n \n  1  [C] a swinging movement or rhythm:\nHe took a wild swing at the ball. * the swing of her hips\n \n  of opinion / mood\n \n  2  [C] a change from one opinion or situation to another; the amount by which sth changes:\nHe is liable to abrupt mood swings / swings of mood (= for example from being very happy to being very sad). * Voting showed a 10% swing to Labour. * There are indications of a swing towards nuclear power.\n \n  hanging seat\n \n  3  [C] a seat for swinging on, hung from above on ropes or chains:\nThe kids were playing on the swings.\n  in golf\n  4  [sing.] the swinging movement you make with your arms and body when you hit the ball in the game of golf:\nI need to work on my swing.\n  music\n  5  [U] a type of jazz with a smooth rhythm, played especially by big dance bands in the 1930s\n IDIOMS \n  get in / into the swing (of sth) (informal) to get used to an activity or a situation and become fully involved in it:\nI’ve only been here a week so I haven’t got into the swing of things yet.\n  go with a swing (BrE)\n1 (of a party or an activity) to be lively and enjoyable:\nShe made the whole party go with a swing.\n2 (of music) to have a strong rhythm\n  in full swing having reached a very lively level:\nWhen we arrived the party was already in full swing.\n  swings and roundabouts (BrE, informal) used to say that there are advantages and disadvantages whatever decision you make:\nIf you earn more, you pay more in tax, so it’s all swings and roundabouts. * What you gain on the swings you may lose on the roundabouts.


Words: swing door
Meaning:
(AmE swinging door) noun\na door that you can open in either direction and that closes itself when you stop holding it open


Words: swing shift
Meaning:
noun\n(AmE, informal) the SHIFT (= period of time worked each day) from 3 or 4 o’clock in the afternoon until 11 or 12 at night; the workers who work this SHIFT


Words: swing-wing
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] used to describe an aircraft wing that can be moved forward for landing, etc. and backward for rapid flight:\na swing-wing bomber


Words: swingeing
Meaning:
adjective [usually before noun] (BrE, written)\n  1  large and likely to cause people problems, especially financial problems:\nswingeing cuts / fines / increases\n  2  extremely critical of sb/sth:\na swingeing attack on government policy


Words: swinger
Meaning:
noun (old-fashioned, informal)\n  1  a person who is fashionable and has an active social life\n  2  a person who has sex with many different people


Words: swinging
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] (old-fashioned, informal) lively and fashionable:\nswinging singles * the Swinging Sixties (= the period during the 1960s when people began to have more sexual freedom)


Words: swipe
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n  1  ~ (at) sb/sth to hit or try to hit sb/sth with your hand or an object by swinging your arm:\n[V] He swiped at the ball and missed. [also VN]\n  2  [VN] (informal) to steal sth\nSYN PINCH:\nThey’re always swiping other kids’ sweets.\n  3  [VN] to pass a plastic card, such as a CREDIT CARD, through a special machine that is able to read the information that is stored on it:\nThe cash register only opens once the card has been swiped.\n    noun ~ (at sb/sth) (informal)\n  1  an act of hitting or trying to hit sb/sth by swinging your arm or sth that you are holding:\nShe took a swipe at him with her umbrella.\n  2  an act of criticizing sb/sth:\nHe used the interview to take a swipe at his critics.


Words: swipe card
Meaning:
noun\na special plastic card with information recorded on it which can be read by an electronic device:\nAccess to the building is by swipe card only.


Words: swirl
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb [usually +adv./prep.] to move around quickly with a circular movement; to make sth do this:\n[V] The water swirled down the drain. * A long skirt swirled around her ankles. * swirling mists * [VN] He took a mouthful of water and swirled it around his mouth.\n    noun\n  1  the movement of sth that twists and turns in different directions and at different speeds:\nThe dancers left the stage in a swirl of skirts.\n  2  a pattern or an object that twists in a circular shape:\nThe material is yellow with blue swirls on it. * The cakes were topped with swirls of cream.


Words: swish
Meaning:
verb, noun, adjective \n    verb to move quickly through the air in a way that makes a soft sound; to make sth do this:\n[V] A large car swished past them and turned into the embassy gates. * [VN] She swished her racket aggressively through the air. * [V, VN] The pony’s tail swished. * The pony swished its tail.\n    noun [sing.] the movement or soft sound made by sth moving quickly, especially through the air:\nShe turned away with a swish of her skirt.\n    adjective (BrE, informal) looking expensive and fashionable\nSYN SMART:\na swish restaurant * Their new apartment is very swish.


Words: switch
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  a small device that you press or move up and down in order to turn a light or piece of electrical equipment on and off:\na light switch * an on-off switch * That was in the days before electricity was available at the flick of a switch. * Which switch do I press to turn it off? * to throw a switch (= to move a large switch)\n \n  2  ~ (in / of sth) | ~ (from A to B) a change from one thing to another, especially when this is sudden and complete:\na switch of priorities * She made the switch from full-time to part-time work when her first child was born. * a policy switch\n \n  3  (AmE) the POINTS on a railway/railroad line\n \n  4  a thin stick that bends easily:\na riding switch\n    verb\n  1  ~ (sth) (over) (from sth) (to sth) | ~ (between A and B) to change or make sth change from one thing to another:\n[V] We’re in the process of switching over to a new system of invoicing. * Press these two keys to switch between documents on screen. * [VN] The meeting has been switched to next week. * When did you switch jobs?\n  2  [VN] ~ sth (with sth) | ~ sth (over / around / round) to exchange one thing for another\nSYN SWAP:\nThe dates of the last two exams have been switched. * I see you’ve switched the furniture around (= changed its position). * Do you think she’ll notice if I switch my glass with hers?\n  3  ~ (sth) (with sb) | ~ (sth) (over / around / round) to do sb else’s job for a short time or work during different hours so that they can do your job or work during your usual hours\nSYN SWAP:\n[V] I can’t work next weekend-will you switch with me? * [VN] Have you been able to switch your shift with anyone?\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  switch off (informal) to stop thinking about sth or paying attention to sb/sth:\nWhen I hear the word ’football’ I switch off (= because I am not interested in it). * The only time he really switches off (= stops thinking about work, etc.) is when we’re on vacation.\n  switch off / on | switch sth<->off / on to turn a light, machine, etc. off/on by pressing a button or switch:\nPlease switch the lights off as you leave. * How do you switch this thing on? * The electricity has been switched off. * We only switched on halfway through the programme.\n  switch over | switch sth<->over (BrE) to change stations on a radio or television


Words: switchback
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a road or railway/railroad track that has many sharp bends as it goes up a steep hill, or one that rises and falls steeply many times\n  2  (AmE) a sharp bend in a road that is going up a steep hill\n  3  (old-fashioned, BrE) = ROLLER COASTER


Words: switchboard
Meaning:
noun\nthe central part of a telephone system used by a company, etc., where telephone calls are answered and PUT THROUGH (= connected) to the appropriate person or department; the people who work this equipment:\na switchboard operator * Call the switchboard and ask for extension 410. * Hundreds of fans jammed the switchboard for over an hour.


Words: swivel
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n (often used as an adjective) a device used to connect two parts of an object together, allowing one part to turn around without moving the other:\na swivel chair (= one on which the seat turns around without moving the base)\n    verb (-ll-, AmE -l-) [usually +adv./prep.] \n  1  to turn or make sth turn around a fixed central point:\n[VN] She swivelled the chair around to face them. [also V]\n  2  to turn or move your body, eyes or head around quickly to face another direction:\n[V] He swivelled around to look at her. [also VN]


Words: swollen
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of a part of the body) larger than normal, especially as a result of a disease or an injury:\nswollen joints / glands / feet * Her eyes were red and swollen from crying.\n  2  (of a river) containing more water than normal\nsee also SWELL v.


Words: swoon
Meaning:
verb [V] \n  1  ~ (over sb) to feel very excited, emotional, etc. about sb that you think is sexually attractive, so that you almost lose consciousness:\nHe’s used to having women swooning over him.\n  2  (old-fashioned) to lose consciousness\nSYN FAINT\n    swoon noun [sing.] (old-fashioned):\nto fall / go into a swoon


Words: swoop
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb [V] \n  1  [usually +adv./prep.] (of a bird or plane) to fly quickly and suddenly downwards, especially in order to attack sb/sth:\nThe aircraft swooped down over the buildings. * A hawk swooped low over the field.\n  2  ~ (on sb/sth) (especially of police or soldiers) to visit or attack sb/sth suddenly and without warning:\nOfficers swooped on the vehicles as they left the ferry.\n    noun\n  1  an act of moving suddenly and quickly through the air in a downward direction, as a bird does\n  2  ~ (on sth/sb) an act of arriving somewhere or attacking sth/sb in a way that is sudden and unexpected:\nLarge quantities of drugs were found during a police swoop on the star’s New York home.\n IDIOMS  see FELL adj.


Words: swoosh
Meaning:
verb\n[V +adv./prep.] to move quickly through the air in a way that makes a sound:\nCars and trucks swooshed past.\n    swoosh noun [sing.]


Words: sword
Meaning:
noun\na weapon with a long metal blade and a handle:\nto draw / sheathe a sword (= to take it out / put it into its cover)\n \n IDIOMS \n \n  put sb to the sword (old-fashioned or literary) to kill sb with a SWORD\n \n  a / the sword of Damocles (literary) a bad or unpleasant thing that might happen to you at any time and that makes you feel worried or frightened\n \n ORIGIN  From the legend in which Damocles had to sit at a meal at the court of Dionysius with a sword hanging by a single hair above his head. He had praised Dionysius’ happiness, and Dionysius wanted him to understand how quickly happiness can be lost.\n \n  turn swords into ploughshares (literary) to stop fighting and return to peaceful activities\nmore at CROSS v., DOUBLE-EDGED


Words: swordfish
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] (plural swordfish) a large sea fish with a very long thin pointed upper jaw:\nswordfish steaks


Words: swordsman
Meaning:
noun\n(plural swordsmen ) (usually used with an adjective) a person who fights with a SWORD:\na fine swordsman


Words: sworn
Meaning:
adjective [only before noun]\n  1  made after you have promised to tell the truth, especially in a court of law:\na sworn statement * sworn evidence\n  2  ~ enemies people, countries, etc. that have a strong hatred for each other\nsee also SWEAR v.


Words: swot
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun (BrE) (AmE grind) (informal, disapproving) a person who spends too much time studying\n    verb [V] ~ (for sth) (BrE, informal) to study very hard, especially in order to prepare for an exam\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  swot sth<->up | swot up on sth (BrE, informal) to study a particular subject very hard, especially in order to prepare for an exam:\nMake sure you swot up on the company before the interview.


Words: sybaritic
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] (rare, formal) connected with a desire for pleasure:\nhis sybaritic lifestyle


Words: sycamore
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C, U] (especially BrE) a European tree of the MAPLE family, with leaves that have five points and seeds shaped like a pair of wings\n  2  [C] (especially AmE) an American PLANE TREE\n  3  [U] the valuable hard wood of the European sycamore


Words: sycophant
Meaning:
noun\n(formal, disapproving) a person who praises important or powerful people too much and in a way that is not sincere, especially in order to get sth from them\n    sycophancy  noun [U]\n    sycophantic  adjective:\na sycophantic admirer / letter / review


Words: syllabic
Meaning:
adjective (phonetics)\n  1  based on syllables:\nsyllabic stress\n  2  (of a consonant) forming a whole syllable, for example / l / in ’bottle’


Words: syllable
Meaning:
noun\nany of the units into which a word is divided, containing a vowel sound and usually one or more consonants:\na word with two syllables * a two-syllable word * ’Potato’ is stressed on the second syllable.\n IDIOMS  see WORD n.


Words: syllabub
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] (BrE) a cold DESSERT (= a sweet dish) made from cream that has been mixed very quickly with sugar, wine, fruit juice, etc. to make it thick


Words: syllabus
Meaning:
noun\n(plural syllabuses or less frequent syllabi ) a list of the topics, books, etc. that students should study in a particular subject at school or college\ncompare CURRICULUM


Words: syllogism
Meaning:
noun\n(technical) a way of arguing in which two statements are used to prove that a third statement is true, for example: ’All humans must die; I am a human; therefore I must die.’\n    syllogistic  adjective [only before noun]:\nsyllogistic arguments / reasoning


Words: symbiosis
Meaning:
1  (biology) the relationship between two different living creatures that live close together and depend on each other in particular ways, each getting particular benefits from the other:\nThe birds live in symbiosis with the cattle, picking insects from their skin to eat.\n  2  a relationship between people, companies, etc. that is to the advantage of both:\nShe imagined us living in a perfect mother and daughter symbiosis.\n    symbiotic  adjective:\na symbiotic relationship\n    symbiotically  adverb


Words: symbol
Meaning:
noun\n  1  ~ (of sth) a person, an object, an event, etc. that represents a more general quality or situation:\nWhite has always been a symbol of purity in Western cultures. * Mandela became a symbol of the anti-apartheid struggle.\n  2  ~ (for sth) a sign, number, letter, etc. that has a fixed meaning, especially in science, mathematics and music:\nWhat is the chemical symbol for copper? * A list of symbols used on the map is given in the index.\nsee also SEX SYMBOL, STATUS SYMBOL


Words: symbolic
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (of sth) containing symbols, or being used as a symbol:\nThe dove is symbolic of peace. * He shook his fist in a symbolic gesture of defiance. * The Channel Tunnel has enormous symbolic significance for a united Europe. * The new regulations are largely symbolic (= they will not have any real effect).\n    symbolically  adverb:\na symbolically significant gesture


Words: symbolism
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the use of symbols to represent ideas, especially in art and literature:\npoetry full of religious symbolism\n    symbolist  adjective, noun:\nthe symbolist poet Rimbaud


Words: symbolize
Meaning:
(BrE also symbolise)  verb\n[VN] to be a symbol of sth\nSYN REPRESENT:\nThe use of light and dark symbolizes good and evil. * He came to symbolize his country’s struggle for independence.


Words: symmetrical
Meaning:
adjective\n(of a body, a design, an object, etc.) having two halves, parts or sides that are the same in size and shape:\na symmetrical pattern / shape * People’s bodies are never quite symmetrical.\nOPP ASYMMETRIC\n    symmetrically  adverb


Words: symmetry
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  the exact match in size and shape between two halves, parts or sides of sth:\nthe perfect symmetry of the garden design\n  2  the quality of being very similar or equal:\nthe increasing symmetry between men’s and women’s jobs


Words: sympathetic
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  ~ (to / towards sb) kind to sb who is hurt or sad; showing that you understand and care about their problems:\na sympathetic friend / listener / employer * I did not feel at all sympathetic towards Kate. * I’m here if you need a sympathetic ear (= sb to talk to about your problems). * a sympathetic look / manner / response * She was very sympathetic when I was sick.\n  2  ~ (to / towards sb/sth) showing that you approve of sb/sth or that you share their views and are willing to support them:\nto be sympathetic to aims / causes / ideas * Russian newspapers are largely sympathetic to the president.\n  3  (of a person) easy to like:\na sympathetic character in a novel * I don’t find her a very sympathetic person.\n HELP NOTE  This meaning is not very common and you should use likeable or pleasant instead.\nOPP UNSYMPATHETIC\n    sympathetically adverb:\nto nod / look / smile at sb sympathetically * We hope this application will be treated sympathetically (= it will be approved). * The teacher listened sympathetically to the student’s problems.


Words: sympathize
Meaning:
(BrE also sympathise)  verb\n  1  ~ (with sb/sth) to feel sorry for sb; to show that you understand and feel sorry about sb’s problems:\n[V] I find it very hard to sympathize with him. [also V speech]\n  2  [V] ~ with sb/sth to support sb/sth:\nHe has never really sympathized with the aims of Animal Rights activists.


Words: sympathizer
Meaning:
(BrE also sympathiser)  noun\na person who supports or approves of sb/sth, especially a political cause or party:\ncommunist sympathizers


Words: sympathy
Meaning:
noun (plural sympathies)\n  1  [U, C, usually pl.] the feeling of being sorry for sb; showing that you understand and care about sb’s problems:\nto express / feel / have sympathy for sb * I have no sympathy for Jan, it’s all her own fault. * I wish he’d show me a little more sympathy. * Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to the victims of the war. * (formal) May we offer our deepest sympathies on the death of your wife.\n  2  [U, C, usually pl.] the act of showing support for or approval of an idea, a cause, an organization, etc:\nThe seamen went on strike in sympathy with (= to show their support for) the dockers. * Her sympathies lie with the anti-abortion lobby.\n  3  [U] friendship and understanding between people who have similar opinions or interests:\nThere was no personal sympathy between them.\n IDIOMS \n  in sympathy with sth (written) happening because sth else has happened:\nShare prices slipped in sympathy with the German market.\n  out of sympathy with sb/sth (written) not agreeing with or not wanting to support sb/sth


Words: symphony
Meaning:
noun\n(plural symphonies) a long complicated piece of music for a large orchestra, in three or four main parts (called MOVEMENTS):\nBeethoven’s Fifth Symphony * a symphony orchestra\n    symphonic  adjective:\nMozart’s symphonic works


Words: symposium
Meaning:
noun\n(plural symposia  or symposiums) ~ (on sth) a meeting at which experts have discussions about a particular subject; a small CONFERENCE


Words: symptom
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a change in your body or mind that shows that you are not healthy:\ncold / flu symptoms * Look out for symptoms of depression. * Symptoms include a headache and sore throat.\n  2  a sign that sth exists, especially sth bad:\nThe rise in inflation was just one symptom of the poor state of the economy.


Words: symptomatic
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (of sth) (written) being a sign of an illness or a problem:\na symptomatic infection * These disagreements are symptomatic of the tensions within the party.


Words: synapse
Meaning:
noun\n(biology) a connection between two nerve cells\n    synaptic  adjective:\nthe synaptic membranes


Words: sync
Meaning:
(also synch)  noun\n[U] (informal)\n IDIOMS \n  in sync moving or working at exactly the same time and speed as sb/sth else:\nThe soundtrack is not in sync with the picture.\n  out of sync not moving or working at exactly the same time and speed as sb/sth else\nsee also LIP-SYNC, SYNCHRONIZATION


Words: synchronize
Meaning:
(BrE also synchronise)  verb\n~ (sth) (with sth) to happen at the same time or to move at the same speed as sth; to make sth do this:\n[V] The sound track did not synchronize with the action. * [VN] Let’s synchronize our watches (= make them show exactly the same time).\n    synchronization, synchronisation  (also informal sync) noun [U]


Words: synchronized swimming
Meaning:
(BrE also synchronised swimming) noun\n[U] a sport in which groups of SWIMMERS move in patterns in the water to music


Words: synchronous
Meaning:
adjective\n(technical) happening or existing at the same time:\nsynchronous experiences / development


Words: syncopated
Meaning:
adjective\n(music) in syncopated rhythm the strong beats are made weak and the weak beats are made strong\n    syncopation  noun [U]


Words: syndicalism
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the belief that factories, businesses, etc. should be owned and managed by all the people who work in them


Words: syndicate
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun  a group of people or companies who work together and help each other in order to achieve a particular aim:\na crime syndicate\n    verb  [VN] [usually passive] to sell an article, a photograph, a television programme, etc. to several different newspapers, etc.:\nHis column is syndicated throughout the world.\n    syndication  noun [U]


Words: syndrome
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a set of physical conditions that show you have a particular disease or medical problem:\nPMS or premenstrual syndrome * This syndrome is associated with frequent coughing.\nsee also AIDS, DOWN’S SYNDROME\n  2  a set of opinions or a way of behaving that is typical of a particular type of person, attitude or social problem:\nWith teenagers, be prepared for the ’Me, me, me!’ syndrome (= they think of themselves first).


Words: synergy
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] (plural synergies) (technical) the extra energy, power, success, etc. that is achieved by two or more people or companies working together, instead of on their own:\nManaging effective teams is a matter of achieving synergy between the individual members. * attempts to re-establish synergy between mankind and nature


Words: synod
Meaning:
noun\nan official meeting of Church members to discuss religious matters and make important decisions:\nthe General Synod of the Church of England


Words: synonym
Meaning:
noun\na word or expression that has the same or nearly the same meaning as another in the same language:\n’Big’ and ’large’ are synonyms.\ncompare ANTONYM


Words: synonymous
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of words or expressions) having the same, or nearly the same, meaning\n  2  ~ (with sth) so closely connected with sth that the two things appear to be the same:\nWealth is not necessarily synonymous with happiness.


Words: synopsis
Meaning:
noun\n(plural synopses ) a summary of a piece of writing, a play, etc:\nThe programme gives a brief synopsis of the plot.\n    synoptic  adjective (formal)


Words: syntactic
Meaning:
adjective\n(linguistics) connected with SYNTAX:\nsyntactic rules / structures\n    syntactically  adverb:\nto be syntactically correct / incorrect


Words: syntax
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  (linguistics) the way that words and phrases are put together to form sentences in a language; the rules of grammar for this\ncompare MORPHOLOGY\n  2  (computing) the rules that state how words and phrases must be used in a computer language:\nThe instructions were not carried out because of a syntax error.


Words: synthesis
Meaning:
1  [U, C] ~ (of sth) the act of combining separate ideas, beliefs, styles, etc.; a mixture or combination of ideas, beliefs, styles, etc:\nthe synthesis of art with everyday life * a synthesis between / of traditional and modern values\n  2  [U] (technical) the natural chemical production of a substance in animals and plants:\nprotein synthesis * the synthesis of nucleic acids\n  3  [U] (technical) the artificial production of a substance that is present naturally in animals and plants:\nthe synthesis of penicillin\n  4  [U] the production of sounds, music or speech by electronic means:\ndigital / sound / speech synthesis


Words: synthesize
Meaning:
(BrE also synthesise)  verb [VN] \n  1  (technical) to produce a substance by means of chemical or BIOLOGICAL processes\n  2  to produce sounds, music or speech using electronic equipment\n  3  to combine separate ideas, beliefs, styles, etc.


Words: synthesizer
Meaning:
(BrE also synthesiser)  noun\nan electronic machine for producing different sounds. Synthesizers are used as musical instruments, especially for copying the sounds of other instruments, and for copying speech sounds:\na voice / speech synthesizer\ncompare KEYBOARD (3)


Words: synthetic
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective artificial; made by combining chemical substances rather than being produced naturally by plants or animals\nSYN MAN-MADE:\nsynthetic drugs / fabrics * shoes with synthetic soles\n    synthetically  adverb:\nsynthetically produced drugs\n    noun an artificial substance or material:\ncotton fabrics and synthetics * material with the feel of a natural fibre and the durability of a synthetic


Words: syphilis
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a disease that gets worse over a period of time, spreading from the sexual organs to the skin, bones, muscles and brain. It is caught by having sex with an infected person.\n    syphilitic  adjective


Words: syringe
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  (also hypodermic, hypodermic syringe) a plastic or glass tube with a long hollow needle that is used for putting drugs, etc. into a person’s body or for taking a small amount of blood from a person\n \n  2  a plastic or glass tube with a rubber part at the end, used for sucking up liquid and then pushing it out\n    verb [VN] (BrE) to clean sth with a SYRINGE:\nto have your ears syringed


Words: syrup
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  a sweet liquid made from sugar and water, often used in cans of fruit:\npears in syrup\n  2  any thick sweet liquid made with sugar, used especially as a sauce: (BrE) syrup sponge and custard\nsee also CORN SYRUP, GOLDEN SYRUP, MAPLE SYRUP


Words: syrupy
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  thick and sticky like syrup; containing syrup:\nHeat the liquid until it is thick and syrupy.\n  2  (disapproving) extremely emotional and romantic and therefore unpleasant; too SENTIMENTAL:\na syrupy romantic novel


Words: system
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] ~ (of / for sth) an organized set of ideas or theories or a particular way of doing sth:\nthe British educational system * a new system for assessing personal tax bills * a system of government\nsee also BINARY, METRIC SYSTEM\n  2  [C] a group of things, pieces of equipment, etc. that are connected or work together:\na transport system * heating systems * a computer / stereo system * a security system\nsee also ECOSYSTEM, EXPERT SYSTEM, OPERATING SYSTEM, PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEM, SOLAR SYSTEM\n  3  [C] a human or an animal body, or a part of it, when it is being thought of as the organs and processes that make it function:\nYou have to wait until the drugs have passed out of your system. * the male reproductive system\nsee also CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM, DIGESTIVE SYSTEM, IMMUNE SYSTEM\n  4  (the system) [sing.] (informal, usually disapproving) the rules or people that control a country or an organization, especially when they seem to be unfair because you cannot change them:\nYou can’t beat the system (= you must accept it). * young people rebelling against the system\n IDIOMS \n  get sth out of your system (informal) to do sth so that you no longer feel a very strong emotion or have a strong desire:\nI was very angry with him, but now I feel I’ve got it out of my system.


Words: systematic
Meaning:
adjective\ndone according to a system or plan, in a thorough, efficient or determined way:\na systematic approach to solving the problem * a systematic attempt to destroy the organization * The prisoner was subjected to systematic torture.\nOPP UNSYSTEMATIC:\nthe systematic analysis of the risks involved\n    systematically  adverb:\nThe search was carried out systematically. * The information was systematically recorded and analysed.


Words: systematize
Meaning:
(BrE also systematise)  verb\n[VN] (formal) to arrange sth according to a system\n    systematization, systematisation  noun [U]


Words: systemic
Meaning:
adjective (technical)\n  1  affecting or connected with the whole of sth, especially the human body:\na systemic disease\n  2  systemic chemicals or drugs that are used to treat diseases in plants or animals enter the body of the plant or animal and spread to all parts of it:\nsystemic weedkillers\n    systemically adverb:\nsubstances that are absorbed systemically


Words: systems analyst
Meaning:
noun\na person whose job is to analyse the needs of a business company or an organization and then design a way of carrying out processes and working efficiently using computer programs\n    systems analysis noun [U]


Words: T
Meaning:
(also t)  noun\n[C, U] (plural T’s, t’s ) the 20th letter of the English alphabet:\n’Tin’ begins with (a) T / ’T’.\nsee also T-BONE STEAK, T-JUNCTION, T-SHIRT, T-SQUARE\n IDIOMS \n  to a T / tee (informal) used to say that sth is exactly right for sb, succeeds in doing sth in exactly the right way, etc:\nHer new job suits her to a T. * The novel captures the feeling of the pre-war period to a T.\nmore at DOT v.


Words: t’ai chi ch’uan
Meaning:
(also t’ai chi) noun\n[U] a Chinese system of exercises consisting of sets of very slow controlled movements


Words: t’other
Meaning:
adjective, pronoun\n(BrE, dialect) the other:\nI saw it t’other day. * They were talking of this, that and t’other.


Words: T-junction
Meaning:
noun\n(BrE) a place where one road joins another but does not cross it, so that the roads form the shape of the letter T


Words: T-square
Meaning:
noun\na plastic or metal instrument in the shape of a T for drawing or measuring RIGHT ANGLES (= of 90ｰ)


Words: tab
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a small piece of paper, fabric, metal, etc. that sticks out from the edge of sth, and that is used to give information about it, or to hold it, fasten it, etc:\nInsert tab A into slot 1 (= for example to make a model, box, etc.).\n  2  = TAB STOP\n  3  (AmE) = RING PULL\n  4  a bill for goods you receive but pay for later, especially for food or drinks in a restaurant or bar; the price or cost of sth:\na bar tab * Can I put it on my tab? * The tab for the meeting could be $3 000.\n  5  (informal) a small solid piece of an illegal drug:\na tab of Ecstasy\n IDIOMS \n  keep (close) tabs on sb/sth (informal) to watch sb/sth carefully in order to know what is happening so that you can control a particular situation:\nIt’s not always possible to keep tabs on everyone’s movements.\nmore at PICK v.


Words: tab stop
Meaning:
(also tab) noun\na fixed position in a line of a document that you are typing that shows where a piece of text or a column of figures, etc. will begin


Words: tabby
Meaning:
noun\n(plural tabbies) (also tabby cat) a cat with brown or grey fur marked with dark lines or spots


Words: tabernacle
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] a place of worship for some groups of Christians:\na Baptist / Mormon tabernacle\n  2  (the tabernacle) [sing.] a small place of worship that could be moved, used by the Jews in ancient times when they were travelling in the desert


Words: table
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  furniture\n \n  1  a piece of furniture that consists of a flat top supported by legs:\na kitchen table * A table for two, please (= in a restaurant). * I’d like to book a table for tonight. * to set the table (= to put the plates, knives, etc. on it for a meal) * (BrE also) to lay the table * to clear the table (= take away the dirty plates, etc. at the end of a meal) * He questioned her next morning over the breakfast table (= during breakfast). * (BrE, formal) Children must learn to behave at table. * a table lamp (= one that stands on a table) * a billiard / snooker / pool table\n \n HELP NOTE  There are many compounds ending in table. You will find them at their place in the alphabet.\n \n  people\n \n  2  the people sitting at a table for a meal or to play cards, etc:\nHe kept the whole table entertained with his jokes.\nsee also ROUND-TABLE\n  list of facts / numbers\n  3  a list of facts or numbers arranged in a special order, usually in rows and columns:\na table of contents (= a list of the main points or information in a book, usually at the front of the book) * Table 2 shows how prices and earnings have increased over the past 20 years.\nsee also THE PERIODIC TABLE\n  in sport\n  4  a list of sports teams, countries, schools, etc. that shows their position in a competition, etc:\nIf Arsenal win this game they’ll go to the top of the table. * school performance league tables\n  mathematics\n  5  = MULTIPLICATION TABLE:\nDo you know your six times table?\nsee also TURNTABLE, WATER TABLE\n IDIOMS \n  on the table\n1 (BrE) (of a plan, suggestion, etc.) offered to people so that they can consider or discuss it:\nManagement have put several new proposals on the table.\n2 (especially AmE) (of a plan, suggestion, etc.) not going to be discussed or considered until a future date\n  turn the tables (on sb) to change a situation so that you are now in a stronger position than the person who used to be in a stronger position than you\nmore at CARD n., DRINK v., WAIT v.\n    verb [VN] \n  1  (BrE) to present sth formally for discussion:\nto table a question in Parliament * They have tabled a motion for debate at the next Party Conference.\n  2  (AmE) to leave an idea, a proposal, etc. to be discussed at a later date:\nThey voted to table the proposal until the following meeting.


Words: table d’hote
Meaning:
adjective\na table d’hote meal in a restaurant costs a fixed price and there are only a limited number of dishes to choose from:\nthe table d’hote menu\n    table d’hote noun [U]:\nThe restaurant offers both table d’hote and a la carte.


Words: table manners
Meaning:
noun\n[pl.] the behaviour that is considered correct while you are having a meal at a table with other people


Words: table mat
Meaning:
(BrE) noun\na small piece of wood or fabric that you put under a hot dish or plate to protect the surface of the table


Words: table tennis
Meaning:
(also informal ping-pong) noun\n[U] a game played like tennis with bats and a small plastic ball on a table with a net across it


Words: table top
Meaning:
noun\nthe top or the surface of a table\n    table-top adjective [only before noun]:\na table-top machine (= that can be used on a table) * a table-top sale (= where goods for sale are displayed on tables)


Words: tableau
Meaning:
1  a scene showing, for example, events and people from history, that is presented by a group of actors who do not move or speak:\nThe procession included a tableau of the Battle of Hastings. * (figurative) She stood at the door observing the peaceful domestic tableau around the fire.\n  2  a work of art, especially one carved out of stone, showing a group of people, animals, etc.


Words: tablespoon
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  a large spoon, used especially for serving food\n \n  2  (also tablespoonful ) (abbreviation tbsp) the amount a tablespoon can hold:\nAdd two tablespoons of water.


Words: tablet
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  (especially BrE) a small round solid piece of medicine that you swallow\nSYN PILL:\nvitamin tablets * Take two tablets with water before meals.\n \n  2  an amount of another substance in a small round solid piece:\nwater purification tablets\n \n  3  a flat piece of stone that has words written on it, especially one that has been fixed to a wall in memory of an important person or event:\nThe school has a memorial tablet engraved with the name of the founder. * (figurative) We can be very flexible-our entry requirements are not set in tablets of stone (= they can be changed).\n  4  ~ of soap (old-fashioned, formal) a piece of soap


Words: tableware
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the word used in shops/stores, etc. for items that you use for meals, such as plates, glasses, knives and forks


Words: tabloid
Meaning:
noun\n(sometimes disapproving) a newspaper with small pages (usually half the size of those in larger papers). Tabloids usually have short articles and a lot of pictures and stories about famous people, and are thought of as less serious than other newspapers:\nThe story made the front page in all the tabloids.\ncompare BROADSHEET, QUALITY NEWSPAPER\n    tabloid adjective [only before noun]:\ntabloid journalists * a tabloid newspaper * the tabloid press


Words: taboo
Meaning:
on sth)\n  1  a cultural or religious custom that does not allow people to do, use or talk about a particular thing as people find it offensive or embarrassing:\nan incest taboo * a taboo on working on a Sunday * to break / violate a taboo * Death is one of the great taboos in our culture.\n  2  a general agreement not to do sth or talk about sth:\nThe subject is still a taboo in our family.\n    taboo adjective:\nin the days when sex was a taboo subject * Any talk of the divorce is strictly taboo.


Words: taboo words
Meaning:
noun\n[pl.] words that many people consider offensive or shocking, for example because they refer to sex, the body or people’s race


Words: tabular
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] (written) presented or arranged in a TABLE (= in rows and columns):\ntabular data * The results are presented in tabular form.


Words: tabulate
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] to arrange facts or figures in columns or lists so that they can be read easily:\nThe survey results are tabulated in section 9 of Appendix 1.\n    tabulation  noun [U, C]


Words: tachograph
Meaning:
noun\na device that is used in vehicles such as large lorries/trucks and some types of buses to measure their speed, how far they have travelled and when the driver has stopped to rest


Words: tachometer
Meaning:
noun\na device that measures the rate that sth turns and is used to measure the speed of an engine in a vehicle


Words: tacit
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] (written) that is suggested indirectly or understood, rather than said in words:\ntacit approval / support / knowledge * By tacit agreement, the subject was never mentioned again.\n    tacitly adverb:\nIt was tacitly assumed that he would be promoted at the end of the year.


Words: taciturn
Meaning:
adjective\ntending not to say very much, in a way that seems unfriendly:\na taciturn and serious young man\n    taciturnity  noun [U]


Words: tack
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  [U, sing.] the way in which you deal with a particular situation; the direction of your words or thoughts:\na complete / sudden change of tack * It was a brave decision to change tack in the middle of the project. * When threats failed, she decided to try / take a different tack. * His thoughts wandered off on another tack. * I find gentle persuasion is the best tack.\n \n  2  [C, U] (technical) the direction that a boat with sails takes as it sails at an angle to the wind in order to fill its sails:\nThey were sailing on (a) port / starboard tack (= with the wind coming from the left / right side).\n \n  3  [C] a small nail with a sharp point and a flat head, used especially for fixing a carpet to the floor:\na carpet tack\ncompare NAIL n. (2)\n  4  [C] (AmE) = DRAWING PIN\nsee also BLU-TACK\n  5  [C] a long loose stitch used for holding pieces of fabric together temporarily, before you sew them finally\n  6  [U] (technical) the equipment that you need for riding a horse, such as a SADDLE and BRIDLE:\na tack room (= the room where this equipment is kept)\n IDIOMS  see BRASS\n    verb\n  1  [VN +adv./prep.] to fasten sth in place with a tack or tacks:\nThe carpet was tacked to the floor.\n  2  [VN] to fasten pieces of fabric together temporarily with long, loose stitches before sewing it finally:\nShe tacked the sleeve of the blouse into the armhole.\n  3  [V] (technical) to change the direction of a sailing boat so that the wind blows onto the sails from the opposite side; to do this several times in order to travel in the direction that the wind is coming from\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  tack sth<->on | tack sth onto sth (informal) to add sth to sth that already exists, especially in a careless way:\nThe poems were tacked on at the end of the book.


Words: tackle
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n  1  [VN] to make a determined effort to deal with a difficult problem or situation:\nThe government is determined to tackle inflation. * I think I’ll tackle the repairs next weekend. * Firefighters tackled a blaze in a garage last night.\n  2  [VN] ~ sb (about sth) to speak to sb about a problem or difficult situation\nSYN CONFRONT:\nI tackled him about the money he owed me.\n  3  (in football, hockey, etc.) to try and take the ball from an opponent:\n[VN] He was tackled just outside the penalty area. [also V]\n  4  [V, VN] (in rugby or American football) to make an opponent fall to the ground in order to stop them running\n  5  [VN] to deal with sb who is violent or threatening you:\nHe tackled a masked intruder at his home.\n    noun\n  1  [C] an act of trying to take the ball from an opponent in football, etc.; an act of knocking an opponent to the ground in rugby or American football:\nHe was booked for a late tackle on Giggs. * He brought the burglar down with a flying tackle.\n  2  [C] (AmE) (in American football) a player whose job is to stop opponents by knocking them to the ground\n  3  [U] the equipment used to do a particular sport or activity, especially fishing\n  4  [U] (BrE, slang) a man’s sexual organs\nsee also BLOCK AND TACKLE


Words: tacky
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (informal) cheap, badly made and/or lacking in taste:\ntacky souvenirs * The movie had a really tacky ending.\n  2  (of paint, glue, etc.) not dry and therefore slightly sticky\n    tackiness noun [U]


Words: taco
Meaning:
noun\n(plural tacos) (from Spanish) a type of Mexican food consisting of a crisp fried PANCAKE that is folded over and filled with meat, beans, etc.


Words: tact
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the ability to deal with difficult or embarrassing situations carefully and without doing or saying anything that will annoy or upset other people:\nSettling the dispute required great tact and diplomacy. * She is not exactly known for her tact.


Words: tactful
Meaning:
adjective\ncareful not to say or do anything that will annoy or upset other people:\nThat wasn’t a very tactful thing to say! * I tried to find a tactful way of telling her the truth. * It might be more tactful if you didn’t come to the wedding.\nOPP TACTLESS\n    tactfully  adverb:\na tactfully worded reply * I tactfully suggested he should see a doctor.


Words: tactic
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C, usually pl.] the particular method you use to achieve sth:\nThey tried all kinds of tactics to get us to go. * This was just the latest in a series of delaying tactics. * The manager discussed tactics with his team. * Confrontation is not always the best tactic. * It’s time to try a change of tactic. * They used strong-arm (= aggressive or violent) tactics.\n  2  (tactics) [pl.] the art of moving soldiers and military equipment around during a battle or war in order to use them in the most effective way\ncompare STRATEGY


Words: tactical
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  [usually before noun] connected with the particular method you use to achieve sth:\ntactical discussions / planning * to have a tactical advantage * Telling your boss you were looking for a new job was a tactical error (= it was the wrong thing to do at that time).\n  2  [usually before noun] carefully planned in order to achieve a particular aim:\na tactical decision / retreat\nsee also TACTICAL VOTING\n  3  [only before noun] (especially of weapons) used or having an effect over short distances or for a short time:\ntactical aircraft / missiles * tactical nuclear weapons\ncompare STRATEGIC (3)\n  4  [only before noun] connected with military tactics:\nHe was given tactical command of the operation.\n    tactically  adverb:\nAt the time, it was tactically the right thing to do. * The enemy was tactically superior.


Words: tactical voting
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (BrE) the act of voting for a particular person or political party, not because you support them, but in order to prevent sb else from being elected


Words: tactician
Meaning:
noun\na person who is very clever at planning the best way to achieve sth:\na fine political tactician


Words: tactile
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] (formal) connected with the sense of touch; using your sense of touch:\ntactile sensations / stimuli * visual and tactile communication * tactile fabric (= pleasant to touch) * tactile displays / maps (= that you can touch and feel) * He’s a very tactile man (= he enjoys touching people).


Words: tactless
Meaning:
adjective\nsaying or doing things that are likely to annoy or to upset other people:\na tactless question / remark * It was tactless of you to comment on his hair!\nOPP TACTFUL\n    tactlessly adverb\n    tactlessness noun [U]


Words: tad
Meaning:
noun\n(a tad) [sing.] (informal) a very small amount:\nCould you turn the sound down just a tad?\n    a tad adverb:\nIt’s a tad too expensive for me.


Words: tadpole
Meaning:
noun\na small creature with a large head and a small tail, that lives in water and is the young form of a FROG or TOAD


Words: taffeta
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a stiff shiny fabric made from silk or a similar material, used especially for making dresses


Words: taffy
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (AmE) a type of soft sweet/candy made of brown sugar boiled until it is very thick and given different shapes and colours


Words: tag
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  [C] (often in compounds) a small piece of paper, fabric, plastic, etc. attached to sth to identify it or give information about it:\nHe put name tags on all his shirts. * a gift tag (= tied to a present) * The police use electronic tags to monitor the whereabouts of young offenders on probation.\nsee also PRICE TAG\n  2  [C, usually sing.] a name or phrase that is used to describe a person or thing in some way:\nThey are finally ready to drop the tag ’the new Beatles’. * The ’lucky’ tag stuck for years.\n  3  [C] (linguistics) a word or phrase that is added to a sentence for emphasis, for example I do in Yes, I do\nsee also QUESTION TAG\n  4  [C] a short QUOTATION or saying in a foreign language:\nthe Latin tag ’Si vis pacem, para bellum’ (= if you want peace, prepare for war)\n  5  (BrE also tig) [U] a children’s game in which one child chases the others and tries to touch one of them\n    verb (-gg-)\n  1  [VN] to fasten a tag onto sth/sb:\nEach animal was tagged with a number for identification. * The containers were tagged with colour-coded labels.\nsee also ELECTRONIC TAGGING\n  2  [VN] ~ sb/sth as sth to give sb/sth a name that describes what they are or do\nSYN LABEL:\nThe country no longer wanted to be tagged as a Third World nation.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  tag along (behind / with sb) to go somewhere with sb, especially when you have not been asked or invited:\nDo you mind if I tag along with you tonight?\n  tag sth<->on | tag sth onto sth to add sth to the end of sth that already exists, especially in a careless way:\nAn apology was tagged onto the end of the letter.


Words: tail
Meaning:
noun, verb \n \n    noun\n \n  of bird / animal / fish\n \n  1  [C] the part that sticks out and can be moved at the back of the body of a bird, an animal or a fish:\nThe dog ran up, wagging its tail. * The male has beautiful tail feathers.\n \n  -tailed\n \n  2  (in adjectives) having the type of tail mentioned:\na white-tailed eagle\n  of plane / spacecraft\n  3  [C] the back part of a plane, spacecraft, etc:\nthe tail wing\n  back / end of sth\n  4  [C] ~ (of sth) a part of sth that sticks out at the back like a tail:\nthe tail of a kite / comet\n  5  [C] ~ (of sth) the last part of sth that is moving away from you:\nthe tail of the storm / procession\nsee also TAIL END\n  jacket\n  6  (tails) [pl.] (also tailcoat [C]) a long jacket divided at the back below the waist into two pieces that become narrower at the bottom, worn by men at very formal events:\nThe men all wore top hat and tails.\nsee also COAT-TAILS, SHIRT TAIL\ncompare DINNER JACKET, MORNING COAT\n  side of coin\n  7  (tails) [U] the side of a coin that does not have a picture of the head of a person on it, used as one choice when a coin is TOSSED to decide sth\ncompare HEADS n. (5)\n  person who follows sb\n  8  [C] (informal) a person who is sent to follow sb secretly and find out information about where that person goes, what they do, etc:\nThe police have put a tail on him.\nsee also PONYTAIL\n    tailless adjective:\nManx cats are tailless.\n IDIOMS \n  on sb’s tail (informal) following behind sb very closely, especially in a car:\nThere’s been a white van sitting on my tail for the past ten miles.\n  the tail (is) wagging the dog used to describe a situation in which the most important aspect is being influenced and controlled by sb/sth that is not as important\n  turn tail to run away from a fight or dangerous situation:\nWhen they heard the sirens, they turned tail and ran.\n  with your tail between your legs (informal) feeling ashamed, embarrassed or unhappy because you have been defeated or punished\nmore at BRIGHT-EYED, HEAD n., NOSE n., STING n.\n    verb [VN] to follow sb closely, especially in order to watch where they go and what they do\nSYN SHADOW:\nA private detective had been tailing them for several weeks.\n IDIOMS  see TOP v.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  tail away / off (especially BrE) to become smaller or weaker:\nThe number of tourists tails off in October. * ’But why ...?’ Her voice tailed away.\n  tail back (of traffic) to form a tailback:\nTraffic tailed back five miles from the scene of the accident.


Words: tail end
Meaning:
noun\n[sing.] the very last part of sth:\nthe tail end of the queue * I only caught the tail end of the conversation.


Words: tailback
Meaning:
noun\n(BrE) a long line of traffic that is moving slowly or not moving at all, because sth is blocking the road:\nIt took a couple of hours for the two-mile tailback to clear.


Words: tailcoat
Meaning:
noun\na long jacket divided at the back below the waist into two pieces that become narrower at the bottom, worn by men at formal events\nSYN TAILS


Words: tailgate
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  (also tailboard) a door at the back of a lorry/truck that opens downwards and that you can lower or remove when you are loading or unloading the vehicle\n  2  the door that opens upwards at the back of a car that has three or five doors (called a HATCHBACK)\n    verb\n  1  [V, VN] (informal, especially AmE) to drive too closely behind another vehicle\n  2  [V] (AmE) to eat food and drinks outdoors, served from the tailgate of a car


Words: tailor
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun a person whose job is to make men’s clothes, especially sb who makes suits, jackets, etc. for individual customers\n    verb ~ sth to / for sb/sth to make or adapt sth for a particular purpose, a particular person, etc:\n[VN] Special programmes of study are tailored to the needs of specific groups. * Much of the software is supplied ready tailored for the user. * [VN to inf] Most travel agents are prepared to tailor travel arrangements to meet individual requirements.


Words: tailor-made
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  ~ (for sb/sth) | ~ (to sth / to do sth) made for a particular person or purpose, and therefore very suitable:\na tailor-made course of study * a trip tailor-made just for you * (figurative) She seems tailor-made for the job (= perfectly suited for it).\n  2  (of clothes) made by a TAILOR for a particular person:\na tailor-made suit


Words: tailored
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of clothes) made to fit well or closely:\na tailored jacket\n  2  made for a particular person or purpose\nSYN TAILOR-MADE:\na tailored programme * tailored benefits


Words: tailoring
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  the style or the way in which a suit, jacket, etc. is made:\nClever tailoring can flatter your figure.\n  2  the job of making men’s clothes:\na tailoring business


Words: tailpiece
Meaning:
noun\n  1  ~ (to sth) a part that you add to the end of a piece of writing to make it longer or complete\n  2  (music) a piece of wood that the lower ends of the strings of some musical instruments are attached to


Words: tailspin
Meaning:
noun [sing.]\n  1  a situation in which a pilot loses control of an aircraft and it spins as it falls quickly towards the ground, with the back making larger circles than the front:\nto go into / pull out of a tailspin\n  2  a situation that suddenly becomes much worse and is not under control:\nFollowing the announcement, share prices went into a tailspin.


Words: taint
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb [VN] [often passive] ~ sth (with sth) (formal) to damage or spoil the quality of sth or the opinion that people have of sb/sth:\nThe administration was tainted with scandal.\n    tainted adjective:\ntainted drinking water\n    noun [usually sing.] the effect of sth bad or unpleasant that spoils the quality of sb/sth:\nto be free from the taint of corruption


Words: take
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n (took )\n \n  carry / lead\n \n  1  ~ sth (with you) | ~ sth (to sb) | ~ (sb) sth to carry or move sth from one place to another:\n[VN] I forgot to take my bag with me when I got off the bus. * Take this to the bank for me, would you? * [VN, VNN] Shall I take a gift to my host family? * Shall I take my host family a gift?\n \n  2  to go with sb from one place to another, especially to guide or lead them:\n[VN] It’s too far to walk-I’ll take you by car. * A boy took us to our room. * [VN -ing] I’m taking the kids swimming later. * [VN to inf] The boys were taken to see their grandparents most weekends.\n \n  3  [VN +adv./prep.] to make sb/sth go from one level, situation, etc. to another:\nHer energy and talent took her to the top of her profession. * The new loan takes the total debt to $100 000. * I’d like to take my argument a stage further.\n  reach and hold\n  4  [VN] to put your hands or arms around sb/sth and hold them/it; to reach for sb/sth and hold them/it:\nI passed him the rope and he took it. * Free newspapers: please take one. * Can you take (= hold) the baby for a moment? * He took her hand / took her by the hand (= held her hand, for example to lead her somewhere). * She took the child in her arms and kissed him.\n  remove\n  5  [VN +adv./prep.] to remove sth/sb from a place or a person:\nWill you take your books off the table? * The sign must be taken down. * He took some keys out of his pocket. * My name had been taken off the list. * She was playing with a knife, so I took it away from her. * (informal) She was playing with a knife, so I took it off her. * (figurative) The new sports centre will take the pressure off the old one.\n  6  [VN] to remove sth without permission or by mistake:\nSomeone has taken my scarf. * Did the burglars take anything valuable? * (figurative) The storms took the lives of 50 people.\n  7  [VN] ~ sth from sth / out of sth to get sth from a particular source:\nThe scientists are taking water samples from the river. * Part of her article is taken straight (= copied) out of my book. * The machine takes its name from its inventor.\n  capture\n  8  ~ sth (from sb) to capture a place or person; to get control of sth:\n[VN] The rebels succeeded in taking the town. * The state has taken control of the company. * [VN-N] The rebels took him prisoner. * He was taken prisoner by the rebels.\n  choose / buy\n  9  [VN] to choose, buy or rent sth:\nI’ll take the grey jacket. * We took a room at the hotel for two nights.\n  10  [VN] (formal) to buy a newspaper or magazine regularly:\nWe take the ’Express’.\n  eat / drink\n  11  [VN] to eat, drink, etc. sth:\nDo you take sugar in your coffee? * The doctor has given me some medicine to take for my cough. * He started taking drugs (= illegal drugs) at college.\n  mathematics\n  12  [VN] ~ A (away) from B | ~ A away (not used in the progressive tenses) to reduce one number by the value of another\nSYN SUBTRACT:\nTake 5 from 12 and you’re left with 7. * (spoken, informal) 80 take away 5 is 75.\n  write down\n  13  [VN] to find out and record sth; to write sth down:\nThe police officer took my name and address. * Did you take notes in the class?\n  photograph\n  14  [VN] to photograph sb/sth:\nto take a photograph / picture / snapshot of sb/sth * to have your picture / photo taken\n  measurement\n  15  [VN] to test or measure sth:\nto take sb’s pulse / temperature * I need to have my blood pressure taken.\n  seat\n  16  [VN] to sit down in or use a chair, etc:\nAre these seats taken? * Come in; take a seat.\n  give example\n  17  [VN] used to introduce sb/sth as an example:\nLots of couples have problems in the first year of marriage. Take Ann and Paul.\n  accept / receive\n  18  [VN] (not usually used in the progressive tenses or in the passive) to accept or receive sth:\nIf they offer me the job, I’ll take it. * She was accused of taking bribes. * Does the hotel take credit cards? * I’ll take the call in my office. * Why should I take the blame for somebody else’s mistakes? * If you take my advice you’ll have nothing more to do with him. * Will you take $10 for the book (= will you sell it for $10)? * The store took (= sold goods worth) $100 000 last week.\n  19  [VN] (not usually used in the progressive tenses) to accept sb as a customer, patient, etc:\nThe school doesn’t take boys (= only has girls). * The dentist can’t take any new patients.\n  20  [VN] (not usually used in the progressive tenses) to experience or be affected by sth:\nThe school took the full force of the explosion. * Can the ropes take the strain (= not break)? * The team took a terrible beating.\n  21  [VN] [no passive] (not usually used in the progressive tenses) to be able to bear sth:\nShe can’t take criticism. * I don’t think I can take much more of this heat. * I find his attitude a little hard to take.\n  22  [VN +adv./prep.] to react to sth/sb in a particular way:\nHe took the criticism surprisingly well. * These threats are not to be taken lightly. * I wish you’d take me seriously. * She took it in the spirit in which it was intended.\n  consider\n  23  ~ sth (as sth) (not used in the progressive tenses) to understand or consider sth in a particular way:\n[VN] She took what he said as a compliment. * How am I supposed to take that remark? * Taken overall, the project was a success. * [VN to inf] What did you take his comments to mean?\n  24  ~ sb/sth for sb/sth / to be sb/sth (not used in the progressive tenses) to consider sb/sth to be sb/sth, especially when you are wrong:\n[VN] Even the experts took the painting for a genuine Van Gogh. * (spoken) Of course I didn’t do it! What do you take me for (= what sort of person do you think I am)? * [VN to inf] I took the man with him to be his father.\n  have feeling / opinion\n  25  [VN] (not usually used in the progressive tenses) to have a particular feeling, opinion or attitude:\nMy parents always took an interest in my hobbies. * Don’t take offence (= be offended) at what I said. * I took an instant dislike to him. * He takes the view that children are responsible for their own actions.\n  action\n  26  [VN] to use a particular course of action in order to deal with or achieve sth:\nThe government is taking action to combat drug abuse. * We need to take a different approach to the problem.\n  27  [VN] used with nouns to say that sb is doing sth, performing an action, etc:\nto take a step / walk / stroll * to take a bath / shower / wash * to take a look / glance * to take a bite / drink / sip * to take a deep breath * to take a break / rest * No decision will be taken on the matter until next week.\n  form / position\n  28  [VN] to have a particular form, position or state:\nOur next class will take the form of a debate. * The new President takes office in January.\n  time\n  29  [no passive] to need or require a particular amount of time:\n[VN] The journey to the airport takes about half an hour. * It takes about half an hour to get to the airport. * [VNN] It took her three hours to repair her bike. * [VN to inf] That cut is taking a long time to heal. * [VNN, VN] It’ll take her time to recover from the illness. * It’ll take time (= take a long time) for her to recover from the illness. * [V] I need a shower-I won’t take long. * The official seemed to take hours to examine my passport. -> LAST\n  need\n  30  [no passive] to need or require sth in order to happen or be done:\n[VN to inf] It only takes one careless driver to cause an accident. * It doesn’t take much to make her angry. * [VN] (informal) He didn’t take much persuading (= he was easily persuaded).\n  31  [VN] [no passive] (not used in the progressive tenses) (of machines, etc.) to use sth in order to work:\nAll new cars take unleaded petrol.\n  size of shoes / clothes\n  32  [VN] [no passive] (not used in the progressive tenses) to wear a particular size in shoes or clothes:\nWhat size shoes do you take?\n  hold / contain\n  33  [VN] [no passive] (not used in the progressive tenses) to have enough space for sth/sb; to be able to hold or contain a particular quantity:\nThe bus can take 60 passengers. * The tank takes 50 litres.\n  teach / lead\n  34  [VN] ~ sb (for sth) | ~ sth to be the teacher or leader in a class or a religious service:\nThe head teacher usually takes us for French. * Mr Perkins took the morning service.\n  study\n  35  [VN] to study a subject at school, college, etc:\nShe is planning to take a computer course. * How many subjects are you taking this year?\n  exam\n  36  [VN] to do an exam or a test:\nWhen did you take your driving test?\n  transport / road\n  37  [VN] to use a form of transport, a road, a path, etc. to go to a place:\nto take the bus / plane / train * to take a cab * Take the second road on the right. * It’s more interesting to take the coast road.\n  go over / around\n  38  [VN] to go over or around sth:\nThe horse took the first fence well. * He takes bends much too fast.\n  in football\n  39  [VN] (of a person playing football, etc.) to kick or throw the ball from a fixed or agreed position:\nto take a penalty / free kick / corner\n  vote / survey\n  40  [VN] to use a particular method to find out people’s opinions:\nto take a vote / poll / survey\n  be successful\n  41  [V] to be successful; to work:\nThe skin graft failed to take.\n  grammar\n  42  [VN] (not used in the progressive tenses) (of verbs, nouns, etc.) to have or require sth when used in a sentence or other structure:\nThe verb ’rely’ takes the preposition ’on’.\n IDIOMS \n  Most idioms containing take are at the entries for the nouns and adjectives in the idioms, for example take the biscuit is at biscuit.\n  I / you, etc. can’t take sb anywhere (informal, often humorous) used to say that you cannot trust sb to behave well in public:\nYou haven’t spilled your coffee again! I can’t take you anywhere!\n  have (got) what it takes (informal) to have the qualities, ability, etc. needed to be successful\n  take sth as it comes | take sb as they come to accept sth/sb without wishing it/them to be different or without thinking about it/them very much in advance:\nShe takes life as it comes.\n  take it (that ...) to suppose; to ASSUME:\nI take it you won’t be coming to the party?\n  take it from me (that ...) (informal) used to emphasize that what you are going to say is the truth:\nTake it from me-he’ll be a millionaire before he’s 30.\n  take it on / upon yourself to do sth to decide to do sth without asking permission or advice\n  take it or leave it used to say that you do not care if sb accepts or rejects your offer\n  take it / a lot out of sb to make sb physically or mentally tired:\nTaking care of small children takes it out of you.\n  take some / a lot of doing (informal) to need a lot of effort or time; to be very difficult to do\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  take sb aback [usually passive] to shock or surprise sb very much\n  take after sb [no passive]\n1 (not used in the progressive tenses) to look or behave like an older member of your family, especially your mother or father:\nYour daughter doesn’t take after you at all.\n2 (AmE, informal) to follow sb quickly:\nI was afraid that if I started running the man would take after me.\n  take against sb/sth [no passive] (old-fashioned, BrE) to start not liking sb/sth for no clear reason\n  take sb/sth<->apart (informal)\n1 to defeat sb easily in a game or competition:\nWe were simply taken apart by the other team.\n2 to criticize sb/sth severely:\nIn his speech he took the opposition apart.\n  take sth<->apart to separate a machine or piece of equipment into the different parts that it is made of\nSYN DISMANTLE\n  take sth<->away\n1 to make a feeling, pain, etc. disappear:\nI was given some pills to take away the pain.\n2 (BrE) (AmE take sth<->out) to buy cooked food at a restaurant and carry it away to eat, for example at home:\nTwo burgers to take away, please.\nrelated noun TAKEAWAY, TAKEOUT\n  take away from sth [no passive] to make the effort or value of sth seem less:\nI don’t want to take away from his achievements, but he couldn’t have done it without my help.\n  take sb<->back to allow sb, such as your husband, wife or partner, to come home after they have left because of a problem\n  take sb back (to ...) to make sb remember sth:\nThe smell of the sea took him back to his childhood. * That song takes me back 30 years.\n  take sth<->back\n1 if you take sth back to a shop/store, or a shop/store takes sth back, you return sth that you have bought there, for example because it is the wrong size or does not work\n2 to admit that sth you said was wrong or that you should not have said it:\nOK, I take it all back!\n  take sth<->down\n1 to remove a structure, especially by separating it into pieces:\nto take down a tent / fence * Workmen arrived to take down the scaffolding.\n2 to pull down a piece of clothing worn below the waist without completely removing it:\nto take down your trousers / pants\n3 to write sth down:\nReporters took down every word of his speech.\n  take sb<->in\n1 to allow sb to stay in your home:\nto take in lodgers * He was homeless, so we took him in.\n2 [often passive] to make sb believe sth that is not true\nSYN DECEIVE:\nShe took me in completely with her story. * Don’t be taken in by his charm-he’s ruthless.\n  take sth<->in\n1 to absorb sth into the body, for example by breathing or swallowing:\nFish take in oxygen through their gills.\nrelated noun INTAKE\n2 to make a piece of clothing narrower or tighter:\nThis dress needs to be taken in at the waist.\nOPP LET OUT\n3 [no passive] to include or cover sth:\nThe tour takes in six European capitals. * Her lecture took in all the recent developments in the subject.\n4 [no passive] to go to see or visit sth such as a film/movie:\nI generally take in a show when I’m in New York on business.\n5 to take notice of sth with your eyes:\nHe took in every detail of her appearance. * She took in the scene at a glance.\n6 to understand or remember sth that you hear or read:\nHalfway through the chapter I realized I hadn’t taken anything in.\n  take off\n1 (of an aircraft, etc.) to leave the ground and begin to fly:\nThe plane took off an hour late.\nrelated noun TAKE-OFF\nOPP LAND\n2 (informal) to leave a place, especially in a hurry:\nWhen he saw me coming he took off in the opposite direction.\n3 (of an idea, a product, etc.) to become successful or popular very quickly or suddenly:\nThe new magazine has really taken off. * Her singing career took off after her TV appearance.\n  take sb<->off\n1 to copy sb’s voice, actions or manner in an amusing way\n2 (in sports, entertainment, etc.) to make sb stop playing, acting, etc. and leave the field or the stage:\nHe was taken off after twenty minutes.\n  take sth<->off\n1 to remove sth, especially a piece of clothing from your/sb’s body:\nto take off your coat / hat / skirt / glasses * He took off my wet boots and made me sit by the fire.\nOPP PUT ON\n2 to have a period of time as a break from work:\nI’ve decided to take a few days off next week.\n3 [often passive] to stop a public service, television programme, performances of a show, etc:\nThe show was taken off because of poor audience figures.\n4 to remove some of sb’s hair, part of sb’s body, etc:\nThe hairdresser asked me how much she should take off. * The explosion nearly took his arm off.\n  take yourself / sb off (to ...) (informal) to leave a place; to make sb leave a place\n  take sb off sth [often passive] to remove sb from sth such as a job, position, piece of equipment, etc:\nThe officer leading the investigation has been taken off the case. * After three days she was taken off the ventilator.\n  take sth off sth\n1 to remove an amount of money or a number of marks, points, etc. in order to reduce the total:\nThe manager took $10 off the bill. * That experience took ten years off my life (= made me feel ten years older).\n2 [often passive] to stop sth from being sold:\nDoctors recommended that the slimming pills should be taken off the market.\n  take sb<->on\n1 to employ sb:\nto take on new staff * She was taken on as a trainee. -> EMPLOY\n2 [no passive] to play against sb in a game or contest; to fight against sb:\nto take somebody on at snooker / tennis / chess * The rebels took on the entire Roman army.\n  take sth<->on [no passive] to begin to have a particular quality, appearance, etc:\nThe chameleon can take on the colours of its background. * His voice took on a more serious tone.\n  take sth/sb<->on\n1 to decide to do sth; to agree to be responsible for sb/sth:\nI can’t take on any extra work. * We’re not taking on any new clients at present.\n2 (of a bus, plane or ship) to allow sb/sth to enter:\nThe bus stopped to take on more passengers. * The ship took on more fuel at Freetown.\n  take sb<->out to go to a restaurant, theatre, club, etc. with sb you have invited\n  take sb/sth<->out (informal) to kill sb or destroy sth:\nThey took out two enemy bombers.\n  take sth<->out\n1 to remove sth from inside sb’s body, especially a part of it:\nHow many teeth did the dentist take out?\n2 to obtain an official document or service:\nto take out an insurance policy / a mortgage / a loan * to take out an ad in a newspaper\n3 (AmE) = TAKE STH AWAY (2)\n  take sth<->out (against sb) to start legal action against sb by means of an official document:\nThe police have taken out a summons against the driver of the car.\n  take sth<->out (of sth) to obtain money by removing it from your bank account\n  take sth out of sth to remove an amount of money from a larger amount, especially as a payment:\nThe fine will be taken out of your wages.\n  take it / sth out on sb to behave in an unpleasant way towards sb because you feel angry, disappointed, etc., although it is not their fault:\nOK, so you had a bad day. Don’t take it out on me. * She tended to take her frustrations out on her family.\n  take sb out of themselves to make sb forget their worries and become less concerned with their own thoughts and situation\n  take over (from sth) to become bigger or more important than sth else; to replace sth:\nTry not to let negative thoughts take over. * It has been suggested that mammals took over from dinosaurs 65 million years ago. * In your teens, peer-group friendships may take over from parents as the major influence on you.\n  take over (from sb) | take sth<->over (from sb)\n1 to begin to have control of or responsibility for sth, especially in place of sb else\n2 to gain control of a political party, a country, etc:\nThe army is threatening to take over if civil unrest continues.\n  take sth<->over to gain control of a business, a company, etc., especially by buying shares:\nCBS Records was taken over by Sony.\nrelated noun TAKEOVER\n  take sb through sth to help sb learn or become familiar with sth, for example by reading or talking about each part in turn:\nThe director took us through the play scene by scene. * I still don’t understand the contract. Can you take me through it again?\n  take to sth [no passive]\n1 to go away to a place, especially to escape from danger:\nThe rebels took to the hills.\n2 to begin to do sth as a habit:\n[+ -ing] I’ve taken to waking up very early.\n3 to develop an ability for sth:\nShe took to tennis as if she’d been playing all her life.\n  take to sb/sth [no passive] to start liking sb/sth:\nI took to my new boss immediately. * He hasn’t taken to his new school.\n  take up to continue, especially starting after sb/sth else has finished:\nThe band’s new album takes up where their last one left off.\n  take up sth to fill or use an amount of space or time:\nThe table takes up too much room. * I won’t take up any more of your time. * Her time is fully taken up with writing.\n  take sth<->up\n1 to make sth such as a piece of clothing shorter:\nThis skirt needs taking up.\nOPP LET DOWN\n2 to learn or start to do sth, especially for pleasure:\nThey’ve taken up golf. * She has taken up (= started to learn to play) the oboe.\n3 to start or begin sth such as a job:\nHe takes up his duties next week.\n4 to join in singing or saying sth:\nto take up the chorus / song / cry * Their protests were later taken up by other groups.\n5 to continue sth that sb else has not finished, or that has not been mentioned for some time:\nShe took up the story where Tim had left off. * I’d like to take up the point you raised earlier.\n6 to move into a particular position:\nI took up my position by the door.\n7 to accept sth that is offered or available:\nto take up a challenge * She took up his offer of a drink.\n  take up with sb (informal) to begin to be friendly with sb, especially sb with a bad reputation\n  take sb up on sth\n1 to question sb about sth, because you do not agree with them:\nI must take you up on that point. * I’d like to take you up on what you said earlier.\n2 (informal) to accept an offer, a bet, etc. from sb:\nThanks for the invitation-we’ll take you up on it some time.\n  take sth up with sb to speak or write to sb about sth that they may be able to deal with or help you with:\nThey decided to take the matter up with their MP.\n  be taken up with sth/sb to be giving all your time and energy to sth/sb:\nShe’s completely taken up with preparing for her exams.\n  be taken with sb/sth to find sb/sth attractive or interesting:\nWe were all very taken with his girlfriend. * I think he’s quite taken with the idea.\n    noun\n  1  a scene or part of a film/movie that is filmed at one time without stopping the camera:\nWe managed to get it right in just two takes.\n  2  [usually sing.] (informal) an amount of money that sb receives, especially the money that is earned by a business during a particular period of time\nSYN TAKINGS:\nHow much is my share of the take?\n  3  ~ on sth (informal) the particular opinion or idea that sb has about sth:\nWhat’s his take on the plan? * Branagh’s new take on the Romeo and Juliet story (= his way of presenting it)\nsee also DOUBLE TAKE\n IDIOMS \n  be on the take (informal) to accept money from sb for helping them in a dishonest or illegal way


Words: take-off
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  [U, C] the moment at which an aircraft leaves the ground and starts to fly:\nThe plane is ready for take-off. * take-off speed * Owing to the fog, there were no take-offs from the airport yesterday. * (figurative) The local economy is poised for take-off.\nOPP LANDING\n \n  2  [C, U] the moment when your feet leave the ground when you jump\n \n  3  [C] if you do a take-off of sb, you copy the way they speak or behave, in a humorous way to entertain people


Words: take-up
Meaning:
noun\n[U, sing.] the rate at which people accept sth that is offered or made available to them:\na high / low take-up of government benefits * The take-up of foreign language courses has been disappointing. * The take-up rate rose to 80%.


Words: takeaway
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE takeout) (also carry-out AmE, ScotE) noun\n  1  a restaurant that cooks and sells food that you take away and eat somewhere else:\nWe can get something to eat from the Chinese takeaway.\n  2  a meal that you buy at this type of restaurant:\nLet’s have a takeaway tonight.


Words: takeover
Meaning:
noun [C, U]\n  1  an act of taking control of a company by buying most of its shares:\nThey made a takeover bid for the company.\n  2  an act of taking control of a country, an area or a political organization by force:\na military takeover of the government


Words: taker
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  [usually pl.] a person who is willing to accept sth that is being offered:\nThey won’t find many takers for the house at that price. * Are there any takers for my home-made ice cream?\n \n  2  (often in compounds) a person who takes sth:\ndrug / hostage / risk takers * It is better to be a giver than a taker.


Words: takings
Meaning:
noun\n[pl.] the amount of money that a shop/store, theatre, etc. receives from selling goods or tickets over a particular period of time:\nThe box office takings are up on last week.


Words: talcum powder
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a fine soft powder, usually with a pleasant smell, that you put on your skin to make it feel smooth and dry


Words: tale
Meaning:
noun\n  1  an imaginative story, especially one that is full of action and adventure:\nDickens’ ’A Tale of Two Cities’ * a fairy / moral / romantic tale * His latest book is a delightful children’s tale about talking animals.\nsee also FOLK TALE\n  2  an exciting spoken description of an event, which may not be completely true:\nI love listening to his tales of life at sea. * I’ve heard tales of people seeing ghosts in that house. * The team’s tale of woe continued on Saturday (= they lost another match). * Her experiences provide a cautionary tale (= a warning) for us all.\nsee also TELLTALE\n IDIOMS  see OLD, TELL


Words: talent
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C, U] ~ (for sth) a natural ability to do sth well:\nto have great artistic talent * a man / woman of many talents * She showed considerable talent for getting what she wanted. * a talent competition / contest / show (= in which people perform, to show how well they can sing, dance, etc.)\n  2  [U, C] people or a person with a natural ability to do sth well:\nThere is a wealth of young talent in British theatre. * He is a great talent.\n  3  [U] (BrE, slang) people who are sexually attractive:\nHe likes to spend his time chatting up the local talent.


Words: talent scout
Meaning:
(also scout, talent spotter) noun\na person whose job is to find people who are good at singing, acting, sport, etc. in order to give them work


Words: talk
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n  speak to sb\n  1  ~ (to / with sb) (about sb/sth) | ~ of / on sth to say things; to speak in order to give information or to express feelings, ideas, etc:\n[V] Stop talking and listen! * We talked on the phone for over an hour. * Who were you talking to just now? * We looked around the school and talked with the principal. * Ann and Joe aren’t talking to each other right now (= they refuse to speak to each other because they have argued). * When they get together, all they talk about is football. * What are you talking about? (= used when you are surprised, annoyed and / or worried by sth that sb has just said) * Mary is talking of looking for another job. * [VN-ADJ] We talked ourselves hoarse, catching up on all the news. -> SPEAK\n  discuss\n  2  ~ (to / with sb) (about sth) to discuss sth, usually sth serious or important:\n[V] This situation can’t go on. We need to talk. * The two sides in the dispute say they are ready to talk. * Talk to your doctor if you’re still worried. * [VN] to talk business / politics\n  say words\n  3  to say words in a language:\n[V] The baby is just starting to talk. * We couldn’t understand them because they were talking in Chinese. * [VN] Are they talking Swedish or Danish?\n  sense / nonsense\n  4  [VN] to say things that are/are not sensible:\nShe talks a lot of sense. * (BrE) You’re talking rubbish! * See if you can talk some sense into him (= persuade him to be sensible).\n  for emphasis\n  5  [VN] (be talking sth) (informal) used to emphasize an amount of money, how serious sth is, etc:\nWe’re talking ｣500 for three hours’ work. * Do you know what this will cost? We’re talking megabucks here.\n  about private life\n  6  [V] to talk about a person’s private life\nSYN GOSSIP:\nDon’t phone me at work-people will talk.\n  give information\n  7  [V] to give information to sb, especially unwillingly:\nThe police questioned him but he refused to talk.\n IDIOMS \n  look who’s talking | you can / can’t talk | you’re a fine one to talk (spoken) used to tell sb that they should not criticize sb else for sth because they do the same things too:\n’George is so careless with money.’ ’Look who’s talking!’\n  now you’re talking (spoken) used when you like what sb has suggested very much\n  talk about ... (spoken) used to emphasize sth:\nTalk about mean! She didn’t even buy me a card.\n  talk dirty (informal) to talk to sb about sex in order to make them sexually excited\n  talk the hind leg off a donkey (informal) to talk too much, especially about boring or unimportant things\n  talking of sb/sth (spoken, especially BrE) used when you are going to say more about a subject that has already been mentioned:\nTalking of Sue, I met her new boyfriend last week.\n  talk shop (usually disapproving) to talk about your work with the people you work with, especially when you are also with other people who are not connected with or interested in it:\nWhenever we meet up with Clive and Sue they always end up talking shop.\n  talk through your hat (old-fashioned, informal) to say silly things while you are talking about a subject you do not understand\n  talk tough (on sth) (informal, especially AmE) to tell people very strongly what you want\n  talk turkey (informal, especially AmE) to talk about sth seriously\n  talk your way out of sth / of doing sth to make excuses and give reasons for not doing sth; to manage to get yourself out of a difficult situation:\nI managed to talk my way out of having to give a speech. * His wife’s found out about everything! I’d like to see him talk his way out of this one!\n  you can / can’t talk (spoken) = LOOK WHO’S TALKING\n  you’re a fine one to talk (spoken) = LOOK WHO’S TALKING\nmore at DEVIL, KNOW v., LANGUAGE, MONEY, SENSE n., TURN n.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  talk around / round sth to talk about sth in a general way without dealing with the most important parts of it:\nWe spent a whole hour talking around the problem before looking at ways of solving it.\n  talk at sb to speak to sb without listening to what they say in reply:\nYou can’t have a real conversation with him-he just talks at you all the time.\n  talk back (to sb) to answer sb rudely, especially sb in authority\nrelated noun BACK TALK\n  talk sb/sth<->down to help a pilot of a plane to land by giving instructions from the ground\n  talk sth<->down to make sth seem less important or successful than it really is:\nYou shouldn’t talk down your own achievements.\n  talk down to sb to speak to sb as if they were less important or intelligent than you\n  talk sb into / out of sth to persuade sb to do/not to do sth:\nI didn’t want to move abroad but Bill talked me into it. * [+ -ing] She tried to talk him out of leaving.\n  talk sth<->out to discuss sth thoroughly in order to make a decision, solve a problem, etc:\nWe need to talk out the issue with the others before making a decision.\n  talk sth<->over (with sb) to discuss sth thoroughly, especially in order to reach an agreement or make a decision:\nYou’ll find it helpful to talk things over with a friend. * They talked over the proposal and decided to give it their approval.\n  talk sb round (to sth) (BrE) to persuade sb to accept sth or agree to sth:\nWe finally managed to talk them round to our way of thinking.\n  talk sth <->through to discuss sth thoroughly until you are sure you understand it:\nIt sounds like a good idea but we’ll need to talk it through.\n  talk sb/sth up to describe sb/sth in a way that makes them sound better than they really are:\nThey talked up the tourist attractions to encourage more visitors.\n    noun\n  conversation\n  1  [C] ~ (with sb) (about sth) a conversation or discussion:\nI had a long talk with my boss about my career prospects. * We need to have a serious talk about money matters. * She looked worried so we had a talk.\n  formal discussions\n  2  (talks) [pl.] formal discussions between governments or organizations:\narms / pay / peace talks * to hold talks * In New York yesterday, talks between the two sides continued.\n  speech\n  3  [C] ~ (on sth) a speech or LECTURE on a particular subject:\nShe gave an interesting talk on her visit to China.\n  words without actions\n  4  [U] (informal) words that are spoken, but without the necessary facts or actions to support them:\nIt’s just talk. He’d never carry out his threats. * Don’t pay any attention to her-she’s all talk.\n  stories / rumours\n  5  [U] ~ (of sth / of doing sth) | ~ (that ...) stories that suggest a particular thing might happen in the future:\nThere was talk in Washington of sending in troops. * There’s talk that he’s a difficult actor to work with.\n  topic / way of speaking\n  6  [U] (often in compounds) a topic of conversation or a way of speaking:\ngirl / sales talk * It was tough talk, coming from a man who had begun the year in a hospital bed.\nsee also SMALL TALK, SWEET TALK\n IDIOMS \n  the talk of sth the person or thing that everyone is talking about in a particular place:\nOvernight, she became the talk of the town (= very famous).\nmore at FIGHT v.


Words: talkative
Meaning:
adjective\nliking to talk a lot:\nHe’s not very talkative, except on the subject of his plants. * She was in a talkative mood.


Words: talker
Meaning:
noun\na person who talks in a particular way or who talks a lot:\na brilliant / persuasive / good talker * She’s a (great) talker (= she talks a lot). * He’s more a talker than a doer (= he talks instead of doing things).\n IDIOMS  see FAST adj.


Words: talkie
Meaning:
noun\n[usually pl.] (old-fashioned, especially AmE) a film/movie that has sounds and not just pictures\nsee also WALKIE-TALKIE


Words: talking head
Meaning:
noun\n(informal) a person on television who talks straight to the camera:\nThe election broadcast consisted largely of talking heads.


Words: talking point
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (BrE) a subject that is talked about or discussed by many people:\nThe judge’s decision became a legal talking point.\n  2  (AmE) an item that sb will speak about at a meeting, often one that supports a particular argument


Words: talking shop
Meaning:
noun\n(BrE, disapproving) a place where there is a lot of discussion and argument but no action is taken


Words: talking-to
Meaning:
noun\n[sing.] (informal) a serious talk with sb who has done sth wrong:\nto give sb a good talking-to


Words: tall
Meaning:
adjective (taller, tallest)\n  1  (of a person, building, tree, etc.) having a greater than average height:\nShe’s tall and thin with light brown hair. * tall chimneys / towers * the tallest building in the world * a tall glass of iced tea\nOPP SHORT\n  2  used to describe or ask about the height of sb/sth:\nHow tall are you? * He’s six feet tall and weighs 200 pounds. -> HIGH\n    tallness noun [U]\n IDIOMS \n  stand tall (especially AmE) to show that you are proud and able to deal with anything\n  be a tall order (informal) to be very difficult to do\nmore at WALK v.


Words: tall story
Meaning:
(especially BrE) (AmE usually tall tale) noun\na story that is difficult to believe because what it describes seems exaggerated and not likely to be true


Words: tally
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun (plural tallies) a record of the number or amount of sth, especially one that you can keep adding to:\nHe hopes to improve on his tally of three goals in the past nine games. * Keep a tally of how much you spend while you’re away. * With 85% of the vote counted, unofficial tallies showed Ramos leading his closest rivals.\n    verb (tallies, tallying, tallied, tallied)\n  1  [V] ~ (with sth) to be the same as or to match another person’s account of sth, another set of figures, etc.\nSYN MATCH UP:\nHer report of what happened tallied exactly with the story of another witness.\n  2  [VN] ~ sth (up) to calculate the total number, cost, etc. of sth:\nWhen we tallied up the cost of moving, we decided against it.


Words: Talmud
Meaning:
(the Talmud) noun [sing.] a collection of ancient writings on Jewish law and traditions\n    Talmudic  adjective


Words: talon
Meaning:
noun\na long sharp curved nail on the feet of some birds, especially BIRDS OF PREY (= birds that kill other creatures for food)


Words: tamarind
Meaning:
noun\na tropical tree that produces fruit, also called tamarinds, that are often preserved and used in Asian cooking


Words: tambourine
Meaning:
noun\na musical instrument that has a circular wooden frame covered with plastic or skin, with metal discs around the edge. To play it you shake it or hit it with your hand.


Words: tame
Meaning:
adjective, verb \n    adjective (tamer, tamest)\n  1  (of animals, birds, etc.) not afraid of people, and used to living with them:\nThe bird became so tame that it was impossible to release it back into the wild.\nOPP WILD\n  2  (informal) not interesting or exciting:\nYou’ll find life here pretty tame after New York.\n  3  (informal) (of a person) willing to do what other people ask:\nI have a tame doctor who’ll always give me a sick note when I want a day off.\n    tamely adverb:\nShe’s not likely to stand by and tamely accept defeat.\n    tameness noun [U] \n    verb [VN] to make sth tame or easy to control:\nLions can never be completely tamed. * She made strenuous efforts to tame her anger.


Words: Tamil
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] a member of a race of people living in parts of S India and Sri Lanka\n  2  [U] the language of the Tamils\n    Tamil adjective


Words: tamp
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] ~ sth (down) to press sth down firmly, especially into a closed space:\nHe tamped down the tobacco in his pipe with his thumb.


Words: tamper
Meaning:
verb\n\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  tamper with sth to make changes to sth without permission, especially in order to damage it:\nSomeone had obviously tampered with the brakes of my car.


Words: tampon
Meaning:
noun\na specially shaped piece of cotton material that a woman puts inside her VAGINA to absorb blood during her PERIOD\ncompare SANITARY TOWEL


Words: tan
Meaning:
verb, noun, adjective, abbreviation \n    verb (-nn-)\n  1  if a person or their skin tans or is tanned, they become brown as a result of spending time in the sun:\n[V] My skin tans really easily. [also VN]\n  2  [VN] to make animal skin into leather by treating it with chemicals\n IDIOMS  see HIDE n.\n    noun\n  1  [U] a yellowish-brown colour\n  2  (also suntan) [C] the brown colour that sb with pale skin goes when they have been in the sun:\nto get a tan * My tan’s fading already.\n    adjective yellowish brown in colour\n    abbreviation (mathematics) TANGENT


Words: tandem
Meaning:
noun\na bicycle for two riders, one behind the other\n IDIOMS \n  in tandem (with sb/sth) a thing that works or happens in tandem with sth else works together with it or happens at the same time as it:\nThe two systems are designed to work in tandem. * Stock prices pushed sharply higher this afternoon in tandem with a rise in the dollar.


Words: tandoori
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (often used as an adjective) an Indian method of cooking meat on a metal rod (called a SPIT) in a clay oven:\ntandoori chicken * a tandoori restaurant


Words: tang
Meaning:
noun\n[usually sing.] a strong sharp taste or smell:\nthe tang of lemons\n    tangy  adjective:\na refreshing tangy lemon flavour * She breathed in the crisp, tangy air and realized that it was almost autumn.


Words: tangent
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  (geometry) a straight line that touches the outside of a curve but does not cross it\n \n  2  (abbreviation tan) (mathematics) the RATIO of the length of the side opposite an angle in a RIGHT-ANGLED triangle to the length of the side next to it\ncompare COSINE, SINE\n \n IDIOMS \n \n  fly / go off at a tangent (BrE) (AmE go off on a tangent) (informal) to suddenly start saying or doing sth that does not seem to be connected to what has gone before:\nHe never sticks to the point but keeps going off at a tangent.


Words: tangential
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (formal) having only a slight or indirect connection with sth:\na tangential argument\n  2  (geometry) of or along a tangent\n    tangentially adverb


Words: tangerine
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] a type of small sweet orange with loose skin that comes off easily\n  2  [U] a deep orange-yellow colour\n    tangerine adjective:\na tangerine evening gown


Words: tangible
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  [usually before noun] that can be clearly seen to exist:\ntangible benefits / improvements / results * We cannot accept his findings without tangible evidence. * tangible assets (= a company’s buildings, machinery, etc.)\n  2  that you can touch and feel:\nThe tension between them was almost tangible. * (formal) the tangible world\nOPP INTANGIBLE\n    tangibly  adverb:\nLaura was almost tangibly aware of his hard grey eyes focused on her.


Words: tangle
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  a twisted mass of threads, hair, etc. that cannot be easily separated:\na tangle of branches * Her hair was a mass of tangles.\n  2  a state of confusion or disorder:\nHis financial affairs are in a tangle.\n  3  (informal) a disagreement or fight\n    verb ~ (sth) up to twist sth into an untidy mass; to become twisted in this way:\n[VN] She had tangled up the sheets on the bed as she lay tossing and turning. [also V] \n PHRASAL VERBS \n  tangle with sb/sth to become involved in an argument or a fight with sb/sth:\nLast time I tangled with him, he won!


Words: tangled
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  twisted together in an untidy way:\ntangled hair / bed clothes\n  2  complicated, and not easy to understand:\ntangled financial affairs


Words: tango
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun (plural tangos ) a fast S American dance with a strong beat, in which two people hold each other closely; a piece of music for this dance\n    verb (tangoing, tangoed, tangoed) [V] to dance the tango


Words: tank
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  a large container for holding liquid or gas:\na hot water tank * a fuel / petrol / fish tank\nsee also SEPTIC TANK, THINK TANK\n \n  2  (also tankful ) the contents of a tank or the amount it will hold:\nWe drove there and back on one tank of petrol.\n \n  3  a military vehicle covered with strong metal and armed with guns. It can travel over very rough ground using wheels that move inside metal belts.


Words: tank top
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (BrE) a sweater without sleeves\n  2  (AmE) a piece of clothing like a T-SHIRT without sleeves


Words: tanked up
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE tanked) adjective\n(informal) very drunk:\nTheir idea of fun is getting tanked up on cheap beer. * We got totally tanked on Saturday night.


Words: tanker
Meaning:
noun\na ship or lorry/truck that carries oil, gas or petrol/gas in large quantities:\nan oil tanker * a tanker driver\nsee also SUPERTANKER


Words: tanned
Meaning:
(also suntanned) adjective\nhaving a brown skin colour as a result of being in the sun:\nHe had a tanned face and clear eyes.


Words: tannin
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a yellowish or brownish substance found in the bark of some trees and the fruit of many plants, used especially in making leather, ink and wine\n    tannic  adjective


Words: Tannoy
Meaning:
noun\n(BrE) a system with LOUDSPEAKERS used for giving information in a public place:\nto make an announcement over the Tannoy


Words: tantalize
Meaning:
(BrE also tantalise)  verb\n[VN] to make a person or an animal want sth that they cannot have or do\n    tantalizing, tantalising adjective:\nThe tantalizing aroma of fresh coffee wafted towards them. * a tantalizing glimpse of the future\n    tantalizingly, tantalisingly adverb:\nThe branch was tantalizingly out of reach.


Words: tantamount
Meaning:
adjective\n~ to sth (written) having the same bad effect as sth else:\nIf he resigned it would be tantamount to admitting that he was guilty.


Words: tantrum
Meaning:
noun\na sudden short period of angry, unreasonable behaviour, especially in a child:\nto have / throw a tantrum * Children often have temper tantrums at the age of two or thereabouts.


Words: tap
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n (-pp-)\n \n  1  to hit sb/sth quickly and lightly:\n[V] Someone tapped at the door. * He was busy tapping away at his computer. * [VN] Ralph tapped me on the shoulder.\n \n  2  if you tap your fingers, feet, etc. or they tap, you hit them gently against a table, the floor, etc., for example to the rhythm of music:\n[VN] He kept tapping his fingers on the table. * [V] The music set everyone’s feet tapping.\n \n  3  ~ (into) sth to make use of a source of energy, knowledge, etc. that already exists:\n[VN] We need to tap the expertise and skill of the people we already have. * [V] The movie seems to tap into a general sentimentality about animals.\n \n  4  [VN] (also wiretap especially in AmE) to fit a device to a telephone so that sb’s calls can be listened to secretly:\nHe was convinced his phone was being tapped.\n  5  [VN] to cut into a tree in order to get liquid from it\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  tap sb for sth (BrE, informal) to persuade sb to give you sth, especially money:\nHe tried to tap me for a loan.\n  tap sth<->in / out to put information, numbers, letters, etc. into a machine by pressing buttons:\nTap in your PIN number. * He tapped out a few words on the keyboard.\n  tap sth<->out to hit a surface gently to the rhythm of music:\nShe tapped out the beat on the table.\n    noun\n\n \n  1  (especially BrE) (AmE usually faucet) [C] a device for controlling the flow of liquid or gas from a pipe or container:\nbath taps * the hot / cold tap (= the tap that hot / cold water comes out of) * a gas tap * Turn the tap on / off. * Don’t leave the tap running. * the sound of a dripping tap * I put my head under the tap and let the cool water run over me.\nsee also TAP WATER\n \n  2  [C] a light hit with your hand or fingers:\na tap at / on the door * He felt a tap on his shoulder and turned round.\n \n  3  [C] an act of fitting a device to a telephone so that sb’s telephone calls can be listened to secretly:\na phone tap\n  4  [U] = TAP-DANCING\n IDIOMS \n  on tap\n1 available to be used at any time:\nWe have this sort of information on tap.\n2 beer that is on tap is in a BARREL with a tap on it


Words: tap dance
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] a style of dancing in which you tap the rhythm of the music with your feet, wearing special shoes with pieces of metal on the heels and toes\n    tap dancer noun\n    tap-dancing (also tap) noun [U]


Words: tap water
Meaning:
noun\n[U] water supplied through pipes to taps/faucets in a building:\nIs the tap water safe to drink?


Words: tape
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  [U] a long narrow strip of MAGNETIC material that is used for recording sounds, pictures or information:\nHis albums are available on tape and CD.\nsee also MAGNETIC TAPE, VIDEOTAPE\n \n  2  [C] a cassette that contains sounds, or sounds and pictures, that have been recorded:\na blank tape (= a tape that has nothing recorded on it) * I lent her my Bob Marley tapes. * Police seized various books and tapes.\n \n  3  [U] a long narrow strip of material with a sticky substance on one side that is used for sticking things together:\nadhesive / sticky tape\nsee also INSULATING TAPE, MASKING TAPE, SCOTCH TAPE, SELLOTAPE\n  4  [C, U] a narrow strip of material that is used for tying things together or as a label:\nThe papers were in a pile, tied together with a tape.\nsee also RED TAPE, TICKER TAPE\n  5  [C] a long narrow strip of material that is stretched across the place where a race will finish:\nthe finishing tape\n  6  [C] = TAPE MEASURE\n    verb [VN] \n  1  to record sb/sth on MAGNETIC tape using a special machine:\nWill you tape ’Friends’ for me tonight? * Private conversations between the two had been taped and sent to a newspaper. * a taped announcement\n  2  ~ sth (up) to fasten sth by sticking or tying it with tape:\nPut it in a box and tape it up securely.\n  3  [+adv./prep.] to stick sth onto sth else using sticky tape:\nSomeone had taped a message on the door.\n  4  (AmE) ~ sth (up) to tie a BANDAGE firmly around an injury or a wound:\nThat’s a nasty cut-come on, we’ll get it all taped up.\n IDIOMS \n  have (got) sb/sth taped (BrE, informal) to understand sb/sth completely and to have learned how to deal with them/it successfully:\nHe can’t fool me-I’ve got him taped. * It took me a while to learn the job, but I think I’ve got it taped now.


Words: tape measure
Meaning:
(also tape, measuring tape) noun\na long narrow strip of plastic, fabric or FLEXIBLE metal that has measurements marked on it and is used for measuring the length of sth


Words: tape-record
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] to record sth on tape:\na tape-recorded interview * She had secretly tape-recorded all their conversations.


Words: taper
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb to become gradually narrower; to make sth become gradually narrower:\n[V] The tail tapered to a rounded tip. * She had long tapering fingers. * [VN] The pots are wide at the base and tapered at the top.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  taper off to become gradually less in number, amount, degree, etc:\nThe number of applicants for teaching posts has tapered off.\n  taper sth<->off to make sth become gradually less in number, amount, degree, etc:\nThey are gradually tapering off production of the older models.\n    noun\n  1  a long thin piece of wood, paper, etc. that is used for lighting fires or lamps:\nShe lit the gas with a taper.\n  2  a long thin candle\n  3  [usually sing.] the way that sth gradually decreases in shape or size


Words: tapestry
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] (plural tapestries) a picture or pattern that is made by weaving coloured wool on to heavy fabric; the art of doing this:\nmedieval tapestries * tapestry cushions * crafts such as embroidery and tapestry\n    tapestried adjective:\ntapestried walls


Words: tapioca
Meaning:
noun\n[U] hard white grains obtained from the CASSAVA plant, often cooked with milk to make a DESSERT (= a sweet dish)


Words: tar
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun [U]\n  1  a thick black sticky liquid that becomes hard when cold. Tar is obtained from coal and is used especially in making roads.\n  2  a substance similar to tar that is formed by burning tobacco:\nlow-tar cigarettes\n    verb (-rr-) [VN] to cover sth with tar:\na tarred road / roof\n IDIOMS \n  tar and feather sb to put tar on sb then cover them with feathers, as a punishment\n  be tarred with the same brush (as sb) to be thought to have the same faults, etc. as sb else


Words: tarantula
Meaning:
noun\na large hairy spider that lives in hot countries. Some types of tarantula have a poisonous bite.


Words: tardy
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (in doing sth) (formal) slow to act, move or happen; late in happening or arriving:\nThe law is often tardy in reacting to changing attitudes. * people who are tardy in paying their bills * (AmE) to be tardy for school\n    tardily  adverb\n    tardiness noun [U]:\nthe tardiness of the company’s response


Words: target
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  a result that you try to achieve:\nbusiness goals and targets * attainment targets * Set yourself targets that you can reasonably hope to achieve. * to meet a target date of April 2001 * The university will reach its target of 5 000 students next September. * The new sports complex is on target to open in June. * a target area / audience / company / group (= the particular area, audience, etc. that a product, programme, etc. is aimed at)\n  2  ~ (for sb/sth) | ~ (of sth) an object, a person or a place that people aim at when attacking:\nThey bombed military and civilian targets. * Doors and windows are an easy target for burglars. * It’s a prime target (= an obvious target) for terrorist attacks. * (figurative) He’s become the target for a lot of criticism recently. * The children became the target for their father’s aggressive outbursts.\n  3  an object that people practise shooting at, especially a round board with circles on it:\nto aim at a target * to hit / miss the target * target practice\n    verb (targeting, targeted, targeted) [VN] [usually passive]\n  1  to aim an attack or a criticism at sb/sth:\nThe missiles were mainly targeted at the United States. * The company has been targeted by animal rights groups for its use of dogs in drugs trials.\n  2  to try to have an effect on a particular group of people:\nThe campaign is clearly targeted on the young. * a new magazine that targets single men


Words: tariff
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a tax that is paid on goods coming into or going out of a country:\nA general tariff was imposed on foreign imports.\n  2  a list of fixed prices that are charged by a hotel or restaurant for rooms, meals, etc., or by a company for a particular service\n  3  (law) a level of punishment for sb who has been found guilty of a crime


Words: Tarmac
Meaning:
noun [U]\n \n  1  (also less frequent tarmacadam ) (AmE also blacktop) a black material used for making road surfaces, that consists of small stones mixed with TAR\n \n  2  (the tarmac) an area with a Tarmac surface, especially at an airport:\nThree planes were standing on the tarmac, waiting to take off.


Words: tarnish
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n  1  if metal tarnishes or sth tarnishes it, it no longer looks bright and shiny:\n[V] The mirrors had tarnished with age. * [VN] The silver candlesticks were tarnished and dusty.\n  2  [VN] to spoil the good opinion people have of sb/sth:\nHe hopes to improve the newspaper’s somewhat tarnished public image.\n    noun [sing., U] a thin layer on the surface of a metal that makes it look dull and not bright


Words: tarot
Meaning:
noun\n[sing., U] a set of special cards with pictures on them, used for telling sb what will happen to them in the future:\nto read / interpret the tarot * tarot cards


Words: tarpaulin
Meaning:
(also AmE informal tarp) noun\n[C, U] a large sheet made of heavy WATERPROOF material, used to cover things to keep rain off


Words: tarragon
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a plant with leaves that have a strong taste and are used in cooking as a herb and to add flavour to VINEGAR


Words: tarry
Meaning:
verb\n(tarries, tarrying, tarried, tarried) [V] (old use or literary) to stay in a place, especially when you ought to leave; to delay coming to or going from a place\nSYN LINGER


Words: tart
Meaning:
noun, adjective, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  [C, U] an open pie filled with sweet food such as fruit:\na strawberry tart\ncompare FLAN, QUICHE\n \n  2  [C] (BrE, informal, disapproving) a woman who you think behaves or dresses in a way that is immoral and is intended to make men sexually excited\n \n  3  [C] (slang) a prostitute\n    adjective\n  1  having an unpleasant sour taste:\ntart apples\n  2  [usually before noun] (of remarks, etc.) quick and unkind:\na tart reply / comment\n    tartly adverb:\n’Too late!’ said my mother tartly.\n    tartness noun [U] \n    verb\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  tart yourself up (BrE, informal) (especially of a woman) to make yourself more attractive by putting on nice clothes, jewellery, make-up, etc:\nShe was in her bedroom tarting herself up for the party.\n  tart sth<->up (BrE, informal) to decorate or improve the appearance of sth, often in a way that other people do not think is attractive


Words: tartan
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  [U, C] a pattern of squares and lines of different colours and widths that cross each other at an angle of 90ｰ, used especially on fabric, and originally from Scotland:\na tartan shirt / kilt / rug\n \n  2  [C] a tartan pattern connected with a particular group of families (= a CLAN) in Scotland:\nthe MacLeod tartan\n \n  3  [U] fabric, especially made of wool, that is woven with a tartan pattern\ncompare PLAID


Words: tartar
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] a hard substance that forms on teeth:\na build-up of tartar\n  2  [C] (old-fashioned) a person in a position of authority who has a very bad temper


Words: tartare sauce
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a thick cold white sauce made from MAYONNAISE, chopped onions and CAPERS, usually eaten with fish


Words: tarty
Meaning:
adjective\n(disapproving) (of a woman) dressing or behaving in a way that is intended to attract sexual attention:\nThis dress doesn’t look too tarty does it?


Words: task
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun a piece of work that sb has to do, especially a hard or unpleasant one:\nto perform / carry out / complete / undertake a task * a daunting / an impossible / a formidable / an unenviable task * a thankless task (= an unpleasant one that nobody wants to do and nobody thanks you for doing) * Our first task is to set up a communications system. * Detectives are now faced with the task of identifying the body. * Getting hold of this information was no easy task (= was difficult). * It was my task to wake everyone up in the morning.\n IDIOMS \n  take sb to task (for / over sth) to criticize sb strongly for sth they have done:\nThe local newspaper has been taking the city council to task over its transport policy.\n    verb [VN] [usually passive] ~ sb (with sth) (formal) to give sb a task to do:\nNATO troops were tasked with keeping the peace.


Words: task force
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a military force that is brought together and sent to a particular place\n  2  a group of people who are brought together to deal with a particular problem:\na drug task force * The government has set up a task force to improve standards in schools.


Words: taskmaster
Meaning:
noun\na person who gives other people work to do, often work that is difficult:\nShe was a hard taskmaster.


Words: tassel
Meaning:
noun\na bunch of threads that are tied together at one end and hang from cushions, curtains, clothes, etc. as a decoration


Words: taste
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  flavour\n  1  [C, U] the particular quality that different foods and drinks have that allows you to recognize them when you put them in your mouth:\na salty / bitter / sweet taste * I don’t like the taste of olives. * This dish has an unusual combination of tastes and textures. * The soup has very little taste.\n  sense\n  2  [U] the sense you have that allows you to recognize different foods and drinks when you put them in your mouth:\nI’ve lost my sense of taste.\n  small quantity\n  3  [C, usually sing.] a small quantity of food or drink that you try in order to see what it is like:\nJust have a taste of this cheese. * Do you want a taste?\n  short experience\n  4  [sing.] a short experience of sth:\nThis was my first taste of live theatre. * Although we didn’t know it, this incident was a taste of things to come.\n  ability to choose well\n  5  [U] a person’s ability to choose things that people recognize as being of good quality or appropriate:\nHe has very good taste in music. * They’ve got more money than taste. * The room was furnished with taste.\n  what you like\n  6  [C, U] ~ (for sth) what a person likes or prefers:\nThat trip gave me a taste for foreign travel. * She has very expensive tastes in clothes. * The colour and style is a matter of personal taste. * Modern art is not to everyone’s taste. * There are trips to suit all tastes.\n IDIOMS \n  be in bad, poor, the worst possible, etc. taste to be offensive and not at all appropriate:\nMost of his jokes were in very poor taste.\n  be in good, the best possible, etc. taste to be appropriate and not at all offensive\n  leave a bad / nasty taste in the mouth (of events or experiences) to make you feel disgusted or ashamed afterwards\n  to taste in the quantity that is needed to make sth taste the way you prefer:\nAdd salt and pepper to taste.\nmore at ACCOUNT v., ACQUIRE, MEDICINE\n    verb (not used in the progressive tenses)\n  have flavour\n  1  linking verb ~ (of sth) to have a particular flavour:\n[V-ADJ] It tastes sweet. * [V] The ice tasted of mint. * This drink tastes like sherry.\n  2  (-tasting) (in adjectives) having a particular flavour:\nfoul-tasting medicine\n  recognize flavour\n  3  [VN] (often used with can or could) to be able to recognize flavours in food and drink:\nYou can taste the garlic in this stew. * I can’t really taste anything with this cold.\n  test flavour\n  4  [VN] to test the flavour of sth by eating or drinking a small amount of it:\nTaste it and see if you think there’s enough salt in it.\n  eat / drink\n  5  [VN] to eat or drink food or liquid:\nI’ve never tasted anything like it.\n  have short experience\n  6  [VN] to have a short experience of sth, especially sth that you want more of:\nHe had tasted freedom only to lose it again.


Words: taste bud
Meaning:
noun\n[usually pl.] one of the small cells on the tongue that allow you to recognize the flavours of food and drink


Words: tasteful
Meaning:
adjective\n(especially of clothes, furniture, decorations, etc.) attractive and of good quality and showing that the person who chose them can recognize good things:\ntasteful furniture\n    tastefully  adverb:\nThe bedroom was tastefully furnished.


Words: tasteless
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  having little or no flavour:\ntasteless soup\n  2  offensive and not appropriate:\ntasteless jokes / remarks\n  3  showing a lack of the ability to choose things that people recognize as attractive and of good quality:\na tasteless brown suit\n    tastelessly adverb


Words: taster
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a person whose job is to judge the quality of wine, tea, etc. by tasting it\n  2  (informal, especially BrE) a small example of sth for you to try in order to see if you would like more of it:\nThe programme is intended as a taster for those who might like to find out more about studying computer science.


Words: tasting
Meaning:
noun\nan event at which people can try different kinds of food and drink, especially wine, in small quantities:\na wine tasting


Words: tasty
Meaning:
adjective (tastier, tastiest)\n  1  (approving) having a strong and pleasant flavour:\na tasty dish / meal * something tasty to eat\n  2  (BrE, informal, sometimes offensive) a word that some men use about women that they think are sexually attractive


Words: tattered
Meaning:
adjective\nold and torn; in bad condition:\ntattered clothes * (figurative) tattered relationships * (figurative) the hotel’s tattered reputation


Words: tatters
Meaning:
noun\n[pl.] clothes or pieces of fabric that are badly torn:\na beggar dressed in tatters\n IDIOMS \n  in tatters\n1 torn in many places:\nHis clothes were in tatters.\n2 ruined or badly damaged:\nHer reputation was in tatters. * The government’s education policy lies in tatters.


Words: tattle
Meaning:
verb\n[V] ~ (on sb) (to sb) (informal disapproving, especially AmE) to tell sb, especially sb in authority, about sth bad that sb else has done\nSYN TELL ON SB:\nYou should learn that you just don’t tattle on classmates.


Words: tattoo
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun (plural tattoos)\n  1  a picture or design that is marked permanently on a person’s skin by making small holes in the skin with a needle and filling them with coloured ink:\nHis arms were covered in tattoos. * She has a tattoo of a tiger on her shoulder.\n  2  (especially BrE) an outdoor show by members of the armed forces that includes marching, music and military exercises:\nthe Edinburgh military tattoo\n  3  [usually sing.] a rapid and continuous series of taps or hits, especially on a drum as a military signal:\nThe drummers beat a tattoo each morning. * Her fingers tapped a light tattoo on the table. * George felt his heart begin to beat a tattoo against his ribs.\n    verb [VN] ~ A on B | ~ B (with A) to mark sb’s skin with a tattoo:\nHe had a heart tattooed on his shoulder. * His shoulder was tattooed with a heart.


Words: tatty
Meaning:
adjective\n(informal, especially BrE) in a bad condition because it has been used a lot or has not been cared for well\nSYN SHABBY:\na tatty carpet / office


Words: taunt
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb [VN] ~ sb (with sth) to try to make sb angry or upset by saying unkind things about them, laughing at their failures, etc:\nThe other kids continually taunted him about his size.\n    noun an insulting or unkind remark that is intended to make sb angry or upset:\nBlack players often had to endure racist taunts. * She ignored his taunt.


Words: Taurus
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  [U] the second sign of the ZODIAC, the BULL\n \n  2  [sing.] a person born under the influence of this sign, that is between 21 April and 21 May\n \n    Taurean  noun, adjective


Words: taut
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  stretched tightly:\ntaut violin strings * Keep the rope taut. * His skin was stretched taut across his cheekbones.\n  2  showing that you are anxious or tense:\na voice taut with anger * Her face was taut and pale.\n  3  (of a person or their body) with firm muscles; not fat:\nHis body was solid and taut.\n  4  (of a piece of writing, etc.) tightly controlled, with no unnecessary parts in it:\na taut thriller * the writer’s taut prose\n    tautly adverb\n    tautness noun [U]


Words: tautology
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] a statement in which you say the same thing twice in different words, when this is unnecessary, for example ’They spoke in turn, one after the other.’\n    tautological \n    tautologous  adjective


Words: tawdry
Meaning:
adjective (disapproving)\n  1  intended to be bright and attractive but cheap and of low quality:\ntawdry jewellery\n  2  involving low moral standards; extremely unpleasant or offensive:\na tawdry affair / scandal


Words: tawny owl
Meaning:
noun\na reddish-brown or grey European BIRD OF PREY (= a bird that kills other creatures for food) of the OWL family


Words: tax
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun [C, U] ~ (on sth) money that you have to pay to the government so that it can pay for public services. People pay tax according to their income and businesses pay tax according to their profits. Tax is also often paid on goods and services:\nto raise / cut taxes * tax increases / cuts * changes in tax rates * to pay over ｣1 000 in tax * profits before / after tax * a tax on cigarettes / alcohol * Income tax will be deducted by your employer.\nsee also CORPORATION TAX, COUNCIL TAX, INHERITANCE TAX, POLL TAX, ROAD TAX, SALES TAX, VALUE ADDED TAX, WITHHOLDING TAX\n    verb [VN] \n  1  to put a tax on sb/sth; to make sb pay tax:\nAny interest payments are taxed as part of your income. * His declared aim was to tax the rich.\n  2  (BrE) to pay tax on a vehicle so that you may use it on the roads:\nThe car is taxed until July.\n  3  to need a great amount of physical or mental effort:\nThe questions did not tax me. * The problem is currently taxing the brains of the nation’s experts (= making them think very hard).\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  tax sb with sth (formal) to accuse sb of doing sth wrong:\nI taxed him with avoiding his responsibility as a parent.


Words: tax avoidance
Meaning:
noun\n[U] ways of paying only the smallest amount of tax that you legally have to\ncompare TAX EVASION


Words: tax bracket
Meaning:
noun\na range of different incomes on which the same rate of tax must be paid:\nThere are now only two tax brackets-22% and 40%.


Words: tax break
Meaning:
noun\n(especially AmE) a special advantage or reduction in taxes that the government gives to particular people or organizations:\na tax break for low income families with young children


Words: tax disc
Meaning:
noun\n(in Britain) a small paper disc that is displayed on the window of a vehicle or on a motorcycle to show that the owner has paid the tax that allows them to use the vehicle on public roads


Words: tax dodge
Meaning:
noun\n(informal) a way of paying less tax, legally or illegally\n    tax dodger noun:\nPolice have begun a campaign against car tax dodgers.


Words: tax evasion
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the crime of deliberately not paying all the taxes that you should pay\ncompare TAX AVOIDANCE


Words: tax exile
Meaning:
noun\na rich person who has left their own country and gone to live in a place where the taxes are lower


Words: tax haven
Meaning:
noun\na place where taxes are low and where people choose to live or officially REGISTER their companies because taxes are higher in their own countries


Words: tax relief
Meaning:
(also relief) noun\n[U] a reduction in the amount of tax you have to pay, especially when you are using the money for a particular purpose such as buying property


Words: tax return
Meaning:
noun\nan official document in which you give details of the amount of money that you have earned so that the government can calculate how much tax you have to pay


Words: tax-deductible
Meaning:
adjective\n(of costs) that can be taken off your income before the amount of tax that you have to pay is calculated


Words: tax-free
Meaning:
adjective\n(of money, goods, etc.) that you do not have to pay tax on:\na tax-free bonus / allowance


Words: taxation
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  money that has to be paid as taxes:\nto reduce / increase taxation\n  2  the system of collecting money by taxes:\nchanges in the taxation structure


Words: taxi
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n (also cab, taxicab) a car with a driver that you pay to take you somewhere. Taxis usually have METERS which show how much money you have to pay:\na taxi driver / ride * We’d better take a taxi. * I came home by taxi. * to order / hail / call a taxi\n    verb (taxiing, taxied, taxied) [V] (of a plane) to move slowly along the ground before taking off or after landing


Words: taxi rank
Meaning:
(BrE) (also taxi stand AmE, BrE) noun\na place where taxis park while they are waiting for passengers


Words: taxidermy
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the art of STUFFING dead animals, birds and fish with a special material so that they look like living ones and can be displayed


Words: taxing
Meaning:
adjective\nneeding a great amount of physical or mental effort\nSYN DEMANDING:\na taxing job * This shouldn’t be too taxing for you.


Words: taxiway
Meaning:
noun\nthe hard path that a plane uses as it moves to and from the RUNWAY (= the hard surface where planes take off and land)


Words: taxman
Meaning:
1  (the taxman) [sing.] (informal) a way of referring to the government department that is responsible for collecting taxes:\nHe had been cheating the taxman for years.\n  2  [C] a person whose job is to collect taxes


Words: taxonomy
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] the scientific process of CLASSIFYING things (= arranging them into groups):\nplant taxonomy\n  2  [C] a particular system of CLASSIFYING things\n    taxonomic  adjective


Words: TB
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a serious infectious disease in which swellings appear on the lungs and other parts of the body (abbreviation for ’tuberculosis’):\nan increase in the number of TB cases


Words: tea
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  [U] the dried leaves, (called tea leaves), of the tea bush\nsee also GREEN TEA\n \n  2  [U] a hot drink made by pouring boiling water onto tea leaves. It may be drunk with milk or lemon and/or sugar added:\na cup / mug / pot of tea * China / lemon / iced tea * Would you like tea or coffee? * Do you take sugar in your tea?\n \n  3  [C] a cup of tea:\nTwo teas, please.\n \n  4  [U, C] a hot drink made by pouring boiling water onto the leaves of other plants:\nchamomile / mint / herb tea\nsee also BEEF TEA\n  5  [U, C] the name used by some people in Britain for the cooked meal eaten in the evening, especially when it is eaten early in the evening:\nYou can have your tea as soon as you come home from school.\ncompare DINNER, SUPPER\n  6  [U, C] (BrE) a light meal eaten in the afternoon or early evening, usually with sandwiches and/or biscuits and cakes and with tea to drink:\nWould you like to come to tea on Sunday?\nsee also CREAM TEA, HIGH TEA -> MEAL\n IDIOMS \n  not for all the tea in China not even for a great reward:\nI wouldn’t do your job. Not for all the tea in China!\nmore at CUP n.


Words: tea bag
Meaning:
noun\na small thin paper bag containing tea leaves, which you pour boiling water onto in order to make tea


Words: tea chest
Meaning:
noun\n(BrE) a large light wooden box lined with metal in which tea is transported. Tea chests are sometimes used for transporting personal possessions, for example, when moving to another home.


Words: tea set
Meaning:
(BrE) (also tea service AmE, BrE) noun\na set consisting of a TEAPOT, sugar bowl, cups, plates, etc., used for serving tea


Words: tea towel
Meaning:
(also tea cloth) (both BrE) (AmE dishtowel) noun\na small towel used for drying cups, plates, knives, etc. after they have been washed


Words: tea tree
Meaning:
noun\na small Australian tree. The oil from its leaves can be used to treat wounds and skin problems.


Words: tea trolley
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE tea wagon, teacart) noun\na small table on wheels that is used for serving tea, coffee, etc.


Words: teacake
Meaning:
noun\n(BrE) a small flat round cake made of a bread-like mixture, usually containing dried fruit:\ntoasted teacakes


Words: teach
Meaning:
1  to give lessons to students in a school, college, university, etc.; to help sb learn sth by giving information about it:\n[V] She teaches at our local school. * He taught for several years before becoming a writer. * [VN] I’ll be teaching history and sociology next term. * (AmE) to teach school (= teach in a school) * [VN, VNN] He teaches English to advanced students. * He teaches them English.\n  2  to show sb how to do sth so that they will be able to do it themselves:\n[VN to inf] Could you teach me to do that? * [VN wh-] My father taught me how to ride a bike. [also VN]\n  3  to make sb feel or think in a different way:\n[VN to inf] She taught me to be less critical of other people. * [VN that] My parents taught me that honesty was always the best policy. * [VNN] Our experience as refugees taught us many valuable lessons. [also V that]\n  4  [no passive] (informal) to persuade sb not to do sth again by making them suffer so much that they are afraid to do it:\n[VN to inf] Lost all your money? That’ll teach you to gamble. * I’ll teach you to call (= punish you for calling) me a liar! * [VNN] The accident taught me a lesson I’ll never forget.\n IDIOMS \n  teach your grandmother to suck eggs (BrE, informal) to tell or show sb how to do sth that they can already do well, and probably better than you can\n  (you can’t) teach an old dog new tricks (saying) (you cannot) successfully make old people change their ideas, methods of work, etc.\n______________________________\n VOCABULARY BUILDING \nwords meaning ’teach’ and ’teacherrquote\nVerbs teach John teaches French at the local school. * My mother taught me how to drive.\neducate Our priority is to educate people about the dangers of drugs.\ninstruct Members of staff should be instructed in the use of fire equipment.\ntrain She’s a trained midwife. * He’s training the British Olympic swimming team.\ncoach He’s the best football player I’ve ever coached. * She coaches some of the local children in maths. (BrE)\ntutor She tutors some of the local children in math. (AmE)\nNouns\nteacher school/college teachers\ninstructor a swimming/science instructor\ntrainer a horse trainer * Do you have a personal trainer?\ncoach a football coach\ntutor tutors working with migrant children\n______________________________


Words: teacher
Meaning:
noun\na person whose job is teaching, especially in a school:\na language / history / science teacher * primary school teachers * There is a growing need for qualified teachers of Business English. -> TEACH


Words: teacher training
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the process of teaching or learning the skills you need to be a teacher in a school\n    teacher trainer noun:\nexperienced teachers and teacher trainers


Words: teaching
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] the work of a teacher:\nShe wants to go into teaching (= make it a career). * the teaching profession * He has now retired from full-time teaching * How much teaching do you actually do?\n  2  [C, usually pl., U] the ideas of a particular person or group, especially about politics, religion or society, that are taught to other people:\nthe teachings of Lenin * views that go against traditional Christian teaching


Words: teaching assistant
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a person who is not a qualified teacher who helps a teacher in a school\n  2  (abbreviation TA) (AmE) (also teaching fellow AmE, BrE) a GRADUATE student who teaches UNDERGRADUATE classes at a university or college, takes discussion or practical classes, marks written work, etc.


Words: team
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun [C+sing./pl. v.]\n  1  a group of people who play a particular game or sport against another group of people:\na football / cricket / rugby team * a team event (= one played by groups of people rather than individual players) * (BrE) Whose team are you in? * (AmE) Whose team are you on? * The team is / are not playing very well this season.\n  2  a group of people who work together at a particular job:\nthe design / sales team * a team leader / member * a team player (= a person who works well with others) * A team of experts has / have been called in to investigate. * We have a team of eight working on product development.\n  3  two or more animals that are used together to pull a carriage, CART, etc.\n    verb [VN] [usually passive] to combine or match two or more things or people:\nThis production of ’Macbeth’ teams two of our finest actors. * He was teamed with his brother in the doubles.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  team up (with sb) to join with another person or group in order to do sth together


Words: team spirit
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (approving) the desire and willingness of people to work together and help each other as part of a team


Words: teamwork
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the activity of working well together as a team:\nShe stressed the importance of good teamwork.


Words: teapot
Meaning:
noun\na container with a SPOUT, a handle and a lid, used for making and serving tea\n \n IDIOMS  see TEMPEST


Words: tear
Meaning:
verb, noun-see also TEAR\n    verb\n (tore )\n \n  damage\n \n  1  to damage sth by pulling it apart or into pieces or by cutting it on sth sharp; to become damaged in this way:\n[VN] I tore my jeans on the fence. * I tore a hole in my jeans. * He tore the letter in two. * a torn handkerchief * [VN-ADJ] I tore the package open. * I tore open the package. * [V] Careful-the fabric tears very easily.\n \n  2  [VN] ~ sth in sth to make a hole in sth by force:\nThe blast tore a hole in the wall.\n \n  remove from sth / sb\n \n  3  [VN +adv./prep.] to remove sth from sth else by pulling it roughly or violently:\nThe storm nearly tore the roof off. * I tore another sheet from the pad. * He tore his clothes off (= took them off quickly and carelessly) and dived into the lake.\n  4  ~ yourself / sb (from sb/sth) to pull yourself/sb away by force from sb/sth that is holding you or them:\n[VN] She tore herself from his grasp. * [VN-ADJ] He tore himself free.\n  injure muscle\n  5  [VN] to injure a muscle, etc. by stretching it too much:\na torn ligament * She tore a calf muscle playing squash.\n  move quickly\n  6  [V +adv./prep.] to move somewhere very quickly or in an excited way:\nHe tore off down the street. * A truck tore past the gates.\n  -torn\n  7  (in adjectives) very badly affected or damaged by sth:\nto bring peace to a strife-torn country * a strike-torn industry\nsee also WAR-TORN\n IDIOMS \n  tear sb/sth apart, to shreds, to bits, etc. to destroy or defeat sb/sth completely or criticize them or it severely:\nWe tore the other team apart in the second half. * The critics tore his last movie to shreds.\n  tear at your heart | tear your heart out (formal) to strongly affect you in an emotional way\n  tear your hair (out) (informal) to show that you are very angry or anxious about sth:\nShe’s keeping very calm-anyone else would be tearing their hair out.\n  (be in) a tearing hurry / rush (especially BrE) (to be) in a very great hurry\n  tear sb off a strip | tear a strip off sb (BrE, informal) to speak angrily to sb who has done sth wrong\n  that’s torn it (BrE, informal) used to say that sth has happened to spoil your plans\nmore at HEART, LIMB, LOOSE adj.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  tear sth<->apart\n1 to destroy sth violently, especially by pulling it to pieces:\nThe dogs tore the fox apart. * They tore the room apart, looking for money.\n2 to make people in a country, an organization or other place fight or argue with each other:\nRacial strife is tearing our country apart.\n3 to make sb feel very unhappy or worried:\nHis distress tore me apart.\n  tear at sth to pull or cut sth violently so that it tears:\nHe tore at the meat with his bare hands.\n  tear yourself away (from sth) | tear sth away (from sth) to leave somewhere even though you would prefer to stay there; to take sth away from somewhere:\nDinner’s ready, if you can tear yourself away from the TV. * She was unable to tear her eyes away from him (= could not stop looking at him).\n  be torn between A and B to be unable to decide or choose between two things or feelings:\nI was torn between my parents and my friend.\n  tear sth<->down to pull or knock down a building, wall, etc.\nSYN DEMOLISH:\nThey’re tearing down these old houses to build a new office block.\n  tear into sb/sth\n1 to attack sb/sth physically or with words:\nThe wind tore into him.\n2 to start doing sth with a lot of energy:\nThey tore into their food as if they were starving. * The band tore into their opening number.\n  tear sth<->up to destroy a document, etc. by tearing it into pieces:\nShe tore up all the letters he had sent her. * (figurative) He accused the leader of tearing up the party’s manifesto (= of ignoring it).\n    noun a hole that has been made in sth by tearing:\nThis sheet has a tear in it.\n IDIOMS  see WEAR n.\n\n noun\n[usually pl.]-see also TEAR a drop of liquid that comes out of your eye when you cry:\nA tear rolled down his face. * She left the room in tears (= crying). * He suddenly burst into tears (= began to cry). * As he listened to the music, his eyes filled with tears. * Their story will move you to tears (= make you cry). * They reduced her to tears (= made her cry, especially by being cruel or unkind). * Ann wiped a tear from her eye. * The memory brought a tear to her eye (= made her cry). * Most of the audience was on the verge of tears. * I was close to tears as I told them the news. * Desperately she fought back the tears (= tried not to cry). * to shed tears of pain / frustration / happiness * The tears welled up in his eyes.\n IDIOMS  see BLOOD n., BORED, CROCODILE, END v.


Words: tear gas
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a gas that makes your eyes sting and fill with tears, used by the police or army to control crowds


Words: tearaway
Meaning:
noun\n(informal) a young person who is difficult to control and often does stupid, dangerous and/or illegal things


Words: tearful
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of a person) crying, or about to cry:\nShe suddenly became very tearful. * He answered in a tearful voice.\n  2  (of an event, etc.) at which people feel emotional and cry:\na tearful farewell * She made a tearful phone call to her family.\n    tearfully  adverb:\n’Why are you doing this?’ she asked tearfully.\n    tearfulness noun [U]


Words: tease
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n  1  to laugh at sb and make jokes about them either in a friendly way or in order to annoy or embarrass them:\n[V] Don’t get upset-I was only teasing. * [VN] I used to get teased about my name. [also V speech, VN speech]\n  2  [VN] to annoy an animal, especially by touching it, pulling its tail, etc.\n  3  [V, VN] (disapproving) to make sb sexually excited, especially when you do not intend to have sex with them\n  4  [VN] to pull sth gently apart into separate pieces:\nto tease wool into strands\n  5  [VN] (AmE) = BACKCOMB\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  tease sth<->out\n1 to remove knots from hair, wool, etc. by gently pulling or brushing it\n2 to spend time trying to find out information or the meaning of sth, especially when this is complicated or difficult:\nThe teacher helped them tease out the meaning of the poem.\n    noun [usually sing.]\n  1  a person who likes to play tricks and jokes on other people, especially by telling them sth that is not true or by not telling them sth that they want to know\n  2  an act that is intended as a trick or joke:\nIgnore everything he said-it was all just a tease.\n  3  (disapproving) a person who pretends to be attracted to sb, makes them sexually excited and then refuses to have sex with them


Words: teasel
Meaning:
(also teazle)  noun\na plant with large prickly flowers, used in the past for brushing woollen or woven fabric to give it a smooth surface


Words: teasingly
Meaning:
adverb\n  1  in a way that is intended to make sb feel embarrassed, annoyed, etc:\n’Maybe, you’re just too old,’ she said teasingly.\n  2  in a way that suggests sth and makes sb want to know more:\n’I have no intention of selling my story ...not yet, anyway,’ he said teasingly.\n  3  in a way that is intended to make sb sexually excited:\nShe ran her hands teasingly over his shoulders.


Words: teaspoon
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  a small spoon for putting sugar into tea and other drinks\n \n  2  (also teaspoonful ) (abbreviation tsp) the amount a teaspoon can hold:\nAdd two teaspoons of salt. * a teaspoonful of sugar


Words: teat
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  (BrE) (AmE nipple) the rubber part at the end of a baby’s bottle that the baby sucks in order to get milk, etc. from the bottle\n \n  2  one of the parts of a female animal’s body that the young suck in order to get milk


Words: tech
Meaning:
noun\n(BrE, informal) = TECHNICAL COLLEGE:\nHe teaches at the local tech.\nsee also HIGH-TECH, LOW-TECH


Words: technical
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  [usually before noun] connected with the practical use of machinery, methods, etc. in science and industry:\nWe offer free technical support for those buying our software. * a technical education * technical drawing (= especially taught as a school subject)\n  2  [usually before noun] connected with the skills needed for a particular job, sport, art, etc:\nSkaters score extra points for technical complexity.\n  3  connected with a particular subject and therefore difficult to understand if you do not know about that subject:\nThe article is full of technical terms. * The guide is too technical for a non-specialist.\n  4  [only before noun] connected with the details of a law or set of rules:\nTheir lawyers spent days arguing over technical details.


Words: technical hitch
Meaning:
noun\na temporary problem or difficulty, especially one caused by a piece of machinery or equipment:\nBecause of a technical hitch, we are unable to bring you the advertised programme.


Words: technicality
Meaning:
noun (plural technicalities)\n  1  (technicalities) [pl.] the small details of how to do sth or how sth works:\nHe described the process in broad terms without going into the technicalities.\n  2  a small detail in a law or set of rules, especially one that does not seem fair:\nShe was released on a technicality (= because of a small detail in the law).


Words: technically
Meaning:
adverb\n  1  according to the exact meaning, facts etc:\nTechnically (speaking), the two countries are still at war. * It is still technically possible for them to win (= but it seems unlikely).\n  2  in a way that is connected with the skills needed for a particular job, sport, art, etc:\nAs a musician, she is technically accomplished. * Technically, he is an excellent goalkeeper.\n  3  in a way that is connected with the practical use of machinery, methods, etc. in science and industry:\na technically advanced society * In those days recording sound was not technically possible.


Words: technician
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a person whose job is keeping a particular type of equipment or machinery in good condition:\nlaboratory / aircraft technicians\n  2  a person who is very skilled at the technical aspects of an art, a sport, etc:\nAs a pianist, she’s a brilliant technician, but she lacks passion.


Words: technicolour
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE technicolor)  noun\n[U] (informal) the state of having many bright colours:\nThe rooms were painted in glorious technicolour.


Words: technique
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] a particular way of doing sth, especially one in which you have to learn special skills:\nThe artist combines different techniques in the same painting. * management / marketing techniques * Teachers learn various techniques for dealing with problem students.\n  2  [U, sing.] the skill with which sb is able to do sth practical:\nHer technique has improved a lot over the past season.


Words: techno
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a style of modern popular music with a regular rhythm for dancing, that makes use of technology to produce the sound


Words: techno-
Meaning:
combining form\n(in nouns, adjectives and adverbs) connected with technology:\ntechnocracy * technophobe (= a person who is afraid of technology)


Words: technocracy
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] (plural technocracies) a social or political system in which people with scientific knowledge have a lot of power


Words: technocrat
Meaning:
noun\nan expert in science, engineering, etc. who has a lot of power in politics and/or industry\n    technocratic  adjective [usually before noun]


Words: technology
Meaning:
noun (plural technologies)\n  1  [U, C] scientific knowledge used in practical ways in industry, for example in designing new machines:\nscience and technology * recent advances in medical technology * to make use of the most modern technologies\nsee also HIGH TECHNOLOGY, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY\n  2  [U] machinery or equipment designed using technology:\nThe company has invested in the latest technology.\n    technological  adjective:\ntechnological advances / developments * technological change / progress * a major technological breakthrough\n    technologically  adverb:\ntechnologically advanced


Words: tectonic
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] (geology) connected with the structure of the earth’s surface\nsee also PLATE TECTONICS


Words: Teddy boy
Meaning:
(also informal ted ) noun\n(in Britain in the 1950s) a member of a group of young men who liked ROCK AND ROLL music and who had their own style of dressing (usually wearing narrow trousers/pants, long jackets and pointed shoes)


Words: tedious
Meaning:
adjective\nlasting or taking too long and not interesting\nSYN BORING:\nThe journey soon became tedious. * We had to listen to all the tedious details of his operation.\n    tediously adverb\n    tediousness noun [U]


Words: tedium
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (written) the quality of being boring\nSYN BOREDOM:\nShe longed for something to relieve the tedium of everyday life.


Words: tee
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  a flat area on a golf course from which players hit the ball:\nto drive off from the first tee * a tee shot\n  2  a small piece of plastic or wood that you stick in the ground to support a golf ball before you hit it\n IDIOMS  see T\n    verb (teed, teed)\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  tee off to hit a golf ball from a tee, especially at the start of a match:\nThe first pair are due to tee off at 10 o’clock.\n  tee sb<->off (AmE, informal) to make sb angry or annoyed:\nIt really teed me off when she was late again.\n  tee sth<->up | tee up to prepare to hit a golf ball by placing it on a tee


Words: teem
Meaning:
verb\n[V] (usually be teeming) (of rain) to fall heavily:\nThe rain was teeming down. * It was teeming with rain.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  teem with sth (usually be teeming with sth) to be full of people, animals, etc. moving around:\nThe streets were teeming with tourists. * a river teeming with fish


Words: teeming
Meaning:
adjective\npresent in large numbers; full of people, animals, etc. that are moving around:\nteeming insects * the teeming streets of the city


Words: teenage
Meaning:
(also informal teen especially in AmE) adjective\n[usually before noun] between 13 and 19 years old; connected with people of this age:\nteenage girls / boys * teenage problems / rebellion * teen magazines


Words: teenager
Meaning:
(also informal teen especially in AmE) noun\na person who is between 13 and 19 years old:\na magazine aimed at teenagers


Words: teens
Meaning:
noun\n[pl.] the years of a person’s life when they are between 13 and 19 years old:\nShe began writing poetry in her teens. * to be in your early / late teens


Words: teeny
Meaning:
adjective (informal) (teenier, teeniest)\n  1  (also teeny-weeny ) very small:\na teeny-weeny insect\n  2  connected with people between 13 and 19 years old:\nteeny magazines


Words: teeny-bopper
Meaning:
noun\n(old-fashioned, informal) a young girl between the ages of about 10 and 13, who is very interested in pop music, fashionable clothes, etc.


Words: teeter
Meaning:
verb\n[V] to stand or move in an unsteady way so that you look as if you are going to fall:\nShe teetered after him in her high-heeled shoes.\n IDIOMS \n  teeter on the brink / edge of sth to be very close to a very unpleasant or dangerous situation:\nThe country is teetering on the brink of civil war.


Words: teething troubles
Meaning:
(also teething problems) noun\n[pl.] small problems that a company, product, system, etc. has at the beginning:\nNew cars often suffer from teething troubles.


Words: Teflon
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a substance used especially to cover the inside of cooking pans, that stops food from sticking to them


Words: tele-
Meaning:
combining form (in nouns, verbs, adjectives and adverbs)\n  1  over a long distance; far:\ntelepathy * telescopic\n  2  connected with television:\nteletext\n  3  done using a telephone:\ntelesales


Words: telecast
Meaning:
noun\n(especially AmE) a broadcast on television\n    telecast verb (telecast, telecast) [VN] [usually passive]:\nThe event will be telecast simultaneously to nearly 150 cities.\n    telecaster noun


Words: telecommunications
Meaning:
noun\n[pl.] the technology of sending signals, images and messages over long distances by radio, telephone, television, SATELLITE, etc:\ntechnological developments in telecommunications * telecommunications links / networks / operators


Words: teleconference
Meaning:
noun\na CONFERENCE or discussion at which members are in different places and speak to each other using telephone and video connections


Words: telecottage
Meaning:
noun\na room or small building in a countryside area that is filled with computer equipment for the use of people living in the area


Words: telegraph
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun [U] a method of sending messages over long distances, using wires that carry electrical signals:\ntelegraph wires\n    verb\n  1  [V, VN] to send a message by telegraph\n  2  [VN] to make it clear to people what you are going to do, often without intending to:\nA tiny movement of her arm had telegraphed her intention to hit out.


Words: telegraph pole
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE telephone pole) noun\na tall wooden pole used for carrying telephone or telegraph wires high above the ground


Words: telegraphic
Meaning:
adjective\nconnected with sending messages by telegraph:\nYou will need to arrange a telegraphic transfer from your bank to ours.


Words: telemetry
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (technical) the process of using special equipment to take scientific measurements and send them over long distances, usually by radio


Words: teleology
Meaning:
noun\n[U, sing.] (philosophy) the theory that events and developments are meant to achieve a purpose and happen because of that\n    teleological  adjective:\na teleological view of history


Words: telepathic
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  using telepathy:\ntelepathic communication\n  2  (of a person) able to communicate by telepathy:\nHow do I know what he’s thinking? I’m not telepathic!\n    telepathically  adverb:\nThe twins seemed to be able to communicate telepathically.


Words: telepathy
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the direct communication of thoughts or feelings from one person to another without using speech, writing, or any other normal method


Words: telephone
Meaning:
(also phone) noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  [C, U] a system for talking to sb else over long distances, using wires or radio; a machine used for this:\nThe telephone rang and Pat answered it. * You can reserve seats over the telephone. * I need to make a telephone call. * telephone lines / networks / services\n \n  2  [C] the part of the telephone that you hold in your hand and speak into\nSYN RECEIVER, HANDSET\n \n IDIOMS \n \n  be on the telephone\n1 to be using the telephone:\nHe’s on the telephone at the moment. * You’re wanted (= sb wants to speak to you) on the telephone.\n2 (BrE) to have a telephone in your home or place of work:\nWe’re not on the telephone at the cottage.\n    verb (formal, especially BrE) to speak to sb by telephone\nSYN PHONE, CALL [V] Please write or telephone for details. * He telephoned to say he’d be late. * [VN] You can telephone your order 24 hours a day. * I was about to telephone the police. -> PHONE


Words: telephone directory
Meaning:
(also phone book, telephone book) noun\na book that lists the names, addresses and telephone numbers of people in a particular area:\nto look up a number in the telephone directory


Words: telephone exchange
Meaning:
(also exchange) noun\na place where telephone calls are connected so that people can speak to each other


Words: telephone number
Meaning:
(also phone number) noun\nthe number of a particular telephone, that you use when you make a call to it


Words: telephone tapping
Meaning:
(also phone tapping) noun\n[U] the practice of connecting a piece of equipment to a telephone in order to listen secretly to other people’s telephone conversations


Words: telephoto lens
Meaning:
noun\na camera LENS that produces a large image of an object that is far away and allows you to take photographs of it


Words: teleprinter
Meaning:
(AmE also teletypewriter) noun\na machine that prints out TELEX messages that have been typed in another place and sent by telephone lines:\ninformation transmitted by teleprinter


Words: telesales
Meaning:
(BrE) (also telemarketing AmE, BrE) noun\n[U] a method of selling things and taking orders for sales by telephone


Words: telescope
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n a piece of equipment shaped like a tube, containing LENSES, that you look through to make objects that are far away appear larger and nearer:\nto look at the stars through a telescope\nsee also RADIO TELESCOPE\n    verb\n  1  [V, VN] to become shorter, or make sth shorter, by sliding sections inside one another\n  2  [VN] ~ sth (into sth) to reduce sth so that it happens in less time:\nThree episodes have been telescoped into a single programme.


Words: telescopic
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  connected with or using a telescope; making things look larger as a telescope does:\ntelescopic observations / lenses * a rifle with a telescopic sight\n  2  made of sections that can slide into each other to make the object longer or shorter:\na telescopic aerial / umbrella\n    telescopically  adverb


Words: teletext
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a service providing written news and information using television:\nSee if the results are on teletext.


Words: televangelist
Meaning:
noun\n(especially in the US) a person who appears regularly on television to try to persuade people to become Christians and to give money\n    televangelism noun [U]


Words: televise
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] [usually passive] to broadcast sth on television:\na televised debate * to televise a novel * The speech will be televised live.


Words: television
Meaning:
(abbreviation TV) noun\n \n  1  (also television set) (also BrE informal telly) [C] a piece of electrical equipment with a screen on which you can watch programmes with moving pictures and sounds:\na colour television * to turn the television on / off\n \n  2  (also BrE informal telly) [U] the programmes broadcast on television:\nWe don’t do much in the evenings except watch television.\n \n  3  [U] the system, process or business of broadcasting television programmes:\nsatellite / terrestrial / digital television * the television news * a television series / documentary * a television company / presenter * I’d like to work in television (= for a television company).\nsee also CABLE TELEVISION, CLOSED-CIRCUIT TELEVISION\n IDIOMS \n  on (the) television (also informal on TV) (also BrE informal on the telly) being broadcast by television; appearing in a television programme:\nWhat’s on television tonight? * Is there anything good on the telly tonight? * It was on TV yesterday. * I recognize you. Aren’t you on television?


Words: teleworking
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (BrE) the practice of working from home, communicating with your office, customers and others by telephone, computer, etc.\n    teleworker noun


Words: telex
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  [U] an international system of communication in which messages are typed on a special machine and sent by the telephone system\n  2  [C] a message sent or received by telex:\nSeveral telexes arrived this morning.\n  3  [C] (informal) a machine for sending and receiving messages by telex\n    verb [V, VN] to send a message by telex


Words: tell
Meaning:
give information\n  1  ~ sb (sth) | ~ sth to sb (of a person) to give information to sb by speaking or writing: [VN, VNN] He told the news to everybody he saw. * He told everybody he saw the news. * [VN] Why wasn’t I told about the accident? * [VNN] Did she tell you her name? * [VN (that)] They’ve told us (that) they’re not coming. * Are you telling me you didn’t have any help with this? (= I don’t believe what you have said) * [VN wh-] Tell me where you live. * [VN speech] ’I’m ready to go now,’ he told her. -> SAY\n  2  (of some writing, an instrument, a sign, etc.) to give information about sth:\n[VNN] The advertisement told us very little about the product. * [VN wh-] This gauge tells you how much fuel you have left. * [VN (that)] The sound of his breathing told her (that) he was asleep.\n  express in words\n  3  to express sth in words:\n[VN] to tell stories / jokes / lies * Are you telling the truth? * [VN wh-] I can’t tell you how happy I am.\n  secret\n  4  [V] to let sb know a secret:\nPromise you won’t tell. * ’Who are you going out with tonight?’ ’That would be telling!’ (= it’s a secret)\n  order\n  5  to order or advise sb to do sth:\n[VN to inf] He was told to sit down and wait. * There was a sign telling motorists to slow down. * I kept telling myself to keep calm. * [VNN] Do what I tell you. * [VN] Children must do as they’re told. * [VN wh-] Don’t tell me what to do! * [VN (that)] The doctor told me (that) I should eat less fat. -> ORDER, SAY\n  know / judge\n  6  (not used in the progressive tenses) to know, see or judge sth correctly:\n[V] I think he’s happy. It’s hard to tell. * As far as I can tell, she’s enjoying the course. * [V (that)] I could tell (that) he was angry from his expression. * [V wh-] ’That’s not an original.’ ’How can you tell?’ * The only way to tell if you like something is by trying it.\n  distinguish\n  7  ~ A from B (not used in the progressive tenses or in the passive) to distinguish one thing or person from another:\n[VN] It was hard to tell the difference between the two versions. * Can you tell Tom from his twin brother? * It’s difficult to tell them apart. * [V wh-] The kittens looked exactly alike-how could you tell which was which?\n  have effect\n  8  [V] ~ (on sb) to have an effect on sb/sth, especially a bad one:\nThe strain was beginning to tell on the rescue team.\n IDIOMS \n  all told with all people, etc. counted and included:\nThere are 52 people coming, all told.\n  don’t tell me (spoken, informal) used to say that you know or can guess what sb is going to say, especially because it is typical of them:\nDon’t tell me you were late again!\n  I / I’ll tell you what (spoken) used to introduce a suggestion:\nI’ll tell you what-let’s stay in instead.\n  I tell you | I can tell you | I’m telling you (spoken) used to emphasize what you are saying, especially when it is surprising or difficult to believe:\nIt isn’t cheap, I can tell you! * I’m telling you, that’s exactly what she said.\n  I told you (so) (spoken) used when sth bad has happened, to remind sb that you warned them about it and they did not listen to you\n  live, etc. to tell the tale to survive a difficult or dangerous experience so that you can tell others what really happened\n  tell a different story / tale to give some information that is different from what you expect or have been told\n  tell its own tale / story to explain itself, without needing any further explanation or comment:\nHer face told its own story.\n  tell me (spoken) used to introduce a question:\nTell me, have you had lunch yet?\n  tell me about it (spoken) used to say that you understand what sb is talking about and have had the same experience:\n’I get so annoyed with Steve!’ ’Tell me about it. He drives me crazy.’\n  tell me another! (spoken) used to tell sb that you do not believe what they have said\n  tell tales (about sth / on sb) (BrE) to tell sb about sth that another person has done wrong\nrelated noun TELLTALE\n  tell the time (BrE) (AmE tell time) to read the time from a clock, etc:\nShe’s only five-she hasn’t learnt to tell the time yet.\n  tell sb where to get off / where they get off (BrE, informal) to make it clear to sb that you will no longer accept their bad behaviour\n  tell sb where to put / stick sth | tell sb what they can do with sth (informal) to make it clear to sb that you are angry and are rejecting what they are offering you\n  there’s no telling used to say that it is impossible to know what happened or will happen:\nThere’s no telling how they’ll react.\n  to tell (you) the truth used when admitting sth:\nTo tell the truth, I fell asleep in the middle of her talk.\n  you can never tell | you never can tell you can never be sure, for example because things are not always what they appear to be\n  you’re telling me! (spoken, informal) I completely agree with you\nmore at HEAR, KISS v., LITTLE adj., THING, TIME n., TRUTH\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  tell against sb (BrE, formal) to be a disadvantage to sb:\nHer lack of experience told against her.\n  tell of sth (formal or literary) to make sth known; to give an account of sth:\nnotices telling of the proposed job cuts\n  tell sb<->off (for sth / for doing sth) (informal) to speak angrily to sb for doing sth wrong\nSYN SCOLD:\nI told the boys off for making so much noise. * Did you get told off?\nrelated noun TELLING-OFF\n  tell on sb (informal) to tell a person in authority about sth bad that sb has done:\nPromise not to tell on me!


Words: teller
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a person whose job is to receive and pay out money in a bank\n  2  a machine that does this automatically:\nautomatic teller machines\n  3  a person whose job is to count votes, especially in a parliament\n  4  (usually in compounds) a person who tells stories, etc:\na foul-mouthed teller of lies\nsee also FORTUNE TELLER, STORYTELLER


Words: telling
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  having a strong or important effect; effective:\na telling argument / criticism * Although he didn’t score a goal, Zola made a telling contribution to the game.\n  2  showing effectively what sb/sth is really like, but often without intending to:\nThe number of homeless people is a telling comment on the state of society.\n    tellingly adverb:\nHe tellingly took a seat next to his secretary and not next to his wife.


Words: telling-off
Meaning:
noun\n[usually sing.] (plural tellings-off) (BrE, informal) the act of speaking angrily to sb, especially a child, because they have done sth bad


Words: telltale
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective [only before noun] showing that sth exists or has happened:\ntelltale clues / marks / signs / sounds * The telltale smell of cigarettes told her that he had been in the room.\n    noun (BrE) (AmE tattletale) (informal, disapproving) a child who tells an adult what another child has done wrong


Words: telly
Meaning:
noun (plural tellies) (BrE, informal)\n  1  [C] a television set:\nHe spends most evenings just sitting in front of the telly.\n  2  [U] the programmes broadcast on television:\ndaytime telly * Is there anything good on telly?


Words: temerity
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (formal) extremely confident behaviour that people are likely to consider rude:\nHe had the temerity to call me a liar!


Words: temp
Meaning:
noun, verb, abbreviation \n    noun a temporary employee in an office, especially a secretary\n    verb [V] (informal) to do a temporary job or a series of temporary jobs:\nI’ve been temping for an employment agency. * a temping job\n    abbreviation (also temp. especially in AmE) temperature:\nMax temp 17 ｰC


Words: temper
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  [C, usually sing, U] if sb has a temper, they become angry very easily:\na violent / short / quick temper * He must learn to control his temper. * She broke the plates in a fit of temper. * After an hour of waiting, tempers began to fray (= people began to get angry).\n  2  [C, usually sing.] a short period of feeling very angry:\nto fly into a temper * She says awful things when she’s in a temper. * Some small children have terrible temper tantrums.\n  3  [C] the way that you are feeling at a particular time\nSYN MOOD:\nCome back when you’re in a better temper. * to be in a bad / filthy / foul temper\n  4  (-tempered) (in adjectives) having a particular type of temper:\ngood- / bad-tempered * a sweet-tempered child\n HELP NOTE  You will find other compounds ending in -tempered at their place in the alphabet.\n IDIOMS \n  lose / keep your temper (with sb) to fail/manage to control your anger:\nShe lost her temper with a customer and shouted at him. * I struggle to keep my temper with the kids when they misbehave.\n IDIOMS  see QUICK adj.\n    verb [VN] \n  1  ~ sth (with sth) (formal) to make sth less severe by adding sth that has the opposite effect:\nJustice must be tempered with mercy. * The hot sunny days were tempered by a light breeze. * His delight was tempered by regret.\n  2  (technical) to make metal as hard as it needs to be by heating and then cooling it:\ntempered steel


Words: tempera
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a kind of paint in which the colour is mixed with egg and water; a method of painting that uses this kind of paint


Words: temperament
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C, U] a person’s or an animal’s nature as shown in the way they behave or react to situations or people:\nto have an artistic / a nervous / a fiery temperament * a horse with an excellent temperament * She’s a dreamer and a romantic by temperament. * To become a champion, you have to have the right temperament.\n  2  [U] the tendency to get emotional and excited very easily and behave in an unreasonable way:\nan actor given to displays of temperament


Words: temperamental
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (usually disapproving) having a tendency to become angry, excited or upset easily, and to behave in an unreasonable way:\nYou never know what to expect with her. She’s so temperamental. * (figurative) The printer’s being temperamental this morning. * He’s a temperamental player (= he plays well or badly according to his mood).\n  2  connected with sb’s nature and personality:\nThey are firm friends in spite of temperamental differences.\n    temperamentally  adverb:\nI’m temperamentally unsuited to this job.


Words: temperance
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  (old-fashioned) the practice of not drinking alcohol because of your moral or religious beliefs:\nThe temperance movement was at its peak at the end of the 19th century.\n  2  (formal) the practice of controlling your behaviour, the amount you eat, etc., so that it is always reasonable\nSYN MODERATION


Words: temperate
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  [usually before noun] (technical) (of a climate or region) having a mild temperature without extremes of heat or cold:\ntemperate zones / forests / latitudes\n  2  (formal) behaving in a calm and controlled way\nOPP of sense 2 INTEMPERATE\n    temperately adverb


Words: temperature
Meaning:
noun [C, U] (abbreviation temp)\n  1  the measurement in degrees of how hot or cold a thing or place is:\nhigh / low temperatures * a sudden fall / drop in temperature * The temperature has risen (by) five degrees. * Heat the oven to a temperature of 200ｰC (= degrees centigrade). * Some places have had temperatures in the 40s (= over 40ｰ centigrade). * Keep the wine at room temperature.\n  2  the measurement of how hot sb’s body is:\nto take sb’s temperature (= measure the temperature of sb’s body using a special instrument) * Does he have a temperature (= is it higher than normal, because of illness)? * She’s running a temperature (= it is higher than normal). * He’s in bed with a temperature of 40ｰ.\ncompare FEVER\n IDIOMS \n  raise / lower the temperature to increase/decrease the amount of excitement, emotion, etc. in a situation:\nHis angry refusal to agree raised the temperature of the meeting. * The government tried to lower the political temperature by agreeing to some of the demands.


Words: tempest
Meaning:
noun\n(formal or literary) a violent storm\n IDIOMS \n  a tempest in a teapot (AmE) = a storm in a teacup at STORM n.


Words: tempestuous
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (written) full of extreme emotions and excitement:\na tempestuous relationship / love affair\n  2  (formal or literary) caused by or affected by a violent storm:\ntempestuous seas


Words: template
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a shape cut out of a hard material, used as a model for producing exactly the same shape many times in another material:\nPressing the template firmly down on the plastic, cut around it with a knife.\n  2  a thing that is used as a model for producing other similar examples:\nIf you need to write a lot of similar letters, set up a template on your computer. * In our DNA we all carry a genetic template for the next generation. * The director uses his own childhood experiences as a template for the movie.


Words: temple
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a building used for the worship of a god or gods, especially in religions other than Christianity:\nthe Temple of Diana at Ephesus * a Buddhist / Hindu / Sikh temple * (AmE) to go to temple (= to a service in a SYNAGOGUE, where Jews worship)\n  2  each of the flat parts at the side of the forehead:\nShe had black hair, greying at the temples.


Words: tempo
Meaning:
1  the speed or rhythm of a piece of music:\na slow / fast tempo * It’s a difficult piece, with numerous changes of tempo.\n  2  the speed of any movement or activity\nSYN PACE:\nthe increasing tempo of life in Western society * Don’t let the other team dictate the tempo of the game.


Words: temporal
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (formal) connected with the real physical world, not spiritual matters:\nAlthough spiritual leader of millions of people, the Pope has no temporal power.\n  2  (formal) connected with or limited by time:\na universe which has spatial and temporal dimensions\n  3  (anatomy) near the TEMPLE(S) at the side of the head:\nthe left / right temporal lobe of the brain


Words: temporary
Meaning:
adjective\nlasting or intended to last only for a short time; not permanent:\ntemporary relief from pain * temporary work / accommodation * a temporary measure / solution / arrangement * More than half the staff are temporary.\nOPP PERMANENT\n    temporarily  adverb:\nWe regret this service is temporarily unavailable.\n    temporariness noun [U]


Words: temporize
Meaning:
(BrE also temporise)  verb\n[V] (formal) to delay making a decision or giving a definite answer, in order to gain time


Words: tempt
Meaning:
into doing sth)\n  1  to attract sb or make sb want to do or have sth, even if they know it is wrong:\n[VN] I was tempted by the dessert menu. * Don’t tempt thieves by leaving valuables clearly visible. * [VN to inf] I was tempted to take the day off.\n  2  to persuade or try to persuade sb to do sth that you want them to do, for example by offering them sth:\n[VN] How can we tempt young people into engineering? * [VN to inf] Nothing would tempt me to live here.\n IDIOMS \n  tempt fate / providence to do sth too confidently in a way that might mean that your good luck will come to an end:\nShe felt it would be tempting fate to try the difficult climb a second time.


Words: temptation
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C, U] the desire to do or have sth that you know is bad or wrong:\nthe temptation of easy profits * to give way to / yield to temptation * I couldn’t resist the temptation to open the letter. * Don’t put temptation in her way by offering her a cigarette.\n  2  [C] a thing that makes sb want to do or have sth that they know is bad or wrong:\nAn expensive bicycle is a temptation to thieves.


Words: tempting
Meaning:
adjective\nsomething that is tempting is attractive, and makes people want to have it, do it, etc:\nIt was a tempting offer. * That cake looks very tempting. * It’s tempting to speculate about what might have happened. * A weekend in Rome? Mm, sounds tempting!\n    temptingly adverb


Words: temptress
Meaning:
noun\n(old-fashioned or humorous) a woman who TEMPTS sb, especially one who deliberately makes a man want to have sex with her


Words: ten
Meaning:
number\n10\n HELP NOTE  There are examples of how to use numbers at the entry for five.\n IDIOMS \n  ten out of ten (for sth) (BrE, often ironic) used to say that sb has guessed sth correctly or done sth very well:\nNot brilliant, Robyn, but I’ll give you ten out of ten for effort.\n  ten to one very probably:\nTen to one he’ll be late.


Words: tenable
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of a theory, an opinion, etc.) easy to defend against attack or criticism:\na tenable position * The old idea that this type of work was not suitable for women was no longer tenable.\nOPP UNTENABLE\n  2  [not before noun] (of a job, position, etc., especially in a university) that can be held for a particular period of time:\nThe lectureship is tenable for a period of three years.


Words: tenacious
Meaning:
adjective (written)\n  1  that does not stop holding sth or give up sth easily; determined:\na tenacious grip * The party has kept its tenacious hold on power for more than twenty years.\n  2  continuing to exist, have influence, etc. for longer than you might expect\nSYN PERSISTENT:\ntenacious traditions / beliefs * a tenacious illness\n    tenaciously adverb:\nThough seriously ill, he still clings tenaciously to life.\n    tenacity  noun [U]:\nThey competed with skill and tenacity.


Words: tenancy
Meaning:
noun (plural tenancies)\n  1  [C] a period of time that you rent a house, land, etc. for:\na three-month tenancy * a tenancy agreement\n  2  [C, U] the right to live or work in a building or on land that you rent:\nThey had taken over the tenancy of the farm.


Words: tenant
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun a person who pays rent for the use of a room, building, land, etc. to the person who owns it:\nThey had evicted their tenants for non-payment of rent. * The decorating was done by a previous tenant. * tenant farmers (= ones who do not own their own farms)\n    verb [VN] [usually passive] to live or work in a place as a tenant:\na tenanted farm


Words: tend
Meaning:
verb\n  1  [V to inf] to be likely to do sth or to happen in a particular way because this is what often or usually happens:\nWomen tend to live longer than men. * When I’m tired, I tend to make mistakes. * It tends to get very cold here in the winter. * People tend to think that the problem will never affect them.\n  2  [V] ~ (to / towards sth) to take a particular direction or often have a particular quality:\nHis views tend towards the extreme. * Prices have tended downwards over recent years.\n  3  ~ (to) sb/sth to care for sb/sth:\n[VN] a shepherd tending his sheep * Doctors and nurses tended the injured. * well-tended gardens * [V] Ambulance crews were tending to the injured.\n  4  [VN] (AmE) to serve customers in a store, bar, etc:\nHe had a job tending bar in San Francisco.


Words: tendency
Meaning:
noun (plural tendencies)\n  1  [C] ~ (for sb/sth) (to do sth) | ~ (to / towards sth) if sb/sth has a particular tendency, they are likely to behave or act in a particular way:\nto display artistic / musical / criminal tendencies * I have a tendency to talk too much when I’m nervous. * There is a tendency for this disease to run in families. * She has a strong natural tendency towards caution. * This material has a tendency to shrink when washed.\n  2  [C] ~ (for sb/sth) (to do sth) | ~ (to / towards sth) a new custom that is starting to develop\nSYN TREND:\nThere is a growing tendency among employers to hire casual staff.\n  3  [C+sing./pl. v.] (BrE) a group within a larger political group, whose views are more extreme than those of the rest of the group:\nthe militant tendency


Words: tendentious
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal, usually disapproving) (of a speech, piece of writing, theory, etc.) expressing a very strong opinion that people are likely to disagree with:\ntendentious political memoirs\n    tendentiously adverb\n    tendentiousness noun [U]


Words: tender
Meaning:
adjective, noun, verb \n    adjective (tenderer, tenderest)\n HELP NOTE  more tender and most tender are also common\n  1  kind, gentle and loving:\ntender words / looks / kisses * What he needs now is a lot of tender loving care (= sympathetic treatment).\n  2  (of food) easy to bite through and cut:\nThis meat is extremely tender. * Boil the beans until they are tender.\nOPP TOUGH\n  3  (of part of the body) painful when you touch it \nSYN SORE:\nMy leg is still very tender where I banged it.\n  4  easily hurt or damaged \nSYN DELICATE:\ntender young plants\n    tenderly adverb\n    tenderness noun [U]\n IDIOMS \n  at a tender age | at the tender age of ... used in connection with sb who is still young and does not have much experience:\nHe left home at the tender age of 15. * She shouldn’t be having to deal with problems like this at such a tender age.\n    noun\n  1  a formal offer to supply goods or carry out work at a stated price\nSYN BID:\nCleaning and laundry services have been put out to tender (= companies have been asked to make offers to supply these services). * a competitive tender * A local firm submitted the lowest tender. * The bus comapny is inviting tenders for a number of new buses.\n  2  a truck attached to a steam engine, carrying fuel and water\n  3  a small boat, used for carrying people or goods between a larger boat and the shore\n    verb\n  1  [V] ~ (for sth) to make a formal offer to supply goods or carry out work at a stated price:\nLocal firms were invited to tender for the building contract. * competitive tendering\n  2  [VN] ~ sth (to sb) (formal) to offer or give sth to sb:\nHe has tendered his resignation to the Prime Minister.


Words: tenderfoot
Meaning:
noun\n(plural tenderfeet or tenderfoots) (AmE, informal) a person who is new to sth and not experienced


Words: tenderize
Meaning:
(BrE also tenderise)  verb\n[VN] to make meat softer and easier to cut and eat by preparing it in a particular way


Words: tendril
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a thin curling stem that grows from a climbing plant. A plant uses tendrils to attach itself to a wall or other support.\n  2  (literary) a thin curling piece of sth such as hair:\nHer hair hung in tendrils about her face.


Words: tenement
Meaning:
noun\na large building divided into flats/apartments, especially in a poor area of a city:\na tenement block / building * They lived in a crumbling Glasgow tenement.


Words: tenet
Meaning:
noun\n(formal) one of the principles or beliefs that a theory or larger set of beliefs is based on:\none of the basic / central tenets of Christianity


Words: tennis
Meaning:
(also formal lawn tennis) noun\n[U] a game in which two or four players use RACKETS to hit a ball backwards and forwards across a net on a specially marked court:\na tennis player / tournament / club / court


Words: tenon
Meaning:
noun\n(technical) an end of a piece of wood that has been cut to fit into a MORTISE so that the two are held together


Words: tenor
Meaning:
noun, adjective \n    noun\n  1  [C] a man’s singing voice with a range just below the lowest woman’s voice; a man with a tenor voice\ncompare ALTO, BARITONE, BASS\n  2  [sing.] a musical part written for tenor voice\n  3  [sing.] the ~ of sth (formal) the general character or meaning of sth:\nI was encouraged by the general tenor of his remarks.\n    adjective [only before noun] (of a musical instrument) with a range of notes similar to that of a tenor voice:\na tenor saxophone / trombone\ncompare ALTO, SOPRANO


Words: tenpin
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] any of the ten bottle-shaped objects that players try to knock over in the game of TENPIN BOWLING\n  2  (tenpins) [U] (AmE) = TENPIN BOWLING


Words: tenpin bowling
Meaning:
(AmE also tenpins) noun\n[U] a game in which players try to knock over tenpins by rolling a heavy ball at them, played indoors, especially in a BOWLING ALLEY


Words: tense
Meaning:
adjective, noun, verb \n    adjective\n  1  (of a person) nervous or worried, and unable to relax:\nHe’s a very tense person. * She sounded tense and angry.\n  2  (of a situation, an event, a period of time, etc.) in which people have strong feelings such as worry, anger, etc. that often cannot be expressed openly:\nI spent a tense few weeks waiting for the results of the tests. * The atmosphere in the meeting was getting more and more tense.\n  3  (of a muscle or other part of the body) tight rather than relaxed:\ntense shoulders / hands * A massage will relax those tense muscles.\n  4  (of wire, etc.) stretched tightly\n    tensely adverb\n    tenseness noun [U] \n    noun (grammar) any of the forms of a verb that may be used to show the time of the action or state expressed by the verb:\nthe past / present / future tense\n    verb ~ (sth) (up) to make your muscles tight and stiff, especially because you are not relaxed: [V] She tensed, hearing the strange noise again. * [VN] He tensed himself, listening to see if anyone had followed him.\n IDIOMS \n  be / get tensed up to become or feel nervous or worried so that you cannot relax


Words: tensile
Meaning:
adjective (technical)\n  1  [only before noun] used to describe the extent to which sth can stretch without breaking:\nthe tensile strength of wire / rope\n  2  that can be drawn out or stretched:\ntensile cable


Words: tension
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  [U, C, usually pl.] ~ (between A and B) a situation in which people do not trust each other, or feel unfriendly towards each other, and which may cause them to attack each other:\nThere is mounting tension along the border. * international / racial / political tensions * Family tensions and conflicts may lead to violence. * The incident has further increased tension between the two countries.\n  2  [C, U] ~ (between A and B) a situation in which the fact that there are different needs or interests causes difficulties:\nThere is often a tension between the aims of the company and the wishes of the employees.\n  3  [U] a feeling of anxiety and stress that makes it impossible to relax:\nnervous tension * We laughed and that helped ease the tension. * Walking and swimming are excellent for releasing tension. * a tension headache\n  4  [U] the feeling of fear and excitement that is created by a writer or a film/movie DIRECTOR:\ndramatic tension * As the movie progresses the tension builds.\n  5  [U] the state of being stretched tight; the extent to which sth is stretched tight:\nmuscular tension * Adjust the string tension of your tennis racket to suit your style of playing. * When knitting, try to keep the same tension throughout. * Massage can relieve tension in your shoulders and back.\nsee also SURFACE TENSION\n    verb [VN] (technical) to make a wire, sail, etc. tight and stretched


Words: tent
Meaning:
noun\na shelter made of a large sheet of CANVAS, NYLON, etc. that is supported by poles and ropes fixed to the ground, and is used especially for camping:\nto put up / take down a tent * to pitch (= put up) a tent * Food will be served in the hospitality tent (= for example at an outdoor show).


Words: tentacle
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  [C] a long thin part of the body of some creatures, such as an OCTOPUS, used for feeling or holding things, for moving or for getting food: (figurative) Tentacles of fear closed around her body.\n \n  2  (tentacles) [pl.] (usually disapproving) the influence that a large place, organization or system has and that is hard to avoid:\nThe tentacles of satellite television are spreading even wider.


Words: tentative
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of an arrangement, agreement, etc.) not definite or certain because you may want to change it later:\nWe made a tentative arrangement to meet again next Friday. * He reached some tentative conclusions about the possible cause of the accident.\n  2  not behaving or done with confidence\nSYN HESITANT:\na tentative smile / nod / greeting * Her English is correct but tentative. * I’m taking the first tentative steps towards fitness.\n    tentatively adverb:\nThey have tentatively agreed to our proposal. * She smiled tentatively.\n    tentativeness noun [U]


Words: tenterhooks
Meaning:
noun\n[pl.]\n IDIOMS \n  (be) on tenterhooks (AmE also be on pins and needles) (to be) very anxious or excited while you are waiting to find out sth or see what will happen:\nI’ve been on tenterhooks all week waiting for the results.\n ORIGIN  From tenterhook, a hook which in the past was used to keep material stretched on a drying frame during manufacture.


Words: tenth
Meaning:
ordinal number, noun \n    ordinal number 10th\n HELP NOTE  There are examples of how to use ordinal numbers at the entry for fifth.\n    noun each of ten equal parts of sth


Words: tenuous
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  so weak or uncertain that it hardly exists:\na tenuous hold on life * His links with the organization turned out to be, at best, tenuous.\n  2  extremely thin and easily broken:\nthe tenuous threads of a spider’s web\n    tenuously adverb


Words: tenure
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  the period of time when sb holds an important job, especially a political one; the act of holding an important job:\nhis four-year tenure as President * She knew that tenure of high political office was beyond her.\n  2  the right to stay permanently in your job, especially as a teacher at a university:\nIt’s still extremely difficult to get tenure.\n  3  the legal right to live in a house or use a piece of land:\nWhen you rent a house here, you don’t have security of tenure.


Words: tenured
Meaning:
adjective [usually before noun]\n  1  (of an official job) that you can keep permanently:\na tenured appointment / post\n  2  (of a person, especially a teacher at a university) having the right to keep their job permanently:\na tenured professor


Words: tepee
Meaning:
(also teepee)  noun\na type of tall tent shaped like a CONE, used by Native Americans in the past\nsee also WIGWAM


Words: tepid
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  slightly warm, sometimes in a way that is not pleasant\nSYN LUKEWARM:\ntepid tea * a tepid bath / shower\n  2  not enthusiastic\nSYN LUKEWARM:\nThe play was greeted with tepid applause.


Words: tequila
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] a strong alcoholic drink made in Mexico from a tropical plant\n  2  [C] a glass of tequila


Words: tercentenary
Meaning:
noun\n(plural tercentenaries) the 300th anniversary of sth:\nthe tercentenary of the school’s foundation * tercentenary celebrations


Words: term
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun-see also TERMS\n  1  [C] a word or phrase used as the name of sth, especially one connected with a particular type of language:\ntechnical / legal / scientific terms * a term of abuse * ’Register’ is the term commonly used to describe different levels of formality in language.\n  2  (AmE also trimester) [C, U] (especially in Britain) one of the three periods in the year during which classes are held in schools, universities, etc:\nthe spring / summer / autumn / fall term * (BrE) It’s nearly the end of term. * (AmE) the end of the term * during term (time)\nsee also SEMESTER, TERMLY, TERM-TIME\n  3  [C] a period of time for which sth lasts; a fixed or limited time:\nduring the president’s first term of / in office * He faces a maximum prison / jail term of 25 years. * a long term of imprisonment * The term of agreement can be for either two or three years.\n  4  [sing.] (formal) the end of a particular period of time, especially one for which an agreement, etc. lasts:\nHis life had reached its natural term. * This view of the economy is approaching its term (= it will soon be old-fashioned) * (medical) The pregnancy went to full term (= lasted the normal length of time).\n  5  [C] (mathematics) each of the various parts in a series, an EQUATION etc.\n IDIOMS \n  in the long / short / medium term used to describe what will happen a long, short, etc. time in the future:\nSuch a development seems unlikely, at least in the short term (= it will not happen for quite a long time). * In the longer term, children of depressed mothers are more likely to suffer from childhood depression.\nsee also LONG-TERM, MEDIUM-TERM, SHORT-TERM\n    verb [often passive] (formal) to use a particular name or word to describe sb/sth: [VN-N] At his age, he can hardly be termed a young man. * REM sleep is termed ’active’ sleep. [also VN-ADJ]


